Dear Giles--Gi that is, I shall endeavour to recall the change--I am delighted to hear that you will soon be arriving at Annalum. Your presence will likely liven up these staid walls, and I will look forward to hearing more about the establishment of your new home, Nemus Animae. Yva is doing very well, and said to relay her regards. We hope to take you to visit some of our favorite haunts in the neighborhood. If you are so inclined.
And, of course, you must avail yourself of the library while you are here. I will make the arrangements, there are plenty of idle hands to relieve from temptation who may assist in copying. I heard something about a new version of the Zeccharias that you made recently? If you have it with you, perhaps we could do an exchange.
I look forward to your arrival with great anticipation. Though I must admit to thoughts of our days in Isrillion coming to the mind. Days past, I shall put that aside.
Travel safely and you shall find me, faithfully,
Tenellus nee Caleth of House Cristofer
Meta on Caleth and Giles
Before I give Giles' response, I'd like to place the timing of Caleth's letter.
My assumption is that Caleth and Gi have had chance to correspond probably even before he traveled on to found Nemus Animae. Caleth probably got a letter from Giles in Tension or Strife about his impending journey and his intention to visit as well as some scattered notes about doings at Nemu Animae. And probably a hasty note in Dominion as well.
His quick missive to her after meeting with the Cristoferian representatives pretty much simply confirmed his impending arrival with a more accurate arrival date. And mentioned said meeting with Cristoferian representatives, Nil, etc.
Soooo, I just wanna know when you (Emily) think this letter was sent to Gi--beyond Nemus Animae, he could conceivably have reached him at Bethelion or even Isrillion. AS soon as you let me know the when of it, I can compose Gi's response.
(yeah, I use Giles and Gi interchangeably, I imagine so does he)
timing
I'd say this was her reply back after his letter in Tension or Strife. She'd likely have said something about Nil if it was in response to his most recent missive.
Gi to Caleth, written Dominion 17th
Greetings Caleth, from he who may be call Gi, Giles, and even, if the spirit takes you, Equus sine Equite.
I am very much looking forward to my visit with you at Annalum--and Yva as well! I've never been to this most renowned of covenants, though really I'm most keen to learn what you feel are its best features.
It's these thoughts of anticipation that are sustaining me during some unusually trying days here at Nemus Animae. We are in the midst of the local salmon harvest and, somehow unsurprising, there are omens and mischief abounding. Not to mention just yesterday I encountered some unusual creatures of a somewhat magical nature, monkeys, that had a whole new dimension to the nature of this land. And what a raw, odd and vital land it is!
Nevermind this all occurs in the midst of a most arduous fast, my first such since 422--no, I'm sorry 421, Asonder had no patience for me to "indulge" in such a practice that made me weak. So it's truly been twenty-two years since my last.
I'm afraid I must've mislead you as to the state of my proposed treatment of Zecchiah's String (Unbroken). Alas, I'm only in the preliminary stage of note taking and don't expect to work on crafting my idea for a book until this winter. Which promises to be quite a cold and gloomy one--even more than Ysrillion. Your offers of access and services of your library are most kind and just might be availed upon by me.
And before I break off, the tedious matter of my itinerary, I give you a full one in case you'd like to reach me at any of the covenants I will be staying along the way, if only to continue our exchange,
I still have high hopes upon leaving on the first Shame, in only four days time!
I hope to reach Ysrillion around the fifteenth of Shame. I shall probably stay there at least three days. Which reminds me, I really must settle down and read Elias' book before departing.
I will be at Ænigma Novalindenis only long enough to complete an errand for Calvus and so then onto Fumus et Specula which I hope to reach around the second of Mercy for a visit of three days.
Bethelion I hope to reach on the sixth of Mercy and I'm unsure how long I will be there. Probably no longer than five days.
Then my home village, I hope to arrive there on the eleventh of Mercy. I'm thinking this will have me arriving at Annalum on the seventeenth of Mercy, Reason willing.
I will keep you posted on any delays or advances in this schedule.
May Wisdom watch over you, dear Caleth.
Yours in Love and Reason,
Giles, also known as Equus sine Equite of House Aegidius
as you find him on the seventeenth of Dominion, year 425 in Love and Reason
received at Bethelion, perhaps
To Giles, known also as Gi, and Equus sine Equite,
I hope this letter finds you well after your many travels--to your home even! I hope your recent pious observations did not render the beginnings of your travels unduly ornerous. The length of time since your last fast took me aback again, as it does but should not--the length of your duration in other realms is truly a thing of wonder. I have not mentioned these matters to Thomas the Rhymer, but it may be that he will be acquainted with the from contact with your parens. If so, he may be of a mind to discuss your experiences, should you be willing.
I will likely see you before long, but I wished to send you tidings of our house and its interest in the grand undertakings of your new home covenant. Is it true that you have tamed Gaetani priestlings and have them performing ceremony for Love and Reason? Truly inspiring. The inestimable F.D. and C.M. have made especial note of some of your rumoured accomplishments. I would not be surprised if they too sought an interview with you during your stay here to hear more, first hand.
You have likely heard that another from my esteemed house will in fact be making a visit. Though my acquaintance with Nils is not too much deeper than glancing, I have found him to be a very amiable companion and am sure that you will find likewise. He has provided an admirable sparring partner for Yva in matters of esoteric and oblique theory, for which I am sadly lacking in facility. We shall be sad to lose his company. We must surely make it a point to celebrate your visit with a pint of the best ale in the Laughing Dog, quite the best tavern our locale has to offer, perhaps one of the better, if not best, of the features of Annalum.
And as to that question, you will be here soon, but let me whet your appetite a bit to speed your weary feet on their way: the landscape surrounding the covenant proper is among the more beautiful I have seen. My favorite part is crossing the spider thin bridges that span the river Tam gorge. I wish I could see it with you for the first time. If you have time to send me word of your final arrival time, I could see if we can meet you there.
And of course, the gem of Annalum is the library. Strange to think that there has never been a Touccian who has lived here, but the master craftsmen who re-built these halls created a fine work, despite their lack of magical acumen. The three levels of the library take up more area than the rest of the covenant (proper, not including the baileys and yard areas, of course), surmounted by the scriptorium domed with glass (yes, it is exorbitant to maintain). You will likely appreciate the carvings that litter the halls: even the door frames and casements are etched with scroll work and figures.
But enough, I shall see you soon. Yva sends her deepest affections and anticipation of your visit. I hope your burdens are light and that Wisdom watches over you on your way to our door.
in the light of love and reason,
Caleth also known as Tenellus of house Cristofer
12th Shame year 425
meta on timing, given your current timeline
I just spent the day catching up with your notes from past games. I'm sorry to be writing about events that would now be in the past of your in play. I hope it fits with your vision--Dylan, I hope that Nil would have clicked with C&Y. They too seem of similar temperments if not of the same bent as he (neither is particularly political).
As it is, I had been wondering if Giles' visit to Annallum might have some supernatural element to it--perhaps having to do with Thomas, but I think the poor boys' had just about enough of that already, so the more likely thing would simply be for the usual politics of the day to rear their ugly heads.
I think Quentin would have collared him, despite Caleth's idea that it would be Calamus or Festinatio.
If this fits ok?
argh
sorry about that extraneous 's' on Nil's name. I can't edit--goofy me didn't notice that....
Nil at Annalum and other things
Dylan might know, but I don't know when Nil arrived at Annalum--I think he might have been there then. If he wasn't there on the 12th, it would've been soon after i think.
Anywho, I think Gi would've actually sought out Thomas and talked not too directly to the point but see what he could glean. And would've been delighted to talk to anyone--Quentin, Calamus, Festinatio or whoever--though would be a bit vague about much but very forthright about all else.
Nil's been at Annalum for abo
Nil's been at Annalum for about two and a half weeks total. And yes, he got along very well with everybody there, although he does give the sense of being really. fucking. tired.
Places in time
So Nil probably didn't arrive until the begining of Mercy as Gi departed with him on Communion 6th.
Eh, maybe Caleth began the letter on Shame 12th, finished it beginning of Mercy. Regardless, it was waiting for Gi when he arrived at Bethelion.
Wish we could edit comments.
Gi at Bethelion to Caleth
My travels have been event filled and largely pleasant and enjoyable. I've had some unusual encounters that we can mull over together once I arrive--and that I'll probably want to research in Annalum's copious library.
You make Annalum sound exceedingly attractive, which I'm sure it is and so look forward to seeing it for myself along with you and Yva. And I'll be delighted to meet and converse with anyone who has half a thought to so--about my time in Arcadia as well as the founding of Nemus Animae. I had quite forgotten that Thomas was at Annalum and might seek him out myself for conversation if he's willing.
And it's strange you ought to include mention of Nil Admirari--well not too odd considering. I just left a very official meeting with representatives of House Cristofer informing me of my obligation to divert my travels to Annalum so that I might escort their agent to Nemus Animae. As I was already planning to go to Annalum I took this directive in better humor than I might've.
Regardless, I am pleased that you and Yva find him a worthy sort, I was going to inquire about your impressions of him. I've received a highly entertaining letter from Nil myself that I intend to respond to after I finish this note to your own self.
I'd actually be curious about any information you might be able to garner about Nil Admirari. I know that he was a student of Quartus Oriens, part of Perdix carbonis' circle in Evasendia and had a very intimate friendship with Loratus Loriatus before a fall-out between the two about two years ago. Oh, and he produced a few books of poetry and a very bold final student work. I've included a messenger ring that will reach me at my family home if you have the time--I'll be there through the end of Mercy.
I am quite sure that I will be at Annalum on the first of Communion, but I will confirm from my family home. I will be collecting my young sister, Tansy, to escort to Manu Tenére for training. If you'd like, we could meet up at an inn near the River Tam Gorge and then all go together to and over the bridge--that sounds very pleasant to me. Just let me know.
Regardless, I'll be seeing you soon, Caleth, and Wisdom keep you safe until then.
Giles, also known as Equus sine Equite of House Aegidius
as you find him at Bethelion on the twelfth of Mercy, year 425 in Love and Reason
should've left off the date
I'm a bit boggled by it all, so just place that last letter from her when it makes sense. I can easily see her having begun it early and sent it much later.
Dylan, any dirt C. might have been able to dig up in the mean time? Any sighting of the snakeypoo? Word about what he's been working on lately or what Annalum wants him to check on? The skinny on Loratus?
Caleth's not too sneaky, though she is a natural (mind)reader--but she would not have violated his privacy, intentionally anyway. So it would just be what Yva and she might have picked up from hanging out with him, talking & driking with him etc., unless you want anything more revealed.
He's definitely murmured quie
He's definitely murmured quietly to himself a great deal; I don't know how many people would connect it with the times that he wears a scapular around his neck.
At Annalum I believe he just volunteered to write catalogue copy for anything that needed doing. He then promptly spent most of his time doing catalogue work, and would have to be decently nudged to get him away from it.
They're not going to learn anything about what he's really been doing, although doubtless they've gotten some charming anecdotes about life as a village scribe. But Caleth at least would pick up on a pretty strong workaholic vibe, and maybe even mark him as a past candidate for a bout of nervous exhaustion.
I like dates
I like knowing when someone might've penned some letter in the scheme of thing, helps to keep track.
Just wished we could edit comments after they've been replied to. Ah well.
poor type-A Nil
I hope we got him out to the tavern now & then. I believe Yva took a liking to him & made it her task to get him OUT now and then. She's like that (ha, Vincent, here I am ruthlessly narrating for your character, so there)
Caleth to Gi at his ancestral demesne
Dear Giles,
What an unexpected pleasure! To meet your sibling, and she with the gift as well. I wonder if that may be a not unmixed joy to you to discover. It means she will become a colleague, which with the largely insular nature of our order will certainly mean greater congress between the two of you. But the life into which we all have entered has its,...oddness to say the least, and challenges. But it is a life which if denied her would certainly mean she would have not realized her true potential. I wish you both congratulations.
I am glad to hear that you will be interested to speak with the various personages here at Annalum who await your visit. I am intrigued to hear more of your encounters when you arrive. Nil patiently awaits your presence as well, though we have endeavoured to distract him from his wait and from his labours. He is a prodigiously industrious individual! Since his arrival he has put himself to work in the library with great vigour and diligence. He is a quiet fellow, however, keeping much of his past to himself. All I have to offer as to further information (you are much better informed as to his past than I) would be that he has been entertainingly employed as a village scribe this past interval. (Apparently the local gaetani gentry near where he has been in retreat have been involved in a series of legal squabbles over the inheritance of a parcel of land near the river which has put him to work penning documents for every side and others who have little say and no business getting involved.)
As a personal observation of Nil Admirari, his disposition is one of a man who habitually puts himeself into the yoke of hard work, and to do so may burn both ends of the candle. His face has a pallor to it indicative of little time spent out of doors and also, perhaps, of an over-exhertion of the nerves. He is an interesting choice to send to your home. One which may have more to do with the intervention wishes of his parens for furthering the development of his former pupil and cementing the bonds [del]upon[/del]between your home covenant and mine, than with Nil's desire for travel. Ah, the one-in-four oath, it gives the life of a Cristoferian spice, does it not?
Since it seems agreeable to you, we will ride out to meet you at the timing appropriate to what you indicate in your confirmation. I look forward to being able to spend time in your company once more and to hearing all about the many adventures you have encountered at your homes, and abroad. Yva and I wish you safely under the guidance of Love and Reason until that day.
Caleth, also known as Tenellus scholae Cristofer.
as she sends greetings on the sixteenth of Mercy, year 425 in Love and Reason