Prince Vangelis,



As I have very little experience with your mannerisms on a personal level, I do not find your letters to come off as abrupt. Instead, I find them to be in line with how you’ve presented yourself to me in the past. They are a joy to read, and I find myself challenged to try and find content in my own writing that may bring you entertainment in your travels. I am sure you find no interest in the newest color of for sale in the market or trivial gossip of the court here.



I do not find myself envious when I find myself learning more and more of the struggles of war. My father has always made it his mission to raise his daughters in the safe world he struggled to create for us. I am appreciative of that, and I wish that more people found themselves in my world of naivity than in the sometimes harsh world that others are more intimately acquainted with.



Family relations certainly vary in more ways than I could ever imagine. Life in a house full of women is certainly sheltered. Our responsibility lies only to each other and the betterment of ourselves for our future husbands. Tutors come and go, teaching us the finer lessons that we may need to know. Our days are spent learning how to maintain a house, how to entertain a room of people. I myself spend hours in among the instruments my mother has collected, often losing myself in the joy that comes with mastering a melody or creating a new one.



To hear you speak so warmly of your mother does bring more questions, although I am sure that they are specific to my own situation. It is obvious to everyone that my father is the most passive of his siblings. While they find joy in promoting the family name within the ranks, my father was more content in the stables. His investment was in the family, in securing wealth with hard work and persistence. My mother, on the other hand, seems to take her brother in law’s mindset. I wonder if she does not feel like her own marriage was worthy of her skills and wishes better for herself. Though I certainly do not know why, for no husband loves his wife as my father does my mother. But my mother does not wish to concern herself with the matters of my father. I have always been taught that a woman’s place is to be a good hostess and to be silent on matters that are not important to her.



Your mother sounds like an incredible woman. It would truly be on honor to meet her and perhaps learn from her strength.



All business and no pleasure, dear Prince? That sounds like a hard life to live indeed. If you do not explore the worlds you travel, what do you do for your own sanity? What do you do when you need just a moment to stop thinking of the responsibilities of your life and just find happiness? Surely it is not only in the joy of watching us normal people in their day to day life. You must have something that is for no one else but you.



Unless your selflessness knows no bounds, then I am mistaken.



Jesting aside, I do pray that you have something you do for the service of yourself. Perhaps, after my visit to Athenia, I will be able to share some of my favorite things, and you will be able to make it a point to see if, if you have time to do so next time you are there. Should you find yourself back on the shores of Taengea, I hope you would at least find a moment to enjoy our newest addition. We’ve been blessed with a beautiful filly who will one day make handsome colts. And if nothing else, you will find a brief moment of joy in watching the sweet beast find her feet among the other horses.



Safe travels then, noble prince. May Poseidon bless your trip home and may you find some reprieve in the safety of your own lands, however brief your visit may be. If this letter reaches you prior to leaving Athenia and you see the Princess, please send her my warmest regards. And perhaps press her elder sister into sharing the wine I sent with her from our personal cellars. You will experience no finer drink than the one she has brought back with her.



I will take a moment from my prayers to Aphrodite to make a visit to the god of the sea to make a offering on your behalf.



Calm oceans and strong winds for your journey home,

Selene