Hyacinth (storyline)/Unauthorized Gathering (vignette)

Uhlen sat at the triangular desk, a quill in hand but her thoughts far away as her emotions roiled. Had she been wrong? Was she being played for a fool? She shook her head, attempting to derail those negative thoughts. She would not believe it, she decided, but she would be sure. There was simply no other option. Her resolve strengthened, she dipped the quill into an inkwell and began to write.

Administrator Zofiya,

I am reaching out to you with an urgent request. It is essential that you assist me in ascertaining the identities of a number of individuals who were seen trespassing onto the slopes of the mountain at the heart of the Isle. These persons were not numerous, though reports vary as to their exact numbers. It appears that there were no more than five, but they were well past the acceptable limit of where the Iyo will allow interlopers. Each of the group were clad, head to toe, in dark red and orange robes, with their faces completely concealed.

I must be firm about this, Administrator. I have urged, bargained, and pleaded with the People to join together with your town in the spirit of fellowship. However, this level of disrespect for our borders constitutes a severe insult. Allow me to be crystal clear: The mountain is completely off limits to all save the People. Any attempt by the town or its residents to gain access will be regarded as a severe breach of trust, and will certainly undo any progress that has been made with regards to relations between your people and mine.

I must require that you ascertain the identities of these individuals, or, barring that, confirm that they did not originate from your town. In either case, you must reply and let me know, so that appropriate actions can be taken.

I have the impulse to apologize for this imposition, but I will not, as this matter is simply one that cannot be couched in niceties. Please exercise all haste in determining who amongst your people have decided to take such dangerous actions, so that they may be dealt with as an example to all others who might consider such a course.

With respect and urgency, Uhlen

---

Zofiya read the letter for the fourth time, her jaw loosening slightly. The first time had caused her to see red. The second had left her longing for her sword. The third brought thoughts of Socius, and of bloodshed, which was the same thing. Still... she did her best to look at the larger picture, and reminded herself for the dozenth time that she was Administrator now, and that it was her job to handle situations like these.

With more force than was necessary, Zofiya yanked a drawer open and pulled out a scroll. She nearly spilled the inkwell as she jammed a quill in, then brought it to bear on the scroll.

To all Mist Harbor residents and visitors:

Trader Uhlen has requested that the identities of the individuals who were trespassing on Iyo grounds, specifically the slopes of the mountain, be provided to her at the earliest possible opportunity. She was most stringent in her language, and it was made clear that this is a very important matter to her. The only identifying information I was given was that it was a small number of individuals, and each was garbed in red and orange cloaks, with their features hidden. I would ask that any who have any information regarding this event let me know at your earliest convenience.

~Administrator Zofiya