Lord Dysmas,



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.



Thinking of you,

Lady E