Table of contents for Tales from Ten Taverns
- Tales from Ten Taverns: Oana
- Tales from Ten Taverns: Reca
- Tales from Ten Taverns: Corina
- Tales from Ten Taverns: Elena
- Tales from Ten Taverns: Maria
- Tales from Ten Taverns: Laura
- Tales from Ten Taverns: Diana
- Tales from Ten Taverns: Oana
- Tales from Ten Taverns: Roua
- Tales from Ten Taverns: Valeria
- Tales from Ten Taverns: Rodica
- Outtake: Author’s Notes on Characters
Dear Mother Oana,
I’ll be writing to the other girls as well, but I had to write to you first. I’m officially betrothed! I’m sure Reca must have told you her suspicions already – Jim said she was questioning him about our relationship the last time they met – but I’m writing this letter to confirm it. He proposed to me last night, under the moon, on the deck of his ship. It was so romantic! I’™m so happy, I’m overflowing with joy. Being in love is such a wonderful thing, Mother! I can’t imagine how you managed to turn down that suitor of yours all those years ago, when we were still living with you. Why did you do such a thing? I know you loved him too – Maria and I crept into your room once and heard you crying yourself to sleep over him. I can’t imagine doing that to Jim.
I haven’t really told you about him yet, have I? Well, let me correct that fault now. His name is James Sanders, captain of the good ship Glysse Wave, which travels to Irilion and back once a month. He’s only two years older than I am, so he’s quite young, but all of his crew and the other captains respect him. He worked his way up in the Portland Navy, and won a medal for gallantry when he took over command of his ship after his captain and first mate was killed in a battle against the pirates (he was second mate then). He was also the second mate onboard the Ocean Strider, the first ship that sailed to Irilion. He’s a good man, Mother. I think you’ll approve of him. I’m going to bring him to the reunion to introduce him to you all.
Speaking of the reunion, word is getting around. I know that Reca and Corina are planning to go, and I just received a letter from Maria saying that’s she trying her best to excuse herself from some of her high-society parties so that she can make it too. That’s really something, for someone like her. (She was also telling me about how she turned down all her suitors… I can’t wait to spring this surprise on her!) Jim’s bound for Corren and Mynadar after this, so he’s going to bring my letters to Roua and Valeria. I suppose I’ll be hearing from them soon too.
That’s all I have to tell you for now, Mother. I’ve got a lot of letters to write, so I can’t write more for now, but I really want to get together and talk with you soon. I’m so happy. I can’t wait to see you all next month.
With much (overflowing!) love,
Diana
P.S. Jim says he’s looking forward to meeting you too. You’ll love him, Mother.
P.P.S. What will Maria say about this, I wonder?
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