Windstorms Letter thread

[Dream Loxley]

Millie and Mollie were quickly becoming used to seeing the new lads about the place, they were polite and interesting, although of course being handsome was the most important trait they possessed. Regular letters being exchanged made for a very enjoyable new season and the gifts they fetched with them were equally well received by all.

Dream was about to reply to Kerien when the other letter from Lele arrived. She read it and smiled warmly, wondering about Apricots and their properties. The whole World had become so much more closer and within her grasp now, she was learning about a different way of life yet with so many similarities to her own.

My dear friends,

Your letters have reached me safely and found me and my family both in good health and good spirits as we begin Autumn. The change in season is welcomed yet not often rejoiced as it is a busy time for all. Like you we are preparing candles and storing the last of the apples from our orchards. I hope your lads enjoyed their pies, for our cook is known for his pastry and other such delicacies. I am so oft left in wonderment at the different flavours he creates with spices and herbs from lands I have never seen. Corresponding with you both has opened up such new windows of opportunity and I am certain my Queen will relish the idea of exchanging not only seeds but perhaps other commodities we both either lack or have an abundance of. Until such a working treaty can be officially recognised and agreed I take great pleasure in enclosing another jar of the Arnica cream and one of our healers will keep some seed for you when it has been dried and aired. I would be delighted to receive your Apricot scrub Lele, we do not have anything like that here, and the idea excites me greatly. You should also find two of our Apple Pies safely wrapped and delivered to you with our warm regards.

The lands here are turning into a colourful quilt with golden tones within, but snow will not fall for a while yet, I imagine your homeland to be quite challenging, yet rather beautiful also. Our last harvests are in now, and the Autumn hunting well under way. I enjoy foraging with the village ladies around the hedgerows and forest floors collecting the fruits and nuts that abound therin. I doubt there can be any other land with such pretty trees and shrubs like our Oak woodlands, they are so peaceful and almost magical at times when the breeze blows and the birds sing. I find that I become quite lost to the goings on around me when I tend the earth, almost like putting the gardens to bed for Winter, as I would a babe. I enjoy the thought of keeping it safe so it may rest and flourish once again in the Spring time.

Keiren, your kind words brought tears to my eyes yet they lifted my heart to soar. I shall take heed of them and allow myself to accept my worth perhaps a little more. I do so enjoy helping others to shine that I forget my own needs at times.

Lele, I do so hope that one day I may tell my children that their beloved Father has returned to us all. Until then I shall continue to hold his memory safe within my heart and believe he is still out there somewhere, only a whisper away.

I remain your friend always and wish you both well and safe.

Dream

[Lady Edfeil]

((Just wanted to say first of all that this exchange is incredibly beautiful and moving!))

[Lady Edfeil]

*It was nae a missive she had wanted to write. She had hoped and prayed that her pen would never need to form the words that she had entrusted to the parchment. But the year was nearing it's end, and nae reply had come to the missive she had send to Kent. Near two years had now passed since last they had spoken. And yet somehow, somewhere... she had still kept hope. Yet if she kept harboring that hope she could nae go on in honor. And thus she wrote.*

To His Highness Prince Sighehelm of Kent, from the pen of Edfeil R of Windstorm


My dear Rock of Kent,

I hope all is well with thee, and with thy family. Ye all have been in me prayers every day since last we spoke. And every day I have prayed God to grant me the ending we both desired for the story of the Pebble and the Rock.
Yet two years have passed and nae more tiding has come to me from the good lands of Kent. I know ye, me Rock, and I know ye incapable of deceit. It was yer wish to be in Windstorm and bind yerself here, and the Rock nae changes face with the winds, so it is duty that instead binds ye to the lands of yer Father.

I have nae heard of Righarde marrying. And thus Kent can nae loose the only heir it has in his line. There are nights I have cursed yer brother, and repented as soon as the morning light touched the walls of the castle.
The line of pebbles on the mantle has grown from a score, to a score times a score. I wish to wait till there nae be pebbles in Windstorm anymore.

Yet Windstorm needs an heir. If nae, chaos will come over the lands upon me death. A woman's body is frail, and time is treacherous. I need to wed, Rock of Kent, as I wrote last year. I am seven and twenty. Ten years past the age of a maid to marry.

There is a man, a good man, from a good house who is prepared to align his name to me, and wed me. He deserves more than a wife who looks to the east. *here the pen had lifted for a long time, allowing the ink to dry dark into the parchment, as if she hesitated before adding* Yet how will I miss looking at the east.

I have both dreaded and hoped to hear that ye had taken a wife. And thus end whatever foolish dreams keep lingering. But ye did nae. And so it must be I who sets us both free from our own wishes. I will nae chose to be unhappy, me Rock, and I pray ye will nae either. Find a good wife, who will give ye the happiness and contentment that ye deserve. Be the husband to her that once ye would have been to me. And she shall be blessed.

If God is willing, ye will soon hear of me betrothal.

Edfeil Stormblade de Ruoma.
R.


*And when the last word was written, she dried the tears that had fallen and blotted the ink. And with a hand that was nae unsteady she sealed it and entrusted it to Master Sergeant Gerben himself to be delivered.*

[Keiren]

If anyone had asked Keiren, he'd not have thought the messenger boys handsome, in fact, they were something of a bit soft in the head sometimes, logic not always their strongest suit in play...however, they were as a rule, genial and good natured, and apparently, to some of a decidedly female persuasion, 'crush worthy'.

They were also quite chuffed that they were able to deliver letters with increasing regularity. It allowed for some demure but beguiling flirting to happen between they, and the twins. It also had caused something of a stir back in Arahdan, with Milford seeking out the best woman magnet he knew of...and inquiring of the noble (and lucky) gentleman, the sorts of things said to ladies one fancied.

It had been an interesting conversation to be sure, full of plenty of manly admonishments about never mentioning this and that, but complementing them on these things, lots of nodding and hrming. And in the end, Fred Smith of the Royal Garde had sent Milford back to Windstorm, more confused about women, and twins, than ever, and feeling like he ought to have sought out Dar instead of Fred Smith. At least the letter that he bore was of a more concise and straightforward manner.

Lady Dream,

Warm greetings to you. All is very eventful here, your letter had to be brought to us in the border country of the Rannalahollodran River, where skirmishes have stirred the location, and the army has been sent to quell the problems. Border raids, ever a problem for any nation, have besieged our neighbors in Tylol and we are arrived to assist them.

Lele is with me, as are the boys. Our eldest, Carmella, is off at Academy, studying. The city here is safe, but we make daily forays into the countryside, and soon think those of the Citadel under the banner of Sir Braeden and Sir Rutger will come to help see the battles won.

For now, it is a bit cramped, the days long and muddy, chasing the ghosts of our enemies into foreign hills and forests, along a river we do not know well. Our numbers are superior, we shall prevail, but bandits have the upper hand, in that they are well versed with this place, and it's landscape. I find the Tylolians likable, a forward thinking set of people, if ever there was one, hearty and strong in the face of adversity. We are honored to help them.

The arnica cream has come in handy, too. My nephew, a Lancer in the Caranian First Engineers was injured last eve, his armor and mail saving his shoulder and chest from mortal harm, but he's a battered fellow, black and blue where the blow rained down. Lele has used your salve, with good effect, on Dar.

If there is anything you would desire from Arahdan, please let us know your likes, and desires. We will happily fulfill them. Hearing of your forests and fields makes me smile, and look all the more forward to a visit soon. It was your mentioning of putting the trees and gardens to bed that reminded me of our old friend, the founder of our Healers Order, The circle of the Leaf, Lady Isolde. She would, every autumn time, do a ritual of just that, mulching in all of the green stuffs for their winter nap.

We uphold it still, as tradition. A day of thanks, we bid the forests fair sleep, and wish them safe keeping till spring's awakening. It harmonizes us with the wheel of the year, the turning of creation and season, the tang of salt and time and wonderment, each passing month holds.

Your love for your husband stands so steadfast. Ardunniadd, land where I was raised, and fostered in, holds that they are a monogamous people, given to love their lives long, with that person of their heart's and mind's choosing. Perhaps some Ardunniaddian exists in you, my friend, for your words do ring of their philosophies.

Until soon dear,
Keiren Al'thor
From the city of Tylol, East of Arahdan

[Dream Loxley]

Of course Millie and Mollie were having such a fun time, it was as if all the celebrations during one year had all come along at once! Teasing, flirting, also learning of different cultures and ways of another land were filling their heads with notions far greater than those they had experienced with the local lads. Mind you Mollie did have ideas above her station once and decided rather foolishly that she might catch a Royal or somebody similar, that was not meant to be and she had vowed against any further involvement with the opposite sex. Millie remembers that particular vow may have lasted just beyond one day.

For now the girls went about their chores and looked forward to each visit with heightened excitement. Dream, however was very sad when she read the latest offering and it took her some time to find the right words.........

My dearest friends,

The hopes and wishes that I send within my written words are only a small amount that I hold within my heart, for I know of wars, of battles and skirmishes. They lead to death, bloodshed, heartbreak and so very much more. I can only hope that the time spent there will quickly lessen and thus enable you all to return to the safety and comfort of your home. I am sure having your children and Lele close by gives you comfort, yet it must be difficult to imagine any harm befalling any of them. You have only to ask and I know Edfeil will send men to your aid, and also any supplies you may be in need of. I have met Lord Rutger and believe him to be a fine fellow. Let us hope for a speedy and satisfactory outcome. I do pray nightly for peace in all our lands. Your words, if I may say, so often remind me of my beloved Robin, he devoted his life to helping those less fortunate. I am grateful that I have such memories and his tales safely kept within my heart.



Hearing of your Lady Isolde made me smile for I too have cherished the lands and the natural environment surrounding me, giving thanks when and where I can. Without our lands to feed and keep us I wonder how we would manage at times. We have to give back that which we take lest there would be nothing left for our children's children.

Ardunniadd sounds like a wonderful place and it must be so to have given you such a caring heart and open mind. I have so little memories of my own upbringing for I was left alone as a very young girl, brought up to believe my parents lost to me, yet I found out at last that my Father did survive my Mother and I searched for several years before finding him in Windstorm. I own the deeds to a small farm on the coast of Northumberland, yet I have returned there but twice. The soil is good and the lands very pleasing upon the eye, yet the winds blow and blow. The climate is a far cry from that here in Cornwall where we do seem to catch the last of the sunshine daily.

I hope my letter has given you a distraction from the morbid, dark and muddy place you are in at present. I am so glad that the Arnica is helping, although I would much rather it be for a bruised shin from a practice spar than the poor man's injuries from battle. Still, he lives and for such I am very grateful.

Please give my very best wishes to Lele and your children who are with you now. I shall hold you all in my prayers and bid you all stay well and safe.

In friendship always

Dream

[Lady Edfeil]

*The message carried the royal seal and had been delivered with more care it seemed than was usual for the customary conveyance of good will and tidings that were exchanged between the two realms. The Queen had actually asked Captain Ulbrecht himself to personally serve as a messenger and make the unscheduled journey back home. Added to that, there was the rather more formal appearance of the missive. The scroll holder was made from a fine leather, stitched with strong gold thread. Within a second layer of soft leather wrapped around a heavy cloth of soft linen died a sumptuous red and embroidered once more with golden threads. Only once that has been removed did the actual missive reveal itself, giving away the reason for the higher formality by the contents of the letter enclosed.*


To His Highness King Magnus of Fryseland, from the pen of Queen Edfeil Stormblade Ruoma,



Yer Highness,


Salutations from Windstorm and may blessings rest upon ye and yer family and may the realm under yer rule be prosperous and peaceful as it pleases unto God.

It will nae be new tiding for yer highness to read that the bond between our two lands has long been a source of joy for Windstorm, as I hope it has been for Fryseland. I do hereby express the hope that this missive might be the beginning of a closer bond even henceforth, nae just between lands and friends, but between houses through the Holy bond of marriage.

If it is pleasing to you and the lords of the realm, I would wish to propose a union between the ruling house of Jelckame and the ruling house of Stormblade, represented by your well respected brother Prince Gregor of Fryseland and myself as queen of Windstorm. I hope that such a union would bring advantage to both houses and lands and would be a source of joy to many. I realize that a matter of such weight can nae be decided without proper counsel and prayer, but I trust that any problems that might arise could be worked out. I do not know of any alliance to either house that would feel slighted by such a choice, which would contribute greatly to my happiness.

In the hope that you would find favor in this missive, I leave you with the assurance of the greatest regards of Windstorm and myself.

May ye and yers be loved and blessed,

Edfeil Stormblade de Ruoma
R.

[Keiren]

This missive came borne by a slightly muddier than normal Milford, for the sail had been a hard one, and the rain unceasing, the gales of Autumn stirring the brief sea voyage into something of a real challenge. By the time he had reached the rugged coast of the lands of Queen Edfeil, he was rather rumpled, damp, and wrung out. He was beginning to see there were some inglorious parts to this whole messenger business, and tired, weary, he plodded on to the castle, where missive handed off he stumbled to the great kitchens, and promptly fell asleep at one side of the space, seated at a long table near the hearth, arms folded and pillowing his head.

So much for dashing.

As for the letter sent, it was bagged carefully in oiled leather and then a woolen satchel to protect it as best could be from rain, wind, time, travel. Nevertheless, the ink had run a tad at the corners and the whole affair, like Milford, looked a bit worse for it's wear.

Dear friend Dream,

Your letters, as ever, prove a source of pleasure and illumination to my mind. Lele is a comfort, indeed, and a source of amusement. She has about her a certain bluntness that only some women manage to pull off, she being one. She is unfailingly polite, but her expressions, comically cute, when she feels someone is trying to pull the wool over, on her. She can say as much with one suspicious and doubting eyebrow raise, than I can say if given a week to prepare a statement.

The boys are well, fat and growing, in this city by the river country. The battles remain skirmish and hide and hunt affairs, frustratingly typical. No smaller force would openly meet us for combat....well.......no smaller force that was not aching for a full defeat. They are wise, I begrudgingly admit, but it grows thin and annoying. So they continue to pluck and peck away and we continue to answer them with attacks.

So it goes, so it goes.

I had no idea of your loss of your parents...I too lost my mother and father when I was young, so we share that. I am sorry for your loss, I know for myself it surely changed the course of my life. I was adopted by my chief tutor, and smuggled to Ardunniadd, out of my native Talaria, for my parents were killed in a political coup. I have never seen Talaria again. Like you, with the farm you speak of, my roots have sunk elsewhere, than where I begun in this life.

I of course, had I power for it, would have had my parents never harmed. But...and I hope this does not read poorly, or as cruelty on my part, I would not sacrifice the lessons that has taught me. Before I knew nothing of how strong I was, or how much support I had around me. I was naive in ways I think were almost...ridiculous. Surviving the loss of mother and father, and growing, moving beyond it, has made me a better ruler. A kinder one, anyway.

I think one has to walk first hand in life's ups and downs, to really call oneself an adult of merit. I know your own losses, of parents, and Robin, have certainly shaped you and grown in you compassion and gentler regard for all life, I can hear it in every sentence you structure for me. Having said that....may we both know sweetness and tangible happiness from here on out, hmm?

I have debated writing to Edfeil on the matters at hand.

I hesitate....as you have said, our nations have no formal pact of friendship, and to intrude upon her, and the nation's largess seems unbecoming. Perhaps I'm just old fashioned that way?

Something to work on, I suppose.

I did wish to invite you and yours to an auction and sale coming up soon in Arahdan's festival season. Several horses, weapons, and jewelry and decorative items are being sold to raise money for our orphanage in Caran, the Naeding Hill Children's Home. My own nephew was actually adopted from there, a year or so ago, a delightful lad of nine now, he's proved himself a stoutly spirited boy, many times over. This was in part his idea, to benefit the boys and girls that are as of yet, unadopted. This charity is close to my heart for that reason, and also for the fact our eldest, Carmella was adopted as well. She is as dear to me as my next heart beat and breath, moreso, for I'd give life and limb a thousand and more times over, to save her.

It will be November 19th, during the Mayhem Festivals...we felt it'd be a nice break from parties and spars.

As for your salve, it has proved a blessing once again. My squire, a bit of a green lad, got overzealous in his movements, while getting my helm off a shelf, and elbowed me as I was lacing up my boots.

I'm told I look quite dashing with the black eye.

Be well sweet lady of Windstorm,
Keiren
In the Rannalaholladron River Country, Tylol City, East of Arahdan's Borders

[Dream Loxley]

*The latest letter had obviously seen better days and as such she knew her friends were not seeing good days.....that caused her no end of discomfort for in truth there was nothing in the physical that she could do to change the circumstances they were in. She vowed to pray more and send courage, strength and well wishes daily that sooner rather than later their hardship would cease and they would all be home safe again. Taking pen to parchment she tried her best to allay any fears they may have for her well being as they needed to concentrate on their own good health and safety.*

My Dear Keiren and Lele,

I hope with all my heart that my letter finds you all in good health and joyous mood, for I can see that poor Milford did not have such an easy journey. It pleases me no end that my words may bring a little light into your darkest hours and it does in deed lift my spirits to imagine Lele. I cannot truly wait to meet her in person for I have grown to know her through this exchange of letters and such a brave and worthy soul she truly is.

You must take more care of yourself for your family needs you to be strong and healthy as these skirmishes go on, let us hope and pray that before Winter settles in earnest that you are all home safely by your hearth and enjoying all that the worst of the weather may offer, in the heart of your home.

I understand how you feel having grown up alone, with only those who took me in after I witnessed my Mother slain by the Vikings. The woman called my her daughter but the man gave me little in the way of comfort or love. My Father resided in Windstorm and it was my fate to join him here and to spend several years of happiness with him. He decided the calling of his God was far too great and left to join his order in the Monastery. I shall forever hold him close in my heart and be proud to be his Daughter. I wonder if one grows a thicker skin as one experiences such heartache and grief. Once again your kind words have left me in awe of your wisdom, in truth I do feel more compassion the older I grow and if I could I would wrap every living soul in a blanket of love and kindness, protecting them all from the pain that life so oft thrusts upon us all.

Your invitation has been kindly noted and I shall do my utmost to attend. Such a worthy cause I do hope that sufficient monies can be raised to help them all. Your heart must indeed be large to accommodate another lost soul as well as your own children. I applaud your courage and strength and I know your Carmella must love you as if you were her own flesh and blood.

We shall speak more of a treaty for us all when time allows, for now though I hear tell that an official engagement announcement for my Queen is imminent, such does excite me and I will be sure to tell more of him when I am able.

May kind thoughts and well wishes find you all and continue to keep you safe. May the Arnica cream continue to aid you although my deepest hope is that it shall cease to be needed, especially for black eyes!

Your friend always

Dream

*She pressed the Loxley seal firmly, then wrapped the parchment carefully before placing it into the bedraggled satchel young Milford had safely delivered. Her hands stroked the worn leather and she smiled softly knowing that soon enough such would be touched by the hands of her friends once again.*

[Leleanda]

The letter found them a few days later, it happened to arrive when Keiren was out in the field, and so it came to her hands first. Not that it did a great deal of good in her hands, except to pass it to one of her most trusted attendants to read to her.

She contemplated it over a nice cup of wild cherry tea. It helped with stress, anxiety, and insomnia, all of which she was suffering from in these days of war. Sending her husband and her friends off everyone morning, and having to wait all day for their safe return. She thanked the gods repeatedly that so far they had come back with nothing more than minor scraps and bruises. At least minor considering the state of affairs. So far, it hadn't kept anyone out of the fight for more than a day, two at most.

These letters were something she found she looked forward to immensely. A little happiness and something good to look forward too when all this Orc business was done.

She didn't address the matters of up bringing. While she was well aware of her husbands unhappy events of his childhood, it wasn't something she felt comfortable discussing with others. For as tough as loosing his parents must have surely been, he had turned out into a very fine man... the man that had raised him doing an exceptional job.

As for the Lady, she didn't know what to say either. Vikings? Witnessed it? There were no words for such a thing. She had both her parents, and yet she had not seen them in quite some time. They had been a prefunctionary appearance at her wedding, but as of yet had not even come to meet their grandson. It was something she was used to, her parents they loved, and deeply....just not her. She had resented it once, but no longer. It was what it was...it had made her who she was.

My dear Lady Loxley,

It is such a pleasure to hear from her again. I do so look forward to these letters more than I can express. The days are long, and are starting to bleed together, but thankfully I do think that slowly we are beginning to shift things into our favor. I am hoping that we shall be on our way home soon.

I am most pleased to hear that you will try and attend our upcoming auction and sale. I have high hopes of the two of us getting to meet face to face very soon. I deed I am quite looking forward to it. And indeed it is such a good cause. Our family is fortunate to have found Carmella, any my husbands nephew to have found their Max. Life as a way of coming around, paying it forward it as it were.

The news of your Queen, that is good news indeed. Everyone deserves a chance at happy. Perhaps when the ink has dried and all is official, we will be able to speak more on treaties, but you are right, now isn't the time for for such....but soon.

As for the Arnica, I dont think I, my shins, or Keiren's face (such a handsome face it is too), can even begin to express or repay you for it! Its earned you a special place in our prayers..

Keep us in your thoughts,
May this war be ended soon so that we may return home, so that life, such as getting better acquainted with our friends can continue.

Warmest wishes
Lele Al'thor.

She signed the letter herself, something she had been practicing. Something she was proud of. With a little help from her aid, and a ruler, she was able to scrawl something akin to a signature. She thought about waiting until Keiren had a chance to respond as well, but Milford was already eagerly waiting at the door. She pushed the letter front and center of the desk for him to find, Tarris would he readied once Keiren had a moments time to respond himself as she no doubt thought he would.

Having the letter sealed, she gave the letter in care of Milford as well as a jar of the promised apricot scrub which she wrapped carefully in some clothe..(one of her failed knitting attempts..they had to be good for something!) That done...it was back to waiting and praying.

[Dream Loxley]

Dream had carefully opened the small package and taken such delight in the actual wrapping. She remembered Keiren writing of knitting and Lele's failed attempts, now holding the piece in her hands, she smiled softly, holding back tears to imagine the courage and frustration that this brave and ambitious woman must go through daily when faced with life's challenges. Such small things we all take for granted. She would keep this as a reminder not to do so in the future.

My dearest Lele,

How delighted I am to hear from you and with such a precious gift enclosed. I am in awe still of your determination and positive outlook on life. I am assuming the knitting was yours as your dear Husband wrote of your attempts with such praise. I shall keep it as a reminder of what one can achieve with faith. The scrub I cannot wait to try for the aroma instills visions of a beautiful orchard within my mind. I shall use it tonight when I ready myself for bed.

I can understand how tedious your days must be, and I am glad to read that you see this war coming to an end at last. I know that being there for my Husband, listening, just hearing his tales after a day of fighting was all I could do but it did seem to aid him to rest and recover from the horrors of wars. I am sure Keiren feels the same being able to leave all that behind him and share it with you. I hear tell of women who do just as much in the battle field as the men folk, yet I fear I am not one of them, nor would I ever wish to be. My Robin tried endlessly to teach me the Long Bow, his patience running so thin, I could never grasp the action in truth, yet since then I have finally been able to notch the arrows and actually hit a target. I am a long way off of catching my own dinner I assure you!

I sincerely hope your days will very soon be lighter and filled with joy, I shall do my very best to meet you both for the Auction. Perhaps you might inform me, is there something we could donate from Windstorm that may bring in a good coinage.

Please pass on my best wishes to your family and take great care of yourselves.

Kindest regards
Dream

[Keiren]

Tarris arrived, a spring in the good lad's step, and a smile, winsome and generous, on his face. He practically skipped to the castle, and once the letter was deposited safely in Lady Loxley's slim hands, he hurried on down to the kitchens, where ample twins, and ample food awaited him. Hard to say which he preferred best, the company, or it's fantastic cooking.

Dear Lady Dream,

You got your wish. A storm of snow and wind coming off the north coast of Arahdan has granted your hopes wings, and seen fit to end the season, as far as raiding. The enemy has retreated, undoubtably to some mire bogged and miserable camp south of here in the hills, but Tylol, with our archers and pikemen left to help steady her defence, stands strong and soberly faces the winter. I have thus returned home, children, wife, the better portion of an army, in tow.

Snow has fallen in the capitol, it gleams and looks pristine. The Highgate Inn and Tavern has done quite the business, all the sailors in port here are very much iced in, and bound to stay for a bit, as ice floes clog the shallower waters.

We are tonight grateful for many things, fireplaces being chief among them! So cold it is that the stones of buildings in town groan from it, and incessantly, the wind roars down in channels and valleys out of the Icehorn Mountains to where we are, perched on the Bay of Arahdan at Fairhaven. The city streets burn with wind, stinging, that crawls and forces it's way past coats, cloaks, scarves and hats. Children shiver and sleep under extra furs and blankets, and women do market day shopping at record paces.

The butchers' meats are hung and frozen in the store, the whole of the capitol of Arahdan has become a frosty land indeed. I am told in the south, the Empire remains warm...olive trees and orangeries grow there, along with the vineyards who's products we so love here. You'll never meet a man or woman more enthralled with their red wine, than my Arahdanians. I may not be their's by birth, but I do so thoroughly embrace their culture...for here, it is ALL about the food.

They'll shop in six (or more) different stores to get jut the right slice of meat, or the freshest fish, or best veg. They all seemingly grow herbs with green thumb skill, for it is a mocked housewife indeed that cannot claim at least forty varieties of herb and spice, grown by her own hand. Wine they will debate for hourssss...and I do mean hours. It's hilarious fun to watch, hands flying (for Arahdanians cannot seem to talk and NOT punctuate words with ardent, eagerly waving hand gestures.), cups in play as well. They don't actually drink much, I hate to paint us as a nation of drunkards...we aren't! we aren't!....They'll nurse a glass of wine for hours, dissecting it's qualities, like a priest might a sermon, is it refined...earthy...sweet....are tanins noted? And etc, etc.

They are a brave and thoughtful people, my Arahdanians are, but in general, do not bother them between the midday hours. Lunch time. It is not just respected, it is practically a force majeure within itself. No man would dare keep another Arahdanian from that lovely pinnacle of mid day...the meal of lunch. They are equally stern about tea and dinner as well, a very devout group of 'foodies' if ever their was one. So, while the snows rage on, and the winds pick up and scatters roof tiles and snow banks, alike, there is happiness for all the wives are at last able to tackle that glorious obstacle...'winter fare'.

Cassoulet of duck and beans, carrots and lentils and onions. That is the meal of the day, seemingly, and the cooks and Leleanda, my sisters, even..even my daughter, have all weighed in opinions on the rosemary and wine, the salt and peppercorns, and how much of each, and in what proportions are *correct*. Not right or wrong. The words are correct and ridiculous. They are meticulous in their upbraidment of anyone else's recipe, and the good natured cooking trash talk flies. It's good to see my wife so merry and bossy. Her finger wags and she laughs warmly, I'm writing this letter now, at the kitchen's work table, which is a silly place for an Emperor to draft letters, perhaps, but I like the atmosphere....and the fact I am often called upon to taste test something, and give my opinion. I have found that looking a little unsure nets one more food offerings. Win, win.

So your father has taken vows, then? Is he far from where you are, in his service to the higher and better good?

How are the children doing? Is fall still holding, there? And what of court? Are there great and mighty plans in the works for the winter time or is it still up in the air, and undecided? Do you want a cassoulet recipe? They're arguing it all back and forth, I should just jot it down.....

What about spice cake? Apparently that is a hot topic too!

Here you are, just so you can perhaps one night, if feeling particularly playful, cook like an Arahdanian, too.

With friendship held,
Keir the Taste Tester and Referee of the Imperial Kitchens

Lele's Cassoulet

2 tablespoons oil
3 lbs smoked sausage, sliced 1/2 inch thick
One set of duck legs, confit style
4 large leeks, thinly sliced (use the white and pale green part only)
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
1 1/2 teaspoons dried rubbed sage
1/2 cup brandy
3 to 4 cups cooked white beans
1 cup field beans, cooked
1 to 3 cups chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
salt and pepper
1/4 cup olive oil
4 cups diced country bread
1 lb onion chopped
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
Directions:

1
Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large ovenproof Dutch oven.
2
Add sausages and onions; saute for 25 minutes or until browned.
3
Transfer sausages to a paper-towel lined platter and let drain.
4
Add leeks and garlic to the onions, in the same Dutch oven.
5
Saute for 8 minutes or until they begin to soften.
6
Add in rosemary, and sage; mix well.
7
Add brandy and simmer 5 minutes or until mostly evaporated.
8
Add beans with 1 1/2 cups broth, and cloves; mix well.
9
Return sausages to pan, add confit duck legs as well; season to taste with salt and pepper.
10
Bring mixture to a boil; cover and place Dutch oven in a 350 degree oven for 30 minutes. Add broth as needed to keep it from being dry.
11
Heat 1/4 cup olive oil in a large skillet.
12
Add bread and saute for 25 minutes or until golden brown, stirring frequently.
13
Mix a little more oil and salt and parsley in a large bowl.
14
Add in the bread; mix well; season to taste with some pepper.
15
Spoon bread mixture evenly on top of cassoulet.
16
Bake uncovered for 15 minutes.
17
Enjoy! Serve with red wine and more bread.

[Tryggr Daimhsson]

(Sneaking in to tell you, Keiran, that now you have my mouth watering. Trygg may have to make a trip in Arahdan for a meal..

good writing, all. Enjoying the read )

[Leleanda]

She had enjoyed her time in the kitchens, her friends around her as they had debated and prepared dinner together. Well, she had debated, they had prepared....she'd tried to take up a knife, she assured them she was quite capable of cutting some onions. Long as she knew where HER hands were, she could do it!

She glared at the lot of them, as best as a blind woman could, sucking on the tip of her thumb, back to relegating orders and sipping on mead as Keiren had read the letter to her, and prepared an answer of his own.

It was later in the privacy of their own rooms, that she composed her own reply.

Dear Lady Dream,

I hope that I may call you that now as I feel that although we've not meet officially you have become a dear friend to me. Yes, the knitting was one of mine.....It was that obvious was it? Oh well, it had been something I once enjoyed. The making of such intricate patterns, watching as the colors wove themselves into something pretty, and of discernible use. That...had been my attempt at blanket for Cambrym, as you can see...it did not turn out very well I am afraid. But at least I found a use for it, and if it brought you a small measure of happiness then I suppose all is not lost.

Your kind words, made me tear up lady, for I do not deserve such credit. There are often days that I struggle with my blindness. Not being able to simple things for myself, it can be frustrating to no end. But Keiren..he is a godsend to me, patient and understanding and helps me be as independent as I possibly can. Lets me attempt things that I perhaps am not ready for even. *Her she gently rubbed her thumb against her mouth in thought before continuing her dictation* A tyrant at making sure everything gets put back in their place so I do not trip.

I do hope that I was of help and relief to him after the long days of battle. As I understand what it is like after such a day. Do you know the circumstance of my blindness? I was once one of those woman that could and did stand at a mans side. I was quite good if I do say so myself, twin short swords were my weapon of choice. Alas, I had the misfortune of being in the wrong spot at the wrong time.....let me tell you, a Paladins light is really something else. The monster defeated, so to was my sight.

Moving on, I do not like to dwell. What is done is done. The auction, yes, along with the invitation of merely attending, we would like to extend you the offer to put something up for auctions. Whatever you wish....perhaps.....Arnica cream? Perhaps not, we'll kept that gem all to myself for now.

But truly my dear friend, we would love to have what you see fit to donate to such a good cause. We have a wide variety of Horses, armor, and jewels. Perhaps something that shows of the beauty and splendor that is Windstorm?

I do so hope you can make it. The very thought of it makes me smile.
P.S. How have the children enjoyed the stories?

Best and warmest wishes,
Lele Al'thor.

Once more she signed the letter herself, something she was determined to be able to do. Sign her name to documents with more than a scribble. Smiling she folded the letter with great care once the ink had dried, allowed her assistant to blot it with wax and press in the seal.

Milford was called and with a huge smile the young man lopped off once more to Windstorm. Wondering what the twins were doing now? Would they be happy to see him again? He urged his horse on a little faster, trying to get out of the snow and into lands that were still in autumns splendor, full of a color other than sparking white.

(Tryggr you are welcome any time!)

[Keiren]

(Come on by, Tryg, always have a place for you in Arahdan, mate)

Now that he was back in the capitol, and properly rested, he could catch up on official correspondence and perhaps not botch it too much. He had drafted the letter to Dream, and still seated at the table, reached for a new parchment, and rewet the quill in ink.

To her Majesty, Queen of Windstorm,

Greetings and warm wishes to you, madam, are sent from Arahdan, in the high hopes that you are well, and that the realm of Windstorm doth prosper under your reign. Too long has it been since we have met as kindred spirits ought, in the blessings of mutual respect.

As you know the harvest season has all but ended here, and we are fast approaching the Season, where we shall have more merrymaking and balls, hunts and jousts. It is with a mind to that, that Arahdan keeps an eye on charity and the goodness of giving to those in need. On the nineteenth day of Tenth Month, Arahdan will hold an auction to benefit the Children's Home at Naeding Hill, Caran. I personally write to invite you to this event, in the hopes we might raise coin for the orphanage.

I do hope to hear from you, that we may reacquaint ourselves better, and perhaps arrange time for a visit.

Keiren Calendorian, First of his name, Empire of Arahdan

It was formal, perhaps moreso than a normal letter ought be, but it was, after all, an invitation. These things had a protocol, a way that they should be done. Casual was not it.

It was sent off, along with Dream's letter, the bundled and sealed parchments sleeved in an oiled leather container, lined in wool in the colors of his House, purple, green, and gold. Set off on snow covered roads, those letters would travel ice, seas, through rain and sun again, before meeting the hands of those they were intended for.

[Lady Edfeil]

*The missive had been handed to her by a young lad she had noticed about the place, yet nae had been able to recognize. A smile folded across her lips as the scroll had been opened and revealed the answer to the mystery. Glad to be able to pen a letter which carried a different weight, she had settled down and happily penned a reply. The letters were precise and without much flourish, but the words were warm.*


To His Imperial Highness Kiernan I,of Aradhan, from the pen of Queen Edfeil Stormblade Ruoma,

Salutations from Windstorm and blessings upon ye and all those within yer care. I received the missive ye send with great joy, as indeed it has been too long since we have spoken. With pleasure did I learn of the cause ye be supporting, though it be sadness that I feel at the need of it. I would gladly be attending and will do such, though the tide that will bring me to Aradhan will only allow me to arrive late in the evening, unless there be a good wind. I will however make certain to be there.
As ye say, the season of good cheer be approaching, and there be many a gift that will need to be purchased.

If there be ought that Windstorm can contribute to the auction, we will be glad to do such. Both wool and tin are found in both quality and quantity in the realm, and iffen either could be offering support to the good of the children, I would glad offer either, as well as any small piece of work of me own hands.

I have been speaking of a journey to Aradhan every since I have heard the good tiding of the birth of yer son and heir. God be smiling upon ye for certain. I hope he and yer wife fare well. Iffen ye would allow, I will bring with me when I journey to the auction a small gift to celebrate his coming into the world.

May ye and yers be loved and blessed,

Edfeil Stormblade de Ruoma
R.


*The missive was wrapped in cloth, before being sewn into the hard leather container for travel, and send off with the messenger.*