Chapter Text
I write this letter with no expectation of a reply; rather, I hope it reaches you simply to remind you that here lies someone who eagerly awaits you. Someone who hopes this war will end so we can see each other again.
My flame, last night was cold, and it only served as a reminder of your absence. I couldn’t help but think of you, of us. I have spent so much time alone, listening to the forest, its needs, and now I can’t stop longing to hear you again, as in days gone by.
I long to see you, I long for the sparkle in your eyes, I long for your voice telling me every one of your thoughts; mine are no longer enough to fill the silence that crushes me. I long for your touch, your warmth, your hand on mine, my hand on your back, on your face. I long for the warmth that also surges in my chest when I kiss you. I long for you in the most honest way my heart can express.
I’m not one to curse, as you well know, but you don’t know the anguish I feel over this war that has separated us. Now that I’ve held you in my arms, letting you go has been the hardest task I’ve had to face since I became guardian of this forest.
Do you remember that little broken apple tree sprout? It has managed to grow, and over these past months, I’ve watched its leaves turn a brilliant green again. It has stood firm, just like us.
Millennial Tree still sleeps, protecting himself, and that keeps me calm. My flame, forgive me for leaving you alone; I’ve never felt that doing my duty breaks my heart. There isn’t a moment when my mind doesn’t wander to you, thinking of your well-being.
I worry if you’re eating well, if any wounds you might have are being treated properly. I worry that you’ll be distracted in battle. Just like me, you’re alone in the Dragon Valley. I worry that you don’t take yourself seriously enough simply because you’re on your own.
Sometimes, I wonder how much you think of me. Is it the same for you as it is for me? Do you think of me every day? Do you think of me when the sun shines high in the sky and is swallowed by the sea? What makes you think of me? My beloved, I think of you every time the night is cold, every time we pass by our favorite tree to eat. I think of you every morning when I wake up, wishing for your warmth beside me. I think of you every time the ladybugs fly, remembering how you shy away from them, scared, making excuses about not wanting to hurt them. I think of you every time the stones in the nearby lake warm up in the sun; I think of you every time I see the birds fly, remembering your agile flight. I think of you every time the sky turns orange at dusk, as if your hair were painting the skies just for me.
My days have lost their usual joy. The routine I followed before I met you no longer brings me happiness. My patrols are missing your words, your laughter, your sighs every time I get close to you. I miss having your head on my lap while you sleep, trusting me enough to let me protect your sleep.
Words aren’t my strong suit; I can’t find any other way to let you know that I miss you—only you.
I have never wanted anything in my life as much as I love you. It torments me that, perhaps, you do not long for me in the same way. Then I remember your kisses, your touches, your words, your desires, and I decide to hold onto that version of you in my mind, the one that has lit up every day since you came into my life.
Fire, oh, Fire. On the darkest nights, I fear this war will never end, that we’ll never feel each other’s touch again. I’m no stranger to the concept of violence, death, blood, and destruction—which are part of life itself—but I’ve never found myself bound to it.
The wind is free, but I, the embodiment of the wind itself, find neither escape nor rest. I assume you do not either, my beloved, and that causes an indelible anguish in my chest.
I know you cannot leave the Dragon Valley unprotected, just as I cannot leave this forest at the mercy of the dark forces, so I suppress my desire to see you and be with you. I fear that all I can do is wait, wait for you and your well-being.
I wish for you, Fire Spirit, good health, and enough awareness to take care of yourself in the harsh battles. I wish you sweet dreams, good food, and restful sleep. My Flame, every time you feel a breeze slipping into your cave, it is me, caressing a part of you to remember your warmth.
In the meantime, you'll come in my dreams to give me comfort.
Yours, and with adoration,
Wind Archer.