Work Text:
Dear Mama,
It's been quite some time since I last wrote, hasn't it? I've really made a name for myself in the Kingdom of Melini.
I'm sure you've heard all about it, though.
I did some things I regret, and some things I don't. Either way, I'm the Kingdom’s magical advisor now and it's a big responsibility! I never imagined myself taking on a role of such high status and prestige!
Though, if it weren't for the King, I'd be in prison in the west…
Regardless- that's not why I'm writing to you, believe it or not.
The reason I'm writing is that I've fallen in love with a Tallman. I need your advice.
I know it really isn't common for long-lived and short lived-races to be together romantically. The only real world example I have of that is you and Papa.
I can't stop myself from thinking about how little time I have to be with them. I've only recently come to terms with knowing that I will outlive all of my friends. But, I don't know if I can handle being in love with someone who's going to be gone within the century…
My mind immediately goes back to Papa's passing. Of course it was hard for me but I have no idea what it must've felt like for you… I never really asked you about it. I know you've remarried now, but how did you survive losing your beloved? How did you carry on after that?
I'm so frightened. I wish I wasn't in love. Every moment I just think about how little time they have left.
I don't know what to do. I ask for your honesty. Is it truly a love worth pursuing? You don't have to reassure me that you don't regret loving Papa, I know you could never regret it. But I need to know if the pain you went through is something you think I can handle.
I love you, Mama. Please don't be afraid to be harsh, I can take the truth.
-Marcille
Dear Marcille,
My precious daughter, how I've missed you!
You say you love me and yet you write to me so sparingly! You're so young and brilliant and I know you don't want to dwell on your old mother too much, but still I need you to know I treasure any letters you send me!
Of course I've heard the news. Young lady, I've been waiting for you to contact me. I've kept the newspaper article all about you, your friends, and the king. And of course the monumental feast you had. I wish I could have been there to help.
But my sweet, I will contain myself, as you've asked for my guidance. I am so happy you trust me.
I've told you once before that you run at a different pace than others. That is the harsh, unfortunate truth.
You will outlive your friends by a great margin. But this is a reality you know very well. I know I don't need to hammer it into you.
You asked for my honesty and I will give it to you.
I'm overjoyed to hear that my daughter has fallen in love. Even thinking about it makes me so emotional. I knew this day would come but it feels far too soon. You've grown up so incredibly fast and I wish I had more time with you as a baby sometimes. Oh goodness, now I'm getting off track due to my own sentimentality!
Love is such a wonderful feeling. I have such fond memories of your father. I remember when I started falling for him. I was naive and optimistic. I held on to the idea that our love was so strong, that he would defy nature and somehow live as long as I. I think perhaps even he believed it too, sometimes. Love can make us think and do illogical things.
When he began to age before my eyes, however, that's when I realized that our love could not change nature. By the time he passed, I had been grieving the loss already. I regret that more than anything.
He gave me his entire life. He gave both of us his life. He died full of love. When he passed, he was smiling.
In the end, though, I harbored resentment for him. It wasn't his fault and yet I could not help but feel he was abandoning us. Horrible emotions tainted my heart, and when he would look at me, it was clear that he could sense my resentment as well.
And he loved me all the same. Even when I didn't deserve it.
So with that being said, the best advice I can offer you is to love freely. Do not allow the inevitability of loss taint your feelings of love. Accept that his lifespan is short, and that you can't change it. Embrace the time you have with him right now.
Losing your father hurt more than I can say, but being able to love him while he was alive? It's a joy that I wouldn't trade for anything. If given the choice, I'd do it again, even knowing about the inevitable heartbreak when he passes.
When it comes to emotions, you can't pick and choose. If you want to experience the miracle of love, you've also got to accept the pain of loss. I promise you that love is always worth it.
Ah, please don't mind the tear stains. I can't help but get this way when I think of your father. Goodness, I'm thinking about how he would react to the news of you being in love! He would surely want to meet the gentleman and give him a firm talking to. Your father had a tendency to get a little ferocious when it came to protecting you!
I think it's time I came to visit. I simply must meet the man who has stolen your heart! I don't want to make any wrong assumptions, but if I might wager a guess, I'd think you've grown fond of the King himself. Am I right on the mark?
Please write back! I'm looking forward to hearing about him!
-Mama
Dear Mama,
Thank you for your advice. Truthfully, I've been holding my feelings in for a long time now because of how scared I was. Your words were just the push I needed to be brave and honest with myself and with the person I love.
I do want to let you know you're wrong, however. The King is not the one I love, though he is a dear friend I will cherish for years to come!
The one I love… Well, you've actually heard much about her from me in the past.
Back in magic school, she had been my best friend. I thought I had lost her.
The King (I just call him Laios!) and I worked together to save her from her fate because we both love her so dearly.
Her name is Falin Touden, and she's more wonderful than I can describe. She's the reason I was almost put in prison and she's the reason I wrote to you in the first place.
After I read your letter, I told her how I felt. She feels the same way! I'm so happy I can hardly sit still! Oh thank you so much for giving me the courage to tell her!
There's no time like the present. She's here and she's alive now. We are going to make so many more wonderful memories together! I want you to meet her!
Laios can arrange for an escort to take you here. I have so much more I want to say, but we can talk about everything when you get here!
Looking forward to it!
-Marcille