Letter to Larson Castell

[Amelie Castell]

October 31, 1007
Orqua, Svavel

Dearest Larson,

I cannot even begin to tell you how much I hate ships. Christopher tells me I'll soon develop sea legs, but I don't believe him. In this, I stand whole heartedly with my cousin, Edmond's, assessment: Mallorys belong on horses. Not on the ocean. But I suppose aside from that, all is well. The Ashpool ward is agreeable. My brother and I have done what we can so far to make her feel welcome. She seems to be getting along nicely if just a little shyly. I don't know how long that will last around my family.

Things are still awkward between my brother. For me especially. It hurts to miss you so much and have nobody to talk to about it. I don't think anybody could understand. I'm quite convinced nobody has loved you the way that I love you and thus nobody could relate to what it is that I'm feeling not being around you. I know that I shall see you soon, in but a few months, but they are not short. Truly, looking ahead, it feels like the months will stretch on forever. At least I shall be receiving letters from you to help me through. It will be good to hear from you.

I am really missing my cousin. Christopher betrothed her to Lord Darsling before we left and sent her off to Blasa. It is hard to miss both of you. At least if she'd been here, I could have had somebody to talk to about you. I guess that is what makes the distance seem so big. Not only are we separated physically, but I'm surrounded by people who don't know you or don't wish for me to love you as I love you. Solbra can't come soon enough.

Please think of me. I think of you all of the time. I cherish always every moment we had together and I look forward to the many we will have when next we see one another.

Until then, my love

Yours forever,

Amelie Mallory

[Larson Castell]

November 10th

Amelie, My Love,

I have spent every waking moment, wishing you were here by my side. The nights are long and cold, knowing that I won't even be able to see you the next day. My art has come to a standstill as my muse is no longer in my presence! I could continue on with the melodrama, but enough about me!

Our ward, Lady Cassandra, as you've met, is doing fine. She had a rough start with us, as you know, but she's doing a lot better. Well, fitting in at least. But that's a story I'm sure she'll tell you herself.

I'm sorry your missing your cousin, but isn't your family quite large? Surly you share a connection with someone else, yes? Don't get too down about your Lord, brother. He means well, even if neither of us understand it now, you know this to be true.

As I read and reread this letter I write to you, I find it to be lacking in substance. This is terrifying beyond belief, though I have nothing much to update you on. I think of you night and day, Lady Mallory. And if you have yet to earn your sea legs, I hope that one day I can help you earn them myself.

My beautiful Amelie, with this I conclude my letter to you. As the sun sets each day, I look into the sky and look forward to the day I can see your beautiful face once more.

Yours, Heart and Soul,
Larson Castell