[time flies]
Bernard's Letter
Dear Annika,
As always, thank you for your swift reply, as well as your advice. I am glad to hear that Brendan and the children are doing well. We must manage a visit, one way or another, in the very near future.
As to your suggestion that I separate the two, that has proven to be quite difficult. While I see the sense in it- that they would be able to develop their unique identities more easily were they not together at all times- the fact is that it is, logistically speaking, nearly impossible. While we are not cramped at home, the boys share a room so that we may keep the final bedroom open as a guest room (which, I might add, is free for whenever you decide to drop in for a visit). As I am frequently busy with the shop, it falls to Ennea to mind the boys during these times, and she cannot be in two places at once. Even when we are out and about we must remain together; Ennea is not yet able to be left on her own for lengthy periods of time, much less in charge of a child in an unfamiliar area.
I must admit, I often wonder if I am up to this task. I failed the last time, after all. Perhaps were I a more pragmatic sort I would treat this as a second chance. Instead, all I can do is hang in there and hope to survive one day at a time.
A recent event has made things even more difficult, however. I must confess that my anger and confusion upon entering this situation made me careless, and I only recently discovered important facts about the origins of the boys. Namely, that they are the genetically-engineered children of 'angels' and 'demons,' or so claims the paperwork that accompanied them. Most of these angels and demons seem to embody the Seven Deadly Sins and Seven Holy Virtues of lore (which is quite possibly where the company procured its name). Teyr, for instance, is the child of the demon of Gluttony, and the angel of Humility. When looking at him, this makes perfect sense. Zwei appears to break the mold somewhat, being the child of an angel of Justice as well as a demon of Despair, neither of which are particularly celebrated.
The difficulty comes from the fact that Zwei and Teyr discovered this fact for themselves, having learned of the basics from another product of the company and subsequently raided my files. Despite my displeasure, I was forced to explain the details of their heritage. While Zwei seems to be elated, taking it as a sign that he will be a "hero of justice" someday, Teyr was quite perturbed by the information. I cannot say I blame him; Gluttony is not a particularly attractive trait.
Worse still, I have received word that the boys must go in to meet their 'parents' shortly (or in Zwei's case, learn about them, since his kin are not readily available). Since they are to be met one at a time, I have been forced to choose one parent for Zwei and Teyr each to meet. How I wish I could have had your counsel for that decision, Annika. I was forced to choose Justice for Zwei; Despair is not something a child should know, though I fear that this meeting will make him arrogant. The decision for Teyr was even more difficult, while I am reluctant to have him learn about Gluttony, I am even more reluctant to have him influenced by Humility. While a noble trait, Teyr takes it to extremes and has virtually no self-confidence. In the end, I was forced to go with the former.
I will write to you shortly with the results of these meetings, as well as other information I do not have time to enclose. As much as I would like to skip the trip altogether, I fear what will happen if we are not prompt. As always, my love to Oliver and the children, and to Mother, and of course to you.
Your faithful brother,
Bernard
