Mending A Still-Burning Bridge: Arrava’s Response

A letter arrives in Eva Ianeira’s mailbox, addressed to a Selene Artemis. The paper inside is stained thoroughly with tears and frequent inkblots, but no spelling mistakes or signs of correction. Written with a flowing, elegant script with great care and precision.

Dearest Selene,

I will not pretend that I have not waiting for many cycles for a letter of such nature from you, hoping to hear that you’d found a place for yourself wherever in Eorzea your travels have taken you. I praise Nymeia that you have found something that makes you happy, and I praise all of the Twelve just to know you’re alive.

I’ve known for quite a while, actually. As a matter of fact, your father and I knew almost immediately. It was an awkward evening, when Aatrix knocked on our door to tell us that you finally invoked the last part of the contract; that you were taking up a house here in Gridania of all places. Your father was silent, I couldn’t contain my tears, knowing that you hadn’t ended up dead in a cave in some far off corner of the Thanalan deserts.

Despite our knowing, I begged your father to keep his distance. If you hadn’t contacted us, I knew that there was still bitter blood. Jzhoshief wasn’t very interested in standing by, but I did manage to keep him at bay. It took quite a strong arm, and you know how he hates to be pushed like that.

I know you want to know what is on his mind, dearest, and how he feels, but I honestly couldn’t begin to say. He has spoken ever so little of you since you left, and simply deflects any questions or conversations about you. It does break my heart, on an almost daily basis these days. Especially knowing now that you are just down the lane from him.

He came home incredibly drunk the night you were checked into the Fane. Lying there unconscious, your neck bandaged and bleeding. He spoke to a woman that was with you. I am glad you have found such friends that care about you. The next night, when you checked yourself out, he came out, went straight to his study and locked himself in all night. No amount of crying and pleading at the door would even issue forth a mumble. Again, a broken heart.

But enough of such talk… your letter brought me such joy. An inexplicable happiness issuing forth from the very core of my being. If it is still too soon for you, I want you to know that there is nothing in this world that I want more than to see you, and see how you’ve changed.

All my love,
Arrava

P.S. – A tattoo? On your face? I was a bit disappointed, but, it will pass.

Mending A Still-Burning Bridge: Selene to Arrava

Arrava Artemis-

Much can happen in six cycles… a million waves have crashed against the shores of La Noscea, the sun have set behind the deserts of Thanalan countless times, and through all of it I’ve thought of you, nestled in the boughs of the Twelveswood.

I assume that you have already know that it’s me writing this to you. Selene. I’d hazard a guess that you also already know that I have been back in Gridania for quite some time. I can’t imagine that there would be any way for me to spend time in the Fane and not have Jzhoshief see my name on a ledger. He probably even saw to it that he was assigned to me for the brief period I was there. It wouldn’t be a stretch to assume, that’s his way. He did it all the time when I was young, why wouldn’t he do it now? Also I’m sure that Aatrix has spoken to him at least a few times about my taking a house… and then the subsequent handing over of the deed after only two moons.

But I didn’t write to talk of him. I apologize for getting carried away with my thoughts.

I know it has been quite a long time since we have spoken. Things have happened, people change. I lived in Limsa Lominsa, then Gridania, and now I find myself in the sands of Ul’dah. I’ve taken up the shield; I live now to protect my new friends and compatriots. I draw and sketch when I can, but lately I just live day to day, trying to enjoy myself and find pleasure where I can. Things were difficult for a very long time, and I have only just recently begun to find a place where I can consider myself home in this world.

I understand if you are bitter… I harbor no ill will towards you, and this letter is my feeble attempt at expressing that.

I will understand if you don’t, but should you wish to write back to me, please send mail to the address on the envelope. It is not my home anymore, but that of a very close friend who has agreed to offer me the use of her home as neutral ground. I hope you understand my hesitancy.

I am more sorry than I can say,
Selene-

P.S. – Please don’t tell Jzhoshief about this letter. I’m not ready to deal with him personally quite yet. I hope you understand.