In what was meant to be a period of rest before the heat of the summer blazed petty hurts into open conflict the peerage saw no rest for the last two weeks. Convulsion at Crookback’s gate saw the Lord Commander Sorenvik and the brave Regalian Violets charge into action - keeping back the criminal scum of our city from infiltrating the peaceful streets of the hard-working citizens who desire nothing but security and opportunity during these sun-filled days. Many of the peerage have embraced the sun, the Viduggla family opening their beachside estate for the pleasure of the peerage to great acclaim. Grand Duke Cillian Loughdónairt also presented a play at the festival grounds - one from his own pen. While the first act seemed to falter the second half was said to be quite fascinating by those who saw it through to the end. Others seizing their time in the sun are the debutantes and bachelors looking to cement alliances through marriage. So many of the unwed nobility are casting their eyes towards late summer weddings, this author would not be surprised to see a distinct lace shortage in the capital soon! Even as some of the debutantes seem to be relishing the noon sun of nobility, others are shying away from it at an alarming rate. Some of the more promising noble families who seemed to shine at the retreat, like Kassambara, Bancroft, Morathes, and Litvinova have seemingly disappeared into social isolationism. What this means will be revealed in the weeks ahead, have no doubt! Another challenge was presented to our idyllic summer in the form of the visiting Allorn representative. If I could impart one passionate feeling in you during this pamphlet, sweet reader, it is one of admiration for our brave officials as they met the Allorn in diplomatic overtures. The Regalian contingent of the Lord Chancellor de Azcoissia, Sovereign Prince Rodderick Howlester, representative of the Diplomacy Minister, Grand Duke Abelhard Petrou, Sol Laenrell Avelleia as a cultural interpreter, Duchess Valarosta Ino-Femunn, Count Hengest Harhold, Archduchess Sivrid Sorenvik, Duchess Haeddi van Hal, Duke Jared Bancroft, Grand Duchess Milena Cadieux, Grand Marshall Valentino Solisti, and of course, your very own author. The summit took place at the Howlester Estate in the grand dining hall, tensions were tighter than the curls in Duchess Peirgarten’s hair. The representative of the Allorn arrived as a singular person to negotiate. Our Lord Chancellor, showing extreme grace under pressure, did not bow or bend to the demands of the elves, but rather sought peaceful and productive means to which the Regalian Empire could treat. The poignant waiting from our peerage for our Lord Chancellor spoke volumes, dear readers. It was clear that the peerage are entrusting her with the well-being of the Empire and content to do so. Her careful stewardship of these talks is to be lauded and we all wait to see what fruits they shall bear in the coming weeks. In the dog days of summer, it seems more and more clear that there is one faction content to bask in the long days and sizzling heat that lays itself out on rich and poor alike. But as we’ve come to find out, there are those that wish to let slip the dogs of war instead. We wonder, will the heat or the hounds win out as the sun continues to shine on us all, showing every blemish and burning those who don’t take cover?
