To the Commander of the Hoplites of Abestat (Mizushin, private)

[Aradin Lastra]

Timestamp: 1st of Melora, Spring of Era XIV PF

The handwriting of the letter belied of a man who was born and raised in a family of great privilege. It came in the form of a roll of parchment tied in a golden tassel and sealed with red wax bearing they symbol of the House Lastra.

To the Commander of the Hoplites of Abestat, Mizushin Junzo

Commander,

I hope most sincerely that this letter finds you in good health and better circumstance than when last we met in the battle against those vile Vysstichi rebels who dared to attack Abestat and her citizens. Although knowing full well of your skill, having witnessed it first hand in combat, I have no doubt that you have, at the very least, managed to survive equitably.

It has come to my attention of late that you were made Commander-In-Chief of the faction known as the Hoplites of Abestat. Now, I will not claim to know anything about the motives or aims of that organization, or it's current strength. I do, however, think that it would not be a stretch of the imagination to say that it is dedicated, at least in part, to the safety and well-being of Abestat. Beyond this it must surely be an honourable militia if it is headed by one such as yourself.

I write to ask of you what is left of the Hoplites. I know not of their presence within Abestat, although admittedly I myself have only just managed to escape the unscrupulous hands of my long-time captors.

It is with noble intention that I do now fully turn my eye onto Abestat itself in order that it may be raised out of the sludge of political disrepair that my maddened uncle Enamere Lastra has let it fall into. You may or may not know that my honourable cousin, Rein Lastra, was assassinated many eras ago and my uncle has never recovered from the devastation of the loss of his son, as is rightly so.

For that reason, my uncles inability to rule, I would ask that you write the Governor of Prime Province recommending that he be removed from office for the good of the city, and also that economic control of Tradewinds be handed over to the government of Abestat so as to not ruin the cities industry. I have written her to these ends but fear that my word alone may not be enough to sway her Imperial Excellency.

If at all possible I beg that you write to her as soon as possible, and to myself as well letting me know how you fare and what the current status of the Hoplites of Abestat is, as previously requested.

With my deepest respect,
Aradin Lastra

[Mizushin Junzo]

The thelyri eyed the letter curiously, the seal on the wax not quite unfamiliar, but neither was it one he knew easily. It had taken some time before the tingle of memory allowed a name to surface, one from a not-quite distant past. Lastra? The letter was opened and read, and the reply he sent was:

To the Honorable Aradin Lastra,

It is good to know of your well-being, a concerned citizen of the Empire, and one who loves the city in which the Hoplites were born and inspired by: Abestat. I would be most glad to assist in the recovery and prosperity of Abestat, had I the resources to do so.

Regrettably, various circumstances have turned my attentions elsewhere. As for the Hoplites, as of now they are no more. The members of our group have scattered or been taken aside by fate, I know not where many of them are. Perhaps in the near future I may yet return, as I have no intent of letting the ideals and conduct that the Hoplites espoused as loyal citizens of the Empire die out.

All things considered, I doubt that such a person as I would have much influence to the counsel of such a person as the Governor of Prime. But, I shall see what meager assistance my humble name might provide, and hope that it does no ill to your goals.

Aetheria's blessings be upon you,
Mizushin Junzo

[Aradin Lastra]

Aradin smiled as he read the letter from Mizushin Junzo, the leader of the Hoplites of Abestat. He had a great personal in that organization, they would play a large part in his future plans if Mizushin Junzo would simply cooperate. When they finally met again Aradin would give him no reason not to.

My dear Mizushin,

I am most grateful that you are doing me this favour and writing the Governor of Prime. You have no idea how helpful it may be not only to myself but to the people of Abestat as well. If ever you need anything, I am in your debt.

It brings me even greater joy to know that you will some day come back to Abestat, and perhaps then we can work together to rebuild that illustrious guard of Abestat's honour. Until then.

Your friend,
Aradin Lastra