rlm@2: Dear Sakura
rlm@2: by Amazoness Duo and G.P.
rlm@2: amazonessduo@hotmail.com
rlm@2: pearsong1954@yahoo.com
rlm@2: 
rlm@2: Dear Tomoyo-chan,
rlm@2: 
rlm@2: When angels descend and dreams come to earth, our hearts are touched
rlm@2: with a heavenly fire. At your most lovely wedding, I was blessed with
rlm@2: a greater happiness than ever seemed possible. There I saw a sight
rlm@2: even the Seven Sages might envy: surely the two most beautiful brides
rlm@2: to ever grace so solemn a betrothal. Sakura-chan was delightfully
rlm@2: nervous at first, making a most exquisite blushing bride. But seeing
rlm@2: her beloved, she glowed with a luminous ecstasy that seemed somehow
rlm@2: out of place so far away from the Celestial Realms. Her happiness
rlm@2: warmed the hearts of all who witnessed it, and left us with the
rlm@2: precious hope that perhaps someday, some portion of such bliss might
rlm@2: be ours. Mother once told me this is Sakura-chan’s true magic: that
rlm@2: she gently touches the innermost feelings of all those blessed with
rlm@2: meeting her. I felt that enchantment as never before when she gazed
rlm@2: into the eyes of her adoring Tomoyo-chan.
rlm@2: 
rlm@2: How sad that all the great poets of all time, and all the great
rlm@2: artists that ever were, could never hope to capture the resplendence
rlm@2: of the unearthly woman I saw with Sakura-chan. Your loveliness had
rlm@2: lingered in my heart since last we met, but so dazzling was the
rlm@2: beauty before me that I could only stare, transfixed in wonder. Words
rlm@2: are my sorry servants, who clumsily convey to you the sweet pain it
rlm@2: was to gaze upon so gorgeous a bride. It is said that to view a
rlm@2: goddess on earth is to be struck with a passionate longing that no
rlm@2: worldly joy can quench. I have seen two such divinities, and if the
rlm@2: price I pay is a yearning heart that will not heal, still I deem
rlm@2: myself graced with the memories. When bride kissed bride, I was
rlm@2: lifted on shimmering wings to a rapture beyond all care and pain.
rlm@2: That moment shall be a remembrance: a treasure to carry for all of my
rlm@2: life.
rlm@2: 
rlm@2: So, thank you for inviting me to your wedding. I was honored to
rlm@2: attend as representative of the House of Li, and very much pleased to
rlm@2: come as your friend. Please thank Sonomi-sama for her gracious
rlm@2: hospitality. I was a little nervous at first, knowing there had been
rlm@2: much hurt brought about by my family to yours. But her charming
rlm@2: consideration as a hostess made me feel as if I were the long lost
rlm@2: Daidouji Fanren. And thank you for taking me out with your family.
rlm@2: That night of dancing was like a dream. I think your Mother is the
rlm@2: finest dancer of us all, for she blends the energy and enthusiasm of
rlm@2: Sakura-chan with the effortless grace of Tomoyo-chan. To be in the
rlm@2: presence of such loveliness as the three of you was sweetly
rlm@2: overwhelming, and an evening I shall always remember.
rlm@2: 
rlm@2: Please know that Syaoran-chan seems quite content in his new life
rlm@2: with Meiling-chan. I would not mention this during my trip, lest it
rlm@2: bring bad luck for your cherished union, but they are now engaged and
rlm@2: shall be married next spring. Slow to forgive and slow to learn, he
rlm@2: has finally come to see that all has been for the best, and that his
rlm@2: ending will now be happier than ever he could have imagined. Though
rlm@2: he will not speak the words, he knows you will give to Sakura what he
rlm@2: could not, and in his heart wishes both of you well. Mother delighted
rlm@2: in the video of the wedding, and my sisters are frightfully jealous
rlm@2: that I went, which has pleased me to no end. 
rlm@2: 
rlm@2: Thank you again for all your kindness and consideration during my
rlm@2: visit. Finally, I understand the wise words in your letters, and
rlm@2: seeing your happiness brings happiness to me as well. If ever a
rlm@2: gentle heart deserved such bliss, it is yours, dear Tomoyo-chan. You
rlm@2: and Sakura-chan will always be cherished in my heart. May your new
rlm@2: life be prosperous and long, and may the blessings and joys of the
rlm@2: Nine Heavens be with you all of your days.
rlm@2: 
rlm@2: Love,
rlm@2: 
rlm@2: Li Fanren 
rlm@2: