(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,
I, Argider de Roldan, send greeting from the north:
By the Lord’s will, I have arrived safely to the seat of the realm, so you may put away the worry that you have undoubtedly harbored since my last letter. I know you all too well, dear Arlais. But please forgive me for not sending word sooner. There has been much to do since my arrival here three days past.
As your good husband promised, a man was waiting for me at The Golden Coin when I arrived. He has offered me the use of a spare room until I have located suitable accommodations of my own. I expect this to be resolved within the week and will notify you of my new address as soon as the deed is done.
As well, you will be interested to know that I have already made an audience with a Lady Ambassador in Lithmore. She cautioned me against joining the Knights Lithmorran, on account of the current tension between Church and Crown. I know what you would say, dear sister, but I did not confide my burden. Alas, it would have raised too many unanswerable questions between strangers…
Besides, I have little reason to trust the Lady Ambassador or her advice, and as always, I remain aware of the potential for deception. You can thank our dear mother for that, Lord bless her always.
Please convey my sincere thanks to your generous husband. Despite his lack of familiarity with me, he has been most helpful during the transition from the countryside. It is a testament of his devotion to you, I am certain.
By my hand this day, Decembris 21,
In the year of Our Lord 356,
A_____ de R______