My Dear Friend Ildrim:

I was most disheartened to discover that I missed your recent return to Iadara. Although only a decade, it seems much longer since I have enjoyed your pleasant wit and charming poetry over a glass of wine. But no matter. Such small disappointments are hardly worth considering when thinking of an old friend.

I have been with your lovely fiancée as often as my duties allow, and while her recovery is slow, I remain hopeful that it will be complete. The healers continue to work hard repairing the damage to her mind. I can barely begin to imagine what horror the poor girl has gone through. Not to mention the trauma of revival in such primitive conditions. Nevertheless, she is a remarkable woman to have survived such trying circumstances. Although I never understood your acceptance of her irresponsible and loutish brother, I have no doubt that you have found a priceless gem in Soletha.

On a more pleasant note, my youngest step-daughter was married last month. Abigail’s wedding was as perfect as one could have wished, with none of the embarrassment or drama of Scarlet’s disastrous nuptials. I was concerned that Abigail’s foolish half-sister would accept the ill-considered invitation and cause another terrible scene, but it seems I need not have worried. Perhaps her human heritage does not fully rule her elven sensibilities.

Speaking of my half-human step-daughter, I understand she has accepted her mother’s sordid past, trading upon her shameful parentage to claim the position of Duchess. Although I still do not understand why you insist on dealing with such unfortunate creatures, I trust that you are helping guide the girl to make better choices than in the past. After all, in the position of power she has seized, her selfish nature could cause much more damage than the heartbreak and tears she has wrought upon her family.

Which brings me to my most important news. It seems Abigail was holding out misguided hope that her thoughtless sister would actually come to the wedding, despite the disaster which would have undoubtedly resulted. She is insistent on traveling to see Scarlet in person, and has convinced both her new husband and her father to attend. I had thought to remain in Iadara rather deal with humans, but the possibility of spending time in your company is much too enticing.

I imagine that you have been deprived of many basic amenities in the backwater land you mysteriously choose to call home. I shall endeavor to bring some of the finer items you are missing, especially a case of Cerdyfgwîn that we shall enjoy together. I have also packed several anthologies of Uthariel’s poetry that you may enjoy re-reading in your spare time. Perhaps you might even find a few of the humans who can understand The Bard’s subtleties without straining themselves too much.

Until then I remain your dear friend,
Lady Valainistima Deluves-Estelda