Royal Correspondence: A letter to Silas Noru, King of Palico

[Lucinda Noru]

To His Royal Majesty, the King of Palico:

Dear Silas,

I have arrived in Teair safely and without incident. My journey through the gorge was unexpectedly interesting. On our third day through, about halfway into the journey, we were set upon by a company of soldiers led by what turned out to be the Archduke Finn Talrin, of Teair. He was a proper gentleman, if a bit rough around the edges, and offered to escort me the rest of the way here safely. Soon after we were also joined by Lieutenant Garza, of Teair's guard, who had been sent on behalf of his Majesty, our cousin, Noku with a regiment of soldiers. I was very well protected, to say the least.

Upon my arrival though, I found our dear cousin holding court against his adviser, Archduchess Severine, of whom I'm sure you've heard. There is much trouble brewing in Teair. She made it her personal goal to start a war of sorts against the Fated, which only serves to complicate things. She had nerve to insult Uncle Noku and is being dealt with by his Regent. I don't know what that entails but he assured me that it should fix her attitude in such a way that she will not continue her disrespect or interference with his objectives. As for the Fated, we're working towards a solution to try and fix the damage she's caused but it won't be easy. They are hated here now, viewed as dangerous criminals that are to avoided.

I've met a Fated woman, actually. She's being kept here in the castle for the time being due to some instigated conflict started by the Archduchess. I'm not sure how much of the situation I should disclose here, but I'll inform you as best I can without revealing some of the more sensitive information involved in this woman's particular case. First, I should say that her name is Aria Wurud. She's from a similar timeline to our own and our cousin suspects her to be of Noru lineage due to the fact that she shares the family curse. Her being Fated is a problem and Severine made her a large target in her campaign against the Fated. It's put a dent in her reputation, to say the least, which if she is a Noru, certainly reflects on us. We can't simply keep her hostage in the castle though and because of certain events and words that have occurred, it's ill advisable for her to join Noku's court.

As such, I have also been instructed to inform you that Aria has been gifted to our court by our generous cousin. You'll find the official document enclosed announcing the declaration and signed accordingly. I have agreed, of course, on your behalf. The woman has some, shall we say unusual gifts, and has agreed to help me train and raise the house dragon you gave me. Oh, I meant to tell you she's hatched. I named her Alli, after our grandfather and I can't wait for you to meet her. But I digress. I wish to give her a proper title and a place at our court, not simple as a servant but almost as an equal befitting her station as family. I think it might help her reputation as well, which can only be a good thing as that continues to reflect on our family. I'm hoping it'll have the added benefit of showing that Palico is generous and welcoming of the Fated as well.

Concerning the title I had in mind for Aria, I think 'duchess' is the most appropriate option. It'll show her high standing in the court without the need to gift her any land or really put her in charge of anything. Though, I personally would advise giving her the position as head of the house dragon training and raising. She's been a tremendous help with Alli. That would need a better official title, of course. House Dragon Adviser? I'm not sure and I trust that you'll make the best decision here regarding the situation.

Teair as a whole is very pleasant, from what I've seen so far. I've met quite a few new people and had a visit from our cousin Jeon. He sends his regards along with Noku, of course. I anxiously await your return letter, dear brother. May the gods be with you.

Much love,

your sister, Luci

Officially Received from Her Highness, The Princess of Palico

[Deleted]

Dearest Sister, 

It is a balm on your poor brother’s nerves to hear you arrived safely without tribulation. Alas my heart aches to hear the moment you arrived you were met with trouble! Our dearest cousin did not inform me that Teair was in unrest; it makes me wonder if I should send for you to come home immediately. For your sake my dearest Sister, please exercise caution! I’m pleased that our dearest cousin has taken you under his wing and included you in discussion on such an important matter, which very may well find it’s way to our country one day. Learn what you can from him sister; he has been in rule much longer then you or I, his experience in such matters is invaluable. Consider us blessed to have a cousin who such generously shares his wisdom in such troubling times.  

I have been investigating the matters of these Fated that you have mentioned; it does not surprise me unrest has brewed up because of them. It is part of the reason I have sent you there sister to assess the situation. I had not realize though when I had sent you that a war against them had already been sprung. Please inform our dear cousin, if the needs arise he has the support of the arms of Palico.  

Forgive me for my response must be considered quite informal in the fallowing matter.. 

Timlines?!? Sister Please explain, do you mean to tell me fated can come from different times?!? The possibilities of that are very disconcerting. As you know the information pertaining to the Fated are limited. ANY information you can gather about them would be highly valuable! You are now given the task to gather such information and to include a report on what you find in your weekly letters to home.  

The more I read of your letter dear sister the more concerned I get; this woman is believed to be a cousin of ours? What of her family or past? What do we know about this woman? Exactly WHY was she detained?! What particular reason is the woman confined to the castle for, one can easily assume there is reason to suspect her character if she’s under detainment.  

More concerning most definitely; really Lucinda, you have been there for not even a week and suddenly we are gifted a woman who bears the curse of the Norus. That means if she is killed, being a target as you said she is, it means we Palico would be held responsible for the King of Teairs death. It would mean war! However Lucinda, while I wish you had informed me before your consent, you have done the right thing. I did mention that Palico would aid Teair if in need….In such a way like this was not what I had quite meant. 

Unusual gifts? Please Lucinda, if this woman is to be a citizen of Palico I would like to know what’s being brought into my kingdom. Is this woman a mage? Wonderful name for the dragon; I’m happy that she has hatched and is doing well. But this woman has experience handling dragons? So much so that you advise she be given a position in raising dragons in our court? These are not exactly safe animals to be working with Lucinda, while house dragons are significantly more docile then there non house cousins, they can be still a handful. I’m relieved you have found someone to help you with her.  

In regards to her title dear sister, I cannot agree to this at this time. Even with a title comes responsibilities, and it would give her an influence and say in our courts. It would reflect on us badly if I let any old uneducated bimbo into our courts. She could very well make a mess of it, as it sounds like she has already managed to incur the wrath of the Arch Duchess.  

Palico needs time to prepare for the Fated IF they are to be welcomed. They sound like a plague upon Teair, we need to think of our people, for it will affect them as well. Which brings us back to the title you wish to give this fated woman. If she had been anything but fated I may have considered it more, but because she is fated, and one of the first to receive any sort of position in any kingdoms court from my knowledge, she would become an example for the other fated. I do not know anything about this woman’s character. From your letter I can only assume it’s unsavory if she’s been detained to Noku’s castle, and he has so eagerly gifted her to another country.   

Before any decision is made I would like more information on this woman, I will be writing to Noku for his opinion on this girl. Going from there we will come to a decision regarding the fate of this fated woman.  

Woman aside, I am happy to hear despite your rough start, that you are enjoying yourself in our cousins kingdom. Tell Jeon I hope all is well and would like to hear from him is well. I’m always open to conversing with family, especially in these lonely times. May your spirits remain lifted my dearest sister, I look forward to your weekly letters. 

With much Love, 

Your dearest brother,  Silis 

Officially Received from His Royal Highness, Silas Noru King of Palico 

[Lucinda Noru]

My Dearest Brother Silas,

First, let me apologize for my lack of explanation and the alarm caused by my last letter. I wasn’t sure if it could be delivered safely without falling into the wrong hands. I am now more confident on this as I have found a quick and efficient means of delivery. As for Teair being in unrest, I believe the developments are quite recent and have been handled quickly. I am not in any danger here and our wonderful cousin is taking quite good care of me. I will learn from him all that I can, as per your instructions.

As far as the Fated are concerned, brother, I regret to inform you that even Uncle Noku doesn’t know much of them. What I’ve learned has come from the Fated woman, Aria. She told us that they come from different worlds, different times. Her own world is much like this one but apparently lacks the Noru line. By which I mean, she said that none now exist there to common knowledge. She is not sure of her own lineage being an orphan from a young age. Our cousin put much thought into deciding to gift her to our court and I am aware of the consequences should she be injured, which is exactly what got her confined to the castle.

The Archduchess Severine took personal offense against the Fated, particularly this woman it would seem specifically for the curse she shares. There was an incident at a gallows hanging in which Aria received a very nasty shoulder wound, which of course our poor cousin also received. The difference being that his wine had been drugged prior to the incidence as if in anticipation of such a thing. When I arrived, he was speaking to the Archduchess on the matter. He offered a sip of said wine and she declined, at first, forcing her daughter to taste it before she. Prior to this, I witnessed her starting an altercation with Aria for no apparent reason in an otherwise quiet room. She threatened to have her placed in the dungeons and was calling her 'vermin' and making other belittling comments. Not only a further disrespect to our cousin but also to Aria as she is the Champion of Saden. Aria had not done anything but show up, which she was requested to do by Noku. She has informed me that in general, Severine as well as many others, show no respect for any of the god's champion's here. It is no wonder Teair is having such issues.

Therefore, it can be said that Aria has been detained to the castle for her own protection, and that of the King, until such a time as he could decide how best to handle her. He needs her watched, guarded at all times but cannot simply let her go. She’s been assigned an official guard and has been healing slowly here, refusing to let healers work on her because of her abilities. I think she is a mage, of sorts. I watched her bloom a rose for me and she has the ability to transform into a dragon. She mentioned that her mother was a phioric angel created by Saden but didn't say anything about who her father might be.  She’s helped raise little baby dragons before and is well versed in the knowledge of such. She’s actually very smart and knowledgeable in quite a many different things. I’ve been surprised by her on a number of occasions already with the way she thinks so in depthly about problems. Her idea for the Fated problem is to build a school of sorts, not just for them but for all of Teair. To educate its citizens on how to read, write, and some other basic skills to help improve their lives and their job potential.

Uncle Noku’s reasoning for her having a guard at all times is part of the reason I suggested ‘duchess’ for her title. It would insure that she is accompanied whenever she goes, since it is ill advised for any royal to go adventuring all by their self, especially us women. It would also keep future incidents from happening where she comes up against another nobility and it’s simply her word against theirs for whatever transpires. I get the feeling that caused quite a few problems with the Archduchess, who by the way, was found to be in the wrong in the matter. She twists facts and words to her liking and caused quite a large problem with her vendetta against the Fated. It will take much time to fix the damages and in the meantime, the Fated trust no one. They were brought here by the god of fate, but no one knows why, including themselves. I will continue to try and find out what I can of them.

I will vouch for Aria’s character, however. I have spent quite some time in her company already. For her part, she is concerned about what our association with her may cause, including Noku’s court as well as our own. She received her wound, which I understand was quite serious indeed, by throwing herself in front of our cousin’s captain of the guard to protect him. She was half transformed into a dragon at the time, to make use of the enhanced protection of dragon hide.
I look forward to hearing the end decision on the matter regarding this woman and I trust your judgement. I hope that our cousin can shed a bit more light on it for you.

Please take care of yourself and may the gods smile on you and the court. I will pass on your wishes to Jeon next time I see him, of course.

Much love,

Lucinda

Received officially from her Highness, the Princess of Palico, Lucinda Noru

[Deleted]

To: Lucinda Princess of Palico

From: Silas Noru King of Palico

A Royal Correspondence 

Dearest Sister,

I would like to know more about this woman; based on your account she is someone worth meeting. As far as I know orphans are not usually privileged to receive an education, never mind a female one. That and I know many a solider that would not throw themselves in the line of fire for another. It sounds like she has a warriors honor; another odd trait to find in a woman. In fact the reports I’m getting doesn’t make this woman sound very womanly at all. She sounds more like a man then a woman; that would not be well received in the courts. However I am aware not all cultures shun woman from holding such positions…and a phioric I am ashamed to admit I had to go research more information about them; is rare indeed. They are usually a companion to one animal; it sounds like this woman is connected to dragons. A powerful companion indeed. It’s even more rare for one to be able to transform; many are lost before their first transformation. Out of a scholarly interest; do you know if she can fully transform?

I have written to our cousin; he seems as unsure of this woman as I am. He has also asked that I allow you to continue to stay in his courts and assured me of your safety. He has also asked me to launch my own inquiry on the fated. I have sent letters to other kingdoms; it troubles me to here not a single fated has left the borders of our dear cousins kingdom. Especially with the events that have unfolded, one would think they would be leaving in the droves. Normally I would send for this woman to be brought to my kingdom immediately, however in light of this information I feel it would be unwise. Unfortunately it would seem that we will have to leave her in yours and Nokus care. Now that I am aware this woman is educated I will correspond with her as well.

Going forward; Noku is unsure of this woman’s claims to our blood. From your account it would seem she’s unsure of it herself. With an unconfirmed claim, giving her a duchess title due to “family” reasons may not be a wise decision. However I agree that it would protect her while in our dear cousin’s courts. This is a difficult decision; a phioric in our courts however would be a gem. When it is safe for her to come to Palico she will be given the job of head dragon trainer; not just the house dragons. A phioric is best suited for it; if her claims of raising dragons before is true then she seems well suited for the job.

Aria sounds like a true representative of Saden; if her family already holds close ties to him. From this world or another…Then I think it appropriate that our family honor the gods in these times of disrespect and admit her into our courts. I have received reports that she is already making a positive name for herself as champion. Apparently she was spotted at the Moon Temple taking steps to repair the god’s place of worship. It would seem she already understands the need to be an example for people. I can only hope that she will continue down that path; and you will guide her dear sister.

Aria will be given a duchess title to honor her efforts to bring peace amongst the fated; if the fated trust no one, then we must make something that they will if we are to maintain any sense of control over their situation. I will send a partition of funds in order to outfit our newest duchess and also higher a guard and staff of her own. She will need to be educated in our family’s ways, along with making sure she is suitable for court. If she continues to prove her worth then she will be rewarded. Once she is deemed ready she will be officially coronated into the ranks of our court.

But on a side note, dearest sister, while you’re there do try to find a suiter. I would like to see you settle down. After all until I marry, you are the next successor to the throne; I would like to be an uncle one day.


Sincerely with Love,

Silas

Officially Received from His Royal Highness, Silas Noru King of Palico

[Deleted]

To: Lucinda Princess of Palico

From: Silas Noru King of Palico

A Royal Correspondence 

Dearest Sister,

Why have you not written to me yet!? I did say weekly did I not? How is the new duchess fairing with her new title? Exactly how was it received? It is terribly inconvenient not to have been there when the news was delivered. Have you any new information on her? I would like to know a bit more before I write to her. If she fares well I may give her, her first project as Dragon Trainer. Write back soon. 

Sincerely with Love,

Silas

Officially Received from His Royal Highness, Silas Noru King of Palico

[Lucinda Noru]

To: His Royal Majesty, Silas Noru, The King of Palico
From: Lucinda Noru, Princess of Palico

My dearest brother,

You have my apologies for not writing sooner. Things have been quite busy here in Teair. The entire city is alive with celebrating during this Festival of the Gods and our dear cousin's birthday. I gave Aria the good news very shortly after receiving your last letter. She was quite surprised and appreciated that you cited her work for the pantheon as the reason rather than something else. She's a bit apprehensive about the coronation, apparently being quite uncomfortable in highly public situations. I have enlisted the help of Duchess Melda Vanya in training her to be a lady. Hopefully, we can somewhat condition her to lose this discomfort. The three of us also went shopping, per your request, and have successfully re-outfitted our new duchess properly befitting her station. Aria is very knowledgeable about commoners and their plights and also very good with budgeting her money. I admit myself quite impressed at the display.

As for any further news on her personally, Aria informed me that I could explain to you that dragons are not her only animal but rather she has quite a few animals that she can transform into, fully. Apparently, she was the last phioric in her timeline and thus had what she calls 'expanded abilities' but didn't elaborate on what they might be. She did explain that in her youth she was taken in by a foreign prince and made to disguise herself as a boy which she attributes to her habits even now. Aria also has an intention of withdrawing from the final championships, because of the curse and has already agreed to accept whatever consequences Saden has for her. I will pray for him to be understanding. In the meantime, I am sure she would be up to whatever task you have for her.

Now, I wish to tell you about the Festival here. It's been amusing. The entire kingdom is excited and participating. Walking through the market, we noticed many costumes and children playing with seasonal toys. The highlight of the event was the ball, which was magnificent. Noku asked her to decorate the courtyard for the festival ball and she did a wonderful job. Really, I wish you could have seen it brother. The entire area was simply magical, with plants and trees grown in mere hours and all chosen for their symbolize and relation to all the pantheon. I imagine the gods and goddesses were quite pleased. I personally had quite a nice time. It's very exciting to talk to people when everyone is wearing a costume and mask.

Perhaps you should consider visiting soon, brother. I am sure that our dear cousin would be thrilled and it would be lovely to see you. It would also give you a chance to meet Aria and Alli, who is doing quite well under Aria's training I should add. I will await your next letter.

With much love,
Lucinda

Officially received from her highness, The Princess of Palico, Lucinda Noru