Sapience,

On the day of my wedding to the fair Queen Alianna, before assembled kin and kingdom, I reached to place upon my bride's finger the ring that once adorned my mother's own. The very same ring that was given to her by my father on their wedding day. You can imagine the shock and confusion I felt in that moment to have found it absent from my pocket, even though I had hidden it there long before and fidgeted with it nervously in the hours leading up our exchanging of vows.

Guards and guests alike have informed me that in the tumult that followed the arrival of the Mhaldorian party, a waiter in the employ of Four Winds Catering staff may have possibly slipped behind me and stolen it. One of them was discovered attempting to flee from the Aalen, but my rangers were able to capture him and bring him in for questioning before he was successful in his flight. Unfortunately, this individual died in our custody before we could glean any information out of him. Among his possessions was correspondence including a payment to Skye B. Anchors, offering thanks for services rendered. It is important to note that Skye herself had been retained under the same company for the festivities.

Skye claims innocence, despite the evidence otherwise. Which brings me to the purpose of this missive.

I observed the proceedings of Captain Blackgale with great interest, and was impressed with how honourably the Hearth attempted to conduct his trial. Despite misgivings that were rightfully earned, they offered him due process and proper representation. Skye has already declared publicly that she is willing to answer to my satisfaction. And I am aware that the nature of this accusation puts her into a position where allies would be inclined to defend her without question, and enemies would be eager to condemn her without restraint. I will have neither.

The integrity of this investigation must be beyond faction or petty rivalry, so to get to the bottom of this matter, and to return into my possession the last token of the woman who gave her life for me and mine, I am establishing an impartial tribunal to examine whether Skye B. Anchors bears any responsibility for the disappearance of this heirloom, and to determine the nature of her association with Four Winds Catering in relation to this act.

Let the evidence be presented plainly. Let witnesses be heard without intimidation or indulgence. And let the truth be established once and for all. If she is innocent, then her name must be cleared in a manner that leaves no room for doubt. If she is complicit, then consequence must follow in proportion to what is proven.

I am seeking three impartial judges to sit upon this tribunal, and will be accepting applications over the next ten months. Those interested may send me a letter detailing their experiences and qualifications.

Let justice be served.

Respectfully,

King Tu'eras
Aalen Kingdom of the Tsol'aa

Penned by my hand on the 23rd of Glacian, in the year 997 AF.