To My Beloved Cousin Layla,

Dear Layla,

I hope this letter finds you well. How are your parents? How is Tides? It has been so long since we have visited, but Papa says we will visit soon enough.

I have big news to tell you. The first is that I have been accepted into Alfea! I will be starting in a few weeks. I am very surprised that I made it at all since my magic is not very strong. But, I believe that I can become stronger if I work at it and I will work very hard, too. You will see.

Anyway, I cannot wait to see you again. I know you will be working hard yourself as a big, important 3rd year student when the semester starts, but, maybe we can spend some time together...once in a while.

As for the rest of the big news...I will have to tell you in person. I could not begin to write of it in verse.

I love you very much, cousin. I cannot wait to share your company, once again.

Oya.

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To My Sweet Cousin Oya,

Dear Oya,

I have received your letter and am very excited and proud of you! I can't wait to see you again and I just know that you're going to love Alfea. It's great. Last year was...exciting, but it was also really fun. And don't worry, I'll show you around the campus and Magix. ^__~

But, I've got to say that I'm also excited about what other news you have to tell me. Why couldn't you just write it? Is it bad news or good news? I guess you're going to make me wait until I see you in Alfea.

Mom and Dad are doing well. They're still the same as they were the last time you were here, old fashioned! But, I love them and they miss you and the others. How are Uncle Oba and Auntie Nyakio? And your sisters, Anila and Solana? Anila's going to have the baby anytime, right? I so have to be there when it happens. I remember that Prince Adymn is so certain that she's going to have a boy, but I think it's a girl. But, I guess a lot of fathers want sons to carry on the line and all that even though daughters are perfectly capable of ruling a kingdom, too.

I'm never getting married.

But, I am glad that Anila and Adymn are happy together. They'll be great kings and queens of Aria, someday.

Well, I guess that's it for now. I'll see you when you get to Alfea.

Love,

Layla.