March 18th, 1890

Dove,

The rain pummels the windows as I write this; the first rainfall since our adventure.

I have thought of you often, realising that I cannot recall the last time I made such an unexpected friend. After our lesson with stick-and-parasol I was tempted to take up fencing as a hobby, but it would not seem right without you as a partner.

Once we parted ways, I recalled that I have met a relative of yours — Mr Robin Ashdown. I do not know if you are close, but I hope so, for you have much in common.

How does this letter find you? Have you been enjoying the sun? I can imagine you've been spending much of your day out in your forest, no doubt making friends with the wildlife.

Speaking of which — Virgil misses you.

Yours,
Arven
[tiny ink pawprint]

Robin Ashdown

  

---

March 23rd, 1890

Dear Huck,

I could say the same thing. It was quite fun and I have reflected on it quite a bit. I also found myself wondering how long it would take to teach a ferret to wield a toothpick as a sword. Or parasol.

Fencing is a marvelous hobby - when next we meet, maybe we should fence! Though that would probably highly depend on surroundings. I doubt the middle of High Street is a good place for it.

Robin and I are close, yes! One might even say we are twins. That is what the birth records say, at any rate.

Your letter has found me quite well. Indeed, spent most of the past couple of days riding my favored horse along various paths on my family property. He was still somewhat wild when I bought him over a year ago and has a hint of that now. Luckily, he is quite safe for me despite that. He just craves a fast and wild ride every now and then, I feel. I named him Jupiter after the Roman god that rules the skies.

I miss Virgil as well -  has he been getting up to anything he shouldn't have? For my entertainment, I certainly hope he has.

Yours,
Dove

  

---

March 28th, 1890

Dove,

Virgil, alas, would rather gnaw the toothpick to pieces than wield it as Excalibur, but I approve of the imagery. He and I have both been up to all manner of incorrigible things. For his part, he stole some liver from the plate of a stately gentleman at a recent gathering. For my part, I laughed.

I confess I am not partial to such gatherings, but my sister asks I attend them, so I do. Some of them, anyway.

On the topic of siblings, how interesting to learn you have a twin! You and your brother do strike me as very similar, but of course distinct. If he knows we are in correspondence, I wonder if he approves?

Jupiter sounds like a fast friend. I would be greatly honoured to some day be introduced to Jupiter and shown this forest home of yours, though we once again return to the question of approval. Unless I behave like a shadow in the night.

Enjoy the last of the month. April will be finer still.

Yours,
Arven Huck

  

---

April 3rd, 1890

Dear Huck,

I would have loved to have seen that - and the look on the gentlemans face. I imagine he was probably more surprised to see Virgil than he was to lose his food. Ferrets are not a common sight at most events.

I also attend some gatherings when I can. I do enjoy dancing, at the very least. Especially if it is lively! But it is usually Robin who attends all manner of things though neither of us are supposed to. Our parents are quite protective but as we are adults, there is little they can actually do about it these days.

I suspect he approves. Though I can't truthfully say I would be bothered if he didn't. Now, my parents would most certainly not approve. You see, I have a confession to make - the reason you met me without a chaperone in sight is because they simply did not know I had left the house. I have gotten quite good at slipping out unseen though I suppose my maid covers for me, more than likely. Perhaps I should give her a gift.

Despite that, I am sure it could be arranged for you to meet Jupiter. It isn't like my parents can have eyes everywhere and I doubt your intentions would be to harm me as they fear would happen. For I can be a very fierce fighter if I need to be.

So far, April seems to be promising and I am sure it will be the last we have seen of snow until the next time Father Winter tucks us in with his white blanket.

Yours,
Dove

  

---

April 9th, 1890

Dove,

Your relationship with your brother sounds like a little like mine with my sister, Winifred. She has never much approved of my spending a lifetime away from home, and I've never let it stop me — but recently I have been more mindful of her wishes for me.

I am sorry your parents deem it necessary to maximise your time at home. I can assure you I'd never dream of harming you; on the contrary, I feel protective of you and wish only to see you happy.

Perhaps I shall borrow a horse from my family's resort in Sussex and join you and Jupiter for a ride. You need only set the date and I will make time.

In the meantime, I thought you might like to read my latest travel article (attached) before its publication. It is an account of my autumn on the Eastern Mongolian steppes, where I met wolves, nomads, and several companies of travelling bandits.

Yours,
Huck

  

---

April 15th, 1890

Dear Huck,

You are a very good brother but I am glad that you have had the adventures that you have had. Though I am sure she must have missed you terribly. It is quite understandable - you are an easy person to miss when you are not near.

I am glad to hear it! I have since realized that I should probably not have traipsed off into the woodland with you when we had only just met but it turned out quite well, in my opinion.

A resort in Sussex? Do you mean to say your sister is Winifred Fudge? I attended the resorts Seaform Soiree back in December! I met a siren, they are both beautiful and fascinating. If your time allows then perhaps we could meet in my familys forests on April 30th? [Dove wrote directions here that lead to the entrance of the forest away from her actual house]

Thank you for the article, it was a riveting read. Wolves sound like they are quite exquisite to behold. It is a shame that the last known wolf in Scotland was killed in 1860. Maybe someday, they will return but it is good to hear that they flourish in other parts of the world.

Yours,
Dove

  

---

April 21st, 1890

Dove,

Forgive my presumption, but I think you knew at the time that joining me in the woodland was something you probably "should not do"! But you also know that this doesn't mean it's best to do as instructed. These risks, whims and forbidden things make for some of the greatest adventures.

I am indeed the brother of Winifred Fudge, though I was not at her event in December. I have heard sirens were in attendance, but I am confident you outshone them.

It would be a pleasure to meet you on the 30th of April. I will arrive as per your directions around eleven o'clock; unfortunately without a pack of wolves, but I will at least bring a horse.

We can't be having you missing me, so I'd best get myself near to you soon.

Yours,
Huck

  

---

April 26th, 1890

Dear Huck,

I heartily agree! If I had not taken that forbidden risk, I would have never gotten to be so well acquainted with you and Virgil. His pebble sits in my jewelry box - a jewel among the diamonds and emeralds.

It is kind of you to say so but I do not think you would had you been there. I wish I was able to speak Mermish so that I could have spoken to them rather than simply look at them and try to guess at what they were trying to say.

Bring Virgil and I am sure my broken heart over the lack of wolves will be mended.

I look forward to seeing you.

Yours,
Dove

The following 2 users Like Robin Ashdown's post:2 users Like Robin Ashdown's post
   Bragi Holm, Isis Silverthorne

---