Trical the 19th, 1328 Avard
Dear Cleo,
I barely know how to begin this letter. I am pleased beyond words that you are once more with us. There have been many times in the past months that I could have used some of your dry wit and skills. I have missed our little talks, and the times of silence where we were just content to be together. There is just so much to tell you, but paper can only hold a little -- so I will be brief.
I am sorry to have to leave without saying 'good-bye', but I had to leave. I am pregnant with Gunju's child. I know this must come as quite a shock to you -- I am not sure how to feel, myself. There is joy that Gunju has accepted me into his heart, and that there is a new life developing within my womb. It feels good to be rebuilding the family I lost so many years ago. I wish I could have seen you whole and healthy, after your return -- but the spell blinded me for six days. (Oh, how Gunju fussed over me! He is very over-protective, and I will have to remedy this soon, before he drives me crazy.)
My feelings for Gunju endlessly amaze me. I can hardly describe the strength or depth of my devotion to this strange warrior. He has gone against almost everything he was taught, to believe in and to love me. It makes me wonder why I am worth it. His bravery is without question to defy his family, culture, and traiditions to confess his love. How grateful I am to have him when we touch -- it is as if lightning courses from his body to mine. It energizes my spirit like the powers Yatindar grants me. He almost completes my life.
What will complete me is a family. Marrying Gunju (if he ever proposes) will be the first step. This child is the next. Someone to carry on my family's blood line, if not their name. I would also like to include you in this little circle, if you ware willing. I love you like a sister, and worry for you as if you were my own child, too. There was not a day since your death, that I did not think of you. Even now, the pain is still there.
I hope you are doing well, and adjusting to the party. Xzax can be gruff at first, but possesses a noble and true heart. N'Kara has connected with Xzax. She seems more relaxed and trusting of the party. Lucian has matured in his power, and as a person, but he still has some growing to do. I wonder how you are getting along with Seamus. He is a very dedicated man, and a skilled fighter, even if he denies it. I hope you will get time to visit. I wish to have a chance to catch up, and know what everyone else is doing. Please write soon. My prayers and love will always be with you, and the others. Take care.
Love,
Jena
Trical the 19th, 1328 Avard
Dear Cleo,
Sorry I have not written sooner, but Gunju has me worn out. No, not in that way. He is starving for knowledge of Kur Maeth, Rakore, Karmen, and the gods and anything else not Chillian. It is exhausting trying to keep up with his hunger for knowledge. I believe it has something to do with our approaching marriage. I think he is trying to understand me so he can fit me better into his lands.
Love is a complicated thing. It is the greatest gift the gods gave us, in my opinion. It is a power in itself. It can raise cities, or destroy them. It brings life and death. It something that fills every part of you and can not be touched. Love is hard to describe. I tried once to describe to Seamus the calling of a cleric; it was very hard. You just know. The realization doesn’t come all at once; it sneaks up in the middle of the night and smacks you between the eyes. When I first met Gunju; I never thought this was the twin of my heart. I was very impressed with his fighting abilities when we first met, but his was loneliness and vulnerability that captured my heart. I loved him even if it met he would kill me for dishonoring him. I just couldn’t let someone kill themselves for no reason.
But, you also must be patient. Love can not be rushed or forced on someone. You must not change what you are doing, but do not push the issue with Seamus. I do not approve of any scheme to force Seamus into finalizing his feelings. I know it hurts to wait; I didn’t want to with Gunju. But believe me when I say it will turn out for the best in the end. Trapping Seamus in your plan would be harming the free spirit you find so attractive. It would hurt him and you in the end.
Now, concerning your last letter; what ever it is, it is NOT you. We are not dictated by our bodies, but our spirits. The body is just a shell, a husk, and will not follow us into the next existence. Our spirit is what truly defines us. It is our heart, our souls, our dreams and ambitions. The spirit lives on after the body is gone, but the body cannot live with out the spirit. Whatever evil creature that you saw in your dream is not you, not now or ever. You are you no matter what form you inhabit. And remember, we love you, not that body. I love you, Gunju loves you too, as does all the others. We are your friends and will stand with you against all your enemies; even your past.
Rest assured that my love is with you always and will never leave. Though miles separate us; my heart is with you always.
Love,
Jena