The letter was written in two different styles, the first being Lynmars. The second one starting after the signature of Lynmar Lomsedt, being the one from Natalia I hesitate to be ungracious to the reputation of Alban and Harlow, but I am certainly propelled to defend my own. The dual essence of knighthood I posit is good word and good deed. My oath is my word and my actions are my deeds. If either fails, then I have faltered as a knight. From this premise I cannot be accused justly of what I have been so charged, for I have neither dismantled my oath nor effaced my deeds. If it were so, I would submit to the charges or act the guilty part. Contrary to the ideal of justice, I am not the culprit in an open and shut case. Rather, there is a hidden villain in this play. One who is not yet known to us. One who pulls the strings in the background. However, I know not who it is, for I arrived and caught only the results of the crime. The only difference we had to the honorable Oranjen knight was a shorter way to the locale, so we were able to get there earlier, trying to make sense of it. In the short time it took that she appear - unfortunately - I and Natallia were in a suspicious position to her, though I commend the knight’s swift and decisive action. Even though this was based on a misunderstanding and it was a quite difficult, I would attribute that to the tense situation. Moreover, we had no time to explain our perspective: how we arrived, when, what we aimed to do. The knight, understandably in her position, demanded our physical removal from that (normally) inviolate grave post haste - though I say this was I jest and unnecessary given our purpose. To this I would like to add that during my service yesterday in the Violet Order, in which she assisted in, she could have reported me to the Lord Commander for my alleged dishonorable and possible accusations for mutlitple's law breaking by this behavior. But this did not happen according to my information. Nor have I been contacted by her for these allegations and possible diplomatic options since the act occurred or the report was published by the Viridian Order. Henceforward, I shall not beat around the bush any longer. Since the accusations of Alban and Harlow struck very cruelly; more so when you look at the published text - which contains multiple items that I cannot in good conscience concur with. The first being that I did not receive a single diplomatic approach. This would be relatively little effort, since I could easily be reached in Greygate or with the help of the Lord Commander. I was more than willing to resolve this misunderstanding diplomatically and remain thus. The terrible truth is that I learned about these accusations from both of you only through third parties. I should like to ask when it became proper behaviour for honorable knights to spread rumors, especially against a knight from the same order. The next point is that both of your names were held during a bloodcast meeting in the estate of mister Deceres, which both of you were apparently too fine to attend. For in these we talk about possible perpetrators, to which, however, I added nothing. Except, this brings me to the last point: your involvement in unbreaking the seal of the tomb of Sir Charles Terwer, the Heron of the Flaming Sword. Which for some unfathomable reason was not mentioned in your letter of appeal. It borders on hypocrisy to incriminate another Knight so easily for a similar deed. And to think that such an act as opening a tomb in such a sacred place is an unforgettable breach of our honor. I would agree, but your almost unstoppable will to open the tomb of Sir Charles of Terwer and thus to desecrate it, makes it seem to me that this is only an excuse to distract from your deeds, which you so ruthlessly accept. Closing it again, in the hope that it will be forgotten, does not make this act undone. Your unteachability at this time, especially your inability to listen to the rest of the Knights gathered there, I don't even want to elaborate. With this thought I would like to end my response to this accusation for now. Although, I would like to mention that your duel is nothing more than a senseless demonstration of power. As I had hoped that in such a civilized law system, we could settle it in a less animalistic way. However, it seems that I was wrong about that. Signed, Lynmar Lomstedt Guardsman of the Violet Order Knight of the Bloodcast Order There is very little left to say when my fellow Bloodcast have all said so much - having given baseless accusations and rumors a place to live on the notice boards of Regalia, however, I feel it is my duty to enlighten those who have read such of the truth. What truth is that? One which my fellow knight has pointed out, and which cannot be denied by any party present or otherwise: Alban and Harlow broke into the tomb of Ser Charles Terwer, the Heron of the Flaming Sword within sight of everyone present that day. After which they then ventured within the crypts to do what, you might ask. They, like myself and other Bloodcast, said a prayer at the tomb of Ser Carloman Perdammen. What I presume to be a prayer. Following such, I returned to the Heron’s tomb to say a final prayer of forgiveness for such blasphemous acts. My prayers, it would seem, were too late. A thunderous crash echoed throughout the crypts with Lynmar and myself arriving mere moments before the honorable Oranjen knight who was guarding the crypts came to investigate. That, my peers and accusers, is the truth of these events. Review of these events, whether by my own retelling or any others, makes it difficult to truly put anyone at fault... Yet we see here and now that the only knights, Bloodcast or otherwise, to desecrate a grave are those who have the audacity to lay such accusations at the feet of a curate and a guard. Harlow and Alban. What’s more, their claims to have spoken with myself - and apparently Lynmar as well - are lies. I have been in Ithania for the past fortnight, working tirelessly with local churches and Hivres to spread the Priscellean faith. So when, I ask those who read such, could have the accusers ask such of me? They couldn’t. All that they have brought forth are lies, rumors, and ill intent to drive a wedge between an already fractured order of knights. Signed, Natalia Cendre Née Knight of the Bloodcast Order Curate of the Priscellean Church Spoiler: tags @onlyathot @notjayp @fantuinn
A Villiers-Eclaire Knight stands once more at the notice board, sighing softly as he examines the new notice. "When will they figure this out.."
Milena Cadieux almost pouts as she eyes the notice, leaning over to show the woman beside her. "I suppose they won't be dueling, then? Shame." @AtticCat
Haeddi van Hal tilted her head some to eye the notice before waving her hand slightly, “I’m not surprised. They wouldn’t stand a chance anyways.” @canaaa
Another letter is pinned beneath the above, written legibly and clearly for any to read. I preface this letter with the knowledge that I am the Oranjen Knight that discovered the two grave robbers in the act and that it is against my Code to lie or participate in deceitful behaviour. It is also with this knowledge that I write this to clear up the half-truths that these two dishonourable Bloodcasts would utilise to steer the narrative into making them appear as the victims, for they most certainly are not. To the Dishonourable Natalia of No One, from No Where, and the Dishonourable Lynmar Lomstead, Defilers Extraordinaire, You are both bold-faced liars and you bring shame to the Bloodcasts with your silver tongued half-truths. To first address the Dishonourable Lomstead, I did not bring it to the Lord Commander's attention because, frankly, I was more focused on ensuring that there were no werebeasts or sanguine pouring from the windows or the second floor of the Salvation Church to lay waste to the Villiers and the good Baron and Baroness Sorenvik's efforts to cure two afflicted. There are some missions more important. You were not even a thought in my mind, as I was far more focused on the task at hand. While it is true that Alban and Harlow were the ones that broke into the Heron's tomb, when the pair of you were presented with the fact that neither of you stopped this, Natalia chimed in with a simple, "It is not my problem." Do not attempt to turn the attention back on Harlow and Alban for their misdeeds when the pair of you both stood aside and allowed it to happen in the first place. You are just as guilty - doubly so, for you desecrated a tomb of the founder of your very Order. To the Dishonourable Natalia of No One, How was it that you were praying at the crypt of the Heron when both Dame Sia and I were standing guard to ensure you did not wriggle your grubby fingers beneath the tomb's slab to retrieve what precious item remain inside? After you said your prayers, you and Lynmar were escorted to the steps of the exit and, rather than leaving, you persisted to linger and loiter, presumably to catch one of us unawares so that you might rob the grave for yourself. In your efforts, you convinced the representative that waited for us to vacate to finish his job to 'show him around the crypt,' as if he was not going to have ample time to do so himself after we left. It was during that time that Dame Sia and I returned to guard the crypt and, whilst we stood watch, we heard a crack of stone striking stone. Dame Sia assured me that she would be able to guard the tomb of the Heron without my assistance and bade me to investigate. Upon doing so, I rounded the corner and witnessed the both of you standing atop the tomb. When one is investigating something, they do not climb atop it. It was only after threatening the pair of you that you both abandoned the tomb - after which Natalia climbed atop it a second time to peruse what remains were left inside. Dame Sia joined me and we forcefully escorted the pair of you out - after which the Dishonourable Natalia of No One attempted to frame me for breaking the top of the tomb, despite there having been the presence of many good and honourable knights around the tomb long after I had investigated the tomb itself. Own up to your misdeeds. The good and righteous High Reverend Harhold has already been alerted of your treacherous behaviour, for how could someone claim to be a Curate of the Unionist Faith whilst willingly desecrating a tomb and telling an Oranjen that the breaking open of an empty tomb was "not their problem"? And now? Now the rest of the city may see you for what you are. Frauds. False knights. I hope Alban and Harlow wrench the capes from your backs. Altea Solisti Dame at Arms for the Oranjen Order
"Disappointment." Novellia Reinard av Fristadvlom sewed close a hole in one of her coats. She leaned back against her chair. "Try to clear up your names and then, an Oranjen Knight's letter comes along and exposes the both of you. I pray I do not have to see Mister Lomstead's face at the Dragon Temple, considering who he sides with. Either way, this is a mess and him and Cendre Nee are cowards."
