Cousin,
As you know and as always, I miss you and my family. But this winter I will be coming home to celebrate Yule with you all. Then I can tell you about how my efforts with the tiny bees of Breeland are coming along in person. I will also be bringing home much of their honey. It tastes different from honey back home but it is not a bad different. Not as sweet but not flavorless either. It is the result of hard work from the bees here and all the help I could, can, and will still be giving them.
There is a man here called Gregwald of Dale who has recently sold a lute for money to a merchant. But I know he was not entirely happy about doing so. I sometimes do not understand the Men of other places but I find it is easier to not judge but encourage. They are sometimes like young cubs who do better with with encouragement rather than harsh words all of the time. Still, it is a sad thing to see this one unhappy.
I thought to send this letter ahead of my coming for Yule so that you might have a gift I have in mind for him by the time I arrive. You are far better with woodworking than I have ever been. I remember the little drum you made for my sister when she was still small. I think you know what I ask for by now. As for the make, he said he does not have a favorite type of wood but that his favorite flower is a daisy. I have pressed this daisy he gave to me and sent it with this letter so that you know what it looks like. We do not have these in the Vales, but I have no doubt of your skills.
I should like to make it a present for him when I return to Breeland to continue my work at the farm of Gail Mossbank's family. Even if he should have another one by then, I think having more than one might do him good. That way, if he sells one off again, he will still have the other one to play.
Do this for me, cousin, and I promise I will come to visit more often and do your chores around the lodge for a whole day.
Until then, I remain your cousin who misses you from afar,
Reora
