Eostre opened the door to Josephine's office where she was greeted by a charming smile.
"Welcome back Lady Trevelyan."
"Eostre. Please."
Josephine blushed slightly, as a noble daughter herself, she was always used to addressing nobles by their titles.
"Welcome back Eostre." A smile appeared on Eostre's face. Although she would always be a Trevelyan, being greeted by her noble title had always unnerved her.
As Eostre moved closer towards Josephine's desk, she couldn't help but notice a particular envelope, sitting neatly upon a pile of documents.
Josephine quickly grabbed the envelope and hid it behind her back. Confused, Eostre stopped.
"What was that?"
"Oh, nothing."
Eostre arched an eyebrow and crossed her arms. It was clear from her facial expression that she did not believe Josephine, not even for a second.
Josephine let out a deep sigh and then handed the envelope to Eostre.
"You would have found out sooner or later."
Taking the envelope from Josephine, Eostre instantly recognised the distinctive cursive handwriting. Flipping it over in her hand, her heart stopped when she saw the broken wax seal bearing the mark of the horse.
Horrified, Eostre glared back at Josephine who hung her head in shame.
"This letter …. This is from …. I asked you not to reach out to them!" Her voice breaking as she trembled with anger.
"I know …. I'm sorry! But, please, just read it."
Anger and betrayal filled Eostre as she gently removed the letter and opened it to read. Josephine glanced up at her, watching as Eostre slowly read. Her facial expressions beginning to soften as tears filled her eyes.
'My dear Lady Ambassador,
It is always a pleasure to hear from the daughter of the distinguished Antivan House of Montilyet. I extend warm wishes to your father.
I cannot begin to tell you how much your letter has meant to me, my dear wife and our family. It has been many years since the events of that faithful night and, although our tempers held much fury, we did not stop loving our only and much-adored daughter Eostre.
I am concerned, however, that you only know the initial events and not the aftermath. Indeed, her disappearance and subsequent absence from the wedding did tarnish our reputation and threaten most of the alliances we held within Neverra but, as a feverishly excellent player of the game, Dear Aunt Lucille, my father's sister, played a rather spectacular hand, one that she had held for many years until the timing was right, allowing for rather devasting consequences.
Information rather disastrous regarding Eostre's betrothed family came to light and, as a result, the Noble family were ostracised. Had Eostre married, she too would have fallen victim to the viciousness that followed, and as her parents and the arrangers of this match, us along too. Once the full details of the betrothed family's unpleasantness came to light, our reputation was reinstated in a pristine state, although some still speak lowly of Eostre for her behaviour.
It is the belief within the family that my Dear Aunt helped Eostre with her discreet escape and subsequent eluding of the various "information networks" we have beneficial agreements with. For a good many years, we heard nothing of our daughter. Please believe me when I write that it was nothing short of a joyous celebration to receive news that not only was our precious Eostre alive but that she was the Herald of Andraste.
Whilst we are overjoyed, we understand that our behaviour has caused the relationship between ourselves and Eostre to become strained. We therefore respectfully keep our distance and do not dare to contact her directly, rather keep communications between ourselves. But please do tell her that we love her very much and that she will forever be our cherished daughter.
Lord Bann Tollemache Leofdæg Trevelyan
Ashamed Father'
Eostre desperately fought to hold back the tears but to no avail. They fell like rain upon the letter which slipped from her hands, quietly landing on the desk.
Josephine stood from behind her desk, and walked to Eostre, taking her in her arms to console her.
"After all these years, I thought …. I thought they hated me." Eostre shut her eyes as tight as possible, her heart heavy.
It had been over 10 years since she had last seen and spoke with any members of her family. She had resigned herself to the knowledge that she would never engage with them again.
She was an outcast, a stain on a reputation which had been untouched for hundreds of years, no longer the daughter of the Noble House of Trevelyan which carried much weight.
But this letter was proof that she was still the beloved daughter, the fiercely protected little sister and the sweet, timid Grand Niece. A heavy burden had been lifted from her heart.
After some time, Eostre withdrew from the hug to wipe her tears with her hands, only to be offered the monogrammed handkerchief of Josephine. She let out a soft chuckle, taking the handkerchief.
"I'm sorry, I should have told you."
"If you did, I would have been considerably angrier than I was. I am sorry, you must think me a fool."
Josephine placed a reassuring hand on Eostre's cheek, her smile bringing Eostre comfort.
"I couldn't imagine what you have been through, but I hope this letter has brought you some closure."
"It has," Eostre sniffed a little. "I see they still suspect Great Aunt Lucille."
Josephine giggled.
"Well?"
"Well, what?"
"Are they right to suspect?"
Eostre laughed, "oh Josephine. I'm afraid I can never tell, even to you."
"Ah," smirked Josephine, "playing your cards close to your chest I see. Lady Lucille taught you well."
"When you are a particularly timid child who often goes unnoticed at the various balls thrown throughout the year, you learn to play to your advantages and the strengths of your mentor."
Josephine let out a laugh, "spoken like a true Noble player. But tell me, would this information be as disastrous as they say?"
Eostre chuckled slightly, "knowing Great Aunt Lucille, it would have been something like the family were solely responsible for the blight."
A squeal of delight escaped from Josephine causing Eostre to laugh.