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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Jul 4, 2011 21:15:46 GMT -5
It had taken me some time to realize that I'd never followed up on my visit to Leandre, and though far and away in the hills of Azzalle I was, it was time to make amends. And so one early morning, while my Mirielle still rested, I took up quill and pen, and wrote to an old friend. My friend,
Oh, forgive me, for the war and my own madness have kept me away from you. I visited the gallows with candles, and was told you'd been released, but in the flurry of events that ensued, the visit I wished to pay you got lost. I hope this meager missive will make up for it, though it seems a rather inadequate compensation for my neglect.
I write to you from Azzalle, where it seems war has demanded my presence in the form of the most beautiful woman I've ever known. I would lie if I said I wasn't entirely besotted with her, just as I would lie if telling you that she loves me in return does not fill me with the most ridiculous elation. I am a happy man, happier than I have ever been, and wish the same on you, some day.
I will be traveling for some time – a pact of honor made with another man, which I must honor to the best of my ability, for I owe him my life. Should you feel the irrational urge to travel out of the city, do hire good retinue: the roads have been made unsafe by bandit hordes, who marry stealth to violence in their ill designs.
I suspect you may receive a visit from my stewardess eventually: I have sent her on a quest for my little sister in her free time. Raisa Valois is a kind soul, trustworthy and astute beyond reason. I believe you may find her noteworthy, and I pray that you will grant her audience, should she petition for one.
Do give me your news, of yourself and your latest work. I long for our conversations and correspondance, and remain, ever,
Your friend,
Gillermo Stregazza
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Post by Léandre de Guivre on Jul 4, 2011 21:47:58 GMT -5
I was more than a little relieved when a missive arrived at my doorstep bearing the Stregazza seal, and hastily withdrew into my domicile to read it by candlelight. It took me the better part of an hour to pen a reply:
My friend,
I was fortunate in that they did not hold me for long, and I was not charged with any crime. Your gesture, while perhaps ill-timed, is much appreciated. Truth be told, I count myself fortunate that your gift of candles was not needed.
I will not bore you with my thoughts on war in general or this war in particular, suffice it to strongly advise you not to do anything foolish that will land you in the undertaker's cart, for surely I will be left with no one to call a true friend. I do hope this man to whom you have pledged your support has a lick of sense, so as to keep you from doing anything rash. Your concern for my safety is admirable, but rest assured that I do not intend to leave the City for quite some time. My estates are well-cared for by competent stewards.
Regarding the matter of your stewardess, I would happily extend to her any resources I have at my disposal if it would help her quest, although I do not know how useful she will find them. Should she find herself in need of a safe haven, my home is quiet and seldom disturbed by anyone.
As it happens, I am working on no projects at this time, but something you had mentioned in one of your earliest missives to me has planted a seed in my mind. I shall have to think on it and see if anything comes of it, I will keep you informed of its development.
Your friend,
Leandre
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Jul 12, 2011 20:48:05 GMT -5
Having received the letter and heard that war was afoot in the south, I took more time to write back, though in truth, hearing of Leandre had been a great joy. My friend,
Your leter was much appreciated – in times such as these, friendship remains ever a source of joy.
I assure you that any endeavor I may join in, I am and will be adequately surrounded. My retinue is both competent and ruthless in keeping my person whole – as it is, I am in Azzalle and surrounded by loyal soldiers, with one seedy character well under watch by my faithful captain. It is in fact this captain which I am oath-bound to – he and I share a fate of sorts, which I can hardly explain here.
I thank you in advance for your offer – Raisa Valois will be duly informed of it, in case matters become problematic for her in her search. She has with her a messenger boy in the employ of Lessandrie de Mereliot, one Eric Lamont, whom I do not know, though I knew his mistress well, once. If she saw him fit for employment, I reckon the lad is goodly and trustworthy.
Do keep me informed of your new projects, Leandre. Your last paragraph has me seething with curiosity, and I fear that if you do not share this new kernel of brilliance of yours, I may die an ignorant man. Considering where I am, and the battling in the South, this threat is for more real than I should like it to be.
Ever your faithful friend,
Gillermo Stregazza
P.S. A small thought comes to mind – in your never ending quest for knowledge, have you ever come across heraldic lore, which may include a standard, bearing a green snake on a black field? Do let me know if you have, this may be of capital importance to settling one of the greatest wrongs I've come across in my lifetime.
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Post by Léandre de Guivre on Jul 15, 2011 21:14:31 GMT -5
Friend,
It seems you are ever thirsty for knowledge, and so I will say that I am considering venturing into places heretofore unknown to me, to interview the denizens that are found within, even though they have themselves produced many a volume. However, it must be stressed that I have not yet decided if this venture will prove fruitful or frustrating, therefore I hesitate to commit too many words to it, and leave you to draw your own conclusions.
Regarding your current position, I suppose I should spare cautioning you that 'seediness' is rarely culled by watchful eyes, yet I persist, because such is due a friend.
I confess, your query regarding heraldry interests me, although I will assume that you have good reason for asking after it. I do not recognize it, and from your description, I doubt it comes from a noble house, or else it is simply not in any books I have read. Have you considered the possibility that it might be a guild insignia, or some symbol denoting members of a particular military company? I know little of merchants or soldiers, having never been either.
I regret that I could not be of more assistance, but I will make some discreet inquiries of an acquaintance of mine more knowledgeable of such things and let you know what I uncover.
Leandre
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Jul 17, 2011 10:16:40 GMT -5
Friend,
If I understand your project well enough, you wish to venture in the gutters, to speak to common folk. I applaud this idea, if it is indeed what it is, and not a hallucination of my love-addled brain. Should you explore Night's Doorstep, I would suggest that you visit the Poulet Gauche, perhaps with one of your folk. Alternatively, if the fancy strikes you, you may as well write to my home, and ask Mademoiselle Valois to detach one of the Stregazza guard to accompany you. One can be amazed at the resources that abound below the lower echelons of society.
Having had the joy of receiving a letter from another friend, who has been abroad for quite a time, I shall pursue my inquiries as well, from afar. Alas, being in a battle camp, they are limited to harassing my friends and asking them to look up such things on my behalf, and so I find myself constantly grateful for their generosity.
The first battle in Camlach, I'm told, was won by our side, though there were some casualties, including some rather highly ranked nobles. News travels by word of mouth, and so the name was lost in the wake of repetition. I do long for a more reliable source of information, but for now, rumor remains what it is, alas. Thus far, all is quiet in our front, still, and I pray it remains so for the safety of the woman whose stubbornness made me hike all the way here.
With much friendship, as ever,
Gillermo
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