When reading back over these as part of the Great Revision, I discovered they were actually quite good. So, I’m officially taking them out of the black hole of my roleplay tagged posts and making it into a more public-facing post!
Here we have Keelath trying to reconnect with Evelos, better known as, Evelos has a snit.
Author’s Note
Dear Evelos,
I write to let you know Tyrric has safely returned to Quel’Thalas and has once again taken up the mantle of the Baron of Dawnmist. He did not tell me much of what transpired in Stormwind, though he mention you are now expecting a child. Why did you not tell me? Though Tyrric assures me all is well with babe and mother, I am anxious to hear it direct from you, as well as any news you can give me of your sickness.
Sincerely,
Keelath
Dear Father,
I was not aware Tyrric knew. Yes, Breith is pregnant, but only of a few weeks.
Thank you for your letter,
Evelos
Dear Evelos,
I admit I was expecting something more. My memory escapes me for the circumstances of your birth, but normally one is over the moon on such things, yes? I’m sure we were…
I must also impress on you the matter of inheritances. Tyrric intends to keep his claim on the barony, since you are in exile, and I am legally dead. This would mean the line would continue to pass through whatever offspring Tyrric fathers with that warlock, rather than your own children.
This does not mean that this is final, nor that there is not a place for you here when you choose to return. Your son, too, should benefit from the move, as even if his mother is human, he will need the sustenance only the Sunwell can provide to properly mature.
I realize this leaves you in a bind, given the current status of ren’dorei citizenship in the kingdom, but I also urge you not to forget your taint is curable; Tyrric is quite certain he has found a way to return your body to you, whole and unmarred. You would then be free to return and heal completely.
I hope you consider this.
Sincerely,
Keelath
Father,
I am sorry for the lack of correspondence, but my heart isn’t in this. Forgive me for my rudeness and suspicion, but what do you want? Tyrric has already made it plain he will spare no expense to see me shipped back to Silvermoon, not caring who it harms, whether myself, my intended, my friends, or my colleagues. Is this the softer tactic?
I want nothing to do with the barony or with Quel’Thalas for as long as it remains with the Horde. I thought my response to Tyrric, and his imprisonment by my superiors, made this clear. I wish to be left alone to do my job, wed my intended, and raise my son in peace, not be constantly hounded after like a prize mare.
Please do not contact me if it is just going to be more manipulation, on his behalf or your own. Can I not make you understand? I am happy here. I have made vows to the human nation to serve it as long as I am able. I do not wish to bear arms against you, but I do what I must to see these things kept intact.
Please understand.
—Evelos
Dear Evelos,
I’m afraid I don’t understand, but I am trying. You know I do not see the humans in the same light as your uncle, and I am not adverse to idea you stay in Stormwind. I am only concerned for your wellbeing and that of the child—and of Breith, of course.
Am I to believe this is why Tyrric was so tight-lipped about his stay in Stormwind? He had only urged me to save you—from the taint—and he reminds me frequently to be proud of you. And so I am, though I am vexed by this new conflict within the family. I am not sure what Tyrric intended to be accomplished through all this, but I know enough of him to know his heart is in the right place.
Whatever happened, can you not find it in your heart to forgive? At least speak to me of the problems. Maybe I can help set things to right.
You are loved, my son. You are also missed.
Sincerely,
Keelath
Dear Evelos,
I have not heard from you in some time, and I am worried. I realize the things I wrote of in my last letter might have been taken poorly, and I apologize for any offense. I know little of this, and I have no desire to come between you and Tyrric, only help you however I may.
I am worried, too, as I hear of the difficulties being faced by ren’dorei due the rise of the Old God. Please at least tell me you are well, and I will rest content in that small knowledge at least.
Love,
Keelath
Dear Evelos,
I hope you are well. Spring is returning to Eversong, but it is not something I can smell anymore. Are the trees also green in Stormwind?
Love,
Keelath
Dear Father,
I apologize for any offense, but I have been ill, as you have heard. I am not currently in danger, nor is anyone in the family. The Sergeant, my superior, has put together a treatment plan to help me, and I have confidence it is already having some good effect, so you do not need to worry.
I realize my last letter would have come across as very terse and likely hurtful.
I’m tired, Dad. I have spent six months in agony wondering what Tyrric was doing to Breith, only able to visit her for short times and seeing her mind steadily becoming more fractured. When she finally returned, we fought over my role in it all, and it hurt after how much I went through to see her safely back.
I can’t trust anything Tyrric says anymore; his actions have only complicated matters. He has changed, or perhaps I have. If you wish to pass a message, could you not tell him to be honest for once? No more dodging, no more white lies. No more seeing Breith as but an object, something less than a person, a pawn to use against me. That has never been right, and he should have known it.
I wish this were over. I wish we were still a family. I can’t see any way of making that come true. You are one of Sylvanas’ men—are you not in danger by just sending me these letters? Or is that only another plot?
It is easier to stay away from you, and it is safer for all involved to do so even if your heart is true.
I’m not your son anymore. I am ren’dorei. I carry the blood and soul of n’raqi, and my allegiance is with the Alliance. I never expected my sin’dorei kin to resurface in my life—I believed they were all dead, like you. If I had known otherwise, maybe things would be different. But they are not.
To which I ask again, please…do not contact me. You don’t know how painful this is to ask, but it is for everyone’s good. Of the pieces of me that are left that can still do so, I love you. I hope I can you make you proud. I hope your grandchild makes you proud, too, and grows up in a happier age, and carries both his family names with pride. But I cannot do this anymore.
My best,
Evelos
Dear Evelos,
I will absolutely not give up or turn away from you. How dare you ask me to do so? If my queen sees fault with this, then she is not the Ranger-General that I knew—yet I have faith that she still is, and I still serve her whole-heartedly.
You are not my son of the past, this is true, for people change, as you’ve so bluntly pointed out. But you are my son of the now, and the future. I will never abandon you, whatever changes have been wrought within you.
And though it may anger you further to hear so, it is the same for Tyrric. He is your uncle, and he loves you.
I remain forever your kin,
Keelath
The chain of letters stops.