#nolannis

Dear Nolan

I have arrived upon the ship just earlier this evening, and already my mind is drawn to you. It is an utterly lonely sensation not to have you by my side. My bedding is cold and neither is Rosie to comfort me.

I do not regret my choice to act upon the cries of Tyria’s suffering. I do not regret leaving you in safety to care for our home for whence I return. Even still, these thoughts weigh heavily on my mind, and I hope to dream of you, your hand in mine, upon the patio surrounded by the breeze whistling through the trees.

I love you, Nolan. It is your love that empowers me to look to the dawn. Hope is just a sunrise away.

Gods guide us, Tyrinnis Sylvante-Quinn

Nolan,

My heart mourns in the bitter cold evenings you are not beside me. I take solace that you are safe at Greenwood. I know that you suffer fear and hunger, that you look into this pit of despair teetering upon the edge. I’ve known that pit too, so dark and cold, and I look into it now despite the morale of the troops. The self resolution of sacrifice and martyrdom are not lost upon me, that I could act in such a way to save only one single life beyond my own as I have in the past. This scar still bore upon my eye reminds me that delusion is faulty. That jumping into that pit does not remove the threat but allows others to follow you into the hollow abyss.

If I should fall this day to the elder dragon, know that I have done all within the power of myself and prayers to return to you. Know that I act with intent and clarity, in the interest of returning to our Queen’s Kryta and to you. But most importantly, know that if I do not return to live with you and our entourage of canine companions, that you should remember me.

Turn away from the pit. Leave behind the darkness lest it pulls you down within and all those who care for you. Know that there is still love and light. There is still good. There is still us. Turn to the guidance of hope and let it lead you to a fulfilled life.

Do not despair.

I love you.

Love, Tyri

Again and again he had read his wife’s letters. Again and again had he attempted to respond. Again and again he failed.

The pile of unfinished letters had grown steadily while the light faded from his study. Food remained untouched and Nolan fought to subdue the terror willing itself to the surface. Her words were clutched to his chest, the paper crumbled and the evidence of his tears staining the pages. 

Every attempt he had made to send her back a message of courage and comfort had turned into a plea to return home. And even now Nolan knew that not one of those letters could be sent, he could not risk even a smallest hint of how poorly he coped without her. It was near impossible for the melancholy lord to remain hopeful, to think more of the victory rather than the defeat. Impossible to imagine having to live the rest of his days without her.

My dearest, and most beloved wife

I do not know which words to send you, I do not know how to empower your courage which I already admire so. Every day I am in awe at the strength and compassion that drives you, the determination to not allow any soul to suffer. Not once would I consider stopping you from stepping forth into this fray, even though I personally rather have you remain. I cannot write down the many words of my despair because I could not risk shaking your resolve. 

All I can do is promise that I pray, and pray, for you and your companions to succeed. That this world may be saved once more. More selfishly I pray for you to return to me. You are deeply missed by us all here at Greenwood Manor, and we all hold our breath until we can sleep more easily knowing you are safe under its roof once more.

Since I know how deeply you care for Rosie, I thought I should let you know she is doing well. As are her little army of pups that are curiously watched by the others. Especially Bandit has taken it upon himself to guard the new additions to this family. Gods know I am already at a loss for names.

At a loss for names, and for words. 

I miss you Tyrinnis, and I love you more than words could ever say.

Your Nolan

He looked at the final attempt and sighed, it would have to do. Folding it he placed it to be taken by courier. Though before it had even left the manor news travelled to announce the return of the few who had survived. Fear gripped his chest as he waited for the news. Waited for her so he could hold her and thank the fates for her safe return.