Chapter Text
My dear Ezran
I know very well what you're thinking; I know the hatred you harbor for me, and I can't deny that I understand where it comes from. I failed you; I failed you in the worst way I could, but if for some reason you haven't burned or destroyed this letter, please allow me to explain.
I didn't choose Ezran; I didn't choose Rayla over you because I never could, you're my little brother and I could never put anyone above you because my job is to protect you and at that moment, I was protecting you from yourself.
Killing someone is no small matter; it tears your soul apart and consumes you from within. If you had killed Runaan, that would have changed you forever, and I couldn't allow a heart as pure as yours to be corrupted at this age. You're still a child, Ezran, a child king, but a child nonetheless. You shouldn't be worrying about which village will receive food this winter, much less about carrying out a death sentence, and I wasn't going to let you do it.
I know it's impossible for me to protect you from life's hardships; I know I can't enclose you in a glass bubble and shield you from everything around you (sometimes I wish I could). You will grow up to be a wise and kind king; you will command respect from those around you but also offer comfort. You will be a unique king, and I regret not being there to see you become that. Adulthood means responsibilities, difficult decisions, and a great deal of resilience but I know you will always have the best people by your side: our family. They will be your support.
Don't close your heart to new experiences. Don't become the lonely king of Katolis. Be a revolutionary king with the mind of a genius but the heart of a child.
I'm sorry I must do this, there was no other option (believe me, I went to the other side of the world to find it). I'm sorry I can't see you grow up, see you slowly surpass me in height, notice how much you'd resemble our father, or meet the woman of your dreams and the little children you'll have in time, but Aaravos is a powerful enemy and technically impossible to defeat, If we had used the Nova Blade, he would have reappeared when his stars aligned (I trust Rayla will explain more) and if my death meant that you and the rest could live in peace, then I'll welcome it with open arms.
Please, I beg you to forgive Runaan, I asked him to do it because I know Rayla couldn't do it and Runaan was the only option. As the victim in this situation, I ask for mercy for my aggressor and call for real forgiveness. Please think about it.
Don't let this drive you apart from Rayla. You two are like siblings, and I know how much you love her. Let this event bring you closer together and create a stronger relationship. Don't let my death be a cause for so much pain.
When Dad died, he left me a letter. I was afraid to read it. I thought that when I finished the last words, everything he would be forgotten, as if that envelope were all that remained of him, that when I finished it, it would be official that he was gone. But no, Ezran, it's not like that; when you finish reading this letter, I won't abandon you. I will always be with you, just like Dad and Mom were with us.
Always seek the light; don't let the emptiness of darkness consume you. You are loved, Ezran.
Your dear brother, Callum