The eldest princess is like a creeping vine. She sneaks up on you, worms her way into the nooks and crannies of your soul, grabs hold of your heart and never lets go. Or at least, that's what she did to me...

Chapter 10 – Epilogue Epistles

... And so my dear sweet Adia, daughter of my heart, that is the story of how I fell in love with your mother. Many people, and possibly one day your bright and observant self, do not and will not understand our relationship. She's older, extremely stubborn, and so regally dignified as to seem coolly aloof. I'm younger, equally pigheaded, and hardened and cynical. Our 'heated discussions' are biting and nasty at times because we feel deeply passionate and/or touchy and vulnerable about certain issues. Or at least that is how some see us on our worst days.

But I love your mother. I may not always have, but I always will.

I have written this long-winded and most definitely overly detailed narrative because one day, if that day has not already come by the time you read this, someone will tell you the political reason for why we married and I did not want you to think that you were a child created solely to satisfy an agenda. You are a product of our love. You were desired for you and not because you were some faction's criteria for Gale succession to the throne.

I also write this so that you understand and forgive my smothering and overbearing protectiveness. Most of my life has been dedicated to protecting and serving the people of the O.Z., as well as avenging my mother and father. Now that you have entered the Zone, my main concern is protecting and serving you. I want you to be safe. I want you to be happy. And above all else I want you to have a life that is free from the pains and hardships that your mother and I, that your grandfather and aunt, experienced. Fortunately or unfortunately, my Boy Scout Syndrome has a new Cause to focus on, and that is you.

With a heart full and overflowing with love, your father,

Jebediah Cain

~*~OZ~*~

Dear Adia-Liora,

I have my own letter that I wish to write to you, but I felt it necessary to add my two-cents to this epistle. By the time you read this, it will be much edited – a fact you will be eternally grateful for as your father has gone into far too much detail about the particulars of our relationship. The man is a deep well, as your grandfather likes to say, which makes him a highly conflicted individual. And this makes him a perfect match for me, but also has the result of him not knowing or understanding himself very well. Thus, I think this letter is not only his attempt to explain us to you, but to also explain us to himself as well.

My thoughts on all this is that we are not so complicated. Your father is my hero. He's not a knight in shining armor, but a rusty tin one. We Gale women have no use for men who spend their time polishing their suits. My mother fell in love with a carnival man, someone who could see through court bullshit, someone who could be straight with her while yet help her navigate and manipulate her toxic environment, someone who loved her and was so devoted to her that he waited for her for 15 annuals. My sister fell in love with an actual Tin Man. Wyatt Cain is as devoted as they come, and the only thing he polishes is his six-shooter. And I have found the same caliber of man as they did.

Your father has been an anchor for my troubled soul since I first met him. He was the first person I laughed with since I was me again. He was uncertain of me, but he was still willing to look past his fear to share in a moment of untainted joy. And I knew that I was in love with him by our first anniversary. (How can a girl resist a man such as he, a man who steadfastly stands by her at great personal sacrifice?)

I do not know which hurt more that year, being childless and letting my family down again or being childless and thus hastening the dissolution of our union and partnership.

So, my child, the very knowledge of your existence has brought me and your father much joy. Your father finally realized that he loved me. His declaration vanquished the Witch once and for all, silencing her poisonous whispers that declared I was unlovable and undesirable.

And just so you know, we did have an actual rededication ceremony. It was an intimate and private one at Finaqua. Your uncle Ambrose and auntie DG took thousands of pictures. Half of which I think has your father caressing my stomach.

In fact, it was very fortunate that your father confessed his love for me when he did, because for roughly the next nine months, the man talked to you, describing all his hopes and dreams and declaring his love for you and to you more than he did me. And since your birth, he has almost waxed poetical about your perfection from your curly raven locks and your bright hazel eyes to your wee little toes, from your tight strong grip to your gurgling "untinkly" chortles. And I confess, I am just as guilty.

Adia, since you are blessed and cursed to be both a Gale and a Cain, you will no doubt have a knack for finding trouble and adventures, for which your father and I will inevitably scold you for. Our diatribes will be done out of both fear and love, but never, dear one, because we are disappointed in you.

With a heart overflowing with love, your mother,

Azkadellia Gale-Cain

The-very fluffy-End.

A/N: I hope you enjoyed this story half as much as I did writing it ; )

Adia means 'gift' in Swahili.

Liora means 'my light' in Hebrew.

Thanks for all the reviews!