A letter from Nil to Quartus Oriens

To my most honored father do these words humbly present themselves, in search of kindred heart and companion mind. All health to you.

I greet you from covenant Nemus Animae, whose quarters I have not found disagreeable. Barring great failure of effort, my quotidian communications have continued to reach you unabated over the transition.

I write now in turn to give you my requested impressions of the principle magi of this House. By necessity these shall be too brief and colored by prejudice of first impression; however, I hope that the quality of my first impressions remains considerable.

Tully Sebasticook. Bares firm traces of twilight; as usual for his line, difficult and graced with an odd sense of humor. I trust I am not remiss in expressing my fondness for him and respect for his abilities, while admitting as well to the longterm problem of his presence.

Illuminata Vitreus, late Ishta. Of considerable potential, although showing some ignorance of larger circumstance, and a rather hot-spurred, territorial temperament. Neither quality is unanticipated given her history; her relations with the local population are alternately intimate and distanced, complicated severely by her lineage of origin. My recommendation is gradual but forcible separation from her parens, which would likely bring forth a more mature political mind. On the whole she is underdeveloped. Her civil engineering skills are rather breathtaking, however, for which aspect the trouble of her social graces do not come into question.

Equus Sine Equite, late Gi. Practical and responsible-minded, despite previous reports of youthful rashness; somewhat aggrieved under his current circumstances. I would suspect him to be suspicious of authority, but entirely cooperative when services are rendered in the interest of Love and Reason. Bears some moderate elemental mark as well as an always-present Fae taint, which should not be overly disruptive. I would recommend further cultivation---gently, and from a distance. I do not presume to dictate where your hand may and may not reach, but in this matter I request your patience and forbearance.

Sonata Erat Aurora. I shall put aside my admiration for her scholarly work in the interest of a fair evaluation. Sonata, if given reasons of personal academic interest, could be persuaded into considerable tasks; however, she shows an internal distractibility which makes her unpredictable on the whole. From what little I have observed, she does demonstrate a hearty willingness to engage theocratic elements; as with her published work, I find this simultaneously admirable and worrisome. I will continue to observe her closely in the larger interest of the Order.

Perdix Carbonis Loreatus. Already discussed extensively between us. Currently in a state of advanced disarray, but I maintain that Perdix is a considerable talent in the midst of a complicated remission. I continue to evaluate the maga Inclinata's loss as a gain of great substance for whomsoever is willing to abandon their squeamishness.

(before you argue here, Father, allow to humbly to pre-empt you; I do not yet presume to have overcome my own squeamishness. As with Gi, I beg your indulgence.)

Calvus. Again, extensively discussed, and the transcript of my most recent conversation with him is enclosed. I trust you will find my execution to be of satisfaction to you.

As to my health, it remains in the same state as that of our last meeting. I retain the benefits of my brief respite at Annalum, but little else. You will understand if my sentiments remain somewhat tender in this regard.

You will also be interested to know that Mens has, to the end of aiding in the current (minor) revolt of the earth, been lent from Manu Tenere (along with another well known quantity, Circumcessor.) I shall inform him of your concern over his long silence, although our relations are not the strongest among your filii.

I take my leave of you as duty sees fit, and remain in all things

your son