Taliesin,

I apologise for not writing to you before now, but things have been incredibly strange and hectic. Tragic even, for the news I am going to inform you of. As I am sure you were aware of when you visited me in Camelot, Eric was very ill and whilst I was very sure that it was no more than the fever I had it turned out that it was indeed worse. I feel I have to inform you that Eric passed away quite some time ago, and I apologise for not telling you these along with many other things. However what made things worse centred around my brother’s death is that beforehand I had left for Camelot, selfishly becoming loathsome about how my parents were spending more time with Eric than with me, and how boring I was finding things with the lack of attention. But I must say in my defence that at the time I was completely in the opinion that his illness was no more than a slight fever and put on if anything more. Of course now I understand how idiotic such thoughts were and I entirely regret ever thinking them and not having the chance to attend his funeral due to it, and you are the first person I have told. I hope you will not judge me on it and will forgive me for that fault at least.

Besides that, I have happier news I suppose in a sense. I turned eighteen around two weeks ago, and had an immensely expensive party at the Golden Arrow Inn or whatever its name is. Unfortunately, I could not find you around the streets of Camelot and so could not express my adamant belief that you should have come as my most desired guest (who is not related at any rate), and so there is another thing I must apologise for. I am unsure if you heard about it or not, but I do not remember seeing you there or seeing someone who even vaguely resembled you. As a result, I am rather sure that you were not there which was a shame. The next bit of news I shall mention when I tell you where I am writing this letter from, and that will come after I express my apologies.

I feel the need to apologise (again) for being a rather neglectful friend. When I returned to Camelot before my brother’s death I did consider finding you, and on numerous occasions very seriously, so that I could tell you about why I was back and inform you of my mistreatment I felt I was suffering with the absence of attention. However I decided not to on each occasion in case you were somehow annoyed at my decision like I saw sure Simon would be if I told him. Whilst I was very much of the opinion I was a downtrodden and mistreated boy, I still knew that people disapproved of it. In truth, I was far too nervous to go and seek you out and remained so apart from when I was trying to find you to convince you to attend my party. That bit was genuine and I was incredibly upset when I could not locate your whereabouts. I do not blame you of course, and now I doubt I shall see you again for a while.

That brings me on to where I am writing this letter. If there are any spelling mistakes you will understand why. Currently I am writing this at about two in the morning on a rather smooth road in m y father’s carriage. I am returning to Kirkwall for a while to see my parents, their present reminding me that I missed them and another reason which I will tell you when I see you face to face. I am looking forward to the return back home, if a little anxious that they will react differently around me. The reason why I am writing in the dark is because of the man opposite me. Simon is accompanying there, even if he is going to return to Camelot. His snoring is detestable and the stench coming from his boots is putrid, but I am glad he is here even if I would not like for him to read the details of this (which is why it is being written whilst he is asleep). But I would like for you to meet with him upon his return, and perhaps even befriend him? I would be incredibly grateful for any attempt on your part, since I am afraid he will be lonely without any other friends there and him being all by himself.

I shall make sure that this letter is sent out at the next stop at an Inn we make, and will write to you again after I have settled back home. It would be brilliant if you managed to visit at some point. Never the less, I will continue to write to you at every opportunity I can (which, knowing how dull Kirkwall can become, should be daily). I am also considering lengthening my name to Alexander for the ends of letters and when addressing myself properly as I have heard is the fashion. But I will always be known as Alec to those familiar with me. Though if you loathe it please let me know, as have I have said, it is just an experiment at this current stage. I also put some little squiggles by my name. Let me know if they look pathetic or whatever as well.

Love, your ever faithful, and hopefully, best friend

~Alexander (Alec) Clare~