If you are still upset with me, I hope the gem I enclosed with the letter will earn me your forgiveness. I am certain you are the first one in Tirion to lay eyes on such a jewel unless Father has also sent some with Sartórë. 

We discovered them in one of the caverns that even Father had not entered before. They are found nowhere else we know. Therefore, they are yet unnamed in any language of the Quendi. Father will name them, of course, but were it up to me, I would name them after you. The color of this gem bears a striking resemblance to the color of your eyes. I could almost believe it were you gazing at me from the darkness if the jewel did not lack the warmth and brilliance in your look.

Nevertheless, I hope it is a suitable gift, and it will bring you a small amount of joy to receive it. Please, do write back to tell me if it is to your liking and send the letter with Sartórë. I would love to hear about what is happening in Tirion, but I mostly wonder how you spend your time and what you have done lately that Grandfather would consider unbecoming of a prince.

I shall remain in wait of receiving word from you.

Eternally yours,

Maitimo 

Findekáno sat with the letter in one hand and the gem in the other. There was a faint, almost pleasant ache in the core of him, a warm longing, a tender melancholy as if a mellow fire was smoldering under his skin. He was familiar with the sensation. Maitimo’s letters were known to do that to him, to ignite a hope against his better judgment. He was so tempted to write back that the thing unbecoming of a prince was harboring inappropriate feelings for Maitimo, to write everything that he had kept hidden in his heart for so long. But it was just a foolish thought, or worse, a cowardly one – if he ever confessed, he would have to do it face to face with Maitimo, even if his cousin shunned him after that.

He closed his fist around the sparkling gemstone. Maitimo had clearly tried to choose a smooth one for him because there was no jagged edge digging into his palm. Findekáno rubbed his thumb gently over the surface. It was warm. He pulled out a small chest from under his bed and put the letter inside with his other treasures. Unlike the rest of his possessions, everything inside the chest was perfectly organized.

A compartment was entirely full of letters from Maitimo, carefully and meticulously stacked over each other by date. There was a book on the most common gems found in Aman, authored by Fëanáro, copied and illustrated by Maitimo. This particular copy was made specifically for Findekáno, as proven by the dedication inside and the drawing of a small reddish oak leaf. The original leaf was hidden between the pages of the book. It was Findekáno’s first gift from Maitimo back when he was little more than a toddler, trying to reach the beautiful red leaf high up the branch. Maitimo had raised his hand, plucked it without any effort, and given it to Findekáno with a smile. Even back then, Findekáno had understood how significant the gift was and had kept it with uncharacteristic care. That Maitimo had remembered the leaf incident after so long and had signed the book with that drawing stirred something inexplicable inside Findekáno, something that made the air too thin, and made him feel weightless and light-headed.

There was a neatly folded handkerchief embroidered with Fëanáro’s star laying over the book. Findekáno had been sobbing his eyes out one day because some mocking words had been said about his chubby cheeks, and Maitimo had wiped his tears with his handkerchief and let him keep it.

There was also a wooden bird made by Maitimo’s hands, a necklace on a silver chain, a shell Maitimo had given him in Alqualondë, and many other trinkets, bits and pieces from their shared history that Findekáno had preserved.

Perhaps it was pathetic, but Findekáno’s treasures comforted him whenever his hopeless love for Maitimo became too unbearable. They reminded him that Maitimo loved him, even if his love would never take the form Findekáno wanted it to. 

No, Maitimo would not shun him if he confessed; that was just a ridiculous thought Findekáno entertained sometimes when he was determined to make himself miserable. Maitimo would let him down so gently Findekáno would not even feel the pain at first. He would say it did not have to affect their friendship and he would mean it, but he would feel guilty for not returning Findekáno’s love, and that was something Findekáno could not allow. Things were better left as they were.

Findekáno put the gem in a secure corner of the chest and sat down to reread Maitimo’s letter again and again.

Dearest cousin,

You may have already heard that we are returning to Tirion, but I wanted to tell you myself. By the time you receive the letter, we should already be at home. My heart fills with joy at the thought of seeing you again. Of course, I am also eager to see my other friends and kin. 

If you, too, would like to see me, I propose to meet when the seventh hour begins in the throne room of the King’s palace. My brothers and I will be there to pay respects to Grandfather. If you desired to go somewhere more private with us, I would certainly make time for you. I am not as certain about my brothers, so it may be you will have to bear my presence alone. 

We may go riding if you wish, or wander along the streets of the city as we did in our youth. Perhaps you would prefer to go swimming; I hear it is unusually hot in Tirion. Although, if you have something else in mind, I shall not object. I care little for what we do as long as we are together.

I have to cut my letter short, Findekáno, as I hear Father calling for me, but I hope to say what I have left unsaid when we finally meet again. 

Eternally yours,

Maitimo

Heart thudding loudly in his ears, Findekáno thought only of hiding the letter in the chest before running out. He was not going to wait that long to see Maitimo. He left his horse to graze on the grass in the clearing, sneaked in the premises of Fëanáro’s household, and expertly climbed the tree rising before Maitimo’s window. 

Once Maitimo had realized that it was Findekáno’s preferred way of visiting him, he had had his window ledge widened and reinforced, so now it was easy for Findekáno to slide from the branch on the ledge and knock on the window.

He almost tumbled down when the window opened because Maitimo was right in front of him, and he was so beautiful that Findekáno felt like that time Tyelkormo had accidentally hit him with a rock straight on the forehead. 

Maitimo took his hand and hauled him inside, raising a perfect eyebrow and smiling one of Findekáno’s favorite smiles.

“You know you can come through the front door, right?” Maitimo asked.

Findekáno only shrugged, still not trusting himself not to blurt out something stupid.

“Oh, come here,” Maitimo said and embraced him. “I am glad to see you.”

“So am I,” Findekáno mumbled, leaning comfortably against Maitimo’s chest.

The hug lasted longer than Findekáno had dared to hope for. Though he felt conflicted about finding comfort in it when he had feelings that Maitimo wasn’t aware of, he couldn’t bring himself to pull away. Maitimo gave the best hugs.

“You give the best hugs,” Maitimo said under his breath.

Findekáno raised his head. “What?”

“Never mind.” 

Maitimo stepped back. Findekáno forced himself to stay rooted in the place, silently mourning the loss of warmth. 

“Better tell me how you are,” Maitimo said. “What news there is in Tirion?”

He had casually grasped Findekáno’s shoulders, so it was impossible to answer his question because Findekáno was distracted by the hands he loved dearly – those long fingers, the intimate geography of them, the hills and ravines of tendons and callouses, the light dusting of freckles like marigolds in the fields. Findekáno’s thoughts strayed in a direction that was best left for the privacy of his bedchamber.

He moved away before he would embarrass himself. Maitimo’s smile flickered, but that was only a moment, and Findekáno could have easily imagined it.

“Oh, nothing interesting,” he said, a little raspy. He cleared his throat. “You tell me of your travels. I am sure your tale will be more entertaining, and I would love to hear your voice— telling me… of your travels.”

He was sure he was sweating through his clothes. He was burning so hot he thought he would burst into flames. For some reason, the tips of Maitimo’s ears were very pink.

“All right,” he said.

He dropped on his bed, leaning against the pillows, and patted the place beside him. “Come on.”

Findekáno didn’t need to be told twice. He lay down carefully next to Maitimo and shut his eyes. And if at some point during the tale he moved close enough to almost touch Maitimo, who could ever blame him.

Dearest cousin,

Perhaps I am late in sending this note. Forgive me, it had escaped my mind that the celebration was so close. Still, I thought I should try my luck and ask if you would like to accompany me. Of course, it is far more likely that you already have a friend to keep you company (remind me the name of the lady your grandmother so kindly introduced you to not so long ago).

In case you have successfully fended off the advances of your countless admirers, I gladly offer my services. I assure you I shall be nothing but a well-mannered and respectful companion.

You must forgive me also my poor attempts at joking, Findekáno, as you have done your entire life. You know I only wish you happiness, and if there is a lady that can make you happy, I shall push you to her myself.

If you would rather attend the celebration with someone else, perhaps I could be helpful in other ways. When you finish reading this note, please come to visit me if you wish. I shall braid your hair in a way that will leave your lady friend speechless. Afterwards, you could return the favor.

Of course, you must have recognized my attempt to lure you into giving my hair an acceptable shape as you are far better at it than I am, but I still hope you will indulge me.

My window is open.

Eternally yours, 

Maitimo

“Are you sure there was no one else you would like to accompany you instead of me?” Maitimo whispered as they watched the dancers leap over the high fire.

He was standing very close, his arms were bare, and Findekáno thought it would not be too obvious if he leaned just a little closer, so he could touch Maitimo.

“No one but you,” he said.

“How come?” Maitimo asked.

How could Findekáno tell him that he had been hoping a miracle would happen, and either Maitimo would ask him, or he would have the courage to ask Maitimo, so he hadn’t even entertained the thought of going with someone else? 

He shrugged and reached for the pearl-studded hairpin on Maitimo’s head. 

“I could ask the same question,” he said, adjusting the hairpin. “You keep talking about my admirers as if you do not count half the city among yours.”

“They are not who I am looking for,” Maitimo said, staring at the fire.

“Who then?” Findekáno asked, his throat dry.

Instead of an answer, Maitimo took his hand. Findekáno’s heart almost gave out before Maitimo said, “Come on, it is our turn.”

Together they danced around the fire, circling it seven times. Findekáno kept mixing up the steps because he could not help but turn his head to look at Maitimo who was graceful as ever. The dance culminated with a leap over the fire, which they made together, and Maitimo’s fingers intertwined with Findekáno’s burnt hotter than the flames jumping at his feet.

“Did you know that in Cuiviénen the firedance was a fertility ritual?” Maitimo asked later when they were standing under the copper and brown leaves of an oak tree.

Findekáno’s heart was racing from the dance, from Maitimo’s nearness and from that foolish hope that rose in him every time Maitimo said something mildly suggestive.

“Was it,” he said.

“Yes, Grandfather used to tell tales of it. Here, in Aman, it turned into a celebration in Nessa’s honor, but on the other shore, couples jumped over the fire, praying for it to ignite their loins and bless them with a child.”

Findekáno passed off his choking as laughter. “Well, that does not threaten us,” he said.

“Even the couples who would not or could not beget children leaped over the fire,” Maitimo said. “It was a celebration of love and passion.”

Findekáno didn’t know why his head was spinning. It might have been because of Maitimo’s words, or because of the sweet-scented smoke from the fire, or the realization that if he raised his chin a little and turned his head, his lips would touch Maitimo’s. 

“It is fortunate perhaps that the tradition has changed, and lovers or friends can join the dance,” Maitimo said quietly.

“Is it,” Findekáno said.

He bit his tongue and cursed himself for not saying more, not doing more. It was the right moment, he had to take that chance. 

But it was too late. After a heartbeat, Maitimo stepped out of the shadows. The dance was over, and the flame was rising high behind him. Findekáno’s knees were trembling. He focused his gaze on Maitimo’s hair, forced himself to notice how there was not a strand out of place despite the heated dance. But it only made him remember how Maitimo had allowed him to wash and braid his hair, how he had done the same for Findekáno, how Maitimo’s beautiful fingers felt pressed against his scalp. He leaned against the tree. 

“We should join the rest,” Maitimo said. “Come on.”

“You go,” Findekáno said. His voice sounded hollow. “I will be with you in a minute.”

Maitimo inclined his head and turned away without another word. The corners of Findekáno’s eyes were stinging. It must have been the smoke.

Dearest cousin,

It seemed Varda herself was singing through your lips at the festival, so bright were your eyes and so clear your voice. I am sure I was not the only one enraptured…

Dearest cousin,

Please accept this gift as a token of my undying devotion to the ties of our friendship and kinship…

Dearest cousin,

In this far away land where the Light of the Trees is barely a flicker, I find your face in the stars…

Dearest cousin

Dearest cousin

Dearest cousin

Eternally yours,

Maitimo

My dear cousin,

I believe the time has come for me to open my heart and let you see my truth in it. Whatever I mean, you surely ask yourself. Well, allow me to tell you the truth, which I have been unable to do in person, as my words failed me whenever I saw you.

The Treelight pales before your shining beauty. You are the crown jewel of Eru’s creation. I care not if it is blasphemy. Even if the Valar themselves forbade me from seeing you, I would not heed them. I fear no power as the mere thought of you gives me strength. To gaze upon you is akin to drinking deep from a cold well after thirsting for ages.

I wish to gaze upon you again if you would. I have something extremely important to tell you. Until now, my treacherous heart lacked the courage to utter those words. I was lost inside your sapphire orbs, powerless before your fair countenance and your honeyed voice.

If I am dear to you as well, meet me in the meadow where we played as children. Come quickly before I lose what courage I have. Bring your bow, we shall hunt after speaking, and I shall feast upon the sight of your mighty arms that put Tulkas to shame.

With all my love,

Maitimo

Findekáno was upon his horse within minutes. He had never ridden so fast. His thoughts were riding ahead of him, so eager he was for his meeting with Maitimo. Could it be that all his dreams were going to come true? Could it be that Maitimo had the same feelings for him and was going to tell him so? He wondered if one could die from too much joy, then laughed loudly as the horse galloped out of the city.

Finally, the meadow came into view․ It was not too far away from Tirion, close to where his half-uncle had chosen to abide. Findekáno had spent so many hours there in his childhood, playing with Tyelkormo under Maitimo’s watchful eye.

“Maitimo!” he called, dismounting and patting the horse’s mane in apology.

His cousin was nowhere to be seen. Maybe he hadn’t arrived yet. But his letter had given Findekáno the impression that Maitimo was already waiting for him. Besides, no matter how fast the horse was, he couldn’t get there earlier than Maitimo.

He looked around, frightened for a moment for reasons unknown to him.

“Maitimo?” he cried again. “I am here!”

He heard faint laughter from behind the trees. It was not Maitimo’s laughter, which he would recognize instantly.

“Who is there?” he called.

The laughter was louder this time, and soon Tyelkormo and young Angaráto stepped into the meadow. Something was wrong. Panic gripped Findekáno’s heart again.

“Well met, cousin!” Angaráto cried, and Tyelkormo waved enthusiastically.

Findekáno was covered in a cold sweat. He rolled his shoulders. “What are you doing here?” he asked. 

His voice was higher than he would like it to sound.

“Waiting for you to go hunting,” Tyelkormo shrugged.

“But— Maitimo said… he wrote—”

“That was us!” Angaráto said happily, unaware how coldness was overtaking Findekáno’s limbs. “Well, Tyelkormo wrote the letter, he can imitate anyone’s handwriting! And he is more familiar with the way Maitimo writes his letters.”

“Did you believe it was from him?” Tyelkormo asked with a grin. “Come on, Findekáno, I gave you enough hints to guess. When have you ever played with Nelyo in this meadow?”

Was Tyelkormo’s voice uncharacteristically quiet, or was it the noise in Findekáno’s head that was making it hard to hear?

“So you were mocking me,” he said.

His fists were clenched not in anger but because he didn’t want his cousins to see that his hands were shaking.

“Not you, you halfwit!” Tyelkormo cried. “Nelyo! It was only a bit of harmless fun. I thought you would laugh! I have stolen a glance at some of the letters he writes to you. It is unbelievable how he waxes poetic! Why are you so upset?” 

“I am not.” Findekáno tried to smile, but his mouth seemed to have forgotten how to do it. “I only thought—”

“If you thought it was from Maitimo, why would you come running in answer to such a passionate letter?” Angaráto asked, still laughing.

Findekáno was silent. So was Tyelkormo. Findekáno could see how the realization dawned on him, how his face twisted in something between horror and shame, how his cheeks lost color. He stared open-mouthed at Findekáno. Angaráto had stopped laughing, looking at his cousins with his brows furrowed.

“I will join you another time,” Findekáno forced himself to speak. “Good luck, cousins.”

Angaráto looked like he was about to protest, but Tyelkormo shook his head. Findekáno rode away even faster than he had come. The air around him seemed heavier, but Findekáno himself felt strangely numb as long as he did not think of the ill-fated letter and of how foolish he was to have fallen for it. When he thought of it, he almost threw himself off the horse from embarrassment. 

The letter was lying open over his bed when he entered his chamber. Without looking at it, he pushed it away from his sight. He fell on the covers, then sat up, walked around in circles, opened the window, closed it, sat on the bed again. He couldn’t distract himself from what had happened. He would open his treasure chest whenever he needed to make himself feel better, but now he shrank away from the idea. 

Was this how it was going to be from now on? Would everything linked to Maitimo make him feel like there was a stone in his stomach? That was the worst, the fear that his stupid mistake could somehow taint what he had with Maitimo. 

He started pacing again, punching the walls lightly to stop biting his lip. A knock at the door interrupted his panicked walk. He sighed. He had no wish to see anyone now, and he was sure his face when returning home had made it very clear.

Another knock. “Findekáno?”

He froze. It was Maitimo. Findekáno had a fleeting thought to sneak out of the window, but he dismissed it. Sooner or later, he had to face Maitimo. Better to get it over with.

He opened the door, and all his dread and embarrassment vanished at the sight of Maitimo’s beloved face. Then he noticed the crease between his friend’s brows, and the moment of peace was gone.

“I did not expect you,” he said, stepping back to let Maitimo inside.

“Hello to you too,” Maitimo said with a smile, but then his face turned serious again. “Tyelkormo told me that you were upset and that I needed to talk to you. I was concerned.”

“Was that… all he said?”

“Yes. Is there anything else?”

“No,” Findekáno said quickly.

Maitimo didn’t look like he believed it. “Did you have a fight?” he asked. “I thought you had left your squabbles in childhood. What is going on?”

Findekáno was tempted to make up something and put everything behind him for a while, but he could not do it, could not look into Maitimo’s eyes and keep lying to him.

“He sent me a letter signed in your name, I believed it was from you and rode out to meet you, but instead, I found Tyelkormo and Angaráto,” he said in one breath.

“That is all there is?” Maitimo asked in disbelief. “I will, of course, have a stern talk with my brother about forging my letters, but it sounded way more serious than that. May I see the letter?”

Findekáno silently retrieved it from under the bed and handed it to Maitimo. He watched him carefully, but Maitimo’s face was closed off and betrayed nothing while he was reading. Then he raised his head and gave Findekáno a strange smile.

“How could you believe this was from me?” he asked lightly. “This is ridiculous. I could never write something like that.”

Findekáno shrugged․

“Some of these lines are stolen word for word from those novels Moryo hides under his pillow,” Maitimo said, smiling his unsettling smile.

“I had no idea,” Findekáno said, wishing the conversation would be over.

“I am quite insulted you assumed this had been written by my hand,” Maitimo said. “I never start my letters this way.”

“I know. I thought you might have changed it for the occasion.”

“Why would you think that?”

“Because I wanted it to be true!” Findekáno cried.

Maitimo’s smile froze on his face. “Solely for the reason of mocking me, I am sure,” he said.

He was giving Findekáno a way out. He must have understood what Findekáno meant and wanted to spare his feelings. But Findekáno would hide no longer. Whatever might happen, he would speak the truth.

“No,” he said quietly. “I wanted to believe that you have the same feelings for me that I have for you. I love you as one would love a dearest friend, and I love you as one would love a-a husband.”

Maitimo was silent for long moments. He did not even blink, scrutinizing Findekáno with his penetrating gaze.

“Are you certain?” he asked finally.

“Never in my life have I been more certain of anything,” Findekáno answered.

“Hm.”  

Findekáno wanted to strike him. He wanted to embrace him and beg him to forget what he had just said. He wanted to forget it himself.

“It does not have to change anything between us,” he said desperately. 

“What if I want it to?” Maitimo asked.

Findekáno hated him for the painful hope that rose in his heart. “I cannot bear your pity,” he said, ignoring the way his voice was shaking.

“You do not have to,” Maitimo said. “I would only ask you to bear my love for I have kept it to myself for a very long time.”

Findekáno dug his nails into his palm to make sure that this wasn’t only a very intense daydream. His mouth was dry, and his heart was somewhere in his throat.

“Why didn’t you say anything?” he asked, finding his voice by some miracle.

“I did! Have you not read my letters? I could not have been more obvious!”

“Clearly, you could have! Why not just tell me as it is?”

“I wished to avoid pressuring you. I thought I would take a step and then wait for you to answer if you returned my feelings. You never did, so I never said anything more.”

“Yet you kept sending your unintelligible love confessions.”

Maitimo shrugged and ducked his head. “I thought there was a chance you might not have understood what I intended to say.”

Findekáno stared at him. “You are insufferable,” he said.

They both laughed with boundless, uncomplicated joy until they were out of breath. Findekáno could not keep the smile off his face. Maitimo’s look was so tender. Findekáno wondered if Maitimo had always gazed at him so lovingly. He dared step forward and take Maitimo’s hands.

“What now?” he asked.

Maitimo thought for a moment. “Well, we can kiss.”

Findekáno was already moving before he had even heard the end of the sentence. Unfortunately, he had miscalculated his speed, and instead of a kiss, he ended up bumping heads with Maitimo.

“Ow,” Maitimo said, grinning and rubbing his forehead. “Eager, are you?”

“Yes,” Findekáno said impatiently.

He caught his breath when Maitimo took his chin and ran a thumb over his lower lip. Findekáno’s mouth opened on its own accord.

“I have been dreaming of doing this for so long,” Maitimo whispered.

He lowered his head, and then they were kissing. It was so easy and so right that Findekáno’s wondered why they had not done it earlier. Before losing himself completely in the sensations, he managed to think that they undoubtedly weren’t going to be content with only a kiss.

---

“So you do not truly think that my arms are so strong they put Tulkas to shame,” Findekáno said, breaking the comfortable silence.

Maitimo turned his head to him, puzzled for a moment, then he broke into a sly smile.

“Well, I believe they were just proven quite strong,” he drawled.

Findekáno rolled his eyes, but his hand didn’t stop caressing Maitimo’s hair.

“However, I can say with absolute certainty that this is the most comfortable pillow I have ever laid my head on,” Maitimo said and poked Findekáno’s stomach.

“You are ridiculous,” Findekáno said, pleased, then shivered in delight when Maitimo’s lips touched his skin.

“You are so soft,” Maitimo said, pinching him gently.

“If it is hardness you seek, look for it a little farther,” Findekáno said.

Maitimo snorted and smacked him lightly on the side. He turned to lay on his back, his head still on Findekáno’s stomach, his hair strewn over the bed. He put one long leg over the other and looked at Findekáno with a smile.

“This is nice,” he said. 

Findekáno didn’t want to take his eyes off him even for a moment for fear that he would vanish. 

“What now?” he asked.

Maitimo shrugged. “We will continue as we are, only we will also be lovers and one day perhaps husbands.”

“Husbands,” Findekáno repeated with reverence.

“You said it first.” The crease was suddenly back between Maitimo’s brows. “If I have misunderstood—”

“No!” Findekáno said immediately and laughed at himself. “No,” he repeated softer, “you have not.”

“I am glad.”

Maitimo caught his hand and pressed his lips to the inside of his wrist. Findekáno felt a rush of heat from his face to his toes, and Maitimo finally sat up.

“Perhaps your question was referring to what we should do right now,” he said. “If so, I have an answer for that too.”

Beloved Findekáno,

Do not be alarmed by the change in the greeting. I can assure you this letter is by no means forged. I have merely decided to begin my letters in such a way henceforth to signify the change in our relationship.  

It is hard to believe that I can openly admit my love in a letter without fearing I have overstepped. Yet, I can, and I do. 

Not a moment passes by that I do not miss you, beloved. I keep reminiscing about the hours we spent together. I recall the shape of your mouth as you laughed at something hopefully witty that I had said, the softness of your skin beneath my fingertips, the way your voice rose and fell as you said my name. It sounded so loved coming from your lips that I had to steal it away with a kiss.

Perhaps I should stop as this will only make it harder for both of us. But fear not, it will not be long until I am back again and have my arms around you in an embrace so tight that would indeed put Tulkas to shame. 

I say fear not, yet my words are aimed chiefly at myself as you and I both know that you are fearless. I have loved you for so long and so hopelessly, have desired that you see me the way I see you so desperately that at times I nearly convince myself that what happened was nothing but my mind deceiving itself with a vision with no chance of coming true. 

I apologize if I sound grim, beloved, trust me, whenever I am in such a mood, I imagine the look you would give me if you could hear, and all those thoughts are gone at once. You come to my aid even when we are far away from each other.

I have half a mind to turn back this very instant and come to you. Perhaps I shall do so if this journey continues for longer than I can bear. I could finally fulfil my promise and take you to see the wonders I have told you about. Although, I have strong suspicions that we might end up spending our days closed in my bedchamber.

Are you laughing yet, beloved? I can see you biting your lip in vain to stop the grin, but your eyes are the first to betray you. If I touched your cheek, it would burn my hand. 

Forgive me, I am getting distracted again. It must be time to end the letter and go swimming with my brothers in this small lake we came across in the mountains. I shall bring you here to admire it. I am certain its cold waters will boil from the strength of our love.

Wait for me, beloved, think of me as I think of you, and know that in my heart, I have not and shall never leave you.

Eternally yours (this has not changed),

Image Credits:

Model - https://www.deviantart.com/cathleentarawhiti/art/Crowned-stock-2-855396567

Texture - https://www.deviantart.com/frostbo/art/Texture-158-409480140