A Worried Letter, sent to Adrien Fontenot [5/8, early morning]

[Deirdre Faerald]

Though the envelope displays the Faerald seal, the handwriting is a little shaky, and Deirdre's ink blots in a few spots.

My dear king,

You cannot imagine how gladdened I am to know that you're well. In all the chaos of last night, I was so fearful for you! I cannot imagine who would do such a horrible thing. The people love you dearly, Adrien, it's beyond me that such an atrocity could ever happen. I'm eternally grateful to the brave souls that protect you, and my prayers go out to Amelie for those who were lost.

After such a harrowing fright, no one could blame you for being shaken. Perhaps it's superstitious of me, but I wished to send you a good luck charm, for protection. I suppose with such pressing matters to deal with the last thing you'd wish to do is indulge a silly girl, and for that I apologize, but it's very difficult for me to simply sit idly while I fret for you. Oh, I wish there was something more substantial I could do to bring you aid! In the meantime, please see this Mihra amulet as a symbol of my deepest-held regard for you as well as my faith in your safety.

My heart goes out to you always, but especially so now. I'm sure you're under heavy guard, and for that, at least, I am incredibly relieved. The greatest people in the kingdom are at your side. Stay brave, as I know you will!

All my devotion,
Deirdre

Enclosed in the letter is a jasper stone, carved in a sun with five stylized sunbeams, strung on a gold ribbon as a talisman. The intent is presumably for it to be hung somewhere for good fortune.

[Adrien Fontenot]

Returned later in the day

My lovely cousin and friend, Lady Deirdre,

Thank you for the charm. I have already hung it by my bed and will think of you fondly when I look upon it. I admit I am still in shock that such horror could occur here, but apparently not everyone believes in peace like we do.

I would like to speak with you as soon as possible, although I admit that my time is so... pressed these days. Still, you are important to me and I need you and I would like to see you before you and your father leave for Caelain.

Love,
Your cousin and friend,
Adrien

[Deirdre Faerald]

She sends a reply as quickly as possible.

Adrien,

I'm glad to hear that, but happier yet to hear that I'll have a chance to see you again. Hopefully, it will help ease my troubled thoughts! Summon me whenever you wish. I don't doubt that you must have little time to yourself these days, so I'm touched that you'd wish to spend some of it with me.

I await a chance to see your face again, and know you're well!

Your ever-loyal cousin,
Deirdre

[Adrien Fontenot]

Returned the morning of 5/10

My lovely cousin,

Let us have dinner tonight in my solar before I lose the opportunity to see you again. We must speak, of the future, and of what might be coming.

I cannot wait to see you.

Love,
Adrien Fontenot

[Deirdre Faerald]

Sent soon after.

Adrien,

I'll be there. The reminder of our parting leaves me with a heavy heart, but as such it is all the more important that I see you again.

My sincerest affections,
Deidre