To prince Drake of Hawklight, duc Maceo de Courtnay and Earl Tryg Strand,
I agree that we should unite, as the North, against the tyranny of Varyn and Brennard.
We have all been at a Council meeting. Three of us have seats there.
During the first and the most recent meetings, we agreed that we'd protect the realm from magic when it's used for harm.
Now is the time.
Based on the information I have received, it appears Alison had accepted Theodosius' apology in the form of lands.
Brennard and Varyn, however, took it upon themselves to declare an invasion if Theodosius did not surrender himself to their blade.
They stated they'd burn their lands and citizens, innocents and children alike, to the ground over something Alison, the one who was affected the most, had forgiven.
I have given Varyn and Brennard the chance to talk this through. To receive compensation in return for a peaceful solution.
But they, worse than a refusal, did not acknowledge it.
I will contact Alison and Brennard by sending a letter. In it, will be yet another offer for a peaceful resolution.
Should they decline the third attempt at a peaceful resolution, once by Theodosius and twice by myself, I fear we would have war.
Swords and arrows can be contained and aimed at only those who pose a threat, but Brennard's magic, like he himself, is unstable and unpredictable and will certainly lay waste to men, women and children alike.
Additionally, they are the very people that hosted a summit after many of us traveled into The Rift.
At the summit, we all agreed to not wage petty wars with eachother while the Demons and Undead, our and the Pantheon's true enemies, may invade. This silence does not mean that they are gone, just that they are preoccupied.
It is why I propose that we, the North, unite against Brennard and Varyn.
It is not my goal to go after Alison, but I will not judge any of you if it is yours for what she has done in the past.
Once we would have vanquished the threat of Brennard and Varyn, you would not be left without compensation.
I will personally provide each of you three with armour if need be. This can be made from scratch, or made from something you already have in possession, if it is old and worn down.
Additionally, the lands of Kane and potentially Eberhall will be free for distribution.
I do not know whether Eberhall is on the side of burning innocents with magic, or on our side, for I have not received any information regarding their position. If they are on our side or remain neutral, their lands would naturally remain their own.
In the event of Eberhall remaining neutral, as I'd expect and prefer, or siding with us:
Oren goes to Hawklight.
Varynhall goes to Artois.
Ironhaven goes to the Southern Houses.
Queensport goes to Strand.
Varyn's lands near The Dominion go to Herennii.
In the event of Alison not taking action against us, she can likely remain in either of these lands, but the House it'd be given to will govern over it.
In the event of Eberhall picking the side of Varyn:
Oren and Ironhaven go to Hawklight.
Ackerland and Die Eberbau go to Artois.
Queensport and Rammbar's Motte go to Strand.
Varynhall goes to the Southern Houses.
Varyn's lands near The Dominion go to Herennii.
In the event of Alison not taking action against us, she can likely remain in either of these lands, but the House it'd be given to will govern over it.
Regardless of Eberhall's position, my price will remain the same:
The Varyn sword. I was threatened with it, so it is only fitting.
I have no intention to slaughter anyone residing in these lands, should they not try to slaughter us.
These suggestions are negotiable, but we'll all receive a share of land, for I assume you, duc Maceo, have friends residing in either one or all of the above lands.
If either of you decides to stay out of this, because you are upset (understandably so) with opposing your former allies and perhaps dear friends, you will receive no lands and spoils as compensation, nor will you receive my aid with smithing.
If you decide to go against all we decided to represent in the Council meetings of the past and against the will of the gods, more lands will be added to be distributed.
Thôrdil Bárúmur