Lidara, Mistress of Dire Arts, I confess I was surprised to see such
harsh words from you when in our only personal encounter, a discussion
held in spirit while I was in a primrose trance, I dealt squarely with
you, in humility and WITH all due courtesy.

You may think that such courtesies are smarmy and false. Perhaps you
dispense with such things on your terrible journey into the Dark, though
demons, I hear, are more particular than anyone about how they are
addressed. But when I say "Madame", "Mistress" or "Dear Lady", it is
with the gravest solemnity. It is how civilized people behave.
And it is how my people, the Sidhe, behave.

I was not, however, civilized with the Wardancer, and I will not
apologize for that now. But you may be cheered to know that while I was
both saluted by my kinsmen for my championing of the Art Magick, I was
jeered by the same kinsmen for the disprespect I showed my opponent.
Anything you may say about it is as a handful of duck feathers compared
toTHAT. I AM IN A DISGRACE THAT WILL REQUIRE THREE LABORS TO RAISE FROM
MY SHOULDERS, AND THEY WILL NOT BE easy or pleasant.

As for the title of "mageling", you, Amira, mean it with contempt but I
shall wear it with joy. I am not, indeed, a full mage yet and don't
deserve the honors that come with true magery. I don't expect that you
will pay me those honors when they are due me, but that is no concern of
mine. Civilized people know that paying proper respect is ennobling to
both giver and receiver of the honor. I never called you a dog, Amira.
But you've claimed that name for yourself and I expect that you know
best. May you be as happy in your doghood as I am as a mageling. Some
humiliations are good for the soul.




Penned by my hand on the 21st of Fas, in the year 458 AD.