Selejian Missives 1: Proper Decorum

A letter exchange between Lord Stevas Vorendal and Countess Morrida Umberland, regarding the provision of the Countess’s stitched creations to the front lines of the Malediction. 

To the honorable Countess Morrida Umberland,

On behalf of her Majesty Ptan-Octavia, Queen of the Dead, Defender of the Honored Fallen, and Inheritor of Ravalum’s Legacy, I, Lord Stevas Vorendal, Liberator of Veloma, Seeker of the Legion, and First Commander of the Armies of the Dead, request a new shipment of stitched warriors and the Liastrum thread to maintain them.

You are ordered to deliver ten score units to the garrison at the Spirit Gate, posthaste, and prepare two more shipments of equal size for deployment in the coming months. The Queen has allowed for the allocation of the necessary funds, so that the esteemed Countess may negotiate a deal with her fellows at the Conclave of the Spheres for the acquisition of a new shipment of Liastrum.

If rumors are to be believed, surprising as they may be considering your ladyship’s disposition, I understand the Countess must be quite preoccupied, considering all the wedding preparations. However, service to the Queen must be the priority.

Sincerely,

Lord Stevas Vorendal

To Lord Stevas Vorendal,

The letter has been received and acknowledged.

Countess Morrida Umberland

To Countess Morrida Umberland,

Your response was less than appropriate to a royal decree from the Queen herself. As the commander of the armies and representative of the Queen, I demand a full and proper answer. The stitched will accompany a detachment of my army in a new incursion into the Malediction. 

Has your association with the Eldriss and their cavernous dwellings made you forget your manners? I remember a time when you knew how to use proper etiquette.

Sincerely,

Lord Stevas Vorendal

To Lord Stevas Vorendal,

The Liastrum is already on the way, and the creation of the stitched has started.

Worry not what happens in the Umberlands, for the Queen herself knows of the quality of my creations and my dedication to Her and to the Legion’s cause. Greatness needs not announce itself; it is demonstrated through decisive action.

Beyond these, my associations are my own, but I would appreciate it if you stopped spreading these rumors. There will be no wedding, and my dealings with the Eldriss are strictly business. And none of your concern.

Countess Morrida Umberland

To Countess Morrida Umberland,

The Queen is pleased to hear that her request has been duly received and noted. I do advise, however, you not to send a rude letter to her representatives again. The Monarchs of the Dead have fickle humors, as you should know by now, and you never know when someone might lose her Highness’s graces. I, of course, have the Queen’s ear, you may wish to remember that.

I am saddened to hear there will be no wedding, but I am not surprised. How could one even consider such things when there is still a Seeker in their minds?

Sincerely,

Lord Stevas Vorendal

To Lord Stevas Vorendal, the Dreadful,

I’m quite sure the Queen of the Dead knows well my esteem for her, as I’m sure you shield yourself behind her for your own petty reasons. I have proven many times my utility and service to the Court. My talents are irreplaceable. Are yours?

And for your information, House Eldriss may live among the dirt, but I would rather marry an actual vermin than consider your proposals again.

Countess Morrida Umberland

Rumors in the Umberlands claim that this last letter was answered with a black gift box, smelling of iron and death. The head of the messenger sent inside was disposed of soon after.