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”The return of unstuck Uringen to the First World will allow us the time we need to make preparations in Tamlyn for the rescued gnomes. It is in fact a good thing,” Wonky says to Pelipe, ”though I recognise the disappointment in the lack of access to the specialised mercantile portals it had offered.”
Wonky sniffs.
”Shall we not tarry?”
"I have mapmaking supplies, although I'm a little low on large parchment. Unstuck Uringen had some lovely inks." Katrine's mismatched eyes widen as she remembers something. "Oh no, the dye shop is gone! Vixen, they had the most amazing dyes. I stocked up, so if any of them will work on fabric as well as leather, I'm willing to share."
“I’m rather particular about color. If ye’ve any vermilion red, I might take you up on the offer. Else, don’t worry about it, but thanks.”
Having called the gnomes' situation to the group, she reluctantly lets it go. She tries to not picture these timid creatures wandering through a dangerous forest with bandits, hags, and who knows what else without an escort. In the end, she will have to settle with returning to Tamlyn herself to see if it even can provide for them.
She nods to Wonky, "First the mayor, and then off to see Tamlyn. I must admit, I've been looking forward to seeing it for the last few months."
This clearly shows that she planned her trip accordingly and has been thinking of what it will look like for some time. Before they set off, she settles counting the remaining coins out for the messenger and then makes sure he is on his way (or heading that way). When the party heads toward the mayors, she will follow.
"What a surprise: I'm actually relieved to see that you all escaped," Althea says calmly as she steps out from among the others who have fled unstuck Uringen. "I suppose it makes sense that a few of you would manage to notice the signs of the pending shift.
"Unfortunately, whilst on the subject of things that were left behind, that wretched Vark decided to run in the opposite direction. While I imagine you had some punishment planned for him, I suppose you can take comfort knowing that he has essentially taken up voluntary imprisonment in the displaced town."
Pelipe just assumes that Althea is lying and that she probably tripped the gnome or tied him up, if only to inspire Ahto to pronounce judgment on him. She doesn't know the truth, but Vark has an opportunity to turn himself in here; then, Althea will be the one in danger if it is found out that she did something to him to keep him behind.
Regardless of whether she can pick up on the hints that the roguish woman actually did something to him, she will move on with the group to the mayor.
Mayor Mieren can only spare a short span to meet with you since he needs to attend to a census regarding the latest separation of the two Uringens. Whenever one of these shifts occurs, he explains, he keeps a record of what residents have relocated between the two halves of the town, whether intentionally or by accident.
After that, Althea inquires about the ride back to Tamlyn. She asks whether you anticipate any more detours, or if you'll allow her to ride unbound.
To the Vixen, she whispers, "I wonder if anyone ever purposely stays behind? Such as in a torrid secret affair with a fey? You could explain away the fact you were gone from your spouse for so long a time because you got 'stuck'? Hmm..."
Later, Pelipe will ready to ride her horse, unless otherwise invited inside the carriage.
The Vixen replies, ”Ash knows I would never…
“I’m sure there’s no shortage of those who would sacrifice love, loyalty and trust for a cheap thrill. Then why marry in the first place?”
"Absolutely," she replies in a whisper. "I think people should stay true, even in thick and thin."
Thinking of marriage, she considers her own for a short moment. Such a thought comes as a surprise to her. It has been such an alien concept for so long. She grew up wishing for a loving relationship like many girls do. By the time she was a teenager, she had begun to see that her injury was well known among the higher society types. Anything that sets you a rung lower on the social status in those circles means you are not eligible compared to the many other noble ladies. She saw that the only men interested in her seemed to crave her father's money or her for her looks, but few actually saw her for who she was.
After a moment of inward thought about these things and what even a wedding for her would be like, she casually gives VV a grin.
"I'm sure you're looking forward to making it back. Is Ash staying in Tamlyn? I'd like to meet her."
”Ash is the councilor.” VV beams with pride, adding, ”She’s amazing at the job! I saw her talent within minutes of our first conversation together. I wanted to meet Lady Kalima. She was favored for the position Ahto is now in… and I had every intention to get very friendly with her.
“So I asked Ash to escort me to the Lady. On the way, I asked what’s she like?” The Vixen relives the moment…
“Her answer piqued me interest, to the point I lost interest in Lady Kalima. I hadn’t even met the noblewoman and Ash seemed to think marriage to a man and motherhood were in her future. So I asked if we could head to the range and practice archery together.
“I hadn’t expected more than friendship at the moment, but me mind was made up: I’d not attempt to romance Lady Kalima. The prospect of Ash’s friendship seemed too beautiful to complicate with a romantic pursuit.”
"You have heard my pronouncement of sentence on Vark. The same will apply to you if you attempt to flee, harm or kill any member of our company, or in any way violate your oath. Do you understand?"
"Of course! Remember, it was Vark who fled. I returned to stand at your side," Althea says, casting her eyes towards Ahto with a brief but curious tilt of her head. "After all, I am quite eager to see Tamlyn and what you've managed to build out of the wilds."
Althea volunteers to ride alongside Ahto.
"All the better to keep an eye on me, yes?" she asks coyly.
Pelipe smiles at VV's recalling of the scenario.
"She certainly seems like a handful, and nice that she compliments you so well that you knew right off the cusp that she was fitting in mentality to you."
When Ahto volunteers to ride escort and the lovely Althea coyly saddles up next to him, Pelipe mounts her horse and whispers to the Vixen next to her, "I cannot commit to Ahto yet. I must have permission or risk separation from my uncle as Captain Garess did. And if we do end up becoming something...that shame would only harm Tamlyn in the long run. That is why I wrote to my Grand Uncle and parents for permission, as Ahto indicated a wish to court me. I also wrote an invitation to come to the city and a request for aid." Pelipe sighs. "I am sure he likes me, but it's hard to watch the 'wolves' nibbling and not being able to do anything about it." She comments concerning Althea. Being a bit of a distance away, it's unlikely she would notice, even with a trained eye and ear. "You seem like you'd just kick her face and take what you want...but I can't do that. Whatever I do will have to be so subtle she doesn't pick up on it. She'd suspect that I'd try something. For now, I think I should just trust Ahto to push her away or accept her..."
It seems Pelipe just needed a sounding board for her thoughts and a friend to confide in.
VV laughs. ”Garress is the one I thought o’ kicking… but I misunderstood him. He wasn’t interested in Ash romantically, just let pride get the better—he correctly anticipated she’d surpass him. Fortunately, he earned a high position himself.”
As for advice…
”Althea knows she won’t win Ahto over unless she lacks competition. He keeps reminder her she’s one mistake away from execution. There’s no way that leads to a healthy marriage—him not killing her’s me best hope. And her not secretly plotting against us, o’ course.
“Me advice: don’t confront her. Commit to Ahto to the extent that… well…” The Vixen’s lips contort with an awkward discomfort, which is highly unusual for her. ”Maybe I’m getting too personal here. And bordering on semi-hypocrisy. If ye’d rather I not…”
She falters, not sure whether she should give the advice on her mind.
Pelipe chuckles about Cpt. Garess. She shakes her head. Having met him many times before, she's still friendly with the man, but perhaps has been grouped in with all of those who have rejected him in his mind. Will he think of her as a threat when she sees him?
Concerning the advice, she patiently sits through the pause, seeing the Vixen struggle to say what she wants. "That's not like her. This must be very personal..." she thinks even before the woman states her advice is as such. "Go on...say it..." she replies, absolutely curious about what she is being hesitant about.
”Me advice is ye win his heart, but don’t consummate the marriage until ye’re married.” With a slight grin, she adds, ”I’m hoping that’ll be incentive for him to, y’know… get on with the wedding plans.”
She thinks about what else to add to that so her advice is not focused on sex.
“Aside from that, keep being you. Ahto’s been hardened by losing someone close, as I have. The difference between us is that me goddess don’t answer me prayers directly, so I’ve no reason to think I’ve divine permission to take lives.
“I ain’t saying ye should tell him not to execute people. But… show him there’s more to life than crime and punishment. And commerce. I think ye’re good for him. And I think he knows Althea’s not.
“Beat her by winning him.” The Vixen knows Althea isn’t dumb. ”And maybe don’t think Althea yer enemy. I’ll talk to her alone at some point. Without kicking.”
Katrine rides next to the carriage, Storm trotting beside her and pack mule tethered to the back of her saddle. She can't help but overhear Pelipe and Vixen's conversation. Awkward. Well, hopefully Pelipe will succeed in winning Ahto's affections. The reputation of House Thrune has spread even to backwaters like Cordelon. Tamlyn will find it harder to negotiate with many parts of the River Kingdoms with a Thrune so close to their seat of power. Nobody with the sense the gods gave a chicken would trust a devil-worshipper to deal fairly. They might follow the letter of an agreement, but everyone knows that devils and those who worship them love nothing more than loopholes and misleading but technically true words.
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Wonky prefers to ride either next to the driver (if there's space) or in the carriage. During the ride back, she will be fastidiously copying out notes on the dead treant, Mather Nithra, and unstuck Uringen, attempting to draw parallels and construct theories based on her analysis of events, cross-referenced with her encyclopaedic fund of knowledge.
She can tell that Katrine is just barely close enough to them to hear, but she keeps the others at a distance and whispers so that none can sense their topic or hear her words. She considers the Vixen's points. They are similar to what she intends to do...or will attempt to do. Ahto is welcome to change his mind in preference, but somewhere inside of her is hope that he does not.
"I am positive she is nudging close to him right now just to provoke such a conversation more than an effort in true affection. Possibly to provoke one from me, to be honest, in an effort to toy with me. In any case, I will not play the game. I do not consider her an enemy, but I do know she is cunning and has an agenda." "Such serpents must be handled with care." "In time, I can see her truly finding a place in your country." "I suppose it is my country as well now," she considers, having sworn allegiance to Ahto.
"Thank you for listening. I am sure we will have many days on the road ahead of us," she comments, perhaps alluding to what might happen on them and how much time available to them they have.
The Vixen is more than happy she did listen.
As soon as there’s time for a rest stop, she’ll take the opportunity to speak to Althea. Alone.
"Call it peculiar if you will, but I quite enjoy having a new rival," Althea says to Ahto, casting her eyes briefly towards Pelipe.
"You should remember that, as the Lord of Tamlyn, your responsibility is not simply to enforce the laws. Yours is also the hand that writes and decrees the laws."
You plumb the game trails and barely discernible cart tracks that lead you out from the secluded, hidden forest valley that cradles Uringen. For some of you, returning to the open wilds may come as a relief, while others among you quickly miss the comforts of town.
You have a long road ahead, but at least the way home is more familiar and holds fewer surprises...you hope.
For now, you make no progress, although certainly not for lack of ideas or effort.
While Pelipe isn't accustomed to the land or the path they are taking, she is knowledgeable of general information. Along the route, she will keep an eye out for valuable herbs, for signs they are heading into a deadend, or just general caution of the natural (avalanches, pitfalls, storms, etc.).
Addison approaches Althea as soon as she’s alone. “Humor me, dear. Ye’re smart… absolutely brilliant. Which means ye surely know Ahto ain’t gonna marry ye, and surely ye know appearing as a competitor’ll only push Ahto and Pelipe closer.
“It seems to me, ye’re supporting this union.”
Lacking Ahto’s ability to discern lies, all Addy can do is get her to talk.
”Bold accusation, I know. Care to correct me where I’m off?”
As they leave the city behind, Katrine breathes a sigh of relief. She's a country girl at heart. The forest is far more familiar and comfortable than a settlement the size of Uringen. As they ride along, the ranger and her wolfdog keep a sharp eye and nose out for trouble.
Between Pelipe's geographic knowledge and Ahto's trail acumen, both the big picture and the small details of the party's travels are safely managed. Storm remains on guard but the only animals he has to scare away are rabbits, squirrels, and the occasional deer.
While also looking out for natural hazards, Katrine helps Pelipe scout out useful or valuable herbs. The pair find a few patches of barberry, leechwort, and Desna's Star growing along your path. However, in each case, it seems that someone has already harvested them - likely one or more of the Travelers who were doing foraging of their own.
"Is there some law that you feel I am derelict in my duty for having not yet decreed?" Ahto asks, curious where the woman is going with her line of conversation.
"Why, marriage laws, of course," she says with a smile. "I have studied Abadaran texts during my education and training with the Order of the Nail, and I recall that in The Order of Numbers, Abadar decrees that polygamous marriages are just as sacrosanct as monogamous ones, so long as the details and clauses of the requisite nuptial contracts are clearly delineated.
"I don't have to tell you that, as Judge of the Gods, Abadar is the arbiter of the law, not the giver of laws. His tenets decree respect for the rightful laws of many cultures and nations, so long as they foster the growth of civilization. And after all, there are several nations, such as the Empire of Kelesh, that have grown strong as their rulers appreciate the benefits of keeping multiple spouses, especially for political reasons. As the Lord of Tamlyn, you have the power to shape the law of your land just as the Padishah Emperors have for generations."
Althea pauses to toss her head and flip aside some lengths of hair that have fallen out of place, letting them settle over her shoulder.
"Take me as your lady-consort for the political and economic benefits that it will bring, then take Miss Lightdiver as your second wife," she states plainly, as though delivering a closing statement in a legal case. "This seems like a fair compromise that will give everyone what they desire whilst also assuring Tamlyn's good fortune going forward."
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”There is currently no law pertaining to marriage in Tamlyn. Each faith conducts their ceremonies according to their respective traditions. As to whether I would take more than one wife, that answer is simple. I would do so only with the mutual, enthusiastic consent of both women. I bear enough burdens in my position. I will not invite strife by putting myself between two rivals plotting and scheming with myself caught in the No Man’s Land between them. If you want this arrangement, then I am not the one you need to persuade.”
"As you wish, my lord," she says, a certain emphasis on the closing.
Althea slows her horse's pace and smoothly guides it until she is beside Pelipe.
She presents her proposal, from one estranged noblewoman to the other.
"You're probably suspicious of me, and perhaps rightly so," she concedes. "In the past, I've given your companions plenty of reasons to distrust me. I could attribute my behavior to the rather...predatory environment in which I was raised, but that would just be making excuses.
"The traditional backbiting and betrayal that my kin have made an art form? I've seen where it has landed me. I think a personal change is in order, and cooperation is the new, more fruitful order of the day."
Addison approaches Althea as soon as she’s alone. “Humor me, dear. Ye’re smart… absolutely brilliant. Which means ye surely know Ahto ain’t gonna marry ye, and surely ye know appearing as a competitor’ll only push Ahto and Pelipe closer.
“It seems to me, ye’re supporting this union.”
Lacking Ahto’s ability to discern lies, all Addy can do is get her to talk.
[dice=Bluff]d20+15
”Bold accusation, I know. Care to correct me where I’m off?”
Before she can guide her horse from Ahto to Pelipe, Althea finds herself interrupted by Addison. The noblewoman rolls her eyes and suppresses a groan as she listens to the seamstress.
"You're speaking of love, and without getting into an examination of that foolish concept, I'll simply say that's not the matter I'm concerned with. My chief concern is the same as Lord Ahto's: the prosperity of Tamlyn. I can simply provide more as a Lady-Consort or co-ruler or whatever title we wish to ascribe to the role.
"I was just about to offer a compromise to my rival, to see if we can both get what we want while also making Lord Ahto happy and giving the best advantage possible to Tamlyn."
Addy grins. ”Compromise…? Heh, it’s good to be the king.”
She doesn’t seriously think Pelipe would want this. But then, Pelipe would say no or talk to Ahto. Or… like Jane Bond with all those girlfriends plus her author husband Clancy Thompson who writes those Ryan Jackson books.
”Love ain’t stupid.” After a moment, she says, “A union that goes more than two ways… I won’t knock it either.
“Best o’ luck.”
Addy smiles at Althea and urges Dawn forward a bit so Althea and Pelipe can chat.
Pelipe watches as Addison rides to speak with Althea. Their conversation is brief. Considering the topic, Pelipe thought it might be a bit longer in duration. As Althea comes closer, Pelipe prepares herself as welcoming to her. After all, she has little hatred for the woman, and the two are fellow nobles. They should be able to get along fine.
The words that come from Althea were not what she expected to hear. A confession? She listens patiently until Althea volunteers her personal change.
"I know these people here have had examples of your behavior in the past and do not trust you. I have no instances to accuse you of myself. As it stands, I hold little against you except to suspect that you have some design focused toward Ahto and I do, in truth, care about him. He is a noble man, and I wish to protect him from anyone who would come against him. If then your motives are not nefarious, that is good..."
Pelipe is being civil, truthful, and kind in tone. She also understands that one does not just offer their faults openly without a purpose. As such, she trails off as if inviting her fellow noble to feel free to continue with her true intentions for their conversation.
Katrine frowns slightly, urging Rowan further forward to avoid the awkward conversation. She doesn't trust Althea any further than she can throw the conniving noblewoman. And getting involved in other people's romantic affairs almost always turns messy. Ugh. Feelings. Ahto's a grown man, he can deal with this rapidly forming love triangle on his own.
Besides which, it's not like she's a citizen of Tamlyn. Eventually the council will decide that they don't need her help anymore and send her on her way. Katrine sighs, her horse shifting nervously under her as she picks up on her rider's mood. "Shh, girl, it's okay." She pats the mare's neck and focuses on her surroundings. It wouldn't do for trouble to sneak past while Katrine is distracted.
"My motives are fair," Althea states firmly.
"What do you know of the Order of the Nail?" she asks, though not waiting for a response. "My education and training within the order taught me the importance of quelling the savagery and danger of the frontier and laying the foundations of civilization. That is why I sought a charter from Brevoy: the Stolen Lands represent one of the largest stretches of wild, violent land in need of taming."
She then confides - concedes, even - that her own chartered attempt to explore and settle the Hooktongue Slough, west of Tamlyn, failed due to the concentrated efforts of the tribes of boggards, lizardfolk, and Tiger Lord barbarians, coupled with the dangers of hags, hydras, trolls, and other monsters.
"I'm not one to let a single defeat, or even a few defeats, to deter me. If the Slough would not provide a foothold, then I had to turn my attention elsewhere - hence why we came to clash over the Greenbelt.
"My motive, my goal, is to see a flourishing city-state or nation born out of the wilds. If I cannot do that as ruler, I am content to see it done with my help as consort. Believe me: I have first-hand experience with the savage threats that walk the Stolen Lands, so my insight will be invaluable in safeguarding Tamlyn."
She punctuates this offer of assistance by alluding to her ability to interrogate the Stroud daughter waiting back in Tamlyn, thus uncovering other potential hag children embedded in the population.
She then places her hands on her lap as she continues, letting the horse take idle control.
"So what if you cannot be a consort to Ahto? If Ahto is the man capable of bringing order and peace to the Stolen Lands...in bringing about a 'flourishing city-state born out of these wilds' as you wish to see, but will not have you as consort, will you ever accept that?"
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Ahto glances back long enough to see Althea slow her mount to match pace with Addison and then Pelipe.
It takes an effort of will to maintain his stoic demeanor.
Of course, that did not dissuade her. She is every bit a child of House Thrune. If I had demanded she sever her right hand, and offer it to me as her dowery, she probably would have done so! Why in Abadar's name was this role and title bestowed upon me? From now until my soul stands on the Spire, every decision I make will be a Matter of State. No sane person, if they knew what it entailed, would covet a Crown. Nevertheless, this Burden has fallen to me, and I must carry it.
Ahto rides on, keeping an eye out for danger, and half hoping it finds him.
"...If Ahto is the man capable of bringing order and peace to the Stolen Lands...in bringing about a 'flourishing city-state born out of these wilds' as you wish to see, but will not have you as consort, will you ever accept that?"
"No. I would not accept that," Althea says firmly, although not with a tone of hostility.
"I do not easily accept defeat. Indeed, even when defeat seems inevitable, I prefer to turn it around into advantage. After all, that is why I stopped seeing Lord Ahto as an adversary, back when we both vied for control of the Greenbelt. I came to admire his acumen and determination."
After your first day of travel out of the Embeth Forest, you find yourselves returning to the insular village of Glowerhaven. Thankfully, this time you do not find them preparing any more witch burnings. Of course, the glare that Althea offers the villagers makes it clear that she has not forgiven them.
Two more days across the rolling plains and hills of the River Kingdoms, crossing numerous small creeks and streams, eventually brings you back to the city of Mivon upon the confluence of the Shrike and East Sellen Rivers.
Pelipe will ride back to Glowerhaven. Already she can see the repairs made. Memories of fondness return as she sees those she enjoyed the evening with. It was here she was serving food and drinking with them. As they travel through, many seem to recall her and she will greet them kindly and inquiring of their struggles and if everything has improved since they were gone.
As they continue onward, she is still lost and relying on the others to guide her through the streams and valleys. All she can recognize are the most optimal ways to head in the direction they go, otherwise, she'd feel useless. When they arrive in Mivon, she checks with the letter carrier there to see if anything has arrived from her first letters sent to her parents. If not, she will ask that should any come, that they be sent to Tamlyn.
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Wonky remains largely introverted on the trip back, constantly scribbling in her book and muttering to herself. In the evening, she spends more time talking to her dogs than to anyone else.
As the group arrives in Mivon, Wonky accompanies Pelipe to the couriers, curious about any word sent to them from Tamlyn. She expects nothing, but feels a duty to check.
Owing to its location upon the two rivers, the city-state of Mivon features an entire Messengers Guild that delivers letters and parcels across the River Kingdoms and surrounding lands.
Ahto is actually able to secure a good deal because theirs is the rare messenger job not involving the Aldori lords, the Daggermark assassins, or other high risk deliveries.
"We'll be saving on hazard pay...or having to replace a dead messenger," the clerk at the desk quips.
Ahto finds himself the center of attention among the couriers and messengers at the guild, as they are eager to hear about this new land "Tamlyn." In return, he finds himself in a position to learn information from these well-traveled individuals.
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The evening after leaving Uringen, Katrine decides that it's high time she sent a letter home. A Cooper's hawk should be able to make it to Cordelon within her animal messenger spell's time limit, with time left over for one of her parents to notice the hawk and retrieve the letter.
Hello from Uringen! I've joined up with several councilors from Tamlyn as well as a mage noblewoman from Brevoy. You know the Stolen Lands? That's Tamlyn now. They're the latest people to try and make an actual country out of it. High Councilor Ahto, their leader, seems like an honest sort. Competent and devoted to Abadar. So he's a little stiff but his heart is in the right place. I think this group has a good chance of stabilizing the Stolen Lands.
Still no sign of The Hag. I did get to fight a coven though! Sadly, they surrendered before I could kill any of them, and Ahto accepted their surrender in return for information. That was disappointing. Hopefully they'll violate the terms of their surrender and I'll get to go back and slay them after all.
Somebody actually murdered a unicorn in Tamlyn, can you believe it? There's a hostile faction of fey behind it according to our latest information. The councilors are all pissed as hell. They consider the local fey equal citizens of Tamlyn, so it's odd that there are fey working against them. Well, if the dark fey show up, that's why I have cold iron arrows. My companions were aghast that I actually take precautions against hostile fey. I still don't understand that.
Speaking of fey, we spent some time in the First World. Not just the shifting part of Uringen (although that was interesting, you should see the dyes they have for sale), we went through a portal to rescue some Bleached gnomes who had been enslaved by a malicious grig and his lackeys. I learned to never underestimate a grig. They're tiny, but his magic damn near killed Ahto. Fortunately he's tough. We killed Mather Nithra and his minions, rescued the gnomes, saved the day. It's always nice to be able to help people in need. And I got a new longbow out of it! Not only is it enhanced like my old one, it has an enchantment that helps with tracking.
I miss you all! I'll write again when we get to Tamlyn. If the council is willing to hire me on a long term basis, I'll be sticking around there for a while, so hopefully there's a landmark that I can describe in enough detail for an animal messenger to find me.
Love,
Katrine
The next morning she prepares her spell and summons a Cooper's hawk, the most common raptor species in the River Kingdoms. It perches on a nearby branch, calmly allowing Katrine to approach and tie her neatly folded letter to its leg. She concentrates, imagining her childhood home and the direction it lies in as much detail as she can. Opening her eyes, she ends the spell. The hawk immediately takes off and turns to the southwest.
Another city, joy. Katrine sticks by the rest of the party, keeping an eye out for danger as usual. She doesn't really have anything to do here. Maybe get a hot meal and a bath if Ahto decides to stop for the night.
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Ahto inquires about any news pertaining to Restov, local rumors and politics, as well as any encounters messengers have had on the road or at their respective destinations.
In the letter to Ash, Ahto details news of Jocelyn, and an admonition to exercise great care around her. If Ash has any uncertainty about apprehending her, Ahto states for her not do so, but instead assign agents to watch her and report back on her activities. Ahto recommends some of the tiny First Citizens may be well suited to the task. As a final note, Ahto informs Ash that her wife is alive and in good health, and will be returning with the the entourage.
Once he is satisfied with the letter, he seals it, and pays the fee for fast delivery.