Subject: IC note (Mon Mar 29 01:32:05 1999)

A small scroll is delivered, the scrollcase of black coral and marked with a raised seal of a hunting shark overlooked by a crescent moon. The pure cream of the vellum inside is marred by an elegant, flowing script -- recognizable as the penmanship of the Orcinus Crown Princess.

Blessings of Pasiphae to you.

Events have come to a head. My brother's actions have called the attention of the Ephorate to us. Tomorrow, we are to meet with Orman Kai, to recieve his justice for the passage of the Orcinus fleet through his waters... an action for which my brother did not seek permission beforehand. Among the Decemvirates, such a violation -- with an armed force -- is considered anathema, and my brother's explanations of seeking to defend ourselves have fallen on deaf ears. Further charges involve upsetting the internal peace of the Decemvirate Council, and my brother's not acting in accordance with his position of Ambassador to the Varati people. Orman Kai has been given the approval of the Ephorate to personally respond as he sees fit for the violation of his own kingdom.(There is an almost wry cast to the slant of the words here, as if the emotions of the writer were being transferred to the very ink forming each character.)

I do not know what form his justice will take. There is little precedent among my people for an offense such as these. As our honored hosts, I thought it suitable that you be informed. There are other concerns, as well, regarding my brother's ability to lead the Orcinus, his suitability as Heir. I will not commit my own concerns to parchment in this, rather request that I be granted the honor of an audience with you in which to seek advice, and counsel.

May Pasiphae keep you in peace and honor.

Orcinus Shinjukou

Subject: IC Missive (Mon Mar 29 01:59:06 1999)

Decemvir Orman Kai,

It has come to my attention that there is a matter of contention between the Orcinus Decemvirate and the Ormani Decemvirate. This is of grave concern to the Varati empire, for at this time, the Varati empire has many dealings with the Orcinus Decemvirate.

Since the time of the disatrous war between the Phorcys Decemvirate and the Varati empire, there has been little in the way of positive dealings between our people and your own. The Orcinus Decemvirate has gone a long way, however, in repairing that damage. The Varati empire now looks upon the Atlantean people with new eyes. Eyes of admiration and friendship. Eyes of true reconciliation between our people.

The Varati empire would look poorly upon any harm inflicted upon the Orcinus Decemvirate at this time. As it is, our ire has been raised -considerably- by the poorly thought out actions of the Amaris Decemvirate. If something ill were to happen to the Orcinus Decemvirate or their nobles in this precarious time, we would have to assume the Ephorate has ignored the worries of the Varati empire and chosen to side with the utter foolishness and arrogance of the Amaris Decemvirate. We could only take such an action as a slap in our face and would be compelled to respond in turn.

Therefore, I ask you as one monarch to another to show restraint and generosity in your dealings with Heir-Apparent Kuronbo and Crown Princess Shinjukou. I am not oblivious to the worries you may have of their military's actions within your territory, but I am doubtful that their intentions are anything less than protection of their own people. They have suffered greatly as it is; do not ask more of them.

On a more personal note, you know me well, Orman Kai. You understand what I am capable of. I do not levy threats against you, but know that I am truly angry at the behavior of Decemvir Amaris Marina and it is only the wise behavior of Heir-Apparent Kuronbo and Crown Princess Shinjukou that has staved off potential hostilities between the Varati empire and the Atlantean nation -- hostilies that could have been as catastrophic, if not worse, than the Phorcys war. I ask you to show discretion and wise judgement as you have been known to show in the past.

If you have any further concerns, Queen Thalia Khalida would be willing to hold an audience in my stead if I am not available.

Khalid Atar
Warlord of Clan Khalida
God-King of the Varati Kingdom
Divine Flame of Heaven

Subject: IC Letter (Mon Mar 29 21:14:44 1999)

A mongrel servant, wearing the colours of Clan Khalida, comes to the Pantheon with a scroll, leaving it for the branded healer, Cynara. It is written upon parchment of the finest quality, the words penned with a graceful hand and a delicate stroke, and it bears the seal of the Clan.

Cynara,

The Crown has considered your offer on the life of the naraki, Cassius Augustin. Although the Varati nation greatly desires the acquistion of those Praetorians who shot upon the honorable defenders of our realm, we feel that such a thing is not sufficient payment for such an important figure.

However, should you have anything else to offer, we will, of course, consider it. Until such time, he shall remain property of the Varati people in penance for the crimes he has committed against them.

Thalia Jovia Tritonides Khalida Queen-Maharani of the Varati Kingdom