[Filter: Ellisae]

I have had more time to consider our new Council member. I believe you may be right about him, though how right is still up for debate.

[Filter: Private, in Atsirian]

Why this sudden interest, this sudden...communication? There must be some reason behind it, none of us do anything without motivations so complex we sometimes barely understand them ourselves.

It is useful though, to have a like voice. Much could be done with it, if this remains as it is.

It would be nice, as well, to have...

[Filter: Ellisae Eshene, in Atsirian]

I am afraid that this trip is going to disrupt any help I can personally give in your quest to learn more about dragons. However, should you think of any specific questions I will certainly do my best to respond, provided that a written answer is sufficient. If not, I'm certain the stable hands will be quite willing and capable to provide aid as well.

[Filter: Queen Edalene, in Atsirian]

Forgive me, Your Majesty, for the lateness in this request. However I was speaking to Gideon Eshene recently about your upcoming trip and mentioned that I have never been to the area in question. He made the suggestion that perhaps I might also accompany you, with your permission of course. I have thought about it at length and would certainly like to do so, if you are willing to permit it.

[Filter: Gideon Eshene, in Atsirian]

I imagine you are very busy with the date for your departure approaching so swiftly. However I was wondering if you might be able to tell me about this trip. I have only heard rumours as to destinations and agendas and am curious to know more.

[Filter: Private, in High Atsirian]

I do wonder about this trip. The plans are still newly forming, what would the best way for them to grow be?

And then there are new courtships as well. I know that is something I should be thinking of for myself as well. If only the thought didn't-

No matter. I will attend to other business for the time being. There are always new plans to approve, budgets to adjust. It is good to be busy.

[Filter: Gideon Eshene, in Atsirian]

Have you been able to hold your second party?

[Filter: Private, in Atsirian]

Too many people, it was hardly anything I would enjoy. But there were enough important people to make it worth going.

And it

Perhaps it is a sign that he will regain favour.

[Filter: Public, in Atsirian]

Gideon Eshene, I hope you and your household have recovered sufficiently from the party by now. Certainly, you must have the answers to those questions that we discussed.

[Filter: Private]

It was perhaps not the...most subtle of choices. They will talk about it for years, no doubt, but what will they remember?

[Filter: Melyndra Destra]

I hope your journey has been going well.

[Filter: Private]

Cleraine is too isolated politically. It always has been. One thing everyone knows is to keep a eye on House Atsir.

It feels bet

Focus.

[Filter: Queen Edalene, Atsirian]

I hope you are well today, Your Majesty. If you have a moment, there is an issue I would like to put before you.

[Filter: Private]

There are so many whispers these days, concerning a million things. [angrily crossed out]

Enough. This has gone on far too long.

[Filter: Public]

The beginning of summer is always a wonderful time of year. I had the pleasure of taking Thornbird out for a flight early in the morning, just as the sun was rising, and it was a beautiful sigh to behold.

[Filter: Private]

I pray to the Goddesses that this wretched trial ends soon. At times, I can hardly think of anything else. No one has commented yet but I will not - cannot - count on that trend continuing.

I should be glad

[Filter: Private]

The Queen seems willing to overlook what happened. That is excellent since it means things can continue without issue, or at least that is the plan. With her so pleased about Melyndra Destra's arrival, perhaps it would be a good time to suggest recalling Joseph of Atsir. I do not like not having a voice to speak of the situation in Cleraine. They have always been the family that needed the most watching.

However perhaps it is best to wait for the time being, to concentrate on the trial. It will [illegible]

[Filter: Private]

[illegible mess]

[Filter: Queen Edalene, in Atsirian]

I am afraid I am not feeling one hundred percent today. Would it be possible to reschedule our tea?

[Filter: Private, in High Atsirian]

The sooner that whole situation is over and done with the better. It has been an entirely unwanted distraction. And perhaps unnecessary, in the end. Though the Prophet is a powerful ally.

But she is not here.

[Filter: Queen Edalene, in Atsirian]

I hope you are well today, Your Majesty.

[Filter: Private]

Saeritha Eshene does have very interesting ideas. I shall have to write to Mother about the proposed measures for water conservation. There is no need for Taleth to fully comply.

[pause]

It gets more difficult to concentrate on my duties, the longer and more complicated this situation with Justine becomes.

[Filter: Private, in Atsirian]

Justine, if you did do this...what am I going to do? [illegible]

[Filter: Rolen, in Atsirian]

Hello again. I hope you are well.

[Filter: Private, in Atsirian]

I can't just sit here and do nothing.

Damn it, Jussy, did you actually do this?

[Filter: Father Rolen, in Atsirian]

I do not believe we have been properly introduced. I am Megan of Ysak, Justine's older sister.

[Filter: Melyndra Destra, in Atsirian]

Destra, do you believe it would in any way hinder your investigation if I were to write to the lizard priest? Perhaps he may give me some insight into his relationship with my sister.

[Filter: Private, High Atsirian]

That ended better than I dared expect. The power balance is completely unchanged and I may even have made inroads in gaining the Queen's trust.

You should have told her, Ellisae.

[Filter: Justine, Atsirian]

Jussy, would you be able to ask Mother to send me the latest census numbers, in particular those concerning trade? I would like to have them as soon as possible.

And you can tell her that Queen Edalene has named a scholar from Feldri, named Saeritha, to the Council.