Private message to Narcissa

[alt_antonin]

You've seen Ptolemy writing to me, no doubt, but he wasn't able to tell me much -- just that He cursed you you'd been injured and that Fletcher had seen to you.

What do you need, milaya? If it is within my power to do it, I will.

Comments

[alt_narcissa]

Spoken like a man. No, dearest, that is not - precisely - an insult. You all wear your scars as badges of honour, obtained in glorious combat. Or something like that.

No doubt on the rare occasion which calls for intimacy, your scars have even served to pique the interest of your partner.

We women are not so privileged.

But thank you, dear Dedushka, for the attempt. I am sure that once the initial wounds have healed, some cosmetic correction will be possible. It just won't be the same

[alt_antonin]

I'm sorry, milaya; I know I am a poor confidant for matters such as these. I may not understand, but I care because you care: I did not for the world mean to imply that you are wrong to be upset. It's only that I feel so helpless; all I can offer you are words, and they always fail me at the critical moments.

And I can't help but mourn the fact that this is what the coin of all our sacrifice and suffering has bought us. I am beginning to think it was a poor bargain indeed.

I love you. And I am praying for your swift healing.