Role

Chapter 28

Rashaze,

I thought you might like to know about something Daphedee's been planning.
She and I have talked a lot about keeping busy in the face of our respective
losses, and it certainly does help. Anyway, her idea is to start an arts
scholarship in Gaspare's name for the Empire, you know, to foster creation
and keep the Imperial Hall of the Arts full? She's offering 100 gold to
worthy artists, too. We both know how I feel about the Empire, but I'm still
going to help support because, well, it's Daphedee, and I'll be damned if I'm
going to leave her hanging. Do you think you might ever try a paw at the arts
yourself?

Your sister,
Renize L'Sirocco


Renize,

I never met the Lich. I am almost certain a report with my name on it never
crossed his desk. To think some paint slapped on a canvas is worth more
recognition than years of dedication...

I am done, sister. I have given a lifetime in service to this Empire, and my
service has not been recognized nor appreciated. This continues to be no
different under a new rule. I wish a change of scenery. If I have to look at
another pile of cow shit or a cowering peasant, I will lose my mind. I shall
die having seen life through my own eyes, not simply through the eyes of
conquest.

I am humbling myself, Renize. I am asking for your help. I will be hunted
and slain as Anathema. You will hide me, won't you sister? My fur is going
white. I could disappear and never be recognized. An old Felar in a big city
is beneath anyone's notice.

Rashaze Vixe

Rashaze,

Think before you write. Slapping together works of art has been my entire
life. Anyway, you're nuts and you're making me complicit in how nuts you are.
If I help you, you're gonna do MORE than just hide from the Empire, Brother
Anathema. You're putting down that unholy sword of yours, for one. When you
go underground, you're gonna do good work, helping the less fortunate, for two.
For three, you STILL owe me an apology. I wrote to you about my terms decades
ago. Take it or leave it. If you leave it, good luck with the Empire on your
own. Maybe Ketherr will let you slice meat in the back room of his shop.

Ever your sister,
Renize L'Sirocco