CISLUNAR DHASANT: THE CITY OF GARGOYLES

My dearest Phillipe:

It was very good to see you the other night, even though the rude and thoughtless entrance by my companion, Lord Ilzimmer, no doubt caused quite a stir. If I or anyof my companions brought any embarrasment upon you, I do humbly apologize. It was a regrettable situation, and certainly could have, and should have, been prevented.
Since I have not been able to speak with you recently, I thought I would send this letter and try to catch you up on what's been happening in the real world.
First, I have been recently spending a great deal of time with some new friends that Vair and I met at the Blackbriar. I do wish you would break out of that damned University and come by one evening; our meetings often become quite lively! Considering the broad diversity which this group covers, that is not all that surprising. The most beautiful member of this new group is the lovely Lady Elianora Raventree. Ah, Phillipe, she does give strength to the argument that the nobility ought not to limit their marital choices to those of their own class. She has lovely blue-gray eyes and soft curls of light brown atop her fair head. Now, as you sit there clicking your tongue as you read this, know that I am very aware that I have no chance with her, and actually I haven't even tried. Besides, Vair seems to have taken a fancy to her, and I wouldn't want to interfere.
Also present at our meetings is a dark-elven gentleman who apparently was some kind of pirate for part of his life. I don't know much about him, except that he is an exceptional runner, has a fondness for birds (parrots in particular) and has the uncanny ability to disappear without a trace, which he does quite often. Often joining us is a quiet man, a healer, named Howcum, or something like that. Friendly sort, but not very talkative. He says he was a mercenary fighter recently, but frankly, I don't see it in him. We also have the company of Lord Eyvan Majarra, although he likes to be called Matteo, of all things. He is apparently training to be a bard, but I've never heard him play even one strain of anything musical. I find Eyvan to be quite amusing. He is always the first to come up with reasons why something cannot or should not be done. And of course there is Vair, whom you know.
Last, but not least, is our distinguished colleague Earl Filius Secundus Philip Ilzimmer II Quartus. He is the brave knight who so selflessly threw himself upon your friend the poet and his book. What can I say about Philip? He is blind as a bat, carries a sword that has never drawn blood, and talks to his horse as if his horse were human. Although I outrank him, he speaks to me as if I were his houseboy and I have several times thought of challenging him to a duel over the insult, but I suppose that would not accomplish much except to raise the ire of our father, something I do all too frequently as it is. Besides, somebody has to look out for the poor fool; it might as well be me. He has the infuriating habit of making plan after plan, insisting that everything be done exactly to his specifications, and then, when it all goes wrong, blaming everyone around him for the failure! If I wasn't one of the people he was insulting, I would find it quite humorous.
What else can I tell you? Have you heard of the Mage that I have taken under my wing? Minimin is his name. He was in some trouble with gambling debt when I met him; seems he has some compulsion about it. Anyway, I've set him up with a trust, helped to get him some further training, and I have him doing some small jobs for the business. If he can keep himself on the up and up, he'll get full control over a nice piece of real estate and I comfortable bank account. So far, things are going well with him, although Vair warns me that he's just trouble. I suppose time will tell.
Speaking of Mages, have you done any more thinking about taking up the study of Magic? I know you are considering it, and I can't say that I would be the one to talk you out of it. Recently I've had the chance to experience a small amount of magic firsthand, and I can say that it is quite impressive.
I suppose I have bored you enough with my own tales, and you probably want to get back to your studies, or your poetry, or whatever. I hope this letter finds you in good health and good spirits. I look forward to our next meeting.

Your Obedient,

Valere

Isn't it ridiculous, to exhange letters like this as though we were miles apart? -- but it's true, we have seen little of each other recently. Of course I will come by soon to visit you and your friends at the Blackbriar; I admit, I'm curious to hear exactly why the group of you interrupted La Motte's reading with such vigor. I admit, he's hardly the City's next poet laureate, but if you can overlook those long, overly descriptive passages, he isn't that bad! And I will also come by to meet this lady who has so fascinated you and Vair....
I had the pleasure of meeting the Lords Eyvan and Philip myself recently, at Wycliffe Sultlue's little boating party -- he asked about you, by the way, and I explained that Father was keeping you busy. Lord Eyvan hovered in the background, as usual, but I admit that my impression of Lord Philip wasn't so different from your own. He comes from the country, Valere -- try not to kill him off just yet. I understand one recovers from rusticity, eventually. Although, I admit, knocking off a few of his rough edges might facilitate matters!
I still haven't decided whether or not I'll study wizardry after I take my degree; I have some reservations. I did get a chance to chat with the Ambassador Magus Thacarias Pelindar at Wycliffe's party, though (he was the guest of honor -- it seems Wycliffe had him arrested or somesuch -- it that's so, the mage apparently hasn't held a grudge). A difficult man -- he hides a brilliant mind behind such stammering self-consciousness that it's physically painful to watch, Valere. Lady Aimee and I finally managed to oput him at his ease, and once he relaxed, we had a fascinating conversation about the history of the City and the role magic played in its construction and maintenance. I still find the subject fascinating, but perhaps I'll only study magic from the perspective of an academic rather than a practitioner. Do you suppose that would disappoint Mother too much? I'll have to consider it a while longer -- it'll be a year or so until I finish this degree, so at least I have time!
So -- expect me, one of these evenings. I will do my best to "break out" of the University a bit more often from now on, if you will promise to come by and visit me, as well!

With all affection,

Phillipe