With her hands crossed behind her head, Aly mused about how difficult the situation was.
To her question with the coat and Clairette he had given evasive answers in typical Drathe manner with a boyish grin.
She had left it at that for the time being and enjoyed the night with him.
But now she reached under her bed where a larger box stood and took out the uppermost letter.
She had probably already read it half a dozen times, and now she gnawed doubtfully on her lower lip.
Kyre had advised her to answer - she should not let this opportunity pass.
Aly grinned as she thought of Kyre's reaction after she had described Caldan.
*Does he have brothers? Are they also such handsome men ? If so, I want to meet one too!*
At this, the witch had grinned mischievously and confessed to be jealous.
Aly sighed and began to read the letter again.
My dear Lady Lamar...Aleytys,
I thought it would be appropriate to write to you personally, since you have sent greetings through Nishadaa.
I confess that I can't quite get you out of my mind. I had heard this and that about Aleytys Lamar over the years,
but it never really compares to the character when you are facing the person.
However, your beauty and ferocity, as well as strength in battle, is not exaggerated.
Even in that brief exchange of blows, it was all too evident. But also how strong your bond is with my sister-in-law.
It is good to know that she can always count on you.
That day really made it clear to me, in which danger she is actually in, or let's say, which threats can always be waiting for Nisha.
All the more reason to stay here through Mas. Maybe I should do this every Mas. One more helping hand can't hurt.
Of course, some of my thoughts will probably be with you and the little princess Inara as well. May the gods watch over you both in the dark days.
Oh Aleytys where should I go on now without going into raptures?
I can only say that you are a remarkable woman. Do you know that your silver-blond hair even glitters slightly in the moonlight?
And your dark eyes in which I could lose myself. And yet there is also this strength that you clearly show.
The only question is if you really want it all the time or just think you have to in every situation.
But maybe I should just tell you a story, which could be several letters long. Before I catch myself a slap in the face.
Well, where do we begin....
Once upon a time, a young man, half human, half elf, set out on his wanderings.
It was a long journey and he had to learn many things, many things he would have preferred to be spared.
But he was a charming, shrewd little fellow and got by. He found his first love in the sea.
That was the first lesson he learned, to work on a merchant ship. Hard work that steeled him.
But already after a few years he had to realize that this was not enough, when pirates attacked the ship and hardly left anyone alive.
The still young half-elf of about 400 years was washed ashore and taken in by a friendly family. Now this family had a house in the country but also one in Falmara.
The master of the house was commander of one of the guard units there. Well he listened to the story of the boy and decided to teach him the art of war and fighting.
He also became a guard soldier in Falmara, which served more to train him properly than to commit him there for life, which can be very long for a half-elf.
After a few years, the young elf had become a strong man, who knew very well how to wield a sword.
But, he had to move on, or rather, go home to show his family that he was doing well.
It is not necessary to mention that this pirate raid was a very drastic experience for the young one.
He had never before encountered death as closely and directly as he did there.
We agree, only one thing is worse than seeing good friends die......
I, close the letter at this point, for now. I hope for a reply from you and maybe you want to know how the story continues.
Be well Aleytys and please, take care of yourselves.
Sincerely, Yours
~Caldan~
PS: Oh and this falcon lady is Geraia and I think you have one or two things in common,
Arinya Alkar. ..Beautiful...Proud...Relentless...Strong...Deadly...and I'm sure as we get to know each other better I'll have much more to add.
*All right I'll answer him....* she then mumbled to herself.
From the box she took the necessary things and began to write, while she thoughtfully continued to chew on her lower lip.
*Dear Caldan,
Although Nish wrote me that you wanted to reply to my greetings in writing, the way and what you wrote surprised me a bit.
I also thank you for staying in Temran until after Mas. That takes away some of my worries.
Nish and I have a very strong friendship, soulsisters you may call it. Her well-being is important to me.
You will have met Inara personally by now. She enthused about you as the best of all uncles.
However, I am glad to meet your expectations to some extent and to live up to what you have heard about me.
I confess for a long time no man has raved about me - mmmh - like that. And which woman wouldn't like that ?
My friend Kyre ( yes right the witch I told you about ) is already jealous and asked for a brother who is such a dazzling looking man like you are.
Yes I have to laugh at this point, she also persuaded me to answer you. You have to thank her that I am sitting here writing,
I would like to hear more of your story, that much is already certain.
And yes I do think of you and your gray-green eyes at times.
Maybe I am willing to tell one or the other as well or to correct a fairy tale about me that you have heard.
Now I close for the moment. My duty calls and I have to patrol the outer borders.
Before Mas this is always important - as well as the constant training to stay lithe and fast.
Your falcon lady is really something special - to compare her with me is too much of an honor.
May we all survive Mas in good health, and if not, may Cherga have mercy on us.
Your Arinya Alkar
~Aleytys~
Aly folded the letter carefully and went to the balcony to whistle Aratos.
Arinya Alkar .... she then whispered to herself - Morning Glory - well if that is so appropriate ?
With a smile tugging at her full lips, she went downstairs to have breakfast before her duties called her outside.