_Countess,
Should anyone but Lady Knight Jessica be assigned the Fenix hold, I humbly ask to be released from your service, our oaths severed. This is not an ultimatum, but a matter of practicality. If I cannot make it apparent she is the best person for the position, and perhaps the only person for it, then I will have failed not just her, but you. We have here an extraordinary young woman who has fought harder for not just order, but actual harmony! we have here a woman who has faced children of Lilith and raiders of Native Nightmare. We have a woman who has taken in nobles without homes, commoners without families, and graciously judged people not by their court or kith, but by a two fold test of what is in their hearts, and what they can do to aid her fief or at least do it no harm. She has become the very supporting pillar of the entire community, rip it away and I swear to you this community will fall.
It is so very clear to me, and you are no fool, so if you cannot see it, then the fault must be in my inability to convey this properly. Hence, any judgement but her continued service at Holder would show ineptitude on my part. I will endure many things, but I have my honor, and I will not be a hindrance or incompetent to two women, both I greatly admire. Has friendship blinded me? No, not at all. I am well aware of Jessica's faults and failings. She trusts perhaps a bit too easily. She worries too much what family, friends and her charges think. She can second guess herself.
And yet I assure you, her virtues outweigh these by the score. Nor is she alone. I , myself, have made missteps, but she has allowed the repentant to turn such moments into learning experiences, for she understands what it is like to learn herself.
Let the holdless barons earn other fiefs, perhaps they are holdless for a reason if they can only gain it by seizing what others have bled for and made desirable. Fenix is only a prize because Lady Knight Jessica has made it so. For any other, I firmly believe it will become a complete drain on time, and resources. Resources you cannot spare in this time of war.
I know as I am Eiluned you cannot read me with your boon, but I will take any oath of truth if you wish this all said in person. I have been timid in this statement, but when she gathered the courage to present herself to you directly, I realized what a spot I had put her in. I have hinted, I have indicated, I have suggested...
let me finally tell you.
Jessica King is not only the best holder for Fenix
Jessica King IS Fenix. She is, as much as the balefire it's soul, its living beating heart.
Do not rip the heart from this fief and then be surprised if it dies.
Loyally,
Dame Mitrra Mitras ap Eiluned_