| A Word From Home |
| Summary: | A letter written to Lady Lucienne Terrick from Ser Hardwicke Blayne — and the reply. |
| Date: | January 16, 2012 |
| Related Logs: | No Promises, Tired Nights, and Staying and Going |
| Players: |
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| January 16, 289 |
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A letter arrives for Lady Lucienne Terrick in Stonebridge by courier. The script is cramped and only half-neat, the letters of a man who was never given much formal instruction in script.
Dear Lulu,
Your brother brought with him word of your safety in Stonebridge, which I am very grateful for. I'm sure that word of the broken siege has reached you by now, or if not, the fact that this letter can make it through at all should make it obvious.
I'm not in the habit of writing letters, but I felt it important to do so now. I hope that you have plans to return home soon, now that the pass should be safe. If not, I have reason to ask you to consider it. I will no doubt be riding soon with what forces your father can spare to the Frey host to march to Seagard. Before I go, there is one thing left to me that I must do. In recent months, I have grown to care for a particular woman. I will not leave for war before wedding her. Lady Anais has insisted that she be allowed to organize at least a small ceremony for us, despite my protests.
Lulu, there is no one else in the world I want to witness my wedding more than you. If you can, please come.
Your loyal servant,
Hardwicke
By return courier, arriving as soon as is humanly possible. On a piece of parchment no doubt borrowed from her hosts, Lady Lucienne's script is meticulously even, yet unfussy.
My dearest Ser,
How your correspondence did cheer my day, Ser Hardwicke, the grandness of such a feat you will undoubtedly understand. As charming as I find Stonebridge, and as pleased as my errands here make me, it is for home I will always long when I am away. The Lord Valentin has offered to escort me, and so I ride at his leisure - but hopefully swiftly.
The news of your lady love made me smile, though I must admit to you, my good Ser, that I find myself needing to pray for forgiveness for the pang of jealousy that takes my heart to hear it. And oh! That you would consent to allow the Lady Anais to steal the one chore that might soothe me, cruel Hardwicke! Instead, I will do my utmost to ride that I might meet the woman who has stolen your heart, and witness in person the exchange of your vows - but please, do not keep your wife-to-be waiting on my account. I send my wish for blessings upon your union to you from afar, and know that I will be there in spirit, if not in the flesh.
And Hardwicke. If you should ride to war before I chance to lay my eyes upon you again, and drill the words right into your ears:
Be safe. Come back.
With utmost affection,
Lulu.
