I am pleased we had the opportunity to meet the other day. I can see now why there is much praise in the Taengean kingdom for House Leventi. Your company, advice, and kindness had left a positive impression on me.
I am looking forward to testing my new horse on the journey back to Athenia. I do not pretend to know if there is truth in your ways of judging a good horse, but I will not deny that I believe it was your knowledge on equines that encouraged me to make that purchase. I do not regret this in the slightest. Thank you for that.
If it would please you, I would very much like to keep in touch after I return to Athenia. Our kingdoms may be separated by some distance, but messengers are constantly improving their delivery times, and I believe it would be in the best interests of both of our houses to keep a line of communication open between each other.
Thank you again for your insight; it shall not be forgotten.
The strangest thing happened today. I had a letter from a man that I helped find a new horse. I know that doesn't sound very strange but I never get letters you see...
Thank you for the letter, it was the brightest part of my day. It pleases me greatly to know that Taengea left a lasting impression upon you. As much as I would like to I can not take credit for the positive impression. Taengea does so much of a better job of convincing then I ever could.
Have you decided upon a name for the horse yet? May he remind you of your time in Taengea for many years - there is hardly a better token to remember Taengea than a Leventi horse.
I am afraid that now that I know you are as eloquent on paper as you are in person you'll have no choice but to keep me abreast of what is happening in Athenia, of how you are enjoying your new horse, and of course how you and your family are doing.
May the Gods see you and your father on your travels home!
I wanted to make sure you received this letter before my father and I began our return trip back to Athenia.
I can not express enough how glad I am that my letter has made such an impact on your day. I hope there will be many more days to come that you will find letters addressed to you from this guy you helped find a horse.
The name I have decided on for the mare is Thýella. While your winds in Taengea were far more pleasant than a tempest, I am quite reminded of Taengea’s fresh air and strong winds blowing the grasses of the plains and rustling trees when I think upon the kingdom. I look forward to seeing how she fares on the trip, but she is magnificent. I could not have asked for a better horse to claim.
You as well, will have to keep me informed as to the latest news from Taengea with your family and the general goings-on around the kingdom. I would have you skip no detail, as is only fair should I write to you of my uneventful life in Athenia.
My apologies should probably be given upfront, but you will likely need to get used to receiving letters; I expect I will send them frequently.
Two letters in one month. I am deeply concerned that you may have me confused with someone else. Did you walk through a door and hit your head on the ceiling? Has it left you confused? Would you know if you were confused if you were confused? Please direct me to where to send the healer in your next missive.
I am afraid I was not adequately prepared for such correspondence. My younger brother quite managed to steal your letter away and proceeded to read it for the entire stable yard. I do apologize. I do not know why we encouraged him to learn to speak. He was so much nicer before he learned what words were.
Thyella is perfect for your lovely new mare. The days are growing warmer already here and I am anxiously awaiting the time until it's suitable to take the horses down to the seashore. If the opportunity presents itself, take Thyella to the seashore. There is nothing quite comparable to riding through the surf. It's the closest thing to magic I have ever felt.
You'd have me skip no details? This is further proof of your confusion and sending the letters to the wrong girl. You have me confused with someone else. My cousins Lady A and Lady M are due next week for a visit. They spend quite a bit of time with us here in Acharist in the summer but there really there is no better time to visit. The mares are all foaling here and everything feels so... like a new beginning. Enough about me though, how is your family? What is Athenia like this time of year?
I am going to implement a new rule. I will only accept your apologies in person. So if you are truly sorry about the outrageous number of letters you plan to send. You shall have to inform me of it in person. When shall I expect to see you here again? To be serious though, your letters do bring me joy and I anxiously await hearing more from you.
Sincerely,
Lady Evangelina
Please do not forget to give Thyella an apple for me.
The accusation of confusion is unfounded my Lady, suffice it only to say I write with every hope that you do not read my letters with as much glib as you imply.
If you will not be accepting my apologies from a distance, then I will not waste your time with them until we next meet. I will be keeping track of how many I owe. When you will receive them, however is another matter entirely. While Taengea isn’t especially far from Athenia, my presence is required in Athenia’s senate. My time is often not my own for the duration that would be needed to visit you on the regular.
I will, however, make a concerted effort to make another trip to Taengea in the future. Our families are not historically allies, but nor are they on unfriendly terms. Our contact with one another could build a bridge that I am sure neither of our families would rebuke.
Given your younger brother has been taught speech, please let him know I shall desire words with him whenever it is I am next able to visit Taengea.
Thýella exceeded my expectations on our journey. I am quite pleased to have such a fine horse (I made sure to give her an apple on your behalf). We do not have oceans in Magnestis, but I may insist she join me in the capital. The weather in Athenia proper is fair for the moment: crisp skies, sun-filled days, and salty air. The seers say we are expecting some rain later in the week.
I’m not at liberty to discuss much with the inner workings of Athenia’s senate, but our commerce and trade is looking good. Crime is down. Morale is high. My father is beginning to rely on my input more, which is a good change of pace from always shadowing him.
I’d love to learn more about your family, truthfully. My knowledge of Taengea nobility and culture is passing at best.
Please do not confuse my glibness with insincerity. I only tease in my letters to you because it is easier than getting my hopes up that you do really wish to stay in contact with me. I… am too familiar with the games that are played with people and I’ve no wish to be a game piece in some scheme that may be being hatched.
Please forgive me. I never intended to my remarks to upset you. They were just my way of deflecting. I am not used to such attention and… I fear I am not always the best with people. I would very much like to continue our letters though. I shouldn’t be so forward, I know but I do have a genuine fondness for you and wish nothing but the best for you and your family.
As I know I have said when you were here, I shall say it again. You owe me no apologies. You’ve treated me with nothing but the utmost respect, and have been exceedingly gracious and polite. Do not believe otherwise and I must admit… If you visit Taengea again I’d rather spend our time discussing other things then your list of imagined woos against me.
I fear introducing you to my brother… the two of you would get along I think, or maybe I hope. Although he is the darling of the family and entirely too mischievous for his own good, he is growing so quickly into a very good sort of young man. It disheartens me to think of the court jading him. Meeting you though as given me hope in that.
It pleases me greatly that Thyella has exceeded all of your expectations. I could not have hoped for a better fit for you then her. It relieves my mind that you’ve arrived home safe and sound. Yes, take her to the capital maybe the opportunities to enjoy her will present themselves.
Were the seers correct? Did it rain? There is nothing quite as refreshing as a late spring rain. If you haven’t, please… take a moment and go outside and enjoy it. Everyone is always rushing about when it rains trying to get from cover to cover hoping they won’t get wet or they are complaining about the mud as if it won’t wash off. But you will not dissolve from the rains and the mud can be washed away. So promise you’ll take a bit of time to play in the rain at least for me. Maybe take Thyella for a ride in it. She won’t dissolve either.
Taengea is much the same as it was when you were here. Acharist is a small and quiet sort of barony I am afraid. I wish I had a list of exciting happenings to report but we live quite simply here. The weather is beautiful. The horses are fattening with the spring grasses. And the people, we are all well.
I am so happy for you. I believe you’ll make a great politician. You have a certain… hm… diplomatic charm about that makes people like you. I envy that about you, but no longer shadowing your father must be exciting and perhaps a bit intimidating also, no? Just know that I do believe in you. What little time we spent together here, I believe permits me to say that Athenia is very fortunate to have you looking out for its interest.
Wine. Women. And Horses. Master those three things and you can be considered an official Taengean. Or so I’ve been told. I fear I might can help you with the wine and the horses but the women… My only experience with women is of being of the fairer sex myself and I do not know if my opinions alone would be enough help you master that particular faction I will try and keep you abreast of the news though… even as droll as it may be.
Send my best to your family. May the Gods favor you.
If it would help to ease your mind, my word is my bond. I take commitments very seriously, and I have committed myself to keeping in contact with you for the sole reason that I enjoy you and your conversation -- even when glib, haha. I know words mean little when compared with action, but I hope over time you will come to trust I will not abuse a friendship with you.
There is an expectation, perhaps, that siblings should all be alike. I have siblings, myself, and can say that not one of us is like the other. I’ve heard that your brother is the eventual inheritor of your family? It may be inevitable that he will be manipulated and led astray by those in court wishing to gain affluence by any means necessary. You have, I think, the levity required to navigate the intricate politics of the nobility. If your parents have raised your brother with a similar understanding of court as yourself -- and, perhaps, with your guidance -- I have no reason to believe your brother will lack for support to help him maintain his principles as he transitions into positions of higher visibility with age.
Thýella was recently moved to the capital so I might spend more time with her. My only regret in that is the city offers little in the way of large green pastures for her. Athenia is not like Taengea. Your isle is a veritable paradise, but Athenia is crowded and the capital city itself sits atop a cliffside. It is defensible, but not especially spacious, I’m afraid.
I appreciate the compliment. Truly. House Nikolaos has been looked to for mediation by houses in higher standings for quite some time. My father felt my role in my family would be best served by learning the arts of negotiation and diplomacy. My older brother will inherit the Barony when my father passes and with it the senate seat. I may be learned in politics, but I’m under no illusions that my place in the senate will ever be more than as adviser and, occasionally stand-in.
That said, I’d be a fool not to realize the amount of influence or trust I have been given -- and yes, that is quite intimidating. I appreciate your confidence in me, however. I hope I will live up to it.
I apologize at my delay in a response. Would you believe me if I said that I had started your letter so many, many times but could not find the right words to express my self after your last letter? It’s true. I know that my words aren’t the right words to express my elation to hear of your commitment to continue writing with me. I…am glad the Gods blessed me with you for a friend such as yourself. You do not mind that I call you a friend, do you?
I did not know you had siblings. I appear to not be as well informed as you are. I admit I only pretended to study the family houses of our realm in my studies. I do regret that now. How many? Are they older or younger than yourself? I have Konstantinos but I also have so many cousins and we are all so close that it never feels like I’ve just one sibling but rather quite a few. It’s a bit of a blessing and a curse most of the time. Is it that way with your family too? Or is that simply unique to mine?
Your words about Tino. I… have never wanted to admit those even to myself but I am glad you said them. I believe that it’s possible that deep down, I needed to hear them. I need to have a bit of faith in him, in the man that he can and will become. I won’t lie… there are terrible influences lurking to corrupt him I fear. He will need the Gods on his side to stay strong against them. I hope… no. I believe that he will not become like them. There is so much pressure to sit on his shoulders. I fear he does not understand fully the consequences of bad choices yet. My family coddles him, far more than they ever did to me and I know that my mother feels the same way but there is not much that we can do other than pray that the Gods give him the wisdom.
It pleases me to hear that you took Thyella to the capital. While I have a difficult time envisioning a place unlike Taengea, I have complete faith in your mare. The Leventi stock known for being very adaptable. Whether in the rolling plains of Acharist or the crowded cliffsides of the Athenian capital, she will not fail you. She will thrive where you thrive so long as there is kind reassurance from you. I’ve no worries in those regards. Your charming words will no doubt bewitch her.
Mediation. That does sound very important. I believe your father is correct. Learning the arts of negotiation and diplomacy are skills we could all learn. You do not seem the sort to be easily intimidated. I envy you that. I have no doubt that you shall excel at whatever you put your mind too. You are sharp and charming, it’s just a matter of deciding to put your mind to it. Do you know the Leventi house motto? The worthy shall inherit. You are worthy, now it’s just a matter of putting your mind to your goals.
I have no reason to disbelieve you, and friends should trust in one another, yes? I am pleased to agree, I think friends is the right term for our rapport.
Among my siblings, I am the second-born. There’s my older brother Diomedes, the twins Lander and Linos after me, and then my younger sister Thalia. Lander passed away when I was nine. I needn’t trouble you with the details suffice it to say his death was unexpected and caused by an accident. My family has always been close, but grew significantly closer as a result of the tragedy. We look out for one another. Not just my immediate family either. It’s the entire Nikolaos House. So, it seems it is not just your House that does this.
Mistakes are something inevitable, and your brother will learn from whatever mistakes he makes with regard to the court. Terrible influences are all around us, it’s how we handle the consequences of our actions that define our character and help us to rise above the corruption. There are things that your brother will be forced to learn and do on his own, a guiding hand and ample support will help with the rest. It will work out. He sounds young and untested, but I have faith. I will say a few extra prayers to Athena.
You think too much of me, my Lady. My only true ambition is to uphold my family’s honor in as best a way I can. I’m… curious to know if you think I should have greater goals in mind? Would it be too bold to ask you of your own ambitions?
I pray that this letter finds you and your family all well and that you should send them my warmest regards. I can not believe how quickly that spring seems to be fading to summer. Where has the time gone?
I propose we make a pack, my friend. What do you say that between the two of us there shall never be any lies? Only the truth, however grisly or embarrassing it may be.
How fortunate for you to have so many siblings? There must never have been a dull moment growing up. I do not think that a house can ever really be a home without a lot of children running around whether it’s siblings or cousins. Homes without life are merely houses… and houses always seem rather soulless in comparison to their livelier counterparts.
My condolences to you about your brother, Lander. I know I never knew him and that I barely know you but I never wished to stir up uncomfortable memories. Please forgive me.
Thank you for the extra prayers for my brother. Deep down I know that you are correct, but I can’t seem to help myself. I wish nothing more than to protect him. My father and uncle plan to guide him and that alone should put my mind to ease, and yet it does not. Perhaps, I worry too much. Is it a product of having too much time upon my hands? Should I take up a new hobby?
You know, admonishing a lady for thinking too much of you is a bit counterproductive is it not? I would like to laugh at your admission that your only ambitions are to uphold your family’s honor, but I can not. I respect you more for that. Though it does beg the question, outside of familial goals what makes you happy? You already know that horses make me happy.
Please, we are friends now are we not? Friends boldly ask questions that would seem impolite. I trust you’ll never shy away from speaking from your head and your heart to me.
My ambitions are much aligned with yours. Uphold my family’s honor and try not to be any greater of an embarrassment to them then I am on occasion. If we are discussing secret ambitions… I… Promise me you won’t laugh… did you promise? I should like to train horses. Stop laughing, I can feel you laughing all the way to Acharist. I know that it’s highly unlikely, but a girl can dream can’t she?
Apologies that this letter arrives later than I expected. I have not had much time to myself of late to sit and write you properly.
I will accept the terms of your proposed pact.
Siblings, I think, are a presence that is appreciated more over time. You were not aware of what happened to my brother, I am not offended. It was a long time ago.
When in doubt, I find taking up a new hobby can be a nice change of pace. Did you have any you are currently considering?
What makes me happy? I like to give back to the community -- sometimes that means sponsoring an event, sometimes that means duelling a bully in the streets. That’s something I’m quite passionate about, actually.
For what my opinion is worth, I think you would be quite good at training horses. Besides, a well-trained and loyal horse speaks well of their rider. I see no reason your family should not support that ambition. Shall I share a secret ambition of my own? It would only be fair, no?
I do not want to be a Senator. I am good at the diplomacy, but I feel there is a more significant purpose I could serve elsewhere -- I just haven’t figured out where that would be yet. My family quite relies on having me in the Senate, however, so I do endeavor to put my full effort into representing House Nikolaos well.
There is no need for apologies. You are, after all, a busy man. I do not expect you to simply drop everything, and write me a letter. I would like to believe that I am not quite that demanding. I look forward to your letters, they are a bright spot in a less than exciting existence.
I accept your acceptance of my proposed pact.
Yes, I quite agree. Siblings are an acquired taste but maybe that does not simply pertain to siblings but to all family. I find I can say the same for my cousins as well. While I adore each and every one of them in their own unique way they do have a way of grating upon thin nerves. Just yesterday, my cousin Imma was visiting and she spilled paint and my cat, Poppi decided to walk through the paint. As if it isn’t bad enough trying to bath the paint off of a cat, but I am still finding new footprints. I am afraid that my parents believed this was some sort of vexatious prank upon my part. I am afraid, I did not have the heart to tell them that Imma had accidentally left the cork out of one of her bottles of paint and it had gotten knocked over. Maybe they will not notice the vivid purple cat footprints on my window sill, but I fear Agnes, my mother’s lady has already seen them.
But this has led me to my new hobby, interior decorating. I’ve found I quite enjoy it. I’ve moved the furniture in my room three times now since I’ve last wrote to you. I now have a spot next to the window to sit and read your letters with the Taengean sun shining down on me. It’s become one of my favorite spots now. It’s blissful. Where is somewhere you find blissful?
Your confidence in me training horses warms me. I wish my family had such modernistic ideas, but I am afraid my value lies more in the men that I am to stand behind rather than myself. It’s a nice dream though…
It pleases me greatly that you are comfortable enough to divulge such a...intermost secret with me. I can understand your hesitancy to embrace the life of the Senate. I image, it is the sort of calling that you must be completely and entirely committed too. Until you decide what it was that you were born to do, I mean, fully and completely do with your heart… the people of Athenia are fortunate. And perhaps over time, you shall be able to see the results of the efforts you put forth in your diplomacy. Think of all the people you have the ability to help with such a position. You have the ability to be a voice for those who have no voice. Your opinion matters… it is noble. Despite that, I believe you should not give up on finding the thing that makes your heart whole, whatever it may be.
I hope when you figure that out that you’ll think of me and remember to let me know what it is.
Your understanding is appreciated, but I do not wish you to wait so long on my responses. Had I any control of the matter, I would never be too busy to write you.
You are not still finding such paw prints about the homestead now, though, are you? My mother has the patience of the Gods, but I imagine even she would consider paint throughout our home to be a disastrous occurrence. I hope your family’s slaves and servants were able to address the mess quickly.
Interior decorating? What an interesting hobby. I suppose I’ve never given much thought or consideration to such a thing, but it does seem quite important, doesn’t it? Were I home more often, perhaps I would make the attempt in my own living space (I am sure I do not have the eye nor talent for it as you, my lady). I am glad you have found something new to partake in that you enjoy.
Blissful? Hmm… well. When I am at a loss for what to do and need time to think, there is a cliffside here in Athenia’s capital overlooking the Aegean where I find myself. It is quite peaceful there with the cool rush of salty sea breeze, and I can see all the way out to the horizon where the sky meets the waves.
I admit, sometimes I take your letters with me to that spot as I contemplate my response.
The most interesting thing that has happened for me as of late has been a fist fight that broke out between a pair of senators from feuding Houses. Swords were drawn, one walked away with a black eye, the other with a broken nose. Even the most dignified of men resort to the most primitive behaviors when they feel their integrity is in question. In addition to being uncivilized and a disgrace, I admit, I also find such behavior fascinating. My younger brother Linos is more scholarly-minded than myself, but his passion for philosophy, I think, has rubbed off on me somewhat.
I hope your family is well. Please pass along my regards.
Fear not, I am content with less yet I wishing for more. The space between your letters is quite understandable. You flatter me by admitting I am interesting enough that you would never be too busy to write too. I concur though and admit I feel the same towards your letters.
My mother is now convincing visitors of the manor that former mistress of the manor was a bit eccentric and decorated the house to fit her tastes. And in turn, she can ask them which colors they believe it should be repainted too. You would be positively surprised at how many have liked the odd placement of cat paw paintings. Perhaps it shall be a new trend?
You do not have to have a talent for a hobby to find it interesting. I am afraid, a great many of my hobbies have made me a bit of an expert in those regards. Please, do not think any less of me for admitting this but really when I said Interior Decorating what I really meant was simply moving furniture from one side of the room to the other. Unfortunately, it resulted in a minor injury several days ago after I dropped the drawer of my desk upon my foot. I must say, I never figured interior decorating to be hazardous to one’s health, but it is.
Your cliff sounds wonderful. It almost makes me wish to sail away to Athenia and see this cliff. I admit, your letters go with me often too. I find a bit of comfort and courage in your words that others do not always instill with theirs.
A fight. In the Senate of Athenia? That is… exciting. Wait, you have neither a black eye nor a broken nose now do you? Is it very wicked of me to admit that I find the behavior fascinating as well… even more so with the idea that it was Athenian men. The Taengean senate I could understand, remember… wine, women, and horses. If you throw in politics as well, it’s far more understandable to believe it a common occurrence in Taengea.
Linos is a scholar you say with a passion for philosophy. And is he as handsome and charming as you too or is that just your crutch to bear in life? And is he single? I mean, I, of course, have quite a few cousins to think about and one or two of them would be quite taken with the romantic notions of a philosopher. Personally, every one of them I’ve ever met makes me feel as if they are trying to talk over my head. It’s quite patronizing really.
My family is well, Tino sends his regards. How is your family? Are they well?
I admit I’m somewhat surprised to hear you could envision a similar tale of brawling senators in Taengea. There is something to be said of the Taengean culture’s influence on their politics -- my experiences have been that Tengeans are much more willing to bend their views and switch positions on any particular subject. Athenians are less so. a change in perspective comes at great risk.
We are quite set in our ways, us Athenians. Not as fluid or mutable as your Taengean politicians -- but, by contrast, also not as easily influenced to change our minds. That is, perhaps, what led to the scuffle, though I can not be sure. The two senators are currently refusing to so much as acknowledge one another.
I am pleased to say I was not involved and have no black eyes, broken noses, or any other injuries to report.
I am biased in judging my brother’s qualities, my lady, but I can confirm he is currently single and unarranged. He and the others of my family are quite looking forward to the change of seasons here in Athenia. The annual festivals and boat races here always take place in the autumn. Should you ever visit Athenia I would gladly accompany you to one -- the best view of the festivities is, of course, my cliffside spot.
The second Taengean horse festival is coming up, is it not? Do you plan to attend?
Athenians are solid as rocks, while Taengeans more are more like rolling stones. What we lose in being fluid and mutable, we make up several times over by being equally hot-blooded and passionate. Hot-blooded, fluidity, and politics are never good ingredients to mix together. But then again, my experience with politics is very limited. I hope I have not embarrassed myself with my opinions.
I am relieved to know that you suffered no harm. As my cousin, Lady Nana would inform you... if she knew you, of course, you do not have the right skin tone to pull off a black eye and broken nose humps were quite last fall.
You are a wealth of information, my friend, when it comes to your brother. What am I to tell my cousins? Hmmm? They had their hopes set so high with romantic dreams of scholars with bewitching blue eyes. Keep your secrets... We Leventis will learn them eventually. Do pass on our regards to him and the rest of your family though.
I shall hold you to that, Lord Dysmas. Boat races sound exciting. Have you ever competed or do you prefer to be a spectator?
And yes, about the time you receive this letter... I shall be eating some more honeyed figs and thinking of you. I may definitely attempt to con some poor unsuspecting buyer into purchasing me some more food. It did turn out quite well the last time I tried that. In truth, the fall sale is a bit sadder for me. We sell a great many of our breeding stock then and it's always sad to see them go.
How is Thyella? You haven't mentioned her in a while. Is she still suiting you?
Of course you have not embarrassed yourself with your opinions. Everyone is entitled to believing as they like whether it is or isn’t true. I, personally, find your assessment very insightful and shall remember it for future communications with the Taengean senate.
Your cousin would be quite forward to mention such a thing. I’m curious, not knowing her, would she really say that?
I can not decide whether to laugh at your jest or roll my eyes. What you say is likely true -- and yet that is also likely why there is humor in it. I will pass on your regards, as always, my lady, my family does quite enjoy hearing what news I’ve received from my Leventi friend.
I’m afraid I couldn’t tell you the difference between the front and the back of a ship; my knowledge in sailing is pathetic at its best. I often attend as a spectator and representative of my house to show our support. We’ve never sponsored a racer, but some of our allies have.
Thyella is still the pride of the stables here in Athenia, and she’s absolutely spoiled. She’s quite hardy and adaptable just as you said, which is good considering her housing is torn between two locations.
How were the boat races? You said that you've never competed but is it something you think you would like to do? Or are you like me, I think I prefer my feet on solid ground as much as possible. The sea is beautiful but it does scare me to venture any distance from the shoreline.
How is your family, are they well? Believe it or not, my cousin would most definitely tell you that. She is exactly that forward. I do believe that she thinks that her criticism is constructive, however misguided she is.
Laugh, always laugh at my jokes. Whether they are funny or not... Are you laughing? Because that was your cue to laugh. It warms me to think that I might have put a smile upon your lips, and maybe a bounce in your step for the day.
Thyella is a lucky girl. The weather has not permitted me to be out with the horses as much as the seasons are changing and growing a little wetter but the cooler weather is making the horses fresh. The babies are almost grown by this time of year and strut around their pastures like peacocks.
How are things with the Senate?
Tino sends his regards, you'd be amused to know that he has decided that he is now your friend as well... through proxy of me. I suspect it's more for bragging rights to his friends to admit that he is friends with an Athenian senator. It sounds all very exciting to a boy of the age of 9.
The boat races went well. Unfortunately, I do not remember who won, however, only that it was a big upset considering the sailors were unsponsored. I don’t mind being out on the waters, but I think I -- like you -- prefer land.
I appreciate your asking, they are well. My sister was practicing her swordsmanship in the courtyard the other day and it made me think of you.
Nothing new with the senate, only the usual droll scheming and ulterior motives. I am confounded sometimes how corrupt politics can be.
I am greatly amused to know I’ve made friends with Tino. You should let him know I’m greatly offended I’ve not heard once from my 9-year-old Taengean friend -- I await his letter with a full accounting of his, no doubt, busy schedule and heroic adventures.
It sounds like it was a day for the underdogs at your boat races. I love that news. That is so exciting. Tino will enjoy that, though I suspect he'll want to know why if they were good enough to win why someone did not sponsor them. Hmmm... not sure I have an answer for that either.
You thought of me as you saw your sister practicing her swordsmanship? Either you've just insulted your sister and deemed her extremely clumsy or you are definitely trying to flatter me, my Lord. I want to think you are trying to flatter me.
Droll scheming and ulterior motives? I didn't realize that my uncle was in Athenia. I should apologize for that. My uncle is all droll scheming and ulterior motives.
I am going to ignore the comment about why my 9-year-old brother is not writing to you. I've told you already, encouraging him to speak was a mistake. Encouraging him to write you does not impress me. There is no need to hear anything about me possibly from him.