The Nazhor Chronicles (storyline)/Ilsola Replies (vignette)

A series of replies ~ The Nazhor Chronicles preamble
Ilsola Replies to Darcena
Originally posted on the official forums by GameMaster Quilic on 2/22/2019.

Dear Darcena,

Thank you very much for your letter, and thank you for putting forth the effort to prepare it for me. First and foremost, I wanted to reassure you that I do not take your accusation of 'incompetence' personally. I very much appreciate the passion with which you aided the town in our efforts, and accept that that same passion can lead tongues astray with great ease.

To discuss the meat of your letter, however. Socius is coming to assist me with some of the administrative tasks that are part of my duties, so that I might focus on rebuilding and strengthening the town as a whole. While it is true that he comes from a powerful family, his role is that of an assistant and advisor, as I understand it. He has resources and connections that I simply do not, and I am sure that in that regard he will be a great boon to the town as a whole.

While I can certainly understand your sentiment about there still being some lingering danger from Nazhor, in the time since we discovered Duvainiel and Elspie locked away, there has been no sign of him at all. And it is certainly curious that he chose to leave behind Duvainiel, given the... well, the nature of their relationship. This would make sense, however, if he were intending to leave and not come back. All indications are that that is exactly what he has done.

I am unsure where you heard the name 'Scion', but would ask that you prudently not mention it in Socius' presence. It is a nickname of sorts granted to him at a younger age, when he exploited his family's wealth and power with somewhat of an iron fist. I'm told that he has mellowed considerably since those tempestuous years, and he would likely not take kindly to the flippant reminders of his youthful exuberance.

As far as the meeting you refer to, I'm assuming you mean to meet with Socius? I'm pleased to say that we will all be able to greet him at once! I'm given to understand that he's a little more than a week away from arriving. It's my intention to welcome him with open arms, and I shall be glad to ensure that we have meat available at the occasion.

Mage Elspie and I have been in contact via letter, and she has expressed to me her dissatisfaction over the state of her home. The simple matter is that we are somewhat stuck as to where to put Duvainiel, given her... disposition. She's been quite recalcitrant, refusing to speak aside from requesting nourishment. All questions go unanswered, and it's my personal opinion that she has information which may become critical should Nazhor return some time in the far future. It's my hope that when she recognizes our resolve, and that she will not see freedom unless she works with us, she will opt to do the right thing. It's only a matter of time.

As far as whispers, you are not the only one to report such things. I cannot say that I have experienced them myself, which only lends further credence to my theory that Nazhor has left us and traveled far from this place.

I thank you again for your letter, and I hope to see you when we greet Socius!

Warm Regards,
Ilsola Tuulikki
Town Administrator