Esmeradin had heard many a rumor these past few weeks since the shipment of trade goods was sent to Tallendon. Rumor of fires, deaths of the crewmembers and possibly even war at stake between the treacherous waters and her own shores. So much was left to speculation, and out of concern for the growing tension in her own lands, she sent for the swiftest of messenger owls to deliver a note to the leadership of Tallendon. Written with a careful hand, the notice read the following.

"Tallendon, long has it been since word has been sent of the ship I had issued to deliver my offered trade goods. My people give me rumor that possible harm may have waylaid my ship and it's crewmates. M'lord, M'lady, please send me tale of what has happened to the trade ship and it's crew, my people need to know, as do I. Signed, Esme the True."

The note was simple enough, but the sincerity in concern for her peoples worries, and her own was barefacedly written. Hope was all that remained, that good news will be received and perhaps even chance to repair the long distant friendships with the people of Tallendon and it's leadership, once more.

Snowfall, her favorite messenger, perched on the railing of balcony. Bright white feathers contrasting with dusky browns and black oily streaks in his coloration, feathers well preened and clean. Bright blue eyes stared up at Esmeradin as she tied the message to his clasp, and lifted him up as she spoke to him in calm tones in common. "Go to Tallendon, find one of the royals. Give that message to them. It is important that none see you but the king and his family." She instructed, her voice firmed in tone. "Go now, be swift in flight Snowfall." She tossed him into the air, the owl taking wing immediately, soon disappearing from the balcony's view and soon, even from the view of the horizon. Esmeradin remained at the balcony, hands gripping the railing with paled knuckled nervousness. Something, was very very wrong.

It was not too long of a wait when Snowfall returned, landing upon her arm and lifting his claw to her in offering of the note tied to him. She took care to untie and unroll it, spreading it out on the railing with careful fingers.

Quote:

Dear Esmeradin, It is good to hear that things are going well over there in the rebuilding process, Yes the rumors are true there has been an attack upon the vessel for now I declare the waters within the docks unsafe for anyone travelling that route, me and my man are handling the problem as discreetly as possible for we fear a wide spread panic among the citizens, We have one suspect that may be the cause of it but no leads as to where he is located his name is Dircan Carnisor one of our own family we do not know the motives behind it I know he would not have been able to attack a whole ship by himself it be impossible my guess as well as everyone else’s that he has an more than one person helping him I fear for the worse and I do not suggest coming here until all is taken care of I would understand if you decide the alliance to be broken or if you declare it at its end, but I hope you know that the ship shall be avenged and taken care of we already enlisted a possible alliance with the empire of raven lock within Sharvani and I am sure Lady Akara will lend some aid within this I consider you a friend Esmeradin and know that I would never plot anything against you and above all I promise and assure you that I will solve this matter… Signed: Elros Carnisor Emperor of Tallendon

Her heart sank, as a grim look seemed to creep across her expression. The ship, it's cargo, all of it was gone. All those innocent crewmembers..rage poured into her as she clasped her hand tightly about the missive and turned quickly, Snowfall jumping into the air and fluttering back to the Aerie on the upper teirs.

High above, dark clouds swirled, the sizzle of lightening could be sensed, raising hairs on the back of ones neck. The dragon was far from enraged, she was furious, and the elements saw to it to display what she refused to. A rip of thunder collided and shuddered the island in it's mighty threat to rend the world asunder, while she continued to walk, her eyes ablaze with anger, and a stiffen jaw, her lips in a straight line as she marched up the stairs to her husband. He will need to know...and all hell will be paid for toying with her people and her kingdom.