A/N: So, I was going to wait longer to add what I have left (if I keep the breaks as they are now, I have 13 chapters written), but it turns out that being reviewed and followed makes me so happy I'll give in and give you more (well done NrDg, and thanks!). After this I'm going to slow down (as in, wait at least a day), if only to keep some story in reserve and wait to see if anyone has constructive comments that make me want to change something.
Anyway, general disclaimer about the next few chunks: since business is keeping Alvred in Arendelle, for a while we have to be content with letters. As of now, I have each letter as a separate post, so they are short. Let me know how you feel about this NrDg and anyone else who is out there. I'd be open to combining letters to make longer posts, but I kind of like the idea of there being a little bit of a lapse between letters for those reading as I post (or at least having to wait for the page to load for the others).
As usual, what you recognize isn't mine, but honestly at this stage in the story a fair amount of it IS mine :)
Sorry for the super long note, without further ado...
Dear Lady Susanna,
This winter has been the most severe Arendelle has seen in years. You say you miss the snow and ice. I fear you have forgotten its perils. Every day villagers find animals frozen in their barns. Julius has forbidden travel between villages more than a day's ride apart; the ice haulers complain, but stragglers have been found seemingly asleep in the snow, barely an hour's ride from warm fires. We may not have much ice to sell to the Isles this summer, but Julius insists a drain on the economy is preferable to more deaths.
Recently, he has set me to work on old palace records, searching for anything written of similar weather. I feel as if I read worn tomes even in my sleep. All I can find so far is an old prophecy concerning unending winter and a ruler with a frozen heart. I fear the tome is only legend though, for the author insists the prophecy comes from the Trolls of the Valley of Living Rock. It is said to lie in a valley in the wake of the Northern Mountain, but all the palace scholars insist such a place doesn't exist. Hopefully I will find something more recent, or at least more factual.
In any case, please inform our typical buyers in the Isles of the potential decrease in product volume, but assure them things should be as normal next winter and do what you can to keep them from seeking permanent contracts elsewhere. On the other hand, with all the time spent indoors, we will have more carpentry to trade. I've attached blueprints from several of our best carpenters, both of products that can be shipped as well as designs for buildings they could be contracted to build as soon as the thaw comes.
You said in your last letter that many of your friends' families had expressed an interest in your descriptions of our architecture? Could you circulate these? Despite my brother's assurances, I know he is concerned about the loss in revenue. Perhaps an increase in the carpentry and architectural trade could be used to limit our losses? Please try to get your father on board as well. (Word it as a royal command if you must; I've attached a form with my signature, fill in what you feel is appropriate)
The Kingdom of Arendelle thanks you for your most Loyal Service,
Alvred, Prince and Lord Heir of Arendelle