Nirni di Varello is in her private apartments. She has placed before her the tiara that Serae Canillia made for her title of royal jeweler. Next to it, she has arranged the two hairpins the craftswoman used to secure it. In her head, she repeats the cryptic words whispered by Serae Canillia:
"Please examine the needles and if you feel the need, send for me."
The young homina was no stranger to the sulphurous reputation of the herbalist of the Filira Ordre Alkiane. But the Karae, Mother of her husband, has distinguished this homina by making her the Royal Jeweller.
These pins are carefully and delicately decorated with floral motifs and black pearls. She recognizes Canillia's seal, the same as on the tiara, engraved in a barely visible corner. Sharp and strong, they could eventually be used as a weapon. But there's probably more to it than that. On closer inspection, she discovers the fine mark that proves that the head of the needle unscrews and the whole thing is hollow. She suddenly remembers a great-grand-aunt's pins that her mother kept and that she was not allowed to touch, and knows with certainty what these jewels are.
She turns to her camerawoman in charge of the jewelry.
"Serae Vichi Civaldo?
- Sil nae Karaedin, what can I do to please you?
- Tell me what you think of these hair needles, Naete."
The homina takes her time to examine the objects carefully and very attentively.
"Nae Karaedin. These pins remind me of objects made by a master of poisons, Ser Vekariel, although the signature is different. They're not strictly identical to the ones I remember, but I'm not a specialist. If I'm not mistaken, each of these objects is worth a small fortune and can be extremely dangerous. In the days of the tyrant Jinovitch, certain well-born ladies wore poisoned needles of this kind in their hairdos, enabling them to defend themselves if necessary.
- Thank you, you can put them and the tiara away. I won't be needing you any more today.
- Very well, nae Karaedin."
Nirni's Dame d'Atours very carefully places the tiara and needles in a box, then takes her leave.
Nirni remains pensive for a moment, gazing out of her bedroom window. Not even the view of the lush forest she adores can rouse her from her thoughts.
When she finally turns away, she strides over to her desk and grabs some writing utensils.
Serae Canillia,
I invite you to take a chai and discuss botany and jewelry between hominas on 19h - Quinteth, Floris 5, 3rd AC 2627.
If you wish to be accompanied, please inform the palace as soon as possible.
Nirni di Varello, Karaedin
