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[Thraxas]

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The dinner and meeting at Covenant Castle had gone well. Much had been discussed and even more would, of necessity. be hashed out in the days and weeks that lay ahead. More important, the decision, though painful to some, was unanimous. It only remained for the Lord Regent to inform the one most affected by it. Thraxas, therefore, penned the following letter to the Lady Regent:

"Honorable Governor-Regent, Lady Starfire,

Greetings,

I am certain that your agents and informants are as competent and thorough as are mine, so I am counting on them to have told you at least something that transpired recently involving me and a number of others, many of whom were ranking Protectorate leaders or members. Nevertheless, they may not have given you all the details, so I am writing this to provide those, but mostly to explain it all completely to you. I hope it will be accepted in the spirit that it is sent... that of friendship.

As you remember, I wrote you a letter describing the dissatisfaction I have with certain things that have transpired within the Protectorate. I was not, and am not, alone in this. Let me, however, clarify that it has nothing to do with your leadership! It is simply the way thing are, as we perceive them, and, with all reasonable expectations, things that cannot be altered suitably.

I held a dinner and a meeting at my home a few days ago in which Magnate Isk, King Sid, Lord Tai Kwan and Lady Ellesbeth were invited. The meeting centered around the needs of our people and what we could do to enhance the image and welfare of our city-states: Yew, Magincia and Nujel'm.

We decided the following:

1. Each of us shall withdraw our membership and Loyalist status with the Protectorate, and relinquish our seats on the Council, effective as soon as possible. Please accept this as our formal resignation from the Protectorate.

2. We will form a league of independent, but mutually-supportive, city-states to be henceforth known as the Maritime Union.

3. We will concentrate all our resources and time on trade activities, remaining neutral in all wars involving any adversaries, philosophical, religious, or otherwise.

4. We will offer cooperation, if not outright friendship, with any who wish to trade in resources, regardless of their perceived nature or status by others.

This does not mean we shall not take a keen interest in Protectorate activities; quite the contrary, we will now be able to serve as a vehicle to provide a wealth of goods and services simply because our efforts, manpower, and resources, are not going to be tied up in fruitless, constant, and genocidal warfare any longer.

Again, please believe me when I tell you that this is not a strike against you. You are simply doing what your collective members wish you to be doing. I have never envied you your task or position and know you to be strong of will and character even to attempt it.

We will be in contact with you at your discretion and do plan to attend meetings, if permitted.

Your Servant,

Thraxas
Lord Regent of Yew"

Thraxas sealed the letter and sent it by courier. He had the letter copied and sent them to Isk, Sid, Tai, and Ellesbeth.
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"If a criminal has what you want, you do business with him."

[Tinkerbelle]

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Ellesbeth greets the courier with a smile, takes the note, and hands him a small pouch of coins for his trouble. She opens the message and reads through it, nodding her head sadly, knowing this was a difficult decision for everyone, but necessary. She was somewhat relieved, as she was not sure how she was going to tell Starfire, someone she considered to be a dear friend. These wars had taken a toll on Ellesbeth, as she felt quite inept in her ability to do anything helpful.She had tried for many years to learn the skills necessary to battle the enemy, but could never perfect them. She felt she would serve the people better on the sidelines, helping those in need, which was more fitting to her nature and ability. It would seem strange to not be sitting at the table any longer, but rather part of the audience instead. It will still be difficult to face Starfire, but hopefully she will understand. Ellesbeth turns and goes upstairs to her room to meditate and calm her nerves.

[Sid]

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Sid looks the letter over and nods in aggreement

[Starfire]

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Starfire sat down with her pen and sent a reply via her best dove.
Regent Thraxas,
We each must do what we feel is best for our people. I hope things work out as well for you as you had hoped.
Starfire
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aka: Tatiana Thorn nee Alexi; Summer Kane; Ivory Skyfire; and others