Bouquet

(C) Intelligent Systems and Nintendo

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Broken Stem: A Small Collection of Themes From Their Letters, Placed In Conversational Format

1. Iceland Moss
(health)

I do hope you are taking care of your health. Would it sound overly weak to say that I do worry about you so? I make it a point every day to pray to Saint Elimine to watch over you. If something were to happen to you, I do not know what I would do. Being that I am so far away from you, it seems I can do nothing at all. When I think about that, I become deeply troubled.

-x-

I would think that the very act of prayer would be something you are doing for me. Also, I must admit that I find myself expectant for your letters; when the day they are to arrive draws near, I become distracted. Your news and little stories make me grow more fond for Reglay than I have ever felt before. As for my health, you needn't be concerned, as I am not often in battle enough for my life to be threatened in any way.

-x-

It may be as you say, but I am not only worried about your incurring an injury. I have been reading on the details of the Western Isles, and it seems that it is a cold place with very little sunlight at certain times of the year. If you catch a chill, you might become terribly sick, and I doubt that all the remedies Etruria is blessed with exist where you are. So please, if only for my sake, try to take care of yourself.

-x-

As you command, Louise. From now on, I will put my health in your hands.

-x-

Lord Pent, I would appreciate it if you would not take the issue of your health so lightly. I really do worry.

-x

I realize that, and I do apologize if my tone seemed amused or otherwise 'light.' I have to admit that I sometimes get caught up in my studies and forget to take care of myself. Of course it is a bit different here, as our facilities are, as you guessed, not quite as modern as what we have at home. Rest assured that I am being cautious, and will not give you any cause for alarm in regards to my health.

-x-

Thank you for being so considerate of my feelings, Lord Pent. I feel a little better now.

2. Acanthus
(fine arts)

I went to see a performance of La dame aux Camélias in the castle city recently with the daughters of Baron Collué. It was a striking opera. You would not believe this, but the ending made me cry. It is such a sad thing to see love come to such an end.

-x-

I'm vaguely familiar with the title, but I cannot say I have ever seen it before. In Aquleia there were very strict laws about the morality of the performances shown at the theatres, although many of my classmates liked to go to the underground ones even knowing of the fines that would be levied were they discovered.

-x-

That is quite sad, I think. It seems in the castle city of Reglay there are many different types of plays and operas. My mother wrote to me regarding which ones she thought were ones I would enjoy, and I have been inviting some nobles of the city to attend with me. It may be funny to you, but I would like to become a woman of culture, like my mother, though I find the sort of literature my mother reads to be quite boring. Watching people perform stories, however, is very exciting.

-x-

If that is your dream, by all means pursue it. I cannot say I have ever worried about such a thing, but your mother was one of the most prominent literati of her day, was she not? I suppose having that sort of legacy can be intimidating.

-x-

Reading your last letter, it seems that you are unaware of your mother's own legacy. If it were not for her, I would not be enjoying the variety of shows available in Reglay. I feel greatly indebted to your mother.

-x-

I do hope you continue to attend whatever shows interest you. Perhaps when I return we can enjoy a performance or two. My favorite musical is a bit of a morality play, but it shows often in Aquleia. It has quite a bit of bombastic verve, which may not be to your taste, but I could identify with the main character, a doctor who inadvertently discovers an evil side to himself induced by a potion he created. Well, I am not saying I identify with that, but rather his desire for knowledge.

-x-

I would love to see your favorite show with you. It sounds quite interesting!

3. Cistus, part one
(popular favor--favorite thing)

Lord Pent, what do you like to eat? I would like to make your favorite foods for you when you return to Reglay.

-x-

To be completely honest, I have no particular likes or dislikes when it comes to food.

-x-

How can that be? Everyone has something they are particular about when it comes to food. You may not realize this, but that is vital to discovering a person's true self.

-x-

I have never heard of such a thing before. When I was at school, I was often complimented for not being overly fussy. As long as it tastes fine and has adequate nutrition, what reason could there be for complaint?

-x-

Nutrition is more than feeding your body. Certainly you can eat to quell hunger, but is that true satisfaction? Good food is such that feeds not only the body, but the soul. It refreshes you and gives you vital energy. Morning and afternoon tea is not necessary as there is always breakfast and lunch to depend on, but it brings us good cheer to have it, particularly with friends. Therefore, you are enriched not only by the tasty morsels, but also the warmth of friendship.

-x-

That is quite an interesting way to see it. Then, what are your favorite foods?

-x-

I most like rich foods, as Etruscan cooking is so full of them. I have been trying Reglay cuisine as of late and find that, while the desserts are not quite as good, there are some interesting techniques with braising I have not encountered before. Someday I would like to hunt for a boar here and see what the cooks can do with that sort of meat, as the ovens at my home don't allow for a sizable quarter of meat like one would find in an adult boar.

-x-

...

-x-

Lord Pent, I was quite touched by the meal you asked to have prepared. Master Raike told me how you requested he set up everything for me, from the hunt to watching the cooks to the meal itself. But, why did you go so far? It is not even my birthday yet.

-x-

Louise, you may have realized this, but I cannot offer you very much while I am away. When you related your wish, I realized that this was something I could do for you. I was being entirely truthful that I have not encountered a dish that I found to be better or worse than all the other meals before it, but after learning of your definition of nutrition I would like to offer myself as someone entirely willing to try your dishes. Perhaps the reason why I have never had strong feelings about food is because I have never been taught to do so.

-x-

Even more than the experience you allowed me to have, your last letter truly affected me. I will do my best to show you the true happiness of food, so please look forward to that.

4. Rose Acacia
(friendship)

Louise, I have been thinking about this for some time now, but are you making friends among the Reglay nobility?

-x-

No, I am not. I'm sorry I haven't been successful yet.

-x-

It's their loss. Would I be wrong if I asked if they have been cruel to you?

-x-

Lord Pent, I'm fine. Please do not worry about me so.

-x-

You expend all this effort in worrying about me, yet you will not let me do the same? I never thought you would be so unfair.

-x-

If that is supposed to be a joke, it is a rather poor one.

-x-

I see I've been misunderstood, so allow me to be more clear. As far as I can tell, friends worry about each other. It is through their mutual concern for each other's welfare that their bonds grow stronger. I would say that by denying me the opportunity to worry about you, you are closing yourself off from me. That is your right, but it sounds very different from the Louise I know.

-x-

Lord Pent, please forgive me. I did not consider it that way. To worry also causes pain, and I would do anything to keep you from it. Since we are already so far apart, to commit such an act is far more cruel than anything that has ever happened to me.

-x-

I'm sorry, I didn't mean to hurt your feelings. I only wanted to let you know how I felt.

-x-

That makes me happy to hear, that you want me to know your true feelings. I would like to keep hearing them, even if it is a complaint about me.

-x-

I see, though I don't expect to have many complaints about you.

5. Cistus, part two
(popular favor--favorite thing)

Lord Pent, may I also ask what your favorite color is? Please try to be more discerning than to simply answer that you neither like nor dislike any color over the others.

-x-

That is a question I can answer readily. My favorite color is blue.

-x-

Thank you for your answer! Now, which shade do you like? I thought you might like dark blues the best, but would that be indigo, or perhaps royal blue?

-x-

Your last letter gave me a vague sense of déjà vu. In all honesty, I'm not sure what the difference is. May I ask why this is important to you? I might be able to assist you further if I knew why this is so necessary.

-x-

There is no particular reason, Lord Pent. I just would like to learn more about you.

-x-

I see. Well, please continue to feel free to ask me whatever you like and I will answer to the best of my ability.

6. Cherry Tree
(good education)

I was discussing the topic of education with a few of the soldiers and I realized that Etruria has quite a few flaws in its system. For instance, the rich are free to pursue any level of education they wish, but it is nearly impossible for the normal villager to attain more than a cursory knowledge of reading and writing. You're of a good family, and your mother seems quite interested in higher levels of education, so I thought perhaps you were schooled from the time you were of age to do so, like myself.

-x-

Do a lot of noblewomen attend school? I had a governess for a time, and my mother's comments at that time made me believe that most young girls with some wealth are taught privately.

-x-

At my magic academy, my particular class was roughly split in half between males and females. However, when I attended my first school in Aquleia, it was an all-boys academy.

-x-

Which did you prefer, Lord Pent?

-x-

I would say Pére Magie without a doubt. Everyone was devoted to the study of magic, and I think that makes all the difference. Perhaps education should be focused on the trade one wishes to enter, instead of disparate subjects. However, at the lower levels it may be necessary to instill the fundamentals, but which subjects are 'fundamental'? I would like to do more research on this idea, but unfortunately the Western Isles is fairly light on this sort of reading material.

-x-

Concerning your idea, I've grown interested in it as well. There is no real education system in Alloway, but I think I will send a letter to Uncle Aramis and discuss the idea further with him. Nella should also have something to say about this. I will start on my letters right away and inform you once they reply.

-x-

Thank you, Louise. I'll look forward to it.

7. Lint, part one
(obligations)

I am a little worried about what I am finding in Raike's reports. It seems you are attending to the Reglay noblewomen four or five times a week. Perhaps you are overexerting yourself.

-x-

I appreciate your concern, but I am aware of my limits. Please do not worry overmuch about me. This is necessary, after all.

-x-

I would like to hear your reasoning on what is so necessary about pandering to them. You are a guest in my home, and I cannot see myself suggesting to any guest that they should tire themselves out with those people.

-x-

For now, it is necessary because I want you to keep your title as Count Reglay. Furthermore, if everything goes well, I will have to converse with them on a regular basis as Countess Reglay. It is best to understand them now so that I will be able to adapt to them later. It is no different from learning how to hunt, actually. Hunters must adapt to the prey they seek if they wish to catch any, whether they are rabbits or pheasants or boars.

-x-

What an interesting metaphor. I've underestimated you, haven't I?

8. Sorrel
(paternal affection)

Lord Pent, there is something I wish for you to know that I did not tell you in my last letter. While I was in Alloway, my father decided that he would accept us being together. I realize it is an awkward thing to discuss the nature of our relationship considering our distance, but I thought you would like to know.

-x-

I'm not sure what exactly would be awkward to speak about regarding our engagement, but I am happy to hear about his change in attitude. From the beginning I have understood his reluctance because the element that drew us together is perhaps a little odd. As I understood it, his main problem was with me and my deficiencies of character.

-x-

Regarding what you wrote in your last letter, you mentioned that you understood what he disliked about you. May I ask how you became aware of this? Was it the day you came to my house, when afterward you attempted to sever our marriage promise?

-x-

You are correct in your assumption; it was on that day. You must understand that when I had accepted the punishment for my father's crime, there was still the question of what I was going to do regarding our engagement. On one hand, I was not going to force you to marry me with such a scandal hanging above my head, but if you will allow me to admit this, I had a strong dislike for simply canceling it, as I thought it was not impossible to salvage some sort of future with you. This is why I handed the decision over to you, as it was the only honorable thing I could think of doing.

I initially wanted to speak with your father in order to let him know the truth behind my punishment. I was aware that your mother had probably learned of the rumors surrounding it, and I did not want to leave your family mired in confusion. I recall that he said nothing as I spoke, his expression unchanging the entire time. I must admit that I am not the best at reading a person's face, so I had no idea of what he thought. I decided to find out by telling him what I intended to do regarding our engagement, and in returned he nodded and said that he agreed this would be best, that he was pleased to hear I was reasonable enough to leave the decision to you. I then asked him if he hoped that we separated or not, and I still remember his response.

He said: I do hope it. Not because I want her to be in pain, but rather because I find you to be unreliable and therefore unworthy of her. A man who has no idea of his responsibilities and how best to achieve his goals is not a dependable man. My daughter is sweet-hearted and will work tirelessly for those she loves, even if that person is unable to pull their own weight. For such an unreliable man such as yourself to have any power over my daughter's heart quite frankly frightens me.

To hear both his assessment of myself as well as you made me think that it would be better to completely separate from you, but I have to say I was too weak against your earnest words. Even so, I think back to your father's words to me that day and I admire his honesty. That he knows you so well is a testament to his love for you.

-x-

Thank you, Lord Pent. However, you needn't defend my father. I do not feel that someone who accepts a punishment suited only for his own father and his former steward is at all unreliable. You are doing something that not many people could willingly do, and I admire you all the more for it. As long as you stay true to yourself, please allow me to do whatever I can for you. My effect overall may be inconsequential, but when I think about you in the Isles, I can't help but want to work harder.

-x-

This may be overly self-congratulatory, but reading your words makes me feel that, if someone can believe in me that much, I must be doing something right. Please continue to uphold your faith in me. I will do what I can to prove that it is not unwarranted.

9. Amaryllis
(splendid beauty)

Lately, everyone has taken to asking me about you. Ever since one of the soldiers heard about your existence from one of the pegasus knights, I've been continually bothered by their questions. It seems I've lost any prestige the title of 'captain' had afforded me.

-x-

You wrote something very strange in your last letter that I must inquire about now. Why do any of the pegasus knights know about me?

-x-

I am friends with the Etrurian army liaison in their squad. She is quite kind, but she seems to delight in causing in me trouble.

-x-

I am unsure if I was clear enough in my last letter. Why do all the other pegasus knights know?

-x-

They had a bet on the status of my 'love life', as it was put to me. And now that everyone knows, I get the most tiring questions about you, especially in regards to your appearance. Of course, it allows me to brag about you, which is quite nice.

-x-

Lord Pent, you are teasing me, aren't you? To read such a thing is a little embarrassing.

-x-

I understand. I won't write about it any longer.

-x-

You may say that, but don't you think it's too late if I already know about it?

10. Cistus, part three
(popular favor--favorite thing)

Louise, I must say that I was quite surprised by your gift. It was very thoughtful of you. I now understand why you asked me for my favorite color, and I especially like that you used silver thread for the embroidery. Gold, I think, would be too obtrusive at this time. I'll make sure to take good care of it.

-x-

It's quite a pleasure to be so praised by you. I only have one request, that every time you wear it please remember me. I made it from the inspiration of every wonderful feeling you've inspired within me, so I hope it keeps you warm through the winter.

11. Lint, part two
(obligation)

Raike has informed me that there is now a case to divest me of my title in the King's Courts. In light of that, perhaps it would be best for you to return home. However unpleasant the Reglay nobles were before, now that many of them are supporting this claimant they will become incorrigible. I do not want you to suffer because you feel you have an obligation to help me. I greatly appreciate everything you have done, but now this is a matter only the castle clerks and Raike can solve now. Please, return to Alloway.

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My dearest Lord Pent, when I received your last letter I was filled with the usual anticipation that comes only from the arrival of your letters. However, when I read it, my joy turned into grief. I thought you understood me well enough to know that this is not a matter of obligation. I will have to refuse your request. I hope you can understand.

Furthermore, I will have to admit that I am feeling injured. The promise I made to you that day still stands, although I have done a poor job of proving its worth. I fully intend to use my life to protect you. That includes that which is important to you. You may not realize this, but I know that Reglay is very important to you. It is so important that you would worry about it despite your own position, and you have worried about it for some time. Uncle Aramis told me so in his letter. He said you had approached him to understand the system we use in Alloway in order to give everybody their independence, because you were interested in doing something similar for Reglay. That, combined with your new interest in creating an educational system in Reglay that would benefit all people, not just the rich, has shown me that only you can be Count Reglay. There is no one else who will serve the people with the same kindness as you.

It is one of the many reasons I hold such a strong and enduring fondness for you, my dear lord.

If I may be so bold, I would like to know how you feel towards me. I would like to understand why you would possibly ask such a thing of me. I am aware that you may wish to protect me, but I will not accept a strange sort of protection as that. I did not accept it from Father, and I will not from you. If this is not something you feel comfortable with revealing to me just yet, I will completely understand. I just am led by a fatal sense of curiosity, but I can wait for you. I would wait forever for you.

Yours faithfully, Louise

-0-

"Lady Louise."

Louise raised her head from her complicated embroidery, unsure what to make of the unusually grave tone that had accompanied the sounds of her name. "Master Raike?" she responded softly, fully expecting to be drowned out by the sound of the rain outside her window. She hoped it would turn into a brilliant white snowfall if the temperature lowered just enough, though it would be troublesome for her trip home next week. Already she considered herself sixteen, but it certainly didn't feel as though she had reached the age of majority until her family was surrounding her as they celebrated it.

Master Raike was fidgeting when she focused her attention on him, a most curious sight that had her placing her embroidery onto her little tea table. "Lady Louise, I'm not sure how to say this, but..."

"What do you mean..." She gasped when a terrible image presented itself to her. "Lord Pent, he's not--!"

"I'm not sure what happened, but it seems something did. If it hadn't, this wouldn't have occurred." From behind his back he revealed a familiar-looking envelope to her, which she received with faintly shaking hands. When she looked at the front, the toxic mixture of shock, confusion, and a nearly palpable grief filled her throat and made her unable to voice just what exactly she felt as her eyes scanned the same inked stamp over and over again, as if discovering the secret behind it would cause the dreamscape surely entrapping her to fall apart. On her letter, that vital letter in which she confessed her feelings and bade Lord Pent to do the same, there were new words cruelly staining the pristine eggshell-white envelope:

RETURN TO SENDER

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These read like supports, don't they? They were very fun and easy to write, although they are just small slices of their correspondence. I wanted to have a sort of easy, growing intimacy forming between the two. After all, as the story summary states, this is the bridge between Etruria and the Western Isles--as a bridge, it should be able to bear the weight of even...well, never mind that. Thank you for reading, and feel free to let me know what you think of my work so far. I hope you'll be looking forward to the next story, out on 5/3!

La dame aux Camélias: This was the name of a story written by Alexandre Dumas (author of The Three Musketeers and The Count of Monte Cristo, among others) that eventually became the base for one of the most enduring operas--La Traviata. And, to round out that section, yes, Pent is referring to Jekyll and Hyde! One of the songs in the album I have of the musical is called I Need to Know, which just struck me as very thematically similar to Pent's B support with Hawkeye.

Cistus, part one: This entire 'conversation' is a reference to the Pent/Louise B support.