Quoted By:
My Dearest René,
I hope this letter finds you well. Too many years have passed since we last shared a mug of shokolade before the pyre of Lumenalia. Do you remember that night seven years ago, when we ducked away from the dancing around the fires and ran off to the crest of Zitronenfels?
I remember the rolling pastures, covered with but a dusting of snow, dotted with clusters of cottages where our families and neighbors made their homes. How they stretched on beneath the veil of that moonless, starless sky, and the thousand rivers of color that danced in the sky. The proof of our LORD's protection over the world.
I remember too the blankets we shared upon that hill. How we set out one you treated with your khemistry to shield our bottoms from the snow, how we wrapped ourselves together in heavy wool woven to your family's tartan colors. Red and green, and a blue near as deep as the sky at dusk. How your warmth filled the cocoon we made, and the touch of your hand upon my own.
My heart aches for you, René. I know not what rigorous trials you must be facing to unravel the secrets of your craft, but know that every day I pray for your successful return to my side.
Or, if that is not possible, then I shall join you at your side. Simply say the word.
Now let me tell of some recent news. As a 'Lumenalia present', the Duke sent an artificer to serve in my court, as if I were some local lord. From the letters he sent, I expected some heathen hellion harlot, but it turns out that she's a total sweetheart. Her name is Hilde, and she has quite quickly wormed her way into my heart as a dear friend.
Though I will say she does get some strange ideas some times. Fortunately, she is quite portable. Whenever I get wind of her doing something foolish, it is quite simple to go over and pick her up beneath my arm as one might hoist a recalcitrant pup and drag them back to their kennel.
One of her strange ideas involved caroling for Lumenalia this year. She wished to carol in the warmth of the tavern, and invited me to join her. Though I do enjoy the tradition of caroling, I fear that I made a mistake when I accepted her offer. The songs themselves did not stray too far from what we would sing going house to house back home, but...
The outfit she wore for her tavern caroling was extremely flattering, and she expected me to wear one in kind. Naturally, I turned down the offer and did not join her.
Though I here the village bachelors were all very pleased with her performance.
Other than that bit of excitement, it has been a slow week. The harvest has been in for weeks now, the snows have come, and there is not much to do beyond wait for spring. I offered a log to the pyre in your name, that the LORD's protection may be with you, and guide you through your trials. I shall continue to pray for your wellbeing and return.
All of my love,
Louise
P.S.: I kept the outfit. Perhaps I can show it to you when you get back~?
