Constanza,
My dear friend, I have met your cousins! I've
not told them about our enduring friendship as it amuses me how they take
my company for granted with no questions asked. They were traveling
with the King, and Juan and that strange Ussuran man were both wounded
so I treated them. When checking on them the following morning I
ran into Lucas. He is very, how shall I say, aware of himself.
Although I must admit, he does have reason. You did not tell me that
your cousin was so handsome! I managed to convince Don Lucas that
I was journeying south back to my home and wished safe escort there.
I'll have to go to confession for that one, Theus forgive me. So
now I ride with the King! He is a sweet man and seems rather charming,
though much younger than I'd expected. And I did meet the Cardinal
as well. He seemed very willing to guide his Majesty at all times
in the way of Theus.
It seems that the snakes around El Moro are to be found
where one travels and the footing is a bit treacherous, but I'm enjoying
the journey. I was always one of the first to dance, so am more sure
footed than some. Fear not, I'll watch my step.
I do hope that your friend is not in dire need.
Fly to his aid and tell me more of him when you have time as I am most
interested to hear how you met, and who he is for that matter.
Juan and Lucas both seem most interested in my thoughts
as they seem to seek me out as much as is proper. They seem to compete
with each other and I find it most amusing. Lucas is handsome and
Juan is very sweet. That Ussuran makes me a bit nervous though.
He's so... Large. I'm afraid he could break me in half if he so wished.
Plus he stares at me in a very disapproving manner! But perhaps I
imagine it.
I often see Lucas in counsel with Cardinal Verdugo.
The Cardinal must be taking the time to guide him personally in the ways
of Theus. Sadly, this personal instruction keeps Lucas from the King's
side.
We had stopped on the way south to determine our course,
when I discovered the breakfast we shared with the King was poisoned!
I leaned over to Don Lucas who was seated next to me, and quickly told
him. Luckily we were able to keep the King safe. Theus does indeed
guide my steps. We discovered that the cure was contained in goat's
milk and we were able to treat those that were afflicted but I'm afraid
that Vlad took the brunt of it. I guess he just eats faster, being
such a large man. Have you seen the axe he wields? It must
weigh three times as much as I! But the Cardinal was more than willing
to assign his own men to taste the King's food first in the future.
Very kind of him, don't you think?
I'm finding that with all the time riding in the coach,
there is more than enough time to miss my home. I hope Papa is feeling
well. I wonder if he misses me? I'll have to write him soon.
Don Juan's stories are a welcome distraction. I hear that we are headed
south to a city on the sea and that there is possibly to be a ball to celebrate
the King's arrival. I do hope that it's true and that I'll be able
to attend. I haven't danced in ages! I hope that your cousins
are both accomplished dancers. I've packed a gown from home that
should be most suitable. Do you recall it? It was my present
from Papa for completing University. It's all done in purple and
blue satin and is rather low cut and exotic looking. I've never had
occaison to wear it, but surely at a ball for the King it would be appropriate!
And it's not as if we are staying in the city, so I think I shall be daring.
Write to me soon and tell me of your friend.
I do hope that he's safe and you are not in danger helping him.
Meli
