[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.

[Filter: Private]

This can't end soon enough.

[Filter: Pamela, in Atsirian]

Things are escalating.

How do you think your chances are?

[Filter: Private, in Atsirian]

Does she wants something from me?

[Filter: Private, in Atsirian]

Not like Alexa's other friends. She has a head on her shoulders.

She would do a good job. It can't be argued.

[Filter: Private]

A piece of home, here.

I don't know what to think of that.

... Vaelen. You always said I needed more outside of you. Connections. Realities. Stepping stones.

[Filter: Pamela]

If you would like, I would not be opposed to dinner again.

[Filter: Private, in Atsirian]

They all say it. She uses the family connection as an advantage. "It's not fair."

Hypocrites. Everyone has their own advantages. Everyone exploits them. It's all fair.

[Filter: Private, in Atsirian]

I hated campaigning.

[Filter: Prince Reeve]

Highness.

[Filter: Councillor Gideon, in Atsirian]

Councillor.

[Filter: Private, in Atsirian]

Interesting.

How to proceed ...