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Dearest Gentle Reader,
It has been a long time since we last spoke, but the rush of gossip has flowed nonetheless! The time will soon come for the fair ladies of Prythian to promenade through the streets with parasols and a renewed sense of wonderment that spring so often brings. Across the county, word has spread of dalliances, males left at altars, and marriages known only to the darkness and the stars above, causing a profound stir of controversy across the courts! Of course, there is also the matter of the newly named High Lord Vanserra.
This author has been rather beside herself with the somber news of High Lord Vanserra’s abrupt passing over the brutal winter months. I have designed myself not to say more on the matter. Truly, we all shall express our deepest condolences to Lady Vanserra and her sons during this challenging time, as well as see what might become of Eris Vanserra.
Thus, the arrival of spring shall bring with it a sense of renewal and healing that can be felt across the whole of Prythian. So, what a blessing it was that we should be thrown into a night of socializing like no other, with the celebratory ball of the season to begin a time of socializing and match matching, as well as Starfall!
The city of Velaris was a sight to behold with the renowned stars shooting across the sky. The night proved to be quite revitalizing for those in attendance as all looked towards the heavens, save for the few that were rather otherwise preoccupied. For you see, stars weren’t the only things causing a stir in the city of frost and starlight…
The delightful deluge of fresh gossip that began the start of this social season left even this author breathless! Of course, it is because of these rumors that I must bring to light what occurred in the dark. Some speculate that one of the debonair sons of the late High Lord Vanserra, too, has been swept away with the arrival of spring! In fact, I say with the greatest secrecy this author can offer, this social season shall debut with a marriage already arranged! As you all well know, hushed whispers are the guiding force between high society’s most observant. This author may take pleasure in sharing fantastical speculation, but misinformation? Never!
One would believe, as the youngest of the seven sons, with all his freedoms to explore other courts and many escapades, Lord Lucien Vanserra has enjoyed his moments in the light, running off to other courts, chasing after female skirts, and wading in the headwater streams. Whispers still linger surrounding him and Lady Vassa from the last social season, but with the announcement of the lady’s engagement to Sir Jurian, this author holds little regard for the validity of such musings. Of course, this disreputable act can only last for so long. As unlikely as it may seem, one of Prythian’s finest bachelors seems to have changed his ways. Could this be possible with a union with one Lady Elain Archeron?
The second eldest daughter of Sir Archeron, more commonly known as the Prince of Merchants, is said to be little more than a pretty face who spends far too much of her time in her family’s gardens. Regarding Miss Elain, it is with the greatest astonishment that this author describes her actions as something that one would least expect of the fine young lady. Though it must be stated that one does not plant a rose without risking the thorns. Frankly, this author suspects that there is more to her than what meets the eye.
Perhaps it was this that led Lord Lucien to seek out the fair maiden the night of Starfall. In the shadows of the country, whispers speak of a rather scandalous incident when Lady Archeron and Lord Vanserra were found unsupervised in the grand gardens of Velaris! Some claim to have seen the two describe a quite immodest scene agasinst the garden wall, which would surely ruin Lady Elain. Judiciously, others paint a different image of the silver-tongued Vanserra shying away from his typical wit and charm, and into more hesitant nature through impactful longing gazes and modest lingering touches. There are also the fantastical theories that grip the hearts of society’s most lovestruck. Many conceive that between the fluttering skirts and sipped champagne, the two found themselves tangled in a story of affection and undeniable happiness in which resulted in declarations of love, profligate affection, and what shall be a marriage unlike any the country has seen in its lengthy history.
Of course, this author is obligated to assure you, gentle reader, that with these accounts being little more than hearsay, it is possible there may be more to the story. A growth in affluence two years prior that allowed the Archerons to rise within society has long made this author curious if there is more to this introduction into a station beyond the bourgeoisie. But alas, that is not where the speculation ceases! In a thrilling turn of events, the eldest sister, Lady Nesta Archeron, has been seen with the aforementioned Lord Eris Vanserra this very morning and is expected to formally announce the forthcoming nuptials of Lady Elain and Lord Lucien! It is with the greatest struggle that I do not delude myself into believing such things without reputable sources, which I have many.
If this union comes to pass, we shall be left wondering which sister will be next to steal the hearts of Prythian’s finest. Will it be the eldest? The fierce-eyed spinster of twenty and six to claim herself a male? Will there be a male cunning enough to face off against her fierce regal nature? Or, will it be the youngest and most wild of the three young ladies? The one that has been seen with not one, but two, lords of noble standing? After spending so much time in the wilderness, one begins to wonder if there is still a well-bred lady behind the huntress.
Whichever sister secures a match will long be speculated about by all of Prythain. This author is quite curious about what shall become of the young fawn and the cunning fox as preparations are made for the forthcoming nuptials. Shall it be an elaborate affair befitting Lord Lucien’s birthright with the finest decorations and food? Is theirs a story of love and romance, or an arrangement forced upon them? We shall see what further threads are left for this author to unravel. As with all things, let us remember that with the light of day, the truth of such gossip can not remain hidden forever!
Yours truly,
Madam A