Letters in the Night

"Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies."

—Aristotle

N,

The confines of these plastered walls cultivates the longing to be traversing your world instead of mine. The ruffles and nonsensical festivities do little to satisfy my boredom. I desire wind. I desire the grass greeting my toes. But most, I desire no I crave your arms encasing me. Until the sun no longer returns each morn, I will love you.

G.

Life seems to have a way of convincing you that you're destined to fail. That no matter how hard you try or believe, more and more challenges will stand in your way. Some may call it fate even. It wasn't until I met her that I knew life was wrong. I was going to be with her, no matter the cost.

I will never forget that night. The moon's presence sliced through the forest surrounding the lagoon. Secluded by the trees, I waded, breathing in the melancholic atmosphere. Had she gotten my letter I'd sent last night? The punishment was unbelievable and should she get caught, both our throats were on the line. The risk was getting higher each escapade we planned. The wait seemed eternal until a soft rustling disturbed the silence. Through the dampened foliage, a woman appeared. Waves of tangled hair draped down her body and vibrant blue eyes stood in contrast. A thin, white cloth adorned her figure and as she approached the water, she released it without hesitation. Slipping in, the luminescence of the night bathed her supple skin otherworldly. Joined in the depth, I finally spoke.

"You're late." Sapphires drifted up to meet a much cooler brown hazel and a smile danced on her lips.

"A princess is never late. But your owl was." Her velvet voice calmed the nerves prickling my spine. With a glance to the standing oaks, I caught sight of my dearest of friends. Bold and graceful, Socopcea perched alert Her reddish, dappled chest camouflaged her among the trees.

"She must have been hunting. She'd been asleep all day." I mumbled in thought. A soft chuckle followed.

"She's busy you know. I worry she works too hard navigating each night." I met the woman's stare losing my breath momentarily. The silence surrounding let the panic set in.

"Galia, I don't.." As her name trembled out of my throat, I felt her grip tighten.

"Don't Nim." Echoes rippled through the lagoon.

"You must know this can't last. We are going to get caught. With you sneaking out, I can't possibly have you risk your safety over me." An angry glare matched mine.

"I won't get caught. With Socopcea bringing our letters and my undeniable wits, we will find a way. You need to trust me." She spoke sharply.

"You are royalty, Galia. You know as much as I do what could happen. Maybe we should wait a little longer in-between each meeting."

"I just got here and it's been nearly two weeks. Can you just hold me?" Nuzzled into my throat, her breath seeped through my frigid skin. In what life could we make it? In what world could we be together? Not this one - and it tore my soul apart.

G,

Do you remember that night when we ran along the wood's edge and the woodpecker flew out? I'd thought the town would hear us with how loud you screamed. Or the time we climbed the back wall to Mr. Gills bakery and stole a jelly tart to share on the highest cliffs? Those are the moments that get me through my sewing this morning. I wonder what you're doing today. A walk in town? Your parasail hiding your beauty. Or maybe you are laughing with your handmaiden while you set the next prank. I'm wonder what adventure you're planning. I only wish I could be there too. I'm not as fancy with my words as you are - maybe you can teach me?

N.

It had been utter coincidence that Galia had fallen into my lap that day. Literally. As I hoisted in our new delivery of silk worms, my attention shifted on a racing steed galloping down the confined corridors. Pursued by guards, a wild eyed girl cackled in thrill. The commotion of the crowd was deafening. Abruptly, the stallion was slamming to a halt in front of me. A surprised squeak and thud later, I lay planted on the cobblestone with a face inches above. With an adrenaline laced smile, the girl crawled off my lap and hoisted me up. A black vine braid decorated in twigs crawled over her shoulder.

"Princess Galia!" Guards rustled around her searching out injuries. As quickly as she'd arrived, she was on her way out. It wasn't until she glanced back and our eyes met that I felt it. That gut twisting, heart skipping feeling. The one that makes your palms sweat and a tug at your stomach. You know what I am talking about. From that moment, I knew I had a crush on the one girl I could never have.

Amongst the lowest of society, the farmers spent most of their days tending to their yields. While a humble life, it led to no luxury. As we passed each hut, waves and hellos were exchanged. One step above was where we existed - the middle class of the kingdom. Traders, shop keepers and florists tended to the needs of our nobles. Trips to the castle were amongst the most honorable acts and were rare. Today lent itself to such an occasion. As one of the few silk collectors left, my father's fabric was sought after for many high end fashion outlets. Even the Queen herself had adorned such pieces. If only we had won her favor the last festival years ago, we would be in the castle instead of moving towards it.

Ants in comparison to the height of the walls, our trek was slow. My father was an elderly man - hands worn down by age but a spirit as lively as a bull. After my mother passed, he alone raised my sister and I without a second thought. Now with his most glorious sets of cloth, his reputation at stake, and a court to please, he navigated the roads carefully. The Festival of Life was one of our kingdoms grandest celebrations. Makers of every such industry brought their best to try to win the Queen's favor. If one were to succeed, they would be accepted on as a court official, which was my father's greatest dream. I only hoped mine could be fulfilled as well.

It has been almost a full month since I had been graced her presence. With heightened security around the castle following the arrival of other country's suitor's, it became treacherous to send Socopcea. The task of not running to her was arduous, let alone to speak without any emotion. Just to see her was enough.

N,

I aspire to discover what the sun does when it caresses the sea's edge. The colors are vibrant so I hear. This corset aches. The whalebone is crushing my breast to the point of fainting. One day I will be free of this confine and burn it alongside the atrocious costumes I adorn each evening. Make me a promise Nim; take me to the sea. Let's brandish the finest of ships and outrun our cages.

G.

Bearing the sun on our backs, father and I kneeled awaiting our Queen and princess to grace the last step above us. With her head concealed, I had yet to see Galia. My father's work had been selected amongst the dozen fabric tailors. Pounding in my chest, my heart ached in thrill. This was it - my opportunity to prove to the Queen I could be deserving of her daughter. Was it a long shot? Absolutely. But I had to try.

"Rise." The silvery notes had us on our feet instantaneously. With a delicate hand, Galia lifted her veil. A somber shadow clouded her expression and she just wordlessly observed me.

"William, these silks are exquisite. You are a man of fine craft. I must request some for Galia's wedding gown. No other could compare. I would like to welcome you as a member of our castle." The Queen dipped her hand towards my father who met it with a kiss.

"Thank you my Queen. Oh thank you. This means the world." Father swiveled to me triumphant but I was no longer there.

I assumed breaking my arm in the workshop was pain. Nothing in life primed me for this day. We were locked in a gaze. She was to be married. Of course she was - she was the princess. I was screaming. I was furious. Why hadn't she told me? When did she know? Her pink stained lips moved with no sound - I am sorry.

The sound pierced the air. Wails followed. Trailing a path down from her face, I watched a crimson stain materialize around a spiral arrow and seep across her pale dress. My world did not stop - it shattered. A guttural howl escaped me.

"No!" As she dropped, I scooped her in my arms landing hard on the stone. Her breath was ragged and her eyes clinched shut.

"Galia! Stay with me! No no.. please!" The cries of desperation were a waterfall. Her hand gripped on my chest and I protected it with my own. Those sapphires leaked salty tears that dashed along her cheeks, down her throat. I kissed her head, her lips, her cheeks.. anywhere I could. The darkest of places welcomed me as every ounce of my soul cracked into pieces. The Queens sobs followed guards ripping us apart.

"No! Please!" Clawing against my father's embrace, I chased after the receding entourage.

"Nim stop!" My legs needed no instructions. They took multiple steps at a time. There was crack and all was black.

G,

With as much as you talk discuss about the sea, you might as well be a mermaid. Only, you sing better prettier more vibrant than even the loveliest of sirens. I rather enjoy the woods myself. More leaves to cover you in. I still cannot believe you filled the tutor's pillow with them. I knew you were a trouble maker. For what it's worth, your letters make me feel like I am there. Silk is boring monotonous. Fancy but bland. Running down the castle corridors chasing the barn cat you set loose sounds like much more fun much more thrilling. Sweet dreams my love. (How'd I do? I'll need more words in next week's lesson).

N.

A throbbing headache welcomed my consciousness. Raising a hand to meet my hairline, blood trickled down my fingers. Cursing, I flung myself off the bed. A desolate set of bars held me in a pen of damp, darkened walls. Kicking the nearest confine, I threw myself against it slipping to the bottom. As my weakened state began to make itself known, the tears appeared. Wracked sobs shook my frame and the heavy weight of the previous events crushed my lungs. Curling my shaking legs to my chest, I felt the strength leave my body. A soft crackle at my chest snapped my head down and I shoved my hand into the pocket of my tunic. A crumpled piece of paper had been placed, a bloody finger smear traced the top. I frantically tore the letter open.

Nim,

It's with a heavy hand I write this. My parents have selected a suitor. Despite my feverous objection, the date has been set for our wedding. You should know I would not be who I am if I did not 1. fight against it and 2. have a plan. It is perilous but I have outlined it to the most miniscule detail. I speculate you are in shock and I cannot begin to envision how hurt you are but I need you now. If I have timed this all correct, I should be on my way to you. My handmaiden has sedated the guards (spiked tea really works) and we will release you. There is a fishing boat in the harbor awaiting our chosen destination. Faking my death was the only way and while I will be injured, the man I hired to aid is loyal. I ask you fulfill your promise to me tonight - take me to the sea.

Galia

I smiled down at the round face peering back up with wide curious hazel halos. Her hair was a blond mess and her hand clutched my worn shirt.

"But what happened? Did they escape?" The front teeth she had lost made a slight lisp as she spoke. I peered out into the water - the tides rising and falling like art being glided on a canvas. Tucked in a modest cage, Socopcea awaited our arrival at the bay. She was eager to stretch her wings.

"Of course - Nim and Galia made it to the boat and they lived happily ever after. The end." Her grin enlarged and she bounced up. Yelling something about telling the tale again, she flew down the deck towards the living quarters.

Galia had planned the departure better than any other could have. We maneuvered the castle perfectly, fled into the town towards the bay in swift time, but the arrow had missed. Instead of a slight injury, the heart had been scraped and the damage done. Tears pricked at my eyes and I reread the final letter she'd written before she'd passed on the way out of the harbor.

My dearest love,

You kept your promise and now I must ask one more. Do not be sad. While I may be away, I am not gone. I live on inside of you. We are one soul and while we must be apart now, we will meet again. Write letters in the night and burn them. The smoke will bring them to me while Socopcea can't. Love again. Live again. I will see you soon. Until the sun no longer returns each morn, I will love you.

Yours always, Galia