Makeda enters the chancery carrying Julia’s sealed letter and the caravan registrar’s permit number. Julia follows at a measured distance, ready to answer for the family details.
The Official
Place the letter beside the Warsaw correspondence. We must confirm its wording, destination, and connection to the next registered caravan before it can receive the court seal.
The attendant opens the outgoing register while a clerk brings forward the Warsaw entries. The permit number is copied carefully, leaving a blank space for the receiving house in Isfahan.
The Official
This permit names the Armenian receiving house, but the register must show that it is attached to Julia’s letter, not merely to the caravan’s goods.
Julia
The letter asks my family for news and safe passage. It offers neither money nor influence, and the family names and addresses are written exactly as I provided them.
The clerk compares Julia’s details with the sealed draft, then turns the register toward Makeda. The entry is ready for confirmation, but the seal remains beside the official’s hand.
The Attendant
The documents agree. Shall the clerk record the Isfahan receiving house under this permit number and prepare the letter for sealing?
“Makeda now expects Julia to answer.”
Julia
Yes. Record the Armenian receiving house under this permit number and attach it to my letter. The wording and destination are correct.
Julia’s answer is calm and exact. The clerk copies the receiving house beneath the caravan permit, then links the entry to the letter’s recorded destination.
The Official
So recorded. The letter concerns family news and safe passage, travels by the next registered caravan to Isfahan, and may be forwarded from the named receiving house toward Moscow.
The official checks the permit number against the register and presses the court seal into warm wax. The attendant steadies the page while the clerk witnesses the entry.
The Official
The letter is now entered and sealed. The caravan may carry it under this permit, and the receiving house will be notified through the registered channel.
Julia lowers her gaze to the sealed letter, seeing her request pass from the chancery into an accountable route. Makeda’s arrangement has secured the next step without changing Julia’s words.
“"With three letters underway, I think the chances are good that your family will receive at least one of them. So it is only matter of time before you hear from them. In the meanwhile, are you happy with your worik, copying correspondence?"”
SUCCESS (Legendary Oratory, rolled +1)
Makeda
With three letters underway, I think the chances are good that at least one will reach Poland. It is only a matter of time before you hear from your family. In the meantime, are you happy copying correspondence?
Julia rests her fingertips on the sealed drafts, then looks toward the chancery door. The formal process has carried her words farther than she could have carried them alone.
Julia
Yes. I am happy with it. The work is exact, useful, and gives me a place in the court while I wait for news.
She gathers the remaining correspondence papers and checks their alignment with practiced care. Her expression remains composed, but the task plainly suits her education and patience.
Julia
I would like to continue copying letters, especially those that require careful language. It is work I can do well, and it may help me understand how news travels here.
Julia returns the papers to their folder and places the sealed letters safely beside them. For now, correspondence gives her both useful employment and a reliable reason to remain hopeful.
“"Good. I will inform the queen." She goes to report the women's progress to the queen.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Oratory, rolled +2)
Makeda
Good. I will inform the queen.
Makeda leaves the writing room and reaches Queen Mariam Dadiani’s apartments without delay. The attendant admits her to the queen’s sitting room, where Mariam looks up from her papers.
Makeda
Julia is happy copying correspondence and wishes to continue, especially with letters requiring careful language. Angela has secured the account system, Sofia has provisionally accepted garden work, and Daria is teaching the stable grooms.
Mariam sets aside her papers and listens closely. Makeda gives the report in the same orderly terms that guided the women’s choices, distinguishing settled work from arrangements still under supervision.
Queen Mariam Dadiani
That is a satisfactory beginning. Each woman has chosen useful work, and none has been pressed beyond her wishes.
Queen Mariam Dadiani
Tell me what further support they require, and whether any arrangement needs my intervention before it becomes permanent.
The queen’s attention remains fully on Makeda. The report has reached its intended authority, and the women’s progress is now under Mariam’s direct consideration.
“"Julia wishes to rejoin her family, but the others seem happy to stay and serve your Majesty. I can inquire further if you wish."”
SUCCESS (Legendary Oratory, rolled +1)
Makeda
Julia wishes to rejoin her family, while the others seem content to remain and serve Your Majesty. I can inquire further if you wish.
Mariam considers the distinction carefully. Makeda has presented Julia’s wish without turning the others’ contentment into a permanent decision.
Queen Mariam Dadiani
Yes. Inquire further, but speak with each woman separately. Julia’s wish to return must remain distinct from the others’ present choices.
Queen Mariam Dadiani
Ask whether they wish to stay for a season, seek another home, or simply need time before deciding. Their protection will not depend on pleasing me.
She reaches for a blank memorandum and places it before Makeda. The queen’s permission is clear: the women’s answers may be gathered without pressure and brought back for consideration.
Queen Mariam Dadiani
Begin with Julia, since her wish is already known. Then ask the others what they want now, not what they might owe the court.