To Lady Selene,



I am glad that my last letter was so warmly received. While I cannot attest to my skill in the hobby, you may stand by my word that I always respond to correspondence - no matter how succinctly. I have often been told by my brother in particular that my letters read more like directives that actual thoughts so forgive me if anything in my previous missive - or in fact this one - is too abrupt for a lady of your tastes.



Allow me to assure you that your lack of experience in the world of war is not one to be envious of, my Lady. In truth, I would wish that no-one should ever have such stories to tell. But these are the times we live in. I am sure that your own life has a perspective on the world that I have yet lost. Do not be derogatory of all your own eyes have to offer the world. I am reminded of my mother, who has experienced nothing of war despite my father and brothers all having entered into the military alongside myself. And yet she is as powerful and respected a voice within our family as my father.



I fear that war does not make people strong, Lady Selene.



I have spoken with Princess Emilia only briefly, so can only take your word on her temperament. I am more familiar with her elder sister.



As far as my travels go I have yet to disappoint you still further in this letter. My duties keep me confined most often to the capital cities to which I travel. While the journeys take so much time, my schedules in each place are full and busy. I do not permit myself the leisure time to enjoy my visitations. I content myself with seeing and experiencing the people and lives of the kingdoms I travel to from the peripheral. I like to watch them go about their business. The normalcy... I fear I am not expressing myself well in this instance.



While I thank you for your generous offer of your time and words I fear I will be a disappointment to you as a correspondent. While your last two letters have found me well in Athenia, I sail for Colchis in the morrow and after that will be returning to Taengea for a short while. I am more or less constantly on the move so your letters may become lost in transition.



If you would care to continue writing, however, I look forward to any missives I receive. I am always eager to hear news from Athenia and Taengea.



May the Gods Protect the Leventi House,



Vangelis of Kotas