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[Cal Hurst]

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The following letter is delivered by a rather large man in a cow costume. He looks very unhappy.

Dear Merci,

It has been a while since we spoke. I've not forgotten the help that Stonegate has given Blackmarsh in its founding. And for this I cannot thank you enough.

However, recently, we've been bumping heads with your allies, the Blue Lotus. Tension between Blackmarsh and Blue Lotus may eventually elevate to physical contact. I want you to know, personally, that even if you decide to defend your allies, I will consider it an act of honoring your friends, and not wanting to kill us. Should we be on opposite sides of the battlefield, we will fight bravely against one another, nod to one another after the fight, and share drinks at a later date.

We both do what we think is necessary for our nations' survival. Blackmarsh will not think poorly of Stonegate for honoring its allies, just as I believe Stonegate will not think poorly of Blackmarsh for acting as it feels necessary.

Until next we meet,
Cal Hurst
Warlord of Yew
Blackmarsh Empire
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[Merci d'Rue]

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A Messenger searches for Lord Hurst with a scribes message to him in tow.

Mrs. d'Rue will respond shortly, she was injured last eve in battle, however she is well.She sends her best.
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May destiny guide you...

[Merci d'Rue]

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A White Wolf searches for Cal Hurst with a wax sealed scroll.

My Dear Friend,

Forgive the length of time that elapsed in replying to you. I know that you will be releived to hear that I am well enough once more to write to you properly. Earlier I was still wrestling with a bit of pain from the nick to my side. Oh well that is battle for you.
In any case, let me get straight to the point. I am sure you are well aware of Darrien's announcement of the Dual Accord between Blackmarsh and Umbra.(he loves to brag, pride will be his downfall, it has been before) I know that it has been remarked upon and I have seen myself that you are quite good friends with many in that clan. At taverns you spend much time with them only to not give us a simple hello.

When I first read your letter I thought surely that you were trying to use our friendship with Blue Lotus as a justification for the day you allied skull to fight them. Surely how could anyone find justification for that I thought. As the Skull, I am sure would be more than eager to do this if Stonegate stood by Blue lotus's side. Furious indeed that you would use such to justify standing next to those that you so vehemently spoke against in protectorate meetings, and to Stonegate had made clear you had no care for. I was beset with confusion at this turnabout of the past few months.

Yet hear me out, I ask your forgiveness for my errant thoughts, an apology for that which I was silly enough to think, about Blackmarsh. For thinking that you would be so fooled by the skulls flowery words and attempts at friendship that you would beleive them. I know that you are a very great man Cal, that you are far to smart , a tactician and excellent fighter indeed. It is revelation that brought me low with shame for my distrustful thoughts. You fooled even me..

It is well played sir, brilliant that you, and Blackmarsh have achieved such an amazing thing. The Lich Lord seems to be eating crumbs right out of your hands. Indeed the whole skull is so afeared of your force that they will do anything for you. Indeed you are wiser than even I realized, for always the way that the Order has fallen is due to internal strife. Eaten alive at thier own hands from within. I can only imagine the vast wealth of knowledge your new friendship will bring you. I applaud what you have done Cal and my trust and faith in you do not waiver. I know that in the end all we once talked of will come to pass. That indeed you will not forget the contract of long ago we spoke of in regards to Umbra and will not be fooled no matter how vehemently you must protest for the sake of looks that you despise us or Blue Lotus. Even if you must go to great measures, such as appearing to turn on us, or Blue Lotus, your friends on the battle field. I understand the end result is more important than what we must now endure.

You will be remembered thru history for your brilliant mind Cal Hurst, my blessings upon you sir. Good luck.

Your Friend,
Merci d'Rue
Oracle of Stonegate
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May destiny guide you...

[Cal Hurst]

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The same man in the cow suit shows up, holding a pink basket now for some unknown reason, a cigar in his mouth. He extends the basket forward to whomever is to receive the letter. He mutters constantly while there.

Dear Merci,

A few things in response to your letter, just to spare any confusion in the future. Blackmarsh has yet to fight Blue Lotus, nevermind "ally" the Skulls in order to do so. I want to make that perfectly clear. Blackmarsh has not allied the Ebon Skull. We merely have a single common enemy now.

As far as not saying hello to you at tavern nights, well let's call that a two way road. Not that I'm disappointed or hurt that you've not been able to wave at me; we're all busy people. It happens.

Concerning the contract about Umbra, that one was canceled when Blackmarsh was formed. We honored the Luna contract as promised, but being that the Infinite Mercenary Company is no longer, there is no more Umbra contract to honor. Apologies if you were led to believe otherwise.

Blackmarsh may stand alongside the Ebon Skull, but not out of deceit. Surely they have much to teach us in the ways of some of the dark magics, should any of the Blackmarshian magi wish to learn. Afterall, the Ebon Skull has been around for a very long time, perhaps longer than any existing empire. Only the strong survive, eh? I do find myself awed by some of the things they do. And I also find myself in distaste at some of the other things they do. That comes hand in hand. But I do want to stress one thing: Blackmarsh isn't out to deceive anyone. I've made my stance on matters perfectly clear in my letter to you. We don't like the Blue Lotus. We like Stonegate. We like the Ebon Skull. The Ebon Skull doesn't like Blue Lotus. We find ourselves a common enemy. You, unfortunately, find yourself in the crossfire, which prompted me to write the letter to you.

The Lich Lord is not eating out of my hand. In fact I'm not even sure he eats. They have their agenda, we have ours. Blackmarsh's goal is goal M. The Ebon Skull's goal is goal N. To get there from point A, we both must pass through similar obstacles. They do their own thing, we do ours, and we cross paths when need be.

As far as being remembered through history for my brilliant mind, I'm already aware of that. Your sentiments are always appreciated, though.

Hurst


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[Merci d'Rue]

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Merci looks over the response with no shock or surprise on her face smiling to herself and saying,

You silly silly girl. Why would you write all that in a letter to him. Of course if it was intercepted all would be lost. Next time remember Merci not to speak of such sentiments and sensitive things in letters.

For that is the response you will get.

Merci tucks the letter away leaning back to rest in her bed.
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May destiny guide you...