#Edvin Lockridge

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Selections from the Correspondence of the Lockridge Family, II/XVII

Letter from Emenor Lockridge to her brother Tamett.

Untertan, Norriber

24 February 1908

Dear Tam,

how are you? I am well. I do wish you would write more interesting letters. Father read the last aloud at the table and I think Zella must have fallen asleep right into her boiled potatoes. All right, perhaps she didn’t, but we all felt like it. Is it really so dull living at the palace? Your letters are nothing like the stories you tell when you get home. Has His Royal Highness been horrid again? Are the princesses around much? How are your music lessons? Tell me!!!

See, I will show you how it is done. I am going to start new violin lessons tomorrow (!!!) with Mr. Karrel Winther.[13] Mother met him at the concert the Vosses[14] gave after Christmas and made sure to mention me to him, several times, so he got interested and wanted to hear me play. He visited last month, and Mother made me get dressed up and loaned me her pearl brooch[15] and did my hair so that it looked almost as if it were up.[16] (I know you don’t care, but I did, and you have no idea how excited I was.) I wasn’t a bit nervous about playing for him until he arrived and we were introduced. He is perfectly ordinary-looking, nothing like a great musician at all. No wild hair or bizarre clothes. He didn’t even wear a cravat instead of a tie. I had been expecting more of an eccentric, like Boschbrandt,[17] so the thought of having to play for someone who looked more like a business acquaintance of Father’s somehow brought about a whole month’s worth of nerves I hadn’t had before, all at once.

(“Oh, how dreadful that must have been for you, Emenor! However did you get through it?” That’s you, writing your interesting letter back to me.)

My hands were shaking so I thought I wouldn’t be able to keep the bow steady, but I closed my eyes, which helped a little, and played Boschbrandt’s “Melancholisches Konzert,”[18] which sounded nothing like how I felt. Then I played Metzel’s “Musik für eine Sommernacht”[19] (the one you love so much),[20] Becke’s “Hymne der Müden,”[21] and to finish off, Severin’s “Marsch der Söhne Norribers,”[22] which is always great fun. I saw Mother and Father looking at each other when I started to play that, and they might have been signaling me to stop, but I happened to be too absorbed in the music to quit, and Mr. Winther got to hear the whole thing.

(“How could you be so daring, Emenor? Even I would never dare play that in the hearing of anyone Liennese! Did it cause a terrific scandal?”)

Most people don’t express scandal by applauding, so I suppose he didn’t mind. Perhaps he didn’t recognize it. But he did agree to take me on!!! His rates made Father go very bristly-looking,[23] but with your salary arriving soon, he and Mother think they can manage it. Even if they weren’t able, I was prepared to use some of the worldly goods (presently the number of both our ages combined thanks to a shrewd business arrangement)[24] to supply it. I need these lessons. Mr. Winther has connections to the Conservatory of Königsstadt ,[25] and perhaps he can convince Father and Mother when I can’t.

But you are much of the reason this has worked out, so thank you! I miss you, but just think how much more we’ll get to see each other once I get into the Conservatory.

Your sister

Emenor

P.S.: Your scarf is at least two feet longer.[26] By the time I get it to you, it will be so long that it’ll reach from here to Königsstadt so we can pull you home whenever we miss you.

P.P.S.: (“Thank you so much, Emenor! You’re my favorite sister!”)

[13] Mr. Karrel Winther: Karrel Winther was a virtuoso violinist who had toured with the Royal Symphonic Orchestra of Lienne from 1892 to 1907 before returning to his native Norriber to teach. He was in high demand among upper-class Norriberrian circles, and for a time taking lessons from him became a status symbol. Eventually he lost patience with teaching pupils who had no serious interest in perfecting violin technique and required auditions before taking on new pupils. In 1908, he had seven other pupils besides Emenor Lockridge. These students attended lessons in pairs in his home five times a week. Emenor studied in the mornings with Andar Vind, who would later become well-known as the composer of several popular musicals.

[14] the Vosses: Olmund and Kreszentia Vosse lived a mile away from the Lockridges. Olmund Vosse had inherited a fortune in the fish business, and he and his wife were among the more prominent citizens of the area.

[15] her pearl brooch: The pearl brooch was listed among the jewels and other valuables Elina Lockridge brought with her upon her marriage. It is among the few of these jewels not to disappear from the family inventory over the years and may be seen in many photographs of Elina, including her wedding portrait.

[16] my hair […] almost as if it were up: A photograph from the Lockridge family albums, taken by Lovisa, depicts Emenor on the main staircase in the ensemble and hairstyle described here. At age fourteen, Emenor was still too young to pin up her hair. Her letters and photographs indicate that she officially did so about two years later.

[17] Boschbrandt: Lukaz Boschbrandt was among the most famous of Lienne’s distinguished composers. His legendary symphonies, known as the “Divine Twenty-Three,” are a staple of Liennese concerts, and many of his melodies have been immortalized as hymns, popular songs, and dance tunes. He was also known for his peculiar habits and appearance, including disheveled hair and rough treatment of pianos.

[18] “Melancholisches Konzert”: Boschbrandt’s “Melancholisches Konzert” (Melancholy Concerto) is a common piece for intermediate violinists to learn. It wavers between major and minor keys, with a notable tremulous quality.

[19] Metzel’s “Musik für eine Sommernacht”: Walder Metzel rose to prominence around the same time as Boschbrandt, and to this day, they remain rivals in fame and skill. Metzel completed a record-breaking 1,000 compositions (not including seventeen incomplete pieces) before his mysterious disappearance at age thirty-one. “Musik für eine Sommernacht” (Music for a Summer Night) is typical of his work in its bold, showy, virtuosic style.

[20] the one you love so much: Other family letters indicate that Emenor practiced this piece for so long that the family became especially annoyed with it, particularly because, like many of Metzel’s pieces, it is an earworm.

[21] Becke’s “Hymne der Müden”: Seppen Becke, music master of Königsstadt’s royal cathedral, is remembered most for his contributions to church music. “Hymne der Müden” (Hymn of the Weary), a favorite of organists, is perhaps his most recognizable piece.

[22] Severin’s “Marsch der Söhne Norribers”: Jone Severin composed numerous Norriberrian patriotic pieces, including “Marsch der Söhne Norribers” (March of the Sons of Norriber), written around the two hundredth anniversary of the conquest of Norriber. Severin’s works were outlawed as seditious in Lienne and its possessions and were never heard at any public musical performance, although they continued to be played in private.

[23] His rates made Father go very bristly-looking: Karrel Winther charged ten myunzen ($530) for a month’s worth of lessons.

[24] the worldly goods ([…] thanks to a shrewd business arrangement): “Worldly goods” was Emenor’s code for her personal savings, intended to eventually fund her education at the Conservatory of Königsstadt and kept secret from her parents for fear of unauthorized “loans.” Emenor had at this point amassed an impressive sixteen myunzen ($848). It is unclear what this “shrewd business arrangement” was; no further hints exist among the family papers.

[25] Mr. Winther has connections to the Conservatory of Königsstadt: Karrel Winther was educated at the Conservatory, as were most of Lienne’s distinguished musicians of the day.

[26] Your scarf is at least two feet longer: Emenor was a prolific knitter, and many of her pieces are still in existence. A scarf known to be her work, which could possibly be the one to which she refers here, measures eight feet and seven inches in length.

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Selections from the Correspondence of the Lockridge Family, IV-VI/XVII

Letter from Lovisa Lockridge to her brother Tamett.

3 March 1908

Dear Tamett,

please come back. Everybody’s cross with each other and they won’t stop because Cille broke Emenor’s violin. She didn’t mean to but she broke it to bits and then Emenor yelled at her and then Mother yelled at both of them for yelling and then Father came and yelled louder than anybody. I tried to ask them to stop and tell them what had really happened but they said it was none of my business and told me to go away. I wish you were here. I can still hear them upstairs. I was only trying to help. They don’t need to yell.

Aunt Klariesa doesn’t yell but she looks like she wants to cry every time I do anything.[35] I touched her hand while she was lying down and she said it hurt and my hand was cold. But it wasn’t. She says I read too fast too. I try to make the books more interesting because they’re always all about people hating each other and wanting to get married and have money,[36] but then she says when I read like that it gives her that thing that her heart does that I can’t spell.[37]

I don’t like being a companion here. I’d rather go to the palace with you. Are you sure there isn’t anybody who needs a companion there? Like the princesses?[38]

I miss you louder than anyone yelling downstairs. XOXOXO

Yours with love

Lovisa

Letter from Cille Lockridge to her brother Tamett.

3 March 1908

Dear Tamett,

I hope you are well. I am well. Today was not good. I wanted to read the big mathematics book[39] on the top shelf of the bookcase in the sitting room, but I could not reach it and no one taller was there. So I found a chair and stood on it. The book was at the bottom of the stack. I tried to pull it out carefully, but it started to fall over. I tried to catch the books. They did not fall, but I did. I landed on Emenor’s music stand, and the stand had the violin on it because she had been practicing earlier. The violin is very broken. I do not think it can be fixed. Violins are very expensive. Father sent me to bed without supper because it is wrong to stand on chairs and break violins. I am very sorry. Emenor is not happy. My back still hurts. Father and Mother are very angry.

Please come home soon. I miss you.

Your loving sister

Cille

Letter from Zella Lockridge to her brother Tamett.

3 March 1908

Dear Tamett,

I miss you.

Today we took a walk and I saw a dog. He was brown with a white spot on his back. His name is Balder.[40]

Who is your favorite sister?

Love from

Zella

[35] Aunt Klariesa […]: In 1907, Lovisa became companion to her aunt by marriage, Klariesa, Duchess of Reierwardt, who suffered from an undiagnosed ailment. Lovisa’s letters and diaries illustrate an often-frustrating relationship between her and her aunt, who was difficult to please and prone to emotional manipulation, although Lovisa’s anecdotes have a seemingly exaggerated quality that calls into the question the extent of their accuracy. Nevertheless, her position was convenient. The Duke and Duchess had no children and felt a sense of obligation to the Duke’s sister and her family. Tamett, Duke of Reierwardt had been instrumental in getting Tamett Lockridge his companion position. The Norriberrian dukes of Reierwardt had historically been compliant with the Liennese crown and sought influence and favor at court; Elina and Tamett’s parents had lived at Königshaus for many years.

[36] the books […]: Inventories of the Duchess’s possessions list, at different times, between 150-200 novels in her collection. Many of them were by Coregean author Giora Shorr, specialist in complex romances that redefined the genre for Coregean audiences, although the Duchess also enjoyed the works of Faysmondian authors Ontine Leclare and Aumeric Savatier, pioneers of the psychological novel.

[37] that thing that her heart does that I can’t spell: Klariesa frequently wrote to her sister-in-law about her heart palpations, which might be the word Lovisa had in mind.

[38] anybody who needs a companion there? Like the princesses?: Odren never hired a companion for Ayra and Ateva, as he did for Josiah. With two daughters four years apart in age, he probably concluded that the sisters would be enough constant company for each other. Ayra and Ateva’s childhood was more socially active than that of their half-brothers. Their parents frequently visited relatives in other nations, and the girls accompanied them to Vischland, Faysmond, and Corege, where they became acquainted with cousins with whom they would continue to correspond for many years. Queen Liane encouraged Liennese nobility to bring their children to court, where they were permitted to play with the princesses. Thus, a live-in companion was not necessary. By contrast, Odren was more particular about with whom he would allow Josiah to associate, and Queen Nyella’s difficult pregnancies made frequent social visits and travel less feasible. After Nyella’s death, social life at court slowed in deference to the king’s prolonged mourning.

[39] the big mathematics book: This was probably A Brief Introduction to Intermediate Mathematics by Coregean mathematician Jowan Alford Bridgeley, a volume of approximately 894 pages in the seventh edition.

[40] Balder: Balder is believed to have belonged to the Lockridge’s neighbor Norber Kobben, a retired naturalist. A photograph from his collection depicts a Liennese spaniel fitting this description.

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Selections from the Correspondence of the Lockridge Family, X-XI/XVII

Tamett to Lovisa.

14 March 1908

Dear Lovisa,

what on earth were you thinking to write His Royal Highness a letter like that? It came today and he read it at the breakfast table in front of all of us.[55] I know you want to help Emenor, and that’s very good of you. But you can’t just write to HRH like that. You haven’t been introduced.[56] He didn’t say much, but he gave me some strange looks, so I don’t know what he’s going to do. You might get a letter from a palace secretary telling you to address questions to somebody else.[57] They might scold me. I will try to put in a good word for you. But you should start thinking up other ways to get Em’s violin.

Are you still playing landhockey?[58] Had any matches lately? How did you do?

Your brother

Tamett

Emenor to Tamett.

14 March 1908

Dear Tam,

I didn’t put Lovisa up to writing that letter. None of us did. She came up with the idea all by herself. I guess she’s been really sick about all this, perhaps more than Cille, who’s just going about looking solemn. Anyhow, she wanted to do something about it and had been snooping in my letters and read what you said about wanting someone to take the violin off your hands. And of course it was ridiculous of her, but she does have more nerve than the rest of us put together to write to someone like His Royal Highness. (Actually, I’ve wanted to, lots of times, after you tell me what he puts you through, but Mother and Father have torn up every single attempt before I can send it. At some point he needs someone to say those things to him, but it can wait until I meet him in person.)

But if you think it would help, I can write to HRH and explain that it was a mistake and we really aren’t begging and please don’t take it out on my brother because he didn’t put Lovisa up to it. How cross is he? He hasn’t told his father, I hope? And there’s no chance he’ll dismiss you for having a presumptuous family? That’s a silly reason to dismiss anyone, but then he’s silly, and you can tell him that from me if he does sack you.

I think I might have to risk pulling the worldly goods out of their mothballs[59] and just bite the bullet and tell Father and Mother. Perhaps between the lot of us we can scrounge enough.

Your sister

Emenor

[55] at the breakfast table in front of all of us: This presumably included all four of the royal children and Tamett. Odren was not known to breakfast with his children.

[56] But you can’t just write to HRH like that. You haven’t been introduced: While technically there was no rule in Lienne against writing to the Crown Prince without introduction, the royal family in general was viewed as unapproachable to most of their subjects. Letters to the royal family were subject to scrutiny by a committee of the palace security before they were permitted to be given to their intended recipients, to ensure that they contained no death threats, poison, or other distressing content.

[57] a letter from a palace secretary telling you to address questions to somebody else: Replies to many letters to Josiah were sent by a secretary and would contain such remarks as “His Royal Highness thanks you for your letter and appreciates your kind sentiments.”

[58] Are you still playing landhockey?: Lovisa belonged to a landhockey (field hockey) team composed of girls from her neighborhood but had only been able to join after long haggling with her parents, who made a point of pretending that this activity did not exist.

[59] pulling the worldly goods out of their mothballs: Emenor kept her conservatory fund in a bank account.

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Selections from the Correspondence of the Lockridge Family, XVI-XVII/XVII

Tamett to Lovisa.

21 March 1908

Dear Lovisa,

I am well. I hope you are well too. Emenor arrived yesterday afternoon and she is well too and says hello. Don’t worry. No one is in trouble with His Royal Highness or the King. It all worked out somehow. They took Emenor and me straight to see HRH as soon as she came. He was in his reception room,[64] which I didn’t expect because the King was supposed to be there too, and if he were, we would have been in another part of the palace.[65] But it was just HRH and Ayra. She said their father was busy and would probably be along later.[66] HRH didn’t say much. He just told Emenor to start. I thought she might say something to him like she always says she wants to, but she didn’t. She played very well, one song after another, everything she knows, I think. We kept waiting for the King to come, but he never did. HRH just sat there and looked blank and then Ayra elbowed him and finally he said that he’d tell their father about it and we could go. So I took Emenor on a tour of the palace and we sneaked into as many rooms as we could until Lord Rochus[67] caught us in the Marble Billiard Hall[68] and sent us back to the children’s quarters,[69] so we borrowed Ateva’s phonograph[70] and played it till past midnight, I think. I don’t remember. Emenor got to stay in an empty room near mine[71] and we sent for dinner and dessert and lemonade.

This morning they brought over the violin in a case with a note from HRH. He said it had all been arranged and Emenor could have the violin.[72] We take the train back tomorrow and should be there by evening. So you see it’s all right now. Sorry about the earlier letter. I suppose you knew just what to say to HRH. Just don’t tell him again what I say about him. He doesn’t need to know that. But thank you. Say hello to Father and Mother and the girls.

Your brother

Tamett

P.S.: Tell Mother we need to have almond cake[73]when I get back. It’s been forever.

P.P.S.: The violin has the royal crest imprinted very small on the back.[74] I don’t remember that being there before but I tried not to look much at the beastly thing if I could help it.

Tamett to Zella.

21 March 1908

Dear Zella,

I miss you too. You will need to introduce me to Balder when I come home. He sounds like a good dog.

You are one of my favorite sisters. So is Emenor. So is Lovisa. So is Cille.

Hopefully one of your favorite brothers[75]

Tamett

[64] his reception room: Josiah’s rooms were in a separate section of the royal children’s wing. They included his private sitting room, bedroom, dressing room, bathroom, classroom, music room, and reception room, where he received visitors, most often dignitaries or the few citizens who were permitted private audiences. Tamett’s letters indicate that he spent most of his time with Josiah in the classroom or sitting room, and it would have been unusual for him to enter the reception room.

[65] another part of the palace: Odren typically received visitors in his own reception room, which was in the same wing as Josiah’s, but on the first (ground) floor and at the other end.

[66] their father was busy and would probably be along later: According to the records of Odren’s schedule in March 1908, further corroborated by the King’s journal, he was not even in residence at the palace on the nineteenth but had left for an urgent meeting with the governor of Westralia regarding some unrest among the factory workers there and did not return until the twenty-first.

[67] Lord Rochus: Lord Rochus had been a member of the court since the reign of Odren VI. Ayra and Ateva refer to him in their letters as “Picknickregen” (Picnic Rain) in reference to what they perceived as his killjoy tendencies; he reportedly objected to the princesses’ taste in music, dress, and vocabulary.

[68] the Marble Billiard Hall: The Marble Billiard Hill was among the grand rooms on the first floor of the central wing of the palace, quite a distance from Tamett’s room. These rooms were typically used only for special occasions, ceremonial purposes, or for the benefit of important visitors. As a mere member of the household, Tamett would have been cautioned never to enter these rooms without official accompaniment.        

[69] the children’s quarters: The royal children lived on the second floor of the west wing of the palace. Josiah’s rooms were at the north end, where it bent to connect to the central wing, while his siblings’ rooms ran the length of the wing. These included bedrooms, a bathroom, classrooms, a reception room, a dining room, and quarters for the royal children’s staff.

[70] Ateva’s phonograph: Ateva and Josiah both owned phonographs, although the former would have been more likely to lend hers. It was a gift from her aunt Ayra, Queen of Vischland, probably at the insistence of Ayra’s children, with whom Ateva corresponded. Her modest collection of records included several forbidden rag recordings, which she hid carefully.

[71] an unoccupied room near mine: Tamett’s room was tucked away at the far end of Josiah’s rooms, in a separate corridor. His nearest neighbors were Lord Protzmann and Josiah’s tutors.

[72] a note from HRH. He said it had all been arranged and Emenor could have the violin: Josiah’s note, found among Emenor’s papers, read: “Dear Miss Lockridge, upon the evidence of your excellent musical talent and testimony of your diligence in your field, we have concluded that you are indeed worthy of a fine instrument. Please accept this violin as a token of our esteem. With kind regards to you and your family, Yours sincerely, Josiah, Crown Prince of Lienne.”

[73] almond cake: Norriberrian almond cake, a cardamom-flavored crust filled with almond paste, is traditionally made near Easter and was a particular favorite of Tamett’s, often served in the Lockridge household on his birthday, April 29.

[74] the royal crest imprinted very small on the back: After repeat instances of theft, Odren began a custom of having instruments belonging to himself and his family marked with the royal crest.

[75] one of your favorite brothers: This went on to become a long-standing joke between Tamett and Zella, and later the other sisters.

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Selections from the Correspondence of the Lockridge Family, I/XVII

Letter from Tamett Lockridge, companion to Prince Josiah of Lienne, to his family.

Königshaus Palace

Königsstadt, Lienne

21 February 1908

Dear Father, Mother, Emenor, Lovisa, Cille, and Zella,

I am well. I hope you are well too. Everyone else here is well and says hello. They really don’t but this is something you are supposed to say in letters.

Today I had breakfast. It was good except for having to eat it with His Royal Highness. Then HRH and I had morning lessons with Professor Ebner.[1] We did Divinity first, but I don’t remember much because I was mostly asleep.[2] Then we did Mathematics. Professor Specht[3] doesn’t like how I do multiplication. He wants me to do it like HRH, but his way doesn’t make sense even though he always has the right answer. Then we did Latin. The ancient Romans were interesting and did lots of exciting things, but I wish they had done it in Liennese and made it less confusing. I suggested to Professor Ebner that we do Latin practice by pretending to be gladiators outdoors, but he didn’t like that idea. Then we had lunch. Then we had more lessons, but they are also boring and I don’t want to write about them. After lessons HRH wanted to read, so I went for a walk in the park.[4] I am trying to see how far I can go before anyone notices. I think I was there for a few hours. Lord Protzmann[5] found me and said that I should know better than to disappear like that. So it was partly successful. It was too late to practice violin.

I had dinner with HRH and Mikaiah and Her Royal Highness Ateva. Her Royal Highness Ayra had to eat with the King.[6] She sneaked some of their caviare and brought it back for us to try.[7] It was strange. I wasn’t going to write tonight, but Lord Protzmann said I should.[8] So I am writing now.

When they pay me next week,[9] may I have a viertelmyunze[10] from it? I have had nothing for weeks whenever the shopkeepers come to visit.[11]

Yours sincerely

Tamett

P.S.: And please send my other handball from home. I lost the one I had.

P. P. S.: I asked Lord Protzmann about coming home at Easter[12] and he said he would talk to the king.

[1] Professor Ebner: Helmold Ebner, primary tutor to Prince Josiah, taught the traditional classical subjects. He was among the foremost scholars at the University of Wissenberg when he was engaged by Odren VII in 1902 to teach his son. The arrangement proved successful, with Ebner remaining with the Prince until the latter’s departure for Hollingham College in 1908. Ebner wrote to his brother in 1903, “While I admit that initially my expectations in teaching such a young pupil—a new experience indeed for me—were less than optimistic, I have found His Royal Highness to have the gravity and diligence of a young man thrice his age, and I would not exchange my young scholar for any graduate student at Wissenberg. He is a joy to teach and the pride of my academic career” (Collected Letters of Helmold Ebner, vol. 3, pp. 336-37). References to Tamett Lockridge appear surprisingly seldom among Ebner’s correspondence, with the most notable remark being his lament to a former colleague that “the Norriberrian child cannot understand simple concepts that His Royal Highness grasps immediately, while certain more difficult things that I take care to fully explain he claims to grasp from the start and yawns through the lesson” (Ibid. p. 429).

[2] mostly asleep: Multiple memoranda from Prince Josiah to his father complaining of his companion’s distracting tendency to snore during some lessons substantiate this remark.

[3] Professor Specht: Xaver Specht, mathematics tutor to Prince Josiah, was a professor at Wissenberg for only five years before winning the Höchste Award for Mathematical Achievement in 1902 for his monograph “Confronting the Monster Infinity.” He initially declined Odren’s request to teach the Prince, preferring to concentrate on research, but Odren’s promised compensation proved too profitable an opportunity to pass up. Specht was a notably private man but is known to have once claimed, “Most days, I need not teach His Royal Highness. He was born with mathematics written on his lips and heart” (Kalb, Xaver Specht: A Unique Mind, p. 284).

[4] the park: The park on the grounds of Königshaus Palace is famous for its great extent, nearly twenty miles at its widest point. Its attractions include the royal herd of deer, the Buchenwald (Beech Forest), and the magnificent statue of Odren (I) the Great, erected in 1858 by Odren VI to commemorate the four hundredth anniversary of Lienne’s conquest of Norriber.

[5] Lord Protzmann: Lord Protzmann, the head of the household of the royal children of Lienne, was appointed to that rank in 1885 and would continue in that role until his dismissal in 1910 after an embezzlement scandal. His duties included overseeing the daily affairs of the royal children’s domestic staff, managing accounts, and supervising such employees as the companion Tamett Lockridge and the princesses’ lady’s-maid, Sarra Gilsbrecht. Correspondence and diaries of the royal children indicate that they typically referred to Protzmann behind his back as Protz; it is likely that Tamett did also, but in a letter to his family which Protzmann could have easily intercepted, he is employing caution.

[6] Ayra had to eat with the King: By December 1902, after the death of Queen Nyella, Princess Ayra was expected to attend meals with her father in place of a consort whenever female guests were present. Lady Erna Rademacher, who often dined with the royal family, commented in later life that the princess was “so studiously courteous that to interact with her resembled a lesson in etiquette. She was always correct but lacked the spontaneous warmth more natural to her sister” (Forty-Seven Years at the Liennese Court, pp. 251-52).

[7] some of their caviare […] for us to try: The royal children’s household accounts indicate that the princes and princesses typically dined quite lavishly, in a style resembling that of their parents and the rest of the court. Even so, such dishes as caviar would have been off-limits.

[8] Lord Protzmann said I should: Lord Protzmann regularly corresponded with Edvin and Elina Lockridge about their son’s welfare and behavior and also kept track of the boy’s communication with his family.

[9] they pay me next week: Tamett Lockridge was paid 100 myunzen per mensem (worth approximately $5,300 today), the bulk of which went to his parents, although the rest was put in savings for his future, with a small allowance for him.              

[10] viertelmyunze: The myunze (plural: myunzen) is the chief unit of Liennese currency, worth approximately $53 dollars in 1908. A viertelmyunze was worth a quarter of a myunze ($13.25), while a halbemyunze was worth half ($26.50).

[11] the shopkeepers come to visit: Since it was not considered proper or feasible for the royal family to attend shops, certain prestigious merchants in Königsstadt were permitted by appointment to bring a selection of their wares and their catalog to the palace for the royal family to examine and purchase at will.

[12] coming home at Easter: Tamett’s last documented visit to his family had been at Christmas 1907.

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Selections from the Correspondence of the Lockridge Family, VIII/XVII

Emenor to Tamett.

7 March 1908

Dear Tam,

I suppose you’ve already heard about what happened to my violin. It can’t be salvaged at all. I even took it to Mr. Winther and he said it was hopeless. He gave me one to borrow for the time being and told me to look into getting a new one. Not just any new one. One of Otionovian make.[44] As if I can walk into any shop and choose one off a shelf. He even wrote Father and Mother a letter detailing the specific sort of violin he has in mind, so I can’t even forget to mention this to them. I’m not sure if Mr. Winther thinks we have that sort of money.[45] It’s enough of an ordeal paying for lessons, but now with this Father and Mother are rather panicked.[46] They keep going off privately to talk loudly. They don’t want to ask Uncle Tamett and Aunt Klariesa again because you know how they’ll be about it.[47] Father even threatened to make that beast Cille pay for it herself, but that’s never going to work because she has nothing.[48] Of course I have something, but it still isn’t enough because an Otionovian violin goes for a small fortune up here,[49] and even if I did, I’d have to explain where I got the money. Which I don’t want to do.[50] I think at this point the best I can do is keep playing the borrowed one and hope that some generous benefactor comes along with a fortune to distribute to young struggling musicians, although my next option is piracy.

All right, Cille isn’t really a beast. I know she didn’t mean to and that it was all an accident. I’ve dropped the violin myself lots of times—not as dramatically.[51] But it’s an awfully expensive accident that’s causing me a lot of worry. It’ll be all right. I just need to be angry with her for a while first.

I didn’t think I’d ever say this, but thank goodness you weren’t here, because you would have been Suspect Number One. You would have smashed it and enjoyed every minute. You’ve probably wanted for a long time now to do that to the one they gave you. No use telling me you would never do anything so ungrateful. I know you for the troublemaker you are.

Such as making a list of “interesting” things but not even mentioning Hollingham until practically the last sentence??? Why must you torment me? Tell me all about it. Why are you going? I thought His Royal Highness wasn’t leaving until next year. Did he do something to make his father angry or is he just that impatient about his education? Do you want to go to Hollingham at all? I wish they admitted girls. And that I were there. Then I wouldn’t have to be here, and that would suit me just fine.

This week I learned “Arie für Solovioline.”[52] It doesn’t sound bad on the borrowed violin, but to make sure, I will follow you around playing it, over and over, whenever you come home. You’re going to love it.

Missing you! When are you coming home, anyway?

Your sister

Emenor

[44] One of Otionovian make: Despite Lienne’s reputation for musical genius, it was not the leading producer of instruments. For the past three centuries, Otionovian craftsmen, such as Dianati and Navario, had established their nation’s reputation for high-quality stringed instruments. A combination of technique and materials gave Otionovian violins an exquisite sound, subtle but distinctive to the trained ear. Thus, they were prized by serious musicians and demanded a lofty price. In 1908, the average gently used Otionovian violin cost fifty myenzen ($2,650), while a new one often sold for ninety ($4,770). These were the only sorts of violins in use at Königshaus; Prince Josiah was said to have owned five of them, although later accounts claim only four.

[45] not sure if Mr. Winther thinks we have that sort of money: Winther’s letter makes no mention of the potential cost of the instrument but instead appeals to the need for correct equipment to make the most of Emenor’s lessons. It is possible that Winther assumed that the Lockridges’ connection to a duke reflected or at least affected their own financial status.

[46] Father and Mother are rather panicked: According to the Lockridges’ accounts from this time, their other expenses included upkeep and new furnishings for their rather dilapidated house, a down payment on an automobile, the salary of a governess for their daughters, and campaigning expenses for Edvin, who was, for the twelfth time, campaigning for the office of representative in Norriber’s delegation to the Liennese court.  

[47] They don’t want to ask Uncle Tamett and Aunt Klariesa again […]: The Duke of Reierwardt’s accounts list an average of fourteen loans of various amounts to the Lockridges annually between 1894 and 1908. Elina’s letters to her brother frequently contain delicately worded requests for money, while the Duke’s letters to her often claim in turn that he has nothing to spare and invoke his ill wife as an excuse to not lend anything.

[48] she has nothing: The Lockridge children did not receive allowances; their only sources of income were gifts from relatives or earning it themselves.

[49] an Otionovian violin goes for a small fortune up here: See note 43 for the average cost of an Otionovian violin.

[50] I’d have to explain where I got the money. Which I don’t want to do: According to other letters of Emenor’s, her father was known to “borrow” money from his daughters, often without their consent, and never paid them back after neglecting to make records of the loans. She eventually made a point of asking their aunts on their father’s side not to any monetary gifts for the Lockridge girls in the hearing of or in letters to Edvin and Elina.

[51] I’ve dropped the violin myself lots of times—not as dramatically: Emenor at age nine had also broken a bow after using it as a sabre in a mock-fight with Tamett.

[52] “Arie für Solovioline”: “Arie für Solovioline” (Air for Solo Violin) by Boschbrandt was a staple of Liennese recitals and private concerts and was among Winther’s signature pieces.

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Who is Tamett?

Today, April 29, is my OC Tamett's birthday.

Bio

Tamett Lockridge (né Låsrygg--he's often known historically by the Coregicized version of his surname) was born in Noriber, a nation conquered by Lienne in the fifteenth century, to Edvin and Elina Låsrygg. His father was from a respectable but untitled and financially struggling family, and his mother was the daughter of a Noriberrian duke. Tamett was named after his maternal uncle, the current duke, who had no children, in the hope that he might inherit the title someday. Despite this connection to nobility, Tamett grew up unassuming and ordinary alongside his four sisters--until a recommendation from his uncle landed him a position as companion to Josiah, Crown Prince of Lienne.

Living at the palace and studying alongside a prince turns out to be a miserable experience for Tamett. He struggles academically, feels stifled by the formal atmosphere of the royal household, and most of all does not really get along with Josiah, who treats him with disdain. Tamett has learned to hold his tongue, ignore his frustrations, and go along to get along, and it works--until it doesn't. As punishment for his role in a lessons-related deception that Josiah orchestrated, he is tasked with accompanying Josiah to Hollingham College in Corege in the capacity of manservant. This would be bad enough, but Tamett has also recently given Josiah reason to thoroughly loathe him. And now they're stuck together in a foreign country.

But valeting Josiah isn't the only job Tamett has been given. And what he's about to deal with will challenge him to figure out exactly who Tamett Låsrygg really is--a subservient shadow? or an individual with aspirations and an ethic of his own?

Why I Love Him

Tamett is one of my more difficult characters to write. It's easy to lose him in his relationship to Josiah, and compared to Josiah and Elystan, whom he will be featured alongside, he has a relatively unremarkable personality. He's The Generic Guy, and I've meant to try to do something about that--but it's occurred to me fairly recently that that's the whole point. Tamett is paid to be nobody. He has been more or less raised to be nobody. And what does that do to a person? What is he holding back? Who would Tamett be if he were allowed to be his authentic self? Does he even know anymore? These are questions that I'd like to get to the bottom of, and for the first time I'm finding myself not just pitying Tamett but fascinated by his potential. Unlike the royal characters, his future isn't bound by certain obligations, so life could take him just about anywhere as his world enters its equivalent of a century full of exciting new developments.

(Also his relationships with his sisters is a lot of fun. He's the only one of my fictional older brothers who isn't aloof and uninvolved.)

Description

Tamett hadn’t a remarkable feature on him; perhaps he had been chosen as Josiah’s companion for that very reason. He seemed created to be a professional shadow. He had ashy hair, eyes the color of fog, and the nondescript appearance of furniture, like a plain, reliable chair taken for granted. But something in his stoic expression suggested a chair that one of these mornings might surprise you by falling to pieces beneath you.

Further Info

There are lists of random OC facts for him here and here. These are somewhat old lists, created when I was still trying to more fully develop the character, and I might need to revisit/rethink them, but you get the idea.

Appearances

A Selection of Letters Related to Tamett Lockridge, 1903 (at age eight)

A Little Violin Music (at age twelve)

Selections from the Correspondence of the Lockridge Family (before Book 3)

Book 3 Chapter One (I am currently in the process of revising this chapter and there may be a new version soonish)

Book 3 Chapter Two (also subject to change)

A Christmas Chapter (Tamett’s POV) (during Book 3)

He also appears in Josiah's and Elystan's POVs of "A Christmas Chapter."

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"Selections from the Correspondence of the Lockridge Family": The Context

The Blackberry Bushes stories are set in a world that's basically an alternate Europe in the 1900s. Similar culture, different nations and political dynamics. "Selections" takes place in 1908.

Lienne is an up-and-coming nation that occupies several territories besides its own. One of these is Noriber, which has been under Liennese rule for centuries. Lienne forbids any expressions of Noriberrian national unity/patriotism. Many citizens are content with Liennese rule, but many others desire independence. This doesn't come up directly in "Selections," but the relationship between Lienne and Noriber is important to bear in mind.

Lienne has been ruled by King Odren VII for the past thirty-four years. He is committed to building his nation into a formidable world power in step with the new century's exciting advances. Lienne's royal family lost a lot of prestige under Odren's father's reign, so it's very important to him that his family now set a flawless example of domestic life, conduct, and accomplishments.

Odren has four children: Ayra (age 23 at the time of this story), Ateva (18), Josiah (12), and Mikaiah (5). Ayra and Ateva are the daughters of his late first wife, and Josiah and Mikaiah are the sons of his beloved second wife, who died in childbirth. Ayra has taken on consort duties since her stepmother's death. Ateva is being angled at various kings and princes as an advantageous political match. Mikaiah is mostly overlooked.

Josiah is the Crown Prince. One of his titles is "the Hope of Lienne," which more or less sums up the weight of expectations placed upon him. He is a prodigy in both academics and music (Lienne considers itself the music capital of this world). He has excelled at the few royal duties that his father has entrusted him with. His public conduct is irreproachable. He is very much his father's favorite.

To keep Josiah company in his studies since he has no siblings near his age, Odren has hired a live-in companion, Tamett Lockridge (13). Tamett has been with the royal family for about five years, shortly after the death of Josiah's mother. He and Josiah tolerate each other but are emphatically not friends. Josiah considers Tamett his intellectual inferior, and Tamett finds Josiah absolutely insufferable. He is correct. Josiah is a self-important jerk.

Tamett's family is from Noriber. His parents, Edvin and Elina Lockridge, are of respectable birth but neither titled nor wealthy. Elina is the sister of Tamett Kassbeck, Duke of Reierwardt. This connection allowed her son Tamett to land the companion job at the palace. The Duke is married to Klariesa, and they have no children. Tamett Lockridge was named for his uncle in the hopes of inheriting from him eventually.

In addition to their son, Edvin and Elina have four daughters: Emenor (14), Lovisa (11), Cille (7), and Zella (4). Tamett is close to all his sisters, and they write to him frequently.

The Lockridges can use all the financial help that they can get, so Tamett's well-paying job is very important to the family's stability.

And that's pretty much all you need to know, I think! If something isn't making sense, do feel free to ask for clarification.

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Selections from the Correspondence of the Lockridge Family, XII-XIII/XVII

Tamett to Emenor.

16 March 1908

Dear Em,

the royal family went to Domstadt for the weekend for something social,[60] and they didn’t need me, so I haven’t seen His Royal Highness since he got the letter. He didn’t say anything more about it before he left, and I don’t want to write. I don’t know if he’s written to her yet or if he has told the King. They are supposed to return tomorrow. And then I’ll catch it for sure.

Perhaps they’ll let me buy the violin if I give up allowance for the next thousand years.

Lord Protzmann finally told me I can go home next week. I hope he’ll let me take the train by myself again.[61]

Your brother

Tamett

Tamett to Cille.

16 March 1908

Dear Cille,

I think chickens are a good idea. Keep asking Mother about it. It can’t be too hard, and there’s a shed out in the north field. You can’t see it from the house. If your selling eggs in the village is still a problem, perhaps you can send Till[62] to do it instead. He would probably do it if you asked.

You can have my maths. I haven’t done half of it.

I know you didn’t mean to break the violin. Everyone else knows too. Em probably isn’t angry anymore.

Your brother

Tamett

[60] the royal family went to Domstadt for the weekend for something social: Tamett was not quite accurate in describing this trip. The royal family had gone to Domstadt to celebrate Palm Sunday at Domstadt’s famous cathedral, a long-standing tradition of the monarchs of Lienne. After morning services, the King goes on a procession around the city, which is decked out in colorful symbolic “palms” made of green tree branches and flowers tied together.

[61] I hope he’ll let me take the train by myself again: It was an eight-hour train trip from Königsstadt to Tamett’s home, and, especially early in his time as Josiah’s companion, Tamett had to be accompanied by a parent or an authorized member of the royal household’s staff.

[62] Till: Till Ennsnekt was one of three employees of the Lockridge household. He had been with the family since Edvin and Elina married in 1893, and his duties included maintenance, gardening, and driving the carriage, among many other tasks.

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More OC nonsense nobody asked for: some observations about the protagonists’ names.

Rachel Irène Doncath: Not named after anyone in particular; her parents chose the name because they liked it. Biblical names are common among Dissidants, and the meaning of her middle name (peace) seemed appropriate for a child born a few years after the end of the Otionovian war. Note that it’s the Faysmondian form of the name, pronounced ee-RAIN, not eye-REEN.

Rietta Opelle Verina Philene Valencourt: Her first three names are for various relatives on her father’s side, but Philene is her mother’s original Otionovian name, and as I’ve mentioned elsewhere, it was a controversial choice. It might have been her father’s idea, as a sort of compensation to Tietra for her having to give up her name.

Andras Delclis Gearalt Phemister: Named for his father, grandfather, and uncle, all of whom ruled Corege. It’s the name that was chosen for him when he was expected to be born heir to the throne, and there’s a lot of pressure behind it. Has always gone by Delclis to differentiate himself from his father. And it’s to further distance himself from his father’s tarnished memory that he's crowned Delclis V and not Andras III.

Elystan Allister Philimond Talfrin Liddick: Named for his maternal grandfather, his mother’s late brother, a historic king of Corege, and his father. Bethira had to put her foot down to have the names from her side come first, but it was understood that when Elystan someday succeeded his father, he would do so as Talfrin II regardless of his using his first name in private. In moments of strong affection or particular approval or when Making a Point to Bethira, his father calls him Tally, but his actual diminutive from early childhood was Elly.

Amarantha Margeth Melbray: Named for a favorite poem of her father’s and her maternal grandmother. Edmara was hoping for something more down-to-earth for the first name, but there is no talking sense to a poet with his mind made up. Amarantha probably had some difficult pronouncing her name when very young and settled on Anfa until old enough to say it right. She’s proud of her name because it’s so different from most people’s and therefore fitting for an artist.

Tamett Edvin Lockridge: Named for his maternal uncle the Duke (in hopes of his receiving some kind of inheritance or favor as the namesake of the childless duke) and his father. Called Tam by his sisters, but never at the palace, where he is always addressed by his Christian name. The royal household doesn’t use diminutives much anymore.

Josia Odren Benart Davard Thomel Callon: Under normal circumstances would have been called Odren, but that name went to Odren and Liane’s first child, who died in infancy, and Odren was reluctant to bring it back as a first name, especially because Nyella wanted to use a name from her family. Nevertheless, Odren’s name was still used for continuity (Josiah might be expected to eventually take the throne as Odren VIII). The other names have no ties to either parents’ immediate family but come from distinguished Liennese kings Josiah is expected to imitate someday. Davard, along with his mother’s maiden name, is the alias he uses while traveling incognito. Although the narrative primarily refers to him as Josiah, the Coregean form of his name that he uses while at school and when speaking Coregean, at home he is Josia (YO-zee-uh). HIs mother called him Yozi, but no one has called him that since her death (except maybe his sisters, with plenty of irony).

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A Selection of Letters Related to Tamett Lockridge, 1903

I do not have a story for Tamett’s birthday. Not exactly. I had intended to write Tamett and Josiah’s first meeting, but there were a lot of POV and pacing and general having-a-point-ness issues with that one that will require far more time to fix. Instead, this is another set of annotated letters, this time with 100% less plot. Nothing happens. It just sort of ends. It’s more character-related nonsense than anything else (which is the only reason I could finish it). 

Tumblr doesn’t have the best option for formatting footnotes, sorry; if you are comfortable with my emailing you a Word document, which will be easier to read, please message me.

This is set when Tamett is seven (nearly eight) and has just been hired as Josiah’s companion.

I. Tamett Lockridge to his family

23 January 1903

Dear Papa, Mama, Emenor, Lovisa, and Cille,[1]

how are you? I am well. I am at the palace now. It is as big as ten of our house.[2] It has to be big because lots and lots of people live here.[3] I don’t have to see most of them, and I like that.

I have my own room.[4] It has a long window with bars[5] and a box thing on the wall that rings when they want me.[6] It doesn’t anymore because I opened it up and took out the bell. I can use it on my bicycle.[7]

Uncle Tamett says hello. He lives here now but I don’t know where.[8] The food is good[9] and I do lots of lessons.[10] I haven’t seen the King again.[11] Everyone wears black but I don’t have to, so ha.[12]

Your loving son

Tamett

PS: His Royal Highness is a beast and I don’t want to stay here anymore.[13]

II. Elina Lockridge to her son Tamett

30 January 1903

My dear Tamett,

I hope you are doing well and being good for Lord Protzmann. Your uncle Tamett says he is the one looking after you. [14] Is there anyone else taking care of you? His Royal Highness’s governess, perhaps?[15]

The palace sounds very grand indeed, and we’re proud of you for getting the chance to live there. Ask your uncle the next time you see him to take a photograph of you in your new room. We would love to see it.[16] I hope you’re remembering to make your bed, the way I showed you, and tidy up at the end of the day. We don’t want the palace staff to think that we live like pigs here in Norriber![17] I know you will do your best to represent us well. Yes, the bars on the window are not like home, but they’re there to keep you safe.[18] However, I am displeased that you took apart something that doesn’t belong to you. The annunciator (that’s what that box is called) may be in your room, but it is the property of the palace, and to take anything out of it is stealing. Do not use that bell on your bicycle. You need to put it back immediately and tell Lord Protzmann what you did so he can have the annunciator properly repaired.[19] Without the bell, His Royal Highness can’t let you know when he needs you, and that is your responsibility, to be there when he calls.[20] It will make him very sad if his companion doesn’t want to keep him company.

He is probably already very sad.[21] We talked before you left about how the Queen went to heaven last month, so everyone is in mourning right now. The Queen was his mama, and he must miss her a great deal. Wouldn’t you be sad too? I need you to remember how he must feel and be thoughtful.[22] He might not be ready yet to play anything too noisy with you, but he will in time. Just be patient. I know you can. However, we do not show patience by calling someone “a beast.” I’m sure His Royal Highness is a perfectly nice little boy.[23]

Your uncle Tamett says he’s been busy, but he’ll try to come and see you at least once a week.[24] Please give him our love. We miss you so much, but we know that you’re where you ought to be and we hope to see you again soon. Don’t forget to brush your teeth and comb your hair. I love you. Your papa and sisters send their love too.

Your loving 

Mama

III. Emenor Lockridge to her brother Tamett

30 January 1903

Dear Tam,

Come back home right now because I miss you so much and it’s not the same without you[25] and your chair at the table without you in it makes me wants to cry every time I look at it and Lovisa and I tried to go sledding yesterday but we fell into the snow because you weren’t there to steer it right[26] and now I won’t sled at all without you and Lovi is cross because she wants to anyway but I said no and went upstairs to practice[27] and then my violin sounded sad too because it misses you almost as much as I do so I made up a piece called I Miss Tamett And The Prince Can’t Have Him[28] and I am so sooo SOOOOOOOO cross with the Prince because he’s beastly to you and I want to go there and tell him he’s horrid and needs to be nice to you and if he won’t I’ll slap him.[29] We had sponge cake at dinner. It was nice. I miss you, I miss you, I miss you a million times, so lots of love and hugs from 

Your sister

Emenor Klariesa Lockridge

XXXXXXXXXX

IV. Tamett to Emenor

3 February 1903

Dear Em,

How are you? I am well. I wish you were here too. Lessons are boring and the tutors say I’m bad at them.[30] They gave me a violin.[31] It sounds like a chicken squawking. His Royal Highness doesn’t like it. He plays too but he’s not as good as you are. I told him that and he said that’s a lie and he plays much better than any girl. Then I went back to my room.

I found a bug. It looks like a cricket but I don’t know. I put it in my desk drawer for later.[32] Do you want one?[33] I think there are more.

Your brother

Tamett

V. Lord Protzmann to Tamett’s parents

4 February 1903

Dear Mr and Mrs Lockridge, 

Here in the King’s household, we do not take correspondence lightly. We carefully monitor incoming letters to ensure that they pose no danger and cause no distress to the royal family, particularly during this period of mourning.[34] This caution extends not only to the royal family but to those close to them, in positions in which the slightest unseemly mindset can have detrimental effects on the exalted personages whom they serve. As companion to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince Josiah, your son Tamett is among those whose correspondence we examine, and a few recent letters have given us cause for concern.

A letter of yours of the 23rd of January contains a passage in which you heavily imply that your son has referred to His Royal Highness by the childish but opprobrious epithet of “beast.” You rightly reprimanded him for this, but it would seem that your son’s original letter containing the offensive word escaped our notice.[35] Otherwise it would never have been allowed to reach you. 

I apologize for this oversight and commend you for your response, but a letter from your daughter Emenor of the 30th of January has caused us of the royal household especial alarm and displeasure. In this letter to your son, she explicitly expresses a wish to commit violence against His Royal Highness. I shall charitably assume that this letter escaped your notice as your son’s did ours, for surely you would not have permitted her to send such a letter had you known what atrocities it contained.[36]

I advise you in future to take the utmost care in monitoring your family’s correspondence with Tamett, as we shall with his to you. Since this is the first offense, it will not be reported to the King, but repeated failure to resolve this problem will require intervention from my superiors. We appreciate your son’s presence in the royal household, and it would certainly be a shame if he had to leave us abruptly.[37]

The royal household extends its best wishes for your health and happiness. Dominion for Lienne![38]

Cordially yours

Lord Protzmann

Steward of the Household of His Majesty’s Children

VI. Tamett to his family

5 February 1903

Dear Papa, Mama, Emenor, Lovisa, and Cille,

I am sorry I wrote bad things in my last letter. I did not mean them. I won’t do it again. I like it here at the palace and everyone is nice. Lord Protzmann says I am very grateful.

Someone said we’re going to learn how to ride soon.[39] I will like that. I have six crickets now in my desk drawer.[40] It was sunny yesterday and we went outdoors. I saw a deer in the park and a dead bird. It was fun. The royal family has a baby. It’s a boy and his name is Miki.[41] He tried to pull my finger off. When are we getting our baby?[42] How are you? I am well. I’m sorry. I forgot to say it at the beginning.

Your loving son

Tamett

VII. Edvin Lockridge to his son Tamett

7 February 1903

Dear Tamett,

We received a letter from Lord Protzmann about your recent letter, and I know he must have already spoken to you, but I wanted to further remind you that we will not put up with any bad behavior from you. You are the representative of Norriber to His Royal Highness (as I hope to represent our region someday), [43] and everything you do reflects on us. He must not think that Norriber is rebellious and unkind but cooperative and pleasant.[44]  Even if you never criticize him to his face, the thoughts are still there, and they will come out in how you behave, without your meaning them to.

Please, son, make a friend of His Royal Highness. Perhaps you got off on the wrong foot, but it’s not too late. Find something that you have in common. Do something amusing together. Commiserate with him in his grief.[45] There are dozens of ways you can appeal to him. Remember, the royal household has engaged you as his companion, meaning that he wants you to be there. He is looking for a friend, whatever your first impressions may have been. Don’t take that away from him. It’s the best thing for him and for all of us. We’re counting on you, and so is he.

Note the new stamp on the envelope![46] I thought you would like it. Take care of yourself.

Your affectionate

Father

VIII. Emenor to Tamett

8 February 1903

Dear Tam,

[Extensive illegible crossed-out passage.][47]

I mean I wish I were there so I could hear your chicken violin and laugh and laugh. I’m learning “To Engella”[48] now. What are you playing? How long has His Royal Highness been playing?[49] Tell him I started violin when I was six.

[Extensive illegible crossed-out passage.][50]

Mama says that I might be a companion too. Except I won’t go to the palace, just to Aunt Klariesa.[51] I don’t want to go. She says my practicing gives her a headache and little girls shouldn’t whistle. But Papa says she will pay us if I go. I want to buy new music with my pocket money when I get it,[52] and I will whistle it whenever I see Aunt Klariesa. Why don’t nice people want companions?

I hope they let you come home for your birthday. If I have to miss you any more I will fall to pieces. Lots of love and hugs from

Your favorite sister

Emenor not-Klariesa Lockridge

IX. Crown Prince Josiah of Lienne to his father King Odren VII

18 February 1903

Dear Papa,

I hope you are well. I hope you will come to breakfast soon. It has been six days, seven hours, and forty-one minutes since last time.[53] But it will be even longer when you read this.

I do not want a companion.[54] He is not useful. My tutors say his schoolwork is shameful. I do not think he knows anything at all. He is not helping me because he distracts me from lessons with his ignorance.[55] He is not my friend, and I do not want him here. I do not need him. I will be very unhappy if you do not send him away. And I am already very unhappy. You know why.[56]

Please come to see me again. We can discuss this matter of business more.

Your obedient son

Josiah

X. Oswin Fertig, secretary to Odren VII, to Josiah

19 February 1903

To His Royal Highness the Crown Prince Josiah

His Majesty’s business is of such great magnitude that he cannot possibly spare time for every trifling letter that crosses his desk.[57] If Your Royal Highness has a concern about matters related to the royal household, you may address this concern to Lord Protzmann. Your Royal Highness is well aware of the protocol.[58] Furthermore, although in the past your youth excused the use of familiar endearments when addressing His Majesty, Your Royal Highness will remember that you are no longer in the nursery and are now of an age to refer to His Majesty by his proper familial title.[59] Any improperly addressed correspondence in future will not reach His Majesty. I remain

Yours respectfully

Oswin Fertig[60]

Secretary to His Majesty King Odren VII

XI. Princess Ayra of Lienne to Edvin and Elina

2 March 1903

Dear Mr and Mrs Lockridge,

It has come to my attention that you are concerned about the well-being of your son Tamett, who has joined our household as companion to my brother the Crown Prince.[61] Although Lord Protzmann has no doubt been keeping you informed about his doings, I believed it proper to address you personally, as my brother’s mother would have, were she here.[62] (May she rest in peace.)[63]

Your son has been in the care of the same nurse-governess who attends my brother, Karnella Arndt, a respectable woman who has been with the royal family since my own birth.[64] I can personally vouch for her character and her attentiveness. She has been ensuring that he is washed, dressed, fed, and supervised. Tamett takes his meals with my brother and sister and sometimes me, and his leisure time is primarily spent in our company.[65] His conduct is satisfactory. He has helped me wind wool, listened while I read to the children, and tidied playthings at the end of each day.[66] My sister Ateva in particular has gone out of her way to make him feel included;[67] she has undertaken some small mending tasks on his behalf and appears to enjoy amusing him as much as she is able. Tamett appears to be in good health and has made no objection to living among us of which I am aware.[68] We will continue to ensure that he writes to you at least once a week. If the King my father and Lord Protzmann approve and arrangements are made well in advance, you both are welcome to call on him.[69] Although I will likely be otherwise occupied, my sister Ateva will be happy to receive you.[70]

Our family is grateful to you for giving us your son in the best interests of Lienne. My brother has benefited from his companion’s presence, and I give you my word that he will regard Tamett with increasing esteem as the acquaintance continues.[71]

If you have any further concerns regarding Tamett, please address them to Lord Protzmann or Karnella Arndt, who can best address such matters.[72] I extend you both my best wishes for your continued health and well-being and remain

Yours cordially,

Ayra, Princess of Lienne

XII. Tamett to Emenor

5 March 1903

Dear Em,

How are you? I am well. It isn’t so bad here now. Professor Ebner only scolded me once today. His Royal Highness let me play with his trains. He says he doesn’t want them anymore now.[73] Ateva let me hold Miki again. I can make him laugh.[74] His Royal Highness doesn’t laugh. When he hears me he says to shut up. So I do. He likes that. I think we might be friends now.[75] I miss you. I hope I can come home soon.[76] I will ask the caterpillar man.[77]

With love from 

Your brother

Tamett

[Drawing that appears to depict a large insect waving one leg.]

[1] Papa, Mama, Emenor, Lovisa, and Cille: Zella Lockridge had not been born yet and would join the family later that year.

[2] It is as big as ten of our house: Königshaus Palace, the official residence of the kings of Lienne, contains approximately 1,330,000 square feet and has 853 rooms. Tamett’s comparison of it to his own home is over-generous to the Lockridge residence, which contained a mere 6,000 square feet and 15 rooms.

[3] lots and lots of people live here: The occupancy of the palace in 1903 was around 500, including the royal family, their staff and retainers, and the members of the court.

[4] I have my own room: Tamett’s bedroom was located on the second (first) floor of the wing of the palace occupied by the royal family, in a small corridor near Josiah’s suite, neighboring rooms occupied by Lord Protzmann and Josiah’s tutors. The room had been used previously as accommodation for royal children’s retainers and as a bedroom for younger members of particularly large broods of royal children. It contained a bed, a chest of drawers, a wardrobe, a desk and chair, and a washstand. Tamett continued to use this room throughout his entire stint as Josiah’s companion, even as a young man.

[5] a long window with bars: The windows of all rooms on the children’s floor of this wing had bars as a safety precaution, including rooms occupied by adults.

[6] a box thing on the wall that rings when they want me: The annunciator system was installed in Königshaus in the late eighteenth century and updated to reflect technological developments later in the nineteenth century. The annunciator in Tamett’s room had been installed specifically for his arrival and connected to bells in every one of Josiah’s rooms, as well as the main rooms of the royal children’s floor.

[7] my bicycle: Lord Protzmann granted permission for Tamett to bring his bicycle with him when he took up residence in Königshaus. This was less for Tamett’s personal convenience than in the hope that Josiah would develop more of an interest in bicycling as a result of his companion’s influence. A photograph exists of both boys cycling together, but the stiffness of their posture suggests that the photograph was staged for the benefit of Odren, to whom it is inscribed.

[8] Uncle Tamett says hello. He lives here now but I don’t know where: Tamett Lockridge’s uncle, Tamett Kassback, Duke of Reierwardt, officially resided in Norriber near the Lockridge home, but after his arranging for the employment of Tamett, he was granted a full-time position at court, which he maintained for the next three years. He divided his time between the palace and his own home, with more time spent at the former. His apartments were located in the wing opposite that in which Tamett lived, with the palace’s central section in between. These were official rooms forbidden to Tamett, making it difficult for him to visit his uncle without official permission.

[9] The food is good: Among the cultural distinctions of Lienne that Odren VII took pride in promoting was its cuisine. To reflect the supremacy of Liennese cooking, he employed twenty chefs to cook for his household. These men, leading representatives of their field, were led by Egmund Simmoner, innovator of numerous recipes created in the king’s honor or to the specifications of the royal family’s preferences. The royal children’s food was of the same quality as their parents’, with even simple dishes being given Simmoner’s special creative touch.

[10] I do lots of lessons: Josiah and Tamett began lessons at seven-thirty in the morning and concluded their activities at five o’clock in the afternoon, with a few brief breaks in between for lunch and an afternoon walk. Most schools in Lienne at this time began lessons at eight-thirty and ended at three o’clock.

[11] I haven’t seen the King again: The Duke of Reierwardt introduced Tamett to Odren and the royal children for official approval upon Tamett’s arrival. The visit was brief; as soon as Odren was satisfied that Tamett was a suitable companion for his son, he took his leave and allowed Lord Protzmann to handle the details from there. This was a surprise to the household, given Odren’s usual practice of personally overseeing most details of his children’s lives, but in the aftermath of Queen Nyella’s death, he retreated from many such duties.

[12] Everyone wears black but I don’t have to, so ha: The court observed a six-month period of mourning after the death of Nyella. Although a widower could end his mourning and re-enter society after three months (as had been done after Queen Liane’s death), Odren observed two years of mourning for Nyella and insisted that his children do the same.

[13] His Royal Highness is a beast and I don’t want to stay here anymore: According to the royal children’s nurse-governess Karnella Arndt in her memoir Thirty Years at the Liennese Court, Josiah spent most of the first week after Tamett’s arrival refusing to speak or interact with him more than necessary, despite a brief moment of connection between them at their first meeting.

[14] Lord Protzmann. Your uncle Tamett says he is the one looking after you: Lord Protzmann had been the head of the household of the royal children of Lienne since 1885. He had handled the employment of Tamett and would serve as the boy’s official supervisor.

[15] His Royal Highness’s governess, perhaps?: In a letter to her sister-in-law Klariesa, dated 28 January 1903, Elina expounds further on her concerns: “After all, he is not yet eight, and he still needs a woman to look after him. I had been assured that he would be treated as one of the royal family’s own, but with the passing of Her Majesty (God rest her soul), I fear that those children will be allowed to run wild, and Tamett will be among them and probably the wildest of all.”

[16] Ask your uncle the next time you see him to take a photograph of you in your new room. We would love to see it: A photograph from the Kassbeck family album, dated February 1903, depicts Tamett standing in the middle of his palace bedroom with one arm stiffly extended as if to show off the place. The room appears to be in a state of some disorder, and the bedclothes are askew.

[17] We don’t want the palace staff to think that we live like pigs here in Norriber!: Tidiness is an important value in Liennese culture; Liennese children are taught from their earliest years that “we must all improve our own little corner of the world.” The Norriberrian culture was a bit more relaxed in its approach to life, which over time became twisted into a Liennese stereotype of Norriberrians as untidy at best and filthy at worst. Although the young Tamett would not have been aware of this stereotype, Elina certainly was, and admonitions such as this one frequently appear in her letters to her son.

[18] Yes, the bars on the window are not like home, but they’re there to keep you safe: Norriberrian windows tend to be fairly small and placed higher on the walls than Liennese windows, making bars on children’s windows less necessary.

[19] You need to put it back immediately and tell Lord Protzmann what you did so he can have the annunciator properly repaired: Household maintenance reports indicated that Tamett did indeed inform Protzmann of the damage to the annunciator, although the report seems to suggest that it was the result of accidental damage rather than tampering.

[20] Without the bell, His Royal Highness can’t let you know when he needs you, and that is your responsibility, to be there when he calls: As Josiah grew used to Tamett, the bell was used with increasing frequency. A letter from Tamett to his parents, dated 12 December 1907, indicates that Josiah once rang the bell for him fifty-nine times within a period of twenty-four hours, including at night. The service required was typically small menial tasks.

[21] He is probably already very sad: The newspaper covered Nyella’s death extensively, with numerous large photographs from her funeral and other observances. A famous photograph made the front cover of the Golden Eagle, depicting seven-year-old Josiah in deep mourning, walking behind his mother’s casket and holding his sister Ayra’s hand. His expression is that of an adult holding back tears, and this noble stoicism impressed the Liennese, who were prouder than ever of their brave young Crown Prince. Elina likely had this image in mind when she discussed Josiah’s grief with Tamett.

[22] I need you to remember how he must feel and be thoughtful: There are multiple anecdotes of the young Tamett’s penchant for bluntness, although he does not seem to have had malicious intent. Elina relates in a 7 March 1903 letter to Klariesa how Tamett reportedly informed Josiah not only that their mothers had been at school together but that Elina had thought Nyella was “rather silly.” This caused considerable uproar and the need for Tamett to formally apologize after a lengthy lecture on the importance of tact.

[23] I’m sure His Royal Highness is a perfectly nice little boy: By the age of seven, Josiah had not made many public appearances. Carefully chosen photographs were commonly published, depicting him engaging in appropriate princely behavior (saluting officers, greeting dignitaries, bestowing charitable gifts, etc.) or displayed prominently in family groupings featured on postcards, and occasionally press releases would announce his commendable progress in his studies or report on his various talents. Such would have been the only impression of him that Elina and other members of the public would have had.

[24] he’ll try to come and see you at least once a week: Household records indicate that Reierwardt during his residence at court visited his nephew no more frequently than once a month.

[25] I miss you so much and it’s not the same without you: Tamett at this point had been absent from home for about a week.

[26] Lovisa and I tried to go sledding yesterday but we fell into the snow because you weren’t there to steer it right: A letter of Elina’s to Klariesa from this same date provides a less sensational account: “The girls went sledding this afternoon at my insistence. The noise was becoming more than I could bear. They seemed to be in better spirits when they returned, as was I.”

[27] I said no and went upstairs to practice: Emenor was taught from 1900 to 1907 by Arild Vester, a local musician who supplemented his income by teaching children the basics of the violin. Most of his students were not interested in making a serious study of the instrument, and he was taken aback by Emenor’s gift and drive, which eventually proved to be more than he could handle.

[28] a piece called I Miss Tamett And The Prince Can’t Have Him: Emenor claimed in later years in a letter to Tamett that she had worked the original melody of this composition briefly into one of her own concertos. Given the tone of her letter, it is believed that she was joking.

[29] if he won’t I’ll slap him: In early childhood, Tamett was observed by members of his family to be a particularly resigned child who seldom tried to defend himself when mistreated by older children. This bothered Emenor, and though only a year his senior, she made a point of boldly confronting anyone who dared torment her brother, including some adults.

[30] Lessons are boring and the tutors say I’m bad at them: Tamett’s earliest school report from his time at the palace sums up his conduct as “inattentive and idle.” Lessons were given at the academic level to which Josiah had attained, and Tamett was expected to keep up with little assistance since Josiah tended to become impatient and fractious when forced to wait while his tutors re-explained concepts to Tamett.

[31] They gave me a violin: Music lessons were a crucial part of a complete Liennese education, and there was never any question of whether the new companion might not have the aptitude for it. Tamett was assigned the violin because the household had an extra one on hand and because he could then easily share a violin tutor with Josiah.

[32] I put it in my desk drawer for later: Tamett’s insect collections raised frequent complaints from the staff who cleaned his room. There were a few incidents of maids surprised into screaming at the sight of dozens of insects inside drawers and containers.

[33] Do you want one?: No evidence exists that Tamett ever succeeded in sending Emenor an insect of any kind through the post.

[34] We carefully monitor incoming letters to ensure that they pose no danger and cause no distress to the royal family, particularly during this period of mourning: Lord Protzmann and Count Korbinian, the head of the King’s personal household, maintained a staff of letter monitors, numbering eleven in 1903. These workers were sworn to secrecy regarding the contents of the letters they read and could be prosecuted for violating this trust. In 1904, one such staff member was arrested and imprisoned for thirty-five years for selling the contents of one of Odren’s letters to a disreputable newspaper.

[35] it would seem that your son’s original letter containing the offensive word escaped our notice: Tamett’s letter escaped the notice of the monitors because he had given it to Reierwardt to post inside one of his letters, and the Duke’s letters were not under surveillance at that time. Reierwardt had not bothered to read the letter either.

[36] surely you would not have permitted her to send such a letter had you known what atrocities it contained: Edvin Lockridge later explained to Protzmann that Emenor had written and posted the letter before anyone could even think of reading it.

[37] it would certainly be a shame if he had to leave us abruptly: Multiple instances of the summary dismissal of children brought in as temporary playmates (not official companions) before the engagement of Tamett are related in household records. In 1902 alone, Mertrad Mertz was sent away for “antagonizing” Josiah, Tillo Knopp for “failure to make himself agreeable,” and Kolrad Holzhof for “indecorous displays of emotion.”

[38] Dominion for Lienne!: Although this slogan was a common and acceptable expression of patriotic fervor in Lienne, when said to a Norriberrian it carried a more provocative meaning. Norriberrian nationalists considered it an offensive reminder of the subjugation of Norriber and of Liennese oppression.

[39] Someone said we’re going to learn how to ride soon: Josiah and Tamett’s equestrian studies were led by Odren’s Master of the Horse, Odmar Rasch. Both boys made reasonable progress, although greater attention was given to Josiah’s lessons. Nevertheless, Rasch was among the few instructors to find little fault with Tamett’s work.

[40] I have six crickets now in my desk drawer: According to household records, the racket caused by these crickets led to their discovery and disposal and a reprimand for Tamett.

[41] It’s a boy and his name is Miki: The infant Mikaiah was currently in the care of his chief nursemaid Judepha Farnforst, her assistant Wilessa Unruhe, and a wet nurse, Odilie Beck, who had been engaged in a hurry after Nyella’s death. (Nyella had made the unconventional choice to nurse the infant Josiah herself and planned to do the same with her second child.) Farnforst’s reports indicate that Mikaiah at this stage was a healthy, normal, easygoing baby. His sister Ateva regularly visited his nursery and brought him out to see the rest of the family as often as the nurses would allow her. Odren, Ayra, and Josiah showed much less interest, although Ateva’s album includes a series of photographs, presumably taken by her, of each member of the family holding Mikaiah, with varying degrees of detachment evident in their expressions.

[42] When are we getting our baby?: Tamett and his sisters had been informed several months before of an impending sibling. Zella was born Thursday, 2 April 1903.

[43] as I hope to represent our region someday: Since 1896, Edvin had conducted a series of unsuccessful campaigns for the office of his area’s representative in Norriber’s delegation to the Liennese court.

[44] He must not think that Norriber is rebellious and unkind but cooperative and pleasant: The Duke of Reierwardt, from whom Elina Lockridge was descended, had historically taken the stance of compliance with the Liennese occupation, and such was the official political position of the Lockridge household.

[45] Find something that you have in common. Do something amusing together. Commiserate with him in his grief: There is no evidence that any of these strategies were undertaken. Whether this was due to Tamett’s reticence or Josiah’s unreceptiveness or perhaps some of both is unclear.

[46] Note the new stamp on the envelope!: Edvin Lockridge was an avid philatelist. The stamp in question was one of a recently released set depicting King Odren in profile, with the image updated to reflect an idealization of his current appearance. (The previous style of stamp had been issued sixteen years before, when Odren was about thirty.)

[47] Extensive illegible crossed-out passage: Effort has been made to decipher the censored portions of this letter, but nothing is legible except what might be the word “say.” The erratic nature of the crossing-out suggests that eight-year-old Emenor did it herself, perhaps at the insistence of her parents.

[48] “To Engella”: This famous piece by composer Lukaz Boschbrandt is to this day commonly taught to beginning music students because of its simplicity and illustration of fundamental techniques. “Engella” was Enga Boschbrandt, Boschbrandt’s niece, who had asked him for “just a lullabye.”

[49] How long has His Royal Highness been playing?: At Odren’s insistence, Josiah began violin lessons at age three, around the same time he began studying the piano.

[50] Extensive illegible crossed-out passage: Some historians have made the words “I am better than” beneath the scribbles, but otherwise this section is lost to our understanding.

[51] Mama says that I might be a companion too. Except I won’t go to the palace, just to Aunt Klariesa: Emenor worked as her aunt Klariesa’s companion from April 1903 to August 1903. Klariesa did not find her suitable for the role; Emenor reportedly protested against what she believed was unfair treatment and did not take kindly to being at someone’s beck and call. Klariesa in turn objected to her niece’s constant indulgence in musicality. Several years later, the companion place was attempted again with Lovisa, who proved a better match for her aunt’s temperament.

[52] I want to buy new music with my pocket money when I get it: Emenor never received any of the salary paid to her as companion; the money went to her parents.

[53] I hope you will come to breakfast soon. It has been six days, seven hours, and forty-one minutes since last time: Odren’s habits, usually quite regular, underwent a change after Nyella’s death. He rose later in the morning, took nearly all meals in private, and left his suite much less often.

[54] I do not want a companion: The decision to provide Josiah with a companion had originally risen from his own wish for someone to play with and his mother’s observation that he needed the company of someone his own age.

[55] He is not helping me because he distracts me from lessons with his ignorance: Professor Helmold Ebner, Josiah’s head tutor, recounted in a 6 February 1903 letter to his brother how Josiah used to “correct the Norriberrian child’s peculiar pronunciations and turns of speech and enlighten him to the numerous facts that his previous education seems to have overlooked entirely.  He takes an admirable concern for his companion’s education and would make a fine master himself, were he not destined for a more exalted station. Once again, I cannot help thinking that His Royal Highness will grow to be a true Father of his people! What patience, what gracious condescension!”

[56] I will be very unhappy if you do not send him away. And I am already very unhappy. You know why: In the wake of his mother’s death, Josiah developed a habit of using this loss as a reason for his wishes to be granted. It proved effective, especially with his father.

[57] he cannot possibly spare time for every trifling letter that crosses his desk: There is no evidence that Odren ever read the above letter of Josiah’s. It was found not among his personal papers but among business correspondence, typically handled by his secretaries.

[58] Your Royal Highness is well aware of the protocol: Josiah had a long history of lodging complaints with Lord Protzmann whenever some detail of daily life displeased him. There are a series of terse letters in his childish handwriting reporting such things as “bad food,” “staff not doing their work,” and “too many sisters.”

[59] now of an age to refer to His Majesty by his proper familial title: The above letter from Josiah is the last written instance of his calling Odren “Papa.” Everything henceforth is addressed to “Father” or “Your Majesty.”

[60] Oswin Fertig: Odren employed three secretaries to handle his extensive correspondence and help manage his staggering workload. Oswin Fertig, aged about twenty-three in February 1903, was the youngest and most recently engaged of these men. He had acquired his place through a series of fortunate personal connections who recommended him for his superb attention to detail and protocol and for his efficiency. He developed a particular protectiveness of both the king’s limited time and his dignity and would go on to field numerous letters from Odren’s children with the intention of sparing his sovereign such petty complaints.

[61] It has come to my attention that you are concerned about the well-being of your son Tamett, who has joined our household as companion to my brother the Crown Prince: Ayra, in her new role as female head of the royal household, worked closely with Protzmann in managing household matters. (It was she who, seven years later, would uncover Protzmann’s ongoing embezzling.) She seems to have skimmed the Lockridges’ correspondence.

[62] address you personally, as my brother’s mother would have, were she here: Among Nyella’s papers was found a half-finished letter in her handwriting addressed to Tamett’s family that seems to have been an expression of reassurance and gratitude.

[63] May she rest in peace: A protocol expression. Ayra’s exact feelings regarding the death of her stepmother, with whom she did not get along, remain lost to history.

[64] Karnella Arndt, a respectable woman who has been with the royal family since my own birth: Karnella Arndt, daughter of a furniture maker from the town of Fairesfeld, had recently been widowed when Queen Liane engaged her as chief nursemaid to Princess Ayra in 1885. Arndt’s patience and gentleness endeared her to mother and daughter alike, and she continued with the royal family after the birth of Ateva and was promoted to nurse-governess as the princesses grew older. Although she never had direct care over Josiah or Mikaiah, she remained a fixture in the children’s household even after Odren’s marriage to Nyella.

[65] his leisure time is primarily spent in our company: After such incidents as the dismantling of the annunciator and the insect collections, Tamett was not allowed to spend much time unsupervised.

[66] He has helped me wind wool, listened while I read to the children, and tidied playthings at the end of each day: Ateva’s photograph album corroborates this claim. Candid shots of the family from 1903 on frequently include Tamett, usually sitting a little apart from the others.

[67] My sister Ateva in particular has gone out of her way to make him feel included: Ateva reportedly tried to engage Tamett in conversation whenever possible and loaned him a plush deer which had belonged to her as a child.

[68] Tamett appears to be in good health and has made no objection to living among us of which I am aware: There is little evidence that Ayra had spoken much to Tamett directly at this point. Tamett’s letters seldom mention her directly.

[69] If the King my father and Lord Protzmann approve and arrangements are made well in advance, you both are welcome to call on him: Tamett’s parents visited him at the palace approximately twice in his entire time as Josiah’s companion. The journey to the palace was a long, expensive one, and the process for approval of a visit was even lengthier and more bothersome. Unbeknownst to Tamett, Protzmann sometimes turned down the Lockridges’ requests to visit, fearing that too much association with them would make Tamett homesick.

[70] Although I will likely be otherwise occupied, my sister Ateva will be happy to receive you: Ayra’s responsibilities changed after Nyella’s death, when she was required to take on many of the duties usually regulated to the king’s consort. Her timetables reveal tightly planned days, with even less time for leisure than her brother. Thus social visits with people of less consequence were often delegated to Ateva.

[71] I give you my word that he will regard Tamett with increasing esteem as the acquaintance continues: A letter of complaint from Josiah to Odren around this time relates an incident in which Ayra attempted to scold her brother for some perceived ill-treatment of Tamett.

[72] If you have any further concerns regarding Tamett, please address them to Lord Protzmann or Karnella Arndt, who can best address such matters: No further correspondence between Ayra and Tamett’s parents exists.

[73] He says he doesn’t want them anymore now: Around this time, playthings disappear from photographs of Josiah, replaced by primarily books, instruments, or schoolwork. Lists of his birthday and Christmas gifts from 1903 no longer include toys.

[74] Ateva let me hold Miki again. I can make him laugh: An entire page of Ateva’s photograph album features shots of Tamett making faces at a smiling Mikaiah.

[75] I think we might be friends now: Also from Ateva’s album is a clearly posed photograph of the “friends”: Josiah seated on a stool with one hand laid patronizingly on the shoulder of Tamett, who kneels near his feet.

[76] I hope I can come home soon: Tamett was permitted to return home for a week around his birthday in April 1903. It was hoped that a brief absence would clear the air between him and Josiah.

[77] I will ask the caterpillar man: i.e Lord Protzmann, whose distinctive facial hair evidently reminded Tamett of caterpillars. It is likely that Tamett substituted the nickname here because he was unsure how to spell Protzmann’s name.

[isfjmel-phleg]

(Another) find the word tag

Tagged by @thebirdandhersong to find sigh, late, protect, and laughter in my WIP(s). Thank you!

sigh (Book 2 Chapter Twelve, subject to overhaul and does not necessary reflect what it will be)

Ayra sighed and sat down opposite her. “Amarantha. You have a splendid imagination, and I like that about you, but--it’s just not practical. I don’t have a boat. You don’t have a boat. Neither of us can conjure one from thin air, unless you want to build some sort of raft. And even if we did, what would we solve? You’d still be stranded out here without your parents, even if you could get to the woods, and I would still be--what I am. If we want anything to change, we’ll have to be clever about it, and that means knowing what kind of story we’re in, so we can work with it. We’re not in a seagoing adventure. We’re not making a daring escape from certain doom. We’re playing a much more complicated game than I can tell you, and you don’t need to get mixed up in it. You have no stakes in this, so why not sit it out if you can? You’ll spare yourself a lot of trouble. I don’t know what sort of story exactly you come from, but I’ll bet it’s a much--well, kinder one than ours.”

late (unfinished epistolary Tamett short story set around the time the palace hired him)

Please, son, make a friend of His Royal Highness. Perhaps you got off on the wrong foot, but it’s not too late. Find something that you have in common. Do something amusing together. Commiserate with him in his grief. There are dozens of ways you can appeal to him. Remember, the royal household has engaged you as his companion, meaning that he wants you to be there. He is looking for a friend, whatever your first impressions may have been. Don’t take that away from him. It’s the best thing for him and for all of us. We’re counting on you, and so is he.

protect does not appear at all!

laughter (Bethira short story)

“You’re not Miss Goswick?” he gasped. “I mean, Miss Bethira Goswick! Awfully sorry…” His apology cut off into a peal of laughter that could have drowned out a train whistle. He laughed as if he meant it, enjoyed it, and rather hoped she would join in. “Just wait till your sister hears about this! I could have sworn you were Esella. And you should have seen your face!”

[isfjmel-phleg]

Tamett’s birthday was settled on more recently, after some experimentation; it’s April 29, the same as one of my friends.

He doesn’t get to go home a lot to celebrate, although sometimes his birthday coincides with his Easter holidays, and then he gets his favorite almond cake and his sisters present him with gifts they made themselves. If he’s still at the palace on his birthday, it’s much more low-key. No one remembers when his birthday is, except perhaps in passing, and he doesn’t mention it. There’s no point.

As I’ve done for the other main OCs, here is a short story featuring Tamett, set around the time he has learned that he will accompany Josiah to school. It’s in an experimental style for me: epistolary, with footnotes. The footnotes are part of the story and will enhance the experience by providing background and some details needed to put together the whole picture of what is going on. I’m sorry I can’t get them in a more readable format, alongside the text as they would be on a page, but hopefully you can get the idea.

Selections from the Correspondence of the Lockridge Family

I. Letter from Tamett Lockridge, companion to Prince Josiah of Lienne, to his family.

Königshaus Palace

Königsstadt, Lienne

21 February —08

Dear Father, Mother, Emenor, Lovisa, Cille, and Zella,

I am well. I hope you are well too. Everyone else here is well and says hello. They really don’t but this is something you are supposed to say in letters.

Today I had breakfast. It was good except for having to eat it with His Royal Highness. Then HRH and I had morning lessons with Professor Ebner.[1] We did Divinity first, but I don’t remember much because I was mostly asleep.[2] Then we did Mathematics. Professor Specht[3] doesn’t like how I do multiplication. He wants me to do it like HRH, but his way doesn’t make sense even though he always has the right answer. Then we did Latin. The ancient Romans were interesting and did lots of exciting things, but I wish they had done it in Liennese and made it less confusing. I suggested to Professor Ebner that we do Latin practice by pretending to be gladiators outdoors, but he didn’t like that idea. Then we had lunch. Then we had more lessons, but they are also boring and I don’t want to write about them. After lessons HRH wanted to read, so I went for a walk in the park.[4] I am trying to see how far I can go before anyone notices. I think I was there for a few hours. Lord Protzmann[5] found me and said that I should know better than to disappear like that. So it was partly successful. It was too late to practice violin.

I had dinner with HRH and Mikaiah and Her Royal Highness Ateva. Her Royal Highness Ayra had to eat with the King.[6] She sneaked some of their caviare and brought it back for us to try.[7] It was strange. I wasn’t going to write tonight, but Lord Protzmann said I should.[8] So I am writing now.

When they pay me next week,[9] may I have a viertelmyunze[10] from it? I have had nothing for weeks whenever the shopkeepers come to visit.[11]

Yours sincerely

Tamett

P.S.: And please send my other handball from home. I lost the one I had.

P. P. S.: I asked Lord Protzmann about coming home at Easter[12] and he said he would talk to the king.

II. Letter from Emenor Lockridge to her brother Tamett.

Untertan, Norriber

24 February —08

Dear Tam,

how are you? I am well. I do wish you would write more interesting letters. Father read the last aloud at the table and I think Zella must have fallen asleep right into her boiled potatoes. All right, perhaps she didn’t, but we all felt like it. Is it really so dull living at the palace? Your letters are nothing like the stories you tell when you get home. Has His Royal Highness been horrid again? Are the princesses around much? How are your music lessons? Tell me!!!

See, I will show you how it is done. I am going to start new violin lessons tomorrow (!!!) with Mr. Karrel Winther.[13] Mother met him at the concert the Vosses[14] gave after Christmas and made sure to mention me to him, several times, so he got interested and wanted to hear me play. He visited last month, and Mother made me get dressed up and loaned me her pearl brooch[15] and did my hair so that it looked almost as if it were up.[16] (I know you don’t care, but I did, and you have no idea how excited I was.) I wasn’t a bit nervous about playing for him until he arrived and we were introduced. He is perfectly ordinary-looking, nothing like a great musician at all. No wild hair or bizarre clothes. He didn’t even wear a cravat instead of a tie. I had been expecting more of an eccentric, like Boschbrandt,[17] so the thought of having to play for someone who looked more like a business acquaintance of Father’s somehow brought about a whole month’s worth of nerves I hadn’t had before, all at once.

(“Oh, how dreadful that must have been for you, Emenor! However did you get through it?” That’s you, writing your interesting letter back to me.)

My hands were shaking so I thought I wouldn’t be able to keep the bow steady, but I closed my eyes, which helped a little, and played Boschbrandt’s “Melancholisches Konzert,”[18] which sounded nothing like how I felt. Then I played Metzel’s “Musik für eine Sommernacht”[19] (the one you love so much),[20] Becke’s “Hymne der Müden,”[21] and to finish off, Severin’s “Marsch der Söhne Norribers,”[22] which is always great fun. I saw Mother and Father looking at each other when I started to play that, and they might have been signaling me to stop, but I happened to be too absorbed in the music to quit, and Mr. Winther got to hear the whole thing.

(“How could you be so daring, Emenor? Even I would never dare play that in the hearing of anyone Liennese! Did it cause a terrific scandal?”)

Most people don’t express scandal by applauding, so I suppose he didn’t mind. Perhaps he didn’t recognize it. But he did agree to take me on!!! His rates made Father go very bristly-looking,[23] but with your salary arriving soon, he and Mother think they can manage it. Even if they weren’t able, I was prepared to use some of the worldly goods (presently the number of both our ages combined thanks to a shrewd business arrangement)[24] to supply it. I need these lessons. Mr. Winther has connections to the Conservatory of Königsstadt ,[25] and perhaps he can convince Father and Mother when I can’t.

But you are much of the reason this has worked out, so thank you! I miss you, but just think how much more we’ll get to see each other once I get into the Conservatory.

Your sister

Emenor

P.S.: Your scarf is at least two feet longer.[26] By the time I get it to you, it will be so long that it’ll reach from here to Königsstadt so we can pull you home whenever we miss you.

P.P.S.: (“Thank you so much, Emenor! You’re my favorite sister!”)

III. Tamett to Emenor.

29 February —08

Dear Em,

I am all right. I hope you’re all right too. Sorry for a dull letter but that’s how things are here. You know how His Royal Highness is, and all we do is lessons.

But to make up for it, I made a list today of interesting things. Here they are.

A large bug, I think a cricket, was wandering around our corridor this morning.[27] I chased it into my room but it was gone when I came back.

Mikaiah got scolded at breakfast for talking about elephants, which isn’t proper to speak about at a meal. I didn’t know that.[28]

I can turn a ruler on top of a pencil thirty-four times without it falling apart and zero times without it bumping into HRH during lessons.

I asked Lord Protzmann why the kitchen staff keeps forgetting to send up my hot chocolate with HRH’s, and he said it’s been sent to one of the members of the court by accident, but the person didn’t report it because he thought two glasses meant he’s especially important.[29]

That’s all.

I asked again about coming home next month too but Lord Protzmann is busy.[30]

Congratulations on your new lessons. All that noise wasn’t a waste, and you are quite good after all. I wish you could take the violin they make me use here.[31] I don’t want to have lessons anymore.[32] I hope I can get out of it at Hollingham.[33] I’m going there with HRH in the autumn, but I have to be a valet too.

Your brother

Tamett

P.S. Do you have any more of that rag sheet music? Ateva wants more but can’t buy any because then her father would know and no one else we know has any to loan.[34]

IV. Letter from Lovisa Lockridge to her brother Tamett.

3 March —08

Dear Tamett,

please come back. Everybody’s cross with each other and they won’t stop because Cille broke Emenor’s violin. She didn’t mean to but she broke it to bits and then Emenor yelled at her and then Mother yelled at both of them for yelling and then Father came and yelled louder than anybody. I tried to ask them to stop and tell them what had really happened but they said it was none of my business and told me to go away. I wish you were here. I can still hear them upstairs. I was only trying to help. They don’t need to yell.

Aunt Klariesa doesn’t yell but she looks like she wants to cry every time I do anything.[35] I touched her hand while she was lying down and she said it hurt and my hand was cold. But it wasn’t. She says I read too fast too. I try to make the books more interesting because they’re always all about people hating each other and wanting to get married and have money,[36] but then she says when I read like that it gives her that thing that her heart does that I can’t spell.[37]

I don’t like being a companion here. I’d rather go to the palace with you. Are you sure there isn’t anybody who needs a companion there? Like the princesses?[38]

I miss you louder than anyone yelling downstairs. XOXOXO

Yours with love

Lovisa

V. Letter from Cille Lockridge to her brother Tamett.

3 March —08

Dear Tamett,

I hope you are well. I am well. Today was not good. I wanted to read the big mathematics book[39] on the top shelf of the bookcase in the sitting room, but I could not reach it and no one taller was there. So I found a chair and stood on it. The book was at the bottom of the stack. I tried to pull it out carefully, but it started to fall over. I tried to catch the books. They did not fall, but I did. I landed on Emenor’s music stand, and the stand had the violin on it because she had been practicing earlier. The violin is very broken. I do not think it can be fixed. Violins are very expensive. Father sent me to bed without supper because it is wrong to stand on chairs and break violins. I am very sorry. Emenor is not happy. My back still hurts. Father and Mother are very angry.

Please come home soon. I miss you.

Your loving sister

Cille

VI. Letter from Zella Lockridge to her brother Tamett.

3 March —08

Dear Tamett,

I miss you.

Today we took a walk and I saw a dog. He was brown with a white spot on his back. His name is Balder.[40]

Who is your favorite sister?

Love from

Zella

VII. Cille to Tamett. 

5 March —08

Dear Tamett,

I am sorry I have not written to you sooner.[41] I forgot to tell you that I am thinking about getting chickens and raising them and selling their eggs. Mother does not like this idea. I said it would make some extra money, but she said I should not sell eggs.[42] What do you think?

Will you bring me more maths to do when you come home?[43] I have finished all the books here except the big one from the shelf, and I am not allowed to look at it now.

Your loving sister

Cille

VIII. Emenor to Tamett.

7 March —08

Dear Tam,

I suppose you’ve already heard about what happened to my violin. It can’t be salvaged at all. I even took it to Mr. Winther and he said it was hopeless. He gave me one to borrow for the time being and told me to look into getting a new one. Not just any new one. One of Otionovian make.[44] As if I can walk into any shop and choose one off a shelf. He even wrote Father and Mother a letter detailing the specific sort of violin he has in mind, so I can’t even forget to mention this to them. I’m not sure if Mr. Winther thinks we have that sort of money.[45] It’s enough of an ordeal paying for lessons, but now with this Father and Mother are rather panicked.[46] They keep going off privately to talk loudly. They don’t want to ask Uncle Tamett and Aunt Klariesa again because you know how they’ll be about it.[47] Father even threatened to make that beast Cille pay for it herself, but that’s never going to work because she has nothing.[48] Of course I have something, but it still isn’t enough because an Otionovian violin goes for a small fortune up here,[49] and even if I did, I’d have to explain where I got the money. Which I don’t want to do.[50] I think at this point the best I can do is keep playing the borrowed one and hope that some generous benefactor comes along with a fortune to distribute to young struggling musicians, although my next option is piracy.

All right, Cille isn’t really a beast. I know she didn’t mean to and that it was all an accident. I’ve dropped the violin myself lots of times—not as dramatically.[51] But it’s an awfully expensive accident that’s causing me a lot of worry. It’ll be all right. I just need to be angry with her for a while first.

I didn’t think I’d ever say this, but thank goodness you weren’t here, because you would have been Suspect Number One. You would have smashed it and enjoyed every minute. You’ve probably wanted for a long time now to do that to the one they gave you. No use telling me you would never do anything so ungrateful. I know you for the troublemaker you are.

Such as making a list of “interesting” things but not even mentioning Hollingham until practically the last sentence??? Why must you torment me? Tell me all about it. Why are you going? I thought His Royal Highness wasn’t leaving until next year. Did he do something to make his father angry or is he just that impatient about his education? Do you want to go to Hollingham at all? I wish they admitted girls. And that I were there. Then I wouldn’t have to be here, and that would suit me just fine.

This week I learned “Arie für Solovioline.”[52] It doesn’t sound bad on the borrowed violin, but to make sure, I will follow you around playing it, over and over, whenever you come home. You’re going to love it.

Missing you! When are you coming home, anyway?

Your sister

Emenor

IX. Letter from Lovisa to Prince Josiah of Lienne.

12 March —08

To His Royal Highness the Crown Prince

Sir,

may it please Your Royal Highness, I am Miss Lovisa Elina Lockridge. I am almost eleven years old, and my elder brother Tamett is your companion. He has told us very much about you,[53] and I am writing to Your Royal Highness because I hope you can help us.

Emenor is my elder sister. She is fourteen. She plays the violin, and it is very beautiful. I wish Your Royal Highness could hear her play because I think you would really like it. She started music lessons this month with a new teacher and was very excited. But my younger sister Cille, who is seven, broke her violin. She did not mean to. It was an accident. Emenor is very sad about this, and so are my mother and father. She needs a new one. It has to be a special one from Otionovia. It costs a lot of money, so we cannot get it.

I had an idea. My brother will not need his violin anymore when he goes to Hollingham. Could Your Royal Highness give the violin to Emenor instead because she needs it? I am asking you because I know the violin really belongs to the palace, and Your Royal Highness would be in charge of it. Also, you will understand how sad Emenor is because she can’t play. Tamett says that Your Royal Highness plays the violin too and you look sad sometimes after you play.[54] So I thought Your Royal Highness would want to help. I don’t have any money, but I can come and work for you if you want. I work as a companion for my aunt now. I will be a very good worker for Your Royal Highness if you help us. Your Royal Highness is letting my brother go with you to school in Corege, so I think you must really be very nice no matter what Tamett says about you. Please say hello to your family for me.

I have the honor to remain

Your obedient servant

Lovisa Lockridge

X. Tamett to Lovisa.

14 March —08

Dear Lovisa,

what on earth were you thinking to write His Royal Highness a letter like that? It came today and he read it at the breakfast table in front of all of us.[55] I know you want to help Emenor, and that’s very good of you. But you can’t just write to HRH like that. You haven’t been introduced.[56] He didn’t say much, but he gave me some strange looks, so I don’t know what he’s going to do. You might get a letter from a palace secretary telling you to address questions to somebody else.[57] They might scold me. I will try to put in a good word for you. But you should start thinking up other ways to get Em’s violin.

Are you still playing landhockey?[58] Had any matches lately? How did you do?

Your brother

Tamett

XI. Emenor to Tamett.

14 March —08

Dear Tam,

I didn’t put Lovisa up to writing that letter. None of us did. She came up with the idea all by herself. I guess she’s been really sick about all this, perhaps more than Cille, who’s just going about looking solemn. Anyhow, she wanted to do something about it and had been snooping in my letters and read what you said about wanting someone to take the violin off your hands. And of course it was ridiculous of her, but she does have more nerve than the rest of us put together to write to someone like His Royal Highness. (Actually, I’ve wanted to, lots of times, after you tell me what he puts you through, but Mother and Father have torn up every single attempt before I can send it. At some point he needs someone to say those things to him, but it can wait until I meet him in person.)

But if you think it would help, I can write to HRH and explain that it was a mistake and we really aren’t begging and please don’t take it out on my brother because he didn’t put Lovisa up to it. How cross is he? He hasn’t told his father, I hope? And there’s no chance he’ll dismiss you for having a presumptuous family? That’s a silly reason to dismiss anyone, but then he’s silly, and you can tell him that from me if he does sack you.

I think I might have to risk pulling the worldly goods out of their mothballs[59] and just bite the bullet and tell Father and Mother. Perhaps between the lot of us we can scrounge enough.

Your sister

Emenor

XII. Tamett to Emenor.

16 March —08

Dear Em,

the royal family went to Domstadt for the weekend for something social,[60] and they didn’t need me, so I haven’t seen His Royal Highness since he got the letter. He didn’t say anything more about it before he left, and I don’t want to write. I don’t know if he’s written to her yet or if he has told the King. They are supposed to return tomorrow. And then I’ll catch it for sure.

Perhaps they’ll let me buy the violin if I give up allowance for the next thousand years.

Lord Protzmann finally told me I can go home next week. I hope he’ll let me take the train by myself again.[61]

Your brother

Tamett

XIII. Tamett to Cille.

16 March —08

Dear Cille,

I think chickens are a good idea. Keep asking Mother about it. It can’t be too hard, and there’s a shed out in the north field. You can’t see it from the house. If your selling eggs in the village is still a problem, perhaps you can send Till[62] to do it instead. He would probably do it if you asked.

You can have my maths. I haven’t done half of it.

I know you didn’t mean to break the violin. Everyone else knows too. Em probably isn’t angry anymore.

Your brother

Tamett

XIV. Josiah to Lovisa.[63]

17 March —08

Dear Miss Lovisa Lockridge,

thank you for your highly unusual letter. I do not often receive letters from our youngest subjects and found yours of great interest.

The violin that your brother currently uses when we have music lessons is the property of the royal household. Thus, under normal circumstances, it is not within my power to bestow it as a gift even if I wished to do so.

However, it is indeed a hardship to be deprived of one’s instrument, and given the peculiar circumstance, I am willing to see if an exception can be made. If your sister is as highly gifted a violinist as you say she is, let her come here to the palace immediately to play for me and my father. If he finds her performance favorable, I believe he can be persuaded to transfer the violin in question to her ownership. It ought to be used by someone who can properly play it.

I am gratified that you have sought my assistance in this matter and look forward to meeting your sister. Please extend my regards to your family.

Yours sincerely

Josiah, Crown Prince of Lienne

XV. Emenor to Tamett.

19 March —08

Dear Tam,

Taking the train early tomorrow morning and should see you by late afternoon. I still don’t know what to make of it. Amazing of course, but why? His Royal Highness is the last person I’d expect to make an offer like that.

I’ll be practicing late into the night. No one’s going to like me much in the morning, so thank goodness I’ll be miles away soon.

Your sister

Emenor

XVI. Tamett to Lovisa.

20 March —08

Dear Lovisa,

I am well. I hope you are well too. Emenor arrived yesterday afternoon and she is well too and says hello. Don’t worry. No one is in trouble with His Royal Highness or the King. It all worked out somehow. They took Emenor and me straight to see HRH as soon as she came. He was in his reception room,[64] which I didn’t expect because the King was supposed to be there too, and if he were, we would have been in another part of the palace.[65] But it was just HRH and Ayra. She said their father was busy and would probably be along later.[66] HRH didn’t say much. He just told Emenor to start. I thought she might say something to him like she always says she wants to, but she didn’t. She played very well, one song after another, everything she knows, I think. We kept waiting for the King to come, but he never did. HRH just sat there and looked blank and then Ayra elbowed him and finally he said that he’d tell their father about it and we could go. So I took Emenor on a tour of the palace and we sneaked into as many rooms as we could until Lord Rochus[67] caught us in the Marble Billiard Hall[68] and sent us back to the children’s quarters,[69] so we borrowed Ateva’s phonograph[70] and played it till past midnight, I think. I don’t remember. Emenor got to stay in an empty room near mine[71] and we sent for dinner and dessert and lemonade.

This morning they brought over the violin in a case with a note from HRH. He said it had all been arranged and Emenor could have the violin.[72] We take the train back tomorrow and should be there by evening. So you see it’s all right now. Sorry about the earlier letter. I suppose you knew just what to say to HRH. Just don’t tell him again what I say about him. He doesn’t need to know that. But thank you. Say hello to Father and Mother and the girls.

Your brother

Tamett

P.S.: Tell Mother we need to have almond cake[73]when I get back. It’s been forever.

P.P.S.: The violin has the royal crest imprinted very small on the back.[74] I don’t remember that being there before but I tried not to look much at the beastly thing if I could help it.

XVII. Tamett to Zella.

20 March —08

Dear Zella,

I miss you too. You will need to introduce me to Balder when I come home. He sounds like a good dog.

You are one of my favorite sisters. So is Emenor. So is Lovisa. So is Cille.

Hopefully one of your favorite brothers[75]

Tamett

[1] Professor Ebner: Helmold Ebner, primary tutor to Prince Josiah, taught the traditional classical subjects. He was among the foremost scholars at the University of Wissenberg when he was engaged by Odren VII in —02 to teach his son. The arrangement proved successful, with Ebner remaining with the Prince until the latter’s departure for Hollingham College in —08. Ebner wrote to his brother in —03, “While I admit that initially my expectations in teaching such a young pupil—a new experience indeed for me—were less than optimistic, I have found His Royal Highness to have the gravity and diligence of a young man thrice his age, and I would not exchange my young scholar for any graduate student at Wissenberg. He is a joy to teach and the pride of my academic career” (Collected Letters of Helmold Ebner, vol. 3, pp. 336-37). References to Tamett Lockridge appear surprisingly seldom among Ebner’s correspondence, with the most notable remark being his lament to a former colleague that “the Norriberrian child cannot understand simple concepts that His Royal Highness grasps immediately, while certain more difficult things that I take care to fully explain he claims to grasp from the start and yawns through the lesson” (Ibid. p. 429).

[2] mostly asleep: Multiple memoranda from Prince Josiah to his father complaining of his companion’s distracting tendency to snore during some lessons substantiate this remark.

[3] Professor Specht: Xaver Specht, mathematics tutor to Prince Josiah, was a professor at Wissenberg for only five years before winning the Höchste Award for Mathematical Achievement in —02 for his monograph “Confronting the Monster Infinity.” He initially declined Odren’s request to teach the Prince, preferring to concentrate on research, but Odren’s promised compensation proved too profitable an opportunity to pass up. Specht was a notably private man but is known to have once claimed, “Most days, I need not teach His Royal Highness. He was born with mathematics written on his lips and heart” (Kalb, Xaver Specht: A Unique Mind, p. 284).

[4] the park: The park on the grounds of Königshaus Palace is famous for its great extent, nearly twenty miles at its widest point. Its attractions include the royal herd of deer, the Buchenwald (Beech Forest), and the magnificent statue of Odren (I) the Great, erected in —58 by Odren VI to commemorate the four hundredth anniversary of Lienne’s conquest of Norriber.

[5] Lord Protzmann: Lord Protzmann, the head of the household of the royal children of Lienne, was appointed to that rank in —85 and would continue in that role until his dismissal in —10 after an embezzlement scandal. His duties included overseeing the daily affairs of the royal children’s domestic staff, managing accounts, and supervising such employees as the companion Tamett Lockridge and the princesses’ lady’s-maid, Sarra Gilsbrecht. Correspondence and diaries of the royal children indicate that they typically referred to Protzmann behind his back as Protz; it is likely that Tamett did also, but in a letter to his family which Protzmann could have easily intercepted, he is employing caution.

[6] Ayra had to eat with the King: By December —02, after the death of Queen Nyella, Princess Ayra was expected to attend meals with her father in place of a consort whenever female guests were present. Lady Erna Rademacher, who often dined with the royal family, commented in later life that the princess was “so studiously courteous that to interact with her resembled a lesson in etiquette. She was always correct but lacked the spontaneous warmth more natural to her sister” (Forty-Seven Years at the Liennese Court, pp. 251-52).

[7] some of their caviare […] for us to try: The royal children’s household accounts indicate that the princes and princesses typically dined quite lavishly, in a style resembling that of their parents and the rest of the court. Even so, such dishes as caviar would have been off-limits.

[8] Lord Protzmann said I should: Lord Protzmann regularly corresponded with Edvin and Elina Lockridge about their son’s welfare and behavior and also kept track of the boy’s communication with his family.

[9] they pay me next week: Tamett Lockridge was paid 100 myunzen per mensem (worth approximately $5,300 today), the bulk of which went to his parents, although the rest was put in savings for his future, with a small allowance for him.              

[10] viertelmyunze: The myunze (plural: myunzen) is the chief unit of Liennese currency, worth approximately $53 dollars in —08. A viertelmyunze was worth a quarter of a myunze ($13.25), while a halbemyunze was worth half ($26.50).

[11] the shopkeepers come to visit: Since it was not considered proper or feasible for the royal family to attend shops, certain prestigious merchants in Königsstadt were permitted by appointment to bring a selection of their wares and their catalog to the palace for the royal family to examine and purchase at will.

[12] coming home at Easter: Tamett’s last documented visit to his family had been at Christmas —07.

[13] Mr. Karrel Winther: Karrel Winther was a virtuoso violinist who had toured with the Royal Symphonic Orchestra of Lienne from —92 to —07 before returning to his native Norriber to teach. He was in high demand among upper-class Norriberrian circles, and for a time taking lessons from him became a status symbol. Eventually he lost patience with teaching pupils who had no serious interest in perfecting violin technique and required auditions before taking on new pupils. In —08, he had seven other pupils besides Emenor Lockridge. These students attended lessons in pairs in his home five times a week. Emenor studied in the mornings with Andar Vind, who would later become well-known as the composer of several popular musicals.

[14] the Vosses: Olmund and Kreszentia Vosse lived a mile away from the Lockridges. Olmund Vosse had inherited a fortune in the fish business, and he and his wife were among the more prominent citizens of the area.

[15] her pearl brooch: The pearl brooch was listed among the jewels and other valuables Elina Lockridge brought with her upon her marriage. It is among the few of these jewels not to disappear from the family inventory over the years and may be seen in many photographs of Elina, including her wedding portrait.

[16] my hair […] almost as if it were up: A photograph from the Lockridge family albums, taken by Lovisa, depicts Emenor on the main staircase in the ensemble and hairstyle described here. At age fourteen, Emenor was still too young to pin up her hair. Her letters and photographs indicate that she officially did so about two years later.

[17] Boschbrandt: Lukaz Boschbrandt was among the most famous of Lienne’s distinguished composers. His legendary symphonies, known as the “Divine Twenty-Three,” are a staple of Liennese concerts, and many of his melodies have been immortalized as hymns, popular songs, and dance tunes. He was also known for his peculiar habits and appearance, including disheveled hair and rough treatment of pianos.

[18] “Melancholisches Konzert”: Boschbrandt’s “Melancholisches Konzert” (Melancholy Concerto) is a common piece for intermediate violinists to learn. It wavers between major and minor keys, with a notable tremulous quality.

[19] Metzel’s “Musik für eine Sommernacht”: Walder Metzel rose to prominence around the same time as Boschbrandt, and to this day, they remain rivals in fame and skill. Metzel completed a record-breaking 1,000 compositions (not including seventeen incomplete pieces) before his mysterious disappearance at age thirty-one. “Musik für eine Sommernacht” (Music for a Summer Night) is typical of his work in its bold, showy, virtuosic style.

[20] the one you love so much: Other family letters indicate that Emenor practiced this piece for so long that the family became especially annoyed with it, particularly because, like many of Metzel’s pieces, it is an earworm.

[21] Becke’s “Hymne der Müden”: Seppen Becke, music master of Königsstadt’s royal cathedral, is remembered most for his contributions to church music. “Hymne der Müden” (Hymn of the Weary), a favorite of organists, is perhaps his most recognizable piece.

[22] Severin’s “Marsch der Söhne Norribers”: Jone Severin composed numerous Norriberrian patriotic pieces, including “Marsch der Söhne Norribers” (March of the Sons of Norriber), written around the two hundredth anniversary of the conquest of Norriber. Severin’s works were outlawed as seditious in Lienne and its possessions and were never heard at any public musical performance, although they continued to be played in private.

[23] His rates made Father go very bristly-looking: Karrel Winther charged ten myunzen ($530) for a month’s worth of lessons.

[24] the worldly goods ([…] thanks to a shrewd business arrangement): “Worldly goods” was Emenor’s code for her personal savings, intended to eventually fund her education at the Conservatory of Königsstadt and kept secret from her parents for fear of unauthorized “loans.” Emenor had at this point amassed an impressive sixteen myunzen ($848). It is unclear what this “shrewd business arrangement” was; no further hints exist among the family papers.

[25] Mr. Winther has connections to the Conservatory of Königsstadt: Karrel Winther was educated at the Conservatory, as were most of Lienne’s distinguished musicians of the day.

[26] Your scarf is at least two feet longer: Emenor was a prolific knitter, and many of her pieces are still in existence. A scarf known to be her work, which could possibly be the one to which she refers here, measures eight feet and seven inches in length.

[27] A large bug […] wandering around our corridor this morning: This would have been an unusual sight in the Palace, whose staff included exterminators among many other people dedicated to keeping the building pristine. Odren believed a flawless residence would further reinforce the clean image he was trying to craft for the royal family in order to regain the people’s respect after the scandals characterizing his father’s reign.

[28] talking about elephants, which isn’t proper to speak about at a meal. I didn’t know that: No contemporary Liennese etiquette manuals cite this subject as a mealtime faux pas. Either it was an obscure custom or a ruse of the family to keep young Mikaiah quiet.

[29] sent to one of the members of the court by accident […]: The identity of this hot-chocolate thieving nobleman has been lost to history. Hot chocolate in the afternoon had been a custom of the Liennese upper class for more than two centuries. The chocolate varied in variety and toppings—sometimes quite bitter, or mingled with whipped cream—and was traditionally served in tall conical glasses with handles, along with bread, biscuits, or cakes.

[30] Lord Protzmann is busy: Earlier in the month, Lord Protzmann’s accounts had been called into question, and he was preoccupied at this time with fending off accusations and cleaning up the evidence.

[31] the violin they make me use here: Tamett upon beginning violin lessons was issued a lightly used instrument of Otionovian make, formerly the property of Odren’s brother Linnaf during some short-lived childhood lessons.

[32] I don’t want to have lessons anymore: Odren considered music a crucial part of any Liennese education and a patriotic duty to their nation, known as the music capital of the world. He insisted that all his children play at least one instrument; Ayra specialized in cello, Ateva and Mikaiah in piano, and Josiah in piano and violin. Therefore, Tamett began music lessons in —03 immediately upon becoming Josiah’s companion and was assigned the violin. The journal of the royal children’s music tutor, Aymund Harven, is full of exasperated comments about “the Norriberrian barbarian” who could not hold his instrument correctly, frequently attempted to avoid lessons, and seemed to have no talent (Immel, Daily Life at the Court of Odren VII, pp. 581-83).

[33] I hope I can get out of it at Hollingham: Tamett’s academic records at Hollingham indicate that he did indeed no longer study music, although he dabbled in debating and drama.

[34] that rag sheet music? Ateva wants more […]: The royal children’s music lessons concentrated solely on classical music with an emphasis on Liennese composers. However, Ayra’s and Ateva’s letters to their cousins Princesses Truida, Jantine, and Klasina of Vischland demonstrate that their taste in music had more modern leanings. The girls kept a hidden stash of ragtime records and sheet music in their bedroom, and Ateva in particular was known to play such music whenever her father or Josiah were not liable to be in earshot. Tamett seems to have wandered into these impromptu parties and been cornered into being Ayra’s dance partner several times.

[35] Aunt Klariesa […]: In —07, Lovisa became companion to her aunt by marriage, Klariesa, Duchess of Reierwardt, who suffered from an undiagnosed ailment. Lovisa’s letters and diaries illustrate an often-frustrating relationship between her and her aunt, who was difficult to please and prone to emotional manipulation, although Lovisa’s anecdotes have a seemingly exaggerated quality that calls into the question the extent of their accuracy. Nevertheless, her position was convenient. The Duke and Duchess had no children and felt a sense of obligation to the Duke’s sister and her family. Tamett, Duke of Reierwardt had been instrumental in getting Tamett Lockridge his companion position. The Norriberrian dukes of Reierwardt had historically been compliant with the Liennese crown and sought influence and favor at court; Elina and Tamett’s parents had lived at Königshaus for many years.

[36] the books […]: Inventories of the Duchess’s possessions list, at different times, between 150-200 novels in her collection. Many of them were by Coregean author Giora Shorr, specialist in complex romances that redefined the genre for Coregean audiences, although the Duchess also enjoyed the works of Faysmondian authors Ontine Leclare and Aumeric Savatier, pioneers of the psychological novel.

[37] that thing that her heart does that I can’t spell: Klariesa frequently wrote to her sister-in-law about her heart palpations, which might be the word Lovisa had in mind.

[38] anybody who needs a companion there? Like the princesses?: Odren never hired a companion for Ayra and Ateva, as he did for Josiah. With two daughters four years apart in age, he probably concluded that the sisters would be enough constant company for each other. Ayra and Ateva’s childhood was more socially active than that of their half-brothers. Their parents frequently visited relatives in other nations, and the girls accompanied them to Vischland, Faysmond, and Corege, where they became acquainted with cousins with whom they would continue to correspond for many years. Queen Liane encouraged Liennese nobility to bring their children to court, where they were permitted to play with the princesses. Thus, a live-in companion was not necessary. By contrast, Odren was more particular about with whom he would allow Josiah to associate, and Queen Nyella’s difficult pregnancies made frequent social visits and travel less feasible. After Nyella’s death, social life at court slowed in deference to the king’s prolonged mourning.

[39] the big mathematics book: This was probably A Brief Introduction to Intermediate Mathematics by Coregean mathematician Jowan Alford Bridgeley, a volume of approximately 894 pages in the seventh edition.

[40] Balder: Balder is believed to have belonged to the Lockridge’s neighbor Norber Kobben, a retired naturalist. A photograph from his collection depicts a Liennese spaniel fitting this description.

[41] I am sorry I have not written to you sooner: Cille’s letters frequently begin with this phrase when writing to Tamett multiple times before getting a reply. Given Cille’s conscientious nature, it is probably a sincere expression of remorse despite its seeming reproach to her errant correspondent.

[42] she said I should not sell eggs: Elina wrote to Klariesa to express her shock that “the grandchild of a Duke should suggest such an occupation as chicken-raising […] I cannot think where she must have picked up the notion, perhaps in some trivial book. Of course it is difficult in our current circumstances to impress upon the child who she is and what distinguishes her from her playmates from the village, but I see I shall have to have a long and serious discussion with her. I knew I would have to at some point, as I have with the others, but even with this fourth child I am dreading it. All of them have looked at me as if something in them were shattering. But Cille is a good, obedient girl, thank goodness, and whatever she may think, she will listen to me” (6 March —08, private collection).

[43] will you bring me more maths to do when you come home: One of Tamett’s mathematics textbooks still exists and exhibits multiple handwritings: Tamett’s, his tutor’s, and a scrawling hand that solves each problem with careful accuracy—believed to be that of young Cille.

[44] One of Otionovian make: Despite Lienne’s reputation for musical genius, it was not the leading producer of instruments. For the past three centuries, Otionovian craftsmen, such as Dianati and Navario, had established their nation’s reputation for high-quality stringed instruments. A combination of technique and materials gave Otionovian violins an exquisite sound, subtle but distinctive to the trained ear. Thus, they were prized by serious musicians and demanded a lofty price. In —08, the average gently used Otionovian violin cost fifty myenzen ($2,650), while a new one often sold for ninety ($4,770). These were the only sorts of violins in use at Königshaus; Prince Josiah was said to have owned five of them, although later accounts claim only four.

[45] not sure if Mr. Winther thinks we have that sort of money: Winther’s letter makes no mention of the potential cost of the instrument but instead appeals to the need for correct equipment to make the most of Emenor’s lessons. It is possible that Winther assumed that the Lockridges’ connection to a duke reflected or at least affected their own financial status.

[46] Father and Mother are rather panicked: According to the Lockridges’ accounts from this time, their other expenses included upkeep and new furnishings for their rather dilapidated house, a down payment on an automobile, the salary of a governess for their daughters, and campaigning expenses for Edvin, who was, for the twelfth time, campaigning for the office of representative in Norriber’s delegation to the Liennese court.  

[47] They don’t want to ask Uncle Tamett and Aunt Klariesa again […]: The Duke of Reierwardt’s accounts list an average of fourteen loans of various amounts to the Lockridges annually between —94 and —08. Elina’s letters to her brother frequently contain delicately worded requests for money, while the Duke’s letters to her often claim in turn that he has nothing to spare and invoke his ill wife as an excuse to not lend anything.

[48] she has nothing: The Lockridge children did not receive allowances; their only sources of income were gifts from relatives or earning it themselves.

[49] an Otionovian violin goes for a small fortune up here: See note 43 for the average cost of an Otionovian violin.

[50] I’d have to explain where I got the money. Which I don’t want to do: According to other letters of Emenor’s, her father was known to “borrow” money from his daughters, often without their consent, and never paid them back after neglecting to make records of the loans. She eventually made a point of asking their aunts on their father’s side not to any monetary gifts for the Lockridge girls in the hearing of or in letters to Edvin and Elina.

[51] I’ve dropped the violin myself lots of times—not as dramatically: Emenor at age nine had also broken a bow after using it as a sabre in a mock-fight with Tamett.

[52] “Arie für Solovioline”: “Arie für Solovioline” (Air for Solo Violin) by Boschbrandt was a staple of Liennese recitals and private concerts and was among Winther’s signature pieces.

[53] He has told us very much about you: While records of private conversations among Tamett and his sisters are not available to the historian, his letters to the girls feature the occasional unflattering anecdote or sketch of Josiah.

[54] Tamett says that Your Royal Highness plays the violin too and you look sad sometimes after you play: Lovisa might have been thinking of a letter of Tamett’s in which he describes Josiah as looking “ready to run me through with his bow” after finishing a piece, although why Lovisa interpreted that as “sad” is unclear.

[55] at the breakfast table in front of all of us: This presumably included all four of the royal children and Tamett. Odren was not known to breakfast with his children.

[56] But you can’t just write to HRH like that. You haven’t been introduced: While technically there was no rule in Lienne against writing to the Crown Prince without introduction, the royal family in general was viewed as unapproachable to most of their subjects. Letters to the royal family were subject to scrutiny by a committee of the palace security before they were permitted to be given to their intended recipients, to ensure that they contained no death threats, poison, or other distressing content.

[57] a letter from a palace secretary telling you to address questions to somebody else: Replies to many letters to Josiah were sent by a secretary and would contain such remarks as “His Royal Highness thanks you for your letter and appreciates your kind sentiments.”

[58] Are you still playing landhockey?: Lovisa belonged to a landhockey (field hockey) team composed of girls from her neighborhood but had only been able to join after long haggling with her parents, who made a point of pretending that this activity did not exist.

[59] pulling the worldly goods out of their mothballs: Emenor kept her conservatory fund in a bank account.

[60] the royal family went to Domstadt for the weekend for something social: Tamett was not quite accurate in describing this trip. The royal family had gone to Domstadt to celebrate Palm Sunday at Domstadt’s famous cathedral, a long-standing tradition of the monarchs of Lienne. After morning services, the King goes on a procession around the city, which is decked out in colorful symbolic “palms” made of green tree branches and flowers tied together.

[61] I hope he’ll let me take the train by myself again: It was an eight-hour train trip from Königsstadt to Tamett’s home, and, especially early in his time as Josiah’s companion, Tamett had to be accompanied by a parent or an authorized member of the royal household’s staff.

[62] Till: Till Ennsnekt was one of three employees of the Lockridge household. He had been with the family since Edvin and Elina married in —93, and his duties included maintenance, gardening, and driving the carriage, among many other tasks.

[63] Josiah to Lovisa: This letter is in Josiah’s handwriting, not dictated to or composed on his behalf by a secretary.

[64] his reception room: Josiah’s rooms were in a separate section of the royal children’s wing. They included his private sitting room, bedroom, dressing room, bathroom, classroom, music room, and reception room, where he received visitors, most often dignitaries or the few citizens who were permitted private audiences. Tamett’s letters indicate that he spent most of his time with Josiah in the classroom or sitting room, and it would have been unusual for him to enter the reception room.

[65] another part of the palace: Odren typically received visitors in his own reception room, which was in the same wing as Josiah’s, but on the first (ground) floor and at the other end.

[66] their father was busy and would probably be along later: According to the records of Odren’s schedule in March —08, further corroborated by the King’s journal, he was not even in residence at the palace on the nineteenth but had left for an urgent meeting with the governor of Westralia regarding some unrest among the factory workers there and did not return until the twenty-first.

[67] Lord Rochus: Lord Rochus had been a member of the court since the reign of Odren VI. Ayra and Ateva refer to him in their letters as “Picknickregen” (Picnic Rain) in reference to what they perceived as his killjoy tendencies; he reportedly objected to the princesses’ taste in music, dress, and vocabulary.

[68] the Marble Billiard Hall: The Marble Billiard Hill was among the grand rooms on the first floor of the central wing of the palace, quite a distance from Tamett’s room. These rooms were typically used only for special occasions, ceremonial purposes, or for the benefit of important visitors. As a mere member of the household, Tamett would have been cautioned never to enter these rooms without official accompaniment.        

[69] the children’s quarters: The royal children lived on the second floor of the west wing of the palace. Josiah’s rooms were at the north end, where it bent to connect to the central wing, while his siblings’ rooms ran the length of the wing. These included bedrooms, a bathroom, classrooms, a reception room, a dining room, and quarters for the royal children’s staff.

[70] Ateva’s phonograph: Ateva and Josiah both owned phonographs, although the former would have been more likely to lend hers. It was a gift from her aunt Ayra, Queen of Vischland, probably at the insistence of Ayra’s children, with whom Ateva corresponded. Her modest collection of records included several forbidden rag recordings, which she hid carefully.

[71] an unoccupied room near mine: Tamett’s room was tucked away at the far end of Josiah’s rooms, in a separate corridor. His nearest neighbors were Lord Protzmann and Josiah’s tutors.

[72] a note from HRH. He said it had all been arranged and Emenor could have the violin: Josiah’s note, found among Emenor’s papers, read: “Dear Miss Lockridge, upon the evidence of your excellent musical talent and testimony of your diligence in your field, we have concluded that you are indeed worthy of a fine instrument. Please accept this violin as a token of our esteem. With kind regards to you and your family, Yours sincerely, Josiah, Crown Prince of Lienne.”

[73] almond cake: Norriberrian almond cake, a cardamom-flavored crust filled with almond paste, is traditionally made near Easter and was a particular favorite of Tamett’s, often served in the Lockridge household on his birthday, April 29.

[74] the royal crest imprinted very small on the back: After repeat instances of theft, Odren began a custom of having instruments belonging to himself and his family marked with the royal crest.

[75] one of your favorite brothers: This went on to become a long-standing joke between Tamett and Zella, and later the other sisters.

[isfjmel-phleg]

More OC Sims: the Lockridge family.

Tamett (at two ages since neither was quite right), Emenor, Lovisa, Cille, Zella (aged up because Sims toddlers up close look like nothing on earth), and their parents.

[isfjmel-phleg]

Random OC Facts: The Lockridge Family

Edvin

Elder son of a Noriberrian gentleman and inherited the property after his father’s death. His father’s speculations left the estate much less profitable than anticipated, and Edvin’s politically-based education did not prepare him to combat such difficulties.

Met his wife at a private concert in Königsstadt during the social season. It was a match of love more than convenience (which was not an issue for him at that point).

Has been unsuccessfully running for the last twelve years for the office of his area’s representative in Norriber’s delegation to the Liennese court.

Readily involves the children in his everyday comings and goings and usually has at least one daughter on hand whenever he makes the rounds of the estate on horseback.

A philatelist since childhood who looks forward to Tamett’s letters because mail franked by the royal house always provides his collection something of interest.

Deeply envious of his brother-in-law the Duke, with his easy proximity to the court, and consoles himself with the knowledge that he at least has children. Useful children.

Has seriously considered selling the estate to move nearer Königsstadt many times, but certain disapproval from his siblings and doubt that anyone would want it in its current state have made that impossible.

...and his wife Elina

Only daughter of a Duke and Duchess (now deceased) with some nebulous connection to the Liennese court. She (and not to mention her brother, the current Duke) has never forgotten this, although she now lives in a rundown country house and hasn’t had a new hat in five years.

Would be writing frantic inquiries about Tamett’s wellbeing every week, but the King very graciously keeps her updated on his progress and even seems to take an interest in her and the rest of the family, which she finds quite flattering.

Has sold or pawned jewelry, clothing, and objets d’arte, but the silverware and her wedding china are Off Limits. Her sisters-in-law must never be given reason to criticize her table when they visit. She’s careful about keeping the children looking presentable too.

Regardless of her more aristocratic background, is a better saver and manager of money than Edvin.

Went to school with Josiah’s late mother and knew her just well enough to be able to brag about it years later, but not well enough to get invited to the royal wedding. She actually recalls Nyella as rather silly and thoughtless but would never dare say so.

Very icy when upset. The children are all a bit terrified of this mood.

Despite everything, has never regretted marrying her husband.

...and their five children, who are Emenor (14)

Started violin lessons when she was six. Norriber isn’t the most musical territory of Lienne, but her parents considered the skill marketable. Turns out she had some promising, albeit unorthodox, talent.

Very protective of her brother and therefore So Done with Josiah, perhaps more so than Tamett. Her parents have had to intercept multiple angry letters from reaching the Crown Prince.

Is being threatened with the possibility of presentation at court in a few years and is much less averse to it than she officially claims she is. There are certain opportunities to be had in the royal city.

Has been hoarding money since she was seven to fund her way through the conservatory in Königsstadt whenever she’s old enough. Her siblings are the only ones who know about this, for sake of the stash’s safety.

Easily frustrated by life’s injustices and used to cope through violin until objections were voiced. She now knits when angry and has been known to produce scarves several yards long.

Perhaps an even more incorrigible instigator of shenanigans than her brother.

Has wondered for a long time why the family isn’t doing much about their circumstances. No one has given her a satisfactory answer yet.

Tamett (13)

well, you know

Lovisa (11)

Very good at getting along with (most) people because she seems to enthusiastically like just about everyone.

Wanted very much to be a companion at the palace along with Tamett when he got the job, and was deeply upset to be told that the princesses were too old and the new prince too young for a five-year-old companion.

Struggles with her enjoyment of sports--tennis, field hockey, you-name-it--because the extended family objects to any more than minimal participation in anything so unladylike, and she sincerely wants to do the socially acceptable thing but it’s hard to give up something she loves.

Had to settle for being part-time companion to her aunt Klariesa after Emenor did not make the cut for that job. It has been a test of her patience, and the family is tired of hearing about it, especially whenever they have Tamett’s latest letter to dissect.

At some point got into the habit of talking on behalf of Cille, whether her sister wants her to or not.

An aggressive avoider of conflict, whether involving herself or her family. So get along with each other, or she will make you resolve it.

Is rather proud of the time she managed to convince Aunt Klariesa that she (Lovisa) had actually done her a favor by accidentally breaking an expensive vase.

Cille (8)

Got hold of Tamett’s mathematics book during one of his visits and solved nearly all the problems for fun. Tamett might have been able to pass the work off as his own, if his tutor would have overlooked the scrawling numbers obviously not in Tamett’s hand.

Always eager to make herself useful around the house, to the point that her father jokes that she is the reason they do not need to employ more than two servants.

The sort of child who browses encyclopedias for fun and begins most sentences with “Did you know...” or “Actually...” The family is not impressed.

Probably singlehandedly responsible for the family cat’s lasting this long.

Learned early to stitch up her toys when they were damaged. Had to be stopped on one occasion when she tried to employ this repair method on the cut elbow of one of her sisters.

Despite her naturally problem-solving nature, is the most melancholy of the siblings. Goes through bouts of gloom, which she refuses to discuss.

Is probably going to be handling her parents’ accounts about five years.

Zella (5)

Somehow ended up being the mom sister. Her attempts to help aren’t always as effective as she intends them to be, but she can be counted on to find handkerchiefs and remind everyone to wear their coats.

Fond of Tamett but takes his absences more as a matter of course than the others do, since she can’t remember a time when he lived at home.

Adopts her siblings’ abandoned toys, which has led to numerous property disputes with the original owners.

Loves people and thrives on human interaction but tends to be very shy in public. The family attributes this to her age and hopes she will grow out of it. She might not.

Going through a phase in which she repeats her words under her breath because she’s pretending she’s living in a storybook that she’s narrating to herself. She hasn’t explained this to anyone because they wouldn’t understand.

Emenor and Tamett, and Lovisa and Cille have organized themselves into sibling sub-units, so she is making a persistent effort to worm her way into one group or the other. So far she has been unsuccessful.

Visits from her cousin Lilja, who is her age, are the highlights of her existence. Her mother is very tired of answering “When’s Lilja coming back?”

[isfjmel-phleg]

Well, since you offered: OC ask for Elystan, Delclis, Amarantha and Tamett? :)

Here you go! 

Elystan

FullName: Elystan Allister Filimond Talfrin Liddick

Gender and Sexuality: Male, irrelevant

Pronouns: He/him

Ethnicity/Species: Caucasian, human

Birthplace and Birthdate: Corege, October 31, 1995

Guilty Pleasures: Borrowing Delclis’s (or Amarantha’s) books and returning themwith obnoxious commentary in ink in the margins. On the whole, very fewpleasures are guilty for him.

Phobias: Death, powerlessness.

What They Would Be Famous For: Probably something along the lines of insufferableliterary celebrity.

What They Would Get Arrested For: Fraud, libel.

OC You Ship Them With: I’ve always thought he and Amarantha might eventually bea thing, despite her being a commoner, but who knows.

OC Most Likely To Murder Them: Delclis, if you ask him, but more likelyAmarantha.

Favorite Movie/Book Genre: Adventure, mystery.

Least Favorite Movie/Book Cliche: Throwing Off the Disability

Talents and/or Powers: Rhetoric, languages.

Why Someone Might Love Them: His snark can be entertaining.

Why Someone Might Hate Them: He’s manipulative, callous, vindictive, andridiculously spoiled.

How They Change: Spoilers! He goes through a lot.

Why You Love Them: He’s fun to write and inflict things upon, and he’s got mysympathy. Not all of his problems are his fault.

Delclis

FullName: Delclis Andras Gearalt Phemister

Gender and Sexuality: Male, possibly asexual

Pronouns: He/him

Ethnicity/Species: Caucasian, human 

Birthplace and Birthdate: Corege, September 26, 1991

Guilty Pleasures: His world’s equivalent of Austen novels, popular music.

Phobias: Loss of freedom, crowds and social situations in general.

What They Would Be Famous For: Making some kind of great breakthrough inbotany.

What They Would Get Arrested For: Murder.

OC You Ship Them With: May or may not end up with Rietta.

OC Most Likely To Murder Them: Elystan.

Favorite Movie/Book Genre: Nonfiction.

Least Favorite Movie/Book Cliche: Absent-Minded Professor, or whatever it’scalled when inheriting a throne is presented as Happily Ever After. 

Talents and/or Powers: Botany, avoiding things.

Why Someone Might Love Them: Is the definition of adorkable. Apparently.

Why Someone Might Hate Them: He can be cold, detached, and difficult to work with. He ends up in a position to make decisions that not everyone likes(including himself).

How They Change: Spoilers! Things are going to go downhill.

Why You Love Them: He’s prickly but endearing and provides a strong contrast toElystan and/or Rietta.

Amarantha

FullName: Amarantha Margeth Melbray

Gender and Sexuality: Female, irrelevant

Pronouns: She/her

Ethnicity/Species: Caucasian, human

Birthplace and Birthdate: Corege, October 4, 1995

Guilty Pleasures: Cinema, her childhood dolls (embarrassing now that she’stwelve).

Phobias: Family upheaval, poverty.

What They Would Be Famous For: Her art.

What They Would Get Arrested For: Assault and battery.

OC You Ship Them With: She and Elystan might be a thing when they’re older. Ifthey don’t kill each other first.

OC Most Likely To Murder Them: Elystan.

Favorite Movie/Book Genre: Fantasy and mystery.

Least Favorite Movie/Book Cliche: Starving Artist.

Talents and/or Powers: Mostly art, unless you also count housekeeping, theother main thing in her life.

Why Someone Might Love Them: For relatability, I think.

Why Someone Might Hate Them: She can be judgmental and not ascompassionate she thinks she is.

How They Change: She becomes more broad-minded, especially towardElystan, whom she had a grudge against for years.

Why You Love Them: She deviates from the typical bold, outgoing heroineof fiction and has some uncomfortably close-to-home flaws that make her quitehuman.

Tamett

FullName: Tamett Edvin Lockridge

Gender and Sexuality: Male, irrelevant

Pronouns: He/him

Ethnicity/Species: Caucasian, human

Birthplace and Birthdate: Lienne, April 22, 1995

Guilty Pleasures: Using Josiah’s astronomic equipment without asking, sneakingaround places that are none of his business.

Phobias: Being trapped in his job forever, boredom.

What They Would Be Famous For: Inventing something.

What They Would Get Arrested For: Theft.

OC You Ship Them With: No one.

OC Most Likely To Murder Them: Elystan.

Favorite Movie/Book Genre: Action/adventure.

Least Favorite Movie/Book Cliche: The entire detective genre as it currentlyexists in literature.

Talents and/or Powers: Is trouble-making a talent?

Why Someone Might Love Them: Relatable (according to @nerdysk8s,anyway). Possibly entertaining to read about.

Why Someone Might Hate Them: Aloof and not particularly warm orapproachable. Tends to make ill-thought-out decisions.

How They Change: For one thing, he and Josiah may reach a point wherethey’re actually reasonably friendly and willing to work with each other.

Why You Love Them: His perspective and character in general are achallenge to uncover and perfect.