My dear Elenora,
I feel I must apologize for being so remiss with my correspondence. Much has happened here. Mother has gone to visit with her sister until her baby is born, so I have become the lady of the house for a time. I never knew the twins could be such a handful. I am so glad I get to be their older sister, not their mother!

As usual this time of year one sees the hustle and bustle everywhere as we prepare to bring in the last of the harvest. There is not an idle hand to be seen. Of course, we all get out of school early everyday to help bring the harvest to a close. The Solmath feast will be held in a fortnight's time. You can just imagine the uproar in the kitchen. Serna's organized chaos reigns. She is never so happy as when she is baking and ordering people about. She is bound and determined that this year's feast be the best yet (just as she determines every year) and is driven to distraction with all the preparations. Mother will probably arrive home a few days before the feast (if all goes well with my aunt). I am glad of that; it wouldn't be the same if she weren't there.

School is going capitally but I will be glad to have the week of the feast off. You remember the herbology professor I told you about? Well it seems that he was just putting on an intimidating front to weed out (hehe, "weed") the less enthusiastic students. The class is wonderful and Professor Rugus is amazing. The class consists of only the most dedicated students. Another thing I like about the class (you will laugh) is that we are often partnered to do class work and I sit next to a very charming boy. His name is Chedri. I cannot deny that I rather enjoy working head to head with him. Now don't you get all jealous in your boyless state.

Speaking of boys, there has been a rise in the talk of marriage. Everyone is expecting something to come of Uria's attachment to Escalon, but I can assure you that nothing will. I am trying to contrive how I could slip something nasty into her pudding at the feast or perhaps turn her into a fat pigeon for a day. That would be amusing, don't you think? People are beginning to cast sidelong glances as me as well. Many are trying to decide on the most beneficial match for me. I have long decided that I shall only marry for the deepest love. And so, I shall probably end an old maid and teach your ten children to dance and sew (though very poorly).

Oh, something I very nearly forgot to tell you that has the entire province in a ruckus. A small regimental force has set up base here, in Tamerlaine. They say that there is some possibility of trouble from the south. They will certainly add to the liveliness of the feast. Many girls are looking forward to dashing dance partners. Of course, it's not particularly unusual to have regiments come through, being so close to the border, but this time they were accompanied by a Lunus, a group of four of the Sister of the Isle of the Moon. This has started all sorts of rumors about imminent war and danger. One can't believe everything they hear; still it seems strange that the Sisterhood would feel it was necessary to send one of their treasured and powerful Lunii here!

One of the women sang at the great hall two nights ago. She sang in the deep language of the Sisterhood. Even though I didn't understand the words I felt the intensity of the music. I didn't need to understand the words; I felt them. I don't know how long she sang but in that time I felt the most intense sorrow and the most inexpressible joy I have ever known. Indeed, if I had understood the words I might have died of grief or perhaps of joy, When she finished I had tears streaming down my face. I tried to slip away quietly but the next thing I knew she was in front of me and wanted to speak with me. We talked for a long time. Her name is Tysharina. She told me much about the Sisterhood of the Moon. She described the Lunus to me. She said that each Lunus consists of four sisters who are bound by something stronger than blood. Each Lunus consists of a bard/healer (that is what Tysharina is), a warrior, a sorceress, and a wise one/seer (usually an elf but sometimes a human is very gifted and can assume this role). The healer and the seer have much in common but specialize in slightly different areas. All this she told me and more. It has all been rolling around in my head for two days now. I can scarcely think of anything else. Serna has dismissed me from the kitchen more than once in the last few days because I am so distracted.

Well I hear Fyvie and Erato erupting in a another quarrel over who gets to lick off the cream from a spoon someone must have given them from the kitchen so they would go away. I must go settle the dispute.

Two last things; I am thinking of joining the hunt the day of the feast (secretly, of course). It would be highly amusing if I woman brought in one of the biggest trophies. My brothers may regret that they taught me to ride like a man and shoot so well. The second; though he hasn't said as much, I expect that Sevier is considering joining the recruits. If he does he will be moving out with them this winter. We shall see. I must go find another spoon now-- I can't wait for mother to return!

Much love and expectation,

Airelithia