Post by Malzane d'Essoms (I) on Mar 8, 2009 18:31:18 GMT -5
I was sitting in my suites at the Palace in Ephesus, strumming idly at the psaltery that I had commissioned. Having just received the instrument I wanted nothing more than to assure the fact that it was tuned properly.
The craftsman had done an exceptional job working on it, as well he should have. I had purposely sought the best one in the entirety of Ephesus, and found her. The thing had cost a small fortune but I wanted only the best.
Thus I found myself lounging, one leg thrown over the arm of a comfortable chair, instrument resting upon my lap, and doing nothing in particular. My daily activities had been concluded nearly two hours ago, and I had no appointments or dalliances set up. It was because of this fact that I was surprised at a knock upon my door.
"Enter." I declared in Ephesian. When nothing happened my brow furrowed slightly. All of my servants new the language I spoke, as did the rest of the Palace. I could immediately only think of one reason that the person on the other side of the door wouldn't understand.
"Enter." I repeated. This time I did so in D'Angeline. The door swung silently open to admit a young woman holding a sealed letter. "Greetings, and welcome to Ephesus." I said warmly. "What news?"
"M'Lord D'Essoms..." she started, softly. "...I was sent to deliver this missive. It is...It's from your..."
Ah, my father. I was wondering when he would be writing to me. I thought to myself and stood, placing the psaltery in a gilded case with velvet lining.
"...Father."
With a nod I crossed the rooms and took the letter from her gently. "Thank you. If it pleases you, you may take some refreshment. Wine or punch, whichever suits you." I motioned idly toward a silver tray which held two condensating pitchers.
I crossed to my own writing desk and removed a flat-bladed letter opener, checking the seal of the letter as I did. I wondered idly why the messenger did not speak Ephesian, but once I opened the letter the thought flew from my mind as a hawk toward its intended prey.
Mal,
Much has happened while you have been away. A plague hit much of the City and excluded none. From Royalty to Commoner alike.
Many deaths, from the plague and not, have happened as well. I wish I could list them all in this letter, but I do not think I could bring myself to do so.
Come home son, at least for a few weeks, if not longer. It has been quite some time since we have had the joy of your company. Simply send Larielle with your answer and we will talk more when I receive it, either through written word or verbal.
Respectfully,
Your Father,
Markus
He never could bring himself to say he loved me, even in a letter. I chuckled softly and held the letter to the candle flame upon my desk. "Larielle, I will be accompanying you home in two days time. Please tell my servants to give you a comfortable place to sleep and food to eat, and any other amenities you will need."
Waiting for her to leave before I started packing I smiled. It had been quite some time since I was a visitor in the courts of Terre d'Ange. I looked forward to this, and had not known I was truly missing it until moments ago.
The craftsman had done an exceptional job working on it, as well he should have. I had purposely sought the best one in the entirety of Ephesus, and found her. The thing had cost a small fortune but I wanted only the best.
Thus I found myself lounging, one leg thrown over the arm of a comfortable chair, instrument resting upon my lap, and doing nothing in particular. My daily activities had been concluded nearly two hours ago, and I had no appointments or dalliances set up. It was because of this fact that I was surprised at a knock upon my door.
"Enter." I declared in Ephesian. When nothing happened my brow furrowed slightly. All of my servants new the language I spoke, as did the rest of the Palace. I could immediately only think of one reason that the person on the other side of the door wouldn't understand.
"Enter." I repeated. This time I did so in D'Angeline. The door swung silently open to admit a young woman holding a sealed letter. "Greetings, and welcome to Ephesus." I said warmly. "What news?"
"M'Lord D'Essoms..." she started, softly. "...I was sent to deliver this missive. It is...It's from your..."
Ah, my father. I was wondering when he would be writing to me. I thought to myself and stood, placing the psaltery in a gilded case with velvet lining.
"...Father."
With a nod I crossed the rooms and took the letter from her gently. "Thank you. If it pleases you, you may take some refreshment. Wine or punch, whichever suits you." I motioned idly toward a silver tray which held two condensating pitchers.
I crossed to my own writing desk and removed a flat-bladed letter opener, checking the seal of the letter as I did. I wondered idly why the messenger did not speak Ephesian, but once I opened the letter the thought flew from my mind as a hawk toward its intended prey.
Mal,
Much has happened while you have been away. A plague hit much of the City and excluded none. From Royalty to Commoner alike.
Many deaths, from the plague and not, have happened as well. I wish I could list them all in this letter, but I do not think I could bring myself to do so.
Come home son, at least for a few weeks, if not longer. It has been quite some time since we have had the joy of your company. Simply send Larielle with your answer and we will talk more when I receive it, either through written word or verbal.
Respectfully,
Your Father,
Markus
He never could bring himself to say he loved me, even in a letter. I chuckled softly and held the letter to the candle flame upon my desk. "Larielle, I will be accompanying you home in two days time. Please tell my servants to give you a comfortable place to sleep and food to eat, and any other amenities you will need."
Waiting for her to leave before I started packing I smiled. It had been quite some time since I was a visitor in the courts of Terre d'Ange. I looked forward to this, and had not known I was truly missing it until moments ago.