The leaves had all but coated the ground before Merrium would hear anything of the foreigners’ next visit. The cold now threatened ice and frost every time it rained, leaving the dirt paths all but impassable save for those with sturdy boots and strong grit. The furs of the local wildlife grew thicker, and the daylight shorter. Prices for summers herbs had risen to account for the scarcity, once again reminded Merrium of her long forgotten but always reiterated promise to herself to start her own indoor garden. Maybe she can convince William to allow her wages to build an extension their home. It would require her to reveal her hobby a little bit, but with the promise of cheaper expenses and delicious wines, she thinks he’d be willing to comply. But that will be for another time, as she always told herself before.

This time, however, when she received a letter, it was not from the castle, which was nearing its final reconstruction before additions would be planned, but from the prince of Istel himself.

‘Hello Merrium! I hope this letter finds you well.

I’m not sure when our next visit will be, there are events happening in our lands that require our attention, and may take some time to sort out. I wanted to establish a means of communication, at least, with you. I haven’t forgotten my promise I made to you.

This letter and any future letter will likely be screened, considering our foreign locations, so, should you choose to reply, you should assume there will always be a third party in the act of reading.

In this short time apart, I find myself missing you. I truly do enjoy your company, and I’m glad you’re able to speak freely around me. You have a wonderful mind. I hope this doesn’t come across too forward, please think of it as compliments from a friend. Or you may ask me to stop, and I will do so.

If you choose to write me back, you may address it by name and should send it off from the courier in Wisterun. Tell them you wish to send it to Istel, and they’ll know how to get it to me.

I do hope to hear from you soon. It’s quite boring here.

With Sincerity,

Arstel Istalri’

Merrium stared at the parchment with warmth rising within her core to her fingertips, unable to help the smile on her lips. His handwriting was elegant, but his prose was like an innocent child. And it was strange, receiving such an informal letter from so far away. Holding his correspondence in her hands, it felt as if a line had been connected between them, that no matter how far away he may be, she’ll be able to speak with him.

But she wasn’t sure if this was such a good idea. She had not yet had time to get her feelings in order, and she was still deciding how she might make amends to William for her heart going astray. The letter remained locked in her drawer for weeks, and it wouldn’t be until the snows had come that she would decide to pick up a pen; it would be rude if she didn’t at least send one back.

Merrium sat at the writing desk, where she usually did book-keeping of their finances and recordings of expected orders, and struggled over how to begin her return letter. How should she begin the address? Were honorifics needed in such a situation? Should she use the simple informal ‘Dear’ or begin formally with ‘Honorable Lord Arstel?’

She pulled out his letter again, hoping to use it for reference in how she chose to tone hers, and laughed. His very simple but exuberant “Hello!”, she could expect nothing less of him. And, with comfort, she knew he would want her to write to him just as he wanted her to speak with him. She began to write her letter.