CISLUNAR DHASANT: THE CITY OF GARGOYLES

Fading 20, 850

Dear Father,

I apologize that I have not had the opportunity to write to you before now, but I've been caught up in the bustle of activity that is the city of Cislunar Jibrant. Although I was skeptical at first, city life is not without its merits.
Auntie Ketlavna and Uncle Baroldan were very kind to invite us to stay with them, and Viv and I are both getting along great with Aurelie and Emile.
Auntie has taken us both to more teas, luncheons, balls, dinners, and parties than I can possibly recount in a single letter, but I have also found the time to explore the wondrous city itself. You need not fear that I am wandering the streets alone, as I have hooked up with an interesting and exciting group of people.
You remember cousin Eyvan? He has become estranged from his family and is going by the name Matteo Harpwright. Viv, Aurelie, and I are trying to help them reconcile, but he is extremely stubborn. I suspect that his family will approve of his new relationship, and that things will resolve themselves. However, if his father doesn't apologize, things may just become worse.
Another one of my companions in the city is the Lady Elianora Raventree. She is still torn up about the death of her husband, Lord Tirnan, and the abduction of her children by her Father-in-Law, but who can blame her? Despite her Commoner background, I have found that she is far more noble and intelligent than many of the so-called "Aristocrats" who were born into it. Why is it that most of the families sympathize with her plight, but none of them are willing to get involved? Is moral cowardice a result of living too close to your neighbors? Regardless of wavering local sentiments, if she should request my assistance, then she shall have it.
Somehow I have also been tossed into close social quarters with the prancing Valere Hunabar. I've seen him go through more outfits in a single day than I have in my entire wardrobe. Vanity, Valere be thy name. I don't know what the women see in that strutting cock, but they flock to him like chickens to seed. I just pray that Viv has the common sense she was born with to stay away from him. I surmise that he has to fight daily duels with outraged brothers, and I've been witness to his skill with a sword. It is second only to his skill with a hairbrush.
Valere's friend and roommate, Vair Wintercourt, is of "common" blood, but is a talented writer and playwright. I don't see why Auntie places such a sneer in her voice when she refers to those of non-noble lineage. Especially in the case of Vair. But for a twist of fate, he would be just as noble as the rest of us, if not more so. Given the choice between his company and that of Valere, I would take the commoner in a moment.
Although I'm associating with the lower classes, you will be pleased to know that I'm not entirely ignoring Auntie's pokings and proddings. Although many of those I have met among Cislunar upper crust have been dull and inbred, there is one young lady that I have met who stands out from the crowd. I refer to Amandiel Thongolir. She is the prettiest and brightest of the lot, although she was recently involved in a minor scandal. I will not participate in the local sport of gossip, so suffice to say that she is now greatly depressed over the loss of a loved one. One of the higher-ranking families of Cislunar is negotiating for her hand in an arranged marriage, but I am still determined to pursue this gem among rhinestones. I have invited her to go out riding with me, and I hope that she accepts. Any fatherly advice you might have on how to raise her spirits would be greatly appreciated. Her doctor's having her taking a number of mind-numbing chemicals, and her brother is worried about her.
Auntie introduced me to Stonepaen's Master of the Horse, Magister Silvaner du Perron. He actually rides a unicorn. A palamino unicorn, no less. Talisman is still sore with me for admiring the noble creature, although I think even he was impressed by Killfrost. Magister Silvaner invited me to visit him at the Royal Stables, but I haven't yet had the opportunity to take him up on it.
Father, why is it you never mentioned the Harrow Downs to me when we spoke of the city? I am told there is a racetrack here, but that it is very exclusive. Surely you must know somebody that can get me in. As a spectator, if not a participant. What good is having one of the fastest mounts in the country, if he must always walk slowly down the city streets? I am willing to save up a maelstrom from my allowance to go, if only you can help get me through the front door.
I haven't seen Uncle Guy yet. He seems to be out on one of his charting expeditions, and hasn't returned yet. I look forward to seeing him again.
I hope that I haven't bored you with all of these little details, but I'm surprisingly pleased with my trip to Cislunar Jibrant. I will try to write you more often as my schedule allows.

Your Son,

Pip

P.S. Talisman sends his love and promised to keep me out of trouble.

Dear Pip,

I was delighted that you have at last remembered to write; while I have received regular word from Viv and Ketty concerning (among other things) your doings in the City, it had crossed my mind to wonder if you had perhaps injured your writing hand. Neglecting to write to your father is one thing, but you must certainly not neglect to write others whose acquaintance you might make in Cislunar (this Sieur du Perron, for example). I admit, it does seem odd to write a letter to one who lives in the same city as yourself, but you will find÷if you have not already÷that you will meet so many people at so many social functions that the only way you will ever be thought courteous will be to let your letters stand in for your self when you are too busy to visit in person.
From your letter, however, I believe you are already realizing what a social maelstrom Cislunar can be! Your aunt and uncle are very concerned that you and your sister make a fine first impression on Society, so you must let them dictate your actions for this season, and bow to their better judgment in matters of Fashion and Propriety, no matter how ridiculous their advice might seem. When you are an established gentleman, you may begin to press the boundaries of the rules, but until then it is best that you allow those wiser than yourself in these matters be your guides. However, I am certain that you are behaving yourself well, and that you and Vivien will do credit to the Ilzimmer name, which you must never forget that you two represent.
Having now fulfilled that paternal obligation (that is, to lecture), let me move onward through your letter. I am indeed familiar with the plight of our Majarra relatives, and hope that the matter soon resolves itself, although after three and a half years, I fear that young Eyvan may have irreparably injured his father's good feelings toward him. I must correct you in your misapprehension, however÷it is not the father's place to apologize to the son, but the son's to the father. The boy's father did him no injustice in advising him against the company of a Kormallis (and I would offer you the same advice, were I to believe you might become ensnared in that family's webs), but the boy did his father injustice by rejecting his advice, his person, his name, and his family. Eyvan, as all children, owes all that he is to his parents, and had no right to choose any other person over his own family, without which he would be nothing.
On the other hand, I am pleased that you have taken up with the Lady E. Raventree, for I have heard nothing but good things of her from those who write and visit. Lord N. Raventree's cavalier behavior toward her does him no credit, and as long as he continues so, I cannot help but believe there will be a stain on the Raventree name. Be cautious in becoming involved in this affair, as it is one of the Heart rather than of the Head, but if you were instrumental in bringing her justice, it would only be to your credit.
I trust that you will ensure that the young Hunabar behaves himself around your sister, although should he be such a coxcomb as you describe, I doubt she will be fooled into believing him worth her attention. You may, however, wish to observe him, for the Hunabars are a genteel family, and you may wish to adopt the less frivolous of his manners in order to polish your own, which were not developed under such exacting circumstances as I expect his were. As for his friend the Wintercourt, be cautious of that name, for the Wintercourts have powerful enemies in Cislunar, and you would not wish to become involved in any conflict at that level, I assure you. I am certain that he is a fine young man, but unless he should become a particular friend, or should there be an ethical or moral reason to intervene, I cannot recommend that you interfere in any struggle that might arise between himself and the Cragsmeres or Estelmeres.
I have heard some bit of the Thongolir family from Vivien, and am pleased that you have made the acquaintance of their daughter, Amandiel. If she is depressed as a result of matters of the Heart, your best ally is time. Be patient, and offer her a Gentleman's friendship, and do not seem to be pressing your attentions in an untoward fashion, as this could offend her and will most certainly offend her family. Above all, do not ever slander the one she has lost, and all will be well. If, as you have suggested, her hand is being sought by some other, then I trust you will behave honourably toward your rival, and if he does not treat you in the same manner (thus proving that he is no match for a gentlewoman), then you will not stoop to his level, but rather settle your differences in a proper and pointed fashion.
Now, as for the Harrow Downs, I should like to caution you against them, although I will in the end trust your judgment. Your aunt has told me some bit about them, and I wonder if they are a proper place for you to be seen. I will not repeat rumours here, but you may ask Ketty about Ralsa Harrow, if you wish. I do know that in the past more than horses have raced on that track, and that not everything that enters the Harrow Downs leaves alive.
But enough of that; I feel as though I have spent this entire letter croaking dire warnings like some ancient crone of the woods! I am very happy to hear from you, and I hope I will again soon, and I have received excellent reports of you and know I will continue to hear such. Benjamin was hoping to join you and your sister before the first snowfall, but I need him a while longer, so we shall see whether he makes it to the City this winter. Between thee and me, I would like to see him married before either you or your sister, so I am loathe to keep him here when his prospects would be much better in Cislunar÷but for the moment, his aid is invaluable.
Should Benjamin join you in the City, you mustn't worry that I will be alone with the servants and the hands, for our friend Jonas Tellingham has accepted my invitation to stay the winter here. He has been treating me for the leg I broke this summer, which I admit still aches when I ride (though you must not tell your sister that, for it would worry her unduly). While I really no longer require his elixers and prodding, I have asked him to stay to make sure the leg continues to heal correctly, because it hardly seems right for him to continue to live so far away, after all he has done for us over the years. He inquires after you when he visits, and I have let him read your letter, which gave him great pleasure. He wished me to pass along his concerns about your health (are healers never satisfied that a man is well?) and bids you care for Talisman, which I assured him you would, in any case. If you are willing, I will continue to let him read your letters, since he takes such an interest in your doings, and if you are not, then tell me and I am certain he will not be offended. He sends you his regards, as does the rest of the household and the hands, and all wish you well, as of course I do.

Your loving father,

Philip

To His Majesty's Master of Horse, Magister Silvaner du Perron

Withewind 25, 850

Dear Magister du Perron,

It was nice to see you and the magnificent Killfrost again, however briefly, on His Majesty Domenico's birthday.
I am very sorry that I have not as of yet had the pleasure of visiting you both at the Royal Stables. As you can imagine, my aunt has kept my social schedule as full as only her incomparable skills can manage. Now that I have settled in, however, I would be honored to visit you as soon as would be most convenient for you.
Talisman sends his regards, and asks if Killfrost would be interested in playing him a game of chess. I just don't seem to have a head for the game, and besides, he always knows just what my next move will be.

Respectfully yours,

Philip Ilzimmer II