Any Way the Wind Blows

first is the obvious tragedy that the letters not only went undelivered, but were left behind completely. asriel did not take them with him. he didn't destroy them. his hope, his regret, his memory... all of that can live in this in-between state that your family's house becomes at this stage in life — not quite home, yet not quite left behind. like your little sibling. kris can look after them

because of course kris has read them. they shared this tiny room with their brother who they miss like a fish flopping on the beach misses water, and he left so much behind. what he left behind is more than they've ever given themself. it's shameful, and they would never admit it to anyone, but yes, they've read them

but i think what's most interesting to me is that those letters have been there the whole time, and only now do they acknowledge them. it's this vulnerable moment where they're too exhausted not to be bitter and resentful, not just to us, but to themself. "oh, my brother's drawer is soooo interesting to you? you just have to see what's inside??"

"who is that?"

the fun gang

Patience and Chivalry commission for @aporeticelenchus, with a little Fitz as a bonus because it made me feel nostalgic :D Thank you!