Kindred
Things have been interesting since you left us, Alysia. Lady Lyndis hasn't explained your reasons, telling us that it wasn't her place to do so. Whatever your reasons, though, I respect your choices either way.
I became the knight commander of Caelin, and my first official act was to appoint Sain as my second-in-command so that I could keep an eye on him. Even so, he still ignores authority, even his own! I constantly find him in one of the taverns or inns, consorting with one of the women. He is much loved by the citizens, which only fuels his antics.
However, I've also seen more of his softer side. He takes excellent care of Eagler's old horse, Raven. I swear, when he isn't galavanting, he's in the stable, taking care of her, stroking her mane, or riding her around the countryside. I was worried that Eagler's death had hit him harder, but I'm glad to have been wrong.
Wil isn't quite as bad as Sain when it comes to galavanting. His constant cheerfulness has him out in the town aswell, brightening the day of all who meet him, but I rarely need to reign him in from the inns. His etiquette is being worked on, and his position as head of the castle guard means that he'll be needing it.
Florina is still here as well, and is determined to prove her worth. She and I spar daily to stay sharp, and I have to admit that she is definitely improving. Her fear of men has also decreased... slightly.
Everyone else left Caelin. Dorcas is back in Bern, helping his wife, who is on her way to recovery. From what I've heard, he makes his living fighting against bandits, rather than with them.
Serra and Erk left for Ostia after a bit. From there, I heard that Erk left Ostia for Etruria to continue his training.
Matthew and Rath both disappeared soon after you did. We don't know where either of them are. If you ever see them during your travels, please tell us when you can.
Lucius studied in Caelin for a while, but eventually, he left as well. Rumors say that he's traveling with a mercenary.
Wallace left for some action afterward, but his sense of direction is such that I worry for him, and doubt that we will see him again any time soon.
Nils and Ninian, much to Lyn's chagrin, left a few days after you did. We all worry for them. If you find them on your journeys, please watch over them.
Lyn sends you her regards. She doesn't wish to say goodbye, because she's sure that she will see you again. We all are. Until then, good luck on your travels. Elimine bless you!
- Kent
Alysia folded the letter back up, and looked back through the doorway to the courier. He was slightly taller than Alysia considered average, with deep, caring green eyes. His hair, hidden under the wet hood of his traveling cloak, was cropped, somewhat-jagged strands of silver, like her own, though he couldn't have been any older than Alysia was. There was something about him that Alysia just couldn't place, but he seemed familiar.
"If you don't mind me asking, what's in the letter?" He asked.
Alysia smiled. "Friends in Caelin checking up on me."
"Caelin, you say?" He raised an eyebrow. "Didn't the marquess' brother die just a week ago? From an inheritance dispute?"
"Is that what Lycia's calling that mess?" Alysia laughed, shaking her head. "At least a month of my time, and the best they've got is 'dispute'?"
"Were you there?" The courier asked.
Alysia nodded. "A month of my life I'm never getting back, but with the friends I made, I'd have gladly spent a year in Caelin."
The courier nodded. "I'd drink to that if I weren't on a tighter schedule."
Alysia smiled. "I've held you here long enough, then." Alysia's hand went to her belt, where her coin-bag was. "Thank you. How much do I owe for the delivery?"
"The rate is about ten gold for the delivery, plus tips." The courier said.
Alysia nodded, and counted out thirteen pieces of gold, then placed them in the courier's waiting hand. He thanked her, and put the coin into his own pouch.
"If I might ask," the courier said, "why leave Caelin if your friends are there?"
Alysia sighed, and smiled. "I've done some things in my life that I'm not proud of. I'm worried that, if they find out, they won't like me or respect me anymore, or worse, that they'll turn on me."
The courier nodded. "We've all done thing in our lives that we'd rather forget." He said. "But it sounds to me like they really do care about you, and that you care about them."
Alysia nodded. "I really do, but... what if I tell them... and they hate me?"
The courier shrugged. "A wise man once told me that love is giving someone the ability to destroy you, and trusting them not to. Do you trust them?"
Alysia nodded. "With my life."
The courier smiled. "It sounds to me like you know what you need to do, then. Have a good day, madam."
He turned around, and started walking. "Wait!" Alysia said. "What's your name?"
The courier turned around. "Andreas."
Alysia smiled. "Thank you, Andreas."