My dear brother Cassick –

I thought I would dash off a short missive to you, while I cool my heels in Soloff. Well, to be honest, in a jail cell in Soloff – I can’t imagine I shall be here long, as I am sure that even the sometimes simple-minded guards in this city will quickly determine that I had nothing to do with that unflattering portrait of Burgher Holbrook’s wife on that alley wall. After all, it doesn’t even really look like her, since all you can see if the back of the woman’s head in the dockworker’s lap, and at most this is simply a minor charge of graffiti. And there couldn’t have been any witnesses, else they would have already come forward, wouldn’t they?

Ah well, such is the life of a young bardling trying to make her way. I hope that you’ve found a good bit of fun in the more eastern part of the League. Have you been home lately? I was there for a short visit this past winter (I timed it badly –the snows kept me there longer than I had hoped, and at times I considered risking a good case of frostbite and facing the winter wolves myself, just to get away from our beloved Grandmere). Our cousin Crevan was just as unctuous as always , currying favor with Grandmere and trying to flatter his way into a higher position in the family business. Most annoying, he had to chime in and agree with her that I should find a nice young man to settle down with, proposing either of his friends, Tallon (a real ruffian from the looks of him) or Seril (a weasel of a mage if I’ve ever seen one) for my hand. I swear the old woman becomes more senile every day.

Does my dislike of him show too clearly? I had to bite my tongue nearly through in front of Grandmere, lest she start again on Mother for not having raised us all to be properly devoted to the older generations. You should watch your back – he made noises about how recent losses along the road to Tarrish must have been caused by your carelessness. I would have kicked him in the teeth for you, brother, but the opportunity never really presented itself.

Mother, however, says that the family business does well, and that you’ve been able to keep your head low. She had some other family news as well – did you know that our own little Amalia had twins this fall? Mama visited her in Tagahir not long after the babes were born, two fine sons, Cadell and Penn. Mama still isn’t terribly happy about Eitri convincing Amalia to move back to his family homestead in Tagahir – as you know, Mama doesn’t particularly care for a church of any kind, and the Tagahir folks sure are devoted to Varaz.

Oh, here comes the jailer, perhaps to free me –

Unfortunately, no, just bringing my dinner. At least they feed me well here. Anyway, where was I?

Oh, yes, Amalia. Amalia promised to bring the boys to visit in the spring. Mama was worried, though, as her letters to Tagahir have gone unanswered for weeks now. Grandmere’s mutterings about Stamm incursions, or baby-eating priests of Varaz don’t help any. I told her not to worry – I’m sure that Amalia has more than enough to keep herself busy with two babies, a farm, and a husband. (Who would have thought that one of us would actually settle down and become respectable?)

Ah, they just came to tell me that I am free to go. Perhaps I shall deliver this letter myself to you, or at least leave it for you in Tarrish.

With greatest affection,

Your sister Finnella