Closing : The Letter...
My mother always gave me good advice, the best I have yet heard in my lifetime and I will always hold true to that. She taught me everything that ever got me through the roughest of times and I thank her for that. My mother, Lady Tamaida of Galla, was a hero that never saw her recognition. Remember that where you're older.
The Riders gave me the best time I could have ever hoped for and so much more. They gave me companionship in my darkest times, and strength to get through those tough days I thought I would crumble. I learned survival, courage, strength, determination and most of all: Leadership. I didn't have to be afraid of myself anymore. There is such comfort in that.
I had been afraid all of my life until then. I was afraid of those voice in my head, of the horses I loved so much. Somehow, knowing that I was in the presence of the extraordinary, made me believe that I could do it. It shouldn't have taken that to make me see, but it did. I should have looked deep into my own heart and saw what I had there and welcomed it. I should have.
Life is full of "should haves" and "what ifs" and I am determined not to see them anymore. I banish them from my mind. I am happy how it all worked out, why should I look back and wonder what could have been when that "could have been" might have made me miserable? You wouldn't want that.
I didn't expect to marry him, oh, no. He was far too above my station for me to ever think of him. But life has a funny way about it, my mother said that once. Marrying him didn't end my career, of course I couldn't be a Rider anymore and I had to take care of Ninequor now, but my new life as the Lady of Ninequor is so much more fulfilling. Remember I said that and hold me to that.
They would have made an exception for me, I know and you will ask why over and over again did I not accept. I'll tell you: I didn't need the Riders anymore. I had my proof that I could be strong. Besides, with the Lioness as a Mother-in-law, I'm pretty sure I will be busy from time to time. Understand that, please, when I am gone and helping her or Sir Domitran or your father..
As for honor, my undying driving force, I have learned what it means. Honor is believing in yourself to do what is right when the time comes and doing it. It isn't shying away from it because the alternative is easier. My father, Lord Dickens, drilled such an unwavering sense of honor into myself and Sir Taex. Keep it close to your heart as well. It will be hard, but it will serve you well.
There is so much I want to say, that I have left to say, but I don't know how to say it. I wish I did. I suppose if you're reading this, you don't much care if your mother is droning on and on. I'm sorry I've left you. There are no amount of "I'm sorry" that will ever change that.
Mind your manners, and your honor. Don't use your tricks just for amusement, not all of the time, anyway. Mind the horses, they can be smarter than you. Follow your heart and remember where you came from. Your father knows best, mind him, I beg.
'Do what you must, but always remember where you come from. Respect others as you respect yourself, that is a strong virtue. Honor your family, but honor yourself.' My mother said that, so remember that, too.
I love you dearly and forever,
Teirra, Lady of Ninequor.
Teirra read the letter back to herself and sighed. It was such a pathetic attempt at a good letter and she knew they would want more. They deserved more.
Sighing once more, she folded the letter up and set her wax seal firmly to close it. She addressed it in slender, curving letters to her children: Mattieu, Gregory, and Tamaida with the words, "To open after death." She blew on the ink for it to dry.
"Teirra?" Alan leaned in the doorway, little Gregory, just learning to walk, tugging at his hands.
Teirra turned around and smiled widely at her husband. "Look at Gregory, all grown-up now." She cooed to her youngest child lovingly.
"Teirra, are you alright?" The knight asked her worriedly.
Teirra nodded, just realizing that her eyes were filling with tears. She blinked them back. "Yes, I am quite alright."
"Good, Mother will be arriving soon." Alan warned her, then scooped up his son and went off down the hall.
Teirra sighed. Let the Lioness come, I will prepare for it.
So will I, the soft voice of Twilight mused in her head.
Author's Final Note: I never thought I'd finish this. It has been a long and sometimes weary road to walk, finishing a tale, even if it is fanfiction. I hope you are not too disappointed with the ending, even if it is a bit cliche. This story has been my heart and soul for some time and it wasn't until the very end that I saw how it would end.
I set out only to write, at the most, a five chapter mini-story. It was never meant to be anything more, just a bit of dabbling really. Stories have a funny way of taking themselves away from the writer.
I had thought about the ending to this story for so long with so many different outcomes. I contemplated killing her off, trapping her in an unhappy marriage, having Taex go insane at the Ordeals, and having her leave for Galla. I stopped when I realized that I was trying to force an ending that didn't fit. This story wasn't a story I could control.
Teirra has been one of the most difficult characters to write. Especially when I tried to keep her focused on her honor and revenge all at once and I wanted her to be humorous and interesting. It is a true challenge to write that, especially with so many characters coming in and out.
I'd like to give a big thanks to all those that took the time to read and review my work. Those reviews actually helped spur this tale into completion. Thank You to:
Clair-a-net
Random Chou
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