Keish- August 26, 2004

August 26, 2004
Dear Arri,
Malia is an organizational genius.
She demurs when I say this, insisting that she just picked up a few thinking helping at the orphanage.
Frankly, I don’t care why she’s brilliant, but nothing less could have accomplished everything (completely readying two classrooms with adjoining offices) in just two days.  I really should just turn her loose on the whole tower.
She recruited an upstairs maid (the one who broke the horrid vase) for the project and the two of them went to work-- cleaning, directing the porters and getting everything set up while I arranged the papers in my adjoining office and went to the book shop to find more children’s book and primers.
That was Tuesday.  Wednesday they sent both Jace and I away and arranged Jace’s classroom and office, and the upstairs room where Jace put a small telescope for astronomy classes.
Jace and I spent the day making sure that the small training yard Jace had had made was ready.  And by that I mean Jace drilled me on self defense moves for hours.
This was partly for the purpose of determining if the yard was indeed fairly private, as propriety would dictate for a group of girls.  I am sure, however, that it was also because the suspicious incidences we’ve been having make Jace a bit concerned.
There’s been nothing serious but someone tried to get into the classrooms while we were in Castlegard.  (Luckily the locking spell Uncle W. taught us all in Rousha works very well indeed.)  There have also been young noblemen hanging around near the classrooms for no apparent reason.  (As well as some young not-so-noble men, most of whom Ryland has identified as valets.)
They haven’t done anything or even said anything, but they made Malia nervous at first.  I hope they aren’t intending to loiter about on a regular basis.
I think I’m getting better at the self defense moves.  Even though it has been weeks since I last practiced.  I’m not too sore today.
Which is good, because today Malia and I are helping Tish.  Between the increasing demand for reflections and her trip to Rousha, she’s not had time to ready a classroom.  She’ll only have a few students at first, though students from two of the city schools will be coming here for science also.  Still, an orderly classroom will certainly be the best way to begin.
Since servant schedules are demanding, to put it mildly, we’re trying to make things as simple as possible.  The year will have three terms-- reading, writing, history and math run all year.  As does self defense.  Science will run the year but Tish can make her own schedule as she wishes.
Reading and beginning writing (mostly grammar and penmanship) are taught three times a week.  I have three levels of reading classes and students will move up as needed.  Classes are only one hour blocks and I have two to three sessions for each reading class to accommodate schedules.  No one has a set schedule of dates and times, they just come to whatever session they can.  If I need to, I’ll add a higher level writing course.
Math and history are twice per week.
Self defense is every day, because it’s harder for the servants to get a free hour-and-a-half block of time and Jace says an hour isn’t long enough.  He says it will be good exercise for him.  It is required for the girls to attend at least once a week, but they may attend as frequently as they like, duties permitting.
Jace’s other classes are each one term in length, but he’ll teach them every term if there’s enough interest.  He’s teaching Elcaran history and astronomy this first term, but decided to make navigation a separate course dependent on the student having taken astronomy.  He teaches each of them twice a week, but attendance is only required once per week.
The city schools have more regular schedules, of course.
Now, however, I must put this aside to meet Tish.
Aug. 27th
Today we attacked the library.  No that is not too strong a word.
It is amazing how much clutter can insanity can accumulate in such a short span of time.  We haven’t lived in this new tower that long and yet the library has become a disgrace.
We spent the day reshelving piles of books, rearranging category sections and shelves and sorting towering piles of papers-- everything from letters to notes on magical theory to sketches from Gretel’s reign of terror wedding planning.
In the midst of all the madness, we found a neat stack of blueprints.
Malia showed them to Jace and me.  “What about these, Mistress?”
I wrinkled my nose.  “What are they?”
Jace was spreading them out on the floor.  “Blueprints.  Look, there’s the breakfast room and the dining room.  Here are the servants’ quarters.”
I knew they were blueprints and I knew they looked familiar, but it took me a moment to equate these simple drawings with the rooms in which I lived.
“It’s amazing how many of these rooms we never use,” I said, joining Jace in pointing out what was what.  (Some were labeled, some were not.)  “Like this little parlor next to Imato’s room.  Though I suppose It’s not Imato’s room anymore.  And this…” I squinted a little to make out the slightly smudged label.  “Solarium?  We have a solarium?  I had completely forgotten anything was behind those doors.”
“There are two other sets here also,” Malia showed me.
Papa had just come in.  “Let’s file those away-- one with household accounts and one with books on architecture,” he told Malia.  He turned to me.  “I was wondering when you’d turn your attention to the solarium.  It’s a lovely view, if nothing else.  A wall of windows.”
“We’ll go look after lunch,” I said, labeling rooms on the plans.  “What shall we do with this set?”
“Mendel would probably enjoy them,” Jace put in.  We had been discussing finding something interesting for Mendel in return for all he did in helping you.
We quickly agreed to send them to you since we’ve no idea what Mendel’s student address would be.  I’ll put a note with them and send off the parcel.  Actually you’ve probably already received it as you read this.
(I am serious about sending Mendel a dog if he wants one.)
Later
It is possibly criminal that we haven’t been using the solarium.  It’s a beautifully situated room, with a full wall of windows facing east.
It is also completely empty.
I’m trying to think of it as a blank slate.
Aug. 28th
The furniture and carpets I purchased in Darse have arrived.  It’s a good thing the solarium is a blank slate, because I grossly overestimated the size of the parlor.
Aug. 29th
Carpentry?
Wow.
I don’t even know what to say to that…
I am glad you got Biology though.
While Jace was very serious about you doing anything you please to his old room, he is glad Taty didn’t talk you into painting it pink.
Jace had a rather lengthy description from Imato of the breeding and lineage of Gretel’s new horse.  Gretel’s letter simply said she likes him but may call him Rey, which Imato does not find dignified enough.
I can just see Imato studying a tree for hours.  I’m sure he picked the perfect branch.  Jace, of course, chose drift wood from the beach the day we were married.  For now it is on the mantle in our sitting room.
I don’t know quite what to say about Banquo’s story, though I think it entirely ridiculous to have to prove one’s self with some grand quest.  Banquo has more than proven himself in my eyes and I don’t see why Nuicui’s patience can’t be her own proving.  Heaven knows it’s not a trait everyone has.
Aug. 30th
“Beggin’ your pardon, Sir, but I was wonderin’ if I might be so bold as to have a moment’s conversation with Lady Keish,” I heard when Jace answered the knock at our sitting room door as we finished breakfast.
Jace laughed.  “Well it appears you are certainly bold enough,” he responded, giving a slight bow as he waved her into the room.
It was the maid.  She curtsied and I indicated that she should sit.  She hesitated, but did so.
“I’m sorry,” I said before she could speak, “I never did catch your name.”
“Cassandra, Milady, but you can call me Cass if you like.”
“Cass, then.  What can I do for you?”
“I have a request, Milady, and Mum said I should come straight to you with it.”
I must have looked slightly confused.
“I’m Marta’s daughter, Milady.”
“Oh!”  I’d had no idea, but now that she’d told me, I could see a resemblance.  It certainly explained Marta’s concern the day she broke the vase.  “Of course.  Please, continue.”
“Well, it seems you may be in need of someone to help with things in your school.  Someone who can run errands and clean up.  Maybe sort papers.  I can read,” she said proudly.  “And since Malia has other tasks as lady’s maid, but an upstairs maid is easily replaced…” Here her confidence faltered, but I got what she was saying.
“And you’d like to apply for such a position?”
“Yes, Milady,” she said, a little breathless.
Jace was smiling.  “I think it’s brilliant.”
I nodded.  “It certainly is.”  I wrote a quick note and handed it to her.  “Take this to Master Byra and let your mother know we will need a new upstairs maid.  You may, of course, maintain your quarters here.”
She took the note and curtseyed.  “Thank you, Milady.”  She turned back at the door.  “Oh, I nearly forgot!  Malia has already been to the classroom building, just to check on things, and wanted you to know that young Lord Viteri was hanging about again.  She went to get Ryland to keep an eye on him.”
I thanked her and she left.
“Caden Viteri is quickly becoming a thorn in my side,” I observed.
“I can’t think what he wants,” Jace said.  “He didn’t seem to have a strong opinion either way about the school.  I don’t like it, though.  I wish I didn’t have self defense to start. I don’t like you being alone the first morning.”
I laughed.  “I rather doubt the queen’s nephew is going to attack me on the palace grounds.”
“Maybe so, but I still don’t like it.”
I shrugged.  “He’s a bored youngest son in need of a hobby.  If it makes you feel better, though, I could activate Imato’s ward if he comes near me.  Should send him flying a few feet at least.”
Jace laughed.  “No I suppose we can’t have that,” he said.  He kissed me lightly and left to go spar, but stuck his head back in long enough to say, “Unless he does try to attack you.  Then by all means.”
I laughed.  I did believe what I’d told Jace.  Caden has never been a threat of any sort.  He doesn’t even trod on one’s toes dancing.
We grew up together-- as much as you could claim I grew up with anyone.  Which basically is to say he’s always been there and I’ve more or less avoided him.
It’s never been possible to entirely avoid him, of course, but I have made avoiding his ilk an art form.
For his part, he is an avid reader of the Palace Gazette, so I imagine he’s just hoping I’ll do something scandalous or amusing… preferably both.
I’d suspect him of writing the Gazette, but I think that level of imagination might be beyond him.
Personally, I’m just going to hope he finds a new distraction.
Sept. 1st
Yesterday was a blur of nervous energy, but classes have finally officially begun.  It was an interesting day.
My first class what at  eleven, so I went to my office at ten.  It’s so interesting having an official office.  Makes one feel so… professional.
Jace was already in the training yard warming up with Kaplan, who agreed to help him with demonstrations this week.
I had locked myself in (per Jace’s request-- even though there was no one about when I arrived) and so when it was nearly eleven I went to unlock the doors.
I had nine girls waiting for me-- as far as I could tell they were mostly tweenies.
There were also five boys.  I recognized most of them from the stables, but one wore a footman’s uniform.
The girls looked nervous, so I ushered them inside and turned to the boys.
The footman stepped forward.  “Begging your pardon, My Lady, but we would like to learn also,” he said softly.
I raised an eyebrow.  “All of you?”
The boys nodded.  “We haven’t had time for any real learnin’,” one spoke up shyly.
Cass had just arrived and cleared her throat nervously.  “Milady, propriety would dictate…” she trailed off, anticipating, I’m sure, my reaction.
I noticed Caden Viteri watching me.  Waiting to see what I would do.
“Propriety can go hang,” I said distinctly.
I ushered the boys in and asked them to sit in the back of the room.  “This is, technically, a girls’ school, but I’ll not turn away willing students.  That said, however, your presence here is, for now, probationary.  If you prove to be less-than-willing students your lessons will be at an end.  Have I made myself clear?”
“Very, My Lady,” said the young footman.  He seemed amused.
With that, we got down to business.  Cass collected everyone’s information and handed out a small reading primer to each person.
I stood at the chalk board, nervousness gone, and began my first lesson.
I think it went very well.  As did my other classes-- each of which had at least a couple of boys.  All in all, I was quite pleased.

Until I locked the door at the end of the day and turned around to find Caden Viteri right beside me.
“With all of the rumors that surround you  I should have thought you’d have more respect for propriety,” he said by way of greeting.
“And I’d have thought that with your family fortune and breeding you’d have better manners.  Today it seems we are both wrong,” I responded with my sweetest (and least sincere) smile.
“You’ve become quite popular.  That footman earlier was one of ours,” he informed me.
“I’ll try not to hold that against him,” I replied dryly.
I kept walking but Caden kept pace with me.  Luckily that was when Jace met us.
“Good first day, love?” he asked, kissing my cheek and rather pointedly ignoring Caden.
“I thought so, yes,” I answered, taking his hand.  “And you?  How did things go with Kaplan?”
Jace grimaced slightly.  “We may have overdone it today, I think, with four hour-long demonstrations, but I think most of the students had a chance to come by and watch.  We’ll do more Thursday and then spend next week on introductory safety information and rules.”
“You’re well-matched,” offered Caden, who was still walking with us.  “I watched an hour.  You’d have done well in the army.”
“No thanks,” Jace said.  His voice was casual, but I could tell he was hoping Caden would find somewhere else to be.  I was feeling rather the same way.
Thankfully, we reached the tower soon after that and Caden took his leave very properly.  As though he were actually a gentleman.  Ha.

I am happy but exhausted, Arri.
I hope your first day with Master Ujifil was as satisfying, but less tiring.

Love Always,

Keish

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Blueprints

Below stairs 2 (lowest floor)

Below Stairs 1 (above ground)

"ground" floor

first floor

second floor

Keish's suite

Adlen's Suite

top floor/observatory

Outside view, simple

Keish- August 27, 2004

August 27th
Dear Arri,

Since I think you may get this package before my letter (especially as I do not have a letter from you yet) I figured I had best enclose an explanation.
In cleaning out some papers today, Malia and I found these blueprints of our tower.  They are an extra set and Jace suggested that Mendel may be interested in them.  I’ve added labels since most of the rooms were unmarked.
Honestly, I’d forgotten some of these rooms existed.  Would you believe there’s a solarium sitting unused?  It slipped my mind completely.  Which is a shame.  Lovely room.  I’ll have to take it in hand.  Or put Malia to the task.
Anyway, after all the help Mendel gave some blueprints seem like the least we could give.

Also, when you see him, would you remind him that I didn’t get a copy of his ingenious spell.  If he would send me a detailed description I would be happy (if his student address permits it) to send him a dog of any age or breed he chooses.  Common, exotic…. Even a mutt if that’s what he wants.
Barring that, I’m sure I could find more interesting blueprints.

Love Always

Keish

See the Blueprints

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Arri- August 16, 2004

August 16, 2004
Dear Keish,

I went to the symphony with Taty, Beagan, Corey, and their friends Master Jarrett and Miss Leonid. It was lovely. I think attending artistic performances is one of the best things about living in a big city. We had so much fun. Master Jarrett invited us all to dine with him in two weeks.

August 20th
My class schedule came in the post today. I didn’t get all my first choices, but I did get Beginning Biology, which I suppose was the most important. These are the classes:
Beginning Biology: everyday, one hour, 7am
Introduction to Literature: three times a week, one hour, 8am (This one sounds fun.)
Introduction to Carpentry??? (I don’t remember choosing this): twice a week, three hours, 1pm
College Algebra, course 1: everyday, one hour, 10am

Looking at the list, I’m feel like I’m starting several degrees at once.  I also need to make time to study healing with Master Ujifil.
Master Ujifil lives at the castle. After getting my schedule, I rode over on Sprigs to discuss when he would like to teach me. He and his wife live in a beautiful set of suites facing south with large windows. He has a private laboratory and consultation room. I will be meeting him there once a week and then going on visits twice a week. He didn’t want to set a regular schedule, so I’ll have to watch for messages letting me know the place and time to meet. You can’t learn healing at the university. It can only be learned through apprenticeship and practice.
I won’t be able to visit Father every day anymore, just a couple times a week.

August 22nd
I went to visit the Prens today and to work out the details of coming to live with them. I can use Jace’s furniture. There’s a bookshelf for my books. Taty is having the room repainted pale blue. The tall window on the east looks out into their long narrow garden. The stables are at the back. I’m on the second floor, so I can see over the fences on either side into other people’s yards. The Pren’s is the nicest with mature trees and a large vegetable garden. Lady Pren says I can bring Kestrel with me, but I must keep her out of the parlor where the finches live. Coulter will stay behind with Uncle Winthrop and Liop. He was wonderful for walking with, but he is too old to keep up with a horse, so I won’t be able to take him with me wherever I go anymore anyway.
It still feels unreal. School starts on September 13th. I start working with Master Ujifil on September 1st, so that I will already have a good start before coursework begins to distract me. Master Ujifil has never had an apprentice who was also a college student before. He considers my classes a rather unnecessary distraction and if I didn’t have the Queen’s support, I don’t think he would take me as an apprentice. Not that he has anything against me, he just feels that subjects should be studied one at a time.
“We will try this experiment for a year,” he said, “and then I will consider the future.”
I hope I don’t have to go on any more quests in the near future. I don’t think either the university or Master Ujifil would look kindly on me if I disappeared suddenly for a few weeks.

August 25th
I have your letter.
Imato and Gretel finally came back from their honeymoon yesterday. Gretel was riding the most beautiful Oldenburg gelding. His name is Reynard and he has a deep red coat with four white stockings. Gretel looked very fine riding him, very dramatic. I rode with them to the townhouse they are renting on Oak Street near where Aunt Filomena lives. It’s a beautiful little house with a wrought iron fence and a “horse and cow” stable out back, although Imato and Gretel won’t have a cow. I guess it’s called that because most people keep a horse in one stall and a cow in the other. Their lease is for one year and then they can decide what they want to do next.
Imato followed tradition and cut a small bough from the tree in the front yard to carve their initials into and set over the fireplace. The tree in the front yard is a young maple. Imato spent nearly an hour studying it, trying to decide what branch he could cut without doing serious damage.
Gretel and Taty both sighed with longing when I told them that you had been to a Nèahm concert. We were all having dinner together with Uncle W., Nysa, and Liop at the apartment. We are all relieved to hear that it will probably be some time before the fairy queen makes another attempt at revenge.
I am glad that Jace doesn’t mind me taking over his room. Really, it doesn’t need any changes, but Taty is determined. I am excited to be able to spend more time with her, when I’m not studying anyway, which is what it seems like I’ll be doing most of the time. I’m not too worried about the math, but I have no idea what I’ll be like at carpentry. Imato was very amused when I told him. He said that if he had known in advance, he would have given me a toolkit for my birthday.
You are right. Although officially, the Duke and Duchess of Lake Lowell will maintain a large townhouse in Rousha and I’m sure you and Jace will be welcome to stay in it. Duke Tulson will have to come to court yearly to report on his jurisdiction.
We had a very lengthy discussion about horses over dinner and came to this conclusions: Liop (despite his many protests) is still too young for a horse. If nothing else, it would make him more mobile and he gets in enough trouble as it is. I’m not sure I’m ready for a new horse anyway and it seems sad to board Sprigs somewhere. Uncle W. prefers to rent horses when he needs to travel. So I will keep Sprigs for now. I like Sprigs. He is a good, dependable horse.
What fun to spend a week in Castlegard! You really do deserve a vacation and Castlegard is a beautiful place. My family stayed there once when I was six and Father had been given a month of leave after the “Sand” Battle of 1993 with Greste. It was May and we had a beautiful time.
Thank you so much for the beautiful wool. It will make a perfect dress for attending classes this fall. In some ways I’m excited to be in school again. It will give me something to do with my time, more than embroidery and housekeeping. I do miss being able to wander around in the forest, though. Imato just informed me that I can take Introduction to Forestry in the spring. That’s a class that I don’t think I’ll mind taking at all.

August 27th
Banquo had been on my mind for quite some time. Until I saw Trena’s memories the concept of proving oneself had been rather vague in my mind. However, proving himself was what Alder was doing when he left Trena shortly after reaching adulthood. And Trena’s interference in that proving (saving his life, granted) was a serious offence. Alder did prove himself though, despite everything, and he and Trena were married. Banquo had come with me on my quest in an effort to prove himself. Did he have a lioness waiting patiently, or less patiently, for him to come home? How had his homecoming been? Had he proven himself?
I had decided to talk to Trena about him, to ask if it would be appropriate to call him when all I really want to do is talk and see how things are going for him. It turned out that I didn’t have to however.
This morning when I arrived at the boarding stable to get Sprigs I was greeted by a very nervous stable boy.
“Don’t go in there, my lady,” he informed me anxiously.
“Why?” I asked.
He looked around nervously. Then in a half whisper informed me: “There is an incredibly large dog in the stable, I think…” he trailed off uncertainly.
“Is anyone coming to help?” I asked.
He put one hand to the back of his neck and looked uncomfortable.
“I have not told anyone,” he admitted, “I was hoping it would just go away before anyone came to get their horse this morning.”
“Why?” I asked.
“Well, it is a dog, at least that’s the only thing it could be, in the middle of the city…” he looked back toward the bolted front door of the stable, “I’m not crazy, please. I have not been dreaming on the job…”
His manner made me nervous. It sounded like some large animal was trapped in the stable with the horses. I couldn’t hear any unusual sounds, but what if it hurt the horses.
“I think we should get help,” I said.
“I’m not dreaming on the job,” he repeated, “but you see, Lady Arri, if I am wrong, it will seem as if I had been.”
I considered that.
“Maybe I could get a look at it?” I asked, “Then you’d have a second witness. If there’s nothing, then I can go in and get Sprigs and no one needs to know anything.”
He smiled gratefully.
“We can look through the window,” he said.
The stable door contained a small, shuttered window. We had to find a box to stand on to look through it, neither of us being overly tall. Carefully, I pulled the shutter open a crack and peered through. All I could see were dusty streams of light. I opened the window a little wider and then wider still. I squinted toward the back of the stalls.
Sitting near the back of the stable with his tail neatly curled around his feet was a golden lion with a jet black mane. Alder, I thought, but only for a moment. Then the lion’s eyes met mine—not green, gold. It was Banquo.
“Good morning,” I said, forgetting for a moment that he couldn’t talk to me outside the cave or the land of the fairies. He nodded his head without speaking and then I remembered.
Quickly I closed the window and stepped down from the box.
“You aren’t crazy,” I told the stable boy as he slid the box away, “There’s a winged lion in the stable. His name is Banquo and he’s perfectly safe. Don’t worry.”
The stable boy looked at me like I was crazy, but he didn’t stop me from swinging open the stable door. Banquo had retreated into Sprigs stall and so was not visible. I walked back to him and then stood awkwardly, not sure what to do or say. Banquo motioned for me to get on his back.
I climbed on, he gave a little jump, and in an instant we were in the cave.
“Is everything okay?” I asked, sliding off his back.
“Oh, yes,” he said slowly, “I just wanted to visit you. I didn’t mean to frighten the stable boy. I hid in there because I thought it would be less conspicuous than waiting on your doorstep.”
“Oh, I see,” I said, “It was, kind of, if you hadn’t been seen.”
“I’ll have to think of something better,” he said.
I told him that I’d be moving in with the Prens soon and that hiding in their stable or garden would probably be less of a problem. Banquo was very interested in hearing about my plans for college.
“I’d just learn it all if I were you,” he said, “Learning is never a waste of time.”
I nodded and we were silent for a minute.
“I’m sorry you didn’t prove yourself,” I said at last, “We did save Liop, though. Thank you for helping me.”
“I’m glad he’s safe,” said Banquo, awkwardly.
“Seems like that should count for something,” I said, thinking about all my questions and trying to decide if there were any I dared ask.
“Trena showed me some of her memories,” I began finally, “about her and Alder.” Banquo cocked his head to one side, interested. “I was wondering, do you have a lioness too? Waiting for you to prove yourself?”
Banquo’s head dropped immediately in embarrassment. “No lioness, not exactly,” he admitted.
“Oh,” I was disappointed, “But why worry about proving yourself without a lioness?”
Banquo looked up. “Well, maybe if I prove myself, then a lioness will want me.”
I didn’t like the sound of that. It didn’t sound quite right.
“Oh,” I said.
“Arri,” said Banquo, sighing, “there is a lioness, only one that really matters, but she doesn’t look at me, and even if I prove myself, I’m not sure I could have her.” He stopped and looked embarrassed. I was curious.
“Tell me about her,” I said.
“Her name is Nuicui, and she is the most beautiful lioness I have ever seen,” he looked up again, eyes bright, “Her fur is creamy and her wings are white. I’ve watched her tending the other lionesses’ cubs and she has such patience. I could describe her to you for hours and you’d never quite have the idea without meeting her.”
“Why couldn’t you have her?” I asked.
“She’s so very shy,” said Banquo, “She hides her head when the other lions look at her. Lionesses must prove themselves too, but she never leaves the canyon where we were born. Her health is delicate. I don’t see how she will ever be able to prove herself.”
“Must she prove herself?” I asked, but I already knew the answer: she must. I saw enough of Trena’s memories to know that.
Banquo asked me about the memories that Trena had shared and I told him all of them. Nothing in the stories was new to him, but he listened with interest anyway. Eventually we ran out of things to say and it was time for me to leave. It’s good knowing that he is well, but I wish I knew of a way that he can prove himself. And a way to help Nuicui too.

Classes start in less than a week for both of us. It’s been so nice to be less busy this month. September will be very busy again. I hope the start of classes goes well for you.

Love,
Arri

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Keish- August 12, 2004

August 12, 2004
Dear Arri,
This morning I realized that I’ve not had to look at or give an opinion on anything wedding related for weeks.  What a wonderful thing.
Your letter arrived last night while Jace and I were attending a concert.  A very prominent opera singer from Nèamh gave a special performance.  It was quite impressive. I believe she’s going to perform in Rousha as well-- you should really attend.  Of course since the singer was from their homeland, Sir and Lady Aoweir were there and we couldn’t avoid chatting briefly .  No difficult task for Jace-- Sir Aoweir is as pleasant as ever.  Lady Aoweir, on the other hand, in addition to not approving of me (still) now seems to blame me for her daughter living so far away.  There is just no pleasing the woman.
Overall it was a lovely evening, though.  We returned quite late and I couldn’t keep my eyes open long enough to do your letter justice, so I decided to save it for this morning.
Tulson deserves everything to be sure, but Clara does not.  I imagine she will have enough trouble with Tulson without him spending half of their trip plotting against Jace and me.
Jace sent a letter to Rousha to be forwarded to Tulson but if at some point he wants their itinerary I’ll certainly let you know.
I am ignoring Brooksby.  Papa chose him, Papa likes him.  Papa can deal with him.  For the moment, I am simply determined not to care.  Though don’t think that Uncle W.’s suggestion is not entirely tempting.
I’m not sure I put down a very good description of the wards, so I am sure that is why it didn’t make sense.  Imato can certainly tell you more when he returns to Rousha.  I always seem to use too much detail or not enough when explaining spells.
No, I suppose it’s not truly over with the Fairy Queen but when I expanded Imato’s ward into the ring I could feel how much confronting me cost her.  I don’t think it is easy for her to come to a ring herself.  Add into that how much magic she used attacking me and the pain that Imato’s ward caused her and I think she will have to recover and recoup her magic before trying anything else, subtle or not.  It will not be anytime soon, I think.
Yes, I think Imato has perhaps taken his role of protector to heart a little more strongly than strictly necessary.  I have also had another letter from him cautioning me to be on the lookout for overly large ants.  I honestly couldn’t tell how serious he was being.
At least your visit with Dr. Bothe was useful, even if he himself is perhaps not.  He’ll just have to reconcile himself to you, won’t he.
I am sorry you were disappointed in your course options.  It does seem odd to think that history would help you heal anyone.  At least they all sound better than Feminine Politics.
Jace, of course, always had private tutors (or shared them with Tulson) but says that young men always receive a more rounded education and that you should try to enjoy it.  Several of the courses should at least be interesting.
Later
I had to put this aside earlier to deal with a minor domestic disaster.
One of the new upstairs maids apparently broke something in the parlor.  I’ve no idea what, for I haven’t been in there yet and I could get nothing coherent out of the maid.
Technically I’m only assuming she broke something because she had cut her hand.
After delivering the bleeding girl to Marta and assuring them both that I didn’t care that she’d broken whatever it was (I’m sure I don’t, though I should go look) I found that Jace had returned from sparring with Sir Aoweir’s squires.  (Sir Aoweir likes them to know that even a “civilian” can give them plenty of trouble.)
I gave Jace your letter so that he could read about your visit with his family.
“Now why didn’t I think of that?” he asked.  “It’s brilliant!  Taty was a bit harsh about the state of the room, though.  You didn’t see a reason for complaint, did you?”
I laughed.  “No, I didn’t.”  It’s true-- Jace may not be as fastidious as Imato, but he’s very neat.
“Still, I suppose fresh paint and carpets always make a room nice.  Really, if she can keep Taty out of trouble she deserves anything she wants,” he said with a grin.
“Arri’s worried about where we’ll stay when we visit,” I pointed out.
“Never mind that.  Plenty of places in Rousha.  I dare say the good Duke will have a large residence in the city regardless of how much time he’ll actually be spending in Rousha.  I’m sure he’ll be glad to put us up if he ever returns from his honeymoon.  He’ll appreciate the household staff having something to do if he’s not in residence and if he is it’s likely to be a large enough house that he wouldn’t even have to see us.”
So there you have it.  Jace also pointed out that there are usually rooms at the college that can be used for studying etc. and he says that Sprigs will be perfectly happy in the little stable, but that you really need a better horse.  Sprigs, he declares, would be perfect for Liop but you should have something much finer.
He is also glad that someone loves his mother’s birds as much as she does.
Later Still
The maid broke a very very ugly vase.  I should really give her extra pay for ridding me of it.
I could have reformed it with magic, but it simply wasn’t worth the effort.
This certainly highlights the fact that I’ve neglected the room.  I suppose I’ll have to find the lists I made and get back to work on setting at least my suite of rooms in order.  I have time, after all.  My lesson plans will be finished by tomorrow evening and there are still over two weeks until we begin.
Aug. 15th
It’s been a gloriously lazy weekend.  With the beautiful weather Jace and I spent a lot of time riding and working on restoring my poor garden to some semblance of order.  Poor Aron is not at all pleased.
Aug. 16th
Help, I’ve been kidnapped!
Castlegard
Jace says if that’s how I’m going to react to a surprise trip with my husband to relax before classes beginning he’s of a mind to never do it again.  He says it with a smile though.
This morning Jace said we should take our ride northeast out of Adya and have Ryland and Malia follow in a carriage with a picnic.  I agreed and we headed out on Argentum and Argyros.
Jace must have actually sent Ryland and Malia ahead, because once we got to a lovely meadow a couple hours’ ride from Adya, they were already there with the picnic laid out.
It wasn’t until we were packing things back up that I noticed our small trunks were in the carriage as well.  Jace just grinned and told Ryland that they could be on their way.  Once they were out of sight, Jace explained that he thought we’d spend the night in Castlegard.
At this point I was very suspicious-- more so because Jace’s grin just kept getting wider.
By the time we arrived in Castlegard I’d managed to get the whole tale from him.  He’d found a lovely cottage on a hill overlooking the ruins of the old fort.  (Castlegard was, of course, an important defensive position for Arella in the Great Northern War of 1718.)  As it was sitting empty, he convinced the owner to rent it for the week.
I’ve no idea how or when he managed to make such plans.  He’s clearly more devious than I ever suspected.
So, here we remain for the week.  I’m glad Malia thought to put this letter in my trunk.  (For naturally she was a willing co-conspirator.  I certainly didn’t pack my trunk.)
Aug. 17th
Jace has gone with Ryland to procure some obscure provision that the cook (who seems to have come with the cottage) was convinced a servant would never find alone.  I slept ridiculously late and only just finished the tray Malia brought me before begging to spend an hour in the garden.  I haven’t explored it yet, but she says the arrangement of plants is nothing short of genius and she’d like to rearrange areas of my garden in similar fashion if I don’t think she’s taking too many liberties.  Heaven knows my garden needs all the help it can get right now, so I sent her on her way.
I plan to not even stir from bed until someone makes me.
Aug 19th
We took a day trip across the border into Darsepan yesterday.  The city of Darse has an amazing market during the summer.  Apparently it is especially known for upholstery fabrics and I possibly went overboard ordering fabrics to redo the parlor.  I also found several lovely lengths of fabric for gowns.  I don’t think I’ve ever enjoyed shopping so much.
I think we also sampled food from every vendor’s cart.  Heavenly.

Aug. 22nd
We decided to extend our stay and leave tomorrow instead of yesterday.  The cook, despite acting as cantankerous as she has the entire week, actually seemed glad to have us for a couple more days.  Certainly her meals today have been above and beyond.
We spent Friday exploring the ruins but returned to Darse yesterday.  The market is even larger on Saturdays and there were entertainers everywhere.
It was naturally abominably crowded, but somehow that just added to the spirit of it all.
I know the length of wool I’m enclosing is far too hot to even think about wearing, but the color suited you so well and you can have it made up in a comfortable and practical style for attending classes.  Jace has already sent a note to his mother with instructions to take you and the cloth to her dressmaker and not to let you even think about cost.  Consider it a late birthday present.  The blue was too lovely to pass by.
It’s been a lovely week.  I think it was a perfect opportunity to relax before readying our classrooms and such.  Jace was very wise to think of it.
Aug. 23rd
I suppose I should close this letter, but I didn’t have Hermes with me in Castlegard so of course the letter came back to Adya with me.
Today I must see to the rooms where we’ll be holding classes.  I doubt there will be too much to do and what little there is the servants probably won’t let me do anyway.  I shall insist on arranging my own desk and books, though.
I hope you are feeling ready for your own classes to begin.  I’m far more nervous than I thought possible.

Love Always,

Keish

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Arri- August 10, 2004

August 10, 2004
Dear Keish,

I’m glad to hear that you had a good journey home. I agree that most of the time riding is preferable to riding in a carriage. For the past several days I’ve been taking Sprigs out around the castle park before I go to visit Father. There are hardly any people around and we can gallop a bit. Sprigs is fourteen years old, but he still has quite a bit of energy. I think he misses Imato and the excitement of military training. He’s always so eager to get out of the stall when he sees me.
Clara took me aside at the reception and asked if you and Jace had pulled any pranks on the duke. I said I wasn’t aware of any. I’m not sure she believed me, but I’m sure she’ll be in perfect agreement that Duke Tulson deserves anything he gets. If you still want his direction, I have a copy of their itinerary. Clara gave it to me so that I could respond to her letters, although she admitted there probably wouldn’t be very many of them. It will take nearly three weeks just to reach Iconei. Correspondence will be very slow.
Brooksby is a problem. What if you found him another position and hired a new butler? Of course then you’d have to hold interviews… I guess I don’t know what I’d do. Uncle Winthrop thought that part of your letter was pretty funny though. He suggests ensorcelling Brooksby to not be afraid.
I don’t understand why people keep fighting you when you have the approval of the king. It just really doesn’t make sense. Maybe they’re the same sort of people as Mistress Thorpe.
I suppose it’s better that the queen of the fairies came after you rather than me. I’d have been terrified if she had confronted me like that and she really needed someone to stand up to her and not be intimidated. I’m sorry that she ruined your garden, but I’m really glad to hear that the wards are working. I read through your description, but I really don’t understand it too well. I imagine Mendel would like to see it.
Do you really think it’s over with the fairy queen? Nysa doesn’t. She says that since confronting you directly didn’t work, she’s more likely to resort to something subtle. I asked Nysa what we could do about it, but she doesn’t know. Just wait and try to be prepared. The next attempt at revenge might not happen immediately, it might take years. It’s scary to think about, but hopefully you’ll be able to divine the next attempt in advance.
Really it’s funny that Imato can’t stop checking up on people, even on his honeymoon. I’ve had two letters from him cautioning me to be on my guard in case the fairy queen changes her mind about leaving me and Liop alone.

I met with Dr. Bothe yesterday about my living arrangements. He said that under the circumstances he was not going to concern himself with where I lived, so long as it was decent. However, he could offer me no suggestions of where to search. Since, as he pointed out, I was there at the Queen’s special request it made to no sense to him to deny me registration just because I didn’t have an address yet. He wrote me a note to that effect which I put in the pocket on my belt. He was polite, but overall I got the impression that he was uncomfortable with me.
After my meeting with Dr. Bothe, I found myself standing again in the line for registration. The line was much shorter this time and when my name was called it was not the same course advisor as before. This time I was greeted by a tall, thin clerk. He seemed to take no notice of the fact that I wasn’t a man, but bowed me into his office with half-shut eyes. I handed him the note from Dr. Bothe, but he hardly glanced at it.
“Here is the list of freshman courses,” he told me disinterestedly.
I read down the list: science, language, art, history, math…
“Excuse me,” I said finally, uncertainly, “I’m a medical student.”
“Certainly, Miss, a medical student,” he nodded politely.
I waited a moment, but he didn’t say anything else.
“None of these are medical courses,” I said finally.
“Is Beginning Biology on the list?” he asked.
“Yes,” I said.
“That is the prerequisite for all medical classes. If it is not yet full, I recommend taking it this term. Then you will be qualified to enroll in Anatomy next term.”
“Oh,” I said, a sudden sense of discouragement gripping me, “So I can only take one course this term?”
“You should take four classes,” he corrected patiently.
I didn’t understand. I didn’t want to admit to not understanding that I know nothing about how college works. I suppose I should have talked more to Phyfe or Mendel and Sean. They could have told me.
“What do you recommend for a medical student?” I said finally, hoping for help.
“Ideally, you want to take Beginning Biology, Beginning Scholarly Writing, College Algebra course 1, and Introduction to History. However, most of these classes are likely to be filled this late in registering. You should prepare a list of second choices, and third choices.”
I stared at him in plain shock. How in the world will this help me cure Father? He took no notice of my surprise, but waited patiently with his pen poised for my selections. I looked blankly at the list and finally selected several beginning courses at random for second and third choices, using his recommendations for my first choices.
“Do I have to take so many non-medical classes every semester?” I asked unhappily as he wrote out the last of my choices.
“No, you will have more medical and fewer general courses as you progress,” he explained, “However a college education is a well-rounded and complete education. That is what makes it superior to an apprenticeship or a trade school.
“Thank you,” I said meekly and left the room.
Keish, what have I gotten myself into?

Since I was already in the area, it only made sense to try another street near the college looking for a room or apartment to rent. I had very little hope on the matter and the landlords I talked to did little to raise it. Not only were they unwilling to rent to a single young woman, but they knew of no one who would.
The further I walked down the street, the closer I realized I was getting to the Pren’s townhouse on the west side of the castle park. Since the park wraps entirely around the castle and I live on the east side, it is still a good distance from Uncle W.’s apartment, but it’s a good deal closer to Rousha University. It occurred to me that, having lived in the area all her life, Lady Pren might know of a place that I could live. I decided to ask her. I really didn’t want to have to apply to the Queen for help.
The Prens were all out, but the maid told me they were expected back soon, so she showed me into the parlor and I determined to wait for them. The servants were cleaning and it was fascinating to watch the scrubbing of Lady Pren’s finch cages and to ask questions about how cage birds are cared for. Hermes and Clotho do not live in cages and can only be coaxed inside during particularly severe thunderstorms.  They are not at all like the bright little exotic finches that Lady Pren keeps as pets. One of the maids directed me to a big illustrated bird book and I occupied myself very pleasantly for the next couple of hours until Lady Pren returned home. Taty was not with her, being out visiting a cousin.
By this time I was so interested in the finches that for the first several minutes I could only ask questions about them and Lady Pren was happy to tell me about the eggs her gouldian finches hatched for the first time last spring and her hopes of acquiring a pair of rare red canaries next year. It was with some reluctance that I finally turned the conversation to the purpose of my visit. I listed off as many of the places I had already applied to that I could remember.
Lady Pren was thoughtful for a minute, her brown eyes very serious.
“I don’t know of any place off hand,” she admitted, “but let’s send a note to Lord Brio saying that you will dine with us. Garen has several friends involved in real estate. He may well know of place.”
We returned to the subject of birds until Taty came home.
“Oh, Arri,” she called happily when she saw me, “Have you been out all day?”
I told her a little about my trip to the college, but I could see she was distracted.
“I have an invitation from Master Corey Gray to go to the symphony,” Taty told me and I remembered that they had met at my birthday party, “He said that you will be receiving one from Master Beagan Brio and that their friend Master Jerrett Pacelle will be coming with his fiancée Miss Katy Leonid. It’s for the sixteenth. Will you be able to come? I’m sure the invitation arrived while you were out today.”
I said that I would be happy to go to the symphony. Once that was settled, Taty asked me to tell her about my day in greater detail. We had gone in for dinner by this time and Sir Pren had joined us.
“Couldn’t Nysa live with you?” she asked. It was the obvious question and I explained that Nysa was needed to help keep track of Liop.
“Besides,” I said, “I think Uncle W. would miss her too much.”
Lady Pren nodded her head. “I think your uncle has been alone too long,” she said softly, “He needs a companion closer to his age, even if it is his sister.”
“Well, I think the solution to this matter is simple,” Sir Pren set down his fork and looked closely at his wife. “Did you have any plans for Jace’s abandoned room, dear?” he asked.
Lady Pren smiled, “That is exactly what I hoped you would say, love.”
“Oh!” cried Taty, “This is perfect! You can have Jace’s room! We’ll have to make it over, of course. It’s hardly suitable for a lady right now. Complete chaos…”
“Taty!” said Lady Pren reprovingly.
“Well, it is,” Taty continued, “We must repaint it and new carpets. It will be very pretty, you’ll see.”
I started to protest, alarmed at the idea of their having to go to so much trouble.
“We should wait and see what Arri has to bring before we call in the decorator,” said Sir Pren, clearly amused.
I was still trying to work out whether this was a good solution or not. It seemed like a huge inconvenience to the Prens. It’s not like they were planning to rent out Jace’s room. Where will you stay when you come to visit?
“We must give the room a good cleaning at least,” Taty was saying. She sounded disappointed that her efforts to redecorate were being dismissed. I was rather relieved by that thought.
“It will give you better access to Brynn,” Taty said, considering the matter more carefully, “We’re still a little far from the college, but if you had a horse… does Imato really need Sprigs anymore?”
Imato had been rather unclear when he gave Sprigs into my keeping, but I had assumed he would want him back.
“We could have magic lessons together,” Taty continued, “or would you still be meeting Nysa in the cave?”
“Well, I thought it was time for me to find a regular healer to tutor me.”
“Yes, that’s true,” Taty nodded, “but you could practice in the library.”
“Err…” Sir Pren interrupted uncomfortably.
The conversation was quite beyond my ability to control and I soon gave it up, considering the matter quietly to myself. The Prens’ townhouse is not as close to Rousha University as I was hoping to get. What about Sprigs? Could I keep a horse in the small stable out back? Would there be room with the Prens’ other horses? Then I wondered if they really wanted me, or if I would turn into an inconvenience? But it might only need to be for a term or two, until I could find a better arrangement.
“Arri?” Sir Pren’s voice drew me out of my thoughts. I looked over at him. “Would you join me in my office, please?”
I follow Sir Pren into the attic room that serves as an astrologer’s office. He cleared a place for me to sit among the clutter of antique telescopes and globes. Pointed out the window, I could see a large, modern telescope and looking up I saw that a map of the stars had been painted on the ceiling.
“First off,” Sir Pren said, “We need to draw up a formal offer of tenancy.” It took a few tries for him to find a blank piece of paper among the numerous stacks on his desk. Then he donned a pair of small round reading spectacles. Next he held the tip of a quill thoughtfully against the tip of his nose for a few minutes. When he finally removed it, I could see a small black smear of ink. He began to write. It was a good long paragraph and although I thought I should probably interrupt, I was too curious as to what the final document would look like to do so. He stopped, crossed things out, and started again several times. Finally he nodded in a satisfied way and handed it to me. I read it slowly.
“Does it look fair?” he asked after a few minutes.
“More than fair,” I said softly, “but I really didn’t come here to ask for a room to rent… I mean you weren’t planning…”
“I never make plans that can’t be changed,” he laughed, “and it pleases me that Taty will have a companion. Really you’ll be doing me a favor. I had been considering whether Taty ought to have a hired companion as so many of the quality young ladies in Rousha do. I think having you around, even if it is only in the evenings after school will be much better.”
I signed the agreement and Sir Pren shook hands with me as though we had just become business partners. The Prens are truly some of the kindest people I know, and now my housing problem is solved. I’m not sure how long I will stay with them, but certainly I will stay until my first term ends in December. It feels strange, going to live with someone else—kind of like going to live with Uncle W. when I was not quite fourteen. But then it feels entirely different, because I chose this move myself, and the Prens are nothing like Uncle W. anyway.

While I’m preparing to become a student, or continue being a student since I’ve never really stopped, you’re preparing to teach. It’s too bad we aren’t at the same school. I hope everything is going well for you.
Love,
Arri

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Keish- August 4, 2004

August 4, 2004
Dear Arri,

I cannot tell you how glad I am that I took Argentum to Rousha.  The weather on our return trip was far too lovely to be cooped up in a carriage.  Even if it was very warm.
I also cannot express my great relief that the feed-loop spell that Brynn and Nysa devised and cast on Malia and Ryland when we arrived in Rousha continues to effectively solve all problems of leaking magic.  Ryland absorbs is and it feeds right back into Malia-- perfect symbiosis.

Our arrival this afternoon was as quiet as we could make it.  There are, of course, piles of work to be done tomorrow, but for today, why invite trouble?
There’s enough to be done with unpacking, I say.  Which is what Malia’s doing, having told me pointedly to go find something else to do when I tried to help.  Traveling together has of necessity made her far less reserved and formal and I must say I’m grateful.  Though I suppose it has also made her bossy.
So I sit here, beginning a languid letter to you and looking at what post we received while we were gone, with Zest laying across my feet.  Nothing of interest in the post, but that is hardly surprising.
I take that back, Jace has a letter from Tulson.  I shall have to go find him so that I may also read it.  After all, I would never open my husband’s mail.  Well, yes I would, but not under such silly circumstances.  It’s only Tulson.
Later

Tulson’s letter, like most of his erratic correspondence, was brief.  I present it here, in it’s entirety:

Jace,
I don’t know what you and Keish did, but I swear you are more dangerous married.  Here I thought married life was supposed to be stabilizing; make men settle down and attend to things other than driving their friends mad.
I’ve been completely on tenterhooks since Sunday and I think my man’s about ready to give notice, but I know that as soon as I relax, some piece of luggage is bound to explode in my face.
Luckily with my tension focused on my luggage I’ve been able to keep it from disturbing my bride but I’m sure you see my quandary.
Put me out of my misery already!
--- Tulson

One could almost feel badly for him.  Though after what he put everyone through for those reflections of his he deserves to be a bit jumpy.
The funniest part of the whole thing is there’s nothing for him to be jumpy about.  Jace and I enjoyed the wedding (though I was absolutely in agreement with Tulson’s niece when she shouted) and we danced our way through the evening without tampering with Tulson’s luggage, carriage or person.  I think we should be commended for our forbearance.
(Speaking of dancing, one decided benefit of matrimony is that no one finds it at all remarkable if I choose to dance only with my husband.  Jace laughs and says that’s because we’re still newlyweds and that in another year it will draw all sorts of comments.  He’s probably right.)
Jace laughed at Tulson’s hasty missive.  “I suppose I should write to reassure him, though knowing Tulson he will have forgotten all about it by the time a letter reaches him.  Especially since he’s neglected to give me his direction for a response.”
I was already laughing, but this made me laugh even harder.  Just like Tulson-- demanding a response without saying where to send it.
Later Still

After completing the unpacking in record time (there are perhaps benefits to having maids and valets after all), Ryland requested an audience with us.  Intrigued, we met him and Malia in our sitting room.
“My brother has something to report, Mistress,” Malia said.
Ryland’s eyes remained glued to the floor.
“Go on, tell her,” Malia said, nudging him.  Her eyes glittered with suppressed mirth.  “She’ll not roar at you for giving her information.”
By this point my curiosity was certainly piqued.  I don’t make a habit of roaring at servants for any reason, least of all information I asked for.  (Noblemen are an entirely different kettle of fish-- they deserve to be roared at more often than not.)
“He got Mr. Brooksby in a particularly forthcoming mood, Mistress,” Malia informed me.
“Well, out with it, man,” Jace told Ryland.  “No one’s going to fault you for whatever tale you got out of Brooksby.”
Ryland squared his shoulders, looking for all the world like a man preparing to meet his doom.  Still, he wouldn’t look me directly in the eye, but rather focused his gaze somewhere past my left ear.
“As Malia said, I found Mr. Brooksby to be particularly forthcoming this evening when I took Master Jace’s luggage back to the box room.  With some little prompting on my part, he expressed a great relief that it was I and my sister who had to travel with you, Mistress, and not himself.  I must have caught him at a very vulnerable moment, because a noncommittal response on my part was all it took for him to launch into a peculiar explanation.”  He paused here, looking uneasily at Jace who motioned for him to continue.  “It seems, Mistress, that Mr. Brooksby was previously employed at Ekin Lodge, a Leilani family holding.  Apparently he was even once valet to Lord Adlen, after your grandparents were killed in a carriage accident.”
I nodded.  “When Papa was faced with finding a butler, he simply sent a letter to his  great-grandnephew, the current Marquis of Leilan, requesting Brooksby.”  That much I had gotten out of Papa.
Ryland cleared his throat nervously.  “Yes, well.  Apparently there were… rumors when Lord Adlen began courting Lady Ellean.”
I raised an eyebrow.  I possibly knew where he was going with all of this.
“It seems that when they married many of the servants, particularly, thought that she had enchanted him and that was the reason he married her.  They speculated that she wanted his money and connections to further her sorcery.” (I confess I snorted there.  As if a Brio needed anyone else’s money or connections!)  “From there…” he trailed off, looking pained.  “The gossip about you is even more ridiculous, Mistress.  Especially since the Palace Gazette is delivered to the Manor regularly even if it does arrive several days late.”
I couldn’t help it-- I burst out laughing.
Ryland looked rather disconcerted, but both Jace and Malia laughed with me.
“So… what?  He’s afraid of being turned into a fire newt?” I asked.
“’Being ensorcelled’ were his words, I believe,” Ryland replied with a small smile.
“Heavens,” Jace said, “Arri’s right-- why did he take the position then?”
Here Ryland looked a little nervous again.  “It seems he was under the impression that the newly married Lady would be setting up housekeeping in her own residence,” he answered.
“Ah, of course.  Papa wouldn’t have thought to mention it.  Brooksby would have just assumed.”
“And by the time he realized,” Jace continued, “he had already accepted the position and left Ekin Lodge.”
I sighed.  “Despite the amusement, this still means I’m going to have to find a way to win him over.”
“And since I suppose he thinks I’m ‘ensorcelled’ as well there’s probably nothing I can say to reason with him,” Jace said.
We sent Ryland and Malia on their way.  Ryland’s relief was palpable while his sister continued to tease him about being just as scared of me as Brooksby.
After an hour’s debate, neither Jace nor I had come up with a valid option for convincing Brooksby that I’m not likely to turn him into a tree or something.  Eventually we’re bound to come up with a plan, though.  Right?
Aug. 5th
What a day.
This morning I…
No, blast it all, I’m not coherent enough to write.
I’m going to bed.
Aug. 6th

I shouldn’t have attempted writing anything last night.  Malia barely got me out of my dress as it was.
Untold weeks ago (it feels like years) I wrote that we would have practice courses to teach for about six weeks this summer.  That was the plan but then the fairies took Liop.  At which point everything was put on hold.
So rather than have a chance to practice teaching, I have a mere three weeks in which to make everything ready.  We begin classes September 1st.
A frustration to be sure, but at least I haven’t spent the summer deciding that I can’t do this.
While we were in Rousha, Master Byra reviewed our lesson plans.  As a result we returned to piles of notes and suggestions to use in refining our work.  Neither Jace nor I has even looked at any of it yet.  We must trudge through it today.
Yesterday was spent entirely in meetings-- with Master Byra, other teachers, nobles who wish to support us in our grand cause (mostly noblewomen), and, of course, detractors.  Several of whom are lucky to have retained their natural shape, color and general state of being after subjecting me to their inane arguments.
See, my temper is improving.  I didn’t even throw a quill.
Besides, if I enchant someone, I’ll never win over my recalcitrant butler.  (That’s an unfair description.  He’s not resistant, just… reluctant, shall we say.)
I don’t know what any of the naysayers actually hoped to accomplish.  The king has given us his support and that is that.  If they’re hoping to intimidate me… well then they don’t know me, do they?
Jace nearly had to forcibly remove one man who, as near as I can tell, thought I was really going to be teaching servants to spy on their masters for my own nefarious purposes.  What such purposes would be he didn’t seem to know.
“I doubt they’d be anything fit for a proper gentleman to know,” he said with a sniff, at which point Jace rose from his seat with a particularly dangerous look on his face.
Master Byra asked if that was all and, with a glance at Jace, the odious little man beat a hasty retreat.
I have never heard Jace (or Imato for that matter) use any of the more vulgar language that one hears in the training yards, but I promise you something of that sort was on the tip of Jace’s tongue.  He sat down slowly, taking a moment to compose himself.
The comment was shockingly rude, of course, but I think even Jace was surprised at the intensity of his emotion in defending me.  I must say I was touched.
He started to apologize, but Master Byra waved it off.  “Nonsense.  Rather wanted to hit the man, myself.  Possibly would have at your age.”
I had a hard time picturing Master Byra striking anyone.  But then I was also having a hard time picturing him as a young man.
Sadly, that was the most exciting thing that happened all day.
By the time I retired last night I was exhausted (as I’m sure you could tell from my aborted attempt at writing.)
Now I suppose I shall have to start in on final lesson plans, since I cannot justify lingering any longer over breakfast.  However, I refuse to remain indoors on such a beautiful day.  I shall cart all my piles of paper out to the garden instead.
Later

If ever there was a time to be grateful for the gift of divination…
Okay, so there are many such times, but knowing that you’re about to receive a visit from the queen of the fairies before she arrives is definitely near the top of the list.
The frisson of magic I felt built gradually enough that I was able to throw a hasty glamour around the garden.  There are enough crazy rumors about me without half the palace seeing me argue with the Fairy Queen.  Somehow I really didn’t think she was coming to make polite conversation.
With my glamour firmly in place, I continued making notes as I listened to mushroom pop up in front of me, trying not to think of what havoc was being wreaked upon my pennyroyal.
When the queen herself finally appeared it was clear how she felt.  Irate is too mild a word.  Anger rolled off her in waves.
“I do hope you’ve come to see to my oregano.  And apparently my pennyroyal as well.  Though I’m sure you needn’t have come yourself,” I said calmly.
Her response could really only be considered rude.
Luckily, casting my glamour had also served to allow me to activate Imato’s ward without it being noticed.  As a result, her angry spell had no effect.
She made a noise I can only describe as a shriek.
“Such a lack of manners,” I observed.  “If you’re that upset I’m surprised to just be hearing from you now.  I do hope you haven’t been trying to disrupt Imato’s wedding trip.”
“No fairy ring can be used within a mile of him, as you well know,” she practically spat at me.
I smiled.  “Ah, so he did take my advice.”
Her eyes narrowed dangerously.  “I knew you were behind both spells.  Just like your mother.”
I shook my head.  “Neither I nor my mother had any part in writing the spell cast in Rousha.  Surely you must have recognized its age.”
“You cannot deny us what is ours!”  Her voice was like venom.
My voice became equally harsh.  “No child born in this world is yours by right.  A thief’s goods are not rightly gained.”
She began throwing spells at me nearly faster than I could react.  Unfortunately, none of my spells penetrated the ring any better than her spells penetrated Imato’s ward.
Finally, heartily sick of her presence, I pushed Imato’s ward outward, filling the garden with it.
The Fairy Queen gave a cry of alarm and with a flash of light she was gone along with her ring.
Only once she was gone did I hear her parting words.  “This is not over.”
“Oh but I think it is,” I said softly.
Jace was at my side almost immediately.  Imato linked the wards he put on us so that when I activated mine it brought Jace’s to bear also.  (I know, I owe you a full explanation.  One thing at a time.)
I sat on the bench and slowly let the glamour fade, looking in despair at my garden.  Or what was left of it.  Malia is likely to go into mourning.
“Are you okay?” Jace asked, his face a mask of worry.
I nodded as I carefully released Imato’s ward.  He continued to hold me in his arms, though I wasn’t sure if he was reassuring me or himself.  Not that I objected to either.
“Imato’s wards are second to none,” I said with a small smile.  I explained how it was the expanding ward that finally put a decisive end to what could have become a deadly battle.
Jace gave a low whistle.  “I expect we’ll be hearing from Imato.  He’d have to have felt that, right?”
“Oh, certainly.  The only question is will he be concerned or irritated.”
Jace chuckled.  “Both, I would imagine.”
Despite what Imato says, Arri, I have no delusions of grandeur.  I am thoroughly aware that had such a confrontation taken place in her world I would not be here to write this letter.  But in this world, with your brother’s help, I am most certainly a match for even the queen of the fairies.
Later Still

After what happened in the garden this morning I was drained enough to let Jace help me inside where Marta, Malia and even Cook fussed over me while Jace insisted that I at least rest on the chaise lounge in the sitting room if I wouldn’t agree to go to bed.  I agreed to the sitting room, on the condition that in addition to a tray for lunch I have my small lap desk to continue both this letter and my work.
I confess, however, that after writing the above I fell asleep for a substantial part of the afternoon.  I shall have to go down for dinner soon, but I am determined to give the explanation I promised.
First, though, a heartfelt apology for not telling you sooner.  I didn’t want to worry you and Imato and Jace both deferred to me on that score.  It was wrong of me and I am sorry.  It’s the kind of thing Uncle W.’s been doing all this time and I am rather ashamed of myself.
Here then is a full account.
Saturday afternoon, you recall, I begged off shopping with you, Nysa, Gretel and Taty, saying that I felt unwell.  While this was certainly true, I allowed everyone to assume the ailment was physical and returned to our rooms at the Pren house, waving off Jace’s concern and insisting he remain with Imato and Liop.
Once I was sure you would be safely gone, though, I returned, having spent the time at the Prens’ divining rather than resting.
I convinced Papa to take Liop out and find the most exotic delicacies they could for your birthday.  (Not that it took much convincing.)  Since Uncle W. was elsewhere we soon had complete privacy and I explained my unease to Imato and Jace.  (Who were, at that point, suspicious and concerned, respectively.)
A serious pall of danger had settled of Imato and myself and, to a lesser extent, Jace.
The fairies, it would seem, were not at all pleased with what we had done.
Interestingly, there was no sense of danger around anyone else, except some around Gretel that was more to do with Imato.  (Just as the danger to Jace was incidental to the fury focused on me.)
“You’re sure the fairies are not going to do anything to anyone else?” Imato asked, rather unconvinced.
“As sure as I can be.  I don’t think they’re going to get involved with Arri or Liop again after what happened.  It seems they blame you and I for the spell.”
Imato gave me a rueful grin.  “Well, I can certainly sympathize with the desire to blame magic on you.”
I stuck my tongue out at him briefly.
“What do we do?” ask my ever-practical husband.
“Wards,” Imato said promptly, with a confidence that surprised me a little.  “If I ward you both now isn’t there some way for you to activate that ward when you need it?”
I nodded.  “Certainly.  And we can link the wards so that activating mine activates them both.  I doubt they’ll seek Jace out alone.”
We spent an hour debating theory and setting up the spell-- including a way for Jace to recognize that the ward was active.  Imato then cast it with his characteristic decisiveness.  As I wrote to Brynn Sunday, your brother has become a force to be reckoned with.
With that settled, we turned our attention to how Imato would protect himself (and, by extension, Gretel).
“It’s simple enough to ward one’s self, Keish,” Imato said, slightly exasperated.  “I’m fairly certain even I can manage that.”
I laughed, remembering how just months ago I was lamenting the strength of his shielding spell-- the most basic of wards.  Little did I know how strong he really is!
“Yes, but do you really want to deal with fairies at all?  What if we could create a ward that would prevent fairy rings from appearing or being used anywhere near you?  It wouldn’t be a long-term solution-- it would never be enough to protect a child-- but I think I can work out a spell to prevent unfortunate interruptions to your wedding trip.”
Imato had started to argue but shut his mouth with a snap.  He nodded, blushing slightly.
Papa and Liop returned before we got very far, so Jace had Liop show him everything they’d found while Imato and I retreated to Uncle W.’s study.  It took another two hours to work out a usable spell.  There was no real way to test it, but I reviewed everything in painful detail and felt confident.
Imato seemed thoughtful when we finished.  I think the broader implications of his power gave him plenty to think about.  Naturally his wards will always be strongest on family members, but as a knight there are certainly many other useful applications.
We briefly debated warding you and Liop, but there was just no sense of danger around either of you, so Imato was finally appeased by the idea that if by chance something happened that you couldn’t handle, Nysa and Uncle W. were with you.

You know, this isn’t a very languid letter after all.
Aug. 7th
Today was very dull after yesterday.  I think I like dull.
Aug. 8th

Your letter arrived while we were eating breakfast this morning.  We’ve taken to eating in our sitting room, since it is intended as a private breakfast room also.  Without Imato and Gretel to eat with it is usually just Jace and me and it seemed silly to use the larger breakfast room downstairs.
One thing at a time, though, because before I could even read your letter, Marta tapped on the door and entered.  “White is insisting on seeing you, Milady,” she said in a rather disapproving tone.  “He’s brought this.”  She handed me a letter.
It was, not surprisingly, from Imato.  Apparently I underestimated how concerned your brother would be.
I scanned it quickly and handed it to Jace.
“Shall I send him back downstairs, Milady,” Marta said in a tone that indicated she very much wanted to.
“No, better send him in.  Imato gave him some pretty strict orders,” I replied.
“I didn’t think we’d worried him so much he’d send White,” Jace commented as he folded Imato’s letter.
Really, it was more of a note.  A terse one.  In essence it said that White was to see for himself that we were alive and unharmed and that if we didn’t send a full explanation back with him quickly Imato himself would come to demand one.
White entered and closed the door quietly.  “Sir, My lady,” he said with a very proper bow.  “Sir Imato sent me to ascertain the extent of any damage to your persons.”
I had to stifle a giggle.
“We suffered no ill effects,” Jace replied.  “How did you arrive so quickly?  You must be exhausted.”
“On the contrary, sir, I was with my master in Dock-on-Green.  I’d have been here sooner but Sir Imato insisted that if I arrived exhausted I would be of no help.”
The man managed to make words like “contrary” sound perfectly respectful.  I still wonder where on earth Jace found him.
“I had no idea they were going there.  Interesting.  Well, you must at least be hungry.  Cook will have something for you in the kitchen and as soon as our letter is ready we’ll call for you,” I told him.
He bowed again and left.
Jace grinned.  “Our letter?  Meaning you’re going to make me write it.”
I shrugged.  “I have a letter from Arri to read,” I said loftily.  “Besides, I wrote out an account for Arri.”
This made him laugh, but he dutifully took over the task of reassuring your brother while I read your letter, which was a far more interesting task.

I’m glad you’ve recorded Trena’s story.  You’re good with details.  I shudder to think of the result if the Chronicle were MY responsibility.
I would most certainly see Queen Elspeth.  How ridiculous that you need a different address.  I wouldn’t put too much hope in the Dean, either, with the attitudes you’ve encountered so far.  At least we know Queen Elspeth is firmly on your side.  Good luck.  It will work out.
You absolutely deserved a wonderful birthday.  I’m glad we were there for it.  (Of course you don’t feel any older, though.  That’s one of the great myths about adulthood.)

I really must close.  Hermes is already looking askance at the number of pages I have.  I wouldn’t have thought a bird could look askance, but there you have it.

Love Always,
Keish

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