Kindest Marigold

I have not been able to write to you recently, though the letters would be constant if I were able. I have reread your last letter several times, though I believe Lord Whitehead may have as well. Another may find your words cutting, but I hear them in your voice, and they are of great comfort.

I am afraid this captivity threatens to last for the rest of my life, and have decided to make steps to improve my situation. I intend to ask Rolland if he can inquire about me being squired somewhere in the keep, so I may begin my training again. If they endeavor to treat me as if I were a bastard named Storm, I will encourage them to complete my education.

The first chance I get, I shall visit you in Starfall. We can spend an evening just talking, recovering all those years we have lost. I would give anything to hear you call me your Leopard again. I am never stronger than in those moments.

I am sorry these letters are so brief. Wishing you wellness and joy,

Perros Santagar

With delicate fingers, he places the quill aside and holds the short letter aloft, letting the ink dry in the light sea breeze. Standing in his small comfortable room, Perros seems very out of place even here. Short, barely a man, his cropped curled black hair and olive skin clashing with his plain Stormlander garb. The room wasn’t very decorated, but what was there were depictions of local house emblems, second hand copies of common books, simple gifts from the handful of friends he had made over his last few years here.

As he carefully rolls the letter up and gives it the thinnest and plainest of stamps, he turns his back on the bloodied scrap of Dornish wool lying dusty on a far table. All he has left of his father.

Wrapping himself up warm, he eagerly departs the safe confines of his room. The nobles here had become accustomed to the Little Leopard’s presence, though he found that he had to mind where his eyes and hands wandered. Many were kind, but to others he felt like a stain that couldn’t be scrubbed away.

He shook his head. Enough. It was letter day, he needed to make sure it got sent. He had to talk to Rolland.