Lady Selene,



I know not how to start this letter.



It has been some weeks since your last missive and I know that I should have responded sooner. The situation with my brother has been... all but resolved for my part in it. Now it must be decided between he and his wife. I admit that loosing my hands and control of the situation has been difficult considering my heartfelt duty to both my brother and nephew but this is the way of it and I believe it is how it must be.



Yet this is not what I write to you for now. The above is simply to inform you of the events here in Colchis for I know you are the kind of person to be concerned for you friends. But it is not my purpose in writing. Had it been so, this letter would have found its way to you far sooner.



I struggle for words, my Lady, not because I do not know what I wish to say, but because I have such distaste for saying them on paper, when they can be so much more easily communicated in person. I remember telling you once that letters were not a pasttime I had practised and now you see the evidence of such neglect.



Firstly, I shall tell you that I have yet to break Phobos. I visit him, I lead him, and I have sat astride him, but I have yet to break him to a rider's will and be assured that he will follow commands.



I do not feel that my lack of motivation in this area comes from fear of being thrown or from distaste for the animal...



I feel it comes from the fact that - upon stepping into the stable yard and witnessing the creature in his stall... I cannot help but... I do not have the words.



I travel to Taengea in three days time with my sister, intent on an arrangement with the Dimitrou family's daughter the Lady Dorothea. I should be focused on the task at hand and yet all that my mind seems able to remind me is that I will once again be in the same land as yourself.



For while my words fail me and I am no poet of sweet nothings I have at least come to accept this about myself... that I miss you, Selene.







Vangelis