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[Cyrus Skyfire]

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Ariana,

I must admit my surprise over your unexpected proximity to, and welcome in, the city of Umbra
left me mostly at a loss for words. Yet rarely have I been given any reason to doubt the sincerity
of both your words and actions in regards to the many private conversations we have had these past few weeks.

The advice you've provided for me has been useful and appreciated. I've also had a rare opportunity to speak my mind while in your presence. Which is something I've rarely enjoyed. However the mantle of responsibility that has been placed upon me I can never escape from, you yourself have attempted to convince me of that on more then one occasion.

My view of the world differs from yours it is quite true. This last encounter between the two of us clearly has shown me that. Much more then any of the hints you've thrown my way. I think I always knew you had another side to you I was not seeing. It was easier for me to ignore it until presented with the truth however.

Yet, I still find myself fascinated by you in many ways. I can only hope my startled and quick responses last night did not serve to drive a wedge into the friendship we had previously established. Never would I seek to change a single thing about you now or ever. I dread not watching you smile or hearing the sound of your laughter. Perhaps some of the things I said last night or in this letter may cause you to doubt my sincerity now. I can only hope that is not the case.

You told me last night if I asked you to stay away from Sanctus you would understand and comply with my request. I can't help but wonder if I asked you to forsake your ties within and around Umbra would you also readily do that? I think I know the answer and it would be wrong of me to even ask in the first place. I suppose in closing, I have only one thing to ask of you. The only thing that really matters. Can you somehow find any way to forgive me?

-Cy

[Ariana Lenoir]

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Dear Cyrus,

You asked for forgiveness. To give that I must beg to inquire as to what in particular you are seeking forgiveness for. Is it for your distrust and suspicion of myself or an unspoken need to act upon them as the potential heir to the throne and sever the base of trust we've developed. I do feel compelled to remind you of one of our recent conversations regarding the discussion of children. Any damnation of which based on actions that have not occurred, even if absolute in the future, should not be brought upon them. I do seem to recall your strong stance on the subject and feel I must politely remind you of it in this instance. I do hope in the short time that has passed that you have not chosen to change your mind and continue to remain strong in your beliefs.

I am currently held in high regard with many different political factions, I do not deny this. Some of these are currently out of favor by those in your kingdom. I make no apology for my associations. Although young, I have a keen insight into the minds and troubles of others, and in fact, it was this gift to which fate opened a door and allowed us to be introduced.

Although I agree with you, that it would be wrong to ask for an ultimatum in regards to my political and business associations, I will concede to give you an answer. I am who I am. I could no more give up who I am and the relationships that have grown from it, than you could walk away from your father, men and your kingdom. I have never once suggested that you do, and in fact, I have told you just the opposite. When you spoke of the desire to be a common man, to not have the responsibility or expectations, I picked you up, dusted you off and set you back on the path to which you are destined.

It will cause me more pain than you can comprehend, if we are to break ties, but should your mind be convinced to do so, I will honor your wishes as best as I am able. I wish to take this opportunity to thank you as I do not know what the future has in store for us. Thank you for the quiet times we shared. Thank you for placing your trust in me, even though the trust may now be faded. Thank you for giving me fond memories of my days at court and the faith that there are still men in this world who know how to treat a woman. Thank you for giving me the hope that a young woman such as myself will someday find a prince among men to share her life with.

I will not change who I am. You once told me that I was all you could hope for and that you trusted me beyond all others. You once whispered softly to me as droplets of water from the waterfall glistened on the flowers like dreams. The hours at the royal garden, talking of bees and bodyguards. I have never have once whispered a word to you that was not given sincerely in your best interest or the best interest of your people. If I had wished to harm you, I had ample opportunity. What I was and what I am, have not changed.

The future lies in your hands. I once asked you what you wanted from life, do you remember? You can not turn aside from your duties, your people need you. Your happiness does not have to be forsaken, if you are willing to have the courage and valor of the knights of old and stand up for what you know in your heart to be true. Not all paths are paved and even, some of the most difficult paths are the ones worth fighting for. I will let you choose the path that is right for you.

Until then,

Ari
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