[A letter to Josephine]

[Tinker Tailor]

[A letter is left in a quiet place within the Krak des Roses, little observed except by someone who knows where to look.]


Dearest Josephine,

How I long to see you once again, my beloved, and hold you in my arms. It has been an age since we had last met in Baz'eel, and though the reflections of the moon upon the great fountains were a marvel almost without compare, they were matched and exceeded by the mirth that I beheld in your starlit eyes.

I find that growing distance has not aided my discontent at our parting, and I weep as the cloak of great B'aara. And though my myriad thoughts have turned to mundane affairs, I cannot banish your image from my mind's eye.

You are ever on my mind.

Sincerely Yours,

~ R.

[Another missive is enclosed.]

[Soldier Spy]

The letter is collected, a short response left in its place.

R,

How dare you? To write and pretend as if our parting was some sweet thing from a light-heated tale; and that it was neither your fault or your responsibility we parted as we did.

But so be it--my mind screams at me to tear this response to shreds--but I cannot deny my heart its yearning.

Wait for my call, it shall be for a name familiar to you.

-J

P.S. I knew you would want me back.

[Soldier Spy]

R,

What a reunion that was, wondrous and exciting, joyful and delightful.

We were in pursuit of a memory of our old past lives; each other's fire and heat did we chase.

I felt the blood in my veins warm as we spoke; hotter and hotter did it become just like the desert sands bake in sunlight.

A part of me still worries things might, in the end, end as it did before.

Could this be false hope?

I beg you, relieve me of my doubts.

Meet me again.

-J

[Tinker Tailor]

Beloved Josephine,

Eyes in starlit repose, you have captured my heart as surely as the sun shall set each living day. And how could I be so lucky as to be romanced to one of such beauty, such wit, as you?

I shall find you soon!

~ R.

[Soldier Spy]

R,

It has been so long, I know, but I have not forgotten you. Work on the poem I told you about continues, if slowly. The details. The details are key even if gathering the right words to form the perfect sentences takes time. The wait shall be worth it, I promise.

-J

[Tinker Tailor]

J,

We are kept distant from one another by time and circumstance, and I long to see you under the cloak of holy twilight. I know that you have been working very hard and I look forward, oh so much, to seeing what you have crafted! My heart stirs to even the imagined lines of your verse.

Not even the Martyrs' final sleep shall keep me from your arms.

~ R.

[Soldier Spy]

R,

Your patience is such a sweet gift.

Like a shaded cowled head protected from the burning sun by your kindness, what was once feels scorching now is nothing.

-J

P.S. As a treat, I have included a preview...

[Soldier Spy]

R,

My pen continues its travels across paper, trailing ink of poetry. There is much still it must go but it does not stay still.

Each new empty virgin page is a wondrous world to be explored; what incredible sights one sees when stood atop the world.

-J

[Soldier Spy]

R,

Closer and closer and closer. I think of our next meeting to be and and these words repeat in my mind. The bliss of your presence approaches. I know it. I think of you and I know:

I am in pursuit of heaven, goodly and holy, truly.

-J

[Soldier Spy]

R,

Finally. At last. I took so long.

My latest work is completed and I yearn for your insightful approval.

I wandered the sands for so long, working on this pressing and burning piece.

My imagination did invoke so much that I am sure I have earned rest upon the banks of the Edutu.

You will join me there, yes?

-J

A sizeable, sealed work is left with the letter.

[Tinker Tailor]

[This letter, and the last, are received... along with whatever sizeable, sealed work is left with the former.]