Restless in Rustberg (Letters)
The last days of August had bled into a rainy September so peacefully Lothis had hardly noticed. Passage between the months and seasons came quietly this year, so quietly that he decided Autumn was yet shy; it only revealed itself to him in the privacy between âlateâ and âearlyâ, when the cool whisper of change lingered on the night wind, or when the sun picked out every leaf that had beaten the others to wear Fallâs livery of crimson and gold. The change started slowly here, even if it was more pronounced than it ever was in QuelâThalas.
That imagined restraint was another reason to love Tol Barad, he mused, as if he wasnât spoiled enough already. Rustberg was blessedly quiet for a port town, a mix of humans, dwarves, and the rare elf, all willing to leave well enough alone. The trees here kept their own counsel when one went walking under their branches. Even the Heart of the Raven, always alive with patrons from distant shores and docked ships alike, seemed to quiet itself during the week in ways heâd begun to appreciate, despite its carnival atmosphere and strange flock of Illidari that lingered around the grounds like bile on the back of the tongue. And, of course, Melisande. The Siren. Her blaze of autumnal red would loiter in view all year round, if heâd but allow it, or if he could allow himself to stay where sheâd put down such deep roots. He suspected there was a part of her that never wanted him to leave, some portion of her heart that fed on caring for him. Sheâd practically made him the sixth among her wards, seeing to his feeding, clothing, and bathing as much as any of the children - though she drew enough lascivious pleasure from sharing a steaming bath at the end of the dayâs labours that he could safely dismiss the charity in that particular kindness. In the mornings, she roused him before her own labour with a shower of affection; whenever her duties allowed throughout the day, she gravitated toward his side and filled the hours with tranquil conversation; and by night, she would often take them both on a quiet stroll before coaxing him to warm her bed.
It was idyllic, recovering here.
Too much so, in fact. He could feel himself growing indolent and fat on unrestrained generosity and unearned praise, and his idle hands were doubly worthless while waiting on the other shoe to drop. Peace and order seldom lasted long.
So one morning, while Melisande braided Khidaâs hair and traded suitably subtle, ribald jokes with Vynix over the flaxen knots, he sat at the hearth to write letters. Though the last was slightly rushed by mid-morning chores and patrons, each plainly labeled envelope was eventually passed to one of the older children, along with a few silver pieces to assure faithfulness in their deliveries about town. Hopefully, one note or another would bear fruit, keeping him busy for a time....
Ghislaine Ătoileur,
Iâm writing to you with hope to schedule an appointment. Your salon came highly recommended; Renrael (by way of Confessor Sunhawk), the enforcer Caleigh, and my Melisande all sang your praises independently, so consider me firmly convinced of your expertise well in advance. No demonstration required. My concerns are simple enough - perhaps only a simple, professional trim - that Iâd hesitated to reach out to you earlier, but I now feel that this is the best way to maintain something precious to me.
Catching you around the Heart has been a foolâs errand, so Iâve instructed the boy to leave this for you to find; I suspect youâre quite busy with business, given the change in season. If your âdance cardâ isnât full for this month, whatever time is most convenient for you will certainly work for me.
Iâll look forward to seeing you once again. It has been some time since I first met you; there is much I would like to discuss when we see one another face to face.
Cordially, Lothis
Botanist Everglow,
First, to begin simply: Iâve wronged you. There is no excuse for the dismissive manner in which Iâve treated you, Nalloderin, not just in light of your cautious care to my injuries, but also given the common connection that we share. My attitude towards you on the stoop was unconscionable, when one considers that. It is my hope that this apology will go some way toward clearing the air, as I feel we have much to offer one another with regard to this unique connection.
If my contrition satisfies you - I have no reason to think that it will, only a desire that it may - then would you permit me to call on you soon? There are certain things that I would discuss, now finally having the proper ears at hand to hear them. The same offer is extended to you, of course, as I know how difficult the adjustment can be for those like us; Iâll say, however, that you have taken to it better than most any Iâve had the fortune to meet.
As an aside, Iâve yet to receive the charge for your services. If the bill hasnât yet arrived by the time I see you next, I intend to square my account with you directly.
Sincerely, Lothis
Caleigh,
Iâve been thinking of you in one manner or another since the night of the Maelstrom, and my mind is made up. Youâre exactly what Iâve needed, perfect - as if made-to-order! I have something I must discuss with you, the sooner the better.
If your duties will allow it, meet me at the ruined chapel toward the southern end of the village, tonight or tomorrow evening. Perhaps you already know the place? Itâs pleasantly secluded, and as such is ideal for our purposes.
See to it that you arenât followed. Though I cannot hope to keep this from Melisande for long, your discretion is appreciated for what I trust will be the first of many such rendezvous between us.
Yours respectfully, Lothis
((Tagging @gigi-etoileur, @everglow-botanicals, and @caleigh-lightbreeze for the letters; tagging @melisandemeadowshine for the introductory mention. While Vynix, Renrael, and Selowyn were mentioned in passing, Iâm not familiar enough with etiquette to risk a full tag!))
