Tell Jill I’m truly grateful for her. She checked on me today. My sweet girl.

I’ve put her through hell, lately.

I didn’t show my face for several decades. Then when I did finally return south, I put her in tears.

She never embraced me. How could she? All she could do was tell me was how disgusted in me she was. Of how she couldn’t believe she still spoke good of my name. Of how she could never think of me the same.

It wasn’t easy to bear. To stand there. To feel each lashing, bypass flesh and strike at my soul.

I don’t think anybody knows how horrible that feels. I hope nobody does. To serve duty that hurts your loved ones.

I never slept well since that night. But then again, when have I ever slept well? Let’s just say that the late hours are not getting easier. Have they ever? I no longer remember. Why else am I writing to you, my darling?

But for some reason, today, I recieved a letter.

It was marked from Jill.

She told me that if I ever needed somewhere to find rest, I was always welcome.

…

Even after all I put her through, she was still so sweet to me. Her big brother. My heart… It falls.

I don’t know what made her reach out to me. Maybe because she finally understood what it was I had to do. Maybe because she remembered that I was the only family she had in these lands. Or maybe because she finally sensed big brother’s sorrow. My sweet girl.

Whatever the reason, she gave me light. She gave me the strength to live through one more day. And I love her for that.

Let’s hope that you grant strength to armour me, my darling. To face my enemies.

To see one more tomorrow.

Love from yours truly.