[ The letter makes her weep, as do all true confessions of the heart. Many times Alayne does not find herself deserving of such care and thoughtfulness, but she does not tarry in doubt when it comes to Lucrezia Borgia. No, the golden maid was much to Alayne like a boon sent to her from the distant gods of Westeros — a vision of poise and graciousness to both aspire to and love. A kindred spirit. A friend.
Alayne thinks to write Lucrezia back but no, she wishes her first letter to her beloved friend to be light and effervescent, not made heavy with toil and Cersei Lannister's shadow. Though the queen's presence would touch many a thing, it would not touch this. No, this would remain unsullied.
Instead, she sends a raven in reply — coral-beaked and white feathered, with black eyes (proof that it is not an albino, but a rare creature bred for such pristine snowy-ness). To his ankle there is affixed the briefest of correspondence. ]
Beloved Lucrezia,
Your letter has filled me with both strength and happiness, and for it, a dozen dozen thank yous. Though it would please me endlessly to tire both hand and arm in long, drawn-out reply, I think it best to call upon you instead, for the contents of my heart can be most easily read upon the pages of my face and in the note of my voice. Will you allow me such an audience, if only to clasp your hands in mine and kiss you upon the cheek?
Know in brief that I love you and that I swear to the Old Gods and the new that I would return the blessing of your favor with nothing short of loyalty and faith.
Your most grateful companion, your guide and friend, Alayne Stone.
( a c t i o n | b a c k d a t e d )
Alayne thinks to write Lucrezia back but no, she wishes her first letter to her beloved friend to be light and effervescent, not made heavy with toil and Cersei Lannister's shadow. Though the queen's presence would touch many a thing, it would not touch this. No, this would remain unsullied.
Instead, she sends a raven in reply — coral-beaked and white feathered, with black eyes (proof that it is not an albino, but a rare creature bred for such pristine snowy-ness). To his ankle there is affixed the briefest of correspondence. ]