Gains of the Graceless | Part Three

A small sprig of lavender lay pressed into the black wax seal on the letter. The ink of some of the words has been smeared and blotted dry after being dampened with droplets.

"Leonard,

My Love,

I have miss you terribly. Last we spoke, you mentioned that you had found work on one of those ships that can ride the wind like waves. I had every intention of being patient and minding myself until your return, but terrible news have befallen me.

Remember the night before you departed? All of the promises we whispered, how sweet the taste of every kiss we shared, until we were discovered by the campfire.

My father may have caught us, but the beating was only the start of his temper and schemes. He claims that if my virtue is in question, and with someone of your occupation and standing, that I must be mad. And that madness with be dealt with accordingly.

Leonard, with all that you possess at your disposal, I plead with you to cut your venture short and return home with haste. At first, I thought my father's rage would be temporary, and the venom spilling from his lips would be short lived.

But I was wrong, Leonard, so wrong.

Father means to send me to Ashenwood, to be isolated within the eastern mountains on Arcvelt's west mainland. He means to separate us, permanently, and says that he will not send for me until my rehabilitation is complete. When I asked rehabilitation from and to what, he would not say. I lay here, trembling with fear of what might await me within those walls, beyond those gates, far from you.

It cannot be this way. You must find a way to stop the caravan, or make him reconsider.

I have only precious hours left.

Remember, no matter what happens to my body, my mind, or how many lands are between us, you have my deepest love.

-Ayra."