Work Text:
Delloso De La Rue,
Apologies are in order, and the fault behind them all is my own.
I can only imagine what you must think of me. What an intimate moment we shared during the hunt, only for our next interaction to be on the outskirts of the duling field.
You, being present at said duel, are well aware that the Lady Wuvvy, your right hand, and I came to blows. For fear of misunderstandings, I’d like to inform you of the true reason for the duel. I am, however, aware that Lady Wuvvy, being the other participant and your dearest friend, may have an explanation that differs from my own. Below, you will find the explanation of events as I have perceived them. I can only hope that my view of the situation brings you the clarity you so rightly deserve.
During a time that, given the impression that I was alone with my thoughts, I was constructing a letter to a dear friend, I heard Lady Wuvvy approach. She did not make herself known by knocking or otherwise alerting me to her presence, beyond a snap of a twig in some distance of the woods surrounding my temporary dwelling place. Though no such pleasantry was exchanged, still, I permitted her entry into my quarters.
Though many words were exchanged, all respectful from both parties present, these were the words that haunt me even now- “My dearest friend in the world has shed a tear over you. And I have come here seeking satisfaction.”
Though I have never had the honor of meeting Lady Wuvvy before, I know that she is a dear friend of yours. Thus, it can be assumed that she is hard-working, kind, and courteous. Though, as previously stated, these can be assumed, even more relevant to this situation is that they can be gleaned from the many tasks that she has performed over the course of this wondrous Bloom, and the many before it.
Hard-working, kind, and courteous she may be, I could see at this point in our interaction that she is, first and foremost, honest. I have done you harm. I knew it to be true when she declared it. And now, after having seen you at the duel, know it to be true even more so.
The conflict, I fear, came when I posed the question “How?”. A question she refused to answer. To my insight of the situation, she was of the understanding that I was aware of what I had done, and asked if I, at that point in time, was acting a fool. Please let it be known that I was not.
Rue,-if you would still allow that I refer to you so informally, please know that I had no intention or desire to disrespect Lady Wuvvy or yourself. I did not want to insult her honor by denying her the requested satisfaction. And so, at her request, I named the weapon.
Again, I wish to convey my hope that my perspective brings you clarity. I would never endeavor to harm you or your kin.
Our moment in the woods meant more to me than words could convey. To think a beautiful person such as yourself, so graceful and elegant in all that you do, might see one such as myself and praise him with the kindest words he has ever heard. Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined such a thing.
My hope is that this letter finds you well, and acts as an apology, both for the strange circumstances of the duel, and the offense that may have caused it.
I humbly ask for a response, though a lack of a letter would likely be response enough. Know that, whatever you would ask of me, and whatever happens going forward, I wish you every happiness, and will attempt to do as you request.
Respectfully- yours.
Captain K.P. Hob
(Post Script: I cannot let it go unsaid, or leave it merely alluded to, that in addition to bringing clarity, this letter serves as question. Is all hope lost for you and I to make a connection again, as I so long to do? Know that I would give anything just to be in your presence and perhaps to be the reason for your breathtaking smile.)