A Letter and Another Ward

[Azriel Shahrizai]

I made my way up stairs to my room and my study, a group of letters in my hand that I had to read. I had just returned from a walk around the town house's estate to enjoy the fresh air.

When I made it to my study I sat down and began to look at each letter. Two of them were letters from my financial advisor, those I would read last. One, was from my estate in Kusheth, and the last was one I hadn't expected.

Dear Azriel;

It has been a long time since I have seen you old friend, or at least I would hope you would give me leave to call you so.

I've heard you're back in the City, I was never thought that was possible for you. But I also heard the news of your sister and the tragety that befell her family. Please accept my condolensces....

I read on, the letter from an old friend of the family. Well, my parent's had been good friends with his and consequently we spent much time together growing up, though he was a little older then I.

His letter read to tell of his son, sixteen, who was wishing to go to the city...and in essence he wished me to take on his son to foster him.

I sighed to myself, knowing that it could be problematic with two sixteen year olds in the house together. I'd certainlly have to keep my eye on this young man.

I would have to check with Lilli first. I stood and walked down the hall, knocking on the door of my niece's room.

[Lillianne Prévost]

I was working on my Ruskovian homework, lying on my stomach with papers spread around me on the bed. I knock sounded on my door and I glanced up. "Come in," I called.

[Azriel Shahrizai]

I entered into Lillianne's room and smiled to see her studying.
"What are you working on?" I asked smiling as I came toward her, letter still in hand.

[Lillianne Prévost]

"The drills my Ruskovian tutor gave me yesterday," I said. I smiled because of the honest smile that was on his face, but I could tell this wasn't just a social call on his part. "I didn't know why Papa had me learn the language until the queen got engaged to Prince Alexei. Guess Papa knew more than I did."

[Azriel Shahrizai]

I chuckled and nodded, pulling a free chair over so that I could sit next to the bed.
"So, I've recieved a letter and I wanted talk to you about it." I said softly as I looked at her.

[Lillianne Prévost]

I put my pen down carefully on a towel I had laid out to save my bed linens, and gave him my full attention. "Alright," I said, propping my head up with one hand.

[Azriel Shahrizai]

"There is a friend of mine...well sort of a friend of mine, from before my parents died. They were friends with his parents which usually put us in the same room often times." I smiled softly.
"Anyway, he has a son, your age, and he wants his son to come to the city to acclimate him to court life since he is to be future Comte." I explained.
"My friend has asked me to foster his son Maric here in the City." I let the comment stay open for her to draw her own conclusions.

[Lillianne Prévost]

"And are you thinking of agreeing?" I asked, trying to understand why he was acting so cautious.

[Azriel Shahrizai]

I nodded.
"I am," I said softly. "Its not something that I would go out seeking, but my parents would have wanted me to." I explained. "But this is your home Lilli, I don't want to impose on you, so if you don't want him to come I will say no."

[Lillianne Prévost]

I thought for a moment, about what it would mean to bring another person into the house. And a boy my age at that. I couldn't think of any reason to object, and Uncle Azriel obviously wanted this, so I smiled. "I always wondered what it would be like to have a brother."

[Azriel Shahrizai]

I smiled softly and nodded, happy at her response.
"Thank you Lilli." I said smiling. "And if you decide that you don't want him here any more just tell me. I won't think twice about sending him home."

[Lillianne Prévost]

I smiled at his gentlemanly offer. "Thank you Uncle Azriel. I'll be sure to let you know if I do."

[Azriel Shahrizai]

I smiled and stood, pushing the chair back to its spot before coming to Lilli and leaning over to press my lips to the top of her head.
"You're a good niece." I said smiling before standing. "Now get back to you work." I teased with a wink.

[Lillianne Prévost]

I laughed, touched by the show of affection. He was getting much better at gestures like that. "Yes uncle," I replied cheekily.

[Azriel Shahrizai]

I chuckled with a smile and reached out, touching her head gently before turning and heading from her room to write a reply.