Vangelis,



As you have learned, it does not seem like I have much trouble putting my thoughts to parchment. When it comes to communication, I have always been able to sort through the chaos to accurately convey what I want to say. Yet it would seem that I have yet to perfect that art during conversations.



First and foremost, I must apologize for my behavior at the Dimitrous home. As you may have noticed, my life has been a bit stressful as of late. As we wait for the arrival of the heir to the throne, there is also a wedding to plan. With the upcoming nuptials, it is fairly common for my mother to point out that I should be planning my own affair alongside Theodora. And while this is a conversation I am used to dodging, for the most part, it has only amplified due to my extended residence with my uncle.



It is the only excuse I have for my sudden insanity.



While that seems weak to most, it is hard not to let familial expectations fill you thoughts, to create situations that do not exist. It would seem that I have succumb to their influences, to their meddling. And I fear that it has taken a toll on both my mind and on our friendship.



I am writing this letter from my home, on my island, where I have always been able to find clarity and comfort in this ‘dirt and rock’, as you so put it. From my window, I am able to hear the waves against the cliffs as the wind brings the smell of salt and earth in. The house is quiet, save for the few servants and slaves muttering around. And for my father, who has offered both insight and understanding in regards to my sudden appearance. Being away from the city, home and surrounded by silence, has brought a clarity that I needed. And in that clarity, you are owed an explanation.



I am sure that, as the oldest, you can understand the pressures and expectations that are placed on your shoulder. Be the example, mind your siblings, do nothing that may let your parents down— all things I am sure you learned to do as first born. And while your life has always been more militarily driven, mine has always been focused on my worth as a bride. I will only ever be as good as the match I make. Much to my mother’s disdain, my father has indulged me in allowing who I marry to be my own decision. Yet with two daughters secured in their fates, the pressure to do the same with my own life has been growing. And while I thought I was strong enough to make my own choices, to not let outside influences force my hand, I am only human and a daughter who wants nothing more than to please her family.



That does not excuse my forward behavior towards you.



Fear not, my friend, for I do not hold you responsible for my insanity. As a helpless bystander, you’ve simply become a victim to the Leventi mentality. And even I am not strong enough to resist its engrained pull on my mind.



If you can forgive my bold behavior, I would like to resume our friendship as it was. For, more than anything in this world, I value your friendship dearly. I have enjoyed you as a close confidante, and have come to consider you someone I can trust. I may have broken that trust with my actions, but it is something I wish to earn back. It is true that I have come to care for you as a friend first and foremost. As handsome as you may be, I shall do my best to resist your good looks and charm and keep my hands to myself.



Hopefully the jest was not lost on paper.



Should you find yourself wishing to run some of the finest horses, come to Serenn for a rematch. I have a mare I am to break within the next week to prepare it for sale and wouldn’t mind someone to help me reclaim my dignity when she tosses me the first few times.



I have already embarrassed myself in your presence, so doing so again won’t be as unimaginable to deal with.



With promised sanity,



Selene.