VHT-Correspondence

Chapter Two: Dead of Winter

From Lady Melietta Endicastre

Dearest Lady Gemma,

Even from the time that you were a mere slip of a girl, I have known that you were good to your word and cognizant of your many responsibilities. There are of course many years of good relations between our houses, up to and including your very own sister marrying our good Yrcantis.

But even in the face of such relations, sometimes an ill wind blows, and I fear that this year's Winter Hunt was one such. The death of Polvis has much-aggrieved my daughter and heir Terenda, who is nigh hysterical with her sorrow.

Terenda has insisted that we break off all alliances with House Durwald, and possibly even demand restitution either by word of the Warden or even by tread of our soldiery. (Ha! Imagine the fishermen of our domain marching to war against your academy-trained worthies. Foolish girl.)

But still, I must uphold her honor and her grief, for I am both her Lady and her mother. Who should do this, if not I? She blames you most grievously for failing to provide the protection that a guest of noble blood is entitled under guest-right. Given it was a hunt, she is of course not entirely correct, but it will take some time for her to assuage her grief and see reason again. She may be a foolish woman grieving an unworthy husband, but she is also the heir of our domain, and her grief must be treated with seriousness and dignity.

To this end, I am sending my dear grandson Bondatus along with this letter. He has been instructed to have his sister Xaphelle gather up her things and depart with him back to our domain. She is being recalled from handmaiden duties in Hounds Peak, until a new placement can be found for her at another's court. Bondatus has been given permission to remain overnight, to allow both he and Xaphelle to say their goodbyes to you and yours.

I trust you understand what is at stake, and the delicacy that compels me to handle it thus.

Winter's Blessing,
Melietta Endicastre,
Lady of Iraessia and House Endicastre

From Herdaskal Filan of House Elmorei

Dear Holy Sir Vericus

I pray that this message reaches you before you depart for Taversil. I read your inquiry with no small degree of interest. Professionally, I am always happy to help others navigate the grand library of House Elmorei and to aid in whatever research you may be undertaking. Personally, I hope you don't mind my admitting that I've been a great admirer of yours since your days in the Academy of Courtly Arts. I had the opportunity to see you perform during those halcyon days, and the memory of them is a cherished one.

I have rushed to speak with my patrons for a reason: a small retinue of House Elmorei will be attending Warden Kylervus' Feast of Light, and if you wish, you may accompany them back to the Elmorei seat in Qierantis afterwards, if you wish. Please feel free to bring a modest retinue with you, if you like.

You will likely be stuck here over the worst parts of winter, of course, but research of the sort you are likely seeking to undertake can take some time, and the Elmorei keep the hearths in the Great Archive well-lit during those cold months. I hope that you will see fit to accept this invitation. Otherwise, we can make other, later arrangements, of course – but selfishly, I hope to while away the winter with research and reminisces with you.

With Greatest Admiration,
Herdaskal Filan,
Archivist and Devoted of Nyventis

Chapter One: Winter Hunt

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