8 Chapter VIII

To the Human Jester,

Prince Archie Lennox,

I dare not tell my father anything, he is terrible at planning things. Were it not for my mother I fear he might have lost his head at some point. My brothers have teased me relentlessly about your photo. Not of your face, but I have been studying it for quite some time this morning, which makes me the blunt of their mockery. If it eases your thoughts- I think you are rather attractive, though I hope this does not go to your head.

I am strong headed, my brother Aiduin and I knock heads a lot. He is insufferable sometimes. I heard you are a good man, are all humans as humorous as you. Or is that what makes you different.

I am pleased that we share the same values, it eases the worry in my head. Not that I have many. I will try my best to be more informal, but I make no promises...I am rather jealous of you having a friend. My elder siblings are a bit overprotective and I am told I have a strong will that makes it hard to make friends...

To be fair I will tell you some things about myself as well;

I have three older siblings: a sister Naexi (she is the second born), Aiduin (the third born and insufferable), and my eldest sibling Katyr (He has come to visit, I am to be an aunt soon.)

I am the youngest of four children.

I like to explore the town, I find the people there very nice and the sweets delightful. I daresay they serve the best cakes

I tried your origami, hopelessly reading books, and trying to mock the pictures. I did a pretty terrible job so please try not to laugh.

I pass my time dancing, though more with the maids than in a ballroom.

Are you going to the summit? I plan to join my father in order to explore the new border.

I almost forgot to ask, you said you don't have a middle name. Is this the case for all of your countrymen? I was given the name after our Kingdom Lynlore, as were my siblings though the names differ.

I have sent a recent picture as well. You may keep it I have another copy, try not to laugh. My brother loves to jest.

To the oncoming peace of nations,

Your Bethrothed,

Princess Elora

[Attached is a picture of Elora and her sister Naexi sitting beside each other in the flower fields for a picnic. While Naexi was smiling, Elora scowling at her brother Aiduin going to shove him with a devilish smile as he jumped in the frame.]

Calliope peaked her head into her husband's study, seeing her love hunched over his desk with a quill in hand. A soft smile fell onto her lips, she quietly padded into the room with lithe steps, finally appearing behind Alistair. The perfume of Jasmine enveloped the old King, knowing it was his Queen to come to check upon him, "Dearie, are you writing your new-found kin?" She teased.

He looks up at her, her platinum, curly locks unfurl around her like a waterfall as they exchange a lover's kiss. Her fingers secure into his shoulders, she starts massaging the knots out of his back, he groans in pleasure from her expertise in massages. "How have I been fortunate enough to land a Wife like you?" He asks, feeling his muscles relax beneath his love's slender fingers.

A soft chuckle sounds from her, "Well, I can ask my father what he thought when you wedded me. This arrangement has me reminiscing about when we first were arranged to marry. Do you remember how opposed you were?" She lowly chuckles again, "Now, look at us. Hard to believe we were rivals at one point."

"You were a fire hard to tame." He comments, groaning out again as her fingers undo the last knot in his shoulders.

"I could say that some of you. I heard Archie's exchanging letters with this Elora. What do you think of our daughter-to-be?" Calliope had come to the conclusion that she'd have to accept her no matter what. Just like she had to accept her husband as her betrothed back in the day when her own arrangement occurred.

"I haven't officially met her, but my opinion is not fully formed on her yet. I just worry the two will be locked into a loveless marriage because of this peace treaty." Alistair's dark brows furrow.

"Fear not, my love. I believe the two will come to love one another when the time is right. If not, then they're simply doing what is asked of them. And if you're correct about this treaty, it will help us, perhaps, come to know an era of peace and without war." Calliope softly speaks to him, her chin resting on his shoulder.

"I hope you are right, my Queen." His hands find its way into hers, locking their hands together as they sit there, in comforting silence. Though it's broken when three knocks sound out from the sleek door.

"Come in!" His voice booms out.

Calliope untangles herself from her husband and bounds to the door, opening it to see a disheveled messenger holding out a green envelope. She opens the door wider to let the boy in and hand it to her husband, who plucks it out of his hands. Calliope shows the messenger out and calls for a cup of water for the poor child. She soon closes the door behind her as she steps back out to return to her own duties. You'd be surprised at the amount of work that required a royal consort. As of recent, she was handed the less important matters to handle, by Alistair and to seek advice from the Council of Advisers if she had any pressing questions.

Alistair cut the envelope open, it was a hastily written letter, what looked more or less like chicken scratch;

To His Majesty,

Forgive me for writing so messy and not addressing you formally, but this is of an urgent matter. Another of the noble's heirs have fallen to this mysterious poison. It's not just the Beaumont's heir, but the Blackburn's own heir as well. Please I urge you to hold the summit earlier than proposed. If the Elves have a cure to this black ichor, I'll need it immediately. I don't know how much time they have, but Blackburn's heir is already bedridden and is frail.

Forgive me again,

Doctor Emerson

The moment of bliss content gone the second he finishes reading the letter. A dull headache already starting to formulate at the back of his skull. He calls his Butler over, who emerges from the other side and orders him to bring him a cup of chamomile tea. 'This is going to another long day of aches.' He grumbles to himself as he pulls out another inkwell to dip his quill into and starts with a response to the King of Elves;

To King Blaric,

I apologize for such a short letter, but I will need that cure sooner, if possible. It seems this plague is already starting to spread. Some of my nobles' heirs have already fallen ill to its described, "ichor" of sorts. I will leave everything up to you at this point. Send your guard as soon as you are able and I will grant them permission to enter my lands.

Did you know King Delafontaine is actually my father-in-law? I know, it's ( probably) surprising, but it's common for our Kingdoms to wed our heirs to one another, if that's helpful. I have this book on our customs and etiquette. I hope it helps you more than I can explain over letter.

Yes, I do, in fact. Her name is Anastasia, though she's my only daughter. I have been blessed with 6 sons. Though most of my children are still very young, I haven't been blessed with any grandchildren as of yet. Are you close with your children? I'm close with all of mine as I try to be there for them when I am able. Archie is the fraternal twin to Anastasia – do you have any twins?

Oh, and I have had a History of Lennox & Delafontaine's History attached as well. Hopefully, you are able to read up on our respective kingdoms.

To Our Futures,

King Lennox & Corresponding Human Nations

[Attached is a package is the 3 mentioned books along with the letter]

He has it immediately sent out, and he only hopes to help his befallen brethren. Alistair has left Archie to his own devices, alongside an eagle that would carry his messages to the Kingdom of Lynlore on his own will. He thought it better this way since his son lives in the barracks.