Farewell at Sea

An Open Letter to Dragon Warrior

Today the stars of Lumis are dim. The seas of the Plutonian are blacker than they’ve ever been, and hum with a low song of melancholy never heard before.

Today, the constellations drawn to planet Cygnet have vanished. The Dragon Warrior has fallen. The Den of Dreams has entered final slumber.

I haven’t drawn in a while, but you and Tatsuya made me want to draw Arsemia. It was a joy to hold a sketchbook again, and I thank you for giving that to me. Creating is what I love best about writing, and that love pours out of you. So once more, with feeling: thank you, deeply, for all you give.

Perhaps Prince Tatsuya remains at Raisen Port, waiting for a ship from the stars that never arrives. But I like to think that it does arrive, and we simply do not see it. I like to think he (and Masaki) and Arsemia and Umi walk together in bizarre and wondrous lands some day–and I like to think the Dragon Warrior and I do, too.

I know that you will continue to have magnificent journeys, and to discover new magic around every corner. Wherever you venture, you will not be lost.

With all my love,

Elyan White

21 thoughts on “Farewell at Sea

  1. Dear Elyan White, never have I ever received such a beautiful letter in my life. I am truly touched and grateful to you, and would be forever. You have bound me in a thread that would never ever let me escape Den of Dreams. And maybe the Den has collapsed, maybe I am defeated, Princess Kaori’s promise still remains. Nothing can make changes and no one can break it.
    Arsemia does look extremely beautiful! And the ship would arrive, even if it is delayed.
    Lumis is still shining in my heart and today, since last day’s night, you certainly have been taken a big place in my heart and head.

    1. It’s good to hear from you, and from Kaori too! I hope you’re doing well. You always wrote such lovely letters to people, and drew such lovely pictures, so I thought it might be nice to do the same! It was a bit too much to fit in a comment, I’m afraid, so I’m glad the message reached you.

      Talking with you always reminds me I haven’t explored every corner of Lumis, and have no business complaining I don’t know what needs writing for “Stars.” Beyond that, I consider you a friend, and look forward to our conversations quite a lot. I have no doubt the ship will find its way–Umi is a very able shiphandler.

      1. I really love to be at your place, and it’s a promise that I would be here quite regularly. ๐Ÿ™‚ Even if our clocks are a bit a different, and maybe can’t talk “face to face”, I would visit you everyday. <3 You are my best friend at blogging world ๐Ÿ™‚
        No one can ever know their worlds in a life time I guess… After all, just a tiny corner of Earth's secrets are discovered yet and it has been alive for so many years!
        And talking with you always makes me more curious about Cygnet too! ๐Ÿ˜€

  2. Questions by Kaori…
    Dear Arsemia,
    I really apologise for my delay… But believe me, our journey would continue! I just wanted to know your tastes a bit, for I want to make our trip perfect.
    1. What interests you the most?
    2. Do you like past, present or future?
    3. Are you vegetarian, vegan or non vegetarian?
    4. What types of building do you like to visit the most? For example, museums, observatory, markets…
    5. Rural areas or urban areas?
    6. What are you most excited to see at Cygnet?
    7. Something you always wanted to do?
    8. An activity you are excited to do about?
    9. What do you wish to transport with?
    10. Something about you that I must remember?
    Well, I am really sorry again for my delay. I would reach you very soon, promise. And, by the way, you look awesome! Are you a princess as well?
    Yours,
    With lots of love,
    Whatou Kaori

    1. (First response somehow deleted itself. Sorry!)

      My dear Princess,

      You flatter me. Surely I don’t deserve such hospitality from you! But I shall do my best to answer your questions.

      1. Riddles, stories, games–anything with a narrative (and room for mischief).
      2. Lots of interesting things seem to happen all at once in the present. Even if they aren’t always good things, I’d never be anywhere but now.
      3. You may not know it from looking at me, but I grew up in a farming village so tiny our animals might have eaten US if we didn’t eat them! I’ll try anything you serve me.
      4. Oh, I like the big old ones, with lots of places for creeping around in. Imagine what the people lived like there! Yet, I like markets and town centers for the same reason. The people, the walks of life, and the sounds.
      5. I appreciate the luxuries of urban life, but I was born far in the country. I never quenched my fondness for wide-open nature and hot sun.
      6. A difficult question indeed. But I would have to say the inhabitants themselves hold the most excitement for me, Princess. The ways they dress, talk, and believe could be very different from mine!
      7. I admit I’ve always secretly wanted to be involved in the making of a stage performance one day, but I’m content just to watch them for now.
      8. To share your company, of course! Any trip is better with a friend.
      9. I have ways of getting places, Princess, including into trouble. I’ve traveled by boat, foot, horse, and caravan before. I don’t like being too closed in, though–it limits my powers quite a bit.
      10. Something to remember? I promise I’ll be on my best behavior, so hold me to that or my lovely Shardae will be upset with me again.

      With greatest consideration,
      Arsemia Destavola

      1. Dear Arsemia,
        Well, I am really flattered indeed… Nobody calls me Princess ever, except the knights. You may just call me Kaori, for every friend does that way.
        I loved your answers very much and I do think you are a very interesting person indeed.
        Our journeys would be quite long I guess, and it seems that the weekend would be the perfect day to start. Actually, these days I am burdened with work. I apologise for the delay again but something so auspicious does need an amazing start, isn’t it?
        Till then, I would love to know you better. And may I call you Emi?
        Yours sincerely
        Whatou Kaori

      2. To Kaori,
        Why, of course. How could I refuse, when a pretty lady asks?
        Speaking of asking, Umi will be along soon for the dashing prince. Could Tatsuya be persuaded to answer some questions tomorrow for the voyage, like I did? It would be greatly appreciated, since there’s a lot of preparing to do before the ships launch on the weekend.
        With brevity,
        Emi

      3. Dear Emi,
        Tatsuya does live many many centuries ahead of me, but I am quite sure he would love to answer your questions. Almost delighted, I guess. You see, he loves being asked anything. Lots of preparing indeed. By the way, what is your hobby?
        Yours sincerely,
        Kaori

      4. Dear Kaori,
        Well, that’s good to know–although I think the main things to ask him would be whether he prefers tranquil journeys or exciting ones, and then whether he likes crowds or nature better. Me, I do a little bit of everything, really, but I have a taste for drama. I love acting, informally, and coming up with costumes for myself and Shardae (it’s for her own good, really).
        With humor,
        Arsemia

      5. Dear Emi,
        I think he likes every thing. It’s hard to find something he doesn’t. Over curious and perhaps a bit nosey, he is. My cousin, Homura, likes drama a lot too. Even at the time of his death, when he was 12, he was an ace at it.
        I like dresses myself. When we meet, perhaps I can get a chance to see your creations once.
        Myself, I am a bit more inclined to the academics and learning and weaponry. I want to prove my father that I am capable enough.
        Eager to meet you very soon
        Kaori.

      6. Dear Emi,
        I think he likes every thing. It’s hard to find something he doesn’t. Over curious and perhaps a bit nosey, he is. My cousin, Homura, likes drama a lot too. Even at the time of his death, when he was 12, he was an ace at it.
        I like dresses myself. When we meet, perhaps I can get a chance to see your creations once.
        Myself, I am a bit more inclined to the academics and learning and weaponry. I want to prove my father that I am capable enough.
        Eager to meet you very soon
        Kaori.

  3. Questions by Kaori…
    Dear Arsemia,
    I really apologise for my delay… But believe me, our journey would continue! I just wanted to know your tastes a bit, for I want to make our trip perfect.
    1. What interests you the most?
    2. Do you like past, present or future?
    3. Are you vegetarian, vegan or non vegetarian?
    4. What types of building do you like to visit the most? For example, museums, observatory, markets…
    5. Rural areas or urban areas?
    6. What are you most excited to see at Cygnet?
    7. Something you always wanted to do?
    8. An activity you are excited to do about?
    9. What do you wish to transport with?
    10. Something about you that I must remember?
    Well, I am really sorry again for my delay. I would reach you very soon, promise. And, by the way, you look awesome! Are you a princess as well?
    Yours,
    With lots of love,
    Whatou Kaori

  4. To Umi,
    May this letter finds you shining in silver grace. I am Tatsuya Tuorin and really grateful to you for giving me the opportunity to travel to your world. After all, this is one in a lifetime chance! And, no-one gets such a luck to befriend someone from outer galaxy!
    It’s a real pleasure to meet you, and I am thanking my silver stars for it. Don’t you think we could be good friends? ๐Ÿ˜˜
    Let’s get to know each other better. What is the most important thing I should know about you? What are your interests? What are your hobbies?
    This weekend certainly seem a most interesting time! Oh, and what do I need to keep in mind while packing?
    Looking forward to hear more you.
    Keep shining!
    Yours,
    ~Tatsuya
    (P.S. do you know Arsemia? Can you tell me something about her? And, since she and you were mentioned walking together like me and Masaki… I suppose you are “good” friends ๐Ÿ˜‰ )

    1. To Tatsuya,
      It is a pleasure to meet you. My name is Umi Siskin, former warrior of the Legion. It is my honor to accompany you, and I swear to bear you through this journey without harm. It is not very easy for me to explain, but my gender is…variable. I was raised a man to join the Legion but born a woman to be a priestess, and both parts of me still exist. I defended the Saikasu fleet for years as a soldier, so for the duration of our journey I think it would be best if you knew me as male. I’ll be sure to indicate if that changes, or you might just refer to me as “they” if you’d prefer.
      Since the war went on for so long, I’m still discovering what I like to do. But I do like to explore, and I’ve loved music since I was a child. I’m more excited for this trip with you than I have been for anything in a while. Please, don’t feel troubled to pack too much, the ships are small and ports will be close by. Allow us to provide for you as much as you need. I will, by the way, be carrying a single-edged sword. I’m very well-trained, so there is no need to be alarmed.
      (As for Arsemia, she’s a bit too…unpredictable for me. She loves tall tales and drama, but she loves family too. She’s involved with my half-sister Shardae, and they make quite a pair of conwomen–though Arsemia has a tendency to flirt when she meets people. I learned this the hard way, but she is one of my dear friends.)
      May the stars watch over you.
      -Umi

      1. Dear Umi,
        To be honest, I really have a great curiousity on your type of people. I don’t believe in
        gender myself, have a male crush and always on lookout for something unusual. No differences in male and female, mate. ๐Ÿ˜‰ No worries about the trip too. I really believe in .you, and I have a few magical powers myself. Also, you seem to be a bit serious, eh? Perhaps every Warrior is quite serious. Also Silver Ijins are all crazy over music. I am too! And exploring… I do that every day! A question that I wanted to ask you was… Do you have a lover? A tiny little crush on anybody ? ๐Ÿ˜‰ (It’s perfectly okay if you don’t wish to, ha ha.) And if you compare yourself with any natural element, what would it be?
        Let me open up too. I have two male love interests and coincidentally, both are named Masaki. ๐Ÿ˜… One is 10 year old, a prince, and another is 22 year old. And oh, what is your age? If I were to choose a natural element to describe me, it would be the breeze. Unpredictable, but soothing most of the times.
        Do you like attention? I do. And fortunate enough to get it most of the times.
        Hoping to hear more from you. Already you have became quite close to me.
        Keep shining!
        ~ Tatsuya

      2. Dear Tatsuya,

        I’m relieved to hear that. Your words are very kind–in my world, gender is very strict, though it didn’t used to be. Please forgive me if I come across too seriously. I’m working on becoming more outgoing. I would love to hear the music of your world, I remember how much music meant to me when I was little. It’s a wonderful thing to grow up with. I…haven’t given much thought to a lover. It’s not that no one’s expressed the, ah, interest. It’s just that I’m still taking time to learn who I am. Currently, I am 29, and I think water represents me best: still and quiet, but sometimes very lively. Attention doesn’t appeal to me unless it’s important I be heard.
        I think I could come to like you very much, Tatsuya. You’ve been so genuine with me.
        I’ve been to every part of Lumis, so tell me what your favorite things to see are. Do you prefer nature or architecture? Do you value history or beauty more? Culture or mythology?

        Gratefully,
        Umi Siskin

      3. Dear Umi,
        It’s always great to know you better. No worries about being serious. My both Masaki are quite serious indeed. I am 15 myself. And in our world, gender is very rigid indeed but I don’t believe it completely myself.
        And no worries about having no lovers either. As far as my research goes, I belong to the mediaeval age. And in our times, people marry when they are quite young. My nine year old sister is married already.
        I really do love attention a lot, be it for good or bad. I don’t mind being a villain a bit.
        The questions you asked about are cool. And your journeys are certainly vast! I have never even explored the whole of our empire.
        I think history is beauty itself. After all, everything is beautiful, just you have to find it.
        I like to see anything and everything. The wind travels to every where.
        Nature.
        But you ask me to choose one, beauty.
        Mythologies are a part of culture… Both!
        Can you poeple ask the same questions to Arsemia?
        Keep shining!
        Yours
        Tatsuya

      4. (Sorry for the delayed response, I’ve been working on writing Umi showing Tatsuya around a few places. The format is Umi’s commentary to Tatsuya, assuming Tatsuya probably gets up to a few things on the way. I’ll update you as the two get further along! I hope you’re doing well in the meantime. Much love.)

      5. Finally! At long last I’ve posted Umi showing Tatsuya over the Plutonian to Saikasu, though Umi might want to show him further into the territory if he’s interested in seeing it. Tatsuya is absolutely irrepressible, he was completely fearless the whole time and full of energy. Umi had some trouble keeping up with him, I think! I hope that I portrayed Tatsuya and Lumis well, I feel like I’ve been able to get to know him a bit better through our interactions. Best wishes from Lumis!

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