The cold blizzard storms were now appearing on the alliance skies. The dark clouds, unforgiving, cold winds and the thick coat of snow that was laid on the ground meant that the alliance may be facing one of the worst winters it has seen for a long time. The winter of 1445, also known as the winter of the wicked, killed off more than 10,000 people during the old days. This one may be worst, as the said winter was not accompanied by a sharp recession. The alliance can only hope that it's farms and storehouses have enough food to last them through. But the four duchies are known for their resilience. If the Sofon dominion hadn't broken them before during their uprising, a little snow wouldn't either. Most prayed to Altaiya for safety and food during this trying times. The nobles however, could hardly care about the outside world as they continue to delight themselves inside their homes. The heads of the alliance however, had much to worry. Not only do they have worry about the terrible winter that has arrived, they also have the current issue with Bennipolis. The current reports from the expedition force are very promising, even reports of a new substance that induces a feeling of extreme pleasure when smoked. The nobles needed it and the merchants demanded it. The new decree from one of the one of Bennipolian royal families or the sorts. Thus the alliance men sent a message to Bennipolis herself. 
[hider=Letter to the rulers of Bennipolis]
Rulers of Bennipolis,

We've received a note from one of your own declaring that the continent of Aventia is solely under your property and that any attempts to colonize it by other nations is seen as an act of war. We urge you to stop this foolishness or we of the Corleonn-Warrus-Grudden-Nollin Alliance would have to resort with force. We do not wish bloodshed but our hand is forced.

Good day to you sirs and madams and we wish you would act with clarity of mind during this trying times.

Duke Kollin Ferras II, leader of the Alliance of the Four Duchies and Grand Duke of Grudden.[/hider]
In addition to this, the alliance is now spending five million Alliance Marks in the hiring of privateers, pirates under the contract of the alliance, to disrupt the trade of supplies between Bennipolis and her colony. This privateers are free to act on their own but are ordered to stay clear of Alliance and Azvanorian ships. The loot they collect from their ventures are to be sold back to the alliance.