Letters to and from War [Bo&Meg]

[Deleted]

Dear Bonnie,

It's been a while since you left, and to tell you the truth, ever since you made it clear you were going, my heart just stopped beating as it normally does. It's just that sinking feeling one gets when someone they care about goes off to war.

I'm worried sick about you, but I have faith that you will do as you promised me weeks ago: that you will return. I long for that day, and although it'll be a long time before that day comes, I'm sure we can occupy this time with letters, don't you think? Perhaps you are too busy to write me much anything, but really, anything at all, just to let me know that you are not hurt, would be wonderfully relieving.

The island is boring and dull. I take my walks as I always do in the evening, but not a sound is heard. Nothing but an occasional roar of an incoming wave, if I wander close to the docks. But the ocean isn't calming. In fact, it stresses me out. Every other day, the island gets a report of who's gone missing and who's now dead. It scares me that they'll call out your name. Yet, time after time, they don't. I've decided to give up reading about knights and their battles and their maidens for now, simply because when I do, I cannot fall asleep. My new pastime is writing. I've decided to start writing something like a novel. One day, I will show it to you.

I miss your company, Bo, so very much. I don't exactly have friends, because you know how I can get when I start fearing things. I decide to shut out the world and live alone. I'm unstable. And only you make me stable. Please, come back. Don't make me live in fear for much longer. I'm afraid I'll only go a bit crazier than I already am if I wait much more.

Heck. It's not your company I miss. It's you. Stay safe, my gallant fighter.

Yours truly,
Megara

[Deleted]

Dear Megara,

The fighting never stops here. Every time we fight one back, five come in their place. I have seen former students, even former friends on the battlefield. It hurts me when I see a familiar face on the ground, friend or enemy. However, they all remind me that we both made the right choice; you needed to go so you wouldn't get hurt, and I needed to stay so I could.

You don't understand what I'm saying at all, do you? I don't either. The pain feels much better than sitting around and doing nothing, trust me. It's... weird, to say the least. Don't worry, I'm not getting too beat-up out here. The medics would hate me if I did that, wouldn't they? And I'd never hear the end of it from you. Oh, I miss your voice, darling.

On the subject of missing, I believe you may be missing a pair of very, um, flattering underwear. You left it on your bed. Would you like me to send it to you?

I'm not taking war lightly, my little damsel in distress, by my use of humor. I'm just putting it in better light. What's war if we can't have fun? And it's no good for you to be stressed all the time. I want to make you laugh a little.

Don't worry about me so much, darling. I'm a tough girl. I can tie my own sandals and everything.

*The page seems to be slightly wet, and some words are blurred from...water. Yeah, let's go with water.*

I will come back, dear. I look forward to reading your novel. I'm sure it will be fantastic.

Stay safe,
Bonnie Peep

[Deleted]

My dear Bo,

You have no idea how happy I was when I saw that I had received a letter from Tintagel and that it was from you. I fear something dreadful has happened to Levain, for there has been no word of him since I left. But you matter to me more than Levain does (as much as I feel awful for saying so). This has given me far more hope than you can imagine.

I do, actually have a bit of an idea what you are saying. I've never, in fact, fought in an actual war, or even a battle, but I've fought. Somewhat. How else was a lone Greek woman supposed to go on fending for herself if she didn't know how to defend her own skin?

It does not help that you are including words such as "too" (beat up) or "pain" (feels better). It only makes me worry more. Perhaps I can take a boat out back an assist the medics. I don't want you to be in any pain at all, my dear. Please, be careful. Yet, indeed, you are correct to say that you would never hear the end of it from me. Well, after you are healed, and so and such. Then, I would have to sit you in a corner and scold you for the rest of your life.

...I would appreciate that, actually. I don't see how I could have forgotten underwear. I guess that's what happens when one is rushed to pack. Remind me to never take orders from you again. You can be so demanding sometimes.

Don't be ridiculous! You can't have fun in a time of war! Don't make me come over there and drag you here myself, because I will do that in a heartbeat, Bonnie Peep! To tell you the truth, I will most likely only laugh the day I see your face again, or when I hear your voice, and even see you smile. It's very lonesome here, and my bed gets so cold at night, I wish you were here to warm it up. And there I go complaining. About a bed. You probably sleep on the ground. It's not fair that you're there and not I.

Whatever you do, don't get captured. Because I will come after you and then you really won't ever hear the end of it after I rescue you.

Just...please, please, please be careful. If not for yourself, then for me. Don't pull any noble stunts. Please, my dear.

Yours,
Megara

P.S. Enclosed are a few petals, as you might have seen. They are from an orange lily flower. Perhaps you'll remember the good times when you see them.

[Deleted]

Dear Megara,

Honestly, darling, you worry too much! Your brave knight in slightly rusted armor (we haven't gotten fresh shipments in weeks) is doing just fine. Sorry for the slight delay in the letter, but I had to tape some old grocery lists together to actually write to you. The leaders and strategists don't seem to think that paper is a necessity, and aren't planning on buying any more shipments. So, expect the letters to be a bit shorter and to be filled with garbage on the back.

I'm afraid I haven't seen Levain as of late. He isn't on the death list, which is good. Unfortunately, I haven't gotten a copy of the MIA list, so he might be on there. I'm very sorry, Meg. I didn't know him personally, but I'm guessing you did.

Honestly, Meg, I do have ways of defending myself. I can handle a knife pretty well, and if worse comes to worse, I keep a few needles full of tattoo ink up my sleeve. It certainly surprises the enemy and keeps my hide safe.

We're planning to make a move toward the prisoners camp soon, so I'll keep you posted on that. Hopefully, if Levain's there, we can rescue him. There are also a lot of princesses and strong fighters there, and we can use all the help we can get. Pray for us, Meg. We're going to need the help of the gods this time.

If I wasn't demanding, would you be on that island? Or would you be a prisoner in the Army of Wayron's camp? You're a lucky duck to have me, Meg. However, I've got to be ten times luckier to have a woman who really cares about me. Thank you, Meg.

Oh, man! I'm nearly out of room! I won't pull any excessively foolish stunts, promise.

Missing you,
Bo.

P.S. I've packaged the underwear. Thank you, by the way, for the petals. They remind me of our best moments. I've already used them to decorate my helm. I miss you.

[Deleted]

Dearest Bonnie,

I know I worry too much, but frankly, I don't find it irrational. I've never actually had to wait on someone so close to me to get back from war. I've never been able to fully comprehend the concept, but I suppose I have no choice now. I apologize for all of my worries. But it is my duty to worry, as it is yours to fight.

Oh, no! I sincerely hope that Levain is all right. He's a rash one, but he's also one of the bravest knights I know (aside from you, of course). Noble-hearted and kind, as well. I've explained to you my relationship to him already, dear. We knew each other long ago, when I...wasn't this Megara, but rather another one. It's complicated, much too complicated to write it all down again. I will explain it to you when you return.

I know you are capable. Far more capable than I'll ever be, and this is why without you, I feel like I've lost a limb, or a vital part of my body. But don't forget that even the most confident and the most capable can be...Nevermind. I refuse to say something like that. It's happened more than one that I've cursed another on accident, and the last I want to do is curse you with something dreadful. Do keep me posted, love. It makes me feel better every time I receive a letter from you. I pray ten times a day, Bo, so you mustn't need to remind me of it. The gods will be on your side. I believe in the ones who are fighting to do their best and claim victory.

If I was a prisoner, perhaps I'd be far more hoping that you would resue me. you would remain alive simply for my sake. I perhaps do not know you as well yet, but I do know you'd fight for my sake. As I am sure you are doing now. I am lucky, my dear. More lucky than I thought I could be. You've brought me back to life, something I haven't been able to do myself for a very long time. Hope is what you've taught me. So, without further ado, I keep on hoping. Thank you, Bo.

Eternally yours,
Megara

P.S. I've sent a few extra sheets of paper, so you have something to write on! You should have told me sooner of your lack of paper! What else would you need, Bo?

[Deleted]

(The letters seem wonky and some don't exist. The page is smeared with ink stains at certain parts.)

Meg,

Not much time to write, as usual. The Resistance is making a very sudden push in about 5 minutes. It's the dead of night. We're all tired. I can barely see the ink pot or the parchmet. If you get this, it was a success and I have time to send it.

If not, I'm just going to write this down. I love you. There's an unconditionally sappy part of me right now that is screaming, "TELL HER NOW THAT YOU LOVE HER!" So I am. There's no way I could ever be who I am without you. I have this crazy sentimental side now. I CARE about people. There's a purpose to my life. Someone cares about my well-being. You don't know how god that feels.

Still so much to do. I'm so tired, Meg. But I'll make it through. I want to see your face again. And I will.

Lo

(The writing ends abruptly.)

This is being written after what happened when I got cut off. Please...send me some of your writing. I'll talk about what happened in my next letter, but please, let me read some of your story. I need some fiction to combat this reality.

[Deleted]

Bo,

I am pleased to hear that you have succeeded with the resistance! I'm glad to know you are still alive and well. PErhaps not as well as you should be, but you are writing to me, and that is proof enough.

To be honest, my hand is shaking as I write this. I was not expecting such a...thing to read. Not at all. But then again, what better time than wartime? I just...I understand your feelings, for I cannot remember the last time I myself had been cared for like this either. It does indeed feel absolutely wonderful. And you've made me into someone...someone solid. Someone who knows exactly who she is now. Something I have not been able to achieve on my own.

It hurts me to know you are tired, or are in suffering of any sort. Please take care of yourself, my dear. I have half the mind to get on the next boat and come out for you. Or perhaps...you can get on the next boat. I would kill to see you again, as I know you would to see me. End our suffering, darling. Come to safety.

I love you too,
Megara

:::I've enclosed a few chapters. I'm afraid it's not as good as I'd like it to be, but as per your request, dearest:::

[Deleted]

My darling Megara,

Now, now. You know I can't just go back. Especially when I have stories to tell, stories that could never be poured out of my own lips. Paper will be our hope, darling, no matter how brittle and shakeable it is.

(Do you like the lines? I got them from Edward Charming. He says they work pretty well.)

So anyway, the story. As I was just finishing that letter beforehand, our camp-out was ambushed by King Wayron's army! Scouts rushed in, wielding sharp knives and large bows. We were heavily outnumbered, but we fought back with the strength of lions. We lost some of our soldiers that night. The man who sang songs before battle was lost. He had such a good voice...what irony that he was shot in the throat. He was far too young to die...

But it is no use dwelling on the past. They have moved on, and so shall we. The reason that the rest of the letter and this letter are in a different writing style was because...well, you're not going to like this, but I sprained my wrist. It's just a little sprain, but I can't fight for about another day or two. I've been stuck inside for four days, and it's killing me! I want to defend our school, and I can't. I'm so frustrated!

I'm sorry, love. I WILL see you again. And my next letter will be my own writing. I promise.

Sincerely,
Not Bo (Actually, Edward is writing this, but I told him exactly what to say.)
P.S. Enjoy your gift, darling. It is a book on calligraphy that I found while hiding in a bookstore on Main Street. Maybe you could use it for the cover of your novel.

[Deleted]

My Bo,

You can! You can come back whenever you want to! Out there, you've only got two options: to get killed, or to become a prisoner of Wayron! Please, Bonnie, don't stay much longer! Don't be foolish! So many have died, and for what? What is the purpose of all of this? Why must blood be shed in order for peace to occur?

I find myself greatly entertained by this book you've sent me! It is absolutely lovely, Bo! Thank you for thinking of me.

Wait, you what?! BONNIE PEEP! That's it. I am coming out there right now. There is no way I will let you do all of this alone! No! Even if it's just a wrist sprain! How will you fight? How will you defend yourself? One's wrist is the most important part of the body when in war! Tell Edward to stop writing your letters, because I'll be heading out there. No 'buts' about it.

Don't be frustrated, my dear. You can write to me those times you feel like you've nothing to do. Or maybe you can read a book. There's bound to be something to do. Please, don't do anything rash. You are my hero whether you prove it to me or not. You'll always be my hero. There's nothing in the world I can do...without knowing that you're there. That you care about me in the way that you. If anything were to happen to you...I would die. I would just die. There'd be nothing left for me. Please, come back. I beg you.

Yours forever,
Meg