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"Loss"

Dearest Liska.

I have loved you always, since before the fight over the waterskin,
yet I have been unable to tell you until now.

I have watched as Rial took you to his bed,
aching to do the same; yet forced to keep my feelings hidden.

Now he is gone, and my heart aches for a different reason.

I was always jealous of my brother for having you as a mate,
but somehow that doesn't seem important anymore.

We mourn, and I am forced to say good-bye to the best life-long friend,
childhood playmate, and brother I ever had.

I know it is too soon for you, and you want me to accept you as merely mate and not wife,
yet I love you more than that.

I can only hope that, with time, you can come to love me as I love you;
and not just as father to your kits.

Until then I must be content to share your furs at night,
and hope that one day you will return my love.

Love always,

Pyndan