I, Thomas Cerveau, wish we approached the Vicomtesse sooner. Sincerely, both Scholars and Aristocrats need to work together in whatever manner is possible to help prevent this coming war. The time has come. Madame Vicomtesse Labelle tells me she can perhaps forgive us and give the Scholars her support.

I plead: just have everyone think about it. To me, that is the goal. Earn her trust for our mutual protection. Oh, but yet there is such hesitation from those not yet prepared to work out details. Does the prospect of alliance hurt anyone but our foes? Please let news reach me that the Council, though undecided, still believes that the Aristocrats and the good Vicomtesse Perrine Labelle serve the needs of the Queendom.

The time has come, I think, to weigh all we must consider. I must inform you our Magistrate had hoped our position would be solidified. I had to assure her that we Scholars, we friends, have come more in friendship than to placate or to insult her. Slower progress, sadly, but sooner than later, though, will we be, by Goddess’s mercy, well on our way. We may be proceeding, but I’ll be staying here. Hope is sitting nearby. There is no better plan for all Foraine than alliance with the Aristocracy.

Now is our greatest opportunity.

If there’s anything that we can do, all you need is to ask us to. If you require anything, be sure to write, if certain items are needed. Since we know you have arrived, are letters from us arriving protected and unmolested from peasants? Let us know.

I’m sure the generous hospitality differs from University services in the Vicomtesse’s home. We will keep your office the same, so you know, despite our accepting applications, you’re still one of us, safe from any academic termination, and naturally you may certainly continue your classes. You are using the same textbooks, yes? The five we selected by secret ballot previously?

Of course, Scholars remain bound by the code of the Scholar’s Oath. Be sure our concerns, albeit cautious, are remembered. Avoid ‘bait and switch’ promises, but always tell the truth. Report to us when you take leave. If Goddess’s mercy follows you, She will do all She can.

Paulette did agree to be your substitute this time, trusted with all duties to or for your position. She’ll not woman the stall forever; I dare to say we will all very much anxiously await you. We will see you when you return.

Fortunately, we are not yet lost. We still have another chance. We are given opportunity after opportunity, and still we have not decided! We must gather us together and not dismiss what wisdom discovers, lose or win.

Paulette Boivin, is she prepared? The semester’s upon us and if we, us and students alike, must sparingly spend our precious time and write, correspond, and talk with the Aristocracy, I should caution everyone to communicate clearly. But we are the Scholars, very cautious, very intelligent, and soon we will know peace.

Is Paulette going to teach the classes she normally does, time allowing? No choice but to overload if our academic offer lies beyond our current gifts and talents.

The alliance, if the terms can be accepted, is beginning to form. I ask, has…Maëlys, I believe, written to the Vicomtesse Perrine Labelle directly for forgiveness? May the grace of Goddess forgive us all.

Now, Aristocrats, us, and all of Foraine, for the next few months, our combined well wishes must delay this tragedy. I am, and shall continually, offer my support. I shall pray for us all. – Thomas.

Dear Professor Thomas Cerveau, do you still work for the Scholars, or for the Aristocrats? It has been a long time since your letter. For we wait, eagerly plan gifts, and yet we cannot like missing pages in our books. We have all wondered what the Vicomtesse’s plan now is. We ask you remember your pledge and give your opinion here: enact the alliance on which you advocate, to what end who knows, though we begin to question loyalties?

Should time allow, can you present yourself to the Council? You, ideally, could perhaps arrive at or before dinner time this Sabbath. It’s a long time coming. Our biggest questions are how you fare and best options for impatient Aristocrats.

At the risk of further growing tension, we must ensure our needs are met. The relationship must be equal. Enemy peasants scurry the roads everywhere; might the odious vermin not steal our gifts from each, any, and all couriers? Our letters may not reach you, we fear, but still we send them thither. The time has come to report.

Will Madame, of course we mean Vicomtesse, be a bit more given to allow you, Thomas, a few days leave, if promise is bought for you about your return? Then we, the Scholars, can discuss. Sincerely, Council.

As soon as I read your request for news, my heart jumped at the words. More than ever around here, as you expect and as I know, I am careful to represent the Scholars as respectful, staying always with you all with my tone. Can you all understand that while letters are kindly received, I am the last to do anything with them?

I appreciate your position, and also your desire not to know concern as you all did, but Madame Vicomtesse Labelle, for now, she will personally oversee everything. Respond not quickly; she is awaiting the correct correspondence, changing your position, ready to do anything.

Are you all not prepared for those things? Delay no more and no further.

Know that the Council, we, those of us who cannot deny current events, will let you, Thomas, continue representing ourselves as planned. However, please be warned, Professor Cerveau. As rushed as we have been into proceeding through with all these political negotiations, still this delicate process must be thorough. Matters are always complicated with the Aristocracy.

Are we not Councilwomen, keeping our students safe? Are we to completely forego debating you and your suggestions? But still, we are talking, not ignoring, and despite the changing climate, we believe our minds are things of reason. We ask where priorities are. Need we remind you of our way? Before all things, safety comes to what has promised peace and prosperity.

Trust in the Scholars and in this Council.

Now you, Council of the Scholars, should begin begging Vicomtesse Labelle as Maëlys already has. Truly, you should all graciously accept that I’m well introduced to political matters. Allow me the goodly, distinct honor to finally help you begin a positive relationship here, please. Wonderful opportunities exist for every woman. Life improves.

A noblewoman named du Broy, her first, Jacquilyn, has now appeared to save me from my bachelorhood, for me to marry. May Goddess bless us and help herself and our forthcoming union. In your prayers, please ask Her guidance. We need all heaven on our side now.

I, soon to be married, cannot teach night classes anymore. Picture that at my wedding! More changes will come, but beauty, our pursuit, comes first. We must stay on alert. Are the benefits of the betrothed still available to me as a new Council member, an academic representative?

Did my alliance proposal pass, and what with? End tally? Alliance from the Scholars’ Council to the nobility is still the goal. Plans for this must be approved. Let she who stalls by words answer to Vicomtesse Perrine Labelle herself for this. As the time for Foraine’s peace comes, let fear die, offering us a new era!