Chapter 16: Letters from Home
East Palace, 337 Solar Year

My Dearest Flare,

Your nasal bird arrived yesterday. I am not sure when you sent him, but the journey was pretty difficult for the poor guy. He was half starved and exhausted. He's been asleep ever since he arrived. Once he is recovered and at full strength again; probably in a day or so. I'll return him to you, but that is why this letter will be short so as not to weigh him down with extra parchment.

It's been a while since my last communiqué. If you recall at that time I wrote you, I had just returned from Alseid after helping the elf prince, Ren, recover the Sun-Rose. And no, to answer the question from this most recent letter, it was not all that dangerous. The elves were skilled hunters and great warriors. I was never too worried. Everything worked out well in the end.

As for the negotiations themselves; it's progressing well enough. Peacefully, but slowly. There have been no surprises or terrorist attacks since that first day. The Queen's Knights have added about 30 palace guards and I have ordered our 2 marine knights to always be near Tanya or Desmond, if I can't be with them.

I understand Falena has never had to engage in any official and open trade with a foreign nation before. But it just seems so slow, like Tanya and Desmond have to walk them through every single detail.

However, I will say this, for never having officially traded with a foreign country before; Graess certainly knows what time of day it is. Godwin is shrewd, but as I told you in my last letter there is just something about him. I still don't trust him. My gut tells me he's up to something, but I still don't know what yet.

Moreover, Alen, the Commander of the Queen's Knights, is no fool either. As I mentioned in my last letter, when I first met Alen, he looked at me with a sense of shocked and familiarity, like he knew me from somewhere in the distant past, but could not quite recall the memory.

I've tried to ask him a few times since then about it. But he has said nothing more on the issue. He was, of course, very grateful and appreciative to me for saving his daughter's life. He through a small banquet for us at the Sun Palace later that week in honor of our heroism.

I, also, dare say he matches Tanya in her love for books, history, and what not. Whenever we are not in the negotiation room, (Which I find so boring by the way. You so owe me big for doing this!) those two are always comparing libraries and swapping tomes and theories and ideas. I have no clue what they're talking about half the time, but I can tell they are happy talking about it.

Desmond spends most of his time outdoors near the lake when we're not negotiating. I think he misses the ocean a lot as he seems far away whenever he looks at the lake near the palace here. He and I still play chess at least once a week, even if he lets me win sometimes. I can tell he still enjoys it.

To answer your other set of questions: No, I think Tanya was right they have no knowledge of those 'visitors' you sent here covertly all those months ago. As for Falena right now everything seems calm, even peaceful, but I am not sure if it is the calm before the storm or a genuine peace. That dark force threatening the Queendom that both Leknaat and the Elves warned about seems to have abated a bit.

Regardless, I am not sure what is happening. But I'll remain vigilant. At the very least, there are those radicals and extremists that like to throw rocks and start fires to contend with, a least for now. Whenever they decide to show their faces again.

As far as the local news goes, there are 2 stories that seem to be the topic of conversation every time Desmond and I sneak off to the taverns in Sol-Falena to get the real stories of what is going on in the Queendom. It seems many graves and tombs are being robbed and desecrated.

At first, many thought they were just grave robbers, but now it seems like they're body snatching as well. Hundreds of dead bodies are being stolen in the Western areas of Falena. It is no doubt weird for sure. Whether or not it has something to do with that evil that has disappeared, I don't know. I feel like the longer I am here, Flare, the more questions I find myself with.

While the tavern maids and local gossipers have been going off about the whole grave robbers' story, the other big topic that the rest of Falena, especially here in the capital, are going on about is the upcoming wedding ceremony between Lord Godwin and Princess Cyrah.

The whole city seems really excited and jovial about the royal wedding. Everyone is decorating the streets and their houses for the big event like it was a special holiday or something. I guess for them it probably is. These people really love their Queen and their future one too.

Moreover, as you may recall, Godwin was the winner of the Sacred Games. Thus, he won the right to the Falenan princess' hand in marriage as well as Lord Alen's position once he dies or retires.

Speaking of princesses, I recently received a letter from Olinda. I have not seen her in about a month, not since my last official trip to Sol-Falena. Then, she took me on a tour of the palace gardens and city shops. That's where I saw the tavern Desmond and I have been visiting regularly incognito for the latest news.

Anyhow, she said in this letter that she was looking forward to the wedding and hoped I'd be attending. Apparently, she hates it how all the noblemen in the Queendom hit on her and want to dance with her whenever they're at a royal ball. She figures if I am around her. They will be less bold and won't bother her as much.

Now, I know what you're thinking, Flare, and absolutely not! I won't deny that Olinda is a very attractive young woman. She's very nice and fun to talk too. However, I am just trying to watch out for her. Don't forget, like I said before, Leknaat warned me of this months ago on the ship to Falena. That this mysterious force would need a silver hair maiden of royal blood in order to complete its dark plans. Which is who I am assuming sent those Nethergate forces after her.

Also, I am pretty sure that that Nyoka guy from Nagarea has something to do with it. What's more, I still have not been able to place that strange aura that he put off that one day we met. I know I have felt it somewhere before. But the one thing I do know for sure is that he is involved somehow in this spiderweb of scheming and intrigue.

That's why, I've been with taking up company with Olinda whenever the opportunity allows for. I just want to protect her as I do Desmond and Tanya, and everyone else that I am able to help. Even if I did have feelings for her, what could I do about it? I am cursed! A True Rune Bearer!

My life is not my own and far too dangerous to get involved with anyone in a romantic way. Besides she is a princess! I am sure her parents already have plans for her to be married off to some noblemen or some such. So please, let's just drop the whole issue, okay!

Speaking of her parents, this will be one of the few times I've seen her mother the Queen of Falena. The other times were at the banquet thrown for us for saving her daughter's life and when we first arrived in the country. At the banquet, Queen Elemark was very grateful and kind. I think she was holding back a few tears as someone asked Olinda to retell the harrowing story in the woods with Nethergate, which she did a bit begrudgingly.

In truth, Elemark reminds me a little of you. She is very strong and independent, but very compassionate despite her high position. With her shimmering platinum hair and fair face, it was pretty obvious to tell she was Olinda and Cyrah's mother.

Lastly, Flare I just want you to know. I don't regret coming here. As you expressed at the end of your last post, you were struggling with that decision. But you didn't make this decision. I did. You merely made the offer. I am the one who said, yes. Giving all that has happened and what I fear maybe could happen. I am glad I did come. Don't worry too much; Tanya, Desmond and I make a great little trio.

We'll have all this wrapped up soon enough. Also, I am glad to hear you and Rain are doing well together. I miss that furry little guy. Thanks again for taking care of him, walking him, and all that good stuff. Thank you and Godspeed!

Your Diplomatic Servant,

Ambassador Lazlo

P.S. When I get back in a few months, let's try and count a few more of those stars. I really enjoyed that night a lot and miss hanging out with family.

Kingdom of Obel, 337 Solar Year

Greetings Ambassador Lazlo,

This will probably be our final letter of this year. I hope we'll have all of these trade talks wrapped by the end of spring in the new year.

Moreover, I assume as I am reading this letter the wedding you spoke of in your last post has already happened as that letter was dated about 10 days ago. That nasal bird took its sweet time to get here. When I send this particular post, I'll be sure to use a different, healthier bird. That bird arrived here as well half-starved and exhausted. It's time he retires, I guess. I bet the cook will be glad to hear that. It's her favorite cuisine! Just kidding! hehe.

Anyways, I hope the wedding went well and that after all the festivities are over, you guys can get on with this trade agreement and peace treaty already. I guess since the Island Nations have always been surrounded by so many other nations. I've always just taken it for granted that foreign trade was just a part of a nation's economy and existence. But you're right if they have never had open continuous trade with another nation before, this would be slow and detailed, indeed.

As for the other news you shared about Falena. I am glad our previous 'visitors' and their sudden and mysterious disappearance is still a secret. I fear that would probably not be the best way to start off a new partnership with a skeptical semi-xenophobic nation, like the Falena Queendom.

But please do be careful. Even if the royal family had nothing to do with our agents' disappearance and sudden deaths. Someone very powerful in that country was involved in some way. I am certain of that.

And it wouldn't surprise me if that same person responsible for their deaths probably has some kind of ties to those responsible for throwing those rocks and starting that fire on the first day of the negotiations. Someone out there really doesn't want our two nations to become friends.

In addition, that grave robber thing is just creepy! Who would want hundreds of dead bodies and for what? Nothing good that is for sure!

Speaking of that, based off the information I got from your guys' preliminary investigation of the Island of Nirva and that of our official investigation team. We learned some interesting facts. They did find our agents' ship. It was wrecked on that coral reef ship graveyard place you spoke of. Not only did they find the ship, but they also found a few of the bodies of the crew and even one of our agents. The others had been eaten or were decayed too much for us to properly identify.

Here is the strange part though. They didn't die of starvation or dehydration as you may expect a ship wrecked crew to die from. No, they all died from sword attacks and magic burns both the agents and crew. They were murdered!

At first, my investigators thought maybe they had turned on each other after they were marooned, or had maybe killed themselves. Better to die quickly by a sword then die slowly of thirst. Now this is the unusual part, as they searched the whole ship, they discovered all their weapons were missing.

There were no weapons or supplies on that ship at all. How could they have killed each other with swords, if there weren't any? No, that's why we are now convinced they were murdered before the ship crashed into the reef.

Our theory is that some ship intercepted their vessel after they left Falena, killed the crew and agents, and took their weapons and other material goods from the ship to make people think it was a pirate attack and ransacking. The natural current of the waves and wind just carried the lifeless vessel to the ship graveyard near Nirva on its own.

If you're asking yourself, how do I know it wasn't a pirate attack? Simple, beyond the damage sustained by the ship from the reef upon initial contact there was no other damage to the ship. There were no cannon ball holes or a fire to the hull of the vessel as one may expect from a pirate attack. No, this other ship probably came alongside them under a banner of truths and parlay, but then murdered them, and left the ship to drift along the endless ocean.

The investigation is not over yet, but there is still only so much I can do legally since this mission was not officially approved of by the Federation, which those on the Maritime Council love to frequently remind me of these days.

Fortunately, Captain Jacobs and Commander Summer and the rest of the crew of the Vingerhut have been in port the last few months very bored and eager for a new mission, since that ship, as you already know, was in need of massive repairs after those events near Nirva. Which works out well for us.

Because the latest and fastest ship in our fleet was just completed a few weeks ago and is now ready for service: The I.N.S. Kerzalik. The Kerzalik's main reason for construction was to be our latest weapon in the fight of keeping rogue pirates in check. But right now, it has no crew and Jacobs' crew have no ship. So, it seemed like a good fit.

Anyway, for its' maiden voyage, the Obel Maritime Council ordered them to start hunting dangerous pirates. Pulling the good Captain aside, I 'suggested' he start his hunt near Nirva. So legally now they can hunt pirates in that area, but if they also happen to gather more information about our agents' attackers or other useful facts while they are there. Well, then what a happy little coincidence, eh? hehe

Speaking of our naval forces, I have informed Commander Keneth about what happened to Ensign Pearse and the others as you instructed me two letters ago. Their families have been informed and they've been given full Razril Marine Knight burial rights. Also, I expressed how helpful and how highly you spoke of this Petty Officer 1st class Duncan Egan, who helped you fight that Dagon creature.

Both he and his comrade Petty Officer 2nd class Clark are being awarded the Silver Cross medals for their heroism in the field of battle and going above and beyond the call of duty once you all return to Obel later this year.

In addition, Keneth wanted you to inform them, they are both being promoted effective immediately. Clark will receive the rank of Master Chief Petty Officer. And after talking it over with Duncan's father, Master Egan in Na-Nal, and coupled with your glowing endorsement about his tactics and skill in battle.

Keneth has promoted him to the rank of Lieutenant Junior Grade. His family was very excited to hear this. Despite their noble status and wealth, young Duncan Egan will be the first member in their little family to become an officer in the Federation Military.

Before I go, Keneth, also, asked since you were a knight yourself you know the promotion ceremony and procedure used in Razril. Also, as an official Ambassador of the Obel Maritime Council for the Island Nation Federation, it is within your legal authority to carry out the ritual and sign off on the paperwork.

Now that official business is taken care of. Let me say on a personal note, I hope you're not doing anything too Lazlo-ish (a.k.a. getting into trouble and saving the day). Also, don't try to fool me! I know when you say the danger with those elves was minimal. I know you. What you call 'minimal danger' is often a hurricane level of life-threatening danger to normal people. Luckily, you're not a normal person now, are you?

While I agree that it seems that Nyoka and Godwin are both very untrustworthy. Just be careful how you proceed. Remember you are there as an official Ambassador and this Nyoka guy who you said 'feels strange' to you. He is a very powerful person in his own government it seems. We don't want to cause another incident with a country we know nothing about. Please learn from my own mistakes in that department.

Plus, Godwin will one day be the most powerful person in Falena after his wife, the Queen. So, we can't go making accusations against him without evidence. While I do, indeed, trust your gut instincts with my life. For now, I say just let the Falenan royal family deal with it. Like you also said, "Alen is no fool." If he is hiding something devious from them, I am sure that Alen or that Graess guy will notice it eventually.

As for this other matter, who do you think you're trying to trick? You can't pull that "I am just trying to protect her" line over me. I know you better than that little brother. It's obvious to me you have developed some feelings for this Princess Olinda woman. Whether or not you'll admit that to yourself or not is another matter.

As the chairwoman of this country, I have to say don't pursue the relationship for all the reasons you wrote to me. However, as your sister and friend I need to say that YOU, Lazlo, deserve some happiness in your life, and that you would do yourself a great injustice if you two did not at least talk about those feelings.

Your right, she probably will be married off to some foreign prince or famous noble figure one day. But as I recall, you were once both of those things.

Look, you can't just cut yourself off from people, be it friendship or love. I know why you like to hide out on your little deserted island and I, even, understood why you had to leave after Snowe died. That damn True Rune! You gave up so much for this country. Your blood, sweat, and steel built it. You took the curse of the Rune of Punishment and did what no one else in history, not even our mother, had ever done before. You beat it!

Yet recall this, you didn't beat the curse by hiding from people; the mistake all the other bearers before you had done. You did the opposite, sir! Instead, you gathered friends and allies to stand by you in spite of the deadly curse. And then you overcame that bloody accursed Rune by standing with your many comrades and not just running away from them.

I know if you die then the curse of the Rune will return to harvesting souls once again, but it's just not fair in my opinion. You have done much. Gave up so much! You have borne more than any single human should have to shoulder alone. So, why carry that heavy burden on your own now?

You know, you have sacrificed so much; just as mother did. She sacrificed her very life so that we could have a life and live it to the fullest. Please don't cut yourself off from an abundant life. Especially the best parts of it, like love. Maybe, I am just getting sentimental at my old age, or maybe because I just know from my own personal experiences.

As a princess, I know how Olinda must be feeling, caught in the middle of the desires of her heart and her duty to her country. I served as a leader in Obel for decades and now I serve as the primary leader to all of the Island Nations.

So yeah, being a powerful woman, it can be intimidating to men, even the ones you want to like you. Sigh. For example, even the silly handsome hypochondriacs, who you wish would take a hint, but at last no they didn't bite due to fear or whatever.

So please, just learn from and don't repeat my other mistakes. Be direct! Don't let her get away so easily. Always tell the people you care about that you care about them. Life is too short not too, even for a True Rune Bearer. That is what Dad taught me!

Lastly, I hope the three of you stay safe out there and don't get into too much trouble. Please, look after Desmond and Tanya for me. I miss having them around. And don't worry, I'll continue to watch those few members on the Council, who are also against this trade agreement, for anything suspicious, and give you more details about them in my next letter if I can.

Don't write me back, unless it's urgent. No, I'll write you in about a month's time. Just send this new nasal bird back empty and I'll know you got my message. (I'll send a second bird to Tanya in about a week's time to have for emergencies.)

Rain is doing well. But I know he misses you. We go for walks every day. He still doesn't like to go near the beach much. I think that experience with the giant crab might have caused him a bit of trauma.

So now we just take walks around the castle grounds and through the town. I can't complain much. I need the exercise. Or so, Dr. Yu reminds me of every time I see him. I think he needs to retire personally. Please take care of yourself and the others. Godspeed Lazlo En Kuldes!

Your Diligent Public Servant,

Chairwoman Flare En Kuldes

P.S. I hope to see you soon. I'd love to count the stars again. I miss doing that with family too!