0: Prologue

I will tell to you a story that I have kept in me for so long. I had not the chance to share it to other people because I feared that they might misunderstand my tale. Even to myself, I am unsure of what this narrative can do to you, the reader, or to me, the author. However, I now feel I have mustered enough courage to write this and, hence, let you discover, if you have not yet, how different yet the same people- individuals- can be.

It was not my object to have myself recall what has been. This now results to a few unexpected tears while I write by the same window my love had so bravely climbed for me. I long for the memory of him who shared and gave his life and love to me. But now he is gone and I sit here weeping with such unwelcomed sadness. He used to tell me I that I was “a childish lass who never knew what love was until it went away.” Only on that occasion was he wrong of me for I knew what love was even as he came and went, but I didn’t respect it as much as he did.

To
Elsa Heathe
Room No. 39
North Dierdre, Salem City

From
Ares Arden
Sveden Brooke, Mascery Manor

My Dear Elsa,

    I have been thinking of you. Is it cold where you are? It is quite cold here. Yet I remember you with every glance I take of the fireplace behind me. When you were still here, I had felt such warmth even through the winter. Please come back and visit us as soon as you can. Leander and I have rebuilt the tree house. Oh, Elsa, I could only sigh while I think of you and I expect Leander longs for you too. We used to talk and laugh about the way you always cry. You can be such a silly one, sometimes. But we liked it, we said.

    How are your studies? Salem City must be huge and overwhelming. I would understand if you can’t write back often due to the amount of schoolwork you have to fulfill, and fulfill it you will indeed for I know you can do it and I know that, despite your silliness, you have the brain of a genius.

    I have to work now. Mr. Ridgely has sent me to run errands and I took this while only to mail you my letter. Leander sends his greetings to you too. He has, by the way, worked as an assistant to Sir Henrick of Tirewool who runs a law firm. Our Leander is indeed becoming a lawyer and good for him too, for he talks like one, remember?

    I love you and I hope you send me a poem sometime.

Ares
May 19, 1929

My Ares, the poem will come soon and t’will be dedicated only to you.