Page 84 of Ocean of Ink

“I did not want this. I-I wanted a cottage in the meadows–” she stopped short as a tear fell.

“Sometimes, we are forced into circumstances out of our control. All we can do is make the best of what we are given.”

Wren pressed her lips together tightly and looked off toward the cliffs.

“Do you not tire of it all? The forcing, the failing, the trying?”

Castien’s shoulders sank with the weight of her words. He was unsure how much he was holding back from her at this point. He could only hope her tangle of emotions distracted her from the whirlpool that was his own.

“I do.”

His admission hung in the salty air. Wren drew in a shuddering breath.

“Then why keep going?”

“To give up would be to die.”

Wren turned her head back to him, and he saw her. The broken girl standing on top of the Salt Hills, contemplating jumping off into the murky depths below. Only this time, she did not have her brother to anchor her feet to the shore.

“You haven’t written another letter,” he said.

Her brow furrowed at his change of subject.

“I brought one with me today, it’s in my bag.”

He nodded. “Whenever you think of giving up, know that I count the minutes until your next letter, and I would miss them if they were to disappear.”

I would miss you, he told her with his eyes.

She met his gaze as another crystal tear fell.

“Thank you.”

Year 822, Week 37, Delta

My dearest Castien,

I apologize for the delay of my response. Though I should point out that you have not given me a true letter, either. Our last correspondence was your invitation to House of Arythes.

My time with you in the parlor was the warmest I have felt in some time. This place is so dreary. I miss the open plains of the Wild Holm. The rolling hills of my family’s estate. For though there is pain to be felt there, the landscape is a salve on my wounds.

Do you miss the Lucent Enclave, your home of Enlight? Or have you become so accustomed to the Whispering Isle as to call it a second home? I do not think I ever could.

Warmly,

Wren

Year 822, Week 37, Delta

My dearest Wren,

I accept your apology for not sending me a letter sooner, and I forgive you.

I enjoyed your time at House of Arythes, save for my cousin’s interruption. Tell me, was it the tea and fire that warmed you, or your blush?

As for your inquiry, I do miss Enlight. Namely, my family. However, there is also a charm to the city that is lacking here on the Isle. There is a hum about the streets that makes me feel more at home than the muffled silence of this craggy cliff we live on.

I wonder, would you ever travel to the Lucent Enclave? You could write about your experience, and I could know what it is like to see my city through your eyes.