Prince Gustavus von Lothringen to the honorable Alastor Yan Sirkov

Missives: In-Game

Delivered to the "Dusty Cover Bookstore" in Sofia by bonded courier at noon of All Saints Day.

Hand written upon personal stationary in royal purple ink in Italic Cursiva calligraphy.

In the Year of our Lord 2016, November 1st - All Saints Day.

Alastor Sirkov,

Let me be the first to say, Congratulations! In one fell swoop, you have risen to a plateau of authority far surpassing anyone I have ever known. I knew in my heart that you were the power behind the throne, but I never imagined you to be so daring or adventurous as to become a hunter of the Anathema; I underestimated your ambitions and promise not to make that mistake in our future dealings. I also salute you for your patriotism and devotion to the ideals of the Camarilla; there can be no greater calling than to hunt the Anathema, for while I acknowledge that some of them are merely common criminals, those ranked higher are the very children of the devil.

I wish to extend to you my deepest thanks for the vital information that you recently provided to me this September. I will admit that I am somewhat surprised that you chose to acknowledge my authority rather than back your brother in a Coup d'etat. Still I humbly accept your support and hope that I am worthy of your allegiance. Let me say as clearly as possible, that you were never in debt to me, but now the reverse is more than certainly true and that I will honor that debt in the manner that best suits you, my friend.

Equally, I wish to assure you that your domain of Ovcha kupel, and possessions remain inviolate from the other Kindred of Sofia city. Our noble bloodline must stand up for one another as well as leaders of the Camarilla and its august goals.

In that spirit, I would like you to extend my heartfelt apologies to your brother the honorable Brian O'Reilly. What I did, was done in a moment when much seemed at risk and the city needed a strong authority to prevent its descent into chaos. Know that I wish to make a peaceful settlement with him for my assumption of the princedom that he previously held, but know equally, that while I believe he has the potential to become a prince, he was not yet ready for that sort of authority. While I had become comfortable in my position as primogen, and had no interest in usurping the boy's birthright, I can see how others would believe the worst of me. Let me state my intention to make amends to your brother through a debt of prestation, not for assuming the authority of Prince of Sofia, but for offending him and causing him any discomfort in relocation. Of course, we both know that he cannot return to Sofia under these present circumstances, and that his appearance either publicly or subversively would negate the aforementioned debt and would in all likelihood instigate a profound rift between he and I.

I also wish to state publicly that I do not for a moment believe the slander bandied about by Archon Ilyana Ravidovich. I find it highly unlikely, if not impossible that Brian O'Reilly is in any conceivable way affiliated with the foul sect of the Sabbat. He is simply too noble a being to stoop to the vile depths represented by that group diabolical brigands. Know that I would speak out publicly in his defense against such ridiculous charges and I have taken efforts to squash all such rumors here in Sofia City.

As to the other subjects of discourse in your previous letter, let me assure you that I have taken all possible precautions to safeguard myself and the city against further potential anarchy. I also give you my word, that I will pursue all possible ends towards justice in those cases wherein the traditions of our society have been contravened and punishment is due pursuant to the dictates of the lex talionis.

Your faithful friend, Prince Gustavus von Lothringen of Sofia-Grad, Bulgaria.

The document is stamped with the Von Lothringen coat of arms in royal purple wax.