Siv, my daughter:
"I have read your message. This reply will be short, for though there is much I wish to say at length, there is a matter of confusion that needs to be resolved immediately.
"You say you feel we sent you away so that you might learn courage. Please, you must understand: that is not the way of it, not at all.
"Your father and I watched you stretching yourself thin with obligation, and while duty strengthens our kith, there comes a point where even we can commit ourselves in too many directions. We felt we could make your path easier by making it simpler. We did not send you away, Siv, or at least that was not our intent. We meant to let you go where you wished to be, where you could learn what you wished to learn.
"My daughter, your father and I are so very proud of you. We do not always understand your ways, as you do not always understand ours. But that does not change the fact that you are a treasure to us -- but if we tried to hold you close at home, you would tarnish and dim.
"I hope you can understand this (and I know the work of translation will mean it will take time). We know that you are learning to be the woman you wish to be, and there is nothing more we could ask of you than that.
"I will write again soon, I promise. Please write as well. It is good to converse in the tongue again. We must try to speak it together when next we meet.
"You are in my heart, always.
"With Love,
"Your Mother"