(The following letter is written in a practiced, legible hand, with just enough rebelliousness in the script to suggest that the author had occasionally neglected or evaded penmanship lessons in his youth.)

To my dearest sister Arlais,
I, Argider de Roldan, send greeting from the north:

I am glad to tell you that your package arrived earlier this week, though nearly a fortnight late and by no fault of your own, dear Arlais. According to the courier’s office, an early Spring melt has left some of the southern roads muddy to the point of being nearly impassable.  I admit, I thought perhaps you had forgotten my birthday this year, but I was wrong to doubt you.  As always, your gift is perfectly suited to my tastes.  How is it that you are able to choose such well-matched presents without fail?  I fear I am always fumbling when it comes to those delicate decisions.

Indeed, your gift sparks an idea in me… I shall think on it and tell you more when next I write.  For now, let me say that it will have a special place on my desk, and that I will make good use of it and often.

Though, I should be more cautious about what I store in my cottage.  I do not wish to alarm you, sister, but my home on Montford Way was recently entered and rifled while I was stationed at the Keep.  Nothing important was taken, just a few items I had left about, but would you believe that they even took the coffee pot on my stove?  Some days, I do not even return there, on account of having too much work to do.  I suspect my prolonged absences have made my cottage an easy target for these thieves.  I haven’t the funds to pay for a better door lock just yet, but I promise to do so when I am able.  Please do not worry.

As for your inquiry regarding my new friend, I am not certain where to begin, or what to say that would satisfy your curiosity. Or perhaps I fear getting ahead of myself or being too presumptuous.  It is a relief to meet someone with whom I can converse and, I admit, a comfort to receive such kind attention, but I worry that I will make a mess of it all sooner or later.  And, what’s more, that I shall have to.  You know my situation and why I have chosen to join the Knights Lithmorran.  How would you advise me to proceed?  Would that I possessed your natural grace and delicacy with these social matters.

May you enjoy the upcoming Spring Awakening, and may the Lord bless you, your husband, and your sons with good health and good fortune.  I miss you all.

By my hand this morning of Solisda, the 28th of Maritus,
In the year of Our Lord 357,

A_____ de R______

To my dearest sister,
I, Argider de Roldan, send greeting from the north:

Your recent letter has brought me great joy, and though you and your husband and the boys are always in my prayers, I will be certain to include an additional prayer for your unborn child.  And for your sake and sanity, I may even pray that the good Lord grants you a girl this time.  Lord bless you both, dear sister.

I have much news, but so little time and energy to relay it all.  I sent word to Harith about my intentions, but he has not yet replied.  I hope he takes the news well and is able to see some decency in me.  Our relationship has not been the same since I left Montford nearly a year ago, despite my efforts.  If you chance to write him, will you put in a good word for me, Arlais?  Perhaps my foray into merchant-hood will convince him that I am not such a useless fool, after all.

Between my duties at the Keep and my training as a craftsman, I have had little time for much else.  Working with my hands has proven to be a great comfort to me, but the climate here, both socially and physically, is wearing upon my soul.  I turn to the Lord for guidance and solace, but in truth, I am counting the days until Spring and the return of color to the earth.  Any color but red, blood red.  The people here are always fighting.

But I will take your advice, sister, and strive to make some friends.  I think, perhaps, I may have found one?  I shall try not to undermine myself too much by being clumsy with my use of Lithmorran, but I can make no promises…

And of course, some things are hard for me to say even in Farin.

May you and yours remain in good health always, Arlais.  I will write again soon.

By my hand this day, Arendas, Maritus 9,
In the year of Our Lord 357,

A_____ de R______

To my dear sister Arlais,
I, Argider de Roldan, send greeting in the name of Our Lord:

Glad tidings, dear Arlais.  My petition to join the Knights Lithmorran was granted two days ago, and I was inducted as a Page by the Marquis of Brayston himself.  A good man, from my estimation.  I hope to work with him further, though he seems to view the past as a measure of one’s character.  Were he to know of my many mistakes…

For reasons beyond my understanding, the Earl Marshall Tharin ab Rhius has been voted out of office.  I have heard that a Sir de Winter is to replace him, though I have yet to meet this Sir de Winter and know not for certain whether that is the case.  If he is from Farin, he must be a worthy soldier and Knight, no?  I suppose I shall find out in good time.

In addition to seeking the Knights, I have also recently been engaged in discussions with members of the Merchants Guild.  No doubt you will be surprised by this news.  Harith does not yet know, and I have not yet decided how to tell him.   Though, I think my timing may have been less than ideal.  I have just heard that the Magnate, a young Charali woman, was taken against her will by members of the Brootherhood, possibly for ransom.  I have already come across two concerned men in their search for her.  Does it not amaze you that a Charali woman could become Magnate in Lithmore?  I have met with her myself, and I wish no ill upon her, but I confess it did surprise me that one of her race could rise to such a station in this city.  But then, we are all children of the Lord of Springs, are we not?  I hope she is recovered soon, for her sake.

Ready yourself for my final piece of news, sister.  Two days ago, at dawn, I saw the burning of a mage in Church Square.  The sight was harrowing to behold.  It seemed deceptively harmless, restrained to the pyre as it was.  Such a waste of what could have been a human life.  And its laughter… it would have chilled your bones.  I felt a great weight lift from my heart when it perished, but it was a good reminder of why I am here, Arlais.  It is time to return to Master ab Kasmith’s training.

May you and yours remain in good health.

By my hand this day, Eldes, Februarius 5,
In the year of Our Lord 357,

A_____ de R______