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 Posted: Sun Dec 28, 2014 5:28 pm
Varinia had just gotten hired by the new Oban king and had been put through lessons on how he liked his household run so that she could help with other chores until the princess returned. Surprisingly, it lead to Vari having quite a bit of free time which she had decided to spend writing letters to one of her few close friends. She was very grateful to Reillan and his brother for traveling to Juahar themselves to look for her father and it was to him that most of her letters were written. As trade had finally gotten established between Juahar and Oba, it wasn't too difficult to find a merchant traveling with more wares to Juahar and she had known where her friend was heading so she addressed the letter to him at the corresponding location. I hope this letter finds you well, at least I hope it finds you at all. I'm not completely sure if this pen pal thing will work as I worry about the letters actually reaching you. But, if it means I get to stay in contact with you and your brother, I'll withstand the terrible wait for your reply.
Since you left, I got hired on at a lesser nobles house taking care of their children. I wasn't there for long, though, as I proved invaluable to the family and when the new King was elected I was hired on to be the hand maiden for his daughter when she arrives! Isn't that exciting? The pay is much better and I'm glad that I can give mother and my siblings more money to buy food with. If you ever need any money please let me know, you're already doing so much for me.
What is Juahar like? Are the people really as savage as soldiers had said? What is the land like? Are their villages as cramped as ours? I'm sure its interesting there at least! A change in scenery is probably nice.
I have to tell you though, I saw your father the other day in the market, he didn't look happy at all. I'd say its probably safe to stay out of Oba for now even though I'm sure you'd have plenty of space to avoid your father, I'd hate for someone to recognize you somewhere and let your father know. So...just stay safe in Juahar okay? Let me know if you find any word of my father!
Thinking of you,
Vari
Varinia finished her letter and sealed it before properly addressing it and rushing out the door to where the merchant said he would be that day as he would leave for Juahar the next day. Vari hoped with all her heart that the letter reached him and that he could get letters back to her as it would make waiting to hear from him for news of her father much easier.
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Posted: Mon Dec 29, 2014 10:31 am
Reil was again standing by the training ring, happier then he had been in a while. They had found a nice place here, he wasn't sure if this was exactly where he belonged yet but it was better then Oba. He felt relaxed, at east, calm, as he should be. "Excuse me, are you Reillan? I have a letter for a man matching your description." Reil turned curious, "Yes I am he." The young Oban bowed cheerfully at Reil and handed the letter over. Bemused Reil gave him a coin and accepted the thick letter. Hmm, from Varry. Good, she had found him in this mess of jungle, he had been concerned. He stepped over to the tree and blocked out the world.  Dear Varinia
Your letter has indeed found us, rather quickly too I imagine. We are well indeed, Keelthy has room to frolic now and seems to be like a sun loving plant taken from the shade.
Congratulations on your employment, this is wonderful news! You must describe the palace and the people for me, my family may have guarded it and the nobles for years, but I have never seen it.
I have recieved an odd reception, I met a leaf or wind boy named Rham, he was quite rambunctious, I thought the norm would be a great deal more hostility, this soon after the treaty was agreed upon.
I looked for your father last night, skipping from campfire to campfire but no such luck, If he is here he was probably asleep already. Does he have and defining habits that I could use to find him by any chance?
How are your mother and siblings? I hope to locate your father promptly and send him home.
I know my own father will not understand our disapearance he wasn't there for the awful spectacle of my Uncles picking on my brother. I am in some doubt that they would have had the gall to perform such behaviour in front of my father. I'm decently sure he would have challenged each individually and trounced the lot for such treatment of his beloved sons. We could not stay after the act though, Keelthy to much in pain and my anger so narrowly constrained. There really was no choice.
It is a pity that with your new job you cannot visit. It would be a joy for the both of us to see a familiar, trustworthy face. On a lighter but somewhat more troublesome note, I seem to have found a tag along in the form of a Janarim. He scared the crap out of me, swatted me around and now proceeds to shadow my every move... and he hogs the bed. He was one of two odd things we met on our journey here. The first was an oddly blotched leafling who was quite unprepared for her trip to our most Northern city. Perhpas she is seeking a healer or has that peculiar skin condition we occasionally see in Oba. I wonder if she knows what it is. We were of course too polite to ask. She was terribly sunburned on both skin types and was dangerously low on water, I presume she hadn't ventured that far into the desert before. We took pity on her and gave her enought water to reach the city. Wehad more then enought to spares as is proper for the longer trips. For her sake I hope she smartens up. She couldn't be much older then us, if at alland didn't mention much of a purpose beyond trade. Never knew a merchent to travel alone with so few goods have you? But for our kindness she gave me a golden brooch with a scorra on it, which is some kind of bird from the looks of it. Valuable enough I suppose, kind of her to reimburse us for the water in what way she could. She sure had desert courtesy figured out if not the more practical aspects. Do let me know if you see her. Maybe see what you can find out, see if she makes it or not.
This letter will be on the next caravan out. Good luck at your new position. Keelthy and I look forward to your next letter.
Sincerily Yours
ReillanReil folded the letter and with an after thought tucked the brooch in it too with a note: We have more then enough collateral here for any whim we may have. Please use this to help your mother. We are so grateful for your help in Oba and doubly so for your letters here. Reillan and Keelthy He addressed it back and had the most trustworthy merchangt carry it with extra fare to make sure it got there safe. Var really had no clue how greatful they were. He sincerely hoped the brooch would help support her poor mother and siblings, he knew how much that must weigh on her, working away from home. As it happended the merchent left for Oba two days hence.
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Posted: Mon Jan 12, 2015 1:01 pm
It seemed like forever before Varinia got Reil's next letter. When the merchant did arrive in the city, he sought her out, which was something Vari was grateful for. There had been trouble, the merchant told her, with some Tendajians on the road that had delayed their return to the capital. Vari thanked him, and gave him a coin for his troubles before rushing back to her room to read the letter. When she opened it and found the broach, she was a little puzzled but put it aside before reading and understanding and then composing her own reply. Dear Reil,
I'm glad that we've at least been able to get letters back and forth. I had just received your letter. The merchant who brought it said there had been some trouble with Tendajians along the boarder. I'm glad to hear that the few Tendajians you've encountered have been peaceful, or at least civil. It was good of you to help the one with the weird skin, of course, from you two, I would expect no less. I'll keep my eye out for one matching her description here and I'll let you know if I do happen to see her.
From what I've heard, the new princess seemed to have enjoyed her time in Tendaji, or at least among the army, so who knows? Perhaps I will have the chance to travel there and visit you two. From your letter, it sounds interesting at least!
As for my father, he too was a fan of writing. He used to write little stories for us. Though, he always used to tell us that he always did his best writing at night beside a campfire. Hopefully that will help?
I'm relieved to hear that Keelthy is doing much better there. I hope he continues to flourish and is able to enjoy the new freedom. I appreciate your gift, I'm sure it will greatly help my mother. Please pass along my thanks and well wishes to your brother as well!
Be safe!
Vari
Varinia had written her letter fairly quickly and returned to the merchant who had brought Reil's letter back to her. It was a good thing that she did, too, as they were only taking this one day to restock before heading back out in the morning. She left the merchant with her well wishes of safe travel before heading back, a smile on her lips as she thought of the boys being able to be free in Tendaji.
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Posted: Wed Jan 14, 2015 8:25 pm
It seemed to take forever for the letter to return from Oba. Tendajian troubles indeed.
Dear Var
I will be sure to search the campfires thoroughly and inquire of any writers I find therein.
I actually reserved a ring a while back and danced with him in public. I think it meant a lot to him despite the early morning I subjected him too. He is not very gracious being mostly noctornal but we had a touching reunion later that day. To be honest I was concerned about my form, I hadn't practiced that particular dance for a long time. We seem to have come off all right, not everyone enjoys the spectacle of dance, but the majority of people stayed to watch. It was heartening.
Keelthy sends his regard, to be honest I think he thinks of you often, mutters in his sleep poor fellow. Something about Var and the most beautiful hair. Anyway thought you should know that he fancies you as all good brothers should tell the lady. I think he just doesn't know how to tell you Var.
I am very glad the brooch will be put to use, I'm afraid Keel and I would not be able to pull the pretty bauble off in our outfits.
Good luck
Reill
Reill found a heavily armed merchant in the hope that It would be able to penetrate any "Tendajian trouble" the caravan may find. He wouldn't know if his letter got stolen for a long time and that would just make Var worry and he didn't want that.
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Posted: Fri Jan 23, 2015 10:16 am
None of the previous letters had made Varinia laugh like this one did. The part about Elthy muttering in his sleep was what got her and she could only imagine it. At least he had thought to send the letter with someone armed, however, it did make her worry about her friends being out there all without much protection. Well, that wasn't fair, Reillan could protect them. Dear Reil,
It was smart of you to send the letter with an armed guard, though, it does make me worry for you two over there. But, you have on idea what it means to me and my family that you two are there and looking for my Dad. I just spoke with Ma yesterday and she told me to pass along her thanks and well wishes.
Elthy actually got you to dance? Well that's a surprise! I wish I had been there to see it. I'm sure you're really not as rusty as you think you are, I'm sure Keelthy wouldn't really ever let you get "rusty." On the enjoying dance matter, not everyone may enjoy it but as long as some do it might be a way to make some coin if you need it there. Especially Keelthy and his skills.
Its good to know that he misses me too, though I have no idea why he would be muttering about my hair in his sleep. He's so weird sometimes! But...you're meaning more than a friend aren't you? Well, he's a very sweet guy and I'm glad that he has the space to be who he wants.
And don't say such things, you know secretly you wanted to wear the broach.
Miss you both,
Varinia
Varinia couldn't believe that Reil actually thought that Elthy had feelings for her. It wasn't a bad thing...it just kind of shocked her. It made her miss them more. With her letter finally written, she went back to try and find someone to take it. There wasn't anybody leaving for several days though, but it was the best she could do.
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Posted: Sun Jan 25, 2015 10:46 pm
Reillan snorted mightily when he read her broach comment. Clever Var, and an interesting dig to boot. Well he would play along. Dear Var
Alas you have caught me, my only regret is that the broach portrayed a bird and not a big pink heart. You have revealed my secret broach fetish, but shhh, no one must know.
We had a small visitor to our camp fire, as you know it has snowed here, scary as that is, I hope Oba is free of the fluffy, cold burden. It seems there was a young alkidike stranded in the snow with no guardian, we gave her food and warmth. It was heartrending to see her out there alone. I was somewhat hesitant to bring her home, least the locals get the wrong idea about Keelthy and me, but we couldn't just leave her out there to shiver and we are not in need of extra help around camp, our shanty is so small it does not take long to clean.
I hope Oba finds you fair and hale as always. Other then this not much is new.
Yours
ReillanPity Keel wasn't around, he fancied that Var would like to get one from him once in a while. Keelthy had marginally better handwriting and a somewhat different view of things what with his profession. It sometimes stunned Reil when their differences stared him in the face.
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Posted: Thu Feb 05, 2015 1:50 pm
Varinia chuckled when she read Reil's letter. She would have to remember that for the next time she saw him. Var woudl get him a big pink broach for his fetish. He may very well kill her for it but it would most definitely be worth it! Reil,
A visitor you say? How odd that a young one would be out in that kind of weather all by herself! It's a good thing you two are kind hearted obans and not like some of the ones that are out there. Did she get returned alright? I'm glad to know that you both are already doing good out there!
On the matter of visitors, however, I haven't seen the strange Tendajian you told me about. I've kept my eyes open when I go to the markets but I haven't seen anything as exquisite as what you described, well, to be honest, I haven't seen anything out of the ordinary.
I've been busier of late, as the princess finally arrived. She's very...different from what I expected. She's not entirely okay with how things are here...we haven't had a chance to interact much but I've been told that we're leaving the palace and going back to the King's old compound. I'm not sure what will be there for me. But I leave in a week. So most of the rest of my letters will be coming from a different place. Hopefully we can still communicate that way...
You both are in my thoughts!
VariniaPacking was the worst, Varinia thought, as was leaving home. She would miss her family but it was what the job required so she was required to do it.
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Posted: Thu Feb 05, 2015 9:36 pm
Var
I can't understand how neglectful her guardians were, sure she is a little, well stubborn, but well proper parenting should be able to handle that, one would think. So far as I know she is safe and in good health. I think she was a little wary about Xarthin but I can't really blame her since he is a giant mouth attatched to a giant body.
Hmm I wonder where she went to escape your sharp eyes, probably out in the boonies somewhere. Crazy thing.
Different how? Does she have two heads? Sorry, sorry I have always wanted to use that line. Have you gotten close enough to get a feel for her personality? Perhaps if you knew what she wants to be that would help you make a connection with her? I know I wouldn't want to be a noble in court, Keelthy would have to prop my head up on something so that it would look like I was still awake. Thats why I'm better as a guard..guarding is serious buisness you know and for some reason its harder to fall asleep when you are the only thing between potential threats and potential fops.
The king's old compound? Where is that? Is it closeish to here? I'm sure we need a bit of a walk by now. We will come visit you there. Safe and swift travels.
Yours
Reillan
Keelthy also sends his regards.
...Xarthin too.Reillan was so excited he kinda sorta crumpled the letter a little he smoothed it out..patted it..and apologized...to paper. Maybe they had been alone a liiiittle too long out here. He sent off the letter and pounce tackled his brother who squawked indignantly until Reill told him the news.
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Posted: Mon Feb 23, 2015 3:12 pm
Rei,
It's kind of disconcerting how irresponsible Tendaji parents seem! Of course, I'm sure there are Obans like that but at least here we're packed in so tightly everyone knows everyone so if a child gets lost they can be found!
Maybe not different heads but different minds! She acts different around the nobility, which I guess I can't blame her. I suppose I should take it as a compliment that she doesn't feel like she needs as much of the facade with me? We leave tomorrow for the compound which I found out was in Orrod, so a little bit closer to you but not by much.
You shall have to tell Keelthy to learn a new dance for me until I see you both next! And I will have to meet this new companion of yours!
Missing you both!
Varinia
Varinia sighed, it would be difficult to a completely new place with no one she knows there. It'll be a challenge but hopefully with letters from Reillan it would make it bearable.
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Posted: Tue Mar 03, 2015 9:19 pm
Dear Var
As Keel and I are getting stronger we plan to face off with the family with father if we can find him and get Keel reinstated into the family. We have grown in confidence and Keel has a plan to prove his worth. He wants to start practicing with small blades, I just have to find him a proper set, perhaps you know of a worthy blacksmith? I could send payment for them the and the transport cost. I'm afraid I do not trust these Tendajian blades over Oban Iron or Steel.
On another note have you thought of getting yourself a familiar? I think Xarthin has quite switched sides on me, fickle janarim. Maybe a perzi would be nice.
All the best
Reill
P.S.
The dried flowers enclosed are from Keelthy.
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Posted: Wed Apr 01, 2015 11:17 am
Varinia couldn't help but smile at the dried flowers that fell out of the letter as she carefully put them to the side. They were beautiful, nothing like you would find in Oba. She would have to put them on display somewhere, or perhaps show the Princess. Dear Reil,
I know you both must eventually reunite with your family, it worries me. What if they don't accept Elthy? I just worry about you two you know that. But, if he really wants to start practicing with some small blades, have him draw up relative size and weight and I'll see if I can't find a good blacksmith. Perhaps even the Princess might know of one. If I were you, I wouldn't trust them either!
You'll have to let me know when you both plan on returning and I can try to meet you somewhere along the way.
Did you know, the King used to own a beast taming business? Now the Lady Naevius is running it and is working towards becoming a beast tamer herself! So if I were to want a familiar, I'm sure where I am there would be no shortage of them! You'll have to come see sometime, all the animals that pass through here are amazing sometimes!
And tell Keelthy the flowers are beautiful and shall be decorating my room as soon as I can find somewhere to put them. You definitely don't find flowers like that here! Maybe I could come visit you in Tendaji someday! It would be interesting to see.
I'll ask around for blacksmiths the next time I go to market.
Best wishes,
VariniaDuke Edward Drake HEY LOOK I FINALLY REPLIED. XP
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Posted: Mon May 18, 2015 7:51 pm
We found Elthy some good blades and I'm startled to say that he is rather good with those tiny things. I think that having them will greatly increase our famililies chances of acceptance. By now father will have worn holes in all the evil uncles. We are planning on returning forthwith and we are bringing the young alkidike Yitzah along witth us, she seems to have gone through a rough childhood to which we can relate. No I was nott aware the King had his own beast taming buisness, he just got a lot more interesting. I would be delighted to see all the creatures. I am so tired of all the mud here you have no idea and rain falls far more often then I think is nessesary for anywhere. I am eager to start our journey and we have almost gathered all the pertinant supplies. Hopefully our journey will be swift and safe Best Wishes Reillan
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