#what is gender anyway

This tidy letter, sealed in white wax with the crest of House Pepin, is left on the desk of Gwenneth Ledigne with a small, bright autumn bouquet of agrimony and coreopsis.

Lady Gwenneth,

(though mayhap that title remains as odd to your ear as “Lord” to mine,) 

I wish to express my very deep gratitude to you, to House Dufresne, and to the people of the Bellworks for the many moons of employment I have here enjoyed. To not only be afforded an opportunity to work and learn under Negotiations, but to be warmly embraced by its people, has been a true blessing, and I come away with a turn-and-a-half of memories to revisit with fondness and cheer. In particular, the opportunity to work alongside my   partner has been a great gift, and mayhap was in part responsible for the happiness we now share.

But as one who has (unbelievably) received the honor of bearing the name of Pepin, I am now (even more unbelievably) to be entrusted with bearing the corresponding responsibilities – and, too, to serve as dutiful help-meet to my spouse here in Ishgard. As House Dufresne and its Bellworks now negotiate their parting of ways, mayhap the moment is also right for me to bid my farewells and enter the sole service of my new lord. 

Yet I understand that this timing may be particularly inconvenient for you and that you may soon, and for several moons, need extra assistance at the office. If this be the case, pray be certain of my gladness to stay for as long as you need, for I not only owe an invaluable debt to the Lord Ledigne but am indebted to you personally for all the accommodation and kindness I have received, and indeed confess to mayhap being happier as your secretary than I ever was at the Tribunal. 

Whatever your preference, I am certain I shall continue to see much of you, as I remain a partner of the Institute along with both my families – and, I pray, your admiring and devoted friend, 

Valroit Faucheux.