She had all these practical, useful skills, but Farran was still stuck waiting to be able to use them. She wanted to be out in the world, learning how life was through trial and likely lots of error. Farran wasn't naïve, she knew how protected both her status and family fortune had kept her, that the world wouldn't be as accommodating and she might fail terribly. But even that was a part of the adventure Farran craved. The only sibling who seemed to have the same urge to disconnect was Blair, and she had chosen a different type of potentially dangerous adventure, though a ruined reputation wasn't a death sentence to a Briggs. 
A knock at her door pulled Farran out of her head, hands stilling only so she wouldn't stab herself needlessly, and she spotted Alaric at her bedroom door, "Hello Farran,, these were delivered for your attention."
For all that Farran wished she could have hidden her excited reaction, she knew her cheeks had already flamed admission. He hadn't opened her letters, despite being her guardian Alaric respected his siblings' privacy too much to intrude recklessly, but they were clearly stamped with identifying seals. She could see the Handshake seal of the Diplomatic Bureau in the black wax of Taroton's postal system, but she was surprised to see a forest green seal on the other letter with a strange know sealed into it. And if she had noted them, Alaric certainly would have, which would explain why he was bringing her post to her room instead of telling her it was in his office and to collect it there. Her eldest brother might respect her privacy enough to not read her mail, but he did want to pry. 
Luckily for Farran, Alaric also liked to think he knew how everyone else was thinking, "I'd heard you had an interest in Cador, but I had underestimated your tenacity," he handed her the letters, "establishing pen pals with Cador through the Diplomatic Bureau is quite ingenious, great thinking." 
She felt a little guilty at his compliment, thought it wasn't entirely wrong. She had technically only established a written letter relationship with both Diplomatic Bureau and Lord Dorland. And until she opened the letters and saw the contents, Farran wouldn't be lying if she silently accepted his praise without clarification; after all, she still believed both would be rejecting her application to join the Exchange. Farran was tenacious like Alaric said, even flat out rejections weren't going to stop her; she'd write more letters. 
"Thank you Alaric, I appreciate it," she had to wait until he left to open them, but it was agonizing now that the letters were in her hand. 
"I'm glad you've found a way to engage your interests," he knew of her desire to be an explorer, and how it was hindered by her age, lack of useful magic, and the unfortunate seasickness. "This Season is hard on the family, but I want you to know that you and the other children are still as much a priority to me as the Debuted siblings are. If there is anything I can do to help with your pen pal, let me know."
"If that's the case Alaric, would you be able to get me whatever lengths you can of these fabrics?" Farran was an opportunist; if he didn't want to do a favour, he shouldn't have offered. "In Cador, they don't have a family colour, they have a family pattern, and I wanted to try and make my pen pal a handmade gift in Taroton fabrics but Cadorian pattern."
Alaric gave her a bright smile, happy her request was an easy one to fulfill no doubt, "I recall the tome we found you, I'm glad it was a good choice." It had been, Farran acknowledged that readily enough. "When I go to Abernathy's next I shall retrieve your fabrics," he took the list she had and finally left. 
Farran waited as long as she could, trying to ensure she wouldn't be interrupted now that she finally had her first responses. She broke the seal of the Diplomatic Bureau and read its contents first.
To the Young Lady Farran Briggs,
The Diplomatic Bureau's Exchange Project was grateful to receive your impassioned volunteer letter, but unfortunately as indicated in your submission, we cannot accept your application at this time. At the very least, we would need confirmation that your request to join the Exchange had been discussed and approved by your parents or legal guardian, Lord Alaric Briggs.