A letter Adressed to the Exigo HQ.

[DurinRustbeard]

*Sealed in a fine envelope with the flaming skull and crossed axe sigil of the Skullcleavers a message is delivered to the Exigo HQ.*

Captain Tidestrike, or to whomever this is to be reaching of sufficient rank

I would like to suggest a business proposition that will with most certainly seal the success of your bid on the Silver Pike project. The Skullcleavers are a resourceful and determined group of dwarves which I represent as thier steward and I would like to propose the terms of our aid in the endevor to win the silver pike project in the exigo's favor. You will find our brigade most capable in producing the goods the exigo will require for the competition.

The clan has elected to allow myself to serve as ambassador and voice for our concerns and needs and should you agree to the following I shall pledge the aid of the Skullcleavers in producing as many of the goods required for the project that we can muster. The terms are as follows.

1. Upon sucessfull aquisition of the project I, acting as the Skullcleavers represenative be made privy, (either through issue of rank in your organization, or otherwise) of the continuous development of the project.

2. That the grove be included in the future project discussions and that if possible that the viridale be avoided to the utmost. I am skilled in engineering, and if needed I will lend my aid to this process.

3. That the Skullcleavers after the completion of the project be thanked publicly for thier efforts and any Skullcleaver goods be free of exigo taxation or mercantile fee.

I assure you that the involvement of the Skullcleavers will hastily prove benificial for your organization, and I hope that in the future our relations may continue to grow in a common direction so that all involved may reap the mutual benifits.

Appreciative for your Consideration,

~Kilinar Klenk

[Urithrand]

A messenger approaches Kilinar and hands him a note sealed with Tidestrike's personal seal:

Mister Klenk,

Though the Exigo is grateful for all help in this endeavour, it is Exigo business, and due to the delicate relations with the Thayans we are sure you will understand that all affairs regarding this matter are internal and private. I am not at liberty to negotiate nor discuss the Exigo's plans in this matter.

Should you feel inclined to become involved in the collection of the required goods and materials we require, then you will be compensated financially and generously so.

Many thanks,

Cpt. Tidestrike.

[DurinRustbeard]

Demonstration of Good Faith

Upon receiving the response Kilinar reads it thoroughly and tho he is a pragmatic and sensible dwarf he had wished the Exigo to have been more receptive in allowing at least himself, be it through induction as a member of the Exigo or otherwise, some measure of privy other than the promise of compensation as any other whom the Exigo may find business with. Kilinar pondered the possibilities for a moment and decided he would not formulate a formal response.

He ran a manicured hand down his tightly braided beard. The mention of the Thayans in the letter did explain some measure of the apprehention... did they suspect the cleavers were working with the Thayans to somehow alter the route to the closer design of the Thayans? He took a brief sip from his bottle of dragons breath and pursed his lips as the flavor of the alcohol filled his mouth. When the interior had been well coated he swallowed slowly and allowed the fiery liquid to offer its variation of flavor as he focused his thoughts.

Tho the Thayans design does have its advantages and disadvantages it simply wouldn't be wise to back the enclave in the matter. The Thayans most certainly wouldn't allow the dwarves much input, and likely as outwardly kind as they may often prove Kilinar doubted any move they made in good will to be purely and completely of just that nature. Both organizations were waging for not only power in the valley, but also for profit.... Kilinar let out a quiet sigh through his nose as he continued to stare at the brief document as he thought. The Exigo, no matter if they are correct in the matter or not, will likely have a very difficult time in negotiating the road through the Viridale, and even though Kilinar understood the need to treat the druids, as if they were any citizen of the Valley he also understood the fervency that some goodly folk would offer on behalf of the grove including some among his ranks, regardless if it meant the preservation of the Mossclaw via the grove, or not...

Another long sigh and Kilinar folded up the letter. "They have already given me approval to act on our behalf, so I shall do so as I deem it fitting." He said in a quiet murmuring as he took another drink from his bottle. Whether it be for the coin the Exigo offers, or in hopes that our supreme efforts will prove to the Exigo our honesty in the matter I will carry on with issuing work orders.. If not only for our own stake in this valley, then perhaps for the benefit of our kin to the north." He said as he extracted a new piece of parchment and began to pen down the work orders.