[Elfsea] Your Thoughts?

[Rixende de Rouen]

Dearest Mother,

I know it has been far too many winters since last I wrote to you.
There are many wondrous things here in our new homeland and while it
is not the lush surroundings of Rouen, I am comforted that the castle
of Their Excellencies is of fine Norman architecture. It reminds me of
Caerphilly Castle, which I visited often during those years in King
Henry's lands.

The castle obviously was built to withstand many invasions. It is made
of strong stone, and has an inner and outer keep. We have two small
lakes, on the East and West sides of the castle, and a dam built into
the West wall. I have been pleased to be able to rely on the lake for
water, rather than the wells I grew up with.  We do have wells within
the castle walls, lest our enemies try to poison our water supply.
There are five round towers, one on each corner of the inner keep, and
one in the center of the West wall, overlooking the dam. There are two
great gates, one on the North wall, and one on the South wall. These
gates are well protected, but much smaller than the great towers.

The lands of Elfsea are rich and fertile, and I can see why so many
might wish to claim them as their own.  The gardens are beautiful, as
well as functional. A large assortment of native herbs are grown on
the grounds. I look forward to spring when the children's lessons and
the ladies' handwork move out into the rose garden. These days are
fleetingly rare, as the summer comes upon us quickly in Ansteorra, and
drives us back within the cooler stone walls. The castle is strong and
well fortified, and I feel safe within its walls.

There is a fine garrison of troops housed here; although small it is
well trained in all matters of defense. My dearest husband has been
named Captain of the Baronial Guard, and I am a proud wife. It worries
me that he may be called away from home at anytime, but as the wife of
a soldier, it is something I must live with constantly.

Since Tomas is the Captain of the Baronial Guard, we have small but
nice quarters within the castle. Their Excellencies have been generous
and kind to us, granting us with writs allowing us to fell timber,
hunt, fish and mine the lands of Elfsea. During this great time of
peace, our rights have allowed us to afford a few things I haven't
owned since leaving Rouen. I feel that Their Excellencies will be well
pleased with our use of these writs when it comes time to pay our
taxes.

There is a large great hall where Their Excellencies entertain
visiting Royals and the people of Elfsea. His Majesty has established
a summer residence in Elfsea, and as such the castle is constantly
alive with a whirlwind of activity and visitors. There is a tavern
within the walls of the outer keep, but I rarely have an opportunity
to visit between my obligations to His Majesty, my husband and our
son.

Once a month, the market opens within the outer walls and I enjoy
visiting to purchase those items that we cannot make or grow here in
our soil. (Oh, the fabrics that are coming in from the Orient are
divine!) Daniel as well enjoys our trips to the market, as it is one
of the few days that I allow him to take off from his studies. Her
Excellency has allowed Daniel to be educated alongside Her own boys,
and I am always humbled at Her generosity. He is enjoying his lessons,
and has a natural instinct for riding and swordsmanship.  We hope that
he will be taken as a page soon, so that he may continue his training
under a fine Knight of Ansteorra. You would not recognize the babe in
arms that left Rouen, as he has grown into a fine young man. He spends
much of his time at the stables, assisting the groomsmen in attending
to the horses. Their Excellencies have a fine stable of horses, both
for war and for farming.

Occasionally I long for the comforts of Rouen. I have not seen the sea
since we traveled to this new land, as it was a fortnight ride to
arrive in Elfsea after landing in Ansteorra. I miss getting up early
and walking along the sea, smelling the salty air.

How I miss the Cathedrale Notre-Dame! I miss the grand stained glass
windows, and their ability to represent stories of Our Lord. There is
a small Chapel in the castle, with a small stained glass window above
the entrance. I have remained diligent in attendance of Matins,
Vespers and Complines at the Chapel, but my daily duties have made it
necessary to silently observe my other devotional times wherever I am.
Mass is one of my greatest comforts, as I listen to the priest in
Latin, which is almost as natural to me as our native tongue.

Occasionally, while returning to our quarters after Complines, I swear
I see ghosts. Her Excellency sees them as well, and tells me that they
are those who have come before us and walk these grounds, tended the
fields, defended the lands and raised the children.

Each day I strive harder to learn all the nuances of this language
they speak here. It is much more difficult than ours, as each word has
more meanings that I ever would have dreamed possible. While my
English is getting better, I have earned some notoriety with the
skills you have passed on to me. His Majesty has named me as His
Tailor, and I strive to create garments that suit His desires. He
dresses in these strange garments called Tunica, which while foreign
to me, he seems pleased with the outcomes of my skills and abilities.

Give my love to Father.

Your devoted daughter,
Rixende

-- 
Honorable Lady Rixende de Rouen
Barony of Elfsea, Ansteorra
Quidam audit valde, facit valde