Letters Home [A collection]

Dear Adair,

   I miss you very much. I’ve been asking around and have managed to hear word of a monastery of Haelynites who may be able to help me to find where I need to go. You can tell Mother that I’m safe - and you can tell Nieve to go to hell. I’m not coming home. All my life she’s tried to control me. I can’t be like her, and I can’t be like you - I’m shite at woodscraft. You can range free in the Gorge!

 I wish that being married well was enough for me. I know what it could do for our family. It makes me feel a bit crazy to leave it all behind. But what happened to me was real, Adair. I relive it every time I touch the Sword. I know He chose me.

 I’m worth something.

 I’m meant for more.

-----------------------------------------------

Dearest Adair,

  Thank you for the coin to get me through - things were truly desperate, and I know I haven’t been vigilant with my letters. I’m so grateful that I can still count on you.

 I’ve found a cloister: some priests from the Northern Imperial Temple who hint they know more than they are willing to share for free. I’ve been sleeping on the floor of the temple, doing the tasks of an acolyte to earn my keep.

  These men guard their tongues closely around me. I’m trying to prove my loyalty and gain their trust - I must learn their secrets. I will find the Way.

-----------------------------------------------

Adair,

 I killed a man today. We were beset on the road by brigands. One tried to touch me. The Sword is still sharp, and I am stronger than I look. All but one of the priests survived.

 Tonight I learn their secrets.

-----------------------------------------------

Brother,

I have received your letters informing me of Mother’s passing.

I can only hope this missive can convey some small degree of the despair that I feel at this news.

She loved us all, and placed all over her children before herself in all ways.

 I regret that I cannot return to the Gorge for her rites - but know I mourn her within the Temple of Cuiraécen. It is forbidden to leave once entrance has been gained; at least until one has passed into the ranks of initiate. The temple’s location must be kept most secret.

 My mentor has sent a Priestess of Nesirie to visit you all in my place. It is my hope she may bring you comfort.

 I know Nieve won’t understand, and I don’t expect her to forgive me.

 I know I’ve hurt you too, Adair. For that I am sorry. When I left the Gorge, I don’t believe I truly understood what it meant, when I did it.

 But being here is what I need to do.

-----------------------------------------------

Dear Adair,

 I have passed into the rank of Priestess, and defeated all foes before me. Your littlest sister has earned the divine gifts of the Storm God.

 The funny thing is - it still feels the same way to touch lightning as it did that day in the Cradlewood.

-----------------------------------------------

My dearest brother,

 It has been fifteen years since last I saw your face.

 I have been dispatched to the Gorge, and will arrive by months end.

 Please say nothing to Lady Morgenstane.

-----------------------------------------------

Adair.

We travel through Bhaine to Stormpoint.

I know that Cuiraécen rides with us. The hearts of the Taeghan forces are undeniable. A Haelynite has joined us, and still more allies rally to our cause.

Lady Mara and Countess Cuinn fare as well as they can, but the stalwart faces of the men and women who stand with us and fight for their countrymen buoys us all. How could we not rise to fight for these people?

But allies too have fallen. I want you to know that through all the years with little word, I still remembered my family. Your letters were a constant reminder of the sacrifice I had to make in order to be in this place, now, doing what is asked of me.

I’ll make you proud. I hope to see it in your face when we meet again - be it the Gorge, or Cuiraécen’s Feasthall.

I love you, take care of our home.

-----------------------------------------------

Nieve,

 There’s too much to say in this letter, and much of it is best left unwritten.

 I will say that I did not really know you until I could see you as a mother. Please kiss my nieces and nephews and tell them I love them all.

-----------------------------------------------

Balros,

Mentor - please pray to the Storm Lord on behalf of your student. She rides to victory or ruin.