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Tressa pressed what seemed like a leaflet of parchments to her chest, a wide grin on her face as if the words themselves were warming her heart. She knew each one well, but the value of them never dulled. A billion leaves wouldn’t compare to what Noa wrote each time they exchanged letters.
Noa wrote—she wrote a lot. Between the two girls, a small collection of novels was beginning to form. Tressa tried to match her words, wanting to make Noa’s heart skip a beat, her stomach to get butterflies, all the wonderful and incredible feelings Tressa held whenever she crossed her mind.
Tressa had a habit of rereading the letters a few times before settling at her desk to write. Noa’s words were like a story. She knew how to make her sentences pretty, the right words to put on parchment. For all the praise Noa gave Cordelia and her skills with a quill, she was just as good. No, better! She was the best, and Tressa wouldn’t hear any less!
She rolled onto her stomach, careful not to crease the letters in her hands. Tressa kicked her feet back and forth, humming in delight as she took in the contents once more.
Dearest Tressa,
I feel like it’s been so long since you visited Grandport last. I know you’re busy helping your parents run the shop, and honing your skills as a merchant, but the shores of the Coastlands aren’t the same without you here.
I was able to walk to the beach today! Father stayed by my side to make sure I was alright. I want to get stronger for myself, but for you as well. When I can finally see Rippletide, I want to explore the entire city. I can see it so clearly from your letters, your stories… but I want to be there with you more than anything.
Tressa beamed so widely that her cheeks began to hurt.
I still can’t believe these amazing books and trinkets you got for me! I’ll never understand how you manage to find what you do. I know you’re the best merchant Orsterra’s ever seen, but… wow! I can’t wait to show you how cute these accessories look in my hair. I’ll have to have you try some on too.
I hope you like what I’ve given you. Having these gifts—it’s like a small piece of you is always with me. Even when I’m alone, my sweet Tressa finds a way to make me smile.
Tressa felt her stomach flutter. Or was it her heart? Whatever it was felt warm and fuzzy, like her favorite blanket.
Noa’s gifts were perfect—she couldn’t have picked them out any better. They were an assortment of buttons and feathers to affix to her hat. They came in an array of colors, glittering like seashells on the beach. Her sense could rival that of a honed merchant who had been selling their wares for years.
That, or she was just really good at picking out gifts for her girlfriend.
Noa was her most important customer, without a doubt. Tressa could find a present that suited her with her eyes closed. Noa wanted to see the world, what was beyond Grandport—even the Coastlands or what little of the Cliftlands she knew. One day, she’d be strong enough to see each and every town Orsterra had to offer. It was something Noa was capable of on her own, but Tressa wanted to be there every step of the way.
Was eighteen too young to know you were in love? Her parents didn’t seem to think so. Mr. Leon didn’t either, when she spent nearly an entire afternoon talking his ear off about Noa. He held a nostalgic smile on his face when she spoke, and Tressa wondered if he was thinking about his old friend. Mr. Leon told her to let this lass know how special she was, and never to let a moment slip by.
When do you think you’ll be able to visit next? I feel like this is something I ask every letter, but I just miss you so much.
No phrase made her feel more special. What was better than knowing a pretty girl was thinking about you?
I’ll think of you when I read the first book later tonight. By the time you’re reading this letter, maybe I’ve already begun the second! I may be able to start my own personal library if you keep finding me new things to read.
It seemed as though a letter bound to Cyrus was due. He would gladly send her a few books—or a dozen—if it meant spreading knowledge to someone! Plus, the professor knew everything. He’d find books neither girl had ever heard of before.
They’d be up late into the night, a few candles offering light as she and Noa eagerly flipped through the pages. Noa would be curled against her shoulder, her legs resting over Tressa’s. They’d be in comfortable, light nightwear as a warm seabreeze sailed through a barely open window. She’d put on her best storytelling voice for Noa, ranging between silly and serious as they met new characters on journeys of their own.
They’d then fall asleep with books strewn all over their blankets, somehow comfortable in the odd nest they’ve built. It’d be the best sleep either of them ever had or will have.
I’ll let my father know right away the moment you tell me you’re coming. He can’t wait to see you again, too! He loves how happy you’ve made me. He’s never seen me smile the way I do whenever I talk about you.
Tressa thought it was very unfair she couldn’t scoop Noa into her arms and give her a big, cozy hug and cover her face in kisses. How was she not supposed to run towards Grandport after reading something like that?
And one day, just maybe… we won’t have to wait to see each other. We could travel Orsterra together, or you can live in Grandport as the best merchant in all of the Coastlands. I don’t know when that’ll be, but I look forward to it.
I hope to see you again soon, my dear.
All my love,
Noa Wyndham
Tressa nearly leapt off her bed, stumbling over her feet in hurried excitement as she dashed to her desk. She could see that life so easily; she’d miss Rippletide, but they’d always be able to visit. She’d come home every day with a new gift for Noa, and it’d make her eyes sparkle like the ocean.
She knew exactly what she was going to write, and the words that were to follow when she could hold Noa’s hands once more.
Tressa picked up her quill, dipped it in ink, knowing this time, it was her turn to make Noa’s heart and stomach flutter with joy.