Rook to R4

[Suede]

A messenger would arrive at the Lancer station on the outskirts of Myrken early this evening. He'd come dressed as mediocre as possible, and with a mule trailing behind him to drop off the message in their care. It would be addressed to Starr himself and held closed with a blank seal.

to Tempestro Starr, Lord of Als'raeux Estate, High Councilor of the Tempestian General Council,

I'm sending this letter in regards to procurement of some of your fine men for their eventual services. I'd like to open up a contract with the Lancer's at their earliest convenience and would appreciate some fashion of reply in the near future concerning this. Payment and details of the purpose can be discussed upon further contact. I look forward to creating a satisfactory contract for everyone with you.

Archibold Renclair

[[Deost]]

The note arrives post-haste to the addressee listed on the councilor's message, left -- seal unbroken upon Tempestro's desk.

--
The long piles of papers that are neatly arranged on the merc -- no, baron's -- desk have half been eaten by moths -- given the majority of them are fictional reports, or some other form of nonsense. However, those are given for the junior functionaries -- ahh, beauracracy. However, it's the blank seal that attracts his attention and the fact that Falgri has delivered it by hand to him. The merc unravels it and reads it -- but there's quietness that descends on his face that which only mars the black star birthmark over his left completely cobalt colored eye.

"Hmm. I wonder."

The note is sat aside, before the merc pulls out a sheaf of parchment, drawing one long peice of paper out, before he begins to let quill dip into inkwell, and then scratch out his rather, oddly enough, beautiful, handwriting. The letters are long and looping, short in places, but there is subtle elegance in it. An oddity one would imagine from someone of his ilk, of swordsman. But, his hand-writing is unique, as it were -- though one might think it part elvish from the flowing script. There is an answer to the message given, written, and then stuffed into a silver scroll carrier, before he places a seal upon it. Though, it is not the Tempestian seal, - it is a gray lancer's seal. Two lances crossed, with a lightning bolt dead center. And it is that which is sent by fastest courtier (to arrive, perhaps even in the day's passing) to one Archibald Renclair. But the missive's contents?


--

Archibald Renclair,
Thank you for your missive upon requesting House Gray Lancer's men. As we are based out of the Tempestian area, there are limitations to their capabilities. Mainly due to Tempestian Law. Which, once they enter negotiated contract they cannot break such oath, and must abide the terms set out. This having been writ, any attempt at bribery, in any direction from outside influence, or internal -- to do contrary to their contract -- terminates service and contract, and those responsible are added to the black list.

Needless to say, I doubt any of that shall happen. The terms and conditions can be arranged and discussed and I can send one of my officers to talk to you about such. Depending on the duties, however, our fees are most likely higher then normal mercenaries. If it is merely for sentry duty, I would advise perhaps asking for one of the other high-ranking houses in Tempestia. As Tempestia is haven, a rather organized haven, for mercenaries. If you still wish House Gray Lancer's service send word, and a time and place for meeting and I shall send either an officer, or myself, shall speak to you about the contract.


Signed: Tempestro Starr, Als'raeux Estate.

[Suede]

Archibald scanned over this newest missive with a faint smile touching his lips. His finger tapped quietly at his nose as spent a moment to choose the words of his response.

to Tempestro Starr, Lord of Als'raeux Estate, High Councilor of the Tempestian General Council,

I appreciate your timely response and can assure you that I would never think to suffer the Gray Lancers with Sentry duty. I'm seeking a group of those highly effect in combat and warfare to compliment the less direct methods of some of the others in my employ. There should be quite a bit for you to do if things degrade as I imagine.

A meeting at your earliest convenience will be preferable. Send your representative when you are able and have them take up hospice in the Broken Dagger where one of my own employees can easily locate them. Having them wearing the mark of your house for easy identification would be convenient as well.

Archibald Renclair.

This new letter would be sent forth with the same haste as the initial.

[[Deost]]

There is an answer to Renclair's note, awaiting him one morning, in silver tube once more:

To Archibald Renclair, esquire,

In answer to your missive, I shall be sending one Corishar se Allas, of Elseglade, to act as intemediary. He shall negotiate the terms of contract, and of duty, and acts as I would act. If he declines, then it is in the best interest. However, if he accepts the terms -- then it is as if I accepted. He is a elven man, of some height, blonde hair, fair face, save a scar on his left cheek. He shall be wearing one of House Gray Lancer's signets on his hand, and clasp at collar -- which is a forked bolt of lightning, with two gray lances crossed behind it. However he is a Lord of Tempestia, do not treat him as such. He disdains such, considering his origin as a mercenary himself. That is a little customary or rather ettitquette warning. But, I hope our dealings go well and that we can help the other out.


Tempestro Starr, Als'raeux Estate.