Windstorms Letter thread

[Lady Edfeil]

*The lad having returned with the missive was eager for the journey back. Even though the task of a messenger was much more humble, to him it felt as if he was earning his spurs, and his earnest desire to please as well as his evident pride in his accomplishment were a joy to behold. He had ridden hard and fast to Windstorm and after but few days rest had been returned back to Blackthorne, after being asked many a question both by the queen and the Master Sergeant.*

Me dear friend,

I hope to journey very soon. I have made arrangements with Captain Ulbrecht who be the brother of me betrothed. Yet he will but sail me on condition that all be safe within the lands. Pritthee me friend, assure me that ye be safe and settled in peace? I long to come to ye and hear all that has passed. Ye can nae imagine the wonder or the rumours. We have had some turmoil of late which makes those around me weary to see me travel without proper protection, so when I arrive I fear 't will be with a large retinue.
Pritthee write back soon. Tell me that the lowlands be as peaceful as I have heard. Tell me all be well, and I shall try to sail as soon as the weather allows.

Be loved and blessed,

Edfeil


((duplicate post Blackthorne board))

[Nicole]

~she was broken of 'er concentration as screams filled the air.. standing.. it took only a few moments afore she saw the lad that had visited 'er.. Midnight deep in chase barking and snapping at his heels.. smiling... she drew in a deep breath letting out a loud whistle.. the hound then took off bounding up & around her knees watching.. tail wagging the entire time.. the lad approached.. she nodded.. "the hound was jes excited is all.. she wanted only ta play" Squaring his shoulders he shook his head in the most of regal of fashion.. "well then welcome back.. should I be seeing ye in fer some rest and food?" again she only got a shake of the head.. handing the scroll over, Nicole received a gracious bow.. then the view of his backside as he moved off the Bluff.. calling a guard.. please accompany him.. we cannae have him trying ta make it back ta Windstorm feeling unwelcome.. patting her leg... the hound followed her inside.. flopping in a heap at her feet as she opened the missive~


betrothed? ~'er eyes blinked re-reading that once more~ well now.. iffin Edie aint gone and snagged 'erself a Lord or a King? her smile turned inta a frowm vera quickly.. passing over the settled portion.. 'er stomach drew up with sickness when Edie mentioned rumours.. so what she was told be true.. Edie was jes being kind.. asking after her like always.. what she was told of 'er past must be true.. facing off with 'er friend.. would nae prove ta be healthy.. fer Nicole that is.

~quickly she pulled parchment and began.. Edie.. it be with m'heart full knowing ye be getting hitched.. and all proper like.. ye were always the Lady.. the true one.. ~swallowing she went on~ Aye.. I be as safe as a bairn in God's arms.. these lands as well.. there are many.. some of which are nae familar ta thee.. but it is seen ta that 'arm comes ta no one.. I be praying that yer troubles 'ave past.. iffin ye need ana of our men.. surely I will get them there and at yer back.. all that 'as past? well now.. nae much from me. ~she bit 'er lip~ I pray that yer Love knows the treasure 'e be getting... I dun want ye making such a long trip.. the Bluff sets within the fog fer many a day at times.. making it difficult ta find..~it was then she rolled it up tight. using a cut of leather.. quickly she passed it ta one of 'er beast once more.. sending 'im after the Guard and lad.. falling back inta a chair.. she drew 'er knee's up.. burying 'er face & feelings

[Lady Edfeil]

*The seal was familiar, the handwriting too, and even the messenger was becoming familiar with Caernarfon's lands. The scroll had been wrapped in leather and from the smooth way the ink had dried it seemed as iffen Edfeil nae had laboured over the words as she did at times, but written in a single, fluid motion, allowing her thoughts to pour onto the paper.*



To Her majesty, Queen Caera Anne, from the hand of Edfeil Stormblade de Ruoma, queen of Windstorm.


Me dear friend,

I am sending these lines both to convey me gratitude and to inform ye of the happenings in Windstorm this past day. I fear that our recent turmoil nae has ended completely. A man whom in the past has been a guest in our hall was overcome with anger and drew a dagger aimed at the women within, that were our guests. Goodman Kaylyn who was a visiting intervened, first adding his own presence to my own security by positioning himself between me and the man who had left reason behind. When later he fled, goodman Kaylyn aided in preventing his escape with a well aimed throw of his war hammer. There nae be words enough to describe the appreciation I feel for his swift reaction, which once more underlines the longstanding friendship between those of Caernarfon and Windstorm.

I pray ye will convey me gratitude to him, as I will do in person as soon as I am able to travel. I hope to be able to journey to Caernarfon soon, yet of course this matter needs first to be dealt with.

Be loved and blessed,

Edfeil R.








((crosspost with Caernarfon's message board))

[Jessamine al'Thor]

Before turning in for the night Jess sat at the desk in her room writing the missive she was going to send to Caernarfon along with the Queen's.

Greetings Queen Ceara Anne,

I wished to send a personal note thanking you for your kind hospitality to me while I attended the Ball with the residents of Windstorm. It has been a long time since we had been in each other's company and things were not always easy between us or our homelands. I am sure by now you have heard that Aradhan has disappeared from the world. I was out beyond its borders searching for herbs and when I went to go home I could not find my way back. I still bear the title that Keiren gave me out of respect and love for him but I fear I may be the last of Aradhan. I do think that with approval of the Council I shall make my home permanently here in Windstorm but if it pleases you I would love to visit periodically. I fully enjoyed speaking with your Bard Mistress Lady Larksong and one of the other bards by the name of T'riss or something like that. Please know that if there is ever something I may do to aid you in some way send word and if it is in my power to grant your request I shall do so as soon as it is possible.

Forever in friendship,

Jessamine al'Thor


She sprinkled a bit of sand on the ink to aid it in drying. Once she determined it was indeed dry and would not smudge she rolled it tightly and poured a small bit of green sealing wax on it and stamped it with her personal seal of a Rose encircled with vines. She called one of the pages and handed him the scroll to be given to the Queen so it could be send with her own missive.

[Lady Edfeil]

*It was nae much more than a jotted note, placed under the door of the study by the Queen's request. Knowing that both men shared the space yet had too much respect for one another to riffle through what was there, the small piece of paper had been folded into a square, then sealed with the queen's personal seal. Once opened, the words were quickly written, the ink having sanded so swiftly at times that little had remained on the paper itself.*

Me friend, I must request a word with ye in private. I nae be skilled in arranging such in a way that would nae arouse words to fall. I hope ye would be able to do such. It be a matter that might concern the safety of the castle yet be nae something I can speak of openly.
In faith and trust, be ye loved and blessed,

Edfeil, R.

[Lady Edfeil]

*Letter from the hand of Queen Edfeil to Queen Hippolyta*


My dear friend,

it's been too long since last I saw you again. And so much has changed. You've seen my son. You've seen my pride as a mother and as a queen. I have an heir now and as such.. Windstorm's future should be settled. I honestly thought that in aligning myself with the Frysian royal family, in restoring royal blood again to the Windstorm line, the break in succession would be past us. It seems however.. there are those who have designs on the land and on the throne.
Ten years I have reigned now, mostly in peace. And it seems we have become a victim of that peace. Summerville has grown from a small village near the coast to a large harbour city, bustling with trade and a stopping place for merchant caravans'. The tin mines are producing well, and the Norse Settlement further to the South is holding in peace and keeping the threat of invasion from the Danes at bay, whether by the force of their presence or because they are abiding by our treaty with Thorgrimm Halfdane even now, I do not know. The last year though.. there have been incidents. Threats. We lost part of the stables to fire, and we know 't was not an accident. And then there are the letters, warnings of assassination, the threat that they will not allow one of Frysian blood claim another throne. My husband is used to the wider political game. But I am but a mother lost in the threat to her child.
I would ask your council, my friend. My reign has changed and I feel more.. at ease negotiating the marriage settlement for my ward, despite her worries of the wedding night, than I feel in making changes to our defense. But make them I must, and I shall.
Send me words of wisdom on where you find your strength, and I will offer you my gratitude.

Be loved and blessed, and may your reign be blessed with peace,

Your friend,
Edfeil R.

[Hippolyta]

*letter from Queen Hippolyta to Queen Edfeil*

My dear Edfeil,

It has certainly been some time since I last saw you, and I must confess… I cannot remember if I told you that I had another child. My brood now consists of Julian, Andreas and Mara, Cyrene and little Xander who recently turned a year old. They are their mother’s delight - and quite often, the cause of grey hairs in the same. My son now sulks with his school work after “decorating” a few of the ambassadors with mud, but that is hardly the worst thing he has done. But I digress.

Let me start by telling you this, friend, there are always those who have designs upon your throne and your land. I can tell you this with certainty after several small uprisings and one war. Even now, there is unrest within Troy, and murmurs about the woman who have usurped the throne. Their words, not mine.

My first advice would be to kill those who annoy you, but I suppose that will not be something that you care to act on. You will, however, need to show who actually sits on the throne and rules. Be strong, and be firm in your decisions. By Amazon law, anyone who wish to challenge you for your position will need to meet you in combat - and I realize that this does not apply to you - but one battle may be enough to show that you are indeed strong.

For you are strong, Edfeil, even if you do not believe it. So are all mothers. It is the mother that defends its cub that is the most ferocious animal you will ever meet. Do not be lost. Be a mother defending her den, her cub. That is where I find my strength. In my children. I do this to protect them, to defend them, and to give them life.

May the Goddess smile upon you always,

Hippolyta

(cross-post on the LW boards)

[Lady Edfeil]

*Letter from the hand of Queen Edfeil to Queen Hippolyta*

Dear Hippolyta,

you had not told me you bore another child! Perhaps you were delicate in trying to spare my feelings, when it took me so long to conceive even one, but I assure you, my friend, the news only brings me joy. A year old already. He is less than half a year older than Aerich. Perhaps if next you were to have a daughter, an alliance could be struck and strengthened over time within them.

Windstorm has not been as.. tumultuous as Thermiskyra over the years. Peace perhaps has lulled me, but it has been such a joy, and fertile ground for the prosperity of the realm to rise. If I could concede my throne to allow such peace to continue, it would not be too hard a choice. I know though, that I stand as a shackle in chain between past and future, and if one breaks.. the whole is weakened. My father's line was broken once before and a sign of weakness will make Windstorm not more than a playing ball for larger political powers.

Our problem now is that we have no knowledge of who it is who seeks to undermine my rule, or more.. my son's future rule. My husband and those of his blood.. are.. fierce in their determination to see the threat ended and I faint see myself calling them back save to stave off the worst of excesses. There is a man within our dungeons now, who was caught bringing the last threat within our walls, but it seems he is nothing but a courier bought for coin, with no knowledge of what he was doing and who sent him.

A woman's strength comes from her love, from her womb. A queen's comes from her people and her land. It seems both are calling upon me to be strong indeed, and find ways to end this, whatever the cost. Yet I fear that cost none the less, my friend.


Be loved and blessed, and may your reign be blessed with peace,

Your friend,
Edfeil R.

PS. It seems this year is bringing us an overabundance of dandelions. Would you lack a cask of dandelion wine to be sent?

[Hippolyta]

Dear Edfeil,

Are you really certain that you would like an Amazon princess for your son? She would know nothing of… bed… covers. On the other hand, she would be able to ride and fight. Those are good skills to have. If I have a daughter, perhaps I will consider to let her travel to your lands and see if your son will be a good mate.

Both Thermiskyra and Troy have seen unrest ever since I took the throne in Troy to reign until my son is of age. Perhaps it will be better once Julian takes the throne, but I think that I will never stop looking over my shoulder for arrows that might be aimed for my back. I do not think there are any words of wisdom to be had regarding your choice whether to give the throne up or not. All I can say is that… do not give it up. Better things will come. Storms will pass.

The man in your dungeon may know more than you think. Send down a man in disguise, someone who might be able to express their sympathies. Perhaps he will then tell more than he should. You can ask Caius, it works pretty well.

It does not matter what others think of how we lived our lives. It does not matter if we go down in the histories as tyrants or even cowards. All that matters is what we do now. We are our only judges, Edfeil. Remember that. Those who come after will have other trials, other battles to worry about.

May your sword never break,

Your friend,

Hippolyta

PS. Please send the dandelion wine. It will be greatly appreciated. In return, I am sending a casket of the Amazon blue wine.

[Athena Sorcha]

~She had finally gotten thru most of the things that had piled up on the desk in the study. Having sent replies or tossed as necessary. This one, however, came to something much more personal touch than the others did. sitting down at the desk, she smoothed the parchment out and picked up the quill.. dipping it into the ink and set her hand to writing~


To Queen Edfiel,

Forgive the slowness of this reply. Apparently the missives became buried underneath of all of the other things that somehow are piled up on the desk in the study. I am just now coming to end of the piles. It's taken me a little while to do this, you have no idea how cluttered this desk was. I'll blame Antagony, he's come to expect it from me.

~She paused there and grinned. knowing it was probably reflected in that simple slant of her writing. She adored Antagony. he was worthy of Nicole, even her Mother agreed on that. and her Mother had never thought that of any other. she dipped the quill and continued once more~

In regards to the safety of the Crown Prince, if there is anything at all that the Bluff can do, do not hesitate to let us know and we shall do all in our power to ensure that you and yours are safe and secure. Please do keep us updated and let us know if anything changes. My sincerest thoughts and prayers to the quick and simple resolution of this problem.

Speaking of the guards, we would welcome an exchange. I will inform the Captain of this and have him select some people that would be a good fit in your lands. I am sure he will be in contact with you and your own Captain soon to work out the details of it. If that is unsuited, I think that while the weather holds, we can arrange a visit to ensure that the details of the exchange go smoothly.

Nicole herself, has decided that she is travelling for a while. It is entirely possible that she will show up at Windstorm at some point in time before the weather changes. I will leave messages at the docks and with the runners in the Keep that if she shows up, to make her way to your Home before the wedding happens to have a talk with the Lady Jordis. I am certain that she will be delighted to be asked to do this.

If there is anything that you and yours need, anything that we can do, do not hesitate to write to let us know.


Sincerely,

Athena Sorcha Macleod
Viceroy of Blackethorne Bluff


~she replaced the quill and sprinkled some sand over the ink to allow it to dry. leaving it out until it did. once it was dry, she rolled it up and dripped wax along the edge to seal it. taking the ring from her hand and pressing it into the wax to imprint. once it was hardened, she summoned a messenger to take it to Windstorm. Sending a prayer with it that the missive finds everything well with that Home~

[Athena Sorcha]

~for the second time in a while, she found herself sitting at the desk in the study and penning a letter. this time there were two of them. one was already sealed and ready to send. soon as she figured out how to. she had only been to Domini once and she thinks it was Toryn that took her. she'd have to talk to him anyways soon enough. she would just add that to the list of things. this second letter was easier. although she was concerned if the Queen would think she was...out of her mind for this one. smoothing the parchment out, she found herself dipping her quill into the ink once more then setting it to the parchment.~


Queen Edfiel,

I trust that all finds you and yours well. I am sorry to be writing you again so very soon, it is likely that the first letter and this one would arrive within a week of each other. Possibly even cross if there was a reply to the first.

We still have yet to locate Nicole, although others have joined into the search. The young man that accompanied me to Windstorm the last time I visited, Lee Barimen, has had good luck in finding her before when she chooses to go wandering. So he graciously volunteered to look once more. If she appears in the lands of Windstorm, she will hopefully be in his company. I would never ask you to betray her trust if she asked you to keep her presence there a secret, but is there anyway that you could find it in your heart to let us know that she is alive and well? I am not asking to know where she goes or where she has been, but that she is alive. We have had no word from her in a while now and it is beginning to be of grave concern to the ones of us here that keep her in our hearts. We know she can take care of herself, but we still worry for her.

In other news, Macleod is still gone on his own patrol to find signs of Nicole's whereabouts. It falls to me to ensure that things run smoothly, which now include the guards. I know that the request for an exchange of guards from Windstorm to the Bluff was sitting on the desk for a while before I responded to it, if it is still an offer, I would gladly start correspondence with your Captain to arrange such a transfer. However, I fear I do not know who the Captain of your guards is. If you could possibly let me know, or even have him or her send a missive to me, I would gladly get the details worked out. 


~she paused there and then her lips twitched. debating on bringing this up since Ant had made a mention of it last evening, she didn't doubt that he would follow thru with his particular wording. sometimes the best defense is a good offense. she dipped the quill once more and continued to write~


It has recently come to my attention that while I am not overly untutored in the ways of the court, I have a far way to go. So maybe when thing settle down for us all, it would be possible for you to spare a little bit of time and assist me in learning the formal court ways. I would be greatly appreciative of such an undertaking as that, and I am sure that others would as well. Depending on when things slow down, it would have to be either before I was too far along to travel safely or after the babe is born.

If you have need of anything from us, please do not hesitate to let us know.

Sincerely,

Athena Sorcha Macleod

~laying the quill down, she reached over and sprinkled sand on the ink lightly. setting it aside to dry as she stood up and stretched. moving around the study for a long few minutes. her mind going over information that she had been given. eventually coming back into herself and returning to the desk.. she rolled the scroll up and sealed it with wax and the imprint of the ring of the Bluff once more. taking it, she stepped outside and gave it to the waiting messenger, watching as he grinned and took off~

[Lady Edfeil]

*From the pen of Edfeil Jelckema de Stormblade, R.*


Dear Son,

Sergeant Lan acquitted himself of his duty without any problems and watched over yer uncle Dieter during that horrid time you will come to know more of. To make things easier on Goodman Haelan who has indeed stepped into the shoes of Master Sergeant Gerben who now fulfills the office of Steward, yer father and I retired to the cottage. In time I believe it will be your own retreat as well from the weight of duty, though being brought up to it, I think you will handle such easier than I do. Though even yer father who is raised to the crown has a liking for the precious little time we take away from duty.

No more attacks. Not since Yule! I can nae describe to ye the gratitude which lays in me heart because of it. I am hoping it is over. That indeed mayhap 't was Sir Kyle's latest gift to Windstorm and that whoever did this, lays slain. May God rest their souls and may they have found forgiveness.
Yer aunt, Princess Jordis be nearing the end of her confinement and I hear rumors it might be twins because she is growing.. very large indeed. I be praying for her and for an easy birthing.
We truly should offer Haelan rank for he has done exemplary service when much has been asked of him. And there needs to be reward for such. Always reward people who do ye service, Aerich, when 't be within yer power, and whatever benevolence ye can give to any, be they poor or rich, infirm or strong... give it for yer own heart's sake as well as in service of the Almighty.
One last bit of news is that two days ago Goodman Andrew Shiffer returned to Windstorm soil. I say goodman but I must say Captain now. I nae.. ever thought that that scamp would have gone to sea and come back a captain. He said though his going was nae as.. simple as it might have been. In a way he was impressed into service for hearing something he should nae. I can nae help but wonder if me father knew of it. If he agreed to it. And what it was he overheard that would cause such a severe reaction. I will nae press him of course. Yet 't be hard to believe he be a guest at times, one who knew me when I barely just arrived.

Duty calls here, and with harvesting going on from all gardens, me supervision is needed. A good harvest this year and I be glad of such. It keeps the worrying at bay. The harbour is growing, and with the protectorate so is Windstorm. We are growing more prosperous each year, yet I fear we are drawing eyes.

My love for you is always,
Your mother,
Edfeil R

[Lady Edfeil]

Dear Son,

though rare it is for me to write two days in a row, I must add this, for I nae know if I will be able to write again. Last night the bells sounded of alarm while I was already abed. Your father and Sergeant Lan stood guard over me along with others.
When calm had been restored somewhat I heard what had past: a rider had come riding up as if chased by evil itself, well passing what would be good for a horse to bear. This was strange enough for 't was one bearing our own colors who would not do such save in the direst circumstances.
He rode up from the new protectorate.. with the tiding that two ships were sited, filled to the brim with armed men. Yer uncle Dieter has ridden out with ten. And as much of the men as can be spared safely here will ride out and follow. I have not spoken up yet, but... I mean to ride for the protectorate and be there, at the keep. They asked for my aide, they trusted in my protection. I should be at their side. Ye will remain here in the safety of the care of yer man at arms, and if I can persuade him.. in yer father's care. He would stand by my side in all without a hesitation, but you are the most precious thing in my world, and the future of this kingdom. Even should duty take me, remember that love guided me, and allow it to guide you. For love without duty is weak, and duty without love is hollow.

Be loved and blessed,
In love and faith

your mother.