Inside the lord's study chamber, Mana stood poised at a castle window, gazing out at the mist-shrouded dawn. The windowsill, worn smooth by occupants of the previous generations, supported her elbows. As the flickering candles danced across her features, her jet-black hair cascaded down her nape like a waterfall of night. In one moment, a soft rustle of wings echoed, which caught her attention. Shortly after, a messenger hawk landed on the windowsill, its feathers glistening with dew. Mana's eyes narrowed as she expertly untied the parchment from the hawk's leg. With delicate fingers, she unfurled the message, and scanned its contents. Her calm expression then transformed into calculated concern.
"This is the fifth missive already," her concern manifested through her words. At the same time she spoke, the hawk cocked its head, and after its gaze was returned by the spymaster, the winged beast started its flight once more. "The Hero is quite bold to be teasing you like this."
