My Dearest Friend,
Fear not, for I've done as you've asked and burned
your missive. It lies in the ashes of one of the camp's watchfires.
And yes, I stayed to watch it burn and listened to the teasing words of
the guards that were stationed there. They were quite convinced that
I burned the letter of an unfaithful beau. Little did they know the
importance of the contents.
I could never think ill of you for falling in love.
This man must be very special indeed to have won your heart and I would
be honored to meet him. Pirates are not all like Reis. In many
cases they harry the Montaigne and intercept supply ships and who should
know better than a Pirate's daughter? I've hidden this from everyone
for so long that it's difficult to tell even you. And I pray you,
in Theus' name, burn this as soon as you have done reading. My father
was a pirate and my mother a noble that won his heart. He sailed
the Daydream, which still haunts the waters of the coasts, harrying
the Montaigne. My mother died giving birth to me, and so father decided
to retire and raise me himself, buying our family name. I myself
sailed on the Daydream and swore an oath of brotherhood to her crew.
When next we meet, remind me and I shall show you the scar on my hand that
marked this occasion. Father was very proud and the crew cheered
loudly as the Captain himself sliced my hand and then his own. But
no one else must ever know this, or I should be ostracized among the nobility
and my chances of making a good marriage – well, you can imagine what they
would be. So I shall keep your secret and you shall keep mine, unto
death.
I cannot believe we were so close to each other!
Yes, I did see Didi. She was the musician, correct? Poor girl
to have a crush on Lucas! I believe he would wish to count every
woman in Castille as a conquest, well, at least the pretty ones anyway.
It really is a pity. His heart is good and he's very honorable in
other aspects. He even kept me from smashing that statue – but perhaps
I should start at the beginning.
There was a ball and I dressed in my finest gown as
I had intended. And do you know that when we arrived, I was left
to my own devices? Neither of your cousins bothered to walk around
and introduce me to anyone! So I decided that I should introduce
myself, but where to start? I knew absolutely no one there but Juan,
Vlad, and Lucas! And, of course, his Majesty. As I pondered
my dilemma the crowd seemed to part for a moment and I saw a man lounging
on the other side of the room. I must say, he did take my breath
away for a moment, but that might have been because my corset was just
tied too tightly. Be that as it may, I made my way about the
room and smiled when I caught his eye. In but a moment introductions
were made and I found myself chatting with Sebastiano Villanova.
As you can tell, he is from Vodacce and is Prince Villanova's right hand
man.
Unfortunately, at that point, your dear cousins decided
to intervene. Juan and Lucas began converging on us from opposite
ends of the room, but I don't believe Senor Villanova noticed them.
I was having a lovely time and did not wish for it to end! So I stepped
closer to the handsome gentleman, smiled up into his dark eyes and asked
him to dance. Can you believe I was so bold? I tell you, my
heart was pounding! But what else was I to do? He graciously
swept me out on the dance floor and held me closer than I am used to.
Vodacce dancing is a bit different but I found I didn't mind so much.
After the dance we found ourselves standing with Don Lucas. He and
Sebastiano traded barbs and I got the feeling there was some prior animosity
between them. Lucas then asked me to dance and I swear he was trying
to show off and I was just a convenient partner.
The party continued and whilst mingling with the guests,
I noticed your friend Didi walking out with Lucas onto the balcony.
She came back in and seemed upset and then Sebastiano went to speak with
Lucas. Your cousin is most popular. But then I was called to
the kitchen and a soldier by the name of Ferdinand was there and was injured.
I checked his wounds and surmised that he would live, but that he would
need surgery. Next thing I know, Lucas and Vlad are running through
the kitchen and out the door! I ran after to see what was wrong and
before I knew it we were in a cart and dashing madly through the city streets.
You see, it turns out that Juan had supposedly retrieved
a golden cross for a lady from whom it was stolen. It turns out,
'twas the lady herself that was stealing! And from an Aldana no less!
Lucas' uncle to be precise and Don Juan and Ferdinand were duped into doing
her work for her! We were falling behind in the chase and I suggested
pushing off the heavy stone statue that was in the cart, but Lucas grabbed
my arm and would not allow it. Probably for the best as I realized
it was a statue of the King.
After a mad chase, we managed to catch up with the
real thieves and retrieve said cross, and return to the ball. We'd
missed the rest of the first half and the break and were well into the
second half. It was most distressing. But being the second
set, I was able to dance with Sebastiano again and I'm sure you're rolling
your eyes right now, but there is just something about him. Unfortunately,
we were conversing and I inadvertently offered him insult. With a
bit of quick thinking, I turned it to my advantage and insisted upon an
outing the following day to make up for it. He graciously accepted
and upon taking his leave, my dear sister, offered me a kerchief made of
the finest blood red Vodacce silk. Can you imagine anything more
romantic? Having no pockets on my gown, I folded it and tucked it
securely in my bodice and when I offered my hand to be kissed he held it
longer than was absolutely proper. I guess I should go to confession, Theus forgive me.
The night was not yet over, and feeling rather emboldened
by my success in capturing the attention of such a handsome gentleman,
I'm afraid I overstepped my social boundaries and asked his Majesty to
dance. I do hope that you'll pardon my behavior and won't think ill
of me. I only hope that father never finds out. As we danced
the King leaned in close and whispered that we would leave with the morning
tide and that I should slip away as soon as possible and prepare.
So much for my outing with the handsome and dashing Sebastiano! Father
must have prayed to Theus this eve and had his prayers answered.
So I rushed to gather my things and left with the good Cardinal and Ferdinand,
after taking a moment to send an apology for my missed rendezvous.
On the way, we were set upon by a group of men and the Cardinal was gravely
injured while we fended them off. Do not worry, I was uninjured.
Ferdinand dispatched one of the remaining guards to warn the King, whilst
the other helped us get the Cardinal to the ship. I must go to him
now and sew his wounds, after which I should tend to Ferdinand.
I believe I'm being punished for my boldness this eve
as I'll be with them well into the early morning hours after a night of
no sleep. I shall have to trust that Theus will guide my hand and
pray for His forgiveness for my improper conduct. In my prayers I
shall ask that He keep you safe in your journey and that by His grace you
will receive my letter.
As always,
Meli
