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For All Who Knew Maea

The below passage was written by my hand, but dictated to me by Maea before she settled fully with my father Mort. It was her wish to convey her final thoughts, wishes, and emotions to those she held most dear in life, and whose stories she will tell with great joy to Mort himself.

I hope these words bring you peace, and should you wish to speak with me,  you may find me in Ludo's Woods. Simply call to the spirits, and I will find you.

~Delphia Thanatos

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Many times I asked myself where this journey began. If it was the day I decided to leave my brother's farm and stay at the Rathskellar over LongNight, to ease the burden of food on his family. -My- family. Or maybe, if it was that moment when the Spark Bird landed on the perch and I, for the first time, set foot outside on a LongNight. It was the first time I allowed myself to believe in miracles too.

Or maybe it was that conversation with Jigano that -really- set me on my path. Being told that there is hope, even when you cannot see it yourself, is a powerful thing.

But then, there was also that moment when I watched a man give his life for what he believed was the right thing to do. Ronin showed me what bravery truly looked like, and while I never really got the chance to speak to him, he still changed me. Enough that I eventually stepped in to alter my own fate, and set myself upon the path that led me here.

I lost many things in my time. A mother, before I ever knew her. A father, before I could make him proud of who I had become. A brother, before I understood how beautiful life could be. A home, and friends, before I realized that some things can never be truly lost. That they stay with you, no matter where you go.

We will never know where I went that year when I vanished. Even now, it is a riddle I have yet to solve. All I know is that I was put back into the world right where I left it - only, a little further away in time and space - and maybe there is some logic in that. Or irony, perhaps. To me, it really was only one year that passed in the end, since I hugged my brother for the last time. One Flowerbirth of grief, one LongHeat of love, and half a Leafchange before I followed him into the final rest.

It seems so very brief, the time I was allowed to share with you. But rather than speak of what has been lost, please. Let me tell you of all that I gained.

Confidence, to stand tall and speak my mind, even when no one wants to listen.
Courage, to dream when it seems like the most dangerous thing in the world.

Patience, well... I wish I could say I truly gained this, but let us be honest. It never was a virtue of mine.

Friendship. Oh, so much friendship. I remember all of you who crossed my path. Your faces and your names are part of me, whether our time together was long or brief.

Amalia, Evie, sisters of my soul. You made me who I am, and I will always be grateful for the lessons you taught me. I'm glad we got to meet again, and settle some differences before I had to leave.

Jigano, teacher and pillar. You let me lean on you, and gave you far too much trouble in return. Thank you for letting me find my own path, even when you disagreed about the direction I chose to walk in. I hope I did not let you down too much.

Amun, brother of my heart. I guess you never have to see my face turn wrinkled and saggy now. You always found me in the cold and the dark, and led me back home. I hope you know, I put in every effort to change my ways, just like you asked.

Loren, my dearest friend. I'm sorry I won't be able to give you that reward now. I hope you have found some courage to continue on, even in the face of grief and despair. You healed me, in more ways than you known, and taught me that even someone like me can hold out a hand, and make a difference. Thank you for showing me what it means to fly!

Weaver, staunch ally. I liked you before I knew you, and when we finally spoke, I knew I had found a friend. Lifelong, as it turns out. Don't let this parting be a reason to lose faith. Life is beautiful because it is fleeting, and the promise of endings only makes each beginning all the more precious. Don't you agree? I hope you make the most of the book of recipes I left you. Make something for me, won't you?

Nate, kind helper. Don't worry, you will find your way even without me to hold your hand. Your heart is still warm, and you are capable of so much good, if you only allow yourself to see it. You took on the worries of a stranger, and you helped me find a way to live to the fullest. I can never thank you enough for that gift.

Saiden, you rogue. I'm sorry we didn't part on the best of terms. And that I couldn't return the favor I owe you. Perhaps in another life, we can start over, and I might give you more of a chance. I wish you well, and I hope you know that the crystal we got hold of saved my life twice, before the odds stacked up too high against me. It was worth all the bruises in the end.

Rexanna, my Queen. I cannot thank you enough for the kindness you showed me. We barely knew each other, yet I still thought of you as a friend. Take care of my homeland for me, will you? It is still precious to me, even now.

Hotaru, fair fighter. It's too bad, isn't it. Had things gone differently, it could have been you and I. At least we got to spar together. I hope you find the home you are looking for.

Wessex, noble soul. I'm sorry to disappoint. Just know I gave it my all, until the end. I hope that's worth something.

Melita, little spark. Don't let anyone quench that fire in you! I know you didn't like me, but I still enjoyed our talk. May your arrows fly straight, and your tongue stay sharp.

Quanil, little loreseeker. May you succeed where I could not, and find a way to help others without burning yourself out. Don't lose that optimism of yours! In this world of ours, it is a priceless gift.

Phoebe, brave girl. May you find the happiness you seek. I'm sorry I couldn't be a better friend.

Remi... It was brief, but it was fun! I hope you find a purpose you can live with, and live for.

Delphia, beautiful guide. Thank you.