The Lich & The Lady They Loved
Dear Friend,
I’ve done it!
What a thrill it is to no longer be a slave to time. As I travel, I see each aspect of the world through a new lens. I can recognize and categorize each aspect of Quelmar’s finite beauty. Trees growing from seedlings into ancient oaks, elven pillars dotting a skyline with curves and ornate lines of stone, rivers carving into mountain sides, ocean dwelling beasts leaping from the sea. The color, the pattern, the souls of the universe. It surrounds me, the beauty. And it is all so magnificently…
Impermanent. Without power like my own, without magic that transcends time, the world is painstakingly ordinary. In comparison to myself, nature, humanity and the products of it, are so insignificant.
If I had only known, back when we were young. When we used to watch the stars twinkle in the sky and point at them saying “these could go on forever”. If I had known that even the stars expire and burn out, those moments we shared would have been that much more precious.
With immortality comes gratitude. And I am grateful for you.
I imagine daily those moments we shared, and others like it. Each touch, each word of affirmation, I envision them in my mind as clear as if they happened yesterday. My future is limitless, and yet my mind wanders towards our history. With my powers, I could visit you without hesitation, without complications, but I crave an invitation. Consent to come back into your life after so long. My work is complete. My studies have flourished and granted me the best rewards. I have unlocked the secrets of life and death, and there is only one thing left that I desire.
I find myself becoming nervous. My hand does not tremble, because my body does not succumb to the markings of mortal emotions, but I am certain if my heart could beat, it would be out of sync. My blood would be pounding, lurching. The words escape me. Here goes nothing, I suppose.
Should you wish for it, I am yours. All of me. Forever. Literally. I am the Forever to the world’s impermanence, and you are the Forever to mine.
Should you wish to respond, seal your reply with the stem of our favorite flower and throw it into the embers of a fire
Sincerely,
Friend
Dear Friend,
Your letter came as a bit of a surprise. When you left our home, the things you told me you wanted to do, I thought I might never see or hear from you again. I thought that I had lost you.
The memories you speak of, I am fond of them as well. Climbing fences, dancing in the town square. Holding each other on a stormy night. The only place I ever wanted to be was in your arms. I didn’t care how much my father hated my “no good mage friend’. You taught me to be brave, to ask questions, to challenge the world around me.
But then you left. In pursuit of more, something that no life, no matter how extraordinary could satisfy. I waited for you. For years I waited to hear from you.
But I’ve since stopped waiting, Alexi.
I’m glad to hear that you’ve completed your “Quest”.
I don’t ever want to see you again.
Lily
Dear Friend,
I debated whether or not to reply. I want to respect your wishes but your use of our names in your letter have created danger for us both.
The demons, metaphorical and physical, that haunt me are ruthless and wrathful. They believe my triumphs are undeserved. They fear my power and seek it for themselves.
Take care to protect yourself. Take this pendant and wear it as a form of protection. There is no telling whether we will be safe. I have spent much of the time since we parted on the run and I don’t want that life for you. Please wear this.
Sincerely,
Friend
[included: a small brass pendant with a symbol of a crow carved into the metal]
[included: a broken pendant]
