To Mercedes

[Landis de Verreuil]

Mercy,

It seems I'm writing you from another war front but this time I have much more certainty that the letter will actually reach you then it did in the last war. The distance is closer but it seems just as far in some ways for all that the land is familiar.

How are you faring? I've been put in command of some men and that has changed things somewhat from the last time I was fighting under the command of others. It makes me more protective in some ways, knowing that I have less experienced soldiers to look after and worry over and I can only imagine what will happen with the fighting starts in earnest. Don't worry though, things are going fine and I'm sure they will continue to be so for some time yet.

I can't give you any more details just in case something were to happen to this letter, but I do want to say that I miss your company and your friendship, and wish every sweetness for you until I return and see for myself that you're well. Think of me fondly and if you don't mind please put me in your prayers.

Landis

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[Mercedes de las Aragonia]

Dear Landis,

I understand about the lack of detail, I have been told that good intelligence can win a war, and I would hardly wish to give the enemy the upper hand. I am very glad to hear from you regardless of not knowing exactly where you are or when you might defend our borders.

Things have been eerily quiet here in the capital, with many of the court and all you menfolk gone. Already fetes are being planned to take our mind off the war, though I would not bet on their effectiveness, if I was one to bet at all. But it is still nice to keep in touch with acquaintances, and why not do it over a glass of wine and an hour d'oeuvre? I would send you some, to see if it might help you and your men any, but Princess Leyna's cook informed me that they wouldn't travel well. I don't think he realized that I was jesting.

I visited Camael's sanctuary yesterday. The priests there have set up an entire wall to light candles and say prayers for our soldiers. I made an offering for you and your men, for I know that you would have done the same. I won't tell you to keep yourself safe, for I do not wish to hinder you in any way, but I am thinking of you often.

Praying for you,
Mercedes

[Mercedes de las Aragonia]

Dear Landis,

I hope you are well. We've heard of the first battle in the war, and were all very glad of the D'Angeline victory. I raised a toast to you and your men. Doubtlessly there are things you won't wish to tell me, but when you return I would very much like to hear your stories. I have missed your voice. Anyway, I do hope this letter finds you safe and in good health.

Thinking of you,
Mercy

[Mercedes de las Aragonia]

Dear Landis,

I am hoping for your sake that it is all a terrible rumour, but it would explain why I haven't heard from you. There's a pamphlet, La Voix De La Raison, that has been publishing news from the front lines, and it reported that you've lost an eye.

You only have to say the word, and I will come to you. The only thing that stopped me from immediately saddling my horse when I read it the pamphlet was my promise to you, that I would keep myself safe so that you wouldn't have to worry about me. But please let me know if there is anything I might do for you, and know I could be at your side as fast as my mare can take me. I do not know how good the care is in the field hospitals, and I am so very worried for you.

Mercy

[Landis de Verreuil]

This letter is written in somewhat sloppier hand-writing than the others.

Dear Mercy,

I must apologize profusely for not writing sooner, but as I continue you may understand why. I've received all of your letters and read them as best as I am able, but mustering the strength to sit up for long periods of time has been a little bit difficult.

As that propoganda pamphlet said- we have a copy floating around here, making the rounds, and I have heard of it before- I did indeed lose my eye, though not quite in the way they imply. My left eye is gone, replaced by a sewn-over socket, but I am very lucky not to have gotten worse. Men died on the battlefield, some were maimed far worse, losing limbs on more than one occasion.

But I don't tell you this to try and make you more worried- no, I want you to calm down. Rest assured my care is as good as could be hoped here and really far better than I expected. Never before have I seen conditions this good, and without the blowing sand it would almost be comfortable if not for the fact I was still healing. Please stay there, where it's safe, and don't risk coming here. There is still too much danger at the border to make it reasonable.

Keep saying whatever prayers you have been saying; I credit them with me not being injured any more gravely than I was. Keep yourself well and safe, and I will do my best to ensure the same. Have fun in the City, relax, and keep yourself in good spirits, and then please write back with happy stories.

Your much-delayed friend,
Landis

[Mercedes de las Aragonia]

Landis,

I am so relieved to hear from you. I'm sorry for demanding a letter when you are healing, it was very selfish of me, but I was so worried. Do not worry about me, I will stay here and be safe and reasonable. Is there anything I might send that would keep your spirits up? I wish for you to be as comfortable as possible, you must be going through so much. I will pray now for your speedy recovery, and for the safety of your men as well.

And I can certainly provide you with stories from the City. One of the dogs gave birth to a litter of puppies only three days ago. I've seen puppies before, but none this adorable. I'm very tempted to adopt one, it's hard to resist the little brown balls of fluff. One has wonderful blue eyes, and one of Leyna's maids laid claim to him immediately. He's still far too young to leave his mother, but soon enough we'll have a puppy scampering around. Perhaps with one of his brothers or sisters if I cave into temptation. I haven't had a dog since I was a very young girl.

Should I save one for you?
~Mercy