Willow's End - Jera Skyspear
Elvish words/phrases linked to Glossary OR hover mouse to see translation.
Curious Correspondence part one

Lumiere leafed through the day's delivery of correspondence. Not for the first time, he wondered how it was that a bartender came to be a postmaster. He leered across the firehall to the Chamberlain. Why wasn't HE doing this sorting and dispersal instead? But truthfully, Lumiere was aware that the Chamberlain received a comparable pile of parchment on most days. Different couriers saw fit to confer their burdens in different directions. Chamberlain usually got the more official deliveries and Lumiere was to deal out the others, apparently.

Ah well, it was usually good for a tip, and if a letter was very long, the recipient often sat around for more tipping, both drinks and his jar. Sometimes it was also profitable to know who was and was not receiving letters and parcels, even if Lumiere was not privy to their contents. But, that bit of business was conducted with the greatest secrecy.

On this day, one thick fold of parchment caught the bartender's attention. Actually, it appeared to be a letter within a letter within a letter and so on. The outside note was addressed to Lumiere himself, which was highly unusual, but he recognized the hand of a friend who tended bar at a nearby tavern. The outermost missive referred to the next, then the next. As Lumiere unfolded and read each one, he could trace the path of this collection. It had come quite a ways and through several hands to find him at Camelot's firehall. Each layer of parchment also told of the handling by way of progressive dishevelment.

Finally at the core of the thing was a fold of pages sealed with wax. The seal was chipped but still secure, much to Lumiere's chagrin. Above the seal was one last external note, echoing the sentiment of the others. The winding trail had indeed led to the right place. Although the intended recipient was not officially a resident of Camelot proper, she could be reached here.

"To be delivered to Jera Sky Spear, an elven lady who may recall an acquaintance going by the name of Vosper and residing in the borough of Thetford."

Lumiere restored all the layers of notes in their original order then tied up the pages with a ribbon. He laid this correspondence aside to wait for Jera's next appearance in the firehall. If he was lucky, she might share what all the trouble was about. Someone was certainly intent on reaching her. But then, Lumiere often had to let his curiosity sit, at least until he could overhear related conversation in the hall. Sometimes, that was an even better benefit than the tips.

Unbeknownst to Lumiere, thanks to the perturbing seal, and only to be learned by Jera upon delivery, the original and well-traveled writing was thus:

Dear Lady,

I never learned letters and so I have asked Brother Hullyn to scribe these words for me. I trust him to write what I earnestly mean to say. I asked also that copies of this letter be sent to more than a few places where you may be found, such as my fellows tell me when asked of the haunts of herb peddlers and the like. I had hoped you might appear in Thetford on some day but I can understand why you might not. So, this missive seeks to find you where you presently be.

Though you may not recall this humble bowyer, I cannot forget, and assume that you have not, our mutual friend Sandaryn, whom we lost so many years past. I am sorry to raise this spectre after such a time but do so to verify myself to you as trustworthy and my intent honorable.

Now to business, that is, my purpose in finding you: I have come into possession of an item which I am told may belong with you. I give no more detail until I have word or sign to verify that this letter has come into the right hands. If what is said of it is true, this item will surely be worth more to you than to another, but it has value of its own and I'll have no truck with any who may seek it save the reported rightful owner.

I humbly invite you back to Thetford and to my home to have a look at the item. Though I came by it on something of a lark, discovery of its origin leads me to you. Such discovery was made by some effort and quite a lot of time, years in fact. That effort I can recount when you arrive. No, I do not suggest you owe me for this service. Consider it homage to our friend. There comes with the thing quite a tale and a few letters. It is my great hope that I shall be able to pass all along to you.

May these words find you well and prospering.
Friend of your friend,
Vosper Halfhand

DHP and Bill West © Jan 2003

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