3rd of April

Dear Mr. Kit,

It is so wonderful to hear from you! Words cannot express how happy I was when I received your letter. It meant a great deal to me. I positively adore the title of, "Mysterious Maiden." What a charming notion! I'm really not much of a mystery. If I were to be completely honest, I'm quite simple.

I am happy to say that I am doing fairly well. To tell the truth, life doesn't get very exciting in my home. At least not nearly as exciting as I imagine living in the castle would be! I have never been there of course, so I wouldn't know. Is living in the castle as wonderful as I'd imagine it to be? You must never be bored! That reminds me; you told me when we first met that you were an apprentice of a sort. I must ask, how is that going? I feel like such a fool for not asking when we met, but what is your father's trade? I do apologize for asking so many questions, but you must understand, I don't really have chances to interact with people outside of my home.

To be completely honest with you, it would make me positively elated to see you again! However, I fear that meeting in person will not benefit our cause. It would only complicate things further and would have the potential to change everything. For now, writing will have to be our main form of communication, but as long as we are able to speak with one another, I will be happy. I sincerely hope that we can maintain contact.

Yours,

The Mysterious Maiden

P.S. I would like to know the fate of the stag that brought us together. Would you happen to know?

10th of April

My Dear Maiden,

It took a great deal of time for me to actually write something down in this letter, my dear, but here it goes!

There are no words to exactly convey to you just how ecstatic I was to receive your response. To tell the truth, I felt like my actions were just based off of naive and wishful thinking. It fills my heart with joy to read that you wish to continue communication with me! It isn't everyday that you meet someone who shares so many similar views. As for, "The Mysterious Maiden," what do you expect when I don't even know your name? I had to think of something! The title currently suits you rather well, as I don't actually know that much about you. And you are also a girl (a very beautiful one, I might add.)

I think you are much too modest, though. In our short time together, and a dance involving two high-strung horses, I could see that you were no simple maiden. You are so very far from simple. There is so much more to you, and I wish to know every bit of knowledge that I can!

I am very glad to read that you are well. Contrary to popular belief, the castle isn't all that exciting. Yes, I can probably say that because I live here, but in truth, it can get dreadfully dull at times. I work and train excessively every day, as well as having to sit through various lessons on my apprenticeship. I am constantly coming face-to-face with certain expectations on how to act, dress, and even eat. I am always expected to do "what's done." Your words when we met really struck a chord though, to be honest. I'm not afraid to admit that I used it to make a point. It can get rather tedious at times; living in the castle and the apprenticeship, I mean. Writing this letter to you and being able to write my thoughts down has been the greatest form of stress relief. I can't really say those feelings about my apprenticeship outloud. See? Already you have helped me in ways no one in this kingdom has.

I feel as though I have said too much. How is your home life? When we first met you said that your people only treat you as well as they are able. I would be lying if I were to say that this fact didn't worry me. Has it gotten any better since we last spoke? I would hate for you to be in any hostile environment. You certainly don't deserve it.

It saddens me that we will not meet again in person for a while, but I will be perfectly content with writing to you. Any contact with you, whatever form it may be, is perfect. However, I will continue to hang on the thread of hope that we will meet in the future.

I hope to hear from you again soon.

Yours,

Kit

P.S. The stag is alive and well. He was far too clever for our hunters. Don't worry, I made sure.

18th of April

Dear Mr. Kit,

You really are much too kind, Mr. Kit. I too feel that our meeting in the forest had significance. Ceasing to interact with one another would be mad! A connection like that is hard to come by.

I am sorry to hear that life can still be challenging living in such a lavish and beautiful home. It really isn't entirely different from life in the village. However, I am glad that I am able to be someone for you to vent to. I am familiar with the concept of keeping emotions hidden. I am glad to help, and am here to listen (or well… read) about any troubles you may have. It is important to Though I do feel that you will be able to overcome any task your apprenticeship passes your way. Just remember, it will all be worth it in the end. Times may be difficult, but with a little courage and kindness, you can achieve anything. Oh dear, I seem to have gotten rather sappy, haven't I? Do forgive me.

Well, I live with my stepmother and stepsisters, and they are all admirable in certain ways. Anastasia is so confident and outgoing, and Drizella is improving her harpsichord playing and singing skills. My stepmother loves her daughters very much; they are her pride and joy. As I said before, my people treat me as well as they are able. My life isn't all that horrible though. Others have it much, much worse than I. I have a place to sleep, and a roof over my head. I just do whatever I can to help make things easier on my family and if that means taking on one or two small household chores, than so be it.

Write back soon! I have been enjoying our (albeit short) correspondence!

Sincerely Yours,

The Mysterious Maiden

Ella found the last paragraph of her letter to be the most difficult to write. An internal struggle practically tore her apart; would she include more detail of her daily life, or just simplify it? Worrying Kit so early in their contact would not be a good idea, so writing the situation off as not a big deal was what she did. In a way, Ella was almost embarrassed to trouble Kit with such trivial issues. Her life wasn't that bad, at least through her eyes. Any outsider would say otherwise. She also wasn't exactly sure bringing her birth parents into this was the best way to go about things. Her whole speech on getting through hard times was enough emotion for one letter.

And so, Ella neatly folded the newly written letter and tucked it under the worn mattress, eager to deliver it come morning.

Author's Note: I am SOOOOOO Sorry for how late this is. It's been really hectic these past two months, and I've only just found time this week to write. Please forgive my lateness!