The Augustus Letters

[libertyybelle 6187]

THE AUGUSTUS LETTERS

THE REMAINS OF THE ARCASIAN MOUNTAIN RANGE

 

The young courier’s footsteps would echo deeply across the halls of the Augustine, it’s soft padding making little note of the various staffing that bustled around it’s expansive halls. His gait would remain tried, but true, as he carried himself with a certain somber dignity across the estate, before he found himself placed squarely at the foot of Anna Henrietta’s office door. His fist would curl as he raised his hand upwards, though, a look of hesitation would befall him as he blinked in uncertainty, before letting a brief intake of air fill his lungs. Determination would befall him, as he puffed his chest outwards, knocking on the door.

 

“Letters...ma’am.”

 

His voice would crack, slightly, disguised underneath a cough into his arm.

 

“...From your husband.”

 

Seconds would stretch into an eternity as he waited, his hand returning to rest at his side. His stiffened posture would slouch, impatient as his gaze became scattered across the halls. After a moment, the door would crack open, with a soft gazed Anna Henrietta at the other side. She’d blink expectantly, as her eyes lowered to the pouch at the boy’s side, in which he’d quickly remark with exclamatory acknowledgement. His hand would quickly move inside, lifting the letters outwards to offer her. She would accept such, before closing the door once more.

 

The parchments would be torn and scuffed, with various ink blotched at points.

 

“My Dearest Anna,

 

My departure from our home was somewhat unexpected, I’m sure, but you will be quite excited to learn for what reason and purpose I have left. You may call me a doting, aging old fool, but there is a penance that I wish to pay to your love. There is naught another like you, and there is naught another I would make this journey for. For now, though, I sit amongst the scattered remains and bastions of humanity. Commoners. They work themselves quite well, I must confess. They scatter about the ship attending their tasks as we would do within the Augustine. The only difference in such would be the...smell. But overcome it I shall. Do not be fearful, my love, for I shan’t be long. I will return to your arms within a month or two, a sight far more pleasant than that of the scurvy that plagues many of these men.

 

Forever Yours,

Charles”

 

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“Dear Anna,

 

It has been longer than expected, but we have made land! It’s all a very exciting adventure so far, but I must admit that it’s not quite what I expected. I feel as if there is a pull that longs to bring me home, and I feel it reaching at me. Quite the hooks you’ve sunk into this heart, my dear. I do not say as often as I should, but I do love you so. You will see, it will be proven once more to you. And when this venture is over, then I will happily find myself sat along with you and the children by a warm fireplace. I must return now, as we are moving ashore. Give Rhea a kiss on the head for me.

 

Longing for You,

Charles

 

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“Dear Wilhelm,

 

My boy, how I wish you could see the fantastic landscape that has overtaken this place. The adventures we have set afoot, and how your Father is handling them. Just the other day, a vicious snake leaped from the bushes, only to be cut into two by my sword. The dangers of the world do not know me, eh? When I return, I must teach you the basics of combat. I am certain you are well-versed enough in proper etiquette, and you need only a push in the right direction to perhaps become the next Peter d’Arkent! I’m quite proud of how you have grown, my son. And I am certain you are the man this world needs. Now, do not hassle your sisters too much. I have made that same mistake before,  and it only ever ended with a headache. When I return home, I expect everything in shape. You’re the man of the house while I’m away, my little Baron.

 

Always with You,

Charles Augustus

 

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“Dear Philippa,

 

In truth, Pippa, I am beginning to question my motives in beginning this journey. Perhaps, it is what you said to me within the halls of Augustine. That I am still but a child masquerading as a man, and I wished for something more than that. I wished to be more than that. But it is no matter. Merely ramblings of a man who misses his home, I suppose. It is quite cold here, and I am afraid I didn’t pack warmly enough. Perhaps if the other men were as clean as they were jovial, I might find warmth around the campfire. But I digress. I will return shortly, and I wish to enjoy the company of my sister, truly, this time.

 

Your Brother,

Charlie”

 

--------------------------------------------

 

“Dear Anna,

 

I miss you. Such a trivial errand for such a boyish quest, and I left the warmth of my home and wife, for the cold of these mountains. All for a mere token. Do you recall in our youth, when I would walk across the beautiful gardens your Mother tended to knock upon your door and play? I had thought the fauna within those gardens was the most alluring sight I’d ever seen, and my infatuation had never ceased. That is, til the object of such affection was replaced with another. You, my sweet. It was always you. I’d make excuses to come and see you, to be near you. In all our time together, you were always watching me. When I’d leave, did you think me so daft to not notice you gazing out your window to spy on me? But perhaps, you weren’t so perceptive. You never saw me looking back. I always did, Anna. It would never feel right to turn my back on you, so I’d walk with my eyes to the house, so that I never would. Simpler days, simpler times. 

Forever Yours,

Charles”

 

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“Dearest Anna,

 

The days of my departure have nearly come to an end! I have at last captured what it was I have returned for, and I am making with quick haste to return. The men do not look so pleased to have come all this way for such a token, but they are no matter. They have received their pay, and have no such right to complain. I cannot wait to be rid of this place, and to finally return to you. We return to the seas at dawn!

 

With Quickened Steps,

Charles”

 

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“Anna,

 

Something is wrong. I can feel it. The seas...they are too quiet. I know not much of sailing, but I remember when I was but a boy, fascinated with the shipwork of the Empire. I had read the myths, the legends. The sky this morning...it was red. A blood red. An omen, that’s what the men called it. Bad luck. I know not much of superstitions, but this was all too alarming. The way they looked at me, as if I was their source. I would be a fool to admit I was not weary at their faces. Their hushed whispers. I have taken to keep myself within my quarters, where I will stay for the continued journey home. I love you.

 

With love,

Charles”

 

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“Anna,

 

They came quickly, in the night. I know not what they want, but I know what they have. Me, Anna. I am but a man at the mercy of another now. The crew...they are all dead. I am trapped within the lower confines of the ship, bars at my sides, the ground wet with the salty seawater. They mentioned a ransom, I had said I will pay it. I am scared. 

-Charles”

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“Anna,

 

There’s a storm, I can hear it. It’s a bad one, the ship rocks and I hear the constant fuss of the ruffians that captured me above. And yet, not a one checks on me. They know not that the lower levels are beginning to take excess water. I cannot leave this damned cell they’ve trapped me in, and I can only hope the storm eases. I fear the worst. I love you, my sweet.

 

-Charles”

 

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“Anna,

 

I do not have long, I am afraid. The ship is all but gone, the crew that have taken me have all but been swallowed by the sea. I am alone. Even now, I am adrift among a few planks of wood that have survived the storm. I have no direction, no bearing, no sail, no food, no water. And I do not have you. You were right, Anna. I have played far too many games for the sake of my own ego, but I wanted to play this one for you. But I never should have left home. My place was never in distant lands on the hunt, but by your side. By my children’s side. I never had anything to prove, and I insisted I did anyway.

 

I feel your hand, cupped around mine. Giving me a squeeze to tell me it will be alright. I want to trust you, Anna. I want to believe it will be. You have never been wrong before. You will think me a fool for leaving you such as this, but I have only ever wanted to prove myself worthy of you, the gem of my heart. I searched for a gesture, one to make you love me as you did then, as you always have. Mister Bullfog always spoke of how flowers would allow a girl to forgive. But I suppose there is no forgiveness for death. 

 

You are my peace, Anna. And even though I lay here among this wreckage, I think of you. It’s always been you. I have failed you again and again, and I was never worthy of you, but you have always been my one. From the day I saw you playing in the garden to the day I made you my wife to even now. I only wish I could tell it to you one last time. You were but my last respite from a world that was always a little too cold, and a little too dark. I love you, I always have. I always will.  

 

With you always,

Your Charles.”

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The last letter would contain a pressed page, soggy from what appeared to be seawater. Inside of it, would be a bright blue flower, kept safe inside of it’s packaging. Attached to it, a note.

 

“All of this, for a cornflower from your Mother’s garden.”

[Mannyy 982]

The letter would be read to young Wilhelm whilst he was sitting in his room. Being a child, he wouldn’t quite comprehend the extent of his fathers disappearance. At a young age he was always told how to act and what to say. To always act as a lord would. He loathed these practices, being the young child he was, Wilhelm was much more a free spirit. Wilhelm would miss his father more than anything, but would eventually grow a small resentment for the man for snatching Wilhelm's childhood at such a young age. Now Wilhelm will never be able to explore, and live like the heroes in his story books..

[ncarr 2806]

reserved 

 

[Benjikhei 698]

reserved

[Branchio 93]

Reserved 

[zuziee 4004]

Maisie d'Arkent sat in her room, a maid mindlessly pinning her hair up while she read over her morning letters, invites, and other papers. Flipping past the Ivy house invite to see the pale envelope addressed simply to Maisie. Opening it up, she'd start to read through it. The letter containing the news of her uncle having passed.

 

The feeling was weird - she never knew Charles that well. Though he has still taught her many things at the same time. She learned how to shake hands, the importance of speaking up, and even who and who not to do pinky promises with. But she couldn't tell you his favorite food nor animal. She sat the letter to the side and shooed her maid away. Spending her morning in solemn silence. 

 

Carwyn would come to knock at her door around noon, "M'lady, you have a meeting in Haense. Are you ready?" he'd ask. Attempting to open her door which was strangely locked. A quiet voice echoing "I will be out soon. I need to finish something."

 

Inside, Maisie was pinning a new black dress for herself. Having a strange feeling another death would come quickly.

[Moenah 1069]

Rhea Alexandria would indeed receive her kiss on the head, but like everything else that escaped the mind of the then 4-year-old, she wouldn't think much of it, much less comprehend the sudden news that her father was now dead. Rather than sadness, the only emotion Rhea was really feeling was confusion - why everyone was suddenly crying, why no one would tell her anything, and what they even meant when they finally did. To even get a grasp on death at that age was no easy task. Perhaps when she got older, she would know better, but for a time, Rhea would only follow the imaginary explanation her brain could make up for her father's absence.

[Proddy 2415]

reserved 

[Shmeepicus 4213]

A letter arrived at Anna's office a day or so after Caspian had heard of the news.

 

"Aunt Anna,

                     my heart aches for you and your family. I hope that despite all, God sees to it that you and your children remain in good health. If ever you need someone to look after your children during your time of grieving, I would be glad to do so. I hope you know that your family is in my thoughts as well as prayers every night and if there is ever anything I can do in helping you through these troubling times, do not hesitate to ask. 

 

Love always, your nephew,

                                              Caspian."