letter for Alanna

Alanna,

We all make mistakes, you know. For those mistakes are consequences, and I’ve been running from mine for nearly a year.

It is, if nothing else, getting tiring. I’m not so sure about the emotion ‘guilt’, or ‘remorse’, but…regret?

That is something I’ve been feeling for a while. Regret for many things, most of them to do with Roger, really (Jem always told me I was a fool for not marrying Raoul). Regret that I played a game and was, in the end, just another piece on the board instead of its mistress.

Or something.

But, above all, Alanna, I promise you this: I will be back. I will be back.

- Delia of Eldorne

letter for Josie

Josie,

I am sorry. Sorry for running off like this. But, my family is in some trouble, and it’s all because of me and my actions, so…

It’s not the wisest thing I’ve ever done, but it’s the right thing to do. Duty and honour do not raise their heads in my being very often, so I have to obey them when they do. Please, dearest, my love, please understand. Or, if you cannot, at least…at least do not hate me for it.

I promise, my darling Josie, I will be back. I will be back.

Yours forever,

- Delia

letter to Indy

Indy,

I do not know if Alanna has told you by now where I’ve gone or not, but, no matter if she has or has not, please, dearest, forgive me.

I have heard that my family is in trouble because of what I did. I am not so much worried about my father except for how much he is drinking, but, my brother? He is too much like me, but with a shorter temper. He will get into trouble before too long, a lot of trouble, and I cannot have that on my conscience. He has a baby son, Lerant, and a wife and, well, a future. Of sorts. I cannot have him mess that up just because his sister was a stupid little flirt who got into things way above her head.

I’m sure you’ll be angry with me nonetheless, and I am sorry for that, but…still. I have to go. The House of Eldorne may be able to cut our losses and survive most things, but we still have a pride and, well, we stick together.

I do not know how long I will be gone, my love dearest, but, I do promise you, Indiana Jones, that I will be back. I will be back.

Your very own,

Delia

OOM: Delia arrested (for plot)

Under the palace of Tortall, deep within its old foundations, lay the tombs of kings. The most recent are for Roald and Lianne, repaired since the Coronation Day earthquake, but all bare signs of damage. By comparison, the great stone floor behind the most ancient of the tombs remains untouched.

Pretty much.

The Gate of Idramm is still there, the once-white sand of its elegantly curved design is blackened, and half-melted into the floor. No amount of scrubbing and cleaning can wipe it clear, which is fortunate, as none of the servants will try. ‘Tis cursed, my lord, they say, get yer mages to do it, we’ll stay right here, thanks.

It is again fortunate that they do not venture down this far, as they would leave the King’s Service behind them if they saw…

(a thin sliver of light, no higher then a door, appears behind the cracked sword. The light spreads ‘til it forms the outline of a simple door, a door which is slowly opened as a cloaked figure steps out, her dainty shoes walking down the air as if it were nothing more then a few steps. She hesitates, for a moment, then turns and shuts the door behind her.

It vanishes without a trace)

…Delia of Eldorne stepping out of a door of light. There is, however, someone watching. Someone slight, and dark haired. Almost plain, really, except for his dreamy hazel eyes. Delia smiles.

“Hello, Geoffrey, it’s nice to see you too.”