Rumor: House Mikin Desperate?

One of the more delicious rumours that is currently making the political rounds through the shadows of Zahir territory is that Duchess Voreyn Zahir, the "Wildcard Duchess", was recently approached by Viscountess Celeste Mikin for assistance.

Apparently, the Mikin wished for House Zahir's support against the Imperial Tribunal's investigation of Night's Edge Monastery.

The House of Vipers cares little for the Monastary itself, or whatever problems it may be having with the Tribunal; but the suggestion that a Noble of House Mikin would seek a Duchess of House Zahir, and the House itself, presents a scenario that is too luscious to ignore.

Considering that the Mongoose is the natural enemy of the Snake, such a request of a Duchess Zahir - or of any Zahir, for that matter - would have been unthinkable had it not actually taken place. Some suggest that the Duchess herself may have let this tidbit of information slip from her lips to be devoured upon by the carniverous vipers that follow in her wake, but such suggestions are generally unfounded. Some even state that they heard it from members of other Houses from sources present when such a plea occured.

Whatever the reason, it would seem that House Mikin's previous repuation for harboring a steadfast aversion to all things Zahir has been severely wounded by such an unexpected turn of political events...