A Series of Scratched Out Letters Found in Dove’s Notebook
Berig,
I am writing from the carriage ride home, so please excuse the messy handwriting. We left just a few hours after you did. I have been praying — believe it or not — for the orphanage. I am anxious to hear all is well. I hope it is.
Thank you for accompanying me to the Yule Ball. I wish we’d
The above letter was scribbled out, and then:
Bear,
There is something I need to tell you.
Scribbled out again, and then:
Berig,
I cannot decide if it is crueler to tell ——— news myself or let —————— from someone else as word ———— Perhaps a joke will lighten ———…?
Guess ———— holds the title of Hoitiest of all Toities?
This page was heavily scratched out to the point of being nearly impossible to read, then:
Bear,
The hours since I got your letter have been… life-altering. Things have happened that I would never would have predicted. We used to always get each other out of predicaments (me rescuing you more frequently if I recall correctly), but I am afraid this predicament is one I must remain firmly inside of. I will spare you the specifics, but amongst the chaos, the Princess has conveniently disappeared. Dominic grows more and more restless, and I fear my presence only causes him pain. Bridget — the absolute menace — knowingly addresses me with names I cannot bear. Elinor has always been able to keep her wits about her through challenges, and I am so much weaker than her… than all of them. My future looks heavier than I can manage, and my wits are… at their wits’ end. I would give anything for your advice. Your strength. Your hope.
I don’t know how much you know about soul-bonding. I’m told it’s pretty powerful magic. Evidently, breaking a soul-bond is to split your soul in half with devastating repercussions. The process is spoken of with such gravity, but honestly, it doesn’t sound terribly unfamiliar.
You see, my soul was ripped in two the day I was forced to leave you, all those years ago. I have been living with only half of myself ever since. If I have chosen to belong to another, you must know that the original, truest pieces of my soul have always been with you. I am sorry for how long it took me to realize this.
Live well, Bear.
A large, deliberate “X” was drawn across that entire page, and then, written very small:
Dear Berig,
Oh, my oldest friend. I have left you once again. I do not expect you to forgive me, but know that I did it for my love of Regencia and my love of you. I pray I’ll have the strength to let you go.
I think I've decided I won't be sending any of these letters. You deserve so much better.
Yours despite everything,
Dove
This letter remains inside her notebook, never sent. Anxious little doodles and notes fill the rest of the page.
Alidove's Journal Ordered oldest to newest
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Roommates and Calligraphy Practice
08 Feb 2025 11:16:48
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A Series of Scratched Out Letters Found in Dove’s Notebook
26 Mar 2025 12:58:19
08 Feb 2025 11:16:48
26 Mar 2025 12:58:19
The major events and journals in Alidove's history, from the beginning to today.
Chapter 9:
05:36 am - 28.03.2025Chapter 9:
02:09 am - 28.03.2025A Collection of Scratched Out Letters in Dove’s Notebook
Berig, I am writing from the carriage ride home, so please excuse the messy handwriting. We left just a few hours after you did. I have been praying — believe it or not — for the orphanage. I am anxious to hear all is well. I hope it is. Thank you ...
01:07 am - 26.03.2025Chapter 8:
08:34 am - 21.03.2025Chapter 8:
01:53 am - 21.03.2025Chapter 7: Contractually Obligated
08:24 am - 07.03.2025Chapter 7: Contractually Obligated
03:12 am - 07.03.2025Chapter 6: A Yule's Eve Ball
09:28 am - 28.02.2025Untangling Threads
The undead attack was a week ago, and Dove had spent the majority of her days running from person to person, fixing and helping and distracting. She busied herself with covering Margaret and Olive’s daily duties as much as possible, or vigorously scru...
07:56 pm - 19.02.2025Untangling Threads
The undead attack was a week ago, and Dove had spent the majority of her days running from person to person, fixing and helping and distracting. She busied herself with covering Margaret and Olive’s daily duties as much as possible, or vigorously scru...
07:56 pm - 19.02.2025Chapter 5:
07:32 am - 14.02.2025Chapter 5:
02:01 am - 14.02.2025Chapter 4: Decay & Smoke
02:15 am - 13.02.2025Chapter 4: Decay & Smoke
02:15 am - 13.02.2025Roommates and Calligraphy Practice
“Oh,” said Bridget Thorne, standing in Dove’s doorway. “I’ll go write my letters somewhere else.” “Don’t worry about it,” Dove assured her sweetly. “My letter will only take a minute. You can use the desk once I’m done.” The...
12:54 am - 09.02.2025Chapter 3:
10:13 am - 07.02.2025Chapter 3:
10:02 am - 07.02.2025Chapter 3:
02:52 am - 07.02.2025Chapter 2:
07:59 am - 31.01.2025Chapter 2:
01:14 am - 31.01.2025
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