Dear Father,
I want you to understand something.
The world is filled with far more hate and selfishness than with love, and that brings many ill results. Shame and confusion cover up the sky like a thundercloud, torrents of rain drench and soak us, pressing us to the earth and ripping apart our feeble homes. We look into the great, cold, oppressing storm and cry out for mercy and peace. We beg for communion with fellow travelers, but their raincoats and hoods hide their true identities.
Then in the middle of a storm comes a sample of true love—for an aviator, a Dragon. Dragon Love is an undying love. Like all true love, it lasts all eternity. Love is a powerful force; it binds every living creature together. When I am ready to give up, love keeps me going. My Dragon lifts me with his forearms, and though each of his claws are as long as my arm, I am not afraid. My Dragon cuddles me against his great, warm chest, and his wings wrap around me. I am in a living, breathing shelter, held securely and lovingly, while the enormous dark wings keep the rain off my body.
My Dragon shoots off into the air, still hugging me close in his forearms, and we soar together above the storms. Here no man nor beast nor element can hurt us. Here it is just the two of us, bound forever together by love.
Temeraire is my Dragon. He chose me, and I allowed him in my life. I am his and he is mine. Temeraire has given me a taste of what real love is, and the peace that comes from that is beyond comprehension. What Temeraire has given me is a reflection of the love that we can all get, from the force of love.
I know you have never approved my actions. I know you have never agreed with my sense of duty. I hope this lets you understand why I cannot be the son you want me to be. My life is forever bound to Temeraire and his Dragon Love.
~Sincerely, William Laurence