Two Crows Watch from the Gallows Tree (cont'd)

(ooh okay cool!)

Aleth found the latch and opened the compartment. He looked around the room once more, more out of paranoia than anything, to ensure that he was alone, then looked in on a small stack of letters and a leather-bound journal. He glanced around once more then pulled out the top letter and unfolded it.

Andrew, it began, I must confess I find myself at a loss by your actions. Our two Houses have been allies for decades--you yourself can trace your bloodline back to mine--yet you shun me in this offensive fashion, as if not three weeks ago we were not breaking bread at the same table and making jest as old friends do. If you perceive I have wronged you in some way, I urge you to make your feelings known so I may correct this.

Well, this was a delightful find. Aleth glanced around the room again and then kept reading, committing each word to memory as he did.

Aleth's eyebrows rose a bit more the longer he read. He hadn't been aware of any arrangement like this. What a fascinating family history. He wondered if Loquitur was aware of this, or if it'd been left in the past, since he was nothing but a fetus at the exchange of these letters.

The letter went on to discuss trivialities and reiterate the aforementioned perceived conflict.

Aleth was careful to fold the letter exactly as he'd found it, then reached for the next in the stack, desperately hoping it was going to be Barraster's response.

It was indeed.

Septimus,
I have little to say on the matter of my silence over these past few weeks. It was, as you expected, on behalf of your poor wife--do give her my regards, would you?--but I know you and I know I cannot change who you are. I simply ask that you try to think of Gwynna's situation before judging her as harshly as you seem to be doing.
On the subject of your boys, I would be delighted to tour the Northern Realm with them. I'm sure they'd benefit from a little adventure, and my Constance was due for a journey with me anyway. Though I have heard your Michael is a bit-- here several words had been blotted out, scratched out, and crossed out. One was just clear enough to be made out to say "savage". overzealous in his play with Gaius. Is this something I should watch out for, and if so, how should I discipline him?

Aleth adored reading letters between noblemen. Letters to nobility were always so prim and proper and careful. Those between nobles were so much spicier sometimes. He could feel eager anticipation growing in him as he read on.

This letter also ended in trivialities regarding Lord Andrew's wife and child--Constance had begun her horseriding lessons and was coming along very nicely. Lady Barraster had a bit of a cold but was otherwise well.

Aleth was careful to replace it in its proper order on the stack and pulled out the next letter.

Andrew,
Michael is a child. He will grow out of this phase, as all children do. Gaius can handle himself, certainly, but if they torment each other too constantly you have my permission to give both their ears a sound boxing.
There was more, though not much of use in this letter.

Aleth folded the letter and returned it to its proper place in the stack then reached for the next one, wondering if this little escapade ever actually happened or if some falling out prevented it.

The next letter was dated several months after the last and described in great detail a fight between Gaius and Michael that had taken place on the trip. Lord Andrew was obviously distraught in the letter, and he implored Lord Septimus to watch both his sons more closely, to see that Michael was doing more than just tussling with his little brother. He also, a bit thinly, inquired after the health of Lady Gwynna at the very end of the letter.

Aleth read through that letter twice to be sure he'd remember all the details. He couldn't quite seem to muster up empathy, but at the very least, it improved his understanding of the situation. Clearly, Gaius wasn't the alpha child in this household, no matter his broody persona now. He reached for the next letter.