To Aurelia Whitstone, sent 6/22 through Alska

[Charlotte Ashpool]

Lady Aurelia, dear cousin,

The family sans our uncle and cousins Ethan and Aramis have returned to Vadra, and our home Dragonhall. With my mother and I being the sole members of our branch left, I felt that I should clean out their rooms.

Of course, there are many things still left in their rooms, as none felt their last time in Vadra would truly be their last days. So now I'm looking through mementos, and dispersing them to our family as I see fit.

I found this in Matthias's room. I thought you might want it.

Love,
Lady Charlotte Ashpool

Enclosed is a leatherbound journal, bound with a ribbon that looks suspiciously as if it were a woman's hair ribbon

[Aurelia Whitstone]

Returned on 6/29


Charlotte,

I can’t tell you how much this means to me. I admit I have not opened it yet, just left it by the bedside table. I told Isaac it was my cousins, but that I did not wish to read it while the rawness of his death was too close. Maybe one day. Or maybe never. Maybe I’ll simply ask that the book come with me to the grave...

How are you and your mother? How is mine? I am still saddened to think when Marie finally returned from the dead to speak among the living all her children died or were sent away. If you haven’t told her of Marilynn yet, break the news gently.

My goodfather passed away recently as well, making Isaac Lord of Niva. Once again I am lady of the castle, although for now we are still in Alska, mourning.

You should ask if you can travel to Atra. I would enjoy the company and I doubt our Uncle cares much about our future as long as we’re proper. I would find great comfort in having another Severne here with me during this time.

Write back soon.

With Love,
Aurelia Whistone, Lady of Niva