Our Condolences 13

Our Condolences

thirteenth letter

14th day of Serynir, 952

My Dear Sammy,

    I hope this finds you in good health, or at least better health then I am in. This war has been going on for so long that I can hardly remember anything else. I struggle to see anything besides the blood and dirt. Every time I close my eyes and recall the green of home, the lingering sounds of screams overpower my memories, turning it into a nightmarish scene. Minnie tries to keep our spirits up but she is looking less cheerful by the day, Opal has started to see the world for what it is, but Rosanne is barely functioning. The rumors are gaining traction and many of us have begun to lose hope. We see no end to this war and only wish to return to our families. I did not mean to make this letter so depressing but I would appreciate hearing of home.

    Forever Yours,

                 Angeline

 

 

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Our Condolences 12

Our Condolences

twelfth letter

23rd day of Suminir, 951

Dearest Angel,

    I can not calm your doubts, but I can tell that those of us waiting and praying at the temples have not forgotten you. Several weeks ago an Elder told me they had seen how dedicated I was to you and they would pray for your return as well. Now every time I go to the temple they tell me they've prayed for you.

    I can at least distract you with tales of home. Albert is slowly coming along in his studies, he was not happy with his teacher in the beginning but he has come around to see her wisdom. I am constantly thankful he has managed to make new friends and shows no issues socially. I wish I could show you how he's grown but I don't want to take the chance that my letter might not get to you. So my descriptions will have to do.

    As I have written before I will gladly take a trip to see Rosanne's husband if it would help calm her heart. Your platoon is already in my prayers but the next time I visit the temple I'll bring an extra offering for Rosanne's well being. As for the others, I can only hope that Opal will cause you fewer problems and be grateful none of you have died.

    Lovingly,

                Sam

 

 

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Our Condolences 11

Our Condolences

eleventh letter

26th day of Yemthir, 951

My Dear Sammy,

    It has been too long since I have been able to write. I'm currently writing this in the infirmary, while Minnie's bullet wound is checked. She was shot in the shoulder so there was no fear of death, but she is not allowed to use her gun for at least several more days. Opal's leg is almost completely healed, despite her constant attempts to rush back into battle. It would not surprise me to learn those attempts are the reason it has taken this long to heal. At the rate Opal is going, Minnie will be back in action before her.

    The mood around camp is becoming worse and the rumors are increasing. Rosanne is taking them the hardest and I worry she might try to run back home. Minnie has been trying to cheer her up but nothing seems to work. It's not just the rumors, somewhere along the chain of command someone is holding off on making decisions and it's getting us killed. Some are using it as proof that the rumors are true, but I don't want to believe that those in charge are so cold. Surely there aren't people whose hearts are so frozen, they sacrifice us for their own gain in this world.

    Forever Yours,

                 Angeline

 

 

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Our Condolences 10

Our Condolences

tenth letter

19th day of Chaelir, 951

Dearest Angel,

    Even though you have to be in the turmoil of the front I'm glad your safe. The other day I found myself thinking of that day you were called to war. You were holding little Albert and making him giggle. I was wondering how it was possible for me to love you more when you looked out the window and spotted that black car. All emotions drained for your face and the happiness left the room. You handed little Albert to me and went to face your fate, You left with only the clothes on your back and a small engraving of Chael and Lorein that I gave you when we got married. I didn't realize I was staring into the ether until Albert got my attention.

    Albert was excited to see a letter from you today. He has been upset lately, but after reading your letter he told me he will be brave so you can come home without worry. He did not explain further but I suspect it has something to do with the girl who moved in down the street. She's the same age as Albert and the first child he's been interested in since you left. I hope that she will be able to draw him out of his shell. Even though you are far away, you still inspire Albert through your letters. So not lose hope, if your courage stretches all the way to us, then those nearest you must certainly feel it too.

    Lovingly,

                Sam

 

 

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Our Condolences 9

Our Condolences

ninth letter

1st day of Thurenir, 950

My Dear Sammy,

    The front is worse than I imagined. I never want to get used to seeing so much death, even the earth around us seems barren. We are lucky that our platoon is still whole but we have our share of injuries. Most are nothing serious, but Opal was too reckless and broke her leg trying to be a hero. Beth and I had to drag her back to camp while Edith, Rosanne, and Minnie covered us. Edith scolded her for almost getting herself killed the whole time she was getting medical attention.

    Rumors are circulating that we are being lied to, that this war is not expected to end, nor does the government plan to end it. In response, they have sent our representatives to tell us what we are fighting for. The only one who believes his honeyed words is Opal. Luckily her leg will prevent her from doing something stupid in the near future. The rest of us just think of those we left, who pray for us and wish our safe return. Your letters of home give me the determination to keep me going.

    Forever Yours,

                 Angeline

 

 

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Our Condolences 8

Our Condolences

eighth letter

21st day of Nurthir, 949

Dearest Angel,

    I know you may not have many chances to write at the front, but I am always willing to help as much as I can from here. Even if the only thing I can do is listen. I'll take an extra offering to Tutala's temple and make an extra prayer for your safety tomorrow. With how often I've been going I've learned a lot about the other people that go regularly. Most of them are praying for loved ones in the war, but there are a few Elders who are there to pray for everyone else. When little Albert comes with me he watches the others in the room. He stays close to me and keeps quiet. Even after we leave he remains quiet and subdued. I don't like seeing him like that so I try to take him when there are as few people as possible. That is becoming harder, as there have been more people at the temple lately. There are some days when there are so many people that I can hardly get in the door. I suspect you are not the only ones being sent to the front, but at least I can say that those of us here have not forgotten about those who are fighting.

    Don't worry about us, Albert and I are doing what we can. Know that little Albert and I think of you daily, and stay strong.

    Lovingly,

                Sam

 

 

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Our Condolences 7

Our Condolences

seventh letter

25th day of Samthir, 949

My Dear Sammy,

    Unfortunately, Rosanne and her husband live near Charlington. While I know you would gladly take the day-long journey, Rosanne declined to give me the address. She seems to be feeling this environment the hardest, we are all keeping a watchful eye on her but she can only get better by getting away from this place. I can not imagine how it must feel, not only to be in this war but to know that her daughters might be pulled into a war and experience this too. I am very glad Albert will never see a battlefield. I hope by the time he is grown we will finally have peace but the longer I see this desolation the more hope I lose in that idea.

    Tomorrow we are moving to the front. I have never seen a mood darken more quickly than when we were told the news. Where we are fighting is enough to haunt my dreams, I can not imagine how much worse the front is going to be. All I can do is steel myself the best I can but I have a feeling it will not be enough.

    Minnie is doing her best to keep our spirits up by reminding us of our homes and telling us of hers. While she is unmarried and doesn't have children, she has a pair of house dogs that Margie would absolutely dwarf. They are staying with her brother while she is away. She wants to get back to them just as much as I want to return to you and Albert. She is a strong woman to remain so optimistic in the face of fear. I admire her bravery to not only shoulder her own fears but to help us with ours at the same time.

    Forever Yours,

                 Angeline

 

 

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