Grancourt Family/An Old Friend
An Old Friend
(Since leaving the realm of Joppo as Mesh took over the city, Beatrice has tried to keep in touch with a couple of the morehonourable nobles of Mesh, namely a Count Purple whom she took a liking to while they were discussing which realm she would join upon Joppo's fall. Here follows some of the letters between the two nobles.)
Count Purple,
I am sorry for the lateness of my reply. I have not had a very good time of late. I have had a sneaking suspicion that my husband Laurie in Atamara has been cheating on me with some wench new to the realm of Carelia; some young pretty girl with auburn hair...am i not still young or beautiful?! I know that i have been gone from my homelands for a long time, but i have tried to remain as loyal as possible. I send him letters every day regarding my wellfare, and haven't received anything in a while. True, they could easily have been lost at sea or stolen along the way, but i don't know - it just seems a bit suspicious to me.
So I am sorry for not replying sooner, but i have been trying to get to the bottom of things with the aid of my husband's brother (Thrydwulf).
I must say that calling somebody old and senile is probably not the best plan to stay alive! Although, i agree that sometimes older gents can lose their minds and focus too much on living a life of wealth an dluxury after their hard service for the realm. They must however give way to the younger generation, and in doing so, they should train the younger generation to be like them.
Duelling should only ever be a last resort - especially one to the death. So i am glad that you had enough sense not to agree to his request. Mesh probably have enough dead on their hands right now.
Heen is starting to look nice again. The desrt lands are beginning to flourish, and the sands are well kept - even the frequent sandstorms don't hurt the morale of the people. I think they enjoy the input from the nobles from Joppo especially. We know how to treat people. It took a long time for me to set up an efficient enough Bureaucratic system, but it seems that the nobility in almost every region are thrilled to see me when i arrive to take care of some of the more difficult paperwork and admin systems I had already implemented upon my arrival. I have even started to train some of the tutors in the academy to be better, so that the other members of the realm can learn some of the tricks i have come up with.
Everything seems to be running smoothely for us, although our allies are struggling slightly more, as you probably know. But i hope that our leaders can sort things out soon enough.
I hope that things have died down between yourself and Danny? Relams need to be united in order to succeed in their goals - this is one of the most important things i have learn during the civil war that took place in the badlands. And now, everyone enjoys our snake stews and our cactus cordials!
All the best,
Beatrice
Countess of Kif
Letter from Purple:
Lady Beatrice,
Never doubt your beauty, neither in face or in soul. I doubt that your husband could have forgotten your excellent attributes while I also earnestly hope there is nothing dire preventing his response. I pray that you have gotten his letter even before this arrives.
I am sorry you have been distracted by the silly squabbles out this way, but since Joppo was once yours your interest is natural. It might even be amusing to see the odd errors going on if it is not among your own concerns. I agree with your distaste for dueling and have vociferously railed against that barbarism in Mesh. Ease your mind, there is no talk as yet of death-play, although the reaper often visits although unbidden.
I am very pleased to know how well your nation is doing. Heen is blessed to have your experience and wisdom with them. I would much like to come see your land myself. It would be a new and mysterious experience for me.
I've seen reports that some of your people are visiting th City of Reeds. You might want to pass on that the heyday of Reed's tourist industry might be approaching a slump for a while. Even the crags of Ren Madragas may soon have more diversion and culinary pleasure for the curious traveler. If your friends wish to travel through Naraka or Bajit I'm sure my friends will be as kind as you and I have been to each other.
It always brings me joy to see your seal upon a message. Now I set my own seal hereupon and hope this finds you well and happy.
Purple
Count of Chot
Count Purple,
I am afraid that I have still not heard from my husband Laurie. The last thing I heard from him was that he was going to a tournament in the hope that he would get money to become an infiltrator for Carelia. This means even less contact. Sometimes I wonder if he still loves me at all. Am I just being oversensitive? I have that problem sometimes. I care too much about people and make castles out of shacks...
Well, I hope that Danny is doing what he says and looking after the people in Joppo. I heard through the priests that Joppo is being converted to the Dragon, that I am glad about. They seemed to be losing faith when i left, and there was nothing i could do about it as i was not yet a full member of the faith
You would be more than welcome to take a trip to the desert lands of Heen. I am aware that you are probably a little busy with "destroying the tourist industry in Vlaanderen" as you so cleverly put it, but if you manage to find some spare time, then perhaps you could come and try some of the delicacies of the lands.
Our Queen is currently writing many documents describing out culture and Heritage in the hope that it will attract more nobles to our rich sands. It is not finished yet, so I will not send them to you just yet - I would rather you saw the final documents, for obvious reasons.
How is the campaign with Plergoth faring for you? Last I heard, High Marshall Thrydwulf had won himself another battle, despite being thrown off his camel by a blow to the head from a flying mace. I think the reports were that no Mesh/Plergothian got more than 10m over the walls before they were thrown back! Perhaps it was folly to attempt such an assault? Was that Danny's decision also? It is rather annoying being so far away from the action all the time, but the people here take up all my time, so I am not too miffed. Someday I shall pick up the sword again I am sure - if only to hold it to the throat of the vixen who's stolen my husband...
Anyway! I apologise for my temper in this letter, I am rather emotional at the moment, I hope you can understand. I think i shall be changing my seal soon enough...
Beatrice
Countess of Kif, Marshal of the Scarlet Mamluks
Letter from Purple My friend,
There is no need to apologize. If you were out of temper it did not show in your writing, although it seems you have reason to be out of sorts. I hope you find solace from your worries soon.
As for Reeds, I was one of those who got to enjoy none of the tourist's activities there. I lost my second good company of horsemen is as many months that day.
After the battle there were rumors of Plergies carrying towers away from the city, to the South, but I have no way of verifying that.
This war is wearisome. I need some time out, and I haven't seen my Estate in ages. If I can get permission to visit Heen after, I may seek such.
Peace be with you,
Purple
Minister of Finances of Mesh, Count of Chot
