Interlude - An Unsent Letter

Father,

Please forgive me for only writing to you now.

Knowing you, you’ve probably been worrying far too much about me again, just as you did when I went on that school trip to Corlarn.

When my letter from there was delayed, you drove the entire school administration to distraction until you finally had proof that I was safe and well!

Do you remember? It feels like a lifetime ago…

Ever since then, I’ve always made a point of writing to you straight away whenever I was away from home for any length of time.

And I never minded doing so.

Quite the opposite. It became something of a ritual and a pleasure to take out my writing paper and quill as soon as I reached my destination.

I always carried them with me anyway, so that I could work on my poetry and my minnesang.

Minnesang...

I still believe it is my calling. The girl who once told you that she wanted to become a Mastersinger one day is still here.

And that is precisely why I have decided to leave the Academy.

I know you must scarcely have believed it when you learned that I had withdrawn of my own accord.

That is also why I have not written to you until now.

Because I was ashamed…

You were so proud when I received the scholarship, and your eyes would light up every time you told someone about it.

But the Academy cannot teach me everything it takes to become a true Mastersinger.

I realized that when I met Radler.

He is an adventurer.

One of those people you always warned me about, Father.

You would probably like nothing better than to shout at me right now. After all, I always promised you that I would never choose such a life.

I can practically hear the lecture already.

But how am I supposed to sing of life’s joys and sorrows if I have never truly experienced life for myself?

Radler has seen so much, witnessed so many wonders, not only in Vadonia, but far beyond its borders!

Oh, how much he has already taught me since we first met.

At first glance, he looked every inch a scoundrel, and believe me, I was far more wary of him than I needed to be.

After all, you had always taught me to be cautious.

But as I came to know him better, I discovered someone far gentler, kinder, and more willing to help others than most of my fellow students at the Academy.

His stories inspire me more than anything I ever learned there. And I believe that, at his side, I can come closer to fulfilling my dream of becoming a true Mastersinger.

But to do that, I cannot remain in Boramgar.

I can always return to my studies someday.

But the experiences I am searching for, I must seek them now.

I need to see the wonders of this world with my own eyes, Father.

And what better time could there be than now, while I am still young and eager for all that life has to offer?

Please do not worry. I will not be gone forever.

After all, I want you to meet Radler one day, and perhaps he could even change your opinion of adventurers a little!

He is a good man, you see, and he takes very good care of me.

(Sometimes perhaps a little too much).

So please, Father, do not be angry with me.

Because I am well.

And I am very happy.

Your loving daughter,

Miri