This letter is delivered to Reynault in the winter of 1216. It is written in a simple hand, with rather thin letters, on a plain piece of parchment; the impression in the wax seal seems to have been made with a coin of some sort.
Salve, Apollodorus.
I am writing to thank you for your cordial letter. Please forgive the tardiness of this response; we in Stonehenge have but recently concluded our Tribunal meeting (many of my sodales in the south, I realize, are unaware that our Tribunal's meetings are one year later than you might expect), and there have been many loose ends to care for. I was pleased to converse with a member of your esteemed House, one Edward of the covenant in Cambridge, although circumstances conspired to keep me from learning overmuch from him.
Regarding the construction of your new covenant, we at Nigrasaxa (for all of us, save our leader Maximianus, could have been reasonably interested in your proposal) wish you all success with your endeavor. I gave your invitation sincere consideration, but I am quite comfortable here and perhaps preparing to assume leadership of the covenant, depending upon the inclinations of my pater.
Given this opportunity to contact you, however, I might indulge my curiosity by inquiring about the political atmosphere (that is, Hermetic politics) within the Normandy Tribunal. I have more than a passing interest in relations among the magi of our Order, and the longer I live the more I realize that Stonehenge is simply not representative of the other Tribunals, in terms of its reluctance to address unequal representation in Tribunal decision-making. Are our sodales in Normandy more engaged with one another? Undoubtedly your skill in understanding the mundane political landscape will lend you a perspective on the Order's relationships from which I would greatly benefit.
I hope this letter finds you well; it has been my pleasure to make your acquaintance, and I hope that I may enjoy your artistic works in person one day.
In the Founder's memory,
Tranquillina Bonisagi filia Maximianus
((Yes, her next letter will be singing a different tune with regards to her interest in Apollodorus's invitation. 8) ))
This letter is delivered about 6 weeks after Tranquillina's letter was sent.
Salve Tranquillina,
The Normandy Tribunal shares the same philosophy that vis is owned by the Tribunal, but beyond that, I cannot fathom how it is distributed. It seems to be a carefully orchestrated dance engineered by Blackthorn. I was surprised to hear that Stonehenge was quorate this year. I'm sure it caught Goliard flat-footed, as well.
As to the politics, well, there is a Tribunal every 7 years, and it is well attended, for after the Tribunal there is a Tournament, a grand competition that sets the distribution of many vis sources that are outside a covenant's area of influence. We have several games that comprise the Tournament, a Certamen competition, a Dimicatio that draws Flambeau and Tytalus from far and wide, a melee competition for mundane covenfolk, an unusual game that must be seen to believed, a Joust of combat oriented magi, and finally a contest designed by the hosting covenant. Oh, yes, the hosting responsibility for the covenant is shared, and travels from covenant to covenant.
As far as the actual politics, it mirrors a system similar to the feudal structure of the area. There are vassal and liege covenants. I find this system distasteful, and you can be sure that I have secured sufficient resources that this covenant is not a vassal. Feel free to visit at any time. Your former mater speaks well of you.
(Written in 1223 sent to Rhine Tribunal, Durenmar)
To Xavier ex Mercere, salve,
Greetings old friend. I hope things are well for you in Durenmar and old Horst is not giving you much problems. I'm including a copy of my lab notes for some improvements on your Bed of Recovery idea. Also some recent notes on possible ideas for improving Longevity Rituals for our non-Gifted brothers. They are in the beginning stages and I hope to be able to test them out in the coming years.
I am writing to invite you to Mons Electi in the summer of 1227. Mons Electi is hosting the Normandy Tribunal and there will be a large gathering of our brothers and sisters for the Mercere Fair. I would like to have as many of the Gifted Mercere come as well. Many of us have not gathered together as happens to often with our House. We could meet in friendship and perhaps plan on doing things for the greater good of House Mercere.
If you can make it please let me know and we can discussion transportation.
Another letter from NIgrasaxa, written again on plain parchment, arrives near the beginning of Autumn 1216.
Salve Apollodorus,
It is clear I am less skilled at timely correspondence than you; you are kind to write me so quickly, your many responsibilities notwithstanding. I also value it highly that you would pass along Tria Trianomae's compliments. I fear I did not make a good impression upon her during the short time I was her apprentice; let us hope that I have put the years since to good use.
It sounds to me that I would much prefer your Tribunals to ours. The competitions you speak of indicate a much more collaborative endeavor, at least on the whole, than what can be found in Stonehenge. Here we are only just starting to see signs of engagement from most covenants, and every two steps forward by us incurs one step back from Blackthorn, who seek to restore their grip on their lost monopoly of Tribunal policy. Their defensiveness, while regrettable, is actually not difficult to understand; changes have come rapidly, and to their detriment (whatever good it will do to the Order as a whole - I believe much). To be honest, Goliard is not the ogrish despot some would make her out to be: at this last Tribunal, more often than not her reasoned proposals would find no consideration from the other covenants, who fear Blackthorn's yoke in any transaction however unremarkable. Resentment does not pass in an instant; my former mater has said as much to me ... more than once.
Although it means a drift somewhat from the topic of Stonehenge, your remarks on the feudality of the Normandy Tribunal call to mind the clan structure of Loch Leglean, both within and without the order. You might be interested in the complicated web of family oaths that a person there must maintain.... A couple of paragraphs follow, with some relevant anecdotes from her childhood.
Your offer to host me for a visit is most appreciated. Should I ever find reason to leave these isles (unlikely though that be), I would happily send word ahead to see if my arrival would be convenient for you.
Yours,
Tranquillina Bonisagi
Several letters of a similar casual nature go back and forth between Tranquillina and Apollodorus over the next couple of years.
The Redcaps who visit Nigrasaxa have been instructed not to accept letters from Cumhachd ex Tytalus addressed to Tranquillina. Though the Redcaps have no problem obliging, it is not a total solution.... The following letter, rolled up in a scroll left blank on the outside, appeared in Tranquillina's sanctum one spring evening in 1219.
My dear Eskil,
What a pleasure it was to see you at last year's Tribunal meeting. You clearly have many responsibilities, as I could scarcely find a moment to converse with you before you were required to scurry off on yet another errand. What satisfaction it brings me that my apprentice has gained so much trust from the magi to the south of Loch Leglean that she cannot spare a conversation with an old friend ... what satisfaction, yes, and what irony, for me who painstakingly opened your Hermetic Arts those many years hence.
Think nae, however, that I still see you as that young tutee hopeful of true achievement (despite how completely constant your youthful appearance has stayed in the interim); I do hear of your rapid ascent in the covenant that claims you as a maga. Next to your Bonisagi pater you are the most senior there (measured in age, at least, if not as marked by successful Gauntlet), and it would be a trifle for Maximianus to name you to be his successor as the leader of Nigrasaxa. I'm sure your rise through the Stonehenge ranks would please the Trianomae who diverted you from your Tytalan training (though she knows well, I imagine, the picture of an incomplete apprenticeship); such ascent is to be highly prized, regardless of the extent to which it was earned. Aye, there are those who are forced by circumstance to follow a risky path to success, one that by its nature separates the meritorious from the undeserving, before receiving such acclaim. Many are my sodales who had no alternative but to leave the nest, to carve out a home in foreign land, to be recognized in strangers' eyes only by the accomplishments they could demonstrate directly, rather than inherit standing through nepotism.... I am comforted with the knowledge that my most recent apprentice will never need to endure such a test of character.
We really must correspond more, my dear. My belief in your potential remains as high as the lunar sphere; this has never changed. I hope, despite the distance, and the unreliability of the Mercere network in conveying our correspondence, that you know precisely how proud I am of you to date.
Three days after Tranquillina reads the letter above, she enlists a Redcap to make a delivery directly to Reynault, with no stops in between. The following letter, professionally scribed (with the initial "T" even illuminated) upon vellum of highest quality, is received at Mons Electi scarcely a month after the previous one Tranquillina sent, which was written simply like all the ones before it.
To Apollodorus Jerbitonis, filius Astrolabe[sup]1[/sup], Princeps of the Covenant of Mons Electi, Normandy Tribunal: My most honored salutations.
In our correspondence to date, I have hinted at my interest in joining you at the founding of your new covenant. It would be remiss of me not to communicate my many qualifications that position me as well-suited to your search.
I have held membership in the Order of Hermes for three decades, since my Theoretical Interview with House Bonisagus was deemed superlatively successful in 1193. Immediately I earned a reputation as a skillful manipulator of the human form, and by now am recognized as on par with the eldest magi in Stonehenge where Corpus magic is concerned. The potency of my Hermetic influence extends also to the mind and to images, and those who know me have called my magic faultless and durable. I am most familiar with the methods of loss and destruction, but none of the Hermetic verbs are foreign to me - I could initiate an apprentice in any or all of these Techniques (sadly the opportunity to take an apprentice has not yet arisen for me here). I have nearly a dozen formulaic inventions to my credit to date, several of them with no aid but the legends of our sodales' power. My proficiency with enchantments is equally robust: with the aid of my talisman I can take the form of a wolf, move invisibly about, yet still converse in Latin without trouble; and I have designed my own specimen cases which magically preserve the extensive collection of Corpus samples from my laboratory. I trust that the enclosed quotations from my work will reinforce this description of my abilities.
While I strive to exemplify my Bonisagi lineage through these magical investigations, I am proud to say that I embrace the Trianomae way as well as circumstances allow. I have been instrumental in assisting Maximianus in one covenant foundation, that of Nigrasaxa fifteen years ago, and can bring valuable experience to the founding of another. My active role as mediator among the Stonehenge covenants has resulted in an unprecedent improvement in collaborative Hermetic activity; I was the second-in-command to Maximianus as we organized and hosted the Stonehenge Tribunal meeting of 1201 - this in a tribunal that had not seen a quorate meeting since I passed my Gauntlet. I am an excellent judge of character when interacting with the ungifted, and my familiarity with mundane law can be a great asset to Mons Electi's dealings with agents of the Church and officers of your local duchy.
I encourage you to verify these confident claims by any means; certainly there are two venerable members of my House, Maximianus and Tria, who know me deeply and whose opinion is respected throughout the Order. You will not regret considering my application, good sir.
By our common Oath, I leave you, most respectfully,
Tranquillina Bonisagi filia Maximianus
(Included in the delivery are three separate pages, containing excerpts from personal laboratory notes (hastily translated into Latin); the first concerns a Rego Corpus spell of some sort, the second an Intellego Imaginem spell, and the last a Creo Corpus enchantment.)
[sup]1[/sup] Tranquillina will certainly include the name of Apollodorus's parens, if she knows it or can find out from the Redcap. Int 3 + Order of Hermes Lore (lineages) 2 + simple die 5 = 10. (Or maybe she's stressed....)
written 1223.3 - Dictated to Henri so he can put in proper greetings and titles.
To Bishop Gautier II,
Your Excellency,
Greetings from the scholars at Bibracte. Please accept a gift of wine from our own winery. We feel that this latest lot will be our best yet.
I understand that [strike]you[/strike] your predecessor had much contact with our founder Apollodorus and we wish to continue the good will between us and yourself. I would like to extend an offer for us to meet at your convenience. Please let us know if we may be of any assistance.
To: Korvin Merceris, Magus of the Order of Hermes
From: His Excellency Gautier the second.
Korvin,
I thank you for contacting me. We are still waiting for the 750 marks that Apollodorus had normally delivered to us by mid-summer. Please see to the delivery at once. And as was custom before with my predecessor, we will continue accept exchanges in kind. It has also come to my attention that that pig, Father Théofil has been by to visit you. Do not deliver the sums into his hands.
To Olivia of Merinita, of Spider's Palace
From Viscaria Lynchis
I have found an interesting opportunity to explore a Hermetic library the likes of which has not been seen in many decades. Bring enough vellum and ink for two, if you wish to share in my discovery. The magi here are pressed for time, and so are being generous in their terms, but expediency is key to their graces.
After Apollodorus receives this unusually stiff letter from Tranquillina, a few letters go back and forth; these letters are also professionally scribed upon high-quality vellum, although some of the ostentation (such as the illumination) has been backed away from. The following letter was delivered in January of 1220.
To Apollodorus Jerbitonis, filius Astrolabe: Salutations.
It relieves me greatly to know you have accepted my entreaties to forgive the strident tone of my letter to you last summer. At times I am wont to find in the words of others criticism that was not intended.
Reflecting upon my correspondence to you this year, I can certainly understand your confusion as to my motivations. Perhaps my decision to apply for membership at Mons Electi was a bit sudden, in hindsight, but my reasons for desiring that membership are still sound. There is a certain complacency to life here at Nigrasaxa, which of late has made me restless for a larger challenge. And, to be quite honest, the prospects of less-constrained resources is also quite attractive to me at this juncture. (At this spot, a note has been quickly scrawled in the margin, in a different hand: [size=85]You wouldn't believe how long I've been arguing for more lab space here....[/size]) I feel I cannot forever remain sheltered in Stonehenge, pulled along by my pater's fame, and still be satisfied with my own accomplishments.
Still, I bear no ill will towards my sodales here, and they have made me realize that this is an inopportune time for me to resign my position on the council of Nigrasaxa. The Tribunal here is only two years away, and Blackthorn is already wrestling for leverage to regain its former grip on Hermetic affairs. Though I fear it is somewhat audacious of me to ask this: would you consider the possibility of my coming to Mons Electi at the beginning of 1223, after the Stonehenge meeting has safely passed and I might take my leave of this covenant with a lighter conscience?
Dearest Viscaria,
What an unexpected surprise this is. Unfortunately, as you can tell when you receive this letter, I am indisposed, so Virgil is coming in my stead. I hope this isn't problematic...
-Olivia
((This note arrives with Virgil, I'll introduce him into Mother's Footsteps after I finish up some other business.))
In the early autumn of 1222, the following letter is sent to Mons Electi; it is addressed to Apollodorus, care of Reynault, but arrives after their deaths. All these delightful morsels of political speculation are so tasty to Theraphosa, however, that she offers to respond to the letter. Poor overworked Henri agrees and scarcely thinks more of it; Thera completely intends to reply, once she has finished researching all this political trivia....
Salve, Apollodorus.
The Stonehenge Tribunal is now completed, and I feel I have dispatched my duties well towards Nigrasaxa and my pater. The very fact of our meeting is a good sign, although I am not without my complaints about its dispensation. The local Quaesitors are putting even less effort towards hide their desire to influence proceedings in which they ought remain neutral: each one instructs a Redcap to vote on certain matters, so that any unseemly vote-swaying appears to originate with Mercere and not Guernicus - a fiction that is rapidly thinning. Tria warned me of the existence of less-than-noble Quaesitors; I am saddened to have to witness it in such important matters.
The prize for the fiercest politics that played out during the Tribunal must be awarded to the covenant of Ungulus! After the Wizard's War death of William Fireheart two years ago, the continued degeneration of Ungulus seemed certain, and Voluntas has not so subtly sought claims over magical resources that were disputed with the Winter covenant. But Flavius, no matter how soft and close to Twilight he appears, outdid himself on the Tribunal floor: at one point he had not just figuratively but literally backed Julia into a corner during arguments. We also witnessed a thoroughly crafted accusation of diabolism against Blackthorn, this one orchestrated by none other than Edward Milton ex Jerbiton, whose mind is as sharp as ever. Now I am no staunch ally of Blackthorn, but truly these magi go out of their way to slap that powerful covenant whenever they can - not particularly constructively, in my opinion. I suspect that Edward's true purpose was to divert attention from Schola Pythagoranis's dealings with the mundanes, notably (here I counsel you to confidence, as this conclusion is but my own based on circumstantial evidence) their magical support of the self-styled new Earl of Cornwall. In any case, these matters were entertaining enough to those in attendance that Nigrasaxa's quarrels with Libellus and Astolat over local resources will scarce be remembered, contrary to the prediction in my previous letter.
Speaking of my covenant, they have come to terms with my upcoming resignation from the council. Indeed, I should be so bold as to say that none of them count me as a traitor nor enemy, although only Thamik has come to me with overtures of continued friendship. Certainly I did not have to fight (hard, at least) to maintain possession of the equipment and enchantments within my sanctum, nor my private notes; I was even able to convince them to grant me a pittance from the covenant library (texts for two spells of my pater that nobody else would ever read, and our lesser summa on Mentem). In all honesty, the reaction to my imminent departure would surely have been less frosty were I the only one leaving. Ariel's sudden ascension to her House's leadership was quite unexpected, and although Nigrasaxa is not lacking in vigor, the loss of two active magae in the same year would be unsettling to anyone.
Finally we come to the main point of this prolix letter. I am asking your formal permission to take up residence at Mons Electi and join the council there. Of course you were right not to make any such promise before I explicitly resigned from Nigrasaxa; but I think our recent correspondence has made it clear that we are of the same mind on this. I will spend the autumn packing thoroughly and should start making my way there at the beginning of December (by which time I imagine I will have received your affirmative response). I very much look forward to meeting you in person and representing my new sodales and Tribunal with the distinction you deserve.
Yours most sincerely,
Tranquillina
(nb: I did receive those records from Edward that you had requested; I will deliver them to your hand upon my arrival)
Enclosed with the letter is a brief note, scrawled by Maximianus, affirming that Tranquillina will be giving up her membership at Nigrasaxa, effective on the winter solstice at the end of 1222.
((OOC: what I imagine happened is that Tranquillina, having heard nothing back from Mons Electi by December, contacted Tria and learned only then of Apollodorus's death. As Tranquillina was already committed to departing Nigrasaxa, Tria invited her to stay at Le Maison temporarily while matters could be resolved.))
Late Spring, 1225
To: Praxiteles Jerbitonis of Laurus Argenti, Rhine Tribunal
From: Viscaria Lynchis Verditii of Mons Electi, Normandy Tribunal
Let me begin with an amusing anecodote for you. I write all my letters using the stylus and wax, since even here amidst the finest parchment manufacturer in mundane world, we have little scrap material. I use the same shorthand codes when composing these letters as I do for my lab notes, and today as began your letter with your name, shortened to Praxis.
An delicious pun, do you not think? For praxis means to theorize without practicing, and this is exactly the thing you avoid doing, which makes you such a dear friend, while also being exactly what our entire friendship is about. We write, we compose, we theorize, for over two years now we have corresponded and waxed eloquent about this mutual passion.
Often I have said that I am deeply indebted to you, for the delight you have taken in instructing me, novice that I am, in the delicate manipulation of our Art. Now at last I have determined a manner by which to repay you.
To satisfy debts owed to one of my brethren here at Mons Electi, I have been commissioned to enchant a steed worthy of her half-giant-blooded stature. I wish to commission you to sculpt a winged beast from a stone of your choosing, which I shall then invest with such powers of life and movement as to make mortal men tremble at her approach.
I suspect that such a prize will take at least 10 cubic paces of stone to sculpt properly. My only specifications are: it must satisfy the Socratic Ideals[1], she must be able to ride it, and it must have wings. Beyond that, you are free to indulge in your imagination.Which brings us back to your previous letter! As you know, our own stone quarries have been providing us with ample amounts of stone for me to test your theories about natural suitability for hermetic manipulation.....
(therein a long discussion about abstract ideals of Finesse begins)
As always, I look forward to our next missive,
Viscaria Lynchis
[1] meaning, it has to look like it could walk and move and fly, etc. Has to look like it could be a real thing.
Spring of 1226, a letter is delivered to Mons Electi, addressed to Isen, Alexei and Jacques.
To: Isen and Jacques Flambonis, Alexei von Kroistau
From: Ariel, Prima House Flambeau
My dear magi,
i have been asked to handle a matter of some delicacy. As you may or may not know, Florum and her vassals are not participating in your Normandy Tribunal next summer. This has created some discontent with one of the magi in residence at one of Novus Mane's vassals. Further, they would like to have some sort of voice in the Tribunal, while they are not present at the Tribunal proceedings. To that end, the mentor of a fine and trustworthy Flambeau, Santiago, has entreated me to act on his behalf and request either Protected Guest status or outright membership in Mons Electi for one Roberto Rodriguez. Both magi have my utmost trust and confidence, and I would ask that you extend the trust you give to me to both of them and welcome Roberto into your covenant. He is a bit younger than most of your members, but that can be useful to breath life into a covenant, especially in light of events of 4 years ago.
I hope this letter finds you well. Work on reforming Val Negra continues apace. We have not been bothered by Lucius or any of his compatriots. That concerns me a bit.
This letter is penned early in 1224, while winter still reigns over Mons Electi. It is written in a simple hand, with rather thin letters, on one of Mons Electi's excellent parchments; the impression in the wax seal seems to have been made with a coin of some sort.
Salve, Aurulentus ex Jerbiton.
Perhaps it is bold to hope that you remember me from fifteen years ago or so, during a period when you were visiting the covenant of Voluntas. When my neighbor Julia mentioned your presence in a message, I composed a letter of introduction for you, in which I described briefly (among other things) the work I was engaged in that related to discerning from afar the locations of people. You were kind enough to respond then, making some key points about the interactions of such designs with the Parma Magica, which (as it turns out) I was able to successfully integrate into my inventions once I had mastered the incantations in question. More importantly for my present purposes, you wrote in some detail about your research into human fertility; hence when the particular issue I am about to describe arose, you were the first magus I thought to write. I hope you will forgive this unheralded query.
There is a faithful servant here at my covenant, a young lady not too far into adulthood: she and her husband had some difficulty conceiving their daughter, and the obstacle seems to be even more entrenched now, as they have not been able to extend their family. Perhaps it is simple misfortune, as the interval has been only two years and a half; yet I would desire to give her what assistance I can, at least to see about a diagnosis. Some of my thoughts follow on the ceremony I might concoct to delve into the causes of her infertility or that of her husband; but I wholeheartedly seek and invite your commentary, for it is no secret that your expertise on such matters far exceeds my own and perhaps that of any known magus.
First, although my knowledge of natural philosophy is meagre, I would like to discuss the body's humours. It seems to me that the Technique of Intellego needs to be coaxed into separating the humours from one another, perhaps by invoking the various planets in turn from an astrological casting. I wonder, however, whether the following approach to investigating (for the sake of example) the phlegmatic might have some hope of succeeding.... (There follows almost a page and a half of discussion concerning the Form of Corpus and its ability to mimic the medicinal diagnoses of a trained doctor.)
By the way, I should mention that although my first introduction to you was as a member of Nigrasaxa, I have left Stonehenge and am now on the council at Mons Electi, a new but prosperous covenant in the Normandy Tribunal. We are often considered a Flambeau covenant by those who have met us, but the reality is broader and more complex. Of course this is scarcely closer to your home than was Stonehenge; still, know that you have my welcome and that of my sodales should you find yourself nigh. Please accept my prayers for God's blessings upon your wife and children, as well as my utmost regard for you.
Sincerely,
Tranquillina Bonisagi
((If anyone wants to respond to this, that's great; but I know that correspondence is a little up in the air right now. This particular letter fits well with the story playing out with Tranquillina, Moire, and Viscaria, so I wanted to go ahead and write it no matter what.))
In a reclusive harbor on the Flemish coast, there exists a small shanty-town of fishermen and merchant sailors. And pirates. No one has bothered to put a proper name to it, each referring to the town in slang or parlance of their trade. Some call it simply the fisher's harbor or pirate's cove; some refer to myths of surrounding geography such as "the town by the ruined temple" or "Sea Hag Harbor".
Some call it Novus Mane, for it sits in the shadow of that covenant of magi so named.
Carlos Gutierrez sat while playing his guitar, singing Spanish love songs to a barmaid named Betty. Betty, who also owned the tavern, sat fascinated as if mesmerized by the talents and charms of this handsome foreign rogue. Betty's fidelity to her husband was unshakable, Carlos had tried before. But Betty's husband Johan was passed out drunk in the corner, and her son was occupied in a fistfight surrounded by a crowd of spectators. Carlos figured to try his luck again.
Johan Junior was a brawny young lad of average height, rough and unkempt looking with a deranged grin on his face. His opponent was much more menacing though, eight feet of muscles and scars. How the fight between Junior and Black Dougal the Dogeater began had already been forgotten. Some misperceived slight or purposeful boast, egged on by others around, had escalated into a high stakes match with some spectators wagering as much as their entire ship and cargo on one contestant or the other.
Junior had already landed a score of punches, splintered a chair against the Dogeather's head, and a kick to the groin which produced no more than a grunt. Dougal was stalwart and unfazed, but had failed at a dozen attempted blows. Until just a moment ago when he managed to land one against Junior's jaw and knocked him down. The crowd roared, Junior stood up, spit out a tooth, and that is when he smiled.
Betty's attention was thus drawn away from Carlos and now nervously fixed upon her son. He sighed and resigned himself to the situation, and switched to playing a dramatic flamenco to add a little accent to the excitement. He was startled when suddenly he felt a gentle touch upon his shoulder, and turned to see his employer and long time comrade Roberto. It seemed as if he had malicious intent in his eyes and was up to some devious plan, but Carlos knew to put initial perceptions aside. The air of menace surrounding Roberto, he knew, was the curse a wizard must bear as the cost for his mighty power, the Lord's way of keeping him humble he supposed. The two had been friends and comrades in arms for twenty years now, and Carlos knew the man behind the magus.
Indeed, the look on Roberto's face was serious and his eyes were full of concern. "[color=red]Santiago sent a letter."
"[color=brown]Has he an adventure or quest in mind? I have been bored as of late."
"[color=red]Get your things. We're moving to a new post."
Carlos was stunned and struggled for response. "[color=brown]wha.., Why? We were starting to adapt to this place, I just learned the language, there's things I'm not finished with..." Carlos glanced over at Betty, who had revived her husband so he could watch his son's prize fight. "[color=brown]Crap. What's the deal? What's going on? Play it straight."
"[color=red]Santiago's letter explains it all. He needs help. I'll read it to you and Pedro later together".
At that moment there was heard a hideous crack followed by a deep throated howl of pain. Johan Junior had actually managed a grappling move on the behemoth Black Dougal, the results of which splintered his elbow so that his arm flopped backward. Dougal fell to his knees clutching his arm and howling in pain. The crowd screamed and roared. Junior smiled. Then Black Dougal Dogeater was laid unconscious with a blow that dislocated his jaw.
Roberto raised his eyebrows and nodded his head. He turned to Carlos and said "[color=red]Hire that kid", then stalked off to find Pedro.
Roberto sat alone in his sanctum, contemplating the journey ahead to commence upon the morrow. It had taken three days to prepare two days longer than he intended. He had already bid farewell to his sodales, and even invited for some to make the journey with him. Wirth was the hardest to say goodbye too. Earlier that evening they shared a bottle of wine, Wirth listening while Roberto spoke of his concerns, his reticence, and his sense of obligation.
"[color=red]Blast Santiago! He blathers on endlessly about begging for favor, regretting needing help, and then saying I don't owe him anything and I don't have to do this favor for him after all, unless I really want to. I owe the man my life if he asks it! And yet he asks me to leave my home of six years, the longest I have ever stayed in one place, and immerse myself in politics and intrigue I know nothing nor care nothing about."
Wirth savored his wine a moment, quietly contemplating before he replied. "[color=blue]If the Prima calls upon you, it must be serious. And an Honor!"
"[color=red]I know, I know, it's just that, it seems all a bit above me. I read his letter three times, and I have only a vague idea of what he's talking about. I wonder if he does either."
"[color=blue]Don't tell me that the brave and bold Roberto is loosing faith in himself!"
"[color=red]No! Never. I'm sure I can accomplish whatever task is required of me. It is just that I have no idea what will result of it all. I fear not death my dear friend, I fear becoming a politician."
"[color=blue]Ha ha! Well you know I will always have your back. We will correspond through the Redcaps, call on me if ever you need help. And, here, take this token, an Arcane Connection to my sanctum. Learn the Seven League Stride or Leap of Homecoming, you can hide out there if you ever need too."
"[color=red]Hide?"
"[color=blue]Pays to have a backup plan. But if you don't ever write to me, I retain the right to kill you."
The two Flambeau magi burst out laughing, and had spent the rest of the evening discussing battle-axes and poison daggers.
Now, well past midnight, Roberto sat awake unable to sleep. He decided to take out his sword and study the patterning of the steel and engravings. It was a new sword, a gift from Santiago, a very well crafted and high quality weapon. Even Pedro was impressed. He claimed he could forge one just as good if not better if provided the materials, but he was truly fascinated by the artistic detail of the blade. He recommended Roberto set aside his old blade and use this one. That yard of iron was over fifteen years old and had so many battle scars that it almost wasn't worth repairing. And Pedro always doubted Roberto's claim that setting it ablaze as often as he did cause it no harm. The old sword was a good sword, a trusty sword, it still had many years of use left to it. But Pedro was right. This new one was a better sword, if not for he quality and craftsmanship, then for the mere fact that it was not nicked or word as the old one was.
The old sword he gave to Wirth, to use as an Arcane Connection to himself. "its name is Clemente, after my father", he had told him.
Then he held the new blade up to the light. "[color=red]You are indeed a work of art. Bejeweled even. Worthy of enchantment. Is that what the old man intended? A new sword needs a new name. Something symbolic, something introspective, something naming its purpose..."
...
Sent at the end of Spring 1226 to arrive in Summer 1226:
To: Ariel Prima of House Flambeau, May her Stewardship be long and prosperous!,
Roberto Rodriguez ex Flambeau and Santiago ex Flambeau
My dearest Prima Ariel and esteemed Flambeau Santiago and Roberto, it is with great delight that we here at Mons Electi have received your letter and earnest request. Given the state of affairs at both the Tribunal and our dear Covenant, such help and support as well as confidence is most welcome. I have discussed the request with the members of our House that reside in mons Electi; Isen and Jacques and are enthusiastically resolved that we should extend our invitation to young Roberto. Further, after discussing with the rest of Mons Electi, we are all of a mind to have him visit us as a protected guest, with intent to join as a perspective member, as is allowed by our Charter, ratified upon our joining the Covenant of Mons Electi.
To this end I, Alexei von Kroitsau ex Flambeau, member in good standing of the Milites and Imperator of Mons Electi, shall act as sponsor to Roberto Rodriguez ex Flambeau and extend to him the invitation to attend Mons Electi and enjoy the unique amenities it provides as well as the many challenges that await. We thank our Prima for this oppourtunity and are eager to meet Roberto and see the fine qualities that you have spoken of.
To: Marós filia Mirella ex Miscellanea Kore tes Kirkes, Insula Canaria, Loch Leglean
From: Fiona filia Marós ex Miscellanea Kore tes Kirkes
Dearest mater,
All is progressing well here in Normandy, and I am making gradual progress with trying to get "normal" magi to see people like me as people and not merely as giants or half-giant as we appear on the outside. Naturally, some people are coming to this conclusion more readily than others, but I carry on.
I am deeply grateful for Sheelagh. She is progressing nicely in her studies, and is now fluent in Latin and has learned her letters. I have spent the last few months teaching her how to be more efficient in her application of Corpus, and next year I plan to teach her how to bring out the mythic attunements in various plants.
I think you might like to know, if you've not already heard, that I am putting together a summit here at Mons Electi, a few weeks after the Tribunal in the summer of 1227, for members of the Order who have Giant blood to get together to discuss the various advantages and disadvantages that our heritage gives us, and to possibly work together to find ways to overcome those disadvantages. I would very much like for you to attend, even though you are not Giant-blood yourself, so that we can discuss what has been going the past few years and to share your analysis on what we discuss.
I look forward to hearing from you, and especially to seeing you again.
(Spring 1226, addressed to Angus mac Ossian and delivered via mundane means)
Dear cousin,
I am making slow but steady progress gaining acceptance despite what I am. I am hearing fewer comments than I used to, and one of my fellow wizards has finally noticed that I am a woman, in addition to being half giant.
I'm sorry that I have not written more often, but there has not been much to discuss.
I am hosting a meeting of as many giant blooded wizards as I can find, to discuss the problems that we have dealing with those smaller than us, among other things. The meeting will be here at my home in France. I have had replies from as far as Greece for the meeting, so my hope is that it will be well attended and that we will be able to accomplish much more as a group than I would be as an individual.
I hope everything is going well for you. Give my love to the whole clan.
To: Viscaria Lynchis Verditii of Mons Electi, Normandy Tribunal
From: Praxiteles Jerbitonis of Laurus Argenti, Rhein Tribunal
Dearest Viscaria,
It is good of you to write. I accept the commission. We can discuss the details of said commission when I arrive. This letter should precede me by a few days. After I complete my work, I will be off to visit an amicus, and then my pater in Paris on my return trip.
I've already undertaken the selection of a suitable slab. If she is giant blooded and significantly larger than the average man, I'm thinking 10 cubic paces [note 10 cubic paces is 270 cubic feet, see the rough dimensions I marked out below] is woefully inadequate. If we assume that a standard horse length is 8 feet, which, in my experience with horses is a very reasonable determination, we can easily see that 10 cubic paces, while it seems sufficient is actually rather small when you take into consideration the wingspan of a winged beast. War horses are anywhere from 14 to 16 hands high, and for an aesthetically pleasing look, the wing span at full extension must be at least twice the length of the horse. Taking all that into account, I think I have an unfinished block of just over 11 feet long, nearly 6 feet tall, and a hairs breadth over 20 feet wide, which should be suitable for this project. I have another larger block, as well, if we should desire to go a bit taller. I'll take a corner chip from each block, and we can handle the transport of the block once I have a casting token and have prepared a workshop.
((He writes a bit on finesse, but it seems distracted, and this is indicative of the times where he seems focused on a new project, such as the one Viscaria just commissioned.))