Dearest Grandfather,
Imagine the delight when your gift arrived this morning, when my days have been so very hectic of late! The wine and honey you sent have indeed been delivered safely. As always, your personal couriers are both punctual and careful in their duties. Thank you as well for the warm congratulations in your last letter. My parents, siblings, in-laws, and cousins have all given their praise for my new position, and their presents now overflow my new office. In the storm of correspondence, your writings have always been among those I eagerly await the most, as I can always count on your sage advice as well as the lavender honey that accompanies the letters.
I believe, of the two of us, you have the most faith in such an unexpected transition. Unexpected in timing, not for lack of desire. Aspiration and ambitions aside, my predecessor could not have chosen a more complicated time to step down than now. Recently, I have found myself at the temple district more often than usual. Praying for guidance, for patience, a little divine intervention if need be. This time of year, as you well know, is nothing if not elegant chaos.
At least, in the process of taking up the mantle of Dowayne, I have been fortunate to meet a fellow newly ascended Dowayne who takes worship to heart as I do. She hails from Heliotrope, to be precise. Not a House you particularly favored, if I recall correctly, but one my nearest brother is fond of. Perhaps they know one another? I have not yet asked. As to be expected, she is a romantic at heart, yet we have had several deeply theological conversations after attending public prayer at the temple of Naamah. I hope to call her a friend in time. Meeting her is a much appreciated boon to the veritable mountain of work and planning documents on my desk. Camlach has fewer peaks, I am convinced.
Dowayne Etienne had an artist’s eye for entertainments, with accounting skills that were both liberal and, at times, genius. We were truly lucky to have him, lovingly eccentric as he is.
I worry my first galas will pale in comparison. Something that haunts me, to be very honest. Especially as I must hurry preparations for both the Longest Night, as well as Mara’s Eve. Already, I have certain aspiring courtesans in mind for the honor of their first presentations. Yet I vacillate on final choices.
This matter is compounded by the fact that my Second will be out of the city during these vital planning days. Although I adore Tryphosa, I might not have heard this news with appropriate grace. While we parted publicly with all politeness, the row prior still sticks in my mind. Of all the times to up and leave! And to not tell me why she must make herself scarce. I am unused to such things, I do not understand the need for such secrecy when duty calls. Two of the most renowned celebrations of our Order and our first opportunity in roles of leadership, and she will not be present. Yes, I was very angry indeed.
Pray for me, Grandfather, and thank goodness my mother the Comtess taught me very young the intricacies of running so complex a household.
Tell me though, on a happier note, when can I expect you to visit me at my home? Valerian House may not have been a favorite of yours, but our guest quarters are ever open to family and friends when calling. With the holy season, and so many grand parties for the nobility here in the capital, I hope you will decide to visit the City of Elua.
For all the hectic environs around me, I am so proud of our accomplishments this year and wish to speak to you face to face of it all. Name the day and you will happily received.
Your loving granddaughter,
Rosanna