[written during the night and slid under Loreus’ door before heading out with Hippoffilius to send the animal messenger]
Dearest Loreus,
I don’t even know how to start this letter, but you need to know. The encounter with Moxena has brought back things I thought had been left in the past. But also the relief of a solution to a problem I thought may be in the realm of impossibility.
The truth is that, a bit like her, I am responsible for a man being turned to stone for the past twenty years. But more importantly, I am responsible for wanting to chain him down despite his wishes. I’m not sure how that young Alke thought she had the right to dictate someone else’s destiny, but I will make sure that it never happens. And that’s why I need to let you know everything…
His name was Nicos and I loved him very, very much. So much that all I wanted was to be together forever. He, however, was far more cautious. Understandably so, I know now, as I was just barely out of childhood, naive and full of dreams. So I made a trade with a witch, she offered me his unending love. I gave her whatever she wanted in return. I only realised the price later: the medusa curse and him as my first victim.
It was 20 years ago and I have loved him ever since. I don’t think love like that, no matter how selfish it may be, ever dies or diminishes. But my world is now so much bigger so he is no longer taking centre stage. There is now room in it for so many other things, for many other people, for friendships or romance…
I am so sorry, I should have told you in the Oldswood as we had left Demetria’s Temple or that morning by the Arkelon when you had already seen me at my worst. This should have been a conversation, yet every time I’ve wanted to tell you… the fear of you leaving just overtook me. And I somehow always end up being distracted when you’re about.
There… I’m not sure what else to write save to say thank you! For being there to remind me that there still is some good, some warmth and comfort in the world even for me.
Alke