My Dear Readers;It has come to this author's attention that some of you find yourselves at a want for information. You do not seem to care from how far it is gleaned, and I am under no obligation to keep it from places close to home...Perhaps, then, we turn our gaze to new horizons. One must wonder precisely how easy it is to purchase land abroad. Is it, perhaps, as easy as claiming to be an adventurer? Sir Greg Baldicus has potentially made such a claim in lovely Thavnair, as this author has it under good authority that he has become a land lord to those fine people! I do wonder which weather he finds more comfortable…Lords d’Ermine & Cœurdelion have once again found their way to the public eye! It does beg the question if they are even attempting to remain beyond it… It appears the two men were sparring or, perhaps, testing one another’s capabilities. To see them within such close proximity begs the question of how much closer they intend to be.Lord Cœurdelion does seem to make a name for himself being seen with those displaying ungentlemanly behaviors…In yet another instance, he was seen in a local tavern within Dragonshead entertaining the company of yet another! They absconded for more privacy, but I must wonder what could be more private than one’s own residence?I do not do my writing out in cafes!To make matters worse, these gentlemen were found sometime later in the throes of exhaustion in a snowbank! While there are whispers of some sort of nefarious attack, it does make one rather curious as to the goings on...

The Baron Fiannaut Caillouet was recently spotted ducking into Le Chabanais, an upscale brothel in Ishgard, where the former priest was seen in the company of Llaz Eryut, an expensive courtesan. At least he was polite, and offered his chosen half a dozen blood-red roses. Surely a baron can afford at least two for all those of any working class must suffer, regardless of what their profession was before their title.Over the recent suns, the reclusive Lord Voeviere has been seen around Ishgard in formal uniform adorned with official markers of the Tribunal, questioning people about the disappearance of an oddities dealer! Perhaps it is not the dealer he is seeking, but something the seller had on their person...The Tribunal is not known to generally care about the lives of people beyond whether or not they follow the rules.

Word from House Soltau is that another of Ser Ahmi's lost siblings has been found - this time, the Head-of-House's twin sister, Ralah. In thanks for finding and reuniting the siblings, Sir Arven Torak, though he retains his status as a Free Paladin, has also been given the honorary title of House Knight. For those of you in want of a title, perhaps they have lost yet more siblings!

Matriarch Isabeau Lefort and her granddaughter Jacqueline were seen leaving the estate for an evening stroll, a common occurrence between the two. But by the time the two were scheduled to come back, only Jacqueline did, her physical and mental state unknown.For now.Following Lady Rin's return from her time in Tural, various contractors and laborers have been seen entering and leaving her property: "The Skyward Hotel". Perhaps she too has decided to inspire the locals of Ishgard and Coerthas with influence from abroad.

High Dalmascan Society is left scratching their heads at the sudden appearance and whisperings regarding a certain set of trout-inspired knives, wielded by Lord Panthalassa, of the Blue Council and Royal Bank. Is it polite to use such blade for refreshments in council meetings, meet carvings and knife tricks? Perhaps the sand has found its way into the poor man's mind...Perhaps it is the guidance of Halone, or whichever of the Twelve you would readily attribute a positive outcome toward, that is having an effect on Lady Sophia de Vremaix - the poor Lady is finally emerging from her shell!She has been seen in society once again, and receiving callers. Perhaps the Lady Vremaix’s most notable visitor is Lord Thalemont Deafort, who was seen accompanying her and her maid between the Vremaix estate in the Pillars and Saint Reymanaud’s Cathedral to and from mass.Lady Vremaix's change of scenery is not the only one to mention. After what was said to be the attack of heretics (and was certainly not a simple mugging blown out of proportion by the nobility it effected), Viscount Olivier Theroux has retreated to Ul'dah with his wife, the Viscountess Theroux, in what is whispered to be a way for them to introduce his wife's family to the prospect of a grandchild...Do leave me more morsels to sink my teeth into, dear readers.One must always wonder who has drawn my attention.

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13th Sun of the 5th Umbral MoonMy Dear Readers;there is scarcely a doubt in my mind that you have heard of the highly anticipated Devil's Night Ball hosted by none other than the venerable Angeliques. As cherished individuals of society, I simply could not bear it if I did not encourage you to proceed with the utmost caution. Ishgard’s elite, of course, know exactly of what debauchery I speak. I beg of you, hold fast to your darling, lest they be lured by the devils that lurk within. I doubt I need remind you of last Autumn's scandalous affair between a fair-haired noble and the young woman he was caught mid-dalliance with within that tempestuous garden. Oh, I do still feel for the gentle maiden caught in such tryst.On such a note of such trysts, Lord G.’s recent showing after the culmination of the joust has turned more of polite society’s eyes upon the companions he takes. Even more so Lord B’.s showing at a recent duel against Lord C. It is said, dear readers, that the men were reduced to scrapping like animals on a field of honor. What honor is there to be had amongst these men! What a sight for our fair society. It leads one to question Lord G.’s taste in companionship which, fairly, is within our right. He is known to judge the companionship taste of everyone around him, after all.What is even more curious would surely be the current goings on at the C. estate. After a most onerous recovery from Lord G.’s unorthodox assault at the Monthly Market, the C. family has now set their sights on toiling to dig up the Central Highlands for an unknown scheme. Most suspicious!Naturally, curious men keep curious company, readers, and the strapping young Lord L., who is not without his entanglements with Lord G. and Lord C. both, is no exception. Lord L. has recently found himself the beneficiary of a reassignment within the Congregation. One must wonder how much of this is based on merit alone. He is possessed of an established relationship with one Inquisitor T. Some may say this promotion reeks of nepotism.

Nepotism and favoritism may indeed be abound in Society, given the recent incident with Lady V. The schismatic Lady recently contrived of a scheme to have her pick of the eligible bachelors in the land… only to run off with her knight! One simply must wonder how this will affect the Lady V.’s favor in society moving forward. The poor, slighted gentlemen.Another poor, slighted gentleman is the Lord A. The eager young man participated in the Harvest Herald Joust and took quite the trouncing from the brutish Ser L. This young knight who served under the banner of House D. for some time unseated Lord A. in a garous show of undue force. Perhaps Ser L. and Lord G. should attend to fraternity given their wanton predisposition to such actions.

In this deferential author’s decree, a most questionable thread seems to have stitched itself within our polite society. I doubt you need hear it from my words alone that the start of the season has had emotions abound. Indeed, be it acts most questionable or otherwise brimming with scandal, I feel wholly compelled to pray on behalf of those of you brazen enough to attend the upcoming ball. At the very least, with such disagreeable behavior in our waters, what the soiree brings will be nothing short of entertaining.

Oh my dear readers, has the time simply not flown by?Half a moon has passed since the glamorous wedding of heir to the House d’Angelique, Selaphiel, and his blushing bride Manon! While the lord seemed to lose his footing towards the end of their dance, we must grant him mercy this sun and not draw too much attention to it. I will instead draw attention to the bride’s astonishing gown, and beg you all to find me the name of her tailor! Such a dress is sure to set a trend…It seems that their lovely ball following the ceremony was host to not simply well wishes, but the exact sort of scandal you all clamor to sink your teeth into!
Open wide, my friends, for I have a veritable feast for you!Baroness Ursielle Vauquelin was witnessed by several party-goers to be pinning Lord Lorain Sanguemont into a corner! Just what these two planned for the evening out of the public eye leaves very little even to this author’s imagination! They were not the only pair secreting out of sight. Ser Jude Lohengrinne was cornered in an upstairs library by a figure clad entirely in black, who had some rather curious assumptions to make about the young Ser’s ties to illicit activity…He was rescued by none other than the Groom’s own brother, Lord Gabriel d’ Angelique, who extended a bloodied hand to help him along! What precisely is the man getting up to where that would be seen as a desirable choice? Lord Chevalier was seen by one witness to be shakily removing himself from the lovely portrait gallery with blood on his clothes not long after the crowd in the hallway excused itself into the tantalizing gardens.

Surely the Lords d’ Angelique and Chevalier have not been keeping us in suspense of a possible dalliance between the two men? Are the passions we have witnessed flaring between them hiding something more romantic in nature?
Perhaps the famed Lady Primrose could be of some assistance!
I, for one, applaud her latest additions to the cluttered shelves of society’s virginal masses! Let them get their delicate gloves on her newest title ‘Tempted by the Fury’, and receive a well needed education.
I am not the only one who knows of the Desanges family and their strange inclinations. Certainly I am not the first one to tell you that the lad known as ‘Twig’, supposedly Ser Vaako Soltau, is not only being claimed as a ward, but is now the Lady Ophelie Desanges very own fiance! One does wonder if the poor man even knows what the term means, or if this is simply the easiest union the Desanges could see for the Lady.

Before I further get your feathers in a dander, turn thine eye from such salacious stories to mysteries yet unsolved.Have none of you asked yourselves where you might find Lord Rousseau? Is his presence so absent from his beloved birds not strange, considering the nefarious assault of one imprisoned dragoon?Just where is he…and will those awaiting such precious cargo as his renowned chocobos be forced to demand their well spent funds returned if he is unable to produce what they so desperately wish for?Equally, what of the recent duel of a Red Mage against a Cardinal of the Ishgardian Orthodox Church? Do you not see your own hypocrisy when such sins as these are reduced to the sting of steel, and yet you chase away your creatives and authors in favor of divinity? The Cardinal even suffered the defeat in favor of Mage d’Ermine!Will of Halone indeed…

2nd Sun of the 6th Astral MoonDear readers,One must confess that this author is not wont to lead you astray. While the Devil’s Night ball transpired as one would expect of Society’s most scurrilous event, as these coming pages shall reflect, rest assured that such is not true of a rapidly approaching event. Or, so I can only hope. Though, far be it from this writer to think this society incapable of such mischief within even the most sanctimonious of grounds. This year, it seems the nethers of Ishgard herself have been opened to curious souls in want of seasonal thrills.Those cruel, cold catacombs beneath the city are inviting esteemed individuals to partake of an unguided exploration! I, most certainly, praise those brave enough to wander about such a chilling atmosphere.
But, I would be remiss to proceed without fairly assessing some of the ball’s most ripe scandals. After all, we both are clever enough to recognize such is the very reason you hold this paper in your hands.No small number of couplings stole away on their own into the fanciable garden lawn of Angelique Estate. But some, readers, were particularly brazen. Before the gaze of a ballroom quite teeming with activity, the ever unorthodox Doctor V. was spied quite near to the head of house R. Whispers say that the two even partook of a kiss! At least, readers, unlike others, both men had arrived unescorted. The same cannot be true of some other guests.As for some other attendees of the festival of impropriety, they are alleged to have not depart with whom they supposedly arrived. One such Ser L. of jousting fame only sennights past is among these numbers. Though he was said to have arrived with another, his dalliances lingered with a cousin to the odious Lord G. who is no stranger to this author's columns. Readers, perhaps I was correct in my assumptions that Ser L. and Lord G. would delight in fraternal comradery, if this newfound congeniality with Lord A. continues.

Speaking of the Lord G., naturally he was in attendance at such a lascivious promenade wearing permissibly little. One would expect him to dance with Lord B. but it seems his hand was taken by another repeat in our column, though for vastly disparate reasons–Inquisitor T. It seemed that Lord G. might have dallied with engrossment with how close the two were dancing. And yet later in the evening Inquisitor T. harbored a notable contiguity to the Lord B. One might think this Inquisitor has his eye in some dalliance with both men.Despite the nature of the beast that is the Devil’s Night ball, the noteworthy occurrences are not without exception regarding dalliances of the heart and body. But what is any ball without one unfortunate maiden's tears? Indeed, a terribly forlorn Lady T. had garnered the attention of many curious eyes upon hastily making her retreat from the dancefloor.Though we no doubt wish her well, I have little question that those in attendance were most curious as to whatever the Lady found so very disagreeable. One rumor of note involves Lady T.'s upbringing in Ul'dah, and concerns of her occupation prior to her marriage to Lord T. Though any proper Lady would likely take offense, one cannot help but wonder if such an extreme reaction was in response to a chord of truth being struck...?

In this deferential author’s decree, a most questionable thread seems to have stitched itself within our polite society. I doubt you need hear it from my words alone that the start of the season has had emotions abound. Indeed, be it acts most questionable or otherwise brimming with scandal, I feel wholly compelled to pray on behalf of those of you brazen enough to attend the upcoming ball. At the very least, with such disagreeable behavior in our waters, what the soiree brings will be nothing short of entertaining.Perhaps it may surprise you that not all gossip of note revolved around such intimate affairs? Each, however, was certainly with its unique nuances and delicacies. A too terribly conspicuous meeting occurred between one Lord L. and Lady C. I have it on good authority that the very same Lady has been seen leaving this Lord's shop in something of a fluster; furthermore, she was quick to depart, chin tucked to her chest, upon Lord G.'s arrival. One has to wonder what curious circumstance has occurred between the houses in question, given gossip that the former tensions have been alleviated. What, precisely, did Lord L. say to the Lady? I do pray Lady C. has not found herself in a precarious situation; people have been blackmailed for far less, after all.

But the Ton waits for no one, and time has not stood still beyond the Devil’s Night Ball. As a matter of fact, one Lady R. has been seen often in the companionship of her own sister’s betrothed, the esteemed Captain M. Why, just some sennights prior, the two were spotted strolling the markets together, far closer than an unmarried couple should be. It is one thing to steal away a man ripe for the capture, but it is an entirely loathsome act to poach one’s future brother-in-law.The scandal of the holiday was not exclusive to the Devil’s Night Ball, however, for even those of lower rungs of society partook of the festivities. While we, dearest readers, would not usually turn our eyes to such a thing, it just so happens that a knight pledged to House S. (whose own Lord A was unseated at the Harvest Herald Joust) was involved.As though the poor man is not dealing with enough mockery as it is, imagine the horror of his own house knight being seen departing a low born bar in the Brume well after closing time in attendance not only with the bartender himself but another woman! A trail of feathers matching those on her costume was found leading from an alleyway the very next morning!.It is as wise now as it ever was to display caution in all things, dear readers, and as we proceed into the holidays known for togetherness and family, it simply would not do to drop one’s guard. With charity balls, fundraisers for those in need, and many, many family dinners among the affianced, we must brace ourselves against enticement to be where we should not with whom we should not. Pray for the safety of those navigating the tepid waters of Heavensturn engagements, for the powers that be know they will need it.

1st Sun of the Sixth Umbral MoonMy Dear Readers,
Beyond the snows of Ishgard, the monetarists of Ul’dah recently hosted a most sensational endeavor. A coming together of nobles from across the star! Such a generous act is certainly appreciated for those with a notion to make connections, to meet others of like mind, but such a grand gesture does not go without some turned eyes and suspicion. What deals were struck behind closed doors? What transpired at that banquet that would be best kept a secret? Dearest readers, it would not be fit to not share what this author knows.One Garlean representative whom this column will call Lady L. was present in the Jewel of the Desert for the Harvest Banquet though her bodyguard seemed to harbor other intentions. In fact, Lady L.’s bodyguard was one of those involved in a brawl outside of the infamous Quicksands establishment. Such an immodest act drew a crowd and it was one of the onlookers who was able to determine that it was another ward of Lady L.’s house who was engaged in the fisticuffs. The vanquished underachiever of the ordeal was said to have retreated swiftly.It is worth noting that Ul’dah is no stranger to violence, be it organically occuring in the wake of some petty disagreement, or gerrymandered for profit. You have read that correctly, dear readers, for this author has been made privy to a most stupefying fact that was overheard at the banquet. Though unaware of from whose mouth the talk of rigging the gladiatorial combat came, it is a cause for concern if such a conversation transpired at the banquet. Perhaps such words originated with the host, R. At the very least, he did not seem to go out of his way to quell such barbarous talk.This column is no stranger to recurring characters and our good Doctor V. from the Devil’s Night ball seems keen to become one of those. After dallying with the heir of House R. at the notably scandalous event, the two were seen in attendance of the monetarist’s banquet in Ul’dah. It is stated they remained in close proximity throughout the evening and displayed such prodigious acts of outward affection that it is difficult for Society to not presume the two seek a coupling.

This author merely wonders when they will pursue the proper means of courtship, seeing as House R.’s head should surely do all he can to abide by Ishgard’s social standards.A newcomer on the social scene was present at the banquet and was hailed all around as a pleasant face to behold. Readers, this author finds themself at a loss of what titelage to use for this magnanimous individual referred to as a King in some spaces. For purpose of this paper, we shall refer to him as Lord B.

Lord B. appeared quite recently in Ishgard, establishing himself quite quickly with Bozjan coin and jotting about immediately to such grandeur events as Ul’dah’s recent banquet. This stranger has caught a few eyes in Ishgardian circles, to no surprise, but seems to hail a connection to the Dzemael house in one way or another. His manor, however, boasts rather tight security, with artisans coming and going frequently. One must have to wonder what this mysterious Lord B. seeks to gain from this presence in Ishgard!

It is scarcely an Issue without someone from the renowned House A. making an appearance upon our bracket. Lord A. of House A. (who make his monicker blissfully easy for this author to recall) made an appearance in these very pages after the Devil’s Night Ball consorting with a certain Ser L. But it seems his intentions have changed!Lady T. and Lord A. have been seen publicly spending much time around one another, and this author has been informed a letter was delivered from Lord A.’s bachelor’s estate addressed to Lady T.’s father. The two hardly seem a match beyond social status, so one must wonder what this courtship is aimed it–unless assumptions are wildly wrong about Lord A’.s intentions.Another pedigreed house if Ishgard seems to be in quite the state. House D. affiliated with a certain more affluent High House, suffered the most grievous of tragedies. One must ask, however, if this house may have brought it upon themselves. Readers, the death of innocent children are always harrowing to hear of, but one can feel less pity towards the parents.

House D. was known, after all, for their manipulative and disreputable dealings with political rivals. With the named family dead in the wake of such devastation, the question remains: who shall now inherit the smoldering remains of the family and estate? Despite the bitter chill of Coerthas in the wake of the Calamity, however, it seems that notable persons are no strangers to fire.With Starlight and the bitter blade of winter at our heels, a most curious dwelling has appeared within the Brume. Due to the pertinacious efforts of one Lady J., a cold weather lodging is reportedly due to open posthaste. Though it is this author’s understanding that the Lady rallied no small amount of reputable Houses to achieve such a magnanimous objective, it would be terribly irresponsible to not recount the suspicious fate of the last charitable endeavor Lady J. affiliated with.I speak, have no doubt, of the fire that razed a soup kitchen to the ground some two moons’ past. As such an event may have very well slipped under the nose of our polite society, I shall state plainly for you, dearest readers, that the verdict was none other than foul play. One can only hope that such charitable undertakings spare further disparagement in the coming moons.All across the Star and through all facets of Society, we find ourselves preparing for the most exceptional of occasions, Starlight. Undoubtedly, nigh innumerable events shall be hosted in the coming sennights, from balls to markets to private parties and gift exchanges. It does not do to let one’s guard down during this time of year, however, this author cautions, for amongst revelry and goodly celebration there is always the shadow of scandal to be had. Be advised, readers, that this author shall keep their ears open for even the slightest hint. Lady Yvette de Colombe (née Deslauriers) not being present at her own Charity Ball that is just around the corner is one of many anomalies setting us up for a most interesting winter season.

1st Sun of the 1st Umbral MoonLoyal readers,Loyal readers, it is with a sharpened wit and genteel mind that I pen my first address to you in this, our new year. As the hustle and bustle of Starlight and Heavensturn turn from merriment to memories, this humble author personally congratulates you on surviving all manner of trials and tribulations, and shall pray for a kind, exciting year to come.As you may recall, my last publication revealed to you a most serious matter regarding the rigging of the Bloodsands. If I may be so bold, this seems to have struck quite the nerve in the accused monetarist, Mister R, as he has gone out of his way to host his very own gladiatory event. It does tickle this author to see such a usually composed gentleman feel the need to rebuke or otherwise challenge this paper’s findings.This author has it under good authority that Mister R ran the display of blood and brawn and very few brains not under the cover of darkness, but beneath the scorching sun of a bright afternoon! Although eight participants were originally expected, it was discovered that one eager combatant had not only been paid for his participation, but paid to lose! Mister R dismissed the disgraced man as publicly as he could which leaves one last question - did he in fact pay the man himself, only to dismiss him in an attempt to rally his reputation?We may perhaps never know.You do not wish to know about the nefarious underdealings of such a place, fair readers, and I shall not leave you in suspense! Lady N won a handsome purse for dominating against the Ul’dahnians and otherwise in attendance. Let this reassure you: the Fury’s blessing does not remain within the borders of our beloved city. She sees and bestows it upon her children wherever their feet carry them.

Beyond the realm of sanctioned combat, people are still finding ways to come to blows. Our resident King suffered an injustice against one of his own, when Sir S was found near to death. Despite the severity of his burns, he was recognized by nothing less than his uniform! Blessedly the healers called in from across the star were able to assist in a fruitful recovery…although none so miraculous that would warrant participating in a gladiatory event nor having Mister R bet on his success!Similarly, Lord D was involved in a brutally witnessed attack against his darling stables! Is it any wonder, when the city of Ishgard is as tumultuous as it now stands? It has been reported that not long after a victorious race for Lord D’s pureblooded, authentic Coerthan Comet, a well-armored Dragoon assaulted an Inquisitor!It was reported by numerous civilians who were shielded by the Inquisitor, that the Dragoon was relentless in his attack! The destruction of property left the stables in ruins, and the Dragoon was dragged away in irons. The scene of such a crime was deserted in little more than a quarter of a bell, begging one last question - was any of this related to Lord A’s recent purchase of a Coerthan Comet all his own, or is such a display of patronage merely…coincidental?

Thankfully there is news circulating around Lord A that is not so grim and dark as what has plagued the earliest of moons. Congratulations are in order, in fact, for the upcoming nuptials of Lord A and his soon to be Lady! As expected of a family so in the eye of society, their private ceremony will give way to a very public and very exclusive ball to celebrate. This author wishes the lovely couple every happiness, and perhaps the next announcement I have to share will be announcing a welcome arrival!It is with a glad heart that such news may find its way to you, my dear readers, from a source we have all waited on with bated breath. Lady F has been blessed with a son! Against rumors of the contrary, the child is hale and whole and lacking wing, claw or fang. Although Lady F has not yet shown her child to the public, perhaps she is waiting for the season to start…or for rumors to once again plague her allied households.Not all households find rest and ease where love is concerned. Perhaps some of you recall the tragedy that befell House Satis’s once bride-to-be Lady Havisham. It has come to my attention that the Lady’s soul has taken to ‘keeping odd hours’, or so says Lord E. He was found trespassing through the graveyard of her resting place! Although her mausoleum was undisturbed, perhaps Lord E was simply caught before he managed to achieve his true end?

Let such stories not curl your toes. Instead, leave such a feat to the newly published stories by Lord B. His return to Ishgard was marked by the publishing of several tawdry novels. One such newly released title has even caused Lord B to find himself plagued by letters from a lesser noble house bursting with daughters. Are these truly demands to cease his writings, or could something more tantalizing be lurking within the confines of parchment and ink?It is, after all, parchment and ink that bind you and I together. There is something nestled into the written word that begs the reader to act! No less than the begged request to slay, nay, slaughter a remaining denizen of Nidhogg’s brood!I could hardly believe my own ears when I heard that it was a Wyvern of such terrifying temperament laying waste to much needed supplies and resources for our beloved star. Perhaps I shall speak to you of heroes this next moon, fair readers. Perhaps I shall speak to you of dazzling ball gowns, declarations of love, and feats of daring.Perhaps you and I shall be surprised.Upon entering this second moon, I bid you all success in your romantic endeavors. I, for one, expect to see no small number of hearts aflutter: be it be affections either budding or long in bloom, or even a love that has aged like a fine vintage. In our busy lives, remember the importance of stopping to smell the roses— for far, far too many of us allow them to simply pass us by.

18th Sun of the 1st Umbral Moon
Dearest gentle readers,We are true friends now, are we not? As we come to know one another I believe I do you all a disservice for not using names that we already know and expect to see! Especially when using a mere letter to sum up a household may mistake one for another!I am not one for mistakes, and shall not give reason for any to suspect one lord or lady when I do, in fact, mean another!In previous promises, I made one regarding heroics and I am not one to disappoint. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said of all who participated in the begged hunt of a monstrous spawn of Nidhogg’s brood. It is well known that lordlings gathered recently to play the part of savior!As expected of those born to a life of privilege, Lord Arquette de Auzenne fumbled his weapon - resulting in a disastrous misfire! A priceless, antique stained-glass window was shattered at his hands! Surely the image preserved in such a treasure has seen far more war and combat than he.Perhaps such fumbling is why so many first born sons and daughters were not entrusted with the keeping of Ishgard so many cycles ago, and must now find their honor in other ways. We may yet see the country take notes from their fellows in Sharlyan, Ala Mhigo or Thavnair! Surely the bonds of affection are easily strengthened…

The owner of the renowned Le Renard Argente, Ser Evraux Mouraut, has quite the public and passionate betrothal! It has been reported that perhaps those passions resulted in the destruction of his own estate.Was it a jealous and drunken rage that resulted in such excessive vandalism as to warrant his moving to a new residence during repairs? Perhaps it was merely the desire to improve upon an already lovely family home for his husband to be. That does not, however, explain why he is temporarily residing with a man who is not his intended.Do not misunderstand - there are a number of titillating and heart clutching true romances to be seen! Lady Josephine Moineau’s recent engagement to Lord Dauvaunt de Courcelle stands in the face of suspected disinheritance from his family! Would such a loss of stability, finances and title not cause these two love birds to pause?

With the not so distant past of Lord Courcelle's financial blow when his newly purchased building was reduced to ash, surely they are not so caught in the present of one another that they do not look to the future.The future is precisely what I have in mind myself, as I have begun to receive the wonderful (and often vulgar) letters and notes you have left for me with various printing presses. I thank you for them heartily, and would like to offer a recipe one such reader shared with me for Patti Veal. It does sound delicious, and perhaps your cooks will prepare it for you when you all next take tea and discuss my work.Do write and tell me which you find more delicious. The offered meal, or the whispers regarding your neighbors.Patti Veal -
Take a knuckle of veal, cover it with water, and boil it for two bells. Take out the meat and chop it coarsely, strain the liquor and season it with salt, pepper and sage. Pour this over the meal, and let it cool in a jelly. Enjoy with bread, pickled onions and mint sauce.