Topic: Breda's Missive

NorseLady

Date: 2013-09-10 16:16 EST
The pastel pink envelope is stamped URGENT! beneath my elegantly scripted name.

I immediately recognize my dearest friend's handwriting.  Breda is very much like myself when it comes to a preferred style of penmanship. Some claim it to be old-fashioned because of the curly flourishes and boldly embellished capital letters.

I waited to open the letter until after I was settled comfortably on my sofa with a glass of merlot.  Usually when I receive pressing news the first thing I want is a drikke, and by that I ne'er mean water. I extracted two sheets of vellum in the same shade of pink as the envelope.

This is what I read:

To the most honorable and steadfast of friends, Lady Shylah the Red, I, Breda of Nordbyen, send greetings and best wishes for every good fortune.

Is it not scathingly brilliant of me to have my missive marked as urgent" 'Tis such a fallacy. My letter is not of dire importance other than I wanted you to receive it as quickly as possible.

I imagine you are sitting down right now wanting a tankard of mead because of my antics.  'Tis my hope you are smiling (perhaps even laughing) instead of wanting to wring my neck. I certainly do not want you angry at me for carrying out such a silly prank.  I realize that I am the more immature one (as Birna has mentioned many times) in this unlikely friendship of ours; you wanting to be a seafaring warrior, me being idle with no set goal in life. Even though I have finally reached the ripe old age of seventeen I continue to jest inappropriately.

I am still researching the history behind Rockridge Castle as you requested.  You are correct in thinking Jøfurr hails from Iceland. He is the rightful heir to the throne, not Egill.

Tell me the truth, Shy, do you despise reading books as much as I do' If not for the research, I doubt I would study anything. I have no desire to become scholarly.

I was recently approached by a traveling bard to accept his hand in marriage. Rather, my father was presented with the prospect of wedlock for me.  I believe the only reason my father turned down the offer was because the man has Elven blood coursing through his veins. I was glad. I could never ever consider marrying an Elf. I do not care much for them. Besides which, I am not the adventurous sort and do not relish moving from one place to another.

Will you be going to the next Althing"  My family has been very busy with preparations.  The womenfolk made patchwork quilts, embroidered tablecloths, knitted sweaters, hats and mittens.  My father, brothers and uncles are providing hand-carved wooden items for sale. Please tell me you shall be attending.  I have secrets to share!

Your most humble servant and friend,
Breda

The missive is fraught with discrepancies. 

I first met Breda when she was nineteen; the same age as myself at the time. Her older søster, Birna, died fra the Black Death when she was just seks år gammel.

As far as her disliking Elves"  Utter nonsense!  She willingly became engaged to a male of that race with full intentions of marrying him. They were deeply in love.

Breda has always adored reading anything she could get her hands on. In fact, she inspired me to seek as much knowledge as possible fra tomes. She urged me to become as proficient in reading and writing as I am with my weaponry. Furthermore, Breda is a well-learned person in the areas of magic.

I am perplexed.


(In conjunction with Sublimation)