From Lookshy, With Love
To the Deathlord Whom it Pleases to be Known as the Lover Clad in Raiment of Tears,
from Lookshy, salutations. Please forgive the temerity of this message, but as one who has long admired, if not your ends, then at least your methods, in their exquisite subtlety, I can no longer hold my peace, and must send word to you of the dire state of affairs of your interests in Lookshy.
I have before me a written report from one of the Security Director's agents, detailing an elaborate investigation process they have until now just been involved in. Apparently they have placed under surveillance one "Resplendent Servant of Dust and Ash", who has been identified as a possible suspect in the abduction and murder of several innocent helots. The report states that just when they were about to close the net around him and molest your faultless servant, new information reached them suggesting that the trail of evidence that had led them to the Resplendent Servant of Dust and Ash had been planted. Further investigation revealed the influence of another deathknight, whose identity is currently unknown but who has been heard to claim loyalty to the Mask of Winters, as being responsible for the unforgivable near-apprehension of your emissary to Lookshy.
It says that upon further interrogation, your Ladyship's humble Servant volunteered that he resides in Lookshy at your command as purely a peaceful emissary and messenger, with no mandate pertaining to espionage or sabotage. He also vouchsafed that his message involved extending an offer of honourable surrender from your exalted self to the General Staff of Lookshy should the battle against the Mask of Winters go unfavourably.
Once again, allow me to name myself most humbly an admirer of your Ladyship, who is appalled to realise that you have allowed yourself to be misled -- no doubt by the Mask's treacherous lies -- into an alliance of convenience with him towards the conquering of Lookshy, an alliance which he even now is attempting to subvert. It is clear to me that if the Mask's agent had successfully led the Security Directorate forces to apprehend your messenger, it would have led either to his permanent shame and loss of credibility, or his death if he tried to evade capture. Either would have prevented his making your generous offer of honourable surrender, the loss of which option would have necessitated Lookshy to either fight to the last or sue for peace, not from you on terms advantageous to yourself, but rather from the Mask of Winters, who would, no doubt, be quick to take all credit, glory, and profit from the conquest of Lookshy for himself.
As someone who detests treachery in all its forms, and who has good reason to suspect the Mask of Winters in both his intentions and actions, I entreat you to consider opening negotiations directly with Lookshy regarding whatever it is you desire to obtain from the city. I can guarantee you that it will be yours for much less investment of resources (and not to mention risk of humiliation and embarrassment when the Mask's plan inevitably fails) than it would have been had you persisted in your alliance with the tyrant of Thorns.
Please do me the honour of a reply stating your mind on this matter. I await word from you with utmost eagerness.
I remain,
Your most fervent admirer,
Veil-Winged Shrike,
Chosen of the Unconquered Sun
Shrike sends the cherub whizzing off into the night. It is a small thing, she thinks, but she has to try. A Deathlord's greatest fear was nothing she herself could bring to bear, nor anything Lookshy could muster from its armouries, but rather the treachery of another Deathlord. If she could sow but the faintest seed of doubt in the Lover's otherwise barren heart, Lookshy might have a chance.
She takes up the report she referred to in the enspelled recitation and casts it into the fire. The entire thing had been a fabrication, of course, but it at least enabled her to state with full honesty what the contents of that report were.
She gazes into the fire with tired eyes, and waits for a reply.
To the Honored Servant of the Unconquered Sun, Veil-Winged Shrike,
The audacity of one of the Chosen of the Unconquered Sun to send such a message to me speaks of old times long past. It is rare to find someone that feels so strongly for someone that opposes their very existence. Your desires intrigue me. Why does a Lawgiver deign to help me, an intruder that desires the destruction of the city that the Lawgiver calls home? You fear, and rightly so, the combined might of two Deathlords. Even so, I must thank you for informing me of the mischievous working of my fellow in death.
I had no illusions that the Mask of Winters would honor is end of the bargain, but to have a third party confirm his intentions is comforting. I shall inform my messenger, Resplendent Servant of Dust and Ash, as to the possible machinations against him. The confidence with which you offer such information is refreshing and I wish that I had more of your kind in my court. Should you find the Unconquered Sun’s face no longer smiling upon you, my doors are open to you.
Lookshy is a jewel of the East and so is coveted highly. I will consider the option of negotiation with those within Lookshy’s General Staff. My desires are not so much that they cannot provide them. I think you and they will find my terms more acceptable than those of the Mask of Winters. He would choose to drown the city in death and shadows. I could offer much in exchange for what I wish without the need for a messy war and the creation of a shadowland. I will end word to my servant in Lookshy. He will present the details of my desires in the coming days. I can only hope you can find them agreeable.
Sincerely,
The Lover Clad in Raiment of Tears
