Lifting the edges to lightly blow across the damp, dark lines, she reread the words, uncertain hope knotting in her gut.
I hope this missive finally finds you well in King's Court, and though I fear it may not, I hope that wherever you are, you will strive to contact me here in Pax. The family blood runs strongly, it seems, and I couldn't but make a few steps into this city without finding placement in a shop of some kind. You would find my beginnings worthy of Pride, I might hope. I find I may have an opportunity to return to King's Court briefly in the coming weeks or days, and as tensions seem to have faded, I write in the hopes I may find you there, safely returned, as well.
Please direct any correspondence to myself to me here in Pax Balthasar, I believe they collect such for distribution in the Provost's Office.
K.L.M.
Once dried, she folded the letter into thirds and sealed it, softening the wax over the lantern, and slightly burning one finger on the rim in the process. Addressing it to her parents, in care of a loose acquaintance she thought likely to have remained in King's Court, and who might pass it on, she sat for several burns, turning it over and over in her hands, preoccupied with her own thoughts.
Sent Chyril 23rd, TT