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 Posted: Thu Jan 21, 2021 8:26 pm
The temptation to send out a tome of a letter was high. There was so much to talk about and express and update... but it might have been a little overwhelming for Pyrrha to receive all at once. She could only imagine getting a letter all of a sudden that had the details of someone's years splayed across its pages. Besides, what if the letter didn't even reach Pyrrha? It simply would not do to have such personal information floating around for anyone on that strange island to read! She just needed to make sure she could reach Pyrrha in the first place. After all, Pruu believed in her heart that her twin was still alive and kicking.
Still, she wondered how the passage of time had treated her sister. Was Pyrrha happy? Healthy? Bitter? Angry? Disconnected? After so long and so much pain... despite how much she believed Pyrrha would be happy to connect again, she couldn't help that nibbling doubt. It made writing the letter more difficult than it should have been. It felt stiff and formal to her when she read it for the tenth time; though perhaps it was fitting considering who the author was.
In the end, all she could do was try. Times were changing, and so had she. If she could, at the very least, get confirmation that Pyrrha was alive and well, then she would be able to more fully put that part of her heart to rest. The letter was wrapped in leather to keep it safe on its journey in search of the long-lost twin, and it was sent on its way.
'Pyrrha,
I hope this letter finds you well. I hope this letter finds you at all. There are many changes going on, and I want one of those changes to be having contact with you again.
I will reluctantly understand if you do not wish the same. I am able to look back all too clearly on where I fell short in my role as your sister, and I do not doubt that you find little comfort in your memories of Zinris.
So many years have passed, but know that I have held you in my heart without fail. There is so much to catch up on, Pyrrha. I can not properly express how much I would like to know about your life after all this time, and how I wish to share mine with you. If you will, please respond to this letter. Even if you look at these words and feel the urge to burn it more than anything else, please at least let me know that you are there.
I still miss you. I still love you.
Pruu'
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Posted: Fri Jan 22, 2021 6:03 pm
Despite the knowledge that communications were opening between Kiros and Zinris in earnest Pyrrha hadn't honestly expected the letter. When the messenger found her she'd been wrapped up in her weaving, happily lost in her muses while her daughters played just within eyesight. Her first reaction had been to hold it at arms length as if the letter itself were on fire. Scant little had come from Zinris that left a positive mark on her heart, and if someone was taking the time to write to her...
...and yet, who would do something like that for her?
Cautiously optimistic, Pyrrha opened the letter and sat back to read it. Of course she knew the handwriting; she had ever since they were children, and yet there was something about seeing Pruu's name at the bottom that brought tears to her eyes. Her breath hadn't come easy that day. She'd taken her sweet time processing it all and showing the letter to Kanika. It wasn't so much the words themselves that she wanted to share, but the act itself. Pruu had written to her! She still cared!
Pruu,
Finding the words to start this letter has been difficult. There's so much I want to say that it's as if the goddesses' themselves have stolen the words from my mind!
While it's true that I hold no love in my heart for Zinris I also can't seem to resent it. Elzira is my mother goddess and even though I am away from her I still hold her close to my heart. Her followers, however...I am not proud to say how much they haunt me.
Pruu, you should know that I never once thought of you as anything less than the sun itself. You have always been a beacon of hope for me, and someone I could rely on when times were at their worst. You never failed me; if anything I failed you. I left you in the dark, didn't tell you a thing, but I want you to know it wasn't because I didn't trust you. I was scared that if they found us, that if they found me that you would get dragged into it. The less you knew the safer you were, and I hope that my decision paid off.
With love,
Pyrrha
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Posted: Sun Jan 24, 2021 12:28 pm
Just having a return letter held in her hands had Pruu overwhelmed with relief and happiness. She lingered on just appreciating that there was a reply for a long moment before she retired to some privacy to open it. Akel knew she had reached out, but she didn't want the girls to know until she had a grip on how her inquiry was being received. No matter what was inside..
The words inside did not fail to add to her relief. Blissful contentment flowed through her. Pyrrha was alive.. and did not resent her. Could she really ask for anything more?
'My dear Pyrrha,
I know you did not make your choices lightly. You did what you felt was right, and I assure you that this is far from failing anything. I just hope it has brought you the happiness that I have always wanted for you. Perhaps it is not exactly the happiness I imagined you getting, but it will do considering the circumstances.
As I said, there have been many changes... I suppose I will begin with the most significant part of my life. Elzira has blessed me and Akeldama with two beautiful daughters. Alizeh reminds me of you sometimes, soft-spoken but still spunky, and Luleta is full of passion and fire. They are curious about you, naturally, and have requested that I let you know they send their greetings and well wishes as well.
Pruu'
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Posted: Sun Jan 24, 2021 4:56 pm
Little Pruu Pruu,
I can say with certainty that my risks were not in vain. I truly feel as if I have found myself here. When I left Zinris I was with Kanika and her mother; now I live with her and the two of us are in love. If we had stayed I don't know if I'd ever found my way to her, but I cannot imagine a life without her by my side.
Did I read that right? I'm an Aunt! Oh Pruu, I am so happy for you! I cannot think of two more deserving Elaria in the world. Your daughters are lucky to have you. If you show them half the kindness and patience you've shown me then they'll be truly blessed.
As much as Pyrrha wanted to tell Pruu about her own daughters Pyrrha found herself hesitating. The Elidae as a group were all still so young and defenseless. If the letter fell into the wrong hands...You would be putting not only your daughters lives in danger, but also so many others. She wanted nothing more than to share her greatest joys with Pruu, but....surely her twin would understand.
Alizeh and Luleta. I'll add their names to my evening prayers. I'll try to send some gifts to them, but I'm not sure how much I'll be allowed to give to a courier.
Everything here is so bright and lush, Pruu. When we first came I thought I was dreaming. There are rivers as wide as an entire village, and water falls that stretch to the sky! It's a chain of islands that I can travel to by boat and oh, the locals! They live under the water and there are so many different kinds of them. Some are as small as child and live in the reefs while others are nearly as big as we are! They've taught me so much and it's just...it's so nice to be able to speak with our neighbors without being at the end of a blade.
Pyrrha.
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Posted: Sun Jan 24, 2021 6:43 pm
Kanika? She only vaguely recalled the name. It was a relief still. If Pyrrha had found someone to be happy with... just having that could make the risk she had taken worthwhile.
'Silly Pyrrha,
You know very well that I haven't been 'little' in many years. I see that you have managed to keep your glib sense of humor.
In seriousness though, I am glad to hear you had companions that you were able to travel with, and even more glad to see you express such joy in your life. I was always so hopeful that you would find someone to walk at your side.
Thank you for your optimism. I hope I am able to raise them well. Thankfully, Akeldama is a wonderful mother to them and I could not ask for a better partner. The girls have everything they need, so there is no need to burden the courier with anything of excess substance. Of course, Luleta has insisted on beginning to test this theory and has sent along a set of bracelets that she and Alizeh wove special for you and Kanika.
I can remember when tales of the water beings first reached here. There were so many wild theories. Is it safe to assume that they are not soul eaters?
You would appreciate that particular change. Zinris has opened up to neighbors. I is certainly not easy, and it's going slow, but I have seen quite a few Elarian and Yaeli conversing peacefully. It is strange, to say the least.
Speaking of which, my curiosity is overreaching my indifference. Is Fassala enjoying your new islands as well?
Pruu'
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Posted: Mon Jan 25, 2021 1:54 pm
Pruu,
I think you would like Kanika. She's adventurous, and so much more driven than myself. I never thought I would meet someone who indulges me as she does while also convincing me to try new things. It's nerve wracking, but everyday that I wake up beside her I know I'm loved.
Please, Pruu, don't deprive me of the one thing an Aunt is good for. Who am I if not the one who can spoil your daughters? I can't take them off your hands when you and Akeldama need a break so I can at least send them treats. Like the fabric I'm sending over. It reminds me of a sunset over the ocean and was made by the locals so maybe you can make some clothes for the girls? Surely a bunch of people who can make such wonderful art can't be soul eaters, right?
Tell Luleta that she and her sister are very talented! Their bracelets are the talk of the island and I've worn mine everyday.
I have to admit, I am confused; why are you asking about Fassala? She's in Zinris, isn't she? I haven't seen or heard from her since I left.
~Pyrrha
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Posted: Mon Jan 25, 2021 4:47 pm
'Dear Pyrrha,
Forgive me for repeating myself, but I truly am glad for you. After so many years of not knowing what happened to you, learning that you are healthy and have love brings me happiness and relief.
When you put it that way, I suppose I can not deny you or them the pleasure. The excitement they showed when they found out the parcel you sent was for them. I told them it was made by the soul eaters, but even they did not believe me this time. As it is, both girls are now sporting fresh new shirts and they made the scraps into headbands so that nothing was wasted. I will admit to being hesitant at letting them sport such foreign fabric... I would never have dreamed of wearing anything such when I was their age. Times truly are changing, and they are just so proud of wearing something their auntie Pyrrha sent for them, and just as proud to hear you liked the bracelets. They didn't have anything ready this time, but I know that they are planning out something else to make for you.
No, she is not. Fassala left very soon after you did. She left a note that she was going to the isles with others. I assumed she would have sought you out when she got there. You say it is a chain of islands, correct? She could simply be hidden away on one of the other islands.
Pruu'
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Posted: Mon Jan 25, 2021 5:05 pm
Pruu,
It does feel a little odd to dress that way, but I find it freeing. I've never felt so close to nature as I do now. If I desire to look like a blossom I can, same as a lake or a murky swamp. I only have to look intimidating if I want to and to be honest, I never wish to play that role ever again.
Surely if one of the others had seen her they would have told me about it. It's been years, though, so I wonder if she even made it here at all...I'll ask the locals and see if they can't help us to search. Maybe you're right and she is on another island. Maybe she needed a break from Kou as badly as I did and she just wishes to be on her own.
Now that I think of her is she still there? In Zinris? She hasn't come searching for Fassala, has she?
Pyrrha.
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Posted: Mon Jan 25, 2021 6:18 pm
'Dear Pyrrha,
Considering the various plants you always seemed to have in your hair and the mud on your legs, you already looked like a lake blossom on a regular basis. Are you about to sprout leaves?
Rest easy knowing that Kou is still here, as is Myrcella. Myrcella wanted to try seeking her mother, but Kou gave up the moment she realized Fassala wasn't crawling back to her. I have not spoken with either of them since you left, and my life is all the better for it, so I can do little more than let you know they are still around. I would not expect to see Kou ever leave Zinris.
On that matter, I would consider a break from Zinris myself. It would not be right away, but, if you are willing, I would like to go see you. Akeldama has expressed a willingness to go as well, though I will not discuss it with the girls until we have the matter settled. Just give it consideration if you would.
Pruu'
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Posted: Tue Jan 26, 2021 3:43 pm
Pruu,
You'll simply have to wait and see. I may become one with the swamp if I'm lucky!
Knowing that Kou hasn't followed Fassala is a relief. It's no secret that the one I feared the most when leaving was her; I thought that if anyone was set to chase me and harm us it would be that monster. Having this distance between us has helped me to sleep at night, and I am pleased to know she hasn't been a thorn in your side while I've been gone. With any luck she's found a hole to crawl in and become one with the stones.
You want to come here? As thrilled as I am by that you should know the journey isn't easy. Ships are few and far between with the voyage itself being one of the longest. You should also know you'll be watched; just as these letters have been. It's...hard to find people to trust, considering what we've done. I'm sure you understand.
Still, you would be welcomed into my home and I would personally vouch for your family. Your daughters will be safe here; the sisters staying in Kiros are cautious, but not unfair. So long as you treat them kindly then they'll do the same.
So much has changed that I can't write about it all and would much rather show you in person. I think you'll find it all to be pleasantly surprising.
~Pyrrha.
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Posted: Wed Jan 27, 2021 4:58 pm
'Dearest Pyrrha,
Kou may not yet be one with the stone, but she may as well be. Age and a sour heart are catching up to her. I can tell from even those brief moments that I've seen her walking through the market. Those moments are even less especially with the borders opening up. I suppose that's another good thing to come of this rising treaty.
I appreciate your concern. I do not make the offer to travel lightly. If I could, I would much rather have you come back here, but I understand that is something that I cannot ask of you. Perhaps given more time, but for now I realize the only way I will get to hold you again is to meet you where you feel safest.
Anyone else reading these letters be damned! I know I have been watched since you left; the elders keeping an eye on the one with the rogue family. Whether they thought I would follow suit or give them information, I do not quite know. No one dared to approach me on the matter, and I am confident that it will remain such. Even so, I assure you that we would travel with the utmost caution to make sure someone of lower intentions does not follow.
Pruu'
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Posted: Thu Jan 28, 2021 9:04 am
Pruu,
As strange as it is to say you're coming to Kiros is marked with less threats than my return to Zinris. I doubt Kou was the only one happy to have me gone, even if it was under circumstances that they didn't care for. One day I may yet travel again, but it won't be back there; I can't bring myself to do it. The excitement of sailing, however scary it was at the time, stuck with me though. Maybe you'll enjoy it as much as I did!
We make quite the pair, don't we? We always have. Two sisters who couldn't be farther from one another and yet it's always been you that I've had the strongest connection with. I'm glad that you reached out to me. Even if it is just letters it feels as if I've got my twin back.
I've along some gifts for you and Akeldama as well. They're rings made of seaglass; the locals helped to craft them. I based your sizing off my own fingers and with Akel's I made a guess. With any luck they'll fit.
With love,
Pyrrha.
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Posted: Thu Jan 28, 2021 8:12 pm
'Dearest Pyrrha,
Leave it to you to be the one to get me to even consider leaving Zinris. Of course, that connection you speak of is shared by me. Our bond is one that, clearly, neither time nor distance can break. Thank you, too, for being willing to respond and reach back. I would have been happy just to know you are alive, and being able to reconnect is more than I had dared to hope for. I suppose it is fitting that this falls in line with the passing of another year. Many concerns remain, but I truly do have hope for what this new year will bring for us.
The rings fit the both of us wonderfully, and they are beautiful. I don't dare to wear it during training and risk testing its fragility, but it has become a beloved part of my nightly routine.
The girls wanted you to know what they look like, so they drew pictures of themselves for you to have. They are surprisingly accurate in their depictions. Forgive the thick package; they could not resist drawing everything else around them for you as well.
For your sake, there will be no letter to let you know when we will be coming.
Pruu'
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Posted: Fri Jan 29, 2021 10:49 am
Pruu,
Times have changed and with any luck they'll continue to do so. My greatest hope is that the world is better for your daughters when they're our age, same as it is for us now compared to when we were younger. Some day we'll be the elders making the changes and I plan to have my voice be heard.
How goes your training? I'm afraid I haven't kept up with mine since coming here. I use it when necessary, but I'm happy enough eating what nature has to provide for us. As far as combat...well, I was never much good at that, anyway. I'm afraid if I was held at the end of a sword my arrows wouldn't do much good.
Your daughters are artists! It warms my heart to 'see' them and to have a face to put to a name. Hopefully they'll like what I've sent in return. It isn't much, I don't have their skill, but I thought they might like to see what I look like as well and I slipped in one of Kanika. Although, I suppose 'just like your mama but with more plants' would have worked too~
As sad as it is to say that's for the best. A surprise visit would be the only true way to ensure your safety; though I wish it didn't have to come to that.
With love,
Pyrrha
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