Letters To Big Cuz

[Colt Pirian]

Kristen Pirian ,

Hope this letter finds you safe and sound. You wouldn’t believe what I had to do to get this letter out of the Academy and into the post. Anyways, I heard you ended up getting transferred to the 44th. I reckon that’s not what you wanted, but I hope all is well there. Even if it’s not ship shape I’m sure it will be soon with you over there. I’m sure you can’t tell me, but are we really headed to war? You prolly know better than I do, but I worry about food in such things. I heard Proctor Snicket give the “army marches on its stomach” line, but I’m pretty sure he’s never filled a pig’s trough, shoed a horse, or cleaned the chit off a hen’s egg before. Most outside our house just don’t know how much goes into it all.

Speaking of, I’ve been getting better at my leatherwork. It takes time to get supplies, but I’d be happy to put together a pair of boots, gloves, or whatever will help you out. Just let me know what you want and measurements.

By the way, has Proctor Harkenov always been such a huge bitch? I cannot make any traction in her classes. If I didn’t think she hated everybody I’d think I was the problem. Any tips here would be greatly appreciated.

Wishing you well big cuz,

Colt

 

[Kristen Pirian]

The missive sent in response. The writing was of a practiced calligraphy:

Dear Colt,

Had your letter been any less timely, I fear I may have missed its arrival! Yet swift was your pen and keen were your senses, and your efforts have not gone without reward. The courier, upon his arrival, looked awfully beset by the weariness of his travels, and I thanked him profusely.

Of the things I may say regarding the actions of our country, with due care for the medium of our communication (that being unguarded couriers), I am at liberty to tell you that, yes, I have been called from the Reserves into active service, and that, yes, it is with the 44th Anirian Guard. Your hope is well received, and I will cherish it. But I tell you, Colt, that I do not shirk from the duty to which I am now called. Very much so, I do welcome it! I shan't assail you with the fullness of my laments here, for I am sure you can know them near as much as I do; but the chance to cast off the dubious rank of Fourth Level and ascend to the Third is something whose value both you and I can appreciate.

Here I shall lighten the burden of your heart, and assure you, my cousin, that I and those around me are well-fed! And that, I shall say, ought be a source of pride for we who hold the name of Pirian, for likely it is that the greater share of our provisions have come from Pirian lands.

Glad am I to hear of your rising skill in the craft of leatherworking! And another instantiation of your timeliness! For it is that a mishap has caused some damage to my gloves. A gift from you in remedy to this ill fortune I would wear with both gratitude and love.

As to Proctor Harkenov, I cannot advise you, for she is among the Proctors with whom I had no substantial interaction. But, dear cousin, I bid you be careful! Please be mindful of your language, and speak in no such tones as you have written in your letter aloud on Academy grounds! Better it would be to endure her current treatment of you, however coarse and unpleasant it may seem or be, than to aggrieve her—or any other Proctor—with a tactless word spoken recklessly. Maintain your military bearing, as is only appropriate, and you will do well. Know that I give you this counsel in the hope of your continued success and with the warmest care for your wellness.

And so I will conclude by telling you, Colt, that no force on Arethil is strong enough to keep me from witnessing your graduation from the Academy. When comes the day, the Pirian red that I shall wear will scarcely be enough to contain the effluence of my pride and affection.

Sincerely,

Kristen​