Please, please, my Maria.
I have travelled the harshest of land.

Traversed ancient lands brimmed with snow.

Tombs housing the souls of long before.

I have died many times...

Over and over again.

At first, on this journey.
I was ill-equipped.
I had not so much as a shiv and a bottle of water.

The first leap into the abyss.
(This great ebony expanse still chews on my flesh)

I was terrified yet delighted to finally find you again.
My...