Hello my Beloved,

Vissivind is beautiful. The houses are not as lovely as your hometown (Soon to be ours) but the parties are divine! But it was not for the parties that I traveled down South. I wanted to rally support for the almshouse.

The Almshouse! For those destitute and those that cannot pick up a sword to fight in battle, for those kicked from their farms in the latest raid. The church pleaded for support and while I cannot take a small hungry charge on my own, the guilt haunted me for weeks until I decided to find support in the way that I could. I cannot gather supplies, but I can gather funds!

With nothing but my name and my charming wit I traveled to the great Markgraf House in the Cold Throne of Njordr to attempt to rally support for the Alm house. In the weeks it would take to gather money from the Knight of Diamond, I could parry from those in Njordr. Thankfully my Lady allowed me to depart from her side to try and support the will of the Church. To help those less fortunate.

I hosted a great party! Well, no. Not the food, or the ever filling wine glasses, but instead the entertainment for a week long gala! We played so many games those weeks at the House of Markgraf and we even had a promise of funds being sent to the church from their houses! I must have done well…But of course I am. I am of the House of Hearts, we can entertain a room.

We had contests of stories late at night, we shared poetry, and I even heard the youngest of the Markgraf’s play their silly little instruments! They adored me, mostly because I doted on them that day. I knew that, to find favor with their parents, one must be the center of their children’s attention. But after a day or two…I found it less of an act and could not stop entertaining the children whenever they found me. The children were so full of joy and I spent much time with the children on my lap and bouncing them during late night conversations.

I know it is my duty to birth an heir. Only for a small amount of time will they be in my hands in Cappacionne before they are sent to be raised in my childhood home in Valeria. Where they will be guided into another suit of cards…perhaps one of the Club or the Diamond perhaps. And I wish them success in their endeavor! If I am to keep them in my home they will not rise to their namesake. But as I spent days in Vissivind I realized how different our houses can be.

The Markgraf House is nothing like the Jokeri house. The rooms were full and the children …Well they reminded me of Jaqueline and me before we were pitted against each other – Before he was sent to academy. They played so many games and none of them were told to steal trinkets from their companions, like I was when I was their age. None of them were performing to be given a higher status in their parent’s eyes, they were performing for simply the applause of the adults in the room.

Not that I am not grateful to the Jokeri Family! But between us…It was lovely to see the cousins so unguarded. When I tucked them in after a long game of hide and seek, the one that was found first was not forced to sleep under the bed like I was when I was young.

I am getting distracted, perhaps it was the four glasses of port. I am grateful to my GrandFather, but I will never forgive my parents for birthing me into this family and being so willing to pass me to another suit. And I expect my children to never forgive me for the same sin.

Thank goodness none will see these thoughts. If I die, I wish for you to burn this notebook with me after you devour these words. You may take the ash and do what you wish with it, but please allow my secrets to burn with me.

With all my heart,

Lorelei

I had to add more! I was just in bed when the bells started to read with news: King Maynor of Einsland has died! It was sudden and now there is scheming to be had! Who will be leaning in for the crown? I only have a few words to spare, as the ink is too valuable tonight.

I will be staying up till dawn writing letters to secure alliances. I do not know who yet my Lady wishes to put her banner behind, but banding support for allegiance to her choice is what I must do. While the guilt of my sins had originally brought me to Vissivind, perhaps it was God’s hand leading me to where I must be in order to put forth his divine will.

Njordr will now be the center of all gossip of Gothic, and the Knight of Hearts is in the center of it! How grand!