Dearest Aurianne

[Yves Chevalier]

I hope this letter finds you well, and the girls also. It is the eve of our first battle, and the three of you are ever on my mind. I fear sometimes that perhaps the battlefield is not a father's place, but then I remember the fear that has spread over the City and I know that I am doing what I must to keep you all safe. It does not make me miss you any less, however.

Send us your prayers tomorrow, as sweet as they would be from your lips, the Gods must listen and bring us all back safely, the Skaldi threat neutralized.

I will write you again after the battle, so that you might know that I am safe, and that I await your reply with fervent anticipation.

Sweetest dreams and sunny days to you, and please tell Julia and Claire that I love them, more than anything. Thank you again for being there for them, I could not go with confidence otherwise.

Until next time,

Yves

[Aurianne nó Hughes]

The moment Yves' letter was delivered saw me into an instant state of elation; my heart jumped in my chest, the butterflies swirled like mad, and I began smiling so widely that the girls ceased playing with their dolls to peer up at my curiously. "Your poppa wrote," I explained, producing twin sets of squeals, and I laughed as I sat on a little settee and let them pile into my lap as I began reading it aloud to them.

Shortly after, I watched as they played, beautiful little girls with cherub faces and darling personalities, and I saw nothing but Yves in them. I knew there was a mother in there somewhere, but to me they were Yves and no one elses, and because they were his, I loved them dearly from the start. Now I was beginning to love them for who they are as well, and with my heart full of joy and adoration, I began penning a letter back to him.

Darling Yves,

The moment your letter arrived, the happiness in the house rose a thousand fold. Your girls laughed and sat on my lap as I read it to them, begged me to read it aloud thrice more, and when they were finally satisfied enough to settle down and play with their dolls again, they began a new game with you as the hero. They miss you, but love you. It amazes me every time I talk to them about you, how different than it was for me growing up, and I'm glad they have you like this.

I too am proud of you, and though I miss you madly, I know you're doing this for the most noble of reasons. You are a wondrous man, and I am proud to know you. I pray for you daily, you and everyone else out there, and I anxiously await your return.


All my affection,
Aurianne