A Message From House Deepwood
Posted by Samantha on 01/17/19
To Augustus Grayreeve of House Grayreeve,
I find your pretext for severing your ties to the March of Old Oak both puzzling and disappointing. While some may rally to the notion of attacking other Houses on the Compact, Duke Gabriel Bisland, my foster father and one of the greatest warriors the Compact has ever known, has always counseled that investigation when the opportunity rises in light of speculation and suspiscious activity, to do so first, and therefore possibly diminish the chances for loss of life. I am surprised you are not in accord with his wisdom. House Deepwood has been in communication with their lieges, House Bisland, as to how they may assist with the investigation on the murder of the Marquessa of Longwood, may the Queen of Endings embrace and see her to her turn on the wheel.
Perhaps in your grief, you have allowed your passion for tradition get in the way of what you know to be facts. Nevermind the economic benefits the March, and by extent, its vassal Counties, have experienced as a result of our expansion of land and method of non-violent persuasion to convince shav'arvani bend the knee. Nevermind the fact that without the 30,000 Prodigals who risked their lives for the citizens of Arx during the Siege. Nevermind the benefits which have been heaped upon you by House Deepwood, for the sake of peace, and for the sake of the Compact.
As such, I offer you this courtesy, or if you will, challenge: Come to Arx, and meet me under the auspice of House Bisland, and speak to me of your grievances, in that we may find an accord. For without it, you hold no place in the Compact, and you yourself may be deemed the very thing that stirs hatred in your heart. I would not see you be left to such a seemingly unfortunate fate. Come and look me in the eye, and if you bring no violence with you, you will be met with none in turn.
The art of statecraft at its pinnacle provides service to the people the one who wields it is supposed to protect. If the notion of civil war pleases you, knowing that I have offered you this opportunity to resolve this unfortunate circumstance, then it can very well be said that ultimately, the blood shed in the ensuing conflict, Deepwood and Grayreeve, will be a darker stain on your hands than the blood on mine.
Prove yourself a statesman. Prove you care for the lives of your people. I await your reply.
Marquessa Samantha Deepwood of Old Oak
"Serene as the Deepest Wood"
--- Bisland Stance (from Michael) ---
House Bisland and its minister of justice await your response, Count. Make good decisions, for the sake of your people.
--- Seliki Stance (from Kaldur) ---
The Pearlspire honors its oaths and service to Old Oak. House Seliki stands ready behind Marquessa Samantha Deepwood, a champion of the Compact and a foe of the Abyss in all its manifestations.
--- Grayson Stance (from Sabella) ---
House Grayson is pleased to see our vassals turning to diplomacy in an attempt to resolve these issues.
--- Stonewood Stance (from Malesh) ---
It is the sincere hope of House Stonewood that all grievances in this matter shall be redressed through discourse, and that the parties involved will come to common ground, rather than violence.