Gains of the Graceless | Part Two

A letter made of parchment and a hushed touch of purple ink is carefully tucked in an envelope. Within the envelope is a single dried daffodil, a gift to its intended.

"Alice,

I cannot fathom it.

Father has sent for a carriage to be here by evening. He has told the servants to begin collecting some of my gowns, toiletries, and a few spools of thread so I might continue my needlework.

What good will needlework do me from within the asylum?

Father claims this will do my temper some good, and that if I come to my senses that I should only be locked away for a few months time. Months? Alice, he cannot truly plan to keep me in those dreary mountains for all that time, can he?

When he spoke of potions and tinctures, I knew in that moment I could not stand by and allow this. I have sent Leonard a letter by pigeon, pleading with him to flee with me tomorrow evening before the morning voyage to the east.

I have tucked my bag beneath a floorboard in my room, but the thought of being so far away from home chills me still. I have only been to New Ashen once for the market when I was no taller than your brother is now. Still, its the only chance I have.

Leonard and I will stop by once we make our escape. Perhaps... We will elope? Heehee! Only time will tell, Alice.

Warmly with Love,

Ayra"