Correspondence: Lessa to Fydor

[Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov]

Fydor-

I was most happy to receive your letter, and am quite well, even with all that is happening in the City; I only hope that since your missive to me you are still well yourself.

I have found myself thinking on our meeting- and you- a good deal as well, and waiting with bated breath to hear from you. Your invitation to dinner came as the most pleasant surprise I've had in some time- but unfortunately, with the climate of the City of late I fear it may have to be postponed. A good deal of businesses within the City have closed with the fear of the illness that is circulating and it may take until the danger is well passed for them to open again.

In lieu of such an outing- and with a bit of concern that I may seem too forward, though I mean it in all innocence and propriety- I would like to extend to you an invitation to dine at my own home, should you wish to. If it is an invitation you cannot accept I will understand completely and hold no ill feelings, for I understand how it may defy the conventions you are accustomed to.

I hope the times find you well and in good spirits and hope that I have not offended you so greatly as to keep you from writing further.

In all hopefulness,
Lessandrie

[Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov]

Fydor-

I am terribly glad to hear the illness has passed your household by and offer prayers to my own deities that such remains the case, and that the disease passes quickly, so no one may be further inconvenienced or pained by it. Though I find myself dismayed that it is preventing our meeting, I can only imagine how much worse things must be for those whom the fever has touched far more dramatically.

Your gift- in regards to that I can only thank you more times than I could ever utter without losing my voice. It is beautiful and wonderful, and even at this moment I can only look on it in amazement and fondness. An idea of a gift for yourself has come to mind, but as I cannot find such an item to my satisfaction I intend to wait until such a thing shows itself. Please do forgive me for such tardiness in the returning of the gesture and know that I do intend to follow through.

On the path of pure conversation and the desire to know you a bit better, do you enjoy falconing, or any hunting whatsoever? I have some birds, though I must admit it isn't the hunt that brings me the joy of them, but seeing them in flight. I also spend my time painting, or reading, when such time is available to me. Which pastimes do you find the most pleasant?

I am exceedingly glad that you wish to keep corresponding with me, for I find your letters welcome and much-needed company and look forward anxiously to their arrival.

Fondly,
Lessandrie

[Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov]

Fydor-

I can only hope this letter finds you in as good of health and spirits as the previous ones seem to, for I find myself growing happier simply at hearing one of your lovely missives has arrived.

You seem to speak disparagingly of the ability to get into a bit of trouble from time to time, but I must say to me it seems to require a great deal of skill, as I've never been able to manage it myself save in the case of accident or luck. Perhaps you could teach it to me as well as your native tongue. (That, of course, is my sort of teasing, though I pray you take no offense if offense is due, for I meant none.)

Personally, I find myself far from the best in any field I undertake. Though I fly my birds, I haven't yet learned to train them a great deal as yet, and my painting is far from technically good (though a friend recently mentioned I shouldn't be as hard on my abilities as I am, and the renewed confidence has encouraged me to undertake making your gift). Though I read a great deal, I haven't yet managed to see a great deal for myself, which is likely a poor substitute.

As for your own reading, if I may venture an idea that I hope does not sour your bright outlook toward me- perhaps, if you wish to learn to do so well, then starting slowly would be the best course of action, and could expand your knowledge of the spoken language as well. A book can be a good practice, as when one gets frustrated or stuck it can be set aside, as people often cannot be. I find the written word to be very forgiving in that sense.

Though most of the City is silent, the Royal Woods will be more peaceful for it- perhaps we could meet and do as you suggest sooner than other options for doing so would be available. Birds need to be flown no matter what, and it would likely be a more seemly setting for a chance to speak face to face.

I wish I could write more, but I worry about tiring you of my likely silly words, and work beckons with its long and merciless fingers. I wait for your reply with bated breath and hope to hear you are still in good spirits.

Playfully,
Lessandrie

[Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov]

Fydor-

The idea of my words bringing you such happiness cheers me a great deal, as well as your acceptance of the invitation to hunt. Truly, I am overjoyed as well. How does three days from now sound? Of course, if that is too soon I would be more than willing to accommodate any time you wish, for I grow weary of my own surroundings and am longing to be out as much as my falcons are.

I am glad the idea of my gift pleases you as well, for just yesterday I managed to finish it, and it of course arrived with this letter. I hope you don't find it too cumbersome or tiresome, and that it brings you as much joy as your gift brought me.

You mention your family a good deal- what are they like? Do you often enjoy their company? Of my own there is little to say, with only my much younger brother and my father, both of whom are still in Marsilikos. I write to them a good deal, but of course it isn't quite the same as seeing them in person- and the same holds for thoughts of you.

I hope to hear your reply soon as to your ideas for hunting, and so I am ending this letter with good cheer and high hopes.

Praying for plans to work,
Lessa

**Wrapped in wool is a watercolor painting, about 8" by 10 " (American notebook paper, Heather )



Painting by Edmund Darch Lewis**

[Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov]

Fydor-

I am very happy to hear that you enjoy my gift to you, and that my venture into art has had some positive impact.

As to our trip- the Royal Woods are still open, so long as one doesn't attempt to enter through the Palace grounds, and covers quite an extensive area. The eastern entrance has a large thicket just inside where I could let my kestrel take air, or thicker wooded areas where an accipiter could fly very nicely. Do you have any birds of your own?

As to my family- my brother Laurel is five, but he will be six soon, and he enjoys nearly everything except lessons in deportment. When I was still in Marsilikos I'd take him out to look at animals in the menagerie and he would run back and forth between them for hours. He's very sweet and not nearly so shy as I am. We also don't look terribly much alike, as he has my mother's features and dark hair, while I have my father's fairer coloring. My parents were from small families as well- my mother had no siblings of her own, and my father only one, so I have few cousins. My life was likely a bit more quiet than yours- but also more lonely.

By the time this letter reaches you it should only be two days until we can meet again- and truly, I wait with bated breath and hope to pass the time as quickly as possible.

Wishing for shorter days,
Lessa

[Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov]

Dear Fydor-

I think perhaps a couple hours after noon would be the best time, as the birds will be coming out of their drowsing from the hottest part of the day- and it will also give me ample time to fly them a bit beforehand to see which ones are the most apt to behave. As it is I plan to only bring one, or maybe two, as any more would require a great deal harder work and I hope to have a bit of a relaxed time while we talk.

With all due respect, and hesitance to disagree, I think perhaps I am more shy than you have seen thus far. Being around you was so pleasant I forgot to be so at the fete, and in letters I seem to conduct myself far differently. Perhaps it is because I am more used to writing letters than speaking with people face to face and wondering what they think behind their eyes as they see me. Your words, though, bring me much comfort and I am sure I will like your family, even if they take a little time to learn me.

I am counting the hours as well, and I grow more anxious to see you with every one.

Hoping to see tomorrow quickly,
Lessa