This letter travels to the Palati by way of an elderly male messenger. When asked for whom he works, servants are informed that he comes on behalf of a noble lady who has the acquaintanceship of the King, but that she wishes to remain anonymous. They are also informed that he has been instructed by said noble lady to wait outside the Palati in case the King wishes to send a reply with him. 

The letter reads thus: 

Your Grace, 

I hope you will not think it presumptuous of me to send this. I am doubtlessly one of many who has visited you, but I have a keen eye, and I could not help but notice your weariness. Though I know I could never extend such an offer in person, I wish to be a friend to you and aid you however you can. 
Your eyes are shadowed, my dear King; something troubles you, perhaps many things, and probably rightfully so. You need not fear that I shall seek to exploit this knowledge for my own gain, for I do not, I wish only to assist you. I will not ask the cause of those shadowed eyes that have haunted me since last we spoke, though I dearly wish to. I wish I could unburden you in some way, even if it were a small one. 

I should also make clear that I have no romantic intentions toward you. I write this as a friend, though I know a friend I shall never be. Soon you will sail, and I confess that I fear for you, but I have faith that Poseidon will guide you safely through his terrain and Ares will give you courage and steady your hand. Our great father Zeus will watch over you until you are safe in Taengea once more, and Athena shall give you the wisdom to outwit our foes. This I believe with a true and faithful heart.

There are several gifts I should like to bestow upon Your Grace. I was not brave enough to deliver them in person, lest you turn me away. It will be far less humiliating for me if you were to turn my simple messenger away, but I hope you will not, and I hope you will accept these gifts for what they are -- tokens of platonic affection from a loyal Taengean citizen who wishes you well. Should you, however, wish to scold me for my presumption, my messenger waits in your Courtyard. If you wish to send a reply with him, I would be most honoured to receive one, be they words of thanks or ire. 

Sincerely, 
A Nameless Friend 


A parcel came with the letter. Inside the parcel are several blends of herbal tea for relaxation and a glass bottle containing a draft for dreamless sleep. This bottle is clearly labelled so that Achileas will know what it is. On a chain of silver hangs a moonstone, the stone of the traveler. The final object is a finely crafted pin of amethyst -- for amethyst is known to bring protection from most things -- in the shape of a vulture, one of the symbols of Ares.