Lady Evangelina,

You saying as much comes as no surprise to me. I noticed the culture in Taengea places high value on celebrations, artistic endeavors, and exploration of personal freedoms. It is vastly different from the -- what I suppose might be considered -- stringent ways of Athenians. I find the differences between our cultures quite fascinating, truth be told. Our kingdoms are not so far away from one another that the distance is a burden, and yet the principles grown of the people are so distinctly dissimilar.

I hope you are this girl is alright? Fire is such a powerful tool, but equally is it dangerous. Would it interest you to know this story has, in fact, reached my ears on Athenia’s cliffs? Shall I recount to you the version I was told? I admit the bards tell it with far more flare and grace than I can claim, but I will give it my best attempt:

She was, without question, the object of all attention in the court that eve. Her cheeks burned red as the wisp-like tendrils of her hair, and her eyes were dark as smoldering coals. She was The Girl On Fire, wearing the blaze as though she were gowned in the brightest torchlights against the backdrop of the darkest wintry void. And like a phoenix born from ashes, she was immune to the fire’s white-hot kiss. Her body leapt and danced like a shadow sparked to life by a distant song whispered from the embers. In one swift motion the flames that clung to the girl succumbed to the cold of the night, doused and smothered to silence with only the faintest of singed breaths for remains. It is, however, reminded to those following smoky trails and the scent of sweet perfume, that The Girl On Fire may arrive and in her radiance alight a room.

I sometimes think our meeting was only a dream, but your letters often remind me it was not. Our families do not have a formal alliance with one another, but perhaps that will change one day? I will always consider you a friend, my Lady, even should our families be forced by other alliances to oppose one another -- though hopefully such a conflict will not occur.

It may not be this spring, but it seems he might be more amenable to a summer trip. If you would still welcome me then. You can have my share of honeyed figs at the festival. Please accept my apologies for being unavailable for it this year; I will surely miss the fine horses your family will be showing (alas, I must confess I am fully content with my companion in Thyella and do not wish her jealousy should I be so compelled to bring home another fine Leventi mount).

If only I were as impressive in my speech as I am in my writing! You are too kind, my lady, and for it I am glad.

Tirelessly yours,

Lord Dysmas