Dear Chavan,
I am most grateful for your and Valhalla’s advice. I must say that I was shocked that he cannot see the future, and I got in a bit of trouble with mother when I came running to her with this new revelation. She was quite stern in her rebuke, and nearly dragged me off to see one of the clergymen. Worst of all, she forbade me from communicating with you.
But I am 17 now, and I shall do as I please! We can keep this a secret between us. If you could, please forward all future letters to Hana Gillierre at the Spring Hill Inn, she is its keeper and a dear friend of mine. Gossips about everything, but is the furthest thing from a snitch.
I would like to say I did my very best at being patient, and I should like to think it paid off. One of the suitors, a nice young man named Ryllan Widdiams, was rather to my liking. He’s the third son of a prominent bishop, and he has a lovely smile. We spoke late into the night on my birthday, long after all the other guests had left. It was such a wonderful time, although I had to refrain myself from mentioning you for fear that he would react much like my mother did. I am not sure whether I love or hate having such a way to speak with Valhalla and keeping it to myself filled with the worry of being rejected, or worse, excommunicated if I am found out. I am a grown woman now, after all, and cannot hide behind youthful innocence.
What might Valhalla think of such a plight? Is it dishonorable to keep this to myself? I cannot think it would be otherwise, as I know all the Sentinels desire for their voices to reach each and every one of us. How do you handle such a position yourself, Chavan? Do you go around telling everyone what Valhalla has to say to them? I imagine it must be terribly difficult, unless your people are quite different from mine. It does not surprise me that none of the other Voices live here in Elyssanar, where the only accepted teachings of the Sentinels come from the High Council. I have sometimes wondered whether everything they say is true or not…
My mind… feels compelled to ask the question… but in my heart I am afraid, and I only have so much parchment to write with for all the other questions I would ask you! Does Valhalla know my mind? Let him speak the words for me, for my lack of courage to write them here.
I pray this letter finds you well, and would be most happy to consider you my friend.
—Rosanne
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