Lady Evangelina,

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.

May the winds be ever in your sails,

Lord Dysmas