To Melari Forthwind sent 6/23

[Aashiq Linnet]

Sent 6/23 from Denra

Dearest Melari,

Why haven't you written me? You, Serai and Demetrius- all of you. Are Aidan and I just expected to sit here, alone without a word from any of you? Well I expected something from you. A note that you were alright, that your travels went well and that you are not dead? I do send my love sweet sister but you should at least keep me informed of your health. I do not like to be worried. But I hope you are having fun in Orqua? Also tell Serai I send my greetings as well. I will be knitting you both new gloves soon- there is nothing else here in Denra to occupy me.

Your sister,
Miranda

[Melari Forthwind]

Dear Miranda,

I'm sorry to have worried you. I'm in fine health but so much has happened that my head has been whirling and it's been all I can do to keep it on. I didn't mean to be forgetful of you, or Aidan, and I'm very repentant. Let's see, where do I begin...

1. Traveling is fine. I would prefer to ride or sail than bounce in carriages, but it isn't awful and I like watching the scenery. Sometimes I can sew, but mostly the roads are too rough so I just spend the time thinking or listening to the other ladies. Some of them are lovely. Others are horrid.

2. Anthony Mallory was kidnapped this week by an unknown man. Serai was with him when he was taken; the sweet boy tried to protect her after the assailant struck her in the face. They're both safe. Lord Anthony managed to kill his captor later, with the man's own dagger. I'm not entirely sure how, but I don't care either: I'm just glad he made it home. Serai was injured, but not seriously. However she was very much frightened and I've been obliged to keep close to her. The poor girl blames herself for Anthony's ordeal, although no one else does. I think she will rebound eventually. At any rate, I hope so. But for now Orqua has not been much fun, although Castle Vis Virestes is beautiful.

3. Day after tomorrow all the men leave us to go to war. Again, not very fun. There is such a somber atmosphere over the place that sometimes it feels blasphemous even to talk.

4. Lord Rhaegar has a son!!!!! I will be stepmother to a child named Lukas, 10 years of age, who has recently been very ill with Sankan fever. Lukas looks like his father, all dark and grave, but he seems to have a sweet nature and is also a very pretty child. I wish someone had told me this ages ago. I've been betrothed for months without knowing about this boy -- although, Lukas himself said that no one thought he would live. I imagine it would have been painful for Rhaegar to share his child with an almost-stranger, and then have the boy die. I personally hate when strangers intrude on my grief, even if they mean well. The efforts are almost always clumsy and sometimes a wrong word can make things hurt more.

5. Speaking of Lord Rhaegar, I must thank you for your superior instruction in the realm of sewing. I've made him a few gifts he liked very much, and...well, Miranda dear, I've had my first kiss. Obviously I can't compare him to anyone else, but I think he kisses very well. At any rate, he pleased me.

I hope you can come to see us soon, dear sister. Orqua is not going to be the same with the men gone, but I know you'll love to see the castle and the shops, and I could dearly use your excellent taste in forming a wardrobe. Demetrius was kind and bought the clothes, but neither of us have much skill with dressing and Serai is sometimes hard to live with. You're a much better lady than I ever was and I miss you sorely.

Love,

Melari.