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My darling Ilvane,
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 It has been long that I have been absent from your touch, yet it is only now
that I can fully explain the circumstances surrounding recent events.
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You will remember the darkness we faced in your parents and the physical
manifestation it took afterwards. It was only with your aid that I was able
to defeat it, but we were not able to destroy it.
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For a time, we were left in peace, and had what one would call an ideal life
in Icemule Trace. I truly long for those days when I could hold you in my
arms at any time, knowing that nothing was able to part our embrace.
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Unfortunately, at around the time that you felt the call of Ronan to aid
Icemule Trace against the forces of Luukos, the ancient darkness returned
to haunt me.
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I did not realize it at first, but I found myself changing. At times, it felt
like my actions were not my own. I found my sense of rectitude and my
willingness to hold myself to my own code of honor fading. The evil was
now within, eating away at me, trying to gain control. I would only seek
you out when I knew I was completely in control, and these times grew ever
more rare.
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Though I did this to keep you from worrying at a time when you could bear
no diversions, I now believe this was a mistake. I brought you far more
grief than I sought to keep away from you. I could not have continued if
you had seen me in my low points, seeing not only the deeds I allowed, but
also the evil I wrought.
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At this point, what else could I possibly do? I returned home. Perhaps I
could find some answers in my personal library.
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My days were spent absorbed in my tomes. I would grow violent at those
who disturbed me. I remember the look of terror upon the face of the poor
servant girl who I lunged at when she begged me to eat. Food? I now find
the concept horrifying, but I needed neither nourishment nor rest. Though I
had never used magic before, I am told that my eyes glowed a red color,
and lightning cracked outside my window as I moved towards her.
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It was this event that brought my father to me. He appeared to be as
haggard and worn as I should have been, depriving myself of food and
sleep for so long. He had been spending long nights searching for answers
just as I was. Seeing that he could wait no longer, he decided in
desperation to see the effects of a symbol of Luukos upon me. As disgusting
as I find the fact now, at the time, it seemed almost inviting to me.
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I lurched forward, reaching for it, and I know not why. I was almost upon
my father when he tore the detestable symbol away, and produced one of
Lorminstra. I reared back, seething with rage at the sight of the symbol,
which, despite the fact that I have never been very pious, I always found
comforting.
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I remember nothing after that point. The evil had full dominance, but those
who came to investigate the commotion tell me that I literally pounced
upon my father, yelling in a strange tongue. Darkness emanated from me,
and my father struggled to defend himself.
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Guards came to help him, but I dashed them against the walls. Thankfully,
the distraction gave him enough time to put some distance between us. He
unsheathed the sword he always carried, blessed by Koar himself. Tears
streamed from his eyes, and he said, I am told, "Son, if you can hear me,
forgive me, but I must save you from this life as a shell."
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Perhaps my will was strong enough to struggle enough at this point,
because, according to those who were watching, I ceased fighting at this
point. My father plunged the sword into my chest, and a bestial howl
escaped my throat, and a cloud of darkness hung in the air above me,
slowly fading. It was banished, but it struck violently at my father with its
dying energy. Now the howl emanated from the cloud as it dissipated, and
both of us fell to the ground.
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When I awoke, I was surprised to find the same servant girl sitting next to
me, crying. She brightened visibly as I opened my eyes, almost beaming as
she exclaimed, "They're grey again!"
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I tried to get up, but my wound was too severe. I had no strength, and
needed to heal. I needed to know about my father, though. My mother came
to inform me of his condition.
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She cried tears of pure joy when she looked upon me, knowing that I was, in
fact, myself again after so long. My father, though, would be bedridden for
the remainder of his life. I am now ruling the land as regent until the day
that I am to be king. Those in the palace who saw me were all loyal
servants, and know me for who I truly am. They will never reveal these
events, and, though I doubt I need to, I ask you to do the same.
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Sadly, I can no longer live my life as an adventurer. Though my body is
mended, my duties confine me here. I cannot ask you to do the same. The
calling of your soul dictates that you remain where you are, and follow
your warrior's heart. I can tell you, however, that my heart will be filled
with the greatest of all joys if you return to me when you wish to settle
down and live our lives together, Princess. I want to give you all the
treasures I am able to, but even with our long life spans, I will never be
able to give you enough. I look longingly for the day when we shall once
again be together in peace, and I may embrace you at will.
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Yours forever,
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Valentrus Sarco
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Regent of Ta'Vaalor
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PS: We will always have forever.
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