Medieval - Wishing You Were Here

[Shinko]

July 29, 1311

Dear Cai,

Your last letter couldn’t have been better timed. Sieg’s just been called away to help deal with some rioting in a city called Stellia to the south of here. Apparently the water rationing regulations Lord Jade recently put into place haven’t been sitting well with some of the local peasants. I’m not too worried about him, he’s with the rest of his squad and the most dangerous weapons these folks are likely to be wielding are pitchforks and smithing hammers, but all the same I can’t help being uneasy. Kine has been dealing with upheaval like this for a few years now, but the fact that it’s getting this bad in Corvus now deeply troubles me. That having been said, it was decidedly cheering to find a courier arriving at my house to deliver your letter just as I was returning from seeing my brother off.

I’m glad to hear that Sir Casca’s phoenix didn’t have to reincarnate after all. Did the healers ever figure out what it was that was making her so ill? Phoenixes can’t get malaria can they? As far as I know only humans can get it, but I admit I’m not well versed in the ways of phoenixes. Regardless, it must be a relief to have your wing back up to full fighting strength again. Having you wing’s mage grounded because their phoenix was sick must have put everyone in the wing on edge, which from what I know of the military is the last thing any officer wants to deal with.

Speaking of phoenixes, how is Tamir faring? Poor fellow must be going into fruit withdrawals with the water rationing in place. Give him a few scratches from me as consolation.

Things have been mostly quiet here in Nid’aigle. The orchard tenders are thoroughly stressed, as one might expect, but otherwise it’s mostly been business as usual. I received a commission from a scholar in Elacs to translate a series of books he apparently found in a chamber of a ruined elven city that had been previously sealed by magic. From a brief skim through of them, I’ve been able to determine that they contain a record of Elvish maritime practices- quite an exciting find! With Nid’aigle being the last city of our breed of elves and it being landlocked, the old arts of sailing and ship building have been mostly forgotten by the elvenborn. I took the liberty of asking around, but none of my personal acquaintances here have ever even seen the ocean! I haven’t either, but I’d certainly like to at some point, if at all feasible. In the meantime, I will definitely enjoy translating the books. I’ll pass along anything I read in them that you might find interesting.

On the subject of passing things along to you, I found something I thought you might like while out and about. Sadly carrier pigeons can’t convey packages, so it will probably be at least two weeks behind this letter at the pace the delivery couriers must go, stopping in every major city along the way. But definitely keep your eyes open for a little something that should be showing up with in your post soon!

Ever yours,
Ophelia

SPOILER: Click to show

8D New roleplay time! Since Cai and Ophelia live on opposite ends of Corvus, most of the first four years of their relationship were spent communicating primarily by letters, with infrequent in-person visits. So now Tiger and I will be exploring a brief slice of that time period, and roleplaying entirely via an exchange of letters back and forth between both halves of Cailia.

This first one is fairly commonplace. It’s 1311 so the drought is still going, and things are getting desperate even in Corvus now. Ophelia asks about the doings of Cai’s wing, and mentions that she was commissioned to translate a few book of Elvish sea travel. She’s also sent Cai a present, but he probably won’t actually get it for a while yet.

[Tiger]

August 2nd, 1311

Dear Ophelia,

Please forgive any sloppiness in my handwriting; I’m writing this letter with the paper on my knees instead of on a desk or puzzle-box. Two members of my flight and I are currently escorting a food-caravan to a small town about three days by horse from Solis, and so I am sitting on the side of the road with Tamir and waiting for the sun to fully rise as I write this. We were sent along with the caravan as a show of force against a rising bandit problem on this route. Their desperation is understandable, but of course we can’t allow the food to be stolen from a village that’s specifically petitioned for and needs the aid.

Fortunately, I received your letter the day right before we were sent on this mission, and evidently I’ll have plenty of time to reply before we return to Solis. The return trip should be much faster, at least; Tamir has been very bored on our circling flights over the wagon, and even with the heat, he should be excited to fly closer to his full speed.

So far, we’ve seen no sign of bandit activity, so our display seems to be working. Hopefully the same will be true for Sieg’s unit. The idea of Corvus facing the same troubles as Kine is certainly a worrying thought - I’ve heard more than a few troubling rumors, close as we are to the border and of course to House Jade. If only the House’s mages could encourage the rains - I guess there’s a limit to what even magic can do. In the meantime, I’ll hope for your brother’s swift return.

It sounds, however, as if the recovered book will keep you plenty busy in the meantime. I would certainly love to hear what you learn from it; I’ve never seen the ocean, either, and I lack the imagination to picture what it must be like. Even on maps, the span of the water is incredible; taking a ship onto the ocean must be like riding a horse into an uncharted continent.

I’ve asked around, and it seems phoenixes are immune or at least highly-resistant to malaria - nobody has heard of one getting the disease, at any rate. It’s quite a relief; the outbreak was bad enough without the phoenixes being struck down as well. It took some investigating, but the physicians think Sir Casca’s phoenix caught an infection from something she ate. They suspect sick wild prey - if a rabbit happens too close to the mews, sometimes a phoenix will go after it - but just to be safe, they’ve had the feed buckets and water-troughs cleaned by magic, so hopefully no other phoenixes will suffer the same. And hopefully she’ll be more careful with her prey choices in the future. Sir Casca isn’t on this particular mission, but it will be a relief to return home and find the wing complete again.

Tamir is doing well, though you’re correct that he misses his fruits. I still try to make substitutes for him, but even honey is going for an unusually steep price right now. In any case, I’ve passed on your scratches and told him they were from you. ...I think I confused him a little by using your name; he’s looking around and just made one of his questioning noises. Perhaps he thinks we’re coming to visit. I certainly wish we were.

This is actually a respite compared to how busy things are at the base, unfortunately, so we can’t fly off to Nid’aigle for a vacation. The base is skirting closer to water levels that remind me of my childhood years than I like, and the wings are being worked twice as hard - we’ve had a few collapses already, though none in my wing outside Sir Casca’s phoenix.

On the positive side, the busyness should make it feel like a relatively short wait for the package you sent to arrive. I’m so curious as to what it could be, and it doesn’t look like you’ve left any hints. Certainly it will be something exciting to look forward to, along with your next letters, of course. Thank you - it’s touching to think of you seeing something and thinking of me.

It seems the caravanners are getting ready to go - I should get Tamir harnessed and make sure the men with me are prepared as well. I’ll add to this letter if anything interesting happens, or failing that, I’ll simply deliver it when I return to Solis.

Always yours,
Cai

---------

August 5th, 1311 - Returned to base safely. I’m being called to a meeting that’s guaranteed to last a while, so I need to send this now or risk needing to wait until tomorrow so the messenger bird can see where it’s going. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Yours,
Cai

SPOILER: Click to show

Cai (and two other NPC fireknights) have been sent on the road to guard a food caravan. Cai updates Ophelia on the road, phoenixes, and the chaos that is currently the fireknight barracks...and is maybe a little sappy about the idea of Ophelia sending him a present X3

[Shinko]

August 8, 1311

Dear Cai,

So this is my third attempt at writing something coherant. My last two devolved into a mess of scratched out lines and scribbled scrawl that could best be summed up with the loose translation of “I hate my job sometimes.”

About four days ago we received word from the local noble family, House Accipiter, that they want to come to Nid'aigle to discuss re-routing some of the water from the Silver River to irrigate their vineyards. "At our earliest convenience" as they put it. Accipiter's primary exports are wine and fish, you see, so the rationing has apparently hit them pretty hard. But as soon as the orchard tenders here in Nid'aigle heard about the impending visit they threw a biblical tantrum, at least by Elvish standards. I've never had to deal with the Accipiters personally, but from what the other translators and representatives tell me, they can be maddeningly obstinate about getting their own way and don't really take “no” for an answer.

So guess who got nominated to be the primary liaison to deal with them? Your dear, much maligned “you're half human so surely you'll relate to them better, right?” Ophelia.

If I could get a piece of paper to transfer the sensation of a frustrated sigh, I certainly would at this moment.

So now that I finally got that tangent down in a manner that actually makes sense and didn't tear a hole in the paper- I'm sorry to hear about the bandits. I really can't pretend to be surprised, though. Things as desperate as they are, it was only a matter of time. At least you managed to discourage them. Insofar as I've heard there haven't been any petitions for relief near the elflands, but that could just be because rumors don't generally penetrate the language barrier of the city. Certainly the fact that thirst riots are happening bodes ill. I got a letter from Sieg that they've quelled the rioting in Stellia for now, but he can't come home just yet because resentments are still simmering and his captain is afraid the pot could boil over again if they leave too soon.

On a somewhat lighter note, Sieg himself managed to pick up a rather nasty looking but superficial laceration on his chin from a rioter with a kitchen knife of some sort. Since he refuses to let the healers fix it, as per usual, he's probably going to end up with a scar there. He told me he plans to make up something far more impressive than “starving seamstress with a kitchen knife” to explain it to people years from now. I told him I'm going to call him out on the lie every time I catch him at it. Sibling's privilege.

I'm sorry that I went and confused poor Tamir. I'm glad he seemed interested in seeing me though. I miss him too. With Sieg gone and the Accipiters on the way, I could use a friendly phoenix to snuggle. And I bet his feathers feel lovely when it's as hot out as it's been.

I haven't had the chance to get very far along in those maritime books, unfortunately, since we've been preparing for the nobles to get here. But I did find what appears to be a very, very old map of the eastern coastline of Kyth in the preface for the first volume. I traced it as best I can and will enclose the copy with my letter- I know you enjoy cartography and it should be interesting to compare to the modern maps you have onhand.

As busy as things are on your end, try not to stress yourself out too much. Make a point to take at least an hour or two to yourself in a quiet place, once a day. Believe me when I say it's not only possible but frighteningly easy to make yourself sick with stress. If you manage to do that I will have to be very displeased with you, and you wouldn't want that!

In all seriousness, hang in there, Cai. If I was trying to get paper to convey a sigh before, at this moment more than anything I'd like it to pass along a hug. Since I haven't yet figured out how to do that, and the mages here in Nid'aigle assure me they haven't worked anything of the sort out either, hopefully the intent at least can offer you some comfort.

Loving and missing you,
Ophelia

SPOILER: Click to show

Whoops, things take a turn for the "urgh" for Ophelia. Seems the Accipiters are coming to Nid'aigle to discuss partially re-routing the Silver River and the elves are Not Happy About It. Also, we get backstory for that little scar on Sieg's chin, and she sent a map from those maritime books she was translating to Cai since he's a map nerd. And then she is sympathetic about how busy he is, and gives him the Medieval equivalent of a chat IM *hug*

[Tiger]

August 13th, 1311

Dear Ophelia,

I'm so sorry about your being roped into this affair with the Accipiters. It certainly sounds frustrating, and tense. Particularly considering the matter it's over - this is certainly an uncomfortable time to bicker over water. Necessary, I suppose, but still uncomfortable. I wish Tamir and I could be there, both for hugs and stern faces reminding them to be on their best behavior.

I also wish I had some information to give you, but I can’t say I can think of anything in particular I’ve heard about the Accipiters that might be helpful - but I can try asking around the barracks, if you think that might yield something useful? Some of the knights here are minor nobility, or at least related to minor nobility in some way. And of course, nearly all of them are Corvids by birth, so they would have grown up with awareness of the House.

Certainly keep me posted on how things go - while sending a hug through the post isn’t within a phoenix’s abilities, either, I hope I can at least be a sounding board for any stress they put you through. I’ll be hoping that all goes smoothly, and I know you’ll do an excellent job regardless of the challenges.

On happier topics - I’m glad to hear that Sieg is safe and well, aside from his new scar and wounded pride. Should I ask prying questions about his cover story when I finally meet him, or should I let you have the fun of calling him out for lying to a fellow knight and his sister’s date? Truly, however, I hope the unrest calms soon and he can return home.

The map is spectacular! I’ve seen a few differences already just from glancing at my map of Avani; certainly it’s much more detailed, and I believe a portion of the coast is actually completely different in shape from my records. I’ll be excited to do a detailed comparison when I have a bit more free time; in the meantime, it will have to settle for a place of honor in my box of your letters.

I suppose the mention of free time - or lack thereof - brings the topic around to the barracks. We’re about as busy as I mentioned before. Our schedule of patrols is largely the cause of it, I think. We’ve rearranged them because in this heat and dryness, we can’t stay out on patrol as long as we normally do. Now we take shorter shifts, but there are more of them to fly. These are supposed to be sparing our energy, but I’m not so sure it’s working as intended; it’s difficult to truly relax when you know there are only two or three hours until another patrol, and the feeling of never quite being done for the day certainly lingers. It doesn’t help that there have been more situations to handle on said patrol - more thieves in the marketplaces, influxes of people hoping to find water and food clashing with the local populace, general tension leading to more brawls than we usually see - I’ve broken up three fights since returning from escorting the food caravan alone.

I’ll do my best to find time to relax. I still take extra time in tending Tamir at the end of the day, and I’ve pulled out my largest scrambled-picture-puzzle to work on in the evenings before bed; it’s a large enough project to hold my interest, but it doesn’t require as much concentration as my shape-puzzles, though I do miss them. I don’t believe I showed you the picture-puzzle in question; it’s a replica of a mural in Solis’ northern end, the one with four deer leaping over a log. I’m not sure if you’ve seen it - but if you have, did you know that the light shining on the deer falls in the shape of a bird, to symbolize Lord Woo? One of the knights noticed my puzzle and informed me of it a night or two ago. I sincerely hope that by the next Restoring of the Walls, there will be plenty of rain and plenty of time for us to go see the mural in person and see how true that is in the mural itself.

Anyhow, I’m doing my best not to overstress, but I’d much appreciate if that wisdom could transfer itself to my Lieutenant right now. He’s doing as much as numbers and necessity will allow to keep the wing healthy - but unsurprisingly, he hasn’t been nearly as generous with his own welfare. I’m trying to take enough work from him to balance the load, but I worry that he’s going to be a royal mess when this ends, or at least when it cools and water isn’t drying up quite so fast. I can only keep reminding him the wing needs his leadership, I suppose.

Make sure to take care of yourself as well, my dearest. I wish Tamir and I both could send a hug through paper for you as well; the best I can do in that regard is sending along a feather Tamir dropped today. It’s just small enough that it should fit if I tuck it in this letter; I hope it arrives in a decent state, but if not, let me know and I will find a way to send a new one in a box by courier. If I had the gift of infusing sensations into inanimate objects, I would put the feeling of holding hands in it; hopefully intent will suffice until we can see each other in person.

Much love,
Cai

SPOILER: Click to show

Cai sympathizes with Ophelia's tensions about the Accipiters, has a minor nerd-spasm over the map, and details some of the hassles he's dealing with at the barracks, including shorter but more frequent patrols and his Lieutenant (Anders Escalus, for those who don't recall) working himself too hard, though Cai also assures Ophelia he's been doing his best not to overstress. A small (for a phoenix) feather is included with the note for Ophelia as a token of support and "Tamir and I wish we could be there to help =C "

and Tiger is still really bad at remembering to write spoilers

[Shinko]

August 16th, 1311

Dear Cai,

The feather arrived in good shape, if with the barbs a bit curled from it’s adventure. I’ve strung it to my forearm with a bit of twine, so I can feel it under my sleeve when I’m going about my business. Thank you- certainly having it with me has helped, even if the cool soft texture of a phoenix feather doesn’t quite capture the warmth of your hand in mine, or the rough calluses and scars that remind me the palm belongs to the man I love.

I’ve definitely needed the token. The Accipiters arrived about three days ago, and since they got here things have been… hectic. The retinue consists of the current lady, Cateline Accipiter, and her son and heir, Henry Accipiter. The first day was spent getting them settled in and discussing some trifles unrelated to the river that I suppose the nobles decided to get out of the way while they were here. For the past two days I’ve been showing them the extent of our local orchards, and ensuring they understand just what our set up is here before we start trying to figure out how to proceed with re-routing the river to best fit both of our water needs. Up to now Lord Henry has been relatively amicable, if overly chatty. He’s seemed sincerely interested in the orchards and asks a lot of questions. My only complaint is that he has a bit of a controlling streak with the conversations, and seems to steer the talks quite a bit- but so far nothing he’s brought up has been detrimental or more than mildly irksome, so it’s the normal run of noble political pandering. I can deal with it.

Lady Cateline though… I don’t know. She’s perfectly civil in our conversations, but something about the way she looks at me is just off. I can’t pin down what it is, but it’s like she’s quietly judging me against some standard I can’t name. Maybe I’m just being paranoid.

Sieg still isn’t back yet, but he’s due within the next few days. The situation in Stellia has finally been mediated, at least insofar as it can be. I’m looking forward to seeing him again, and giving him a hard time about his dashing scar from such a lame source. By all means, have fun asking him searching questions about it when you finally get the chance to meet him. I will do my best not to smile too much and give the game away.

I am not averse to admitting that I winced reading your description of the patrol schedule. That may not be as singularly exhausting as a full length patrol, but it’s wearying in a more insidious way, grinding away at your stamina a little at a time without giving you time to really recover. And three fights, really? I hope those were civilians and not fireknights, the last thing the base needs is a breakdown of discipline. Not that I’d entirely blame them, stress mounting as it is. Your lieutenant working himself threadbare can’t be helping much either. An exhausted man misses obvious things. Perhaps you could get Mirja as an accomplice? She was willing to push me, perhaps she could be enticed to sit on her rider. If nothing else it would force him to rest for a bit. Joking aside, I’m certain Lieutenant Escalus is grateful for your help and support, even if he’s too frazzled to really express it just now.

I don’t recall if I’ve seen the mural you mentioned on your puzzle, but I’d be quite intrigued to take a look now. Maybe at next year’s Restoration, provided we can attend it and it’s being held at all, we could just wander around and look at the murals. I’d like that- and you could hold my hand for real, the whole day.

I miss you so much.

...Sorry I seem to have gotten overwrought there for a moment. I should go, I’m on lunch between the talks with the Accipiters and if I leave now I might just get this letter to the couriers before it’s time to meet up with them again.

Ever yours,
Ophelia

SPOILER: Click to show

There may or may not be tiny spots of water damage towards the bottom of the paper when Cai gets it.

Ophee likes the feather present, the Accipiters haven't been too obnoxious so far, and Sieg should be coming home soon. She sympathizes with Cai over the issues in Solis, and then gets a bit emotional while discussing the next time they can hopefully meet in person. She misses her boyfriend. =C

[Tiger]

August 20th, 1311

Dear Ophelia,

I wish I could have given you a hug the instant I reached the end of your last letter. I miss you very much, too. Grateful as I am that we can at least communicate through our letters, it isn’t the same as actually being in the same place. It always feels so dismally quiet after you’ve left the Solis, and it takes a while before the evenings stop feeling so unusually long without a visit to you at the end of my patrols. I don’t know how much it helps, but know that I miss being with you, too. I will most gladly take you up on that offer of holding your hand and going around the city the next time you’re here.

I’m sorry to hear about the Accipiters already causing you stress. I brought the family up to a few other knights, but I don’t think any of what they told me is going to be much help to you; none of the men I asked had met the Accipiters personally. Though evidently, House Jade has an Accipiter mage - but unless I could find him or her and ask questions about their relatives, I don’t think that information is very useful. I also rather doubt they’d appreciate a fireknight interrogating them about their family.

That’s very odd about Lady Cateline. I’ve heard jokes about nobles always having some sort of sour expression, no matter what or whom they’re looking at; perhaps the remarks are true in her case? Either way, it sounds immensely unnerving and very frustrating - and it’s hardly fair to you if she’s expecting something you don’t know about. At least Lord Henry is being fairly manageable. Perhaps he could be an ally in dealing with his mother? I’m not sure; dealing with nobility is definitely not an area I have experience with. Do you know how long they’re supposed to be staying in the city? I hope not too long.

It’s good to hear that Sieg will be home soon, and none the worse for wear aside from the battle wound he took in the line of duty. You have all my support, but I’m sure having someone in person there for you and to complain to about the Accipiters to will make that duty easier to bear.

Lieutenant Escalus is still pushing himself too hard. You’re probably right that I could convince Mirja to help me pin him down - she’s been on-edge lately, and while it could be that the extra patrols have thrown her schedule off and she’s upset about that, I’m more inclined to think she can tell that her rider isn’t doing particularly well. It wouldn’t surprise me; they can tell when a human has a fever, and the fact that the Lieutenant is having a lot of headaches lately is certainly something the human members of the wing can see plain as day.

The patrols are exactly what you described - wearying and grinding. At least my sleep patterns seem to be adjusting to the new schedule - either that or tiredness is overriding the feeling of not being able to relax between shifts that I mentioned in my last letter. It’s getting quite easy to take a short nap between patrols. I actually fell asleep in Tamir’s pen yesterday, which I haven’t done in quite a few years, not since sometime a little after I started training. Don’t worry, though; Tamir isn’t fussing over me the way Mirja is over Lieutenant Escalus, so I’m most likely just tired and nothing more.

But enough of my complaining - I decided to save the best for last, and it is very much a best thing. The gift you sent me arrived the night before last - I was tempted to send you a letter right away, but I knew one was probably coming from Nid’aigle already, and it would likely not have been a very intelligible letter, given my excitement. It’s absolutely beautiful - I’ve never seen a puzzle that has to be put together like a tall box, with length and width and depth - it’s an absolutely fascinating concept! The detail is incredible as well, I actually recognized some of the pieces of the buildings from flying over the real things. Even the cathedrals and Jade Manor are there!

I can hear something moving slightly in the base the pieces all sit on; I don’t think any wood is broken, it sounds too soft, and I do see that there’s a gap like a lid in it. I can’t seem to get it open, but there isn’t a keyhole. I’m fairly sure I’m not so tired I can no longer open a box, but I don’t know what I’m missing. Did it make that noise when you bought it?

Anyhow - I’ve gotten started on it, and although I haven’t made much progress yet, it’s immensely fun so far. Thank you so much, Ophelia - I absolutely love it!

...One of the men in my wing just came in to let me know there’s a patrol-schedule issue, so I had best go tend to that before one of the patrols needs to leave, and before Lieutenant Escalus hears about it and tries to add another task to his load. I’ll deliver this letter while I’m outside.

Take care of yourself, my dear.

Much love,
Cai

SPOILER: Click to show

Cai misses Ophee, too =C He sympathizes and speculates on the topic of the Accipiters before complaining a bit that everything in the barracks is...pretty much the same as before, but mostly worse, noting in particular that his Lieutenant is continuing to overstress himself, to the point where his phoenix seems to be worried, and that Cai is starting to feel the strain as well, if only a little. Complaining is brought to an abrupt halt by his recount of the gift from Ophelia, which has finally arrived! It’s essentially a 3D puzzle of a miniature Solis, and Cai loves it Ophee oh my goodness A+++ 100/10

[Shinko]

August 23rd, 1311

Dear Cai,

I’m sorry if I caused you undue worry with my last letter. I was just… I don’t even know really. Nothing in particular had happened, but I think having been alone for two weeks just caught up to me all at once. But I appreciate your prompt reply and your condolences. The next time we meet in person cannot come soon enough.

I’m glad that you received the puzzle, and that you are enjoying it! It was created by an artisan here in Nid’aigle who specializes in such things- scale models of cities, buildings, and famous landmarks. Though the puzzle version is apparently a new experiment the artist has just decided to try. As soon as I saw it I was sure you’d love it. I’m glad to hear my guess was right. But it’s making noises inside, you say? Huh. Fancy that. I wonder what might be causing such a thing.

Please, don’t bother the Accipiter mage on my account. I appreciate the sentiment but you’re right, it probably wouldn’t be received well and I can manage. I don’t really know when they’re leaving, though from everything I’ve gleaned so far the answer is “when they get exactly what they want, without reservations.” They are uncannily stubborn, and between them and the elves very little real progress has been made as yet. That’s where things stand on the official end of things. On the personal end… well I need to backtrack a little to really explain that.

Sieg arrived home at last on the eighteenth. (I imagine he might have been a bit overly dramatic about that scar he’s picked up- it’s really not as noticeable as he made it out to be. I’ve seen a dozen similar on other knights in the company and elsewhere. But regardless.) After taking a day or so to settle, he was temporarily relieved from combat duties to help me with the Accipiters- Lady Cateline’s Elvish is rather poor, you see, so it was decided that when Lord Henry or I are not around to help her she’d need someone else onhand to communicate with the elves. Sieg is many things, but a diplomat is not one of them, so of course he’s just been his usual chipper self with her and hasn’t really done much with the political situation. In response to his polite, friendly overtures, she’s been decidedly clipped and frosty. From what I gleaned from Sieg, he tried to break the ice a bit by making fun of himself for inheriting our human mother’s short height- and somehow or another Lady Cateline turned the joke around into a comment on the impracticality of human-elf copulation. It was only Sieg being visibly caught off guard that apparently reminded her she was here on diplomatic business and made her hurriedly change the subject.

So… I guess now we know what the lady’s issue with me was. It’s rather funny, in a way. No matter how far I come in life, how much I accomplish, I’m still just a half-breed to so many people. Though I find I honestly prefer the open scorn to the cool, unspoken disapproval. At least when the priests called me an abomination I could defend myself. Lord Henry is very much on the side of his relatives so I doubt he'd be willing to help me- he doesn't seem too happy with his mother's scowling, but she is his mother so I get the impression he's not about to try and contradict her.

Enough of that. It certainly seems things are far worse on your end, so I shan’t bore you overmuch with my complaining. It sounds like Lieutenant Escalus needs someone to tie him to a post and give him a good stern lecture. Were it not for the distance, I’d offer my assistance gladly. Have you considered going over his head? Perhaps if you mentioned your concerns to the higher-ups, they could try and sort something out.

...Sieg just walked in and realized what I’m writing. He wishes me to pass along his warm regards, and some inappropriate suggestive commentary I'll spare you. No, I am not going to actually write it out, you ought to be ashamed for suggesting it. I'd also appreciate it if you stopped trying to read over my shoulders, Sir Numbskull.

Ha, that got rid of him.

Oh! Before I forget- I’ve finally been working on the maritime books again. I’ve been running into a lot of Elvish words for marine animals that I didn’t know the Kythian equivalent of, and the illustrations are also stumping me. Busy as you are I know you can’t handle it right away (or anytime soon for that matter) but if you get some time later could you take a peek at any books about ocean creatures at the St. Nephrite library to see if you can find them? The Elvish words are “dauphin, baleine, espadon, requin,” and “mouette.” I’ve included some labeled tracings of the illustrations from the books.

Enjoy your Solis puzzle Cai, and try not to fret too much. I’ll start looking into some time off late this autumn, once things cool down and your patrol schedule hopefully eases up. Then maybe I can pay a visit to Solis.

Much love,
Ophelia

SPOILER: Click to show

Sieg is home, and he’s helping Ophee with the Accipiters. Turns out, Lady Cateline doesn’t like half-elves. Ophee sympathizes about Cai’s busies some more, talks about the elvish ocean books again, and Sieg is nosey and butts in on her letter.

[Tiger]

August 27th, 1311

Dear Ophelia,

I am so sorry for, and so disgusted by, the Accipiters’ behavior. One would think that a lady in charge of the region that cooperates with the elven city would be more understanding, not less so. Isn’t one of the Accipiters’ jobs to promote healthy relations between elves and humans? What better proof is there that things are going well than children with a parent from both races?

Not to mention, of course, that your blood shouldn’t matter - you have skills enough to earn you a place as a diplomat, and they should respect that. Particularly since they’re the sort of people who seem like they would run through diplomats at an alarming rate with their stubbornness and apparently a lack of respect.

But as infuriated as I am, I can only imagine it’s nothing compared to how angry you must be at all this. Please don’t feel like you need to stifle yourself in your letters to me simply because the base is chaotic; I know that being able to talk to someone about the situation here makes it easier to deal with, and I hope the same can be true for you and your situation. If anything, you have more right to complain because what you’re dealing with is so much more personal. At least the barracks aren’t trying to attack me directly.

We’ve had a few more collapses from heat and dehydration. A soldier here and a soldier there - it makes for smaller wings overall, however, and naturally that means a few more patrol shifts creeping in here or there. I initially would have thought I could go to the library some evening and look up the creatures you mentioned - the sketches are impressive, by the way - but I don’t think I’ll have time at this point.

I don’t know if going to the higher-ups would help anything, though I might need to try simply because I don’t have other options available. The problem is that this is work that has to be done, and yet they have fewer commanders to pass it to, all with less energy. I don’t know; perhaps I could convince them to let us take on a temporary third-in-command, just to divide the workload into thirds instead of half. Likely they’ll say there’s nothing they can do, but I really am worried about the Lieutenant.

I’m sorry, this letter is jumping around so much - I did want to compliment the sketches of

August 28th, 1311
Ophelia,

I’m sorry to cut my previous letter short. I had to leave for patrol, and usually I just pick up where I left off if that happens, but I’m distracted now. To say the least.

I’ll try to explain with some sort of clarity what actually happened - though to delay any suspicions of the worst, nobody is dead or mortally wounded, and we all made it back to the barracks in one piece.

As I said, I had to leave for patrol. Our area covered part of the route down which I and two other knights escorted a food caravan a few weeks ago. If you recall, we were on that road to defend the wagon from bandits, and although we hadn’t thought they were anything more than groups of opportunists, we’d been getting reports at the barracks that hinted at them being a larger and somewhat more organized group than we thought. In what we thought was a sensible manuever, we split the wing in two; Six members of the wing continued the regular patrol, while Lieutenant Escalus,the remaining five men, and I went to scope for bandit activity.

We did find them - and the group was much larger than we thought. They had a few archers among them as well; most were not expert shots, at least, and even a good archer has trouble hitting a moving target. All the same, it was a difficult task to get the archers neutralized. Luckily we brought Sir Casca with us, and he was able to get rid of a few of them for us. Between his spellwork and the ferocity of six angry phoenixes, we were able to drive the bandits to retreat.

We landed to survey the camp and root out any straggling fighters, and this is where I feel I need to emphasize that flying a phoenix is not anything like riding a wagon. The birds obviously do most of the work, but we have to adjust the press of our knees and fight heavy forces pulling and pushing at us from the diving and swooping, and we have to coordinate leaning with our birds to keep them flying as swiftly as possible. In level flight, that can be tiring. But in battle, it’s downright exhausting. You might already see where I’m going with this.

I told you Lieutenant Escalus was working himself too hard on too little resources, and today he proved I was right by collapsing almost as soon as he’d gotten off his phoenix’s back. There was a lot of fear it was an injury from the bandits at first, but no, he had nothing nearly so bad from combat. Mirja was very distressed, but I was able to get her to guard him with a wing and nest close to him so he’d have some protection from the sun and heat. I had a knight fetch the rest of the wing, and when they returned I had two people take the Lieutenant back to base while the rest of us finished with the camp. When we returned, the healers informed us that the Lieutenant did indeed collapse from dehydration, and it will likely be “a few weeks” before he’s fit to return to duty. Even then, he can perform light tasks only.

Which leaves me in charge of the wing for the longest period I’ve ever taken control of it.

I’m so worried about all of this, Ophelia. I’m worried about the Lieutenant, of course - even though the healers say he’ll be fine, and I spoke with him myself a little since then - I’ve seen people die from lack of water. It’s so hard to push those memories aside and remind myself that it will be okay.

I’m worried about being in charge of the wing. I’ve led them from time to time, for a few hours here and there, but always either under orders from Lieutenant Escalus or in a situation where extreme improvisation is required because I need to get the men out of a situation alive - either way, I have a clear goal. If I’m going to be Lieutenant for a few weeks...I have to make the goals. I have to make decisions for a wing I’m not qualified to lead, potentially life and death decisions. I have to give them orders - all of their orders. Unless I take a temporary Right Wedge - which is another task in of itself. Lieutenant Escalus and I have worked together for years now, and I don’t know how I’m going to adapt to a brand new ‘partner’ - and one I’ll have to delegate to, no less.

I’ll have to delegate. And I will. But I’m also worried I’ll drive myself into the same situation as Lieutenant Escalus. I don’t intend to, I don’t have the same drive to work constantly, but I almost wonder if I have a choice…

I’m being ridiculous, I know. I’m a Right Wedge, this is part of my job. And it’s more likely than not that a Right Wedge will be promoted to higher rank when the Lieutenant moves on. And I accept that, and will do what I have to do for the wing. If it were any other time than now, it would be easier. Still stressful, still life and death at times - but not like this.

...I’m sorry to dump all of this on you. I’m going to send it anyway, if only because I’m exhausted and the thought of writing the recount of the battle all over again makes my head hurt, but it’ll be all right here.

I still mean what I said about wanting you to tell me what’s going on with the Accipiters - I think we’ll both need a listening ear in the coming weeks.

I’m going to try and find a carrier pigeon to take this now, and then I think I need a few hours’ sleep. Hopefully things will feel more optimistic when I wake up.

Much love,
Cai

SPOILER: Click to show

Things are going okay for Cai until BAM - Anders collapses from dehydration and that leaves Cai in charge of the wing for the time being. During, y'know, an extremely harsh drought. Cai is about as excited as one would predict.

[Shinko]

August 26th, 1311

Cai,

I know this is early and I’ve still not received word back from you, but I badly, badly need to get this off my chest and down on paper or I might just rend something- Sieg, most likely, if only because of proximity, and he doesn’t deserve that. I probably won’t actually mail this until I get a reply back from you, but I just… Woo I can barely think coherently right now.

In my last letter I told you that I’d learned Lady Cateline apparently has issues with myself and Sieg being halfblood. Up until now her son, Lord Henry, hasn’t really weighed in much in either direction. However, today he happened across me when I was having a conversation with another elf- a conversation I’ll spare you, but the gist of which was that I was probably on the side of the “humans” because I was a dirty halfblood and blah, blah, blah, you know the usual tripe. After the elf got bored of complaining and left, Henry came up to me and apologized for the way the elf had been talking to me and for his mother’s comments to Sieg. He was being very fake-friendly in that stupid way politicians are, all cheerful and happy in a condescending way as if you can’t tell it’s all fake.

I need to calm down, I tore a hole through the paper with my quill just now.

Alright, it’s been an hour and I think I’ve throttled this down a bit. As I was saying, Lord Henry was trying to butter me up by playing at being supportive of my hybridism, and talking up how wonderful it was that the species were coming together. Then he started talking about how very much in love my parents must have been and started probing me to tell him more about them. You can probably already see where this is going.

I tried to warn him off by telling him my father had died fighting a dragon some years ago and letting him see how much the incident still sincerely hurts. He responded to that with the most infuriatingly false condolences, and yet more ‘Pit cursed questions, like I was a criminal and he was interrogating me about some crime I’d committed. It finally culminated in him saying to me, “Well your mother must have been so devastated when your father died?”

I can’t- You already know- Maybe I should I’ve never really told you the details of what happened with my mother, and I… I don’t think I can now, it’s still too close, it hurts too much, but… That cold, callous, conceited little peacock, how dare he keep needling at me about my parents when I told him as plain as day the subject was painful and immensely personal and gave him a clear hint that I wanted him to drop it? I just wanted him to go away, I just wanted him to leave me the ‘Pit alone. My personal life has not a bloody thing to do with the river or the Accipiters, and while I don’t like that Cateline disapproves of me I certainly don’t want fake support being levied at me by an arrogant snot who’s just looking for ammunition to string in his bow aimed at getting me to convince the elves to give him what he wants.

I hate him, I hate these nobles, I hate this job, I hate my life, what did I ever do to deserve this? I just want my family to be happy again, why does everything in my life have to fall apart, it’s not fair.

I don’t want to do this anymore.

August 27th, 1311

Sieg came in and found me sobbing over the letter and helped get me calmed down. I’m sorry if it didn’t make much sense. I wasn’t sure if I should even still send it, but Sieg says I should- he thinks you’d want to know.

My eyes hurt from crying. I asked for the talks today to be cancelled- told them I’ve got food poisoning. I can’t deal with them right now.

I’ll send this with my reply to your letter later on.

September 1st, 1311

Dear Cai,

Woo, I am so sorry to hear about how things have fallen apart. Lieutenant Escalus is extremely fortunate, there’s no doubt about that, I can’t blame you for being concerned. But Solis has some of the best healers in all of Kyth, so if there’s anywhere he should make a full recovery, it’s in their hands.

Deep breaths, love. You’re intelligent, resilient, and you’ve been the Right Wedge for years- the wing trusts you and they’ll listen to you. Even if you don’t have the same chemistry and established understanding with a temporary second as you have with Lieutenant Escalus, at least it’s better than trying to take everything on your own shoulders. I know writing isn’t your favorite pastime (letters to yours truly notwithstanding) so perhaps you could at least appoint a secretary of sorts from among those in your wing who were born of rank and can write more comfortably to handle the paperwork. (Assuming this hasn’t occurred to you already.)

And don’t worry about sounding ridiculous, you don’t. Only an idiot or a cold sociopath wouldn’t be intimidated by having responsibility for so many lives put into his hands without warning. You’re not idiot, and unless that was a magical simulacrum of you who tracked me down after the Kinean wildfires when I was upset despite being burnt and exhausted, you’re no sociopath either. But you’ll manage, I know you will. You can always talk to me, and I’ll be a willing ear.

On my front, things have been… neutrally tolerable, I suppose. I’ll be honest, if you hadn’t insisted twice on my keeping you updated on the issue with the Accipiters I’d have seriously reconsidered sending along my tirade from a few days ago, but if you’re really sure it’s okay…

Neither Lord Henry nor Lady Cateline objected to my taking a day off from talking to them. In fact Henry apparently asked Cateline to pass me a message via Sieg hoping I’d “get well soon.” I’d be surprised if he doesn't realize I wasn’t actually sick, but at least from what Sieg can tell he’s mentioned nothing of the conversation to his mom because she didn’t seem suspicious or judgey about it, for once. It’s so hard to be polite with them now though. Every little thing they say or do gets my hackles up, and I know I’m being irrational most of the time and reading into meanings that aren’t there, but they’ve already proven they have no qualms about prying into sensitive issues and I just want this issue with the river to be resolved and for them to go back to Raylier already.

There’s a tension in my shoulders and neck that won’t go away. Like a cramp, if a cramp could be given the sensation of a headache.

Don’t worry about the pictures, there’s no rush on the book translation and I can check the library myself next time I’m in Solis. But do try to find time to work on the city puzzle I sent you, at least for a little while each day. I think you’ll find it helps- in more ways than one.

Yours always,
Ophelia

SPOILER: Click to show

Ophelia and Henry have a lovely discussion that does not in the least press any painful buttons and result in her being angry and on edge. Ophee is also sympathetic about everything that’s happened in Solis, and reassures Cai that he’ll do a great job and she’s there for him if he needs to vent.

[Tiger]

September 5th, 1311

Dear Ophelia,

There are many words I would like to use to describe Henry Accipiter right now, and none of them are ones he would appreciate. That insensitive, callous moron - I’m so sorry you’ve had to deal with him and his prying. Know that I want to give you the biggest hug right now - if you wish, please tell Sieg I asked him to hug you on my behalf. I would be enormously grateful to him. I appreciate that he encouraged you to send the letters, and that you agreed - he’s right, I want to know when things hurt you like this, so I can try to help.

I know you wrote the words in anger and maybe the feelings have passed, but I hope you’re feeling better in regards to the personal things you said you hated. If not for your job - at least the linguist part of it - you and I would never have met, and of course you being alive is very important. Everything will be all right. I wish I could be there with you to help get through the difficulties the Accipiters are causing. Have the elves and Accipiters made any progress toward finding a compromise? Surely one side or the other must start giving in eventually, and I do not think the Acciptiers’ odds will be good if they annoy you and all the elves by dragging things out.

That cramping feeling in your shoulders sounds awful. I know there isn’t a lot of water for tea, and I admit I don’t know what kind to use, but some of the knights here swear by herbal teas to ease pain and aches. Stress as well, now that I think of it, though, so perhaps you’re using it already.

On the subject of stress, the situation at the barracks. Firstly, thank you for your reassurances. I don’t feel quite so confident about the whole situation, but it makes me feel better to know that you think I’m capable of this. In fairness, the men have been complacent enough, none of them seem to openly doubt me. They’re worried about the Lieutenant, of course, but I’m doing my utmost to keep them calm and level-headed about it.

Evidently great minds think alike, or at least, ours do; I appointed one of our men, Sir Hawthorne, as a temporary second-in-command, and largely based on his noble birth and therefore his quicker, neater hand and knowledge of documentation. It’s been a relief to move some of the reports off of my and Lieutenant Anders’ desks and on to him, where I can hope they’ll be completed sometime soon. That leaves no shortage of other tasks to attend to, of course, including fetching some of the information for Sir Hawthorne to use in these reports he’s writing. I know I’m suffering a little less than the others from the lack of water, given my adaptation to arid climates and my lack of height, but it’s still tiring to tromp back and forth across the barracks all day.

There are, of course, still the patrols to run - and now I and Tamir have to fly at the head of the wing - and I’m trying to assist in keeping Mirja cared for. She’s friendly when in a good mood, but she becomes very reclusive when upset, and she knows Lieutentnat Escaluse isn’t well and of course that he hasn’t been coming to her stall - so she won’t let people she doesn’t know very well take care of her. Luckily she does know me fairly well and I’ve been trying to do my part in keeping her well and healthy until her rider’s recovered, and also luckily, Tamir’s been cooperative enough about letting other people help take care of him. I don’t have time to take care of two phoenixes right now, either.

I really don’t have time for much of anything, even this letter I’m writing in snippets between meetings and assignments and patrols. Most nights I return to my bunk too exhausted to do more than remove any armor I might be wearing that day. As you suggested, though, I’ve still tried to make time for the Solis puzzle. I’ve found I can spare a few minutes in the morning to toy with it, and although naturally such short sessions mean I haven’t completed much, a few things are starting to fall into place. And it gives me some time to organize my thoughts in my head before going to face the men and my superiors and all the duties waiting for me. There’s a lot to be said for a clear head.

I find myself thinking a lot about the last time we were together, in person. I miss that leisure and the freedom, and of course, I miss you. Autumn and a potential visit from you cannot come soon enough.

Much love,
Cai

[Shinko]

September 8th, 1311

Dear Cai,

All of my sympathies go out to you and the other fireknights. I have spoken with the council, and they think that I can be reassigned to Solis duties for a month and a half starting in late October or early November, so let me know if that fits in with your schedule. Hopefully things will have cooled off and be less chaotic at the barracks by that point. And then you can relax, and we don’t have to do anything or go anywhere at all. We can just sit in one of the city parks, and enjoy the quiet and the ability to just not be moving, not be working… to just be. That’d be a nice change of pace, wouldn’t it?

I’m so sorry to hear that Mirja is so despondent. I know when I met her she was very friendly, if a bit… exuberant about showing it? But I’m sure she appreciates your help. Is there anyone who Lieutenant Escalus is close friends with that she might trust to tend her for a while, or even just sit with her and give her some emotional comfort? That could potentially free you up some.

Your comfort and sympathy in the matter of Henry Accipiter means a lot. It was definitely not one of my better days emotionally. Don’t worry, I’m not still raging about hating my job and whatnot. I was just a bit overwrought when I wrote that. And I like the linguistics aspect of my work just fine, translating documents is fun. It’s the diplomacy that I could do without, but such is life.

I told Sieg what you said about hugging me on your behalf, and he got a good laugh out of that- and obliged, quite enthusiastically. He wishes me to pass along this message: “You’re welcome. I knew Phee wouldn’t have stuck this long with someone on the opposite end of the region who would dismiss her unhappiness just because he was stressed as well. I look forward to when this disaster finally abates and I can meet you in person- we can tag-team my sister for hugs and swap stories about her stubbornness.”

You and my brother buoying my spirits aside, things with the diplomatic affairs have finally been going well if you can believe that.

September 10th, 1311

Dear Cai,

Sorry it took me so long to finish respond to your letter- things have gotten a bit hectic here, and in the worst possible way. Unfortunately I can’t echo the reassurances of your letter a while back and say no one was badly hurt, but rest assured no one was killed and none of our personal circle is too badly off aside from being a little shaken.

Funnily enough, I was about to write that we were actually making progress in the talks regarding the river. I think we’d have had the issue settled in another few days, but then this happened and set us back by a tremendous degree.

I’ll stop dancing around it- there was a fire in the orchards. The day started out so hopefully too, the grey clouds overhead making us think it might rain a bit. But it didn’t- instead the storm just produced a good bit of lightening, and one of the bolts set fire to a tree in the cherry orchard. With everything as dry as it’s been the past few years, the fire spread frighteningly fast, and the smoke was all over the city within ten minutes. You know how bad I was about smoke, before we started working with Tamir? Sieg was a thousand times worse once the smoke started. He and I were with Lady Cateline, having lunch between the talks while Henry was elsewhere in the city. I think Sieg smelled the smoke before either I or Lady Cateline, because he went tense and nervous, but didn’t seem to know why exactly he was suddenly feeling so agitated. Once we heard the shouting, though, and someone told us what was going on, Lady Cateline insisted on going to the orchards to help with the fire. I had reservations- and certainly didn’t want to be anywhere nearby myself- but we went. Sieg tried to follow us, since he was assigned to protect and assist the lady, but he was obviously terrified and as soon as he caught sight of the firelight through the trees it was too much for him. I don’t know exactly what was going on, but he went to his knees muttering and whimpering and seemed completely unresponsive to any outside stimuli- he hasn’t gotten like that in years, and it terrified me.

Cateline (along with Lord Henry, who was apparently across the blaze just out of sight) used their magic in tandem with Nid’aigle’s mages and knights to put out the fire. I think Cateline was annoyed with Sieg at first for not staying with us like he was supposed to, but I had one of the other elven knights who’d been helping dump water and earth on the fire escort him away before she could try to do or say anything. Not that it would have mattered, I don’t think he could hear us. I explained as succinctly as possible to her (and Henry, who arrived a few moments later) that Sieg had been in the fight with the dragon that killed our father, and being trapped for several hours in the collapsed wreckage of a burning building had badly affected him. Even Cateline seemed to soften up a bit at that, suggesting we adjourn the meetings for the remainder of the day. I don’t know if it was just for appearances sake or not, but Lord Henry looked distinctly uncomfortable while I was explaining this, and gave me an apology that I believe might be for pressing me about Papa a while ago. I guess even cold, tactless politicians can have some degree of sympathy. Too bad that only lasted until the talks were rejoined the next morning.

We ended up losing most of the cherry trees and a good few of the almond trees are damaged enough that we’re not sure they’ll last the winter. The figs, pears, and walnuts are mostly alright, if a bit singed in places, but all the same it’s been a massive blow. The elves are desperate to keep what few trees we have left alive and ensure they yield a sizable enough crop to make up the deficit. So they want to have more water available to divert to the orchards… and of course the Accipiters are objecting, saying there are fewer trees now so they should get less water, not more. Remember how we were talking about getting paper to convey sensations that are easier to get across in person? Right now I would like to imbue this note with the slow, steady thump of my forehead against the nearest wall.

But aggravations with nobles aside… I’m really worried about Sieg. I went to the house to see him, but he won’t come to the door when I knock. I have a key, I mean I grew up in that house even if I don’t live there anymore so of course I would, but I think he’s propped something against the door to barricade it shut because even though I unlocked it I still can’t get in. I’ve tried the windows too, but I think he’s hiding out of sight of them. The fire shook him badly, and I’m worried what he might do to himself alone in there. I’d camp out and wait for him, if I wasn’t obligated to attend to the ‘Pit cursed Accipters.

If there is one spot of optimism to be drawn from this, it’s that in spite of being terrified I was able to keep my head- and though I would be lying if I said I haven’t had a few nightmares while the smoke smell lingers, I’ve been able to eat and sleep mostly normally. I know you’re busy, but if you could find time to give Tamir a few scratches for me, I’d appreciate it. I owe him- and you, my love- a very great deal.

Take care of yourself Cai, and let me know about late October or November.

Love,
Ophelia

SPOILER: Click to show

Ophee is grateful for Cai’s sympathies, and extends some of her own about his stresses. However, before she can finish her letter a fire breaks out in the Nid’aigle orchards, setting the diplomatic talks back by quite a bit and leaving Sieg badly shaken.

[Tiger]

September 13th, 1311

Dear Ophelia,

Oh, ‘Woo - I know I’m not one to invoke the gods very often, but - what a terrifying thing to have happened! I’m glad you and Sieg were not physically hurt, and that you’re coping as best as can be expected, and that some of the orchard is still alive. But I am very concerned for Sieg as well, and so sorry this has made the political situation even worse.

As for Sieg - I assume the situation will be handled by the time this letter arrives, but could you get the help of his fellow knights to get the barricade out of the way, or break a window and get inside? I understand he might prefer to be alone, but he shouldn’t do it in a way that scares the people who care about him so much. Whatever the case, I hope he comes out of this all right, both for his own sake and yours, this cannot be an easy thing for you to deal with on top of everything else. It’s at least a relief to read that the Accipiters did not make things worse for him.

The political situation they’ve stirred up, on the other hand, sounds enormously unpleasant. And to have been so close just before...I can sympathize with wanting to strike your head on something solid until the world makes some sense again. I’ve heard screaming into a pillow is a good way to release frustration as well, and it would be considerably easier on your face than a stone wall. Perhaps it would be therapeutic? I may soon have cause to test that for myself - but I’ll hold off on that for a moment.

October sounds excellent for your visit - even though I wish I could see you now, logically I know the autumn will be better for both of us. The idea of simply getting to sit with you, doing nothing, needing to be nowhere, sounds like the perfect remedy for all the insanity this summer has dumped on us. I suppose it’s my turn to be what you called overwrought, but I miss you. So very much.

Onto news of the wing and the base, I suppose. The biggest news is that we’re getting word of the bandits regrouping again. Their plight must be desperate if half a wing of phoenixes savaging their camp and their archers didn’t dissuade them. I’m almost certain my wing - as a sidenote, it’s amazing how different that phrase, “my wing”, sounds when I’m in charge of it. So strangely possessive and egotistical. Maybe it’s only me. - will be assigned to handle the matter again, since we have first-hand experience already. ...If it comes to that, I’m going to try and secure a second ration of water for the men before the fight. That’s going to be a fight in of itself, but we can’t afford to lose anyone else to dehydration at this point. I’m not looking forward to it, but it must be done.

As for Mirja...there is one possibility, but I’m not sure how to go about approaching it. Him, rather. The Lieutenant has a young friend, one of Lord Jade’s sons, and I know he’s met Mirja before, and she seems to be fairly comfortable with him being around. It occurs to me I could try to get his help in taking care of Mirja...but I have no idea how to approach that. Obviously a fireknight can’t just ask a Lord to come do a fireknight’s job - even if that were appropriate, I don’t think his father would approve. I’m wondering if I go to his father directly...but that takes so much time, would it simply be easier to keep taking care of Mirja myself? I suppose I can try to ask someone here, though I’m not sure whom. The only one who has experience with Lord Everett’s children is Lieutenant Escalus, and I’m wary of bringing it up to him; when he’s feeling well enough to have focused conversation, he obviously feels guilty and unhelpful and tries to assign himself to some “small” duty, which he then needs to be refused. I can only imagine he’ll be more insistent if I allude to Mirja being distressed - and I don’t want to stress him further when he’s already so on edge.

But, speaking of phoenixes, I gave Tamir your scratches. He seems appreciative of them. I’m very glad we could help make things more tolerable, and that you’re taking care of yourself. You’ve come a long way, I’m so proud of you. I am, however, so sorry about the nightmares - I hope the smoke smell goes away soon so they’ll stop. I wish I could be there to help somehow, or at least send something that would help in my place. Maybe the phoenix feather I sent you earlier this month, or last, would be something you could touch to feel the coolness and pull yourself more thoroughly out of the nightmare? I’ll include another feather with this letter. It’s a bit thinner than the usual ones, I know, but rest assured Tamir is all right. Everyone’s keeping a very careful eye on the health of the phoenixes. I’m wishing I could pour a hug into this feather, one for any night you wake up with a nightmare.

...Please do let me know if I am overrunning your house with phoenix feathers. It can be something of a problem here at the barracks, especially with the trainees, so I may have a distorted sense of what is an appropriate number of feathers to keep around a dwelling.

All my love, and my hopes that things with Sieg, the Accipiters, and Nid’aigle turn out right, and that October comes soon.

Yours,
Cai

P.S - I almost forgot to add - most of the first layer of the Solis puzzle seems to be in the proper place. Slow progress, but progress nonetheless.

[Shinko]

September 17th, 1311

Dear Cai,

Oh Woo- be careful with the bandits! I know that you are strong and intelligent enough to handle it and you have your entire wing behind you, but all the same. If they’re canny, they’ll have worked out some new strategies for dealing with fireknights after last time you encountered them. And yes, if you can, make sure both the rest of the wing and you have as much water as possible.

Sorry, I know you can do this, I do, you’re more than capable. It’s just things recently in Nid’aigle have been bringing back a lot of bad memories, and I don’t want to lose you. I love you, so be safe okay?

I suppose I should explain what’s been going on here, given that outburst. I finally managed to get into the house with Sieg, getting a little help from his former knight-master Sir Gavin. He was a mess. I think he’s been relapsing pretty badly, I haven’t seen him this shaken since just after Papa died. He’s trying to say he’s fine, just tired, but he’s rubbing his burn scars obsessively and he keeps thrashing awake from his sleep screaming in Elvish about fire and being trapped. Gavin has taken Sieg to his home and promised to look after him for the time being- I would do it myself but with the Accipiters still here I really don’t have time. I hate myself for that, and them; I wish I could just tell them all to got to the ‘Pit and be done with the matter so I can take care of my brother.

Though on that subject, the second feather you sent me did give me an idea. I still have the first one, but I gave the new one to Sieg- I hope you don’t mind, but I think he needs something solid to focus on coming out of nightmares and flashbacks far more than I do, and I already had the one anyway. But thank you for sending the second, I wouldn’t have gotten the idea otherwise.

I’d update you on the situation with the Accipiters but as of this juncture there’s not much to say. Things are more or less where they were at my last missive. Though I think we might be making some glacial progress as of yesterday, it’s too soon to really be getting my hopes up.

To talk of something more positive, your progress on the Solis puzzle has reminded me I might do well to take my own advice and do something that isn’t stressing me out for a while. So I’ve returned to working on the maritime books in earnest. There’s a lot of information in here about air currents that remind me somewhat of things you’ve said about riding a phoenix. I think the idea embedding itself into my imagination somewhat, because last night I dreamed of sailing a boat like the ones in the book illustrations into the sky, with phoenixes flying all around it. It was a beautiful image, had I an artistic hand I might be tempted to draw it out. Perhaps I could commission something from one of the local artists and have them make it into another puzzle for you, though it wouldn’t be nearly so fine as the Solis puzzle.

Huh, it’s drizzling a little outside. The clouds aren’t dense, I’m sure it’ll pass in less than an hour, but at this point any moisture is better than none at all. I think I will leave off my letter on this positive note, and wish you all the best. Take care of yourself Cai, I love you.

Yours,
Ophelia

SPOILER: Click to show

Ophee is a giant ball of stress. That is all.

[Tiger]

September 20th, 1311

Dear Ophelia,

I’d just returned from a three hour tactical meeting to find your letter - it was a great relief, and further so to hear that things at least seem to be better for you, if not perfect. I’m so sorry about Sieg, and I hope he’ll be all right. I don’t mind you giving the feather to him; that was an excellent idea, and I certainly hope it helps. Giving him and you both some peace of mind would be a perfect use of that feather. And you know I’ll always have more to give you, should you need or want one.

Hopefully the small progress with the Accipiters will pick up its pace - the fact that they aren’t directly causing trouble at the moment is good, but their departure would be a huge weight off your shoulders, I’m sure. And I’m sorry they’re keeping you from helping Sieg - but please don’t feel like an awful person for it. Ridiculous as the length and the Accipiters’ handling of this matter has been, it is a very important issue, and your help there will make a difference for the entire community. They need you as well.

I’m glad to hear you’ve found time to take your mind off things. The dream sounds beautiful; when you have more time, I would love to see what that book’s boats look like. I’ve seen small crafts for traversing the Kingfisher, but I’m told they wouldn’t stand up to stronger waters like those on Avani’s coastline. And knowing the elves, their watercraft must have been a work of art. I’ve just taken out the sketches you sent me last month, of the ocean creatures you wanted my help identifying. It’s strange that it feels like so long ago, and yet, like everything between then and now moved so quickly.

The Solis puzzle has gotten a little more progress. I’ve found I can tinker with it between jotting down notes and it doesn’t slow me down appreciably.

I have a bit of positive news to share as well - while Lieutenant Escalus is on the mend, he’s still not at a point where the healers want him up and working, even at light tasks. But I stumbled upon Lord Reynold in the infirmary when he was coming to visit the Lieutenant, and actually decided to speak to him about assisting with Mirja. I asked him to discuss with his father whether an arrangement could be made, in the hopes that it would be a way to get Lord Everett’s permission without having to bother him myself, with all the arranging and formality that would likely require. He reported to the mews soon after, so I suppose things went well there. He’s been keeping Mirja company for the past two days or so - I’m always sure to have another fireknight in the mews at the time, just to be safe - and it’s truly made a difference. Though I still do most of her feather-tending and feeding, she seems to be in a bit of a better mood, and it lets me get a little more time to get work done.

I suppose I can’t stall on telling you about the tactical meetings and such any longer. They are indeed going to send our wing against the bandits, since we have some prior experience. I so appreciate your faith in me, and I certainly sympathize with your concern. We will be all right, though, I promise. I will come back, and with all of the wing.

In the tactical meeting we just had, I was able to argue for an extra half-ration of water. There are still a few days, I think, before we’ll be sent into the field, so I will try to fight for more. In the meantime, though, I was also able to secure a promise of slightly better patrolling arrangements for the men for the day before. It took a lot of argument. It is very, very hard to argue with these men, and I do not enjoy it. I think the only reason they’re agreeing even slightly is because we’ve already lost our Lieutenant, the strongest part of our wing, and are therefore already at something of a disadvantage tactically. We hardly need to be at one physically as well.

We also spent a great deal of time discussing strategies to counter their archers, and other tactics we’ve seen in groups with some experience fighting phoenixes. Sir Casca had the idea to make the entire attack seem as if it’s coming from another direction, though we will have to see if it’s worth sparing his magic to make it work. We’ve been refreshing our training on avoiding raised spears when swooping on potential attackers, and we’re also strongly considering a dawn or evening attack to minimize alertness and keep their archers’ visibility for aiming low. It was suggested - and sparked an hour and a half’s worth of argument - whether sending two or three men ahead without their phoenixes to sneak into the camp ahead of time and cut bowstrings and chop the heads from spears and the like would be worth the risk. We still haven’t come to a decision there.

I promise, Ophelia, we will not go into this carelessly. I and the men and all our phoenixes are coming home alive and well. I love you, and miss you, and I will fight Carricon or the Woo or whatever deities may be there if they think they will take me with them before I get to see you again in October.

Please take good care of yourself as well, Ophelia. I’ll send you a letter as soon as we return from action, if I don’t have a chance to send you another letter before then.

All my love,
Cai

SPOILER: Click to show

Writer's note, by Word of Shinko, Ophelia's strikethrough'd comment was not legible, hence why Cai didn't respond to it directly XP

Summary! Cai is sad and stress and his wing is going to be sent out to take care of some bandits fairly soon. He's managed to get a few concessions that improve their chances, but it's still stressful. On a more positive note, he has gotten help with Mirja's care from Reynold (thanks, PFA!). The Solis puzzle creeps ever-slowly toward completion.

[Shinko]

September 24th, 1311

Dear Cai,

I suspect that by the time this letter finds it’s way to Solis, you’ll already be out in the field confronting the bandits. If I’m wrong, I wish you the best of luck- if I’m right, I welcome you home from your successful mission, whenever it is that you get home. Either way, I send you all of my love. You’ve been fighting so hard on behalf of your men, as a good leader should, and I imagine were Lieutenant Escalus able he would give you the highest commendations for the way you’ve stepped up to the position you find yourself in. You may doubt yourself, and worry you are not up to leading these people, but I doubt any of your men if you asked would have anything but good to say for how you’ve conducted yourself. I certainly could not be prouder.

As autumn creeps up on Nid’aigle, it’s been getting slightly cooler in the early mornings. It even drizzled again, for about ten minutes a few days ago. I think the fall in morning temperatures has been good for Sieg, because he’s calmed down noticeably. It was late spring when Papa died, very warm, so Gavin thinks the temperature difference has been helping his mind disassociate better. He’s still staying at Gavin’s place- I think he doesn’t want to be alone- but he’s at least on the mend. He even asked after you today and asked me to tell you he wishes you the best of luck on your mission and thanks you for being concerned for him.

The shift in season hasn’t been a blessing for everyone in the city, though. Lord Henry seems to have caught a cold. At first when I saw him rubbing his head and occasionally letting his attention wander I thought he was just tiring of the debate (Woo knows I am). But two days ago his mother asked for a healer with medicines for a runny nose, and today his speeches to the council kept getting interrupted by fits of coughing (he’s gone to the healer again for that this afternoon). He’s been acting as much his usual self as he’s able, but it’s fairly obvious to everyone that he’s exhausted and very definitely under the weather. Fortunately for him (and for all of us) the talks about the river are finally winding down. We should be able to reach and sign off on an agreement within the next few days, so provided Lord Henry isn’t too ill to travel come time, he’ll be out of my hair very soon.

I want to thank you for how supportive you’ve been throughout all of this, Cai. You’re right, these talks are important. All of Nid’aigle depends on the revenue we gain from the orchards, so while at face value the debate seems needlessly circular and protracted, it isn’t without reason that the elves have stalled this long. I’m glad to have been able to help with that- so thank you for giving me the perspective I needed to remind me of why I’m doing this. And for letting me unload my frustrations on you for the past two months.

One last bit of good news- I have dates. I’ll be reassigned to Solis duties effective October 22, through December 6. That gives us a little over a month to visit, unwind, and enjoy some down time after this insane summer we’ve both endured. It cannot come soon enough.

Love forever and for always,
Ophelia

SPOILER: Click to show

Ophelia wishes Cai luck with the bandits, reports that Sieg is doing better, and that Henry is NOT because he’s gone and caught a cold. Then she waxes sentimental.