Corazona von Ascania
Coco,
I don’t expect this letter to make a difference. You probably won’t see it before the first bout, as I imagine you're busy.
But I needed to send it.
Tomorrow, I will step into the Galactic Kaggath arena here on Ruusan.
I don’t quite know why the urge came over me tonight. Maybe it’s out of habit, or because writing quiets the storm inside. Or perhaps, deep down, an old voice wanted to be heard by someone who knew me before everything changed.. someone who saw me when I was still whole.
It’s almost strange how quiet everything is now. The training halls, the locker wing.. even my head. I figured I’d be buzzing with adrenaline. But instead, my thoughts wandered somewhere I didn’t expect.
Back home. Both of us, behind the family manor with those branches we used to pretend were sabers. You always let me pick the longer stick, because you knew I’d complain if I didn’t. I used to believe it gave me the upper hand.
Back then, I used to believe I could shadow you.. that if I somehow stayed close enough to your light.. maybe it could shine on me too.
You always had patience and balance, my beloved sister. You were the first person I ever looked to for direction.
But I only ever had fire.
I never belonged in chains.
But don’t mistake this message for a lack of preparedness. I may be the youngest competitor, but I’ve never felt more capable. I'm stronger now, faster, and at times.. I feel untouchable. I’m blessed to have a good team behind me––those who rebuilt me, pushed me past limits I didn’t think I could survive.
I’ve assessed what it’ll take.
I’ve already made the cut.
It took too long to reach out.. I’m sorry for that. I read your message more times than I can count. And I want you to know, I'm not angry. Not at you. Not for what happened with our father.
I forgive you, if there’s anything to forgive.
I know this isn't fair to ask, but I do have one request.
If I fall tomorrow, please carry me home and bury me beneath that old tree—the one that watched me dream as a kid. Let it be the last thing that watches over me, Cora.
With all that I am,
Lysander von Ascania
