Sir,
Danel is full of suggestion and good advice, and she will no doubt give you an earful of what is best for Estarfin. While I agree with her that he is grown restless cooped up in his little cage of a room, I do not endorse the view put forward that a room full of whirling swords is a good place fit for rest. This is best reserved for the outdoors, where there is breadth to swing a blade without fear of doing the pictures on the walls, or patients, an injury.
The charm of the garden is that it is full of change, and herein it differs from the sickroom which is quite dreary in its monotony. In such a place as this one cannot walk with enjoyment, because after the first turn or two around its perimeter one's thoughts are generally of things that are seen: and how many times can a person look at a chest of drawers or a candlestick with interest, or be delighted by a chamber pot? There is not much pleasure in such an article, at least to look upon. As the old saying goes, variety maintains interest and feeds the mind.
If you have not spoken with Estarfin lately, I beg you to go to him, and see for yourself how very dull his wits have become without any great matters to do, but not for a lack of resolve! Of late he has expressed renewed interest in his training, and, so long as he finds comfort in it, he should be supported and congratulated, and not discouraged from it, even if, to the critical eye, his sword work is not what it once was. I fear we are doing an injustice by keeping him from what he loves and stifling his spirit.
I went to Lord Tindir, and he told me to ask Lord Veryacano, who advised me to ask you about the necessity of keeping close watch on Estarfin. The Lords of your Order must well see how neither the guard nor Estarfin can do their right duties, if they are not permitted to leave their confines. And I find this a terrible waste of resource.
Wherefore I hope you will consider this letter, and speedily attend Estarfin at the House, where you shall, no doubt, be waited on with the utmost respect. I do believe Estarfin is missing the company of his comrade-in-arms, even if he has not said so to myself,
The Lord Ambassador Parnard.
