There's much I wish to say to you and precious little time remaining to do so. My ship is leaving in a few hours (weather permitting) and I've much to accomplish still. So, I hope you'll forgive my putting this in a letter rather than confronting you.

First and foremost: I'm sorry. I'm sorry for any difficulties I've caused within your private life and for hurting you. I'm sorry that in the last moments of our friendship we were unable to see eye to eye as we've done for a year. But, mainly, I'm sorry to be leaving on such terms. I won't apologize for going - it is what needs to happen - but I wish I was leaving knowing you would still be my friend if I were to ever return.

Please, don't take this to mean that I won't be your friend should you need me. For I will, always. Be it passing letters on after your potentially cursed death or distracting you with thoughts of tattoos or whatever else you might need, I'll be there. I've sealed a token in the envelope of this letter, should you be in need of me all you need to do is recite the incantation attached and my own replica of it will alert me. It's the least I can offer you after the friendship and listening ear you've provided me. I will not, however, be offended should you never choose to do so. I understand our paths are diverging with an unlikelihood of ever converging again.

As you've likely guessed now, I've no intentions to return. There are many reasons for it, but the main one is I don't wish to continue hurting Zach. Should he hear of my return he would likely hope for me to reach out and I just ... it just cannot happen. I will not continue to explain these thoughts, but I thought you deserved at least the most basic reasoning. At least so you might understand why I will not attend your eventual wedding to Zelda if I ever was to be invited. (It is with the utmost faith that I say you will marry her. You both will find a way through the complications and will lead a happy and fulfilling life. I truly wish you both the best.)

Lastly, I know with your connections and resources you are perhaps the only one within my circle who might be able to find me. So, I've one final request for you: don't. Please, allow me to do as I feel I must without interference. (Unless, of course, for the reason specified above, in which case you needn't go through much effort at all.) I love you, Alfred. You were are my nearest and dearest friend. Thank you for the advice and guidance you've provided me. Thank you for always being there. Just thank you. I wish you well.

---

beautiful set by mj