'My darling Leo,
'Thank you ever so for the portrait with your letter. I keep it with me always. Whenever I find myself missing your smile, I look upon it and remember. I wear also the combs you gave me when we last parted. You might think it silly of me, but I imagine them to be your fingers touching my hair. I try not, because then I find myself longing for your presence beside me, but it is enough to have your portrait and the memories until you can come again.
'I've placed the sapling in the window of my bedroom to catch the morning light - I keep your mask beside it - and it makes me smile each time I pass. Please, dear Leo, try your best to come home before the first bloom. They say that those together at a tree's first blooming are together and happy until they pass to the next life. I so want that for you. You've worked so hard for the protection of this land... I want to give you ease, darling.
'Your sister and brother-in-law came today for tea and biscuits. Oh dear knight, I love them! Mauri is so sweet and gentle, and so devoted to you and Ronfar both. And Ronfar is a dear! If I had a brother I would want him to be just the same. I am glad you pressed upon them to visit. Mauri and I talked for hours in my garden while Ronfar toured the forest for rogues and outlaws. Mauri insists for us to have an outdoor ceremony, and in my garden by the bench! Isn't that wonderful? And it would be a dream come true if we could be married under the shade of our tree during its first bloom. I shall pray ever so hard for that.
'I hope your ribs aren't stiff and sore, and does your chest hurt? If you need more lotion, please do tell me. I would hate for you to be in pain.
'I love you, darling, and count the moments until you can return.
'Yours forever and always,'
Violette