(2025-05-07) Don't Buy An Orchid

Details

Author:	Athena
Summary:	Finley writes back to Elle, telling him about what's going on at home, and a request for a task not meant to actually be fulfilled.
Rating:	T for Teen

[Written in a careful hand with some of the letters a bit cramped together too tightly for elegance, as if the words are guarding something.]

05/07/29

Elle,

It’s good to hear from you. Glad to know that you’ve got a proper company up there. I’ve heard stories about the likes of Sir Atley the Red, and Cobalt Company’s got some of the best of the best.

I know it’s not easy holding a line back out of the action, but there’s never any way to know if you’ll make all the difference being there instead of in the thick of things. I can’t see why anyone wouldn’t forgive you for ensuring there’s a safe place to fall back to in an emergency, whether or not it comes to be necessary. I’m no military man myself, but I’ve read accounts enough to know if you don’t hold a base, cover your flank, because you’ve not needed it before, then the time you don’t do it will be the time you need it most.

But if it needs saying for sure, I forgive you for not being there with Fallon, no matter what happens.

As for being dangerous and misunderstood, sometimes it matters what’s not understood. If you don’t understand why someone is dangerous, they’re probably more so, because you can’t get a grip on who they are under it all. But, if you know why someone is dangerous, what made them that way, then there’s a start for something more. Maybe even common ground.

Or in some cases, it tells you why you should never be alone in the same room with them, or what lines you can never cross if you want to avoid having that danger turned on you. Be careful, yeah? Some people can’t be made safe enough for friendship, no matter how well you understand them.

I don’t remember ever hearing the name Ozzy, but Her Grace recalled a druid named Oslynn Gravehowl from the play, and I remember seeing someone with Lady Merelda who kept mostly to herself and the lady. I’m glad to know you’re making a friend.

I checked in with your father, since I was out in the forest already on my way back to the city. Brought them some Aspenwood wine, as we had an extra bottle around. He’s stable is the best I can offer. Wish I had better news for you.

Everyone here at the House is well, aside from the constant headache that plagues the place. Mr. Shine bought Lady Ery an infernal clacking device and she goes at it for hours walking around just CLACKCLACKCLACKCLACK until suddenly everyone’s been finding all sorts of outside activities to do. Only Her Grace has the mental fortitude to withstand it.

It’s why I’m out riding through Elwynn up and down to the city at any chance I get. Otto’s probably half-planted out in the garden, and I think Isla’s found residence in a tree somewhere on the property. I don’t suppose you have any errands you need running while you’re away? Something that takes a man regularly out of the house, perhaps? Tell me you have a plant that needs watering, man. (Just a joke.)

Don’t let it get to you about Fallon out and about in the thick of things. He’s been in war long before he was ever attached to a political seat, and he’ll likely always be more marine than politician. He’s cunning and he’s capable. Her Grace isn’t worried, and that should tell you that she trusts both in him and the guard. It’s a hard thing sometimes to feel the weight of that trust and know you can fail. But I know you’re equal to the task. You’ll keep them safe.

I’ve been up to nothing so important as all that. There was a little art show that I mentioned before. It’s just a meaningless thing, not worth writing much about. But if you want to see the art from it, and can withstand the gauntlet of walking through the house with the Clacker, I can show you the pieces from it when you get back. I’m not selling them, even if there were any inquiries at the exhibition, which there haven't been.

Sincerely,
Finley Boutille

PS – The Clacking isn’t a problem that needs solving. It’s just a babe being a babe, and she loves the damned thing for the noise it makes. Keeps her walking, which is good for her, or so I’m told. And for all the whining about it, it’s hard to think of taking that away from her when it makes her happy. Doesn’t stop a man from wishing he had a friend with a delicate orchid he had an excuse to go tend to outside the house though all the same.

PPS – Don’t buy an orchid on my behalf, man, unless you’ve a mind to for your own reasons.