Dear Mama and Papa,
What trying times it has been. There is a drought, and I am hoping we are to see the end of it soon, but my hope is waning. Miss Lynn is my new guard, she is kind…but I think we annoy each other too often. No matter, we make do.
Something has been troubling me, and it only started troubling me these last couple of days. Father’s mother, who was assumed dead I believe, showed up a few days ago. I smile and try to show my joy on the matter, for it is quite joyful. I am sure Father is surprised and overjoyed, but I…I can’t help but be jealous. Why does he get his mother back and I can’t have mine back? I spent the first day afterward indulging in fantasies of your deaths not being real, and one day you will come back. You would love Father and Papa. We could be a huge family! Then I realized it was all just fantasy. I watched your deaths. I try to love this woman, who is my adopted Grandmother, but I only see her as another woman my parents know. In addition to all this, I hate how Malady Gwawrr calls Father “little deer.” I am the little deer now. I know it is idiotic for me to be upset over it, but I am. I think I will grow used to it eventually, but for now, I will secretly pout and be jealous.
I have one last bit of bad news. Yesternight a group of us went to Staddle, on the way there we passed where your shop was Mama. I didn’t realize until we were in Staddle, but your shop is gone. Just like that, no evidence of it ever being there. I almost lost it once I realized, but got myself under control. When I got home, I sobbed so loudly Miss Lynn thought someone was attacking me. I talked to her for hours about you both, and it helped a bit. I don’t talk about you enough, but you’re almost always on my mind. It felt relieving to talk to someone about you both for a long time. We spent the whole night talking and giggling like normal girls. As I said, Miss Lynn and I make do and even get along at times. I miss you both very much.
Enough of the sad news though! My colt, Hot Chocolate, or Cocoa for short, is turning out to become a magnificent steed! I have been training him along with Layla. They are going to be the prized horses in Bree one day, just like your steed was Papa. I also have a hummingbird in the tree at our cottage. Her eggs are getting ready to hatch, I can’t wait to see baby hummingbirds! Cat is himself, sleeping and hunting being his two favorite activities. I want to get an actual cat, but am unsure how to ask for one, since I already have a lot of animals for a teenage girl.
I have been continuing my weekly tradition of giving candy to the orphans, and have even been giving candy to the children whose families have lost homes due to the drought. One mother said I lifted the whole family’s spirits when I came and gave their four little boys a piece of candy each week. I sat and talked with her for hours. Her family lost their house and farm to one of the many fires. It was already a struggle to feed the four young boys (they are ages 3-6 years). They found a community of others who had been struggling during the drought. She said it was a real eye-opener, and if she ever gets back to a normal life, she wants to do more charity work. She said I was an inspiration to them all. I have never felt prouder!
Lastly, Papa and Father are teaching me to speak the language they do. I can’t remember what the language is called and am too embarrassed to ask. I am doing quite well though I think, for only learning bits and pieces over a few days.
Well, that is all I suppose, this new pen from Miss Lynn is leaving ink spots all over the page and my hands.
Love,
Syl
((OOC: The parchment is covered in ink splatters, but the actual handwriting is more curvy and elegant than past letters that were written in charcoal.))
