#letters-replies

As the day would come to close, as his feet would finally allow him rest, the missive would come. A delicate fluttering bringing to life an intricately sculpted paper art. Shaped into a unique snowflake, it would come to settle beside him as if brought by the first snow of winter. Shimmers of soft blue caught by the light would reflect as it is opened.

My Dearest Wolf,

While time waits for no one, this woman did. Rarely are there moments that time stands still and yet, you have held the back the sands from spilling on at least three occasions. 

There are moments when when words fall short of the whispering of the heart, when silence can speak more than voice could ever say. My Lord, there is a need for words to be spoken, I do not mean to say otherwise but, when my eyes were opened last night, when my hand rested against your heart, before your words gave voice to the song in your heart, your eyes spoke volumes.

In the instant you made me yours, in the breath of saying you were mine, the first brick was removed from the walls we each held in place. Where the brick stood as foundation, now stands the mortar that shall hold us together, trust. Where the past wounds have dictated the need for silence, for masks to shield, now lays patience, compassion and the realization that our steps no longer take us on the path we once tread, nor do we travel alone. Even in moments my hand is not in yours, my heart is.

You have led us in this dance, my lord and now, the mouse shall move at the side of the wolf in truth, love and pride.

In the words between your heart and mine...

Mouse

The Music Mouse hears as she writes to her wolf in this moment.

A true and honest smile broke on on Riesse's face as her eyes scanned the missive. She called out, "Rook, look at this! We got a letter from that sweet couple we met last night." Pausing, she took up her quill to respond as once more she yelled out, "She never even mentioned me sticking my fingers in the pie! I like them!"

Dear Lady Sunhawk,

The pleasure was all ours. It was an honor to meet you and your man, I can't wait to begin work on your filing and the other matter we spoke of.

I'd love to come to tea... 

Riesse grimaced, she hated warm or hot tea but, there was no way she would tell the sweet lady that. She penned on.

I believe I have a meeting tonight but, will be free all afternoon on Wednesday and as of yet, no plans on Friday evening. I do have a meeting late on Wednesday... you tell me what you are thinking and I'll do my best to make that happen.

As to the pie, I'll tell my daughter Amannette. By the way, we have funnel cake today! It's amazing.

Stars guide you,

Riesse mulled over the letter. Several times she read it, re-read it and glanced from word to word. Was she missing something? The evoking of emotion shouldn't have been felt by the words uttered but, it was there. For some reason, this letter seemed to pull at her. Biting her lower lip, she began to pen her response.

Dear Madame,

You letter was received. I want to assure you of that and that your request will be processed as soon as possible. Your future, your children's futures will be penned by the giving of their names and thus, their place in our history. The chance to build on that name will be afforded to you.

I have several bits of information that I need to proceed. I'll need all the basic information before I can enter the family into the tomes. Your full name, Any children's names that are now living as well as any deceased that you wish record of. Also, if you own any properties and would like title listed to you, I can help you with that as well. Any businesses established may also be logged for reference and recording.

I may be going out on a limb here but, I wanted you to know...you're not alone. We are here to help you and even though you don't know me or any of the staff here, well, that I am aware of at this time, and as strange as this may sound, we really do enjoy helping people and care.

I look forward to hearing from you again and will do my utmost to assist you in this matter.

Sincerely, 

Simply penned, flowing, finely swirled letters moved across the parchment. The same young lad as before would carry it.

Dari,

I should be back in my office soon. Perhaps sometime today would be good, if you are free.

Look for me, I'll look for you.

Riesse

(TW: Suicide mentioned)

Riesse held the letter in her hand. She read it over, twice. A heavy sigh fell from her, shoulders rising and falling slowly as her eyes slipped to the window in her office. "Nikki, Nikki..I wish we could talk. I wish you'd listen if we did but, you are set in your ways, you always have been. Gods, I don't fault you for it but..some bending..just a bit...it's not giving in..." Her self murmurings broke off and once more she picked up her quill to pen her reply.

Nikkitah,

Firstly, you're welcome. I know what a pain 'my friend' can be. He's a very opinionated, out-spoken and isn't hesitant to express his thoughts. He is also brilliant and knowledgeable. 

She paused, the tip of her quill tapping against her lip, "Sound familiar, Nikki?"

If a letter could carry the tone of voice of it's writer, I would wonder if perhaps there was some hint of sorrow in your words? I am sure there is more than a 'hint' of annoyance. Perhaps someday we can talk.

As to Ace, the main crux of your letter. I will tell you what I know and it's very little, sadly. 

There was a man, I believe he was in her life for some time and they were lovers and engaged to be married. There was some rift that caused them to split though the relationship was never truly laid to rest. This man came back; Ace found him in their home, or at least signs of him at first. They met again and from what I know, the man assailed her mind, delving into her thoughts. From what I was told and the snippets I heard, Ace fought him and her mind was ripped when he refused to stop. I am not sure if there was any physical violence. Ace is not a very outspoken woman when it comes to this man. Apparently the man did not like what he found within the recesses of her mind and committed suicide in front of her. At this point, my knowledge of the matter is even more blurred. Ace was gone for a time, broken and suffering severe heartache and what I believe to be, post traumatic sufferings. Then, very unexpectedly, I received a letter. It simply said, 'Sister, I think I have found a way to fix myself. Don't worry, I will not forget you.' The next day or so, Ace was back...yet -not- back. She remembers some people, some faces, some snippets of day to day life but, very little to be honest.

Coupled with all this, she is now suffering extreme mood swings and that concerns me just as deeply as what she may have done to herself. Yesterday, she was angry...or bored, I'm not quite sure, and began to set papers on fire seemingly delighted to watch them turn to ash in her hand. Not only that, she boiled my ink in the inkwells! Nikk, I am...scared. I don't know how to handle these wild emotions. I don't know how to help her or what to do for this woman I love. 

Believe me, I can imagine the lifting of your brows when I speak of emotional upheaval and turbulence. The difference is, for me, it's normal. I am an emotional creature by nature and have never hidden that fact. Ace is not.

I won't presume to tell you what you should do or how to do it. I can only ask, please, if you can find it within you, help her. Even if it is just as her friend, that alone is worth more than you know.

For what it's worth..I am sorry that 'shit went sideways' for you the other night. I truly am.

Always,

Guardian,

No. That's the answer to the first question you posed. No. You haven't ever written me.

You've spoke of me as First, which I am, but, I'm wondering do you know what it means? Where the 'title' came from? I doubt you know the roots of what it means to be a Guardian..perhaps one day, you'll care to know.

Yes, I know that the Starsinger and you have 'closed' the door on the past, or so you think. My opinion differs. I don't think you can ever truly close the door on the past. The past shapes us in ways that even we don't realize. You'd have to agree if you thought it through. I mean, hasn't your past training played a part in the person you are today? It doesn't differ in personal experiences. Every step you've taken, whether willingly or not, has led you to the place you now stand. You can fight it all you wish but, you can never win against it.

Ha Ha. I am sure it was surprise. Don't try to hide it, I know it was. Just as this letter -and- being assigned to you, came as a surprise to me. Truth is, I couldn't think of a better commander and leader. I know your skill, I know your training. Maybe even better than you do. I think, for a whole lotta reasons, this will be good, for both of us. I'll be honest, it scares me too but, that's all I'm gonna say on that. I've said enough. Here and the other evening.

I take offense that you'd think I'd question the chain of command. I would never. It is not in my nature. Nor is it the way of a Guardian. Chain of command is a must. It is an absolute. Without it, there is chaos and chaos must not be allowed.

I don't need time to think. When and where do I report, Sir? My heart has nothing to do with this. It is my way, the only way I know.

Guardian Ameriya Nyteshade

Nikk, 

Thank you for the time you took to reply and answer my questions.

In regards to addiction, I admire you for the work you mentioned. Sadly, I am not a good person when it comes to that sort of thing. I have a very low tolerance for those that would subject their bodies, and lives, to substance and the abuse of substance. It's just not my cup of tea, shall we say. I think I remember the instance you spoke of and I remember how you threw yourself into it, your heart and soul, if you will as well as the toll it took on you. That says alot, Nikk, but, I think you know that as well.

Also, this 'addiction' I spoke of is -not- one that you would want to lock yourself up with. Perhaps that is just best left alone. Thank you for explaining the issue thoroughly. That is something that is very important to me, understanding.

Anyway, I won't take up more of your time. Those two issues were on my mind and I needed to know, for personal reasons.

Thank you again.

Guardian Sunchaser,

Thank you for your letter, words and advice. I appreciate them and the intent behind them. I also accept any direction you can give me.

I can certainly understand the point you made about not being 'well regarded'. I myself have had 'issues' along those lines as well. However, the Starsinger and Gua Rook Dracone hold you in high esteem. That alone is enough for me. And if I may offer, I'd rather form my own opinion of you, as a mentor and Guardian, as a person even, then rely on rumors or whispering's of strangers.

I do indeed wish to proceed. You'll find I am a very patient woman and I await your time as it is an honor I do not take lightly.

Sincerely,