Our Condolences 6

Our Condolences

sixth letter

16th day of Rarinir, 949

Dearest Angel,

    It warms my heart that you have someone to confide in, and you can take comfort that I feel that pain too. Your letters bring me some solace, and I hope mine do the same for you. If they would get through to you, I would send some of your favorite flowers that bloom around our home.

    If Rosanne's husband is nearby I can always check in, and it would be a good opportunity for little Albert to get new playmates. Ever since you left he refuses to play with his previous friends, I suspect it is because their mothers have not been called to war yet. He seems happy enough to only play with Margie and Rosey but I wonder if having friends who are in a similar situation would help. Make sure Rosanne takes care of herself and remains safe.

    Lovingly,

                Sam

 

 

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Our Condolences 5

Our Condolences

fifth letter

13th day of Yemthir, 949

My Dear Sammy,

    Our first couple of battles were rough but we didn't lose anyone. The images of the dirt turning red and the sound of bullets and explosions will stick with me forever. Opal's excitement has calmed down, much to the relief of the rest of us, though she remains a staunch Loyalist. The mood of our group has also become lighter, despite the situation we are in. Minnie is a big part of that, she is always willing to pick our spirits up. I look forward to meeting Albert's tiny friend. I imagine she could tell me of all the adventures they have.

    I miss you two dearly. Sometimes I wake up forgetting where I am, and I am saddened over the loss of your smiles. Rosanne talks with me in those mornings, I think she feels the same pain, as we talk almost exclusively about our children. She worries about her husband having to deal with the twins alone. Apparently, they can be rambunctious and they do not live close to any relatives. She tries convincing her husband to visit his parents while she is away, but he does not seem willing to leave. The last letter she received spoke of nothing but good news, but she still worries. Her worries remind me of how grateful I am that Albert is a manageable child.

    Forever Yours,

                 Angeline

 

 

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Our Condolences 4

Our Condolences

fourth letter

10th day of Suminir, 948

Dearest Angel,

    I pray your upcoming battles are quick and few. When moments become rough, remember that little Albert and I are praying for your safe return. Beth sounds like a lovely girl, and I'm sure Opal will calm down once she sees what the war is like. Young Loyalists can't remain in their bubble after seeing first hand the carnage war brings.

    Albert insists that we set a place for you at the table so we are ready for when you do come home. The whole time we're eating he keeps looking towards the front door expecting you to walk in. The last time we were in town I bought him a Tiny Annie doll, and said she was from you. He calls her "Rosey mommy's helper", I believe the name comes from her bright red hair. He's calmed down a great deal since receiving it and has taken to carrying it around and sleeping with it. He even tells it messages to give to you. He refuses to part with it, even when she becomes dirty he insists on giving her a bath himself. I can't bear to make him part with it so I watch carefully as he cleans her fabric body and limbs.

    Lovingly,

                Sam

 

 

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Our Condolences 3

Our Condolences

third letter

12th day of Thurenir, 948

My Dear Sammy,

    We have yet to see battle, but we can hear the booms when we camp at night. The closer we get, the darker the mood of our platoon gets. We try to stave off the dread by reminding ourselves we are not going all the way to the front and talking of our homes. Edith prefers to not talk about herself and Opal only wants to talk of the war. Rosanne, Minnie and I are curious about the younger generation so Beth ends up speaking the most. She wants to be a baker, with a little shop in Hilltown and everyone promised to visit once we are discharged. I would love to take little Albert to meet Beth, he would love her soft nature.

    Forever Yours,

                Angeline

 

 

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Our Condolences 2

Our Condolences

second letter

16th day of Samthir, 948

Dearest Angel,

    It is good to hear from you, and that you're getting along well with your platoon. Little Albert has started to refuse to go to school, saying he needs your goodbye kiss before he can go. There are mornings when I have to drag him out of bed. I explain as best I can, where you have gone, or why you can't come back but he doesn't understand. Yet he diligently comes with me to the temple so we can pray that Tutala will keep you safe as you fight and Matlyth will use his speed to bring your letters to us.

    I often find him curled up in your closet with Margie, her tail draped around him as if trying to hold him close. It saddens my heart that you can't be here to comfort him, but I will hold onto your letters so I can read your words to little Albert even when he can't hear your voice.

    Even though Albert is acting up, it's not all bad here. I know you were worried about food tickets since others haven't received theirs yet, despite their loved ones being deployed for a month or more. You can put those worries to bed, ours have started coming in and while money will be a little tight, it won't be too bad. We miss you and hope you can come back soon.

    Lovingly,

                Sam

 

 

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Our Condolences 1

Our Condolences

first letter

30th day of Chaelir, 948

My Dear Sammy,

    I have arrived safely and can send and receive letters. You will be glad to know, the other women in my platoon are friendly. Bethany is the Youngest of us, only 16, but she is not afraid of battle. We Have taken to calling her Beth, because she does not look like a Bethany. Two others are mothers: Rosanne has twin daughters only a couple years older than Albert; Edith, who is the oldest, has a son who is fully grown. Edith tells us she wishes we had more time with our families before we were dragged into the war, and, in general, acts like the mother of the group. 

    The one I worry about most is Opal, she is only a little older than Beth but she's the most excited about being here. Almost every word that comes out of her mouth is Loyalist propaganda and speeches. We tend to ignore her words, but she often argues with Edith, declaring our purpose in being here is not just to serve out country but our families, by keeping them safe. Edith will snap back by saying we can serve out families just fine without being hundreds of miles away from them. Minnie is the most cheerful, even when Edith and Opal fight she can find a way to break them up peacefully. She makes me laugh when I miss home the most. I find I'm missing you more, the farther away I am. I will write as often as I can. 

    Forever Yours,
                Angeline

 

 

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Update!

    Hello! it has been a while. It feels like longer than it actually has been probably because I've switched towns, schools, apartments, and even my computer. Anyway, I was looking at Calypso's Rage yesterday and I really want to continue it but it needs more thought then I've previously given it so for the moment Calypso's Rage is on hiatus.
    I don't want to just leave you with an update and I have stuff from school that is building up with no one to see how proud I am off it. You guys get to experience the "finished drafts". They will start in my posting tomorrow with a story I call Our Condolences.
    Before we get started you should know Our Condolences takes place through letters written between a husband and wife. The world it takes place in is not ours, you can think of it as an alternate reality or a whole other planet, both can work. It is the first time I've written through letters but I think it turned out well. I became super interested as I wrote so I may visit this world again for a different piece. It's a fasinating world which is hard to explore in these letter but hopefully you get a glimpse.

Rose B.