an appropriately-timed reply

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A note in a very precise hand, sent from the embassy but sealed with Cecily Luneste's personal mark.

Lady Idony,

Your welcome has been well appreciated. In an unfamiliar city it is always encouraging to meet peers of similar minds, and I found your conversation to be particularly engaging.

Your invitation is well-received, and I am honoured to accept it. I should love to see your traditional gardens, although you may have to educate me on the finer points of highland horticulture should you wish me to hold worthwhile discussion on your display. However, I am of course perfectly glad to view them for the sake of their appearance. Shall we meet for tea, perhaps?

I will extend the invitation to Claude, but please do not take offense should he decline. He is, after all, a far busier individual than I.

With great regard,

Cecily Luneste

in perhaps too much enthusiasm

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The paper is stained with a few small blotches, as if its writer paused for a while on certain words.

Kerr,

I cannot begin to thank you enough for your hospitality, and apologise for its necessity. I scarcely remember you guiding me inside, and might have thought it a strange dream had I not subsequently woken up in your guest room. It's a comfortable room, I might add. If you really don't mind I very well might take you up on your offer. Not to imply anything ill of my own home! Save that it is very bustling at all hours of the day and night, and while I do love my cousins, I don't love hearing about their hopes for glory in battle.

None of that here, though. I'd love to accompany you on your day trip to V––––, absolutely, and have made sure the day is free for me. The benefit to setting one's own tasks, as it happens. I knew there would be an advantage in it somewhere. Should I come to you, or would you prefer to come to me?

As for your longer trip... circumstances not what they are, I would agree instantly and gladly. It would be a joy to meet part of your family outside of the pomp and circumstance of court. Even as things stand, I'd be glad to go—one can never have too many friends, both personally and in the business of preventing a war. I shall have to think on it. I can't tell you yes, but neither will I tell you no, so long as you don't mind waiting for my response.

You recently wrote that you've not seen me humbled, but you must grant me this if nothing else: the strength of your dedication and loyalty humbles me as it honours me. As it should humble all of us. My House owes yours far more than it has ever repaid, and I may not be my House, but I will continue doing all that is in my power to change this for the better. That it is your House only strengthens my resolve. I hope that if I do get the opportunity to meet with your family, they will trust my own dedication or at least regard it warmly.

In the very least, I'll see you shortly! It will be quite the treat to get some country air for once, and to spend the day with you without interruption.

Yours in enthusiasm,
Laurence