To Her Majesty Queen Jennifer, and to the Noble Council:
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With due respect for the seats you hold, the trust of the people you represent, and after deliberate consideration, I must state plainly that I cannot yield to the ultimatums presented by House Aermane.
This conclusion was not made lightly. It is one I find myself to after arduous contemplation, seclusion and prayer; one grounded in the principles and standards I am oath-bound to uphold
As such, I offer the following explanation to accompany my refusal.
It has been demanded that I submit a heartfelt apology to House Aermane for removing Lady Opal from the Knight's Faire after her unsanctioned attempt to peddle her wares, and that I beg forgiveness for repeating the reports of her alleged dealings in Andunor. I cannot proffer what I do not possess, and I will not cheapen my integrity with hollow words.
In truth and with moral clarity, I am not sorry for having removed Opal from the Faire. She knew that her attendance would be met with disapproval, yet set her cart up beside the entire delegation from the City Fair, and antagonized the Elven druid that was asked to help move her out. The resulting damage to her cart was regretable, but wholly avoidable.
My actions were taken with due cause, in defense of both Opal's safety amidst brewing discontent and the spirit of the day itself.
To the other point on this, I am not contrite that scrutiny was cast upon the claim that she sold tonics to the drow. Andunor remains one of the Realm's most persistent adversaries, and transparency in all our dealings must be the standard.
Secondly, I will not ingest any tonic that contains the blood of another living being, as doing so would violate the very vows I have sworn to uphold. My oaths are not negotiable.
Nor will I subject those under my protection to labor in support of practices I cannot in good faith endorse. I will not compel any member of my Order to craft fertility charms, nor in any way support Opal's methods. To do so would erode the standards that have long earned the trust placed in our name by Cordor's citizens and our Arelithian allies alike.
However, I will render the precise amount owed for the broken cart and lost elixirs from that single incident. This sum will be paid without delay to Steward Azalin Blackcloak of the Arcane Tower, who settled the debt with Opal at the time.
His written and sworn testimony may be offered for the Council's perusal, should it be required. While I believe in rightful recompense, I will not be made a target for opportunistic exploitation.
Lastly, in the interest of progress, particularly within the Slums, where our compassion is needed more than this recursive loop of pageantry, I will accept your final ultimatum and step aside, allowing the Ladies Albet and Abigail Rayne to meet with Her Majesty in my stead.
I do not consider this a concession. House Rayne has long been a staunch advocate for the people of Cordor, in more ways than most will ever know. I trust they will act with competence and conviction in the work ahead. I would rather not waste goodwill or momentum that could be better spent uplifting our city in its time of need.
I remain the Watcher's faithful servant, committed to my ordained duties; both for the betterment of Arelith's people and for the wellbeing of those entrusted to my care.
With Vigilant Purpose Unto the End,
Dame Alis Dionadair-Grantz
Knight Commander of the Order of Ascension
Standard Bearer of the Radiant Heart Auxiliary
High Watcher-Elect of the Vigilant Church
Day 28, Month 12 (Nightal), 186 AR
Alis Dionadair-Grantz