Pretty Pens and Parchment [Elizaveta]

[Deleted]

My apologies, dear,
for all my mistakes

T

o Ms. Elizaveta,
I have received word from my mother and father that we have been arranged to marry. I must say it is quite sudden but I am content all the same. I must introduce myself. My name is Roderich Edelstein. I am the son of Christoph and Aurora Edelstein. I must say I know nothing of you, as you may know nothing of me. We seem to be on common ground, each having equal knowledge of the other. I apologize for rambling or becoming redundant in my writing but I am left with a clear mind on what to write here. Do I tell you about myself? I believe that would be too narcissistic. Do I shower you with rhymes and affections, with the feigning voice of feigning love? Or do I simply; update you on how my life is? I feel the latter is the best choice, as you wouldn’t feel the need to read the droning story of myself. At this moment, I am sitting at my desk with my two dogs in front of my fireplace as I write this. Life is nice at the moment, I have been rehearsing for a social event that my parents have requested I attend. I believe I will play the violin at the gathering but only time will tell what my final decision is. As we know nothing of each other, I wish to know more about you. I want to know all your favorite things, what you believe is beautiful and everything that could possibly fit in between. Apologies, I am getting ahead of myself. I feel it necessary- no, I believe it wise- to allow a woman to decide how she wants to be treated. I don’t wish for this marriage to cage or ensnare you. I know what a cage feels like all too well. I wish for you to be comfortable to write me; and wish you not if it causes you even the slightest bit of discomfort. Again, I wish not to ensnare you or filch your heart. I wish to be a factor that, either is or isn’t in your life if you need be. I want to be a confidant, allowing you to speak your mind. Unfiltered, uncensored, and blunt. I want to reiterate that this is all your decision. If you decide to never write me, I will be perfectly content knowing you knew my intentions and decided the best path for yourself. If you find it suitable to complete a letter back to me, I would be content as well. This is your life, no one else’s. As much as you might look around and see people who want to control you, no one can make the final decision but yourself. Please I don't want you to see this as a way to steal your heart. Please take my offer into account and I will anticipate the arrival of your reply.
Roderich Edelstein

✣

tags: Elizaveta Héderváry
word count: 519
notes: I hope this is okay

by worldie for steph

[Elizaveta Héderváry]

INFINITY (n.) the state of being limitless Elizaveta stared at the letter for what must have been the fifteenth time today. Her mother had told her, of course. Elizaveta had known for a while now, but the letter made it all the more real. The way the words were written on the parchment, the way each t was crossed and each i was dotted. Elizaveta had memorized most of the letter, could almost recite the whole thing word for word. When she first received the letter she was angry. She'd almost, almost torn it to shreds. How dare her mother. How dare her mother, after everything. Setting her up like this? That bastard of a woman, that bi-- She was calm. She was calm. At any rate, Elizaveta had finally read the letter after several days. Then she'd spent a week rereading the letter. Then another week. Elizaveta wondered if her mother knew about the letter, if she had asked Roderich to send it. Elizaveta wouldn't be surprised. What did surprise her were the contents of the letter. In the end, that was why Elizaveta was staring at this letter, why she had a pen in her hand and was simply hesitating to write. She'd been thinking for over half an hour, just trying to put words on the paper. Finally, she sighed. There was no perfect way to approach this, was there? She might as well just write it and get it over with. Be honest. That's what the letter had said, hadn't it? Very well then. ~ ~ ~ Dear Roderich,     I apologize for the delay in writing this letter to you. I have been considering your words carefully and have only just decided how to reply.     As you are aware, my name is Elizaveta Héderváry. And yes, I suppose we are on even ground since neither of us knows much of the other, though I'm sure we could both do our research. Still, it's best to get to know someone personally—or as close to personally as we'll get for now, right?     As for talking about yourself...perhaps it would be narcissistic but we know next to nothing of each other. It's best to establish some basics, isn't it? Nothing drastic, no ranting about our own pity stories or the like, just a few basic details to go off of. As if we were pen pals, just getting to know each other.     As you know, I am Elizaveta. I'm currently 15 and reside in Archadia, Russia, though I was originally born in Hungary. I am a little above average in height, with brown hair and green eyes. I enjoy the outdoors, in particularly archery and horseback riding. I suppose that should be enough to get a small sense of who I am. The rest will just have to come with time.     You say you wish to become my confidant. Forgive me for being blunt, but isn't that a bit arrogant, seeing as we haven't even met? I don't object entirely to the idea, but all that will come with time. For now, we might as well simply get to know each other.     I don't enjoy the idea of an arranged marriage. I'm guessing that you don't either. I dislike the idea of having my life planned for me. I have considered running away, spiting my mother. This is simply the truth, not a hidden secret, and she knows it as well as I do. Frankly, I am not surprised. My mother and I have not been on good terms as of late, and this is simply the latest in a string of events.     Do not for the slightest moment believe I am blaming you, Roderich. I hardly know you, after all, and I do not think you are a bad person in the slightest. I simply have little love for my mother, and that should be made clear to you from the start. But that's enough talk of this arranged marriage. I'd much rather build a friendship with you. It will make everything more pleasant for both of us.     You play the violin? That's impressive. I've always loved music, though I must say that I've never really been talented at it myself. Since it's been a while since your letter arrived, did you manage to perform? I imagine you must have done exceedingly well. I would have loved to see that. Perhaps someday in the future, I'll get to hear you play.     I've been spending a lot of time to myself lately. Like I said, I enjoy riding and archery, so that's how I've preoccupied myself mostly. It's a wonderful escape from everything else. Other than that, not much has happened to me...I just carry on as normal as possible, given everything. Life is mostly unremarkable.     I suppose that's all for now. I have no idea what will happen in the coming years. We'll just have to deal with it as it happens. I hope that you are well, that you are coming to your own conclusions about this situation as well. If you were to reject it completely...well I would gladly be your partner in crime. If you'd rather us get to know each other and perhaps try to work it out, then I am happy to do so as well. All the best, Elizaveta

words 881 tags #@stephanie notes Sorry, it's long!

template by falkyrin

[Deleted]

My apologies, dear,
for all my mistakes

R

oderich had raced down from his room, trying as quickly as he could to make it to the front door before his parents. The post was here, which meant the possibility of a reply from Elizaveta. Roderich had been doing this routine when the post came for the last two weeks. He asked the postman politely if he had a letter addressed to him and for the first time since he had penned the first letter, a lovely envelope was placed in his hands, which he knew contained Elizaveta’s reply. With a quick wave, he raced back into the house, avoiding his parents entirely.

If he hadn’t, they would insist to read the letter before him and instead of the perfect envelope it was at this moment, it would be opened, crinkled and tainted.

Roderich took his time to open the letter, making sure the envelope wasn’t torn in any way that it didn’t need to be. Gently, Roderich’s pale slender fingers grazed the paper as he slid the parchment out of it’s holding. He focused on the lovely handwriting on the paper.

He finally read the letter, finishing it in all his glory. He allowed it to rest on his desk before pacing about his room. Should he reply today? Or would that be too soon?

He rested himself in his desk chair before sliding the paper out of his drawer. As if on cue, Gretel came and rested herself in Roderich’s lap. Roderich grabbed his pen and began writing.

~~~

Dear Elizaveta,
No need to apologize for the delay, I would be excited whenever your letter had arrived. Actually, I had to rush to the postman before my parents so I would be the first eyes to read your letter. I must say I enjoy your prose, and am excited that you have decided to pen me back.
I, myself, must apologize though, for miswording the excerpt about being a confidant, without proper explanation. I in no way meant to insult you in any form. If I am reading the situation correctly, what our families expect of us lines up nearly perfectly. You also say you blatantly dislike your mother. I am not a fan of mine either.
While I don’t outright display that in public or private, she knows. By my looks, by the reluctance when she gives me a task, by the way I rub my cheek after she has pinched them in an effort to punish me. It’s almost enough to pity. The fact that my mother would go to such lengths to try and groom me for something I have no passion in pursuing.
I have found, interestingly so, that I am a year younger than you. Which I find hilarious in it’s own way. You expressed your blatant hatred for this arranged marriage but I believe it allows an opportunity. We both seem to hate our parents, be it what they do, how the act, how they want to control us into becoming something we are not, whatever the case may be. This allows us to do something our parents think is working even though we might agree that we would never get married. Allow your mother to think that her idea of the arranged marriage is going along fine, whilst really, we are only speaking as friends.
I do enjoy the violin though, and I did end up performing. But again, due to my mother, I stood constantly and was forced to play the entire night. As much as I love my violin, I don’t like playing it in excess or being requested to play constant songs. Sadly, I had to bite my tongue and do it anyway. Mostly I like playing for my dogs and my friend who lives in Switzerland. Gretel seems to enjoy when I write to you because she had curled on my lap once again. As for physical attributes, I have dark brown hair and violet eyes. I also have a inexpertly placed mole underneath the left side of my lips.
I don’t do much of outdoor activities though, but I have occasionally been known to go on a hunting trip, which normally ends fruitless. I believe I wasn’t made for any type of physical interaction. I’m much of what people would call a bookworm. But I would enjoy it immensely if we became, ‘partners in crime’ as you said. I hope we can continue to write each other and hopefully become great friends.
Wishing you well,
Roderich Edelstein

✣

tags: Elizaveta Héderváry
word count: 786
notes: I knew someone would post

by worldie for steph

[Elizaveta Héderváry]

INFINITY (n.) the state of being limitless “Here you go ma'am.” Elizaveta took the envelope from the mailman, smoothing the thick paper under her thumb. She recognized the handwriting immediately: Roderich. Funny how she was able to tell who it was, just by looking. Though, considering that she'd stared at his previous letter for over two weeks, it might not actually be so surprising. He had replied quickly, Elizaveta noted. Her reply to Roderich was still fresh in her memory, having just left her desk several days ago. She returned to her room, taking the letter opener on her desk and neatly slicing underneath the flap. Good, thick paper, the sort that wealthy people seemed to enjoy investing in. Perhaps, Elizaveta thought to herself, she would go and replace all the paper in the house with flimsy package paper. Drive her mother up the wall. It was the least she could do. Elizaveta read Roderich's letter once, then twice. She frowned and tapped her pen to her chin in concentration. To reply now or not? There was no harm in starting the letter. Elizaveta doubted she would finish it in one sitting, seeing as she didn't particularly like sitting. She intended to be out of the house for dinner, an empty table being her small rebellion for the day. Still, she had several hours before dinner was served and her mother would return, so she might as well get a headstart on writing. ~ ~ ~ Dear Roderich,     I wasn't insulted by your choice of wording, I simply chose to point it out. Perhaps some day it will be true, but I'm sure we can wait until that day to use it.     I think most teenagers are not fans of their parents. Personally, I find my mother to be scheming. I believe she cares little for me, preferring to advance her career and thinking of little else. She puts up a charming front, but she is a liar, as most politicans are. At least, I assume they must be, though maybe that's just my personal bias.     I do agree that our situations are quite similar. We have both been trained to be people we are not, forced into some socialite churning factory. At least, I'm assuming that's what you mean when you say she has been “grooming you for something you have no passion in pursuing.” It's really quite despicable. To me, it sounds as if you'd be much better off as a musician. It's come up in both of your letters, and you sound as if you have a passion for it. I know there are many who are less fortunate than us, who would mock me for saying this (and they are probably right), but we seem to have little choice in life. If we had been born into different families of a different class, perhaps we would be able to do what we truly wanted in life instead of having to adhere to whatever our parents determine.     Your idea of us fooling our parents from under their noses sounds amazing to me. Of course, I'm sure we'd have to keep our letters hidden from them (minus perhaps a few decoy letters? We can discuss the logistics later). It would be nice to have a friend. My only true friend, Monsieur Tico, was fired by my mother just a month ago. That was partially why I was late in responding to your letter...I'm afraid I was in a rather terrible mood. I still am, but it's calmed down some.     You don't do many outdoor activities, I don't do many indoor activities. I've had sewing lessons and I must admit, I am quite terrible at sewing. I can patch things up fine now, but I don't enjoy it and find it somewhat pointless. My mother tried to get me to play the flute once. That was a massive failure too. I'd much rather listen to music than play it. I don't think I was made to be a part of the upper class. I do love books, though I read all sorts that I'm sure my mother wouldn't approve of. Not that I particularly care about her opinion.     Writing to you is just about the most interesting part of my day. I enjoy riding and archery of course, but it's nice to be able to talk to someone other than my horse. Not that I'm complaining—he is an excellent listener. As I'm sure Gretel is as well. Until next time, Elizaveta

words 745 tags #@stephanie notes Oops I replied

template by falkyrin

[Deleted]

My apologies, dear,
for all my mistakes

W

ith a trained grace, Roderich swiftly cut the letter open, pulling it out of the lovely envelope. He had achieved his goal again, which was getting the letter before his parents could. The replies seemed to be quick after her last letter and Roderich wondered if replying was the best right now. He had made it partially through the letter when his mother so rudely opened the door.

“Roderich darling, come downstairs. Your father is busy and I need to you entertain a political ally of mine.”

Roderich looked at his mother, folding the letter down to make it seem like it was just another piece of parchment. His gaze towards his mother seemed pleading, but needless of his own wishes, Roderich was forced to abandon the letter and play his violin in the hearth room.

When he finally had the chance to sneak away, he finished reading the letter and began penning his reply back,

~~~

Elizaveta,
    I am glad that you enjoy our espionage. I believe it will be very exciting and hilarious to watch our parents believe we are serious while only we know the truth. You speak of horseback riding and archery, but I believe it is quite cold in Russia. At least, that is what I have learned from my tutors. Russia is actually nearly covered with cold climate, I can’t imagine horseback riding with that temperature.
    I must agree with the not fond of parents notion though. My mother is a politician as well, ironic as it may seem but even parents who aren’t politicians can be awful people. My father, for example, is a musician. He is also the main reason I am not going to be a musician. Well, I say not going to be but I believe I mean, not like him. I’m not going to be a conniving, lying mouse like my mother; or a spineless, immoral wreck like my father. If I am anything, I will be myself and do things my way.
    It’s almost comical, because this is beginning just like my last friendship did. There was a boy that my mother wanted me to ally myself with, promising that we would help to propel each other upwards in the political world. Yet, all that night we sat eating chocolates and talking about corrupt politicians and dogs on a hill behind his house. It was a failure and a success for my mother. She believed she had allied herself with his family, yet the other boy knew I didn’t want anything to do with my mother’s occupation.     
    It was harder to get to write this letter. My mother came in moments after I had opened it. I feared that she would read it, and discover our ruse. Yet, it was only to call me down so I would entertain her guest, another corrupt politician. That friend I mentioned earlier is actually visiting me today. His visits have been few and far between lately; his father has certainly started to put his thumb down on the politician route. I have decided I shall send this letter after his visit, which will give you enough time to ruminate and examine your thoughts before another letter arrives on your doorstep.
    Just added, the next letter should be a cover, my mother has been dying to read one and I feel she will stop to no lengths. I’ll have to have at least one she could comb over.

                                                                                Best wishes,
                                                                                        Roderich Edelstien

✣

tags: Elizaveta Héderváry
word count: 614
notes: right when an open thread is posted all of you reply goodness gracious

by worldie for steph