Nana Mail: William deGrey

[Theadora deGrey]

Dearest William deGrey ,

I am sad to miss yet another Yule in Trestia, with all my beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren. I hope your cherishing this year with Oliva, as will get older and at some point want nothing to do with you as Toni and Belle do to poor Declan. Hug her close, kiss her often, and I shall pray she stays small for a bit longer. Also, when is my next great-grandchild arriving? I have faith in you dearest William that you will keep your dear sweet Nana in the loop of anything going on between possible lady friends and those brothers of yours. I'm getting old and crotchety and would like to hold one more baby deGrey before I go.

No I won't be dying any time soon, but this winter chill is doing a number on my bones. I hope you're staying nice and toasty at the castle. I know this is a difficult time of year for you dearest, given Catherine's passing. She's not far from my thoughts, and I know she would be just as proud as I am at how your raising Olivia. If anyone tells you differently, let me know. I'll deal with them. How are things going with the devil woman fiancee of yours? Mallory was it? Or was it Megan...

I hope to be home in the following months before summer. Your efforts are being noticed William, I hope you realize that. I want to hear all about how your and Olivia's Yule went. I've attached my forwarding address and should still be here by the time you send me a letter back. Attached you will also find a small parcel with Your and Olivia's Yule gifts. I know her uncles are probably going to spoil her rotten, so Nana went a bit more practical and it's something you two can do together.

Fondly thinking of you my grandchild,
Nana deGrey

P.S. How's your mother?

[In the parcel are a small pile of children's fairytale books, a purple knitted sweater with "LIV" in silver lettering, a bottle of fine whisky, a new quill with "My words are my weapon" engraved on the stand it came with, and a knitted dark red sweater with "WILL" knitted in gold lettering.]

[Theadora deGrey]

Dearest William,

It seems my age caught up with me, and I forgot to send your birthday present with your Yule presents. Hopefully, by the time you receive this it might even be your birthday!

You were such a blessing that week of Yule. We all agreed, yes your mother and I actually agreed for once, how lucky we were all to be blessed that season with a new baby. Your father was a nervous wreck, and he blubbered about as loud as you did when you were born. You were such an aware little thing. Even outside the womb and so little and new. I can remember holding you in my arms and looking into those little eyes of yours. I knew then after just meeting you, you were going to grow up to be a kind and responsible man. You were the best Yule gift we received that year, and every year after I still think of you as the best Yule present I received. (Don't tell your mother that or she'll claim you were hers.)

Happy Birthday my sweet William. I hope you enjoy your present and wish for you to play for me upon my arrival home.

Thinking fondly of you my grandchild,
Nana deGrey.

[Attached to the letter is a large box upon opening you'll find some sheet music as well as a beautifully crafted lute]