[Filter: Queen Edalene, in Atsirian]

You likely don't need me to tell you that there are rumours swirling every which way, after you and Lord Matthew were seen at the shore together on Thursday evening.

[Filter: Private, in Atsirian]

The perfect husband.

Meek. Submissive. Polite. Engaging. Accomodating. Appreciative. Supportive. Unambitious.

All leave a poor taste in my mouth.

Is it so strange, to have no taste for someone who will always want to have your favour? To wish honesty over empty reassurances?

Vaelen was more woman, than man, in these ways.

I don't want anyone. I couldn't bear to lose again. But if I did, I would want a partner. That is not wrong.

[Filter: Private, in Atsirian]

In some ways, he is more unreadable than even Saeritha, when she first joined us.

I doubt his modesty and geniality are feigned, but I find myself constantly curious by how he never seems to let his opinion be known. Perhaps he simply doesn't have one. Men among strong women often suffer that problem, and the women of House Atsir are to be reckoned with.

Yet there is intelligence in his eyes, and he cannot hide gossip that he is an accomplished writer back in Cleraine. Such a man thinks something.

And if you think it, why hide it, unless you have reason.

... A second opinion would be best.

[Filter: Megan Eshene, in Atsirian]

Might I consult with you?

[Atsirian]

Miss Kyraene is very ... energetic. And quite talkative.

However</i> She knows her craft well enough, and I believe the first lesson today went very well. As yet, I have not made it into the air, and Kyraene says it should take some number of lessons. Longer for me than Aes Eshene, as she has some past experience.

Nevertheless, I am optimistic about the future of lessons, and she is an ... adequate teacher. A fair choice, Aes Eshene.

[Filter: Pamela, in Atsrian]

Why?

What is there in Cleraine that you can't find in Feldri? It is known that your family's business thrives on the things that pay in the shadows of our home.

Is it the Goddesses?

[Filter: Public, in Atsirian]

Recently, I have become very curious regarding the flying of Dragons.

[Filter: Private, in Atsirian]

They all give me jewels.

Citrine and yellow topaz and the occassional diamonds. I do have very rich associates. Those who intensively personalize all their other gifts always give me only jewels. Even Her Majesty.

That's the gift you give someone very close to you, or very distant.

Mn.

It isn't their fault that I don't give them anything to truly touch.

Vaelen never gave me a jewel in his life.

Sometimes, I wish that I could go home for the holiday. Alexa and I are bound only by blood, but even that would be more evident than work associates I never allow myself to truly know.

[Filter: Pamela, in Atsirian]

Is the Festival in Cleraine different than Feldri?

[Filter: Queen Edalene, in Atsirian]

Your brother is spending a great deal of time with Aes Eshene.

[Filter: Private, in Atsirian]

It was a lovely day.

You would

[Filter: Private, in Atsirian]

A party ...

I wish I had not received an invitation. Non-attendance would be rude, and yet, I do not want to go. Mingling. Socializing.

Always Alexa's field, and never mine.

I never wanted it to be.

[Filter: Private, in Atsirian]

How very unpleasant.

A dangerous direction for matters of justice to take, to be sure.

[Atsirian]

Has anyone noticed a change in the Prophet, these last days? She seems brisk, and less visible in public.

Perhaps it is me.

[Filter: Private, in Atsirian]

Perhaps she has taken notice of me. I have gained a reputation, after all. Enemy to the Goddesses, to the Prophet. Sensationlized and exaggerated, just as the religion risks being.

Or perhaps she has not. Perhaps I do not even register as a concern to her. Equally likely. Some may even say "more."

All who see her are so enraptured. So caught up in her.

She is human, like the rest of us.

[Filter: Pamela]

How is Cleraine?

[Atsirian]

Sir Varnes. I have looked in on your sister.

[Filter: Queen Edalene, in Atsirian]

Majesty.

[Filter: Private, in Atsirian]

This is not unexpected.

Alexa's great loves have always been fashion and appearance. Everything about this new faith would appeal to her senses. It is grand and new and important seeming. It does not surprise me.

But it does raise concerns. My role here is, in all technicality, a representation of our family. A family that Alexa is head of. Our viewpoints of my stance will be in conflict ...

[Atsiria]

I apologize in advance to all of those who I may be about to offend.

It has been less than three years since The Prophet appeared in Razen at the Queen's coronation and began to sow the seeds of her new faith. That is not a very long time.

But in those three years, the population has made an eyes-closed slide into whatever Melyndra Destra wishes to offer them. They are wrought up with the newness of it all, with the elegance. They see Melyndra Destra's beauty and flashing eyes, how she seems to personify the values that we hold so dear.

But I think that this, all of this, is far too quick. In three years, see how many they have subverted? See how they already have representation among members of the government?

I do not posit that the faith is dangerous, or that it is a trend that will pass by the next time Eban and Rhaieen are both full.

I merely say that it is too soon to know, and someone at the Council must stand against that tide while we give time to see.

I will be that someone.

[Filter: Pamela, in Atsirian]

I know you're making a detour, but do you know when you'll be in Feldri?

[Filter: Private, in Atsirian]

I ...

What a terrible day.

[Filter: Women Who Have Lost A Man, in Trade]

... hello.

I thought Perhaps we could take this difficult day to come to know one another.

[Filter: Private]

It will not happen again.

[Filter: Pamela]

Pamela.