Nana Mail: Triston deGrey

[Theadora deGrey]

Dearest Triston deGrey,

I hope this letter finds you healthy, well, and in full celebration of Yule. I had high hopes that I would make it this year, but alas. I'm afraid I won't be able to be there to enjoy it with you and the rest of the family. How ARE you doing my sweet grandson? It feels like a thousand years since we last talked, and I should know as I'm ancient. It's been far too long, and I await my warm summers in Tresteria once more so I can spend it with you and the rest of the family. Have you forgotten our walks?

Are you taking care of yourself? How's the council doing? Are you drinking enough water? Have you decided to settle down yet? Any possible wife prospects I should prepare myself in meeting? How is Meredith treating our William? Has she improved at all? I should be asking, how is Olivia dealing with her? I know you want to be patient with William, but sometimes they just need a violent lovely shove, or yank of the bandaid off to see what's in front of them. I know he's trying to do right by Olivia, but...Maleficient is not the right one, and your mother has forbid me from saying anything, but I will hold my tongue no longer if she's still as awful as the last time I saw her. Anyway's I've vented enough about Margaret to you. I trust your keeping an eye on our William, and would tell your dear sweet Nana immediately if anything were to happen to him.

Now back to you,

What is on your mind? My Nana sense have tingled and tells me something has happened with you, and you're afraid to talk about it. I'm a concerned old woman, who wants to check in on her grandson, so humor me. I want to hear everything that's been going on as of late, it doesn't matter to me if it's minor. I'm not there to be with you all, so I trust you'll keep in the loop with everyone's gossip.

I've attached a small parcel with your Yule Presents, as well as my forwarding address. I don't plan on going anywhere anytime soon until I head home once it warms up.

Fondly thinking of you my grandchild,
Nana deGrey

P.S. How is your mother doing?

[In the parcel attached, you will find a bottle of Fine whiskey, an engraved pocket watch with "One minute of Patience, Ten years of peace." And a knitted dark green sweater with "TRIST" in gold lettering on the front.]

[Triston deGrey]

Dear Nana,

Thank you for your letter and Yule presents. I appreciate the pocket watch with the engraving (are you trying to tell me something specifically?) The sweater is wonderful. It will be useful when it starts to get into the colder months- Though I, unfortunately, cannot wear in and around the castle- As I am expected to dress in suits most of the time, especially since I am part of the council as you know. But when I am in the comfort of my own home, I will surely wear it as much as possible. It will be all worn out and I will need another one next time we see you.

I am sorry to hear that we won’t be seeing you for Yule, but I completely understand. I do miss you, though, and hope that we will be able to see you soon. It does feel like a thousand years since we last spoke, but you are not ancient. You are only as old as you feel, right? And knowing you- you must feel like you are still as young as I am and you have a lot of years left to go.

Of course, I have not forgotten our walks. I still go on one every day and I think of you each time- wishing that we could have one of our talks. I do miss them.

You asked me a lot of questions- so I will do my best to answer them all:

-I am taking care of myself and drinking enough water. Occasionally whiskey (can’t let what you send to me go to waste, right?) And of course coffee and tea.

-The council is doing well. Much of the same, usual, and typical things. However, (and I am unsure if you have caught wind of this yet) but King Edward has died while overseas in Aralore. There are various rumors going around, so I am not entirely certain which is true. The most popular one is that he was poisoned. Now with young Prince Edward not being of age yet, the council is working on finding a regent to fill in until he does.

-I have not decided to settle down yet- sorry to disappoint. There are no wife prospects, unfortunately.

-Who is Meredith? And Maleficient? Do you mean Margery? If so, I do not believe she has improved much at all. I worry for William and that he is marrying her for all the wrong reasons. I have tried to talk him out of it several times, but I think he is letting his loneliness win. I wish there was something more I could do for him. Ultimately, I think he will need to realize and find out for himself that she isn’t good for him or Olivia. Maybe he is in denial and does not want to hear from us what he already knows deep down inside. I’m not entirely sure. I do believe something may have happened though at the Hounds and Hares chase. Margery decided she wanted to come after me instead of William… (I feel horribly guilty for this and I do not know why she would choose me instead.) But a friend of ours (Marinette), caught her and threw her into a large mud puddle, and told her off. I wish I had seen it for myself, but I only heard the story. I am hoping it is enough to convince Will to let go of her...But I can’t help but feel like it’s my fault (even though it would be for the greater good.) I just hope he does not resent me for it.

-There are a lot of things on my mind as of lately. Perhaps your Nana senses truly are powerful enough after all. My mother and William have been urging me to run for the Regency. Although I would love to step into this role, if only to ensure that Tresteria and Prince Edward would be in good hands and it would ensure that corruption would not overtake him or the kingdom, I just fear that because I may not have the backbone for it all? That I will not be strong enough to handle it all. And I know you will tell me that is not true and I am being too hard on myself, but I cannot help the nervousness and uneasiness I feel about it all. What if I become corrupted by it all?

And, I am not sure if you ever knew this-- but when I was younger, I had very strong feelings for Queen Eleesa (before she became queen). But she chose King Edward over me. I never quite got over that. (Which, foolishly, may be one reason I have never settled down with anyone. I have always felt like my heart should belong to her.) Now that the king is gone… Those feelings are stirring back up. I feel so horribly guilty for that- like I should continue to suppress my feelings and move on. What if she is forced to marry whoever does become Regent, in order to remain Queen? You know how Tresteria is.
But she came after me at the Chase and caught me. And allowed me to kiss her. I have felt so confused and lost and unsure of everything since. The ball is later this evening, and I am not certain if I should go. We did not part ways on good terms- I apologized to her for being too forward and expressed my concern that perhaps I was taking advantage of the fact that her husband died, and I should not have allowed myself to. That upset her for some reason. I don’t really know, Nana. Perhaps I am reaching far too high.

Anyway- I have rambled on enough about myself. How are you doing? I hope this letter finds you well, and I am sending my gift to you for Yule, though I am afraid it will get to you after the fact.
I hope to see you soon.

Always,
Triston

[Included with the letter, is a neatly wrapped box. Inside is a fancy stationery set, a journal book with Nana deGrey stamped into the leather covering. A bottle of ink and a beautiful gold quill pen.]

[Theadora deGrey]

Dearest Triston,

Of course I’m trying to tell you something. That engraving was something your Grandfather practically mantra’d when it came to your father. Patience is key to many things. Specifically sanity. Be patient my dear boy, and good things will always come to you. No matter how long it takes.

Nonsense! You know our Queen Eleesa better then most, and I assure you, she would likely not have any problem with you wearing that sweater. Coucil members be damned. Are they king? No. Then you can wear your Nana sweater. In fact, I think you should rub it in their faces that your Nana loves you so much as to knit you that said sweater with her poor, fragile, arthritis induced hands. But if you must insist on wearing it at home, then I shall make you six more. Each in a different color for every day of the week. How does that sound?

Triston my dear boy, you’re going to drown me in all that flattery. You’re a smart man, and you’re quite right. You’re only as old as you feel, and if that’s the case them I’m a fiery red headed 25 year old, stuck in an old woman’s body.

We will have plenty of time for more walks this summer when I return. Teronna doesn't have nearly as nice of gardens as Tresteria. (Do not repeat that to Lady McIntyre) I’m glad to hear you still walk our old routes, it means you’re staying in shape and healthy. We’ll have much to discuss, so fingers crossed these old bones can still keep up with you!

I did indeed ask a lot of questions because I’m nosy. I’m pleased you answered them all, however I’ll only further prod you with those I feel need to be further discussed.

-I did hear word that the King Edward had passed. I feel as if I should be surprised, but when your my age, you find everyone dies at various ages, for different reasons. For Eleesa’s sake, I hope he wasn’t poisoned, and that it was natural causes. I would hate to possibly have Edwards killer target her, or the little Prince. Godspeed to the council that they find a competent individual then to become regent. Tell me, has anyone suggested you yet? And if not, volunteer boy.

-You never disappoint me Triston. In all honesty I should have expected it, but you can’t say I didn’t at least try. I feel as if you’ve all been spending too much time with those cousins, Declan and Dani, that you’ve all turned allergic to commitment like Drew. Maybe I should turn my efforts onto them to try and convince you to think about marrying, and that you won’t be like them. Or I need to nag your mother. Probably the latter.

-From here on henceforth, Trison deGrey, that gorgon of a woman lost all right to be called by her true name. To say it, even write it, is but a curse. I feel as if speaking it allowed, will summon her and I’ll have to exorcise myself, as she’s the devil incarnate. So yes, I do mean Magdalene. It saddens my heart that William would do such a thing at the sake of his own happiness. I know he has the best intentions for Olivia, but I hope your brother opens his eyes and realizes the best thing for Olivia is him being truly happy. I think the only thing you can do, sweetheart, is be there for your brother and be a pillar of strength for him to lean on when he’s tired. It’s what brothers do, no? He’ll see the light hopefully soon enough. Until then, we’ll support him in any way we can.

Triston! Oh you give your Nana splendid news! I fear my host’s think I’ve turned into a witch with the amount I’ve just cackled. A mud puddle? Who is this angel saint sent to us by the Lord in heaven, who has delivered us this act of justice? I demand to meet her upon my return. You will not feel guilty you hear me? You will wear this as a badge of honor, as an accomplice to this Marinette, to remind Miss. Snooty fruity that she is not as high and mighty as she claims to be. If your brother resents you for it, let me know, and I’ll knock some sense into that dull skull of his.

-Ah! My Nana senses are powerful. I agree with them. (Don’t tell your mother I agree with her for once, I won’t hear the end of it) Your fears are justified, however, It’s not just the backbone Tresteria needs. It’s been held up with a metal rod for a spine, long before we arrived my dear. No, what Tresteria needs now is a heart. And I can’t think of anyone with a heart worthy of regent as you. Take it from this old woman, the kingdom doesn’t need more crotchety old men ruling it. It needs someone with an open mind and someone who is willing to put the people first. You’re a deGrey Triston. You have the strength of ten men already in your blood. You just aren’t aware of it yet. You are strong enough for it, and so much more if you set your mind to it. Would you like to know how I know you’re right for this role? I’m going to tell you anyway. The fact you are nervous and uneasy is a sign you will not fall to corruption. Any other man would jump forward for all the wrong reasons. The people most suited for the hard roles, are the ones that don’t want the responsibility because they know how hard it’s going to be. And you, my boy, have a family that will back you up every step of the way. Nerves are natural. Trust your gut, and you’ll be just fine.

-Darling, it’s rare any of you children could keep anything from me. I know you all to well. Of course, I knew. I could see it in your eyes that that girl put the stars in your eyes. Triston, you stupidly endearing man. When I return, we’re going to discuss how to talk to women on one of our walks, understand? Talk to that woman. I believe she was upset because she wanted you to kiss her, and you instead ruined it by apologizing. Refer to the top of this letter. Good things happen to those that wait. Patience. You’ve been patient for this long, and your time has finally come. Do you want my advice? Swoop in and don’t let anyone else get the chance to steal her away again. If you honestly feel so strongly about her, then you shouldn’t be waiting a moment more. In fact, you should go see her immediately after reading this letter! Do you hear me?

After receiving this letter, I’m doing quite well.  I look forward to summer. Something tells me it’s going to be one we won’t soon forget, so I looked forward to the days when I can be back. I’m counting down to my return, and look forward to being with my family once more.

I must also thank you for the yule gift! If you haven’t already noticed, this parchment and ink came with the kit you gave me. I fully plan on putting it to good use, as well as the journal. I believe I’m going to fill it with all my stories so that when my time has come, you’ll all have a piece of Nana left to remember. Besides that, I know someone will screw up one of my stories, and I want it told correctly. So thank you.

I hope I’ve given you some peace of mind, my dear Triston. Head up, everything will be alright. I fully believe you will do what’s right.

Go get your girl!

Love always,
Nana deGrey.