We’ve all watched a movie or read a book or seen a show where a character distinctly jumped out at us. Whether it be in a good or bad way, authors have a funny way of making us highly aware of fictional characters. Sometimes you just want to reach within the screen or page and stop them before a mistake is made. We’ll unfortunately never actually get to do that, but some solace can be taken in writing a letter to those plucky characters. Mine in particular would be directed towards the character Princess Serafina after the events of the final book in the Waterfire Saga by Jennifer Donnelly and go something like the following text.
To the Princess of Merrow, Serafina, I most sincerely apologize:
I must be the one to tell you. If no one else will acknowledge the truth, then the duty falls upon the dear reader to alert you of the danger you have missed. You and yours have fought valiantly and earned your right to peace, but I regret to inform you that the fight is not yet over. Long after the war, battles and skirmishes will still rage, and such is this situation. You have defeated the biggest threat and monster known to besmirch the seas, Abandon, and you have cut down Orfeo and his schemes to cheat death in the name of love. You have done all this and more, but still, you have forgotten the danger that lurks close to home. For Lucia is still alive and well and sure as water flows through her gills so will vengeance. Ousted from her country, prestige, and unrequited beloved, Lucia remains the greatest unknown with capacity for danger. She has proved herself a worthy opponent with the creation of a Malingo or clone which also still swims the tides. These two adversaries must be sought out and dealt with. I trust your decision on how to handle the situation will prove admirable and effective barring that you ignore this missive. Finally, princess, I must say because it is required of every one of us to look truth in the eye so boldly: kindness is not a luxury easily bought.
With apologies,
A Friend