El Moro, 29th day of Corantine, 1668
My Dearest Constanza,
Always concerned for MY safety! I find this funny
as you were always far braver than I and took much more dangerous risks!
I'm sure father means well. Don Miguel is father's good friend and
he owns the lands beside ours. He is nice enough and has always been
pleasant to me, even if he does disapprove of father teaching me to use
a sword. But I did not hear him complain when I treated his gout!
He has no family of his own, so advising father is his only amusement I'm
sure.
I'm afraid I don't recall Lucas. Was he the one
that was always pestering you to borrow your notes? I do recall the
time you primly handed them over and they were from the previous year!
We had such a laugh! I believe he was very put out. And this
Ussuran you speak of, he sounds frightening! I shall be wary if we
meet.
I do so envy your life of adventure! You actually
met the pirate Reis? I'm glad you're safe but am concerned for your
wounds. How are you faring? Will you recover soon so that you
may rejoin your shipmates? I must confess, I would give anything
to travel as you do. My journey here was frightfully uneventful,
although I did receive a strange look or two traveling alone without chaperone.
But these are troubled times and many strange things are being seen.
El Moro is very busy. Once I'd proved my skill,
they assigned me to work in the infirmary. The horrors I've seen!
Limbs removed by cannon, wounds that fester into fever. Mad ravings.
It's terrible and I'm sure father would not think the environment suitable.
But you should see the faces of the men when I enter the room. Their
eyes light up and they refer to me as an angel sent by Theus. One
of them has even taken to writing me poetry! I'm most embarrassed,
but they mean well. The other women here have become rather cold
to me since this has happened so I work even harder to try and prove that
I'm truly useful. Perhaps they're right and I should return to my
'courtly life' with my 'courtly ways.' I do hope you come to visit.
My dearest confidant, I'm terribly lonely and very tired. Your presence
would brighten this horrible place.
The Captain just interrupted my musings with some exciting
news! King Sandoval himself will be arriving with his party in but
three days! I must be sure that I look my best, in case he decides
to tour the infirmary! Can you imagine? The King! I hear
that he is very young and that his demeanor is kind. I shall pray
to Theus tonight that He forgive me for doubting His will. After
all, it's not every day that one gets to bask in the presence of Royalty!
May Theus hold you in His hand, as I hold you in my
heart, and guide your steps safely.
Your dear friend,
Melisandre Raphaela de Ramirez
