A/N: So...I wasn't going to do more with this, but Maric and Teagan pulled the Puppy Eyes of Doom on me, so there will be some more of this. I can't tell you how much more, because I don't really know as yet, but I will at least write up the Royal Visit. Cailan might get to talk about his educational visit to Rainesfere - we're discussing it. Inspiration for Cailan the wise-arse 15-year-old comes from JayRain's lovely story "Sneaking", which you should read if you're interested in Cailan, because it's awesome. Mention of a certain golem doll inspired by MsBarrows' story "The Golem Doll", which you should also go read because it is also awesome. Links to both their profiles can be found in my favorite authors list.
30 Kingsway, 20 Dragon
To: His Royal Majesty Maric Theirin
From: Bann Teagan of Rainesfere
You know, I may have to start abbreviating your title as you do. It would save so much on ink. Of course, writing the above sentence completely offset any savings, so perhaps I am not as full of good ideas as I think I am.
I have heard from your steward and a Royal Visit from 15 to 20 Harvestmere would be most welcome. I was pleasantly surprised to read that your stay will be so extended; you made it sound like you would not be able to get away for more than a day or two. My housekeeper is having apoplexy at the thought of you coming on such short notice, but I have reassured her that you spent your formative years in much worse conditions than the manor house, so you do not stand on ceremony. I doubt she believes me, though, as I happen to know that the housemaids were sent upstairs to fetch the Orlesian tableware. Loghain will not be with you, will he? I fear he might smash my good plates.
I have spoken with one of my most senior landholders, Lord Fallon, and I think he will suit admirably for a tutor for Cailan. The man has six adult children, four boys and two girls, so I'm sure that he has encountered every situation that a teenager could dream up. His orchards are quite extensive, so even if Cailan has more stamina than Lord Fallon thinks he will – I'm informed Cailan's arms training will be of little to no use as it's an entirely different set of muscles - there will be more than enough to keep him occupied.
Alistair is coming along slowly but surely. I begin to think that I might be able to do this. He is learning quickly and settling into the routine of the manor house. He now sleeps in his bed more often than not, although I confess the main reason is that I have allowed one of my hounds – an old bitch who feels the cold most keenly these days – to share his room. She has become quite protective of him. He will be heartbroken when she passes, although it is my hope that bringing her in the house will delay the inevitable. She is in good health for a dog her age, so he might get a few good years out of her. Perhaps I am spoiling the boy, but he could do with a bit of that, after what has happened to him in the past few years.
Maric, I must warn you – he has received several talks from Eamon regarding his place, or rather, lack thereof. I have attempted to reassure him and have told him that my de facto adoption of him and naming him as my heir legitimizes him, but he received those lectures from Eamon at an early age. It will take a long time to undo that. He may be somewhat ambivalent about meeting the king because of this, so prepare yourself. He has not expressed any feelings to me on the subject, but for all that he can chatter like a magpie, he often manages to actually say very little about what he is thinking. He would have driven my sister 'round the bend with his chatter, although I think she would have loved him as much as I am coming to. He is difficult not to love, even if he exasperates me at times. I do not see how Eamon could have sent him to the stables, although I know there were whispers that the boy was his bastard, which must have greatly embarrassed him. I'm sure Isolde did not care for the whispers, either. I believe the current whispers are that he is mine. Of course, he could have been; I certainly have had my share of serving girls throw themselves at me during my visits to Redcliffe Castle.
At any rate, we shall endeavor to be good hosts, and look forward to seeing you in just over a fortnight time. I do have one small request, if you can manage it. Alistair is quite fond of cheese, it seems, and the more exotic they are the better he likes them. If you could perhaps have one of your staff procure some of the finer varieties of cheese and bring them with you I would be most grateful. Actually, making a gift of same to Alistair would likely go a long way towards winning his acceptance. He's also quite fond of figurines and the like. He treasures a golem doll that he says came from Eamon. Seems a bit odd to give him such an expensive gift and then send him to the stable, but I avow I understand little that my brother does these days.
Andraste's Pyre, I have gone on long enough in this missive. I will be seeing you in a fortnight, we can speak then.
Teagan
6 Harvestmere, 20 Dragon
From: HRM King Maric Theirin
To: Bann Teagan of Rainesfere
Teagan,
I confess your first paragraph made me laugh out loud – it is so like something I myself would do. I quickly ceased my laughter at the rest of your letter.
I, too, wonder what Eamon's reasons are in this matter, and believe me, I intend to find out when he is in Denerim. We will speak more about this when I am at Rainesfere.
The arrangements you have made in regards to Cailan should do admirably. I look forward to meeting the man.
I will be most pleased to provide the boy with some fine cheese. From what you have said in a previous letter he could do with some more meat on him.
I must apologize for cutting this so short, especially after your lengthy letter. I was glad to read it, though – I'm glad you feel you can confide in me about such things. I am very glad the boy has found a home with you, Teagan. But now I must close this. In order to get away for as long as I am I am having to let Loghain work me like a plowhorse. Oh, in answer to your question; no, he's not coming. The Orlesian ceramics are safe.
I will see you in just over a sennight, assuming I don't get thrown from my horse and die in a ditch. By the by, Cailan is at least as good a rider as Rowan was, if not better. It's disgusting.
Maric
