Stories Left Untold

5th of Valora, 1518

Nova,

I hope this letter finds you well, though I'm not entirely sure where to begin. It's only been 2 weeks since I left Mistveil, but it feels like a lifetime. The road to the capital was long and tiring, but I found comfort in the thought that you are safe at home.

The camp is not what I imagined. It's vast, with tents stretching as far as the eye can see, and soldiers from all corners of Nivaria and Arcadia. There's a strange sort of camaraderie here, though the reality of what we're about to face lingers over us like a dark cloud. I've made a few friends already. One in particular, Sirius, reminds me a bit of you as he is also outgoing and talkative. I fear he will not last with the older soldiers or me for that matter. It is already hard to sleep at night without constant chatter.

I want to tell you about everything, but there's so much I can't put into words. There's so much I want to tell you about this world outside Mistveil.The sights are beyond anything either of us could imagine. The capital is nothing like our quiet village, it's bustling with people, all hurrying to some place or another. There are tall buildings that seem to touch the sky with all sorts of designs you've seen in books. The markets are filled with goods from all over the continent and the smells and sounds are overwhelming. I've seen things I never knew existed, like fruits that glow in the dark and fabrics so fine they don't seem real. I wish I had money to be able to send some to you. One day I will be able to once this is all over.

How are things in Mistveil? The tips of the leaves are already turning a dark orange which I hadn't noticed when I left. The leaves back home tend to turn faster than anywhere else. Have Sol and Luna been keeping you busy? I imagine Luna is still full of questions and bothering you about what I could possibly see out of our small village. And Sol, I hope he hasn't been too much of a handful and is doing his part. Don't take on too much than you already are. I wish I was still there to help you.

I'll write again as soon as I can once we have gotten to our second camp. Let them know that I am with the 8th Legion and your letters will get to me. Stay safe, Nova, and remember that I keep you all in my thoughts.

Yours always,

Theo

17th of Drusia, 1519

My dear Theo,

Your letter brought tears to my eyes, though I laughed at myself afterward, thinking how silly it was to cry over a letter when I should be grateful just to hear from you. Mistveil isn't the same without you. The days are quieter, and the nights feel longer. I admit that I am already a bit lonely. But knowing that you're safe, even in that faraway camp, makes me feel a little bit better.

You're right about the leaves. The trees are already starting to turn the most beautiful shades of red and gold. They are already falling around the village with the kids starting to press them into bookmarks. I've been visiting the glade every day, sometimes bringing a book or just sitting there, letting the memories wash over me. It's strange, but even when I'm alone, I can still feel your presence there. Hopefully you will be here when the leaves fall once more and not a moment later.

I will be looking forward to all the things that you will bring back to me and the others. I would love new books that explain more about the other countries and Eldora. It's hard to imagine any building being that tall outside of the storybooks. A glow in the dark fruit sounds nice but I wonder if it makes you glow as well. The children would love that. I will hold you to it that once you have the money you will buy it for me, no matter what.

I've taken on more work around the orphanage to keep myself busy. The children have been restless, the older ones ask after you. There asking about the war, about why you and so many others had to leave. I try to keep their spirits up, but it's hard when I don't even know how long this will last. Still, we manage, and I find myself telling them stories to ease their worries as best I can. It makes them smile, and for a moment, I feel like everything is normal again. The Sisters are also doing their best to keep the calm and make sure the entire village doesn't become melancholic with the men gone. We are safe and out of harm's way as we are not near the borders but that doesn't stop the tension. It may seem wrong but I wished that Nivaria didn't have to get involved even if we shared borders.

I miss you, Theo. More than words can express. But I'm holding onto your promise, just as you asked me to. I'll be here, waiting, for as long as it takes.

Write again soon, and take care of yourself.

With all my love,

Nova