Old Letters

Letters 

My Dear Cousin Berangar,

I hope this letter finds you well, and the Old Forest remains quiet by night. I am afraid I come to you with some concern regarding my son, Aerinbard.

The boy is forever wandering off into the wilds, exploring old ruins, climbing up trees and whatnot. Well, I don't mind the trees so much, as long as he maintains a strong grip, but both his mother and I are concerned that he will one day end up in a river! I have done what I could to teach him hunter ways, especially animal signs and the bow, which is useful at a distance, but water still foxes me some.

I know you have a bit of local prowess in the field of swimming and sensible boat handling (though some may count that a contradiction in terms). Would you take it upon yourself to teach him to swim? And anything else you think pertinent to his safety? He is a strong lad, and quick minded. It should not take too long. I would be most grateful for your assistance in this.

I would also ask that you keep the matter under your hat, as it were. If the family got wind of it...well, you know how that can go! The last thing we need right now is another Fallohide being accused of having adventures!

Respectfully and most gratefully yours,

Talonbard Fallohide

PS: Do say hello to your mother and father, and the rest of the Highknoll clan for me!

T.F.

Dearest Ruby,

How kind of you to invite me to your garden party! I will most assuredly come. Delighted to! And yes, I can bring my fiddle if you like. You are too generous with your praise, but I do like to play and would be happy to do so for your guests.

How are the blossoms this year? You will be hard pressed to outdo your showing of last year! And I would not worry about Peony Sullybank. She always has a cutting remark to offer anyone. A wonder she doesn't go in for selling cleavers. She could demonstrate with her tongue!

Aerinbard is doing well, though keeping him in clothing of the right length is becoming a bit of a trick! I think he will outdo his father by next year at this rate. And he has the appetite to match—when he can remember to get his nose out of his latest book and sit down to eat! One of these days he is going to walk right off the Stonebows and into the Brandywine!

Such a Dreamer.

But then, I suppose I cannot blame him for that, apples not falling far from their trees and all. I do worry that he takes a little too much after Gammer Fae, though. (Oh! Did you see my poem in the Burrows Burbler? I think they did a nice job with the scroll work).

One other thing, (Aerinbard would shoot me with his father's best bow if he heard me say this, so hush-hush!)...if you happen across any likely lasses with a mind to wed, let me know! It is a bit early yet, but if we can find a good, sensible lass, not too flighty, it might go a long way to helping him get some earth under his toes!

Talon is also doing well, though very busy this time of year with the farms. We had a nice crop of foals this spring. I especially liked the filly with the white patch on her nose. I think I will call her Daub.

The ponies seem to be the one thing about farm life that catches my son's eye, though he is capable enough with the account books too. (His father was always rather good with numbers). If Aerinbard isn't under a tree with a book, he is in the stables. I can't complain. The animals seem to like him well enough. Most do. I found him in the back garden the other day with a rabbit under the bench, a squirrel shelling nuts on the wall behind his shoulder, and a robin trying to make free with a lock of his hair. I don't think he even noticed!

Well, that is enough for now. I best get on. These pies won't bake themselves!

Affectionately yours,

Holly Heathertoes-Fallohide

PS: Would you like blueberry or blackberry for the garden party?

H-H