The letter arrived in a fresh outer envelope, mailed from within Ishgard. Â The parchment within is weather-beaten and has clearly passed through at least several hands upon its long trek. Â The original wax seal is broken. Â It may have been moons since it were initially mailed.
The character of the letter itself was wholly unlike Aya's usual correspondance: heavy duty parchment, deep black ink, and a complete lack of frivolity or decoration. Â But the flowing hand could not be mistaken by one who knew it. Â The entire letter was written in eloquent Ishgardian that struggled somewhat as it meandered between the formal and the familiar.
Dearest V'aleera,
I pray this letter reaches you well. I apologize for my lack of correspondence--it is only concern for the well-being of my family that so encourages my discretion. Â I fear that a single letter cannot suffice to bear the depth of my appreciation and gratitude. Â For all that you have done for me - and for us. Â For fitful moons all I heard of home was that of rumor and hearsay: which I tried with all of my might to dispel with calm. Â But the fear of the unknown gnaws at the very fabric of peace. Â A thousand perils befell my family in my imagination and nightly dreams. Â How I have longed for news and word: how I have asked, as best I could, those who had themselves traveled to the city. Â The long end of this suffering was at last delivered to me in your hand: to hear that everyone was safekept throughout the attack brings a solace to my heart, and peace to restless nights. Â Still, there are friends I fear I may never learn about, but at least your first letter let me know that one of those I was most worried for had made it through the storm. Â I know that you are as capable as any, but the duty of Dragoons is the most dangerous known to any of us. Â I had feared the worst, as I think any friend must. Â Please stay safe. Â
Of father: what can I say? Â You know how my heart aches. Â What passed between us; would he care to see me again? Â I do not know, and I do not pretend that you could answer. Â What must a daughter do for the man who gave her life? Who warded her along the dangerous path we've tread? Â I am so thankful for the dear hand of Enna - and to know that he is cared for even now. My heart breaks doubly for my brother who faces the loss of both fathers, and for his own children. Â I can only imagine how beautiful they are, and how beloved by parents and grand parents. Â
There is so much more I wish to ask, and even more I wish to convey. Â If you find yourself anywhere our paths may cross, please send word so that I may hasten to your company. I am gladdened that your family, too, has been well. Your father has always been the most interesting sort of gentleman. What I would do for the pleasure of making his acquaintance once more, now that I feel I could fully enjoy his love for discussion. I hope that you have not suffered in the struggle, and offer my thoughts and prayers for your family, friends, and colleagues.
I know the strength of the Fury runs deep in you. Â That the city will remain safe in hands such as yours. Â I know that you can only watch over my family with a distant eye, but how much better they are even for that! And how much relieved am I. Â I cannot be grateful enough.
With Hope,
A Forever Grateful Friend
The character of the letter itself was wholly unlike Aya's usual correspondance: heavy duty parchment, deep black ink, and a complete lack of frivolity or decoration. Â But the flowing hand could not be mistaken by one who knew it. Â The entire letter was written in eloquent Ishgardian that struggled somewhat as it meandered between the formal and the familiar.
Dearest V'aleera,
I pray this letter reaches you well. I apologize for my lack of correspondence--it is only concern for the well-being of my family that so encourages my discretion. Â I fear that a single letter cannot suffice to bear the depth of my appreciation and gratitude. Â For all that you have done for me - and for us. Â For fitful moons all I heard of home was that of rumor and hearsay: which I tried with all of my might to dispel with calm. Â But the fear of the unknown gnaws at the very fabric of peace. Â A thousand perils befell my family in my imagination and nightly dreams. Â How I have longed for news and word: how I have asked, as best I could, those who had themselves traveled to the city. Â The long end of this suffering was at last delivered to me in your hand: to hear that everyone was safekept throughout the attack brings a solace to my heart, and peace to restless nights. Â Still, there are friends I fear I may never learn about, but at least your first letter let me know that one of those I was most worried for had made it through the storm. Â I know that you are as capable as any, but the duty of Dragoons is the most dangerous known to any of us. Â I had feared the worst, as I think any friend must. Â Please stay safe. Â
Of father: what can I say? Â You know how my heart aches. Â What passed between us; would he care to see me again? Â I do not know, and I do not pretend that you could answer. Â What must a daughter do for the man who gave her life? Who warded her along the dangerous path we've tread? Â I am so thankful for the dear hand of Enna - and to know that he is cared for even now. My heart breaks doubly for my brother who faces the loss of both fathers, and for his own children. Â I can only imagine how beautiful they are, and how beloved by parents and grand parents. Â
There is so much more I wish to ask, and even more I wish to convey. Â If you find yourself anywhere our paths may cross, please send word so that I may hasten to your company. I am gladdened that your family, too, has been well. Your father has always been the most interesting sort of gentleman. What I would do for the pleasure of making his acquaintance once more, now that I feel I could fully enjoy his love for discussion. I hope that you have not suffered in the struggle, and offer my thoughts and prayers for your family, friends, and colleagues.
I know the strength of the Fury runs deep in you. Â That the city will remain safe in hands such as yours. Â I know that you can only watch over my family with a distant eye, but how much better they are even for that! And how much relieved am I. Â I cannot be grateful enough.
With Hope,
A Forever Grateful Friend
![[Image: 21282370099_a814a08664_o.png]](https://farm1.staticflickr.com/590/21282370099_a814a08664_o.png)
