Sent January 2nd, 1010
Dear Cyril,
I don’t know why I’m writing this. I haven’t got a letter from you yet, which means one of two things. Either A) your reply hasn’t reached me yet. Or B) you’re just that pissed at me. If it’s either case, I’m sorry for bothering you.
I know we didn’t talk for Mondstille Day, Hearth’s Warming Eve or New Year’s. Kinda wish we at least had a phone line we could share. Might solve a lot of things.
Look, I’m at risk of just rambling awkwardly. And I know that’s not what you want right now. I just wanted to tell you I still care for you, very deeply. I’m sorry I screwed up. I called up Static and she gave me the worst lecture I’ve ever heard. I went and got drunk again after all this, just to sleep.
I just want to hear from you again.
Still Yours,
-Paige
Sent January 15th, 1010
Paige,
I have thought long and hard about what to say here.
I realize we’ve got a strange relationship going on. We live so far from each other, it takes a month before we hear a response either way. We haven’t seen each other in years. So I get being lonely. That doesn’t make this okay. Still.
You didn’t have to tell me. You could’ve gotten away with it without consequence and I’d have never known. That does tell me you’ve got good intents. But it seems like it’s your judgement that’s poor.
I need a bit of time. We’ve both got a lot going on. Just give me a while to reply. Otherwise, I don’t know what else to say.
My mother doesn’t know. And she’s not going to know.
I forgive you. One time.
-Cyril
Sent February 12th, 1010
Paige,
Okay. I think I’m ready to talk again. Thanks for the breathing room.
Given everything that’s happened, we may need to back off a little with the relationship talk. I’m not saying that I want to end whatever we’ve got, but let’s face it. We’ll always be missing each other. And until we meet again, it’s going to be awkward. So easing up may be a good idea?
I’m home again. Griffenheim hasn’t changed all that much since I went west. Industrie has, though. The whole district’s up and moving. The factories are in full swing, construction and expansion are ongoing. New roads everywhere across the district, paved roads for the big hauler trucks everywhere now. New faces too, ponies and dogs and griffons moving in from the countryside and off the frontiers to come to the Imperial City. I swear to Boreas I even saw a few zebras. There’s some new boats in the Griffking, rumor is they’re using unicorns and enchanted filters to tackle the pollution. I’ll believe the Griffking clear when I spot seaponies in it though.
I got to my neighborhood, and all our neighbors came bustling out to welcome back the ‘war hero’. That was just a bit awkward. I had to return home in my Reichsarmee uniform, regulations and all, so I couldn’t just avoid them. They asked me a bunch of questions, like how many griffs I’d killed, what kind of guns I got to shoot and what medals I’d won. Everygriff offered me a beer. Took me an hour to get home from the station, that’s usually a ten minute walk. I’m reminded of how you were ‘welcomed’ by the Equestrians when you went back into the cities. Different experiences here, for sure.
Mother’s just glad I’m alive. I’ll be staying with her a few weeks, so I’m letting her fuss over me and baby me. Sophie peppered me with questions about the war at first, but now she’s stopped since I keep refusing to go into detail with her. I think she understands. It’s nice, feeling cared for again after all that time freezing in Greifenmarsch. It’s still snowing here, of course, but Industrie tends to warm you up. Traffic and factory fumes do that. But at least I’m not huddled behind the tank trying to warm up in the exhaust.
I went to a new cinema in Industrie with Sophie. We saw a new film just recently released within the last few months. Apparently, somegriff came up with the idea of a film detective named Rikard Talony, a hard-boiled detective in Rottendedam who fights the Cosa Nostra and other criminal elements while being harassed by the corrupt police department. It was good fun, Sophie loved it. Over the top, and I swear Rikard never did anything more than sneer and growl over his Specht gun while blasting down mobsters left and right. You should watch it, if they’re showing it there.
Uncle August wanted to speak with me. I can’t go into detail about it, but he mentioned something about the Holy League. I think this year might be it. When we finally take action. You and me, we’re both aware of what happens in that case. I knew the Month Long War wouldn’t be it, but so soon after...I guess I just assumed I’d have more time until my next fight. But it's kinda just my speculation. A bad feeling in the gut. You know the kind.
I’ll go see him on my last day of leave. When it's all back to business. I just want to enjoy a few more quiet days. I don’t know when I’ll be back. Come to think of it, I don’t know where I’m going either. Send your next letter to my home, Mother will make sure it gets to me after that.
Let’s see where the future goes.
-Cyril
February 28, 1010
Oh my goodness thank thank thank you! I am so sorry and I swear on every god in every pantheon I will not put you through something like this again!
I decided to take the time I wasn’t getting letters from you to re-evaluate my life. Solid’s not in it anymore, thank Celestia. I see him in class, but we’re no longer working together. He lost his tutor, but I lost my lab tech, so looks like my thesis will have to wait.
I did try and contact my old friends from Luna Nova. Most of them I never knew their addresses to. Gloaming gave me hers way back, but according to her parents, she went north with the Army last year and never came back. The military just sent back the Royal Alicorn Cross. Apparently there wasn’t much left to recover.
As I lacked anypony else to talk to, I called up Static again. She’s working as a radiomare in Vanhoover, so she’s a bit set up. Turns out her coltfriend cheated on her while she was gone, so we’re two independant mares against the world. I’m going to fly up to her over the weekend, take some time to figure out what a normal life is again.
My parents are glad I’m back in school. My father was never happy about me enlisting, much less about me being in the Equestrian forces. He doesn’t like western ponies much. Thinks they’re too idealistic and stuck in their own fantasy land. He may have a point. Mother asks about you. A lot. And far too many awkward questions, especially with...what happened. I didn’t have the heart to tell her about it. So far as she knows, you and I are taking a break.
The vote issue presses on. Apparently there’s an election arranged for later on this year. I got a letter in my mailbox about it. I’m a citizen now, who knew? Apparently both the republicans and the monarchists are looking to snap up veteran votes as quick as they can. I stopped by a Vet Hall in Hoofington. It’s turned into a political craphouse there, with republicans even going so far as to talk succession under the Coltumbia Party. Then there’s the monarchist vets looking to defend the Princesses. And then there’s the moderate crowd, trying to find some sort of compromise. It's a mess.
I don’t think I’m going to go back to a Vet Hall for a while. Maybe things are less politically charged in Vanhoover.
I picked up a nightjob as a clerk. It’s not much, but working a typewriter all night pays the bills that the Vets Bill won’t. I work with a few thestrals here, and they all look at me like I’m the odd one out which is ironic in a way. Its strange, I wasn’t in the service very long but -this- feels like the charade, like I’m just going through the motions. I’m hoping it goes away. I don’t like this unnatural feeling. This sensation that its all an act that I’m playing out. That being back to a normal life is just me waiting for the next big thing as I bounce from place to place. I don’t know anymore.
I’d heard about Rikard Talony. I’m afraid that out here, there’s too much Daring Do loyalty to accept another action hero in ponies’ hearts. Besides, Hoofington doesn’t much like outsiders, so unless they do an Equestrian version, I don’t think they’ll be showing a Herzlander film. I’m interested, though. I have to come back to the continent one day, so maybe it’ll be in time to see any sequels that have come out, and there will be some. The papers are already saying Rikard Talony’s becoming popular enough on the screen that even nobles are asking for film viewings. Trust me, it’ll be big.
Your mother wrote me again. Apparently, she’s noticed a change in you. She’s worried. I didn’t tell her what happened. Just talked about what you told me of Greifenmarsch. I don’t think she’ll be entirely convinced.
Listen, I know you wanted to take it slow and not really look over where ‘we’ are, but I don’t know if we quite have the luxury of that. It’s been a few months by the time you get this letter. We don’t get face to face conversations to ask questions or talk things out. I’m not asking you to take me back, mind, body and soul after what I did. But I do miss telling you how much I wish you were here. I miss planning our dinner in Rottendedam. I miss thinking about where we’d go in the future. I miss you, Cyril. Even what we had, limited by letters, is so terribly important to me that without it I’ve been sad and lonely. I bucked up. I know that. But I want to make it up to you.
Still Yours,
-Paige
(Inside the package with the letter is a pack of chocolates with a note reading “Happy Hearts and Hooves Day. You sent one last year, I felt it only right to get you one this year. ~Paige”)
Sent March 17, 1010
Paige,
They sent me back a few weeks ago. Our new posting is at a site known as Castle Krallestein, out here in Osnabeak. It’s an old castle whose family has died out, so the Empire is taking the estate and turning it into a military operations center. The 41st is part of the new military response force stationed here for the time being. The Empire’s looking to turn it into the most fortified site on Griffonia outside of the Imperial Palace. They’re talking about putting some top-secret work in here, so I can’t describe it much more than that, though something tells me I might not want to know. What I can say is that this garrison is enormous. The castle has its own dedicated security force, and on top of that there’s a Landwehr detachment manning the defense guns, the AA and emplaced artillery. Couple that with the panzers we’ve got, and it's looking like they’re shaping this place into a major hardpoint. But it's Osnabeak. That’s what confuses me. We’re right smack dab in the middle of friendly territory, days away from any hostile border. They’re talking about military and scientific minds coming together here. You mentioned somegriff named Daklaw I think. Is he an important scientist? Because I heard his name while we were setting up here. He’s apparently running the whole place now. Well, him and a bunch of military bigwigs like General Dawnclaw, General Silverplume and General Grimclaw, those sorts. They’re legends of the old guard here.
Oh, I got promoted. Yeah. Me. Imagine that. Apparently for my work in Greifenmarsch I’ve been given the rank of Vise-Korporal and the Imperial Service Bar. It’s not much, just a junior rank up, a pay raise and a small decoration. But it means a lot to me. I’m here because of my father. It's good to see that I’m finally making him proud in the afterlife. Everygriff congratulated me. Sergeant Hellseig says I deserve it. Bluetalon broke out some of his contraband hooch for a toast. Even Grimquill was tolerable for a while. My kompanie decided to hold a small party. All a bit much for a Vise-Korporal promotion, but I suppose we need as much cheer as we can get.
So, surprise of all surprises, we got a detachment of Knights in black armour from the east. And before you ask, not Longsword. These ‘Black Knights’ (suppose that explains the armor) wore the badge of Hellquill and some odd looking griffon head symbol with crosses on its sides. It seems Longsword and Hellquill put aside their differences and formed a union on the frontier. But it gets worse. They declared themselves to be part of something called the Integralists. They were formerly an order under the command of the Reformisten. Apparently, these jackasses took on the mantle of Blackloaks after they purged the ‘hardliners’ from their ranks. Now they’re all about spreading griffon culture to all races under the Empire. And here’s the kicker; they swear by ‘the Black King Wingfried.’ I don’t know what to think. I thought these murderers were gone, now I see what’s basically their next generation walking around Krallestein like they never abandoned the Empire. Nogriff’s happy to see them. Not us Panzerkorps or the grenadiers, not the security troopers, not Landwehr, not the other knights. It’s just a whole heap of bad news.
Don’t worry about mother. We talked about this, remember? She’s not going to know about what happened. That’s best for everyone, trust me. As for you and me, well. I gave you a second chance, Paige. I’m not entirely comfortable talking about us as a couple again, not yet. I can’t stop you from wanting to discuss it. I want us to be together, I do. I miss talking to you about us too. You are one of my only real emotional outlets here. And I need that. I’m just not sure I can do it yet. I’m sorry.
Sincerely,
-Cyril
P.S.: thanks for the chocolates.
(A package attached to the envelope opens to reveal a small tin full of cookies. Inside is another note: “Pfeffernuesse from Sophie. She baked them while I was there. Mother insisted I send them along. I didn’t object too hard. -Cyril”)
Sent April 1st, 1010
Dear Cyril,
I sent a letter thanking your sister for the cookies. They were delicious. I looked up the recipe for pfefferneusse, and I’m impressed. She’s got a gift, for sure.
The news about these Knights from a unified Hellquill really bothers me. You told me the Reformisten was purged. So why is Wingfried still alive?
I know you’re not able to answer. But at least I can take heart that they’re still hated over there. Maybe it won’t be long before your Regency orders Hellquill be reclaimed. I’m sure you can understand why every Riverpony would want that. Just stay on your guard. If they learn you’ve been (several words are scratched out here) talking with a Riverpony, you might be in trouble. I don’t think the MfÖS would sell you out if they hadn’t by now. Having an uncle as a general has its perks, I guess.
Do you mean Conrad Dawkclaw? He’s one of the greatest scientific minds in Griffonia! Do you mean to tell me he’s at the site you’re stationed? I know you can’t actually speak to him for me, but if you could at least tell if he’s on the verge of some breakthrough, and maybe I can eventually get an autograph?
Congratulations on your promotion! First step is always the hardest. I told you that you had potential, and I’m glad to see somegriff else sees it too. You’re too hard on yourself Cyril. Remember, you wanted to go to school too? What kind of program for vets does Griffeinheim have?
Speaking of school, finals are coming up again. I have now reached a happy medium. I feel appropriately confident and appropriately anxious at the same time. I joined a study group for advanced arcana, but I’m afraid I’m still struggling in advanced trigonometry. With everything that’s happened, I want to try to keep at least a B average (it's been a rough semester after all) but my trig score might drag me down. And I need trigonometry for my crystal work. Let’s see...okay, so you know I’ve been able to form energy crystals on my own with unicorn magic assisting me? Well, trigonometry is the math of measuring triangles, and essential to calculating striations and patterns in a crystal matrix. So I -need- this class to pass the higher levels of advanced theoretical arcana. Otherwise it's just going to be me suffering, and I’m already at a disadvantage. Everypony else in the class is a unicorn, so I’m kind of going in with half a deck here. So...wish me luck.
Solid came back. Says he’s not doing well now and needs my help to pass exams. I sent that loser packing. Literally. I took everything he left in my lab and dumped it right on his desk. I don’t need a manipulator like that around who takes advantage of drunk mares. Small bit of revenge on my part. Maybe a bit on yours too. I told him to look up Griffonian honor. Went right over his head that ‘Griffonian honor’ means you get the right to shoot him on the spot for his attempt on...well, your woman. Anyway, I had a private laugh at that.
It's fine if you don’t want to talk about us. I understand how awkward I’ve made things. Just know that, if and when you are, I’ll be here.
Yours,
-Paige
Sent April 23rd, 1010
Dear Paige,
Something is wrong. I can feel it.
They issued new weapons today. An entire convoy brought dozens of crates down last night. Now the panzergrenadiers have been issued new rifles, (in technical terms, the Selbstlader M-09 “Gerund” battle rifle according to the labels and the officers) and new Krahe maschinenpistole. We were given the Krahe too, for all of us to have as crew weapons. Bluetalon stuck with his shotgun, but the rest of us now have new arms to take care of. So now I have a rapid fire assault weapon loaded into a rack next to my station and a pistol on my hip. Suppose those panzers we lost in Oldwingburg spooked High Kommand enough to try and change things. Good. At least good griffs died for something. Still, I don’t like it. New gear always means kommand is getting ready for something big. At least I get to go hit the range. That’s always fun.
We’re also being brought up to full combat load. Maintenance is being prioritized, and the magazines opened to let us load live fire shells. I’ve seen the Knights and the Sturmtruppen carrying some kind of new rifle as well. Something that glows. But nogriff is allowed to talk about them, and I’m not allowed to get close.
They’ve brought in some kind of new panzer as well. Not many. We’re told these are brand new, so they’re ‘support panzers’. The Arcturien Mkpfw I, designated the ‘Stahlschild.’ According to the briefs, it's supposed to be cheap and fast enough to keep up with us, but heavy enough to support the grenadiers in urban combat. The 41st has got maybe (the word here is clipped out) of them. All I can say is that I’m glad I’m not going to be fighting in towns if I can help it. Leave that to the Beaks and these new panzers.
Don’t bring that unicorn up again, please. I’d rather just forget he exists. Unless you kicked the crap out of him, I don’t want to hear it. And I wouldn’t shoot him. Well (the next few words are scratched out). Maybe in the leg.
You’ll get those exams. And the (several words are scratched out) trig stuff. I have (the word ‘faith’ is gently scratched out) confidence. You’re the smartest person I know, Paige. Pony or griffon. You’ve got this.
Went on leave to Rottendedam this weekend. Out of all the cities in the Empire I’ve seen, Rottendedam has grown the most aside from Griffenheim. Streetcars, telephone cables, new housing at the harbor for all these creatures immigrating on the ‘Opendeurbelid Act’ (I picked up some Feathisian from a griff in the regiment. I’ve been practicing). And, wouldn’t you know it. Touring the city, I came right back to the harbor. And, I couldn’t help but go back. I know I said I wanted to leave aside all the talk about us, but I wanted to mention that I did go back. I found our table, overlooking the bay. There was a battleship there instead of a cruiser this time. I think it was the KMS Gabriela, but I’m not sure. I ordered beer and pretzels. Then I just watched the water the rest of the night, drinking and snacking. I’m glad the other griffs in the platoon went elsewhere. I don’t think I would have been the most polite of company.
Just give me time.
Sincerely,
-Cyril
Sent May 20th, 1010
Dear Cyril,
I promise you won’t hear about Solid ever again. He’s gone, and after this semester even I won’t have to deal with him. Leg shots are perfectly fine. Encouraged, even.
Thank you for you words. I always count yours as the most important for motivation. My father just goes on about me being gone and asking when I’m going to come back, and I feel like most of my subjects are a little too abstract for my mother. My brother is apparently in a Bakaran prison right now. I suppose that was inevitable. But their letters take even longer than yours. And you get what I’m talking about, at least in the general sense. I always keep your encouragement in mind when I’m studying. I like putting your medal where I can see it. Reminds me that what I’m doing is important. So many students here lack focus. But if I want to work in arcana, I need to learn more than anypony else, even unicorns.
If the Empire is anything like Equestria, the new gear rolls out when action does. Sad fact of life. I’m just hoping you won’t need it. But given what’s happened in the past and where you are, I think we’re both kidding ourselves. You’re a good soldier, Cyril. I know you and your crew can get the job done. And, more importantly, come back alive.
The election crisis goes on, if you must know. A crowd gathered in front of Hoofington City Hall, protesting against the princesses. Then a bunch of monarchists got into it with them. Then the police. Even the university can’t escape it, bunch of students yelling about topics like “freedom of vote”, “citizens’ rights” and “liberty”, acting like they’re so highly educated. We’ve even got communist supporters here on campus.
I’m taking more and more of my weekends up north with Static. Sometimes, she comes to visit me. It’s helping out a lot to be with somepony that understands what we went through together. Says she sometimes misses the war, if you can believe it. Funny, some nights so do I. But she’s a welcome help. I never mentioned, but as a unicorn she can help me with my project again. Having to wait to only do it every weekend or so is grating, but I think it’s helped me focus. Helps keep me from getting distracted from work, studying.
Static’s fun. I know I said we were good friends before, but now with us doing more together outside the Air Force, she’s lots of fun. Her radio show is called ‘No HS’, and it's a radio talk piece. She had to start doing ads in order to pay for the studio, but it lets her say her piece. Veteran radio is very much underrepresented, and she gets letters from all across Equestria to answer. If you can believe it, Vanhoover’s even more charged than Hooftington. Up north, it’s pretty heavily seated in the republican camp, even the socialist one. Static hates it, keeps talking about moving out. We’re thinking about getting a place together in Hoofington. Works out for both of us.
About the Rottendedam thing, its okay if you went back. I wish I could go back to Manehattan, but that’s not possible over a weekend. I hope you saved some of those pretzels for me. There’s a naval base nearby called Fort Mourn. I visited there one time, watched the subhunters out on maneuvers. It wasn’t the same, but the salt air reminded me of Rottendedam. And you. Take whatever time you need. Given how long its been and how long we’ve got, best we have our heads straight as we can before we meet again.
Stay Safe. Promise me.
-Paige.
Sent May 26th, 1010
Paige,
It’s happened again.
Word just came down. They’re sending us to the panzers. Negotiations broke down between the League and the Empire. There’s going to be no reintegration. It’s war. I’m already seeing the bombers flying south, poor bastards. We’re being mobilized, as well as the rest of the force stationed here in Krallestein. Word is that Uncle August has been given operational command again. We’re to head southeast starting tomorrow. The castle train depot can’t handle this many armored vehicles. We’ve orders to make for Reinsfeld in the morning, the closest city with a railhead that can accomodate us. Within a week we’re supposed to be at the front. We’ll be right into the fight.
We’re ready. Or, that’s what we keep telling ourselves. This fight has been a long time coming. Hellseig’s not taking any chances. He’s got Bluetalon scrounging for whatever he can find to increase our odds. Zola’s got some new armor plating bolted on. Non-regulation of course, but if it keeps us alive, I’m not complaining. We moved everything we own into her. Your picture is back over my gunsight. The books you sent me are under my gunner’s seat. Your letters I keep in a satchel.
It’s been six months. Time I set the record straight. We’re going to war. That changes things. I’m never going to forget what happened, Paige. But I think I’m ready to move on, and right now I don’t want any kind of bad air to remain between us.
Keep in contact with mother and Sophie. You know how the mail gets. All kinds of snarled up in the rear lines. So I’m dropping this letter in the Castle mailbox now, before we go into the chaos. You likely won’t hear from me for some time. Keep up your studies. Good luck on your finals. Static is a good influence on you, let her help. I’ll be in touch as soon as I can.
Yours (again),
-Cyril
(The following is an attachment, a secondary letter folded up into the envelope. The penmanship is neat, and the stationary reads as from the 8th Heer, Reichsarmee)
To Miss Paige Turner,
While we have never met or corresponded, I have kept a close watch on your words to my nephew, as part of the favor to my sister. I failed Cyril’s father, and the least I can do is make sure he stays as safe as he can. Know this; I have been monitoring your correspondence closely. I know what happened, and I have remained silent about it. But now Cyril goes to war, I feel the time is no better to send you a notice. If you betray him again before he dies, I will personally find you and make sure you atone for what you have done. I will bring you back to Griffenheim myself, and you can explain to his mother, face to beak.
I will be watching. The censors will intervene again if I order it. Do not respond to this message. Say nothing to Cyril.
-August Duskwing
Sent June 12th, 1010
Dear Cyril,
We always knew this could happen. I suppose I was getting hopeful it might not. Peaceful reintegration would mean I got to see you sooner, or at least increase my chances.
I wish you the best as you go to war. Keep your head down, and return to us all safe.
If we’re going to do this long distance relationship again, I feel we’re missing out on some things we’ve never discussed. Face to face couples have the chance to talk things out like we can’t, and we’ve been talking for years. Static recommended I try to start things back at the beginning (she says I have a habit of over complicating things) and honestly, I think something simple to focus on will help you, too.
So, I ask you three questions about yourself, and then you ask me. Simple, right?
Favorite color? Mine is purple. It’s an elegant color, really. I can’t get over it.
Favorite music? While I will always love the string quartets back home in Rijekograd, I have grown attached to something out here called electronica. Simply put, it’s a type of synthetic music using various sounds effects. I like to listen to it while I work on my crystal with Static.
Place you want to visit? Now I’m actually in Equestria, and given everything with us, I’m a bit drawn between Rottendedam and actually getting to that date we keep planning, and Griffenheim. You always talk so highly of it, and I didn’t see much when I took the train from the east.
Everything’s normal out here again. Boring, really. Static came south to visit and we started looking into properties for rent. She’s looking to restart her radio station in Hoofington, thinks she’ll get better reception that way. I personally agree, though she might get fired up over the Coltumbia party here. Apparently, the oil magnate Rockefeller has been funding the republican party, and I don’t like how political she gets over this stuff. At least she’ll be well received in the Vet Halls.
Finals week will be done and over with by the time you get this letter, and then that’s two years done for me. I’m hoping to get a bachelor’s soon, and then I can apply for a position at an arcane lab. That would be amazing to work in magic development while finishing up school. I want to aim for my doctorate, but that’s so far down the road.
I decided to answer your sister with my own baking. It’s been years since I tried it, but I made some decent medenjaci for her. Static liked them so much, I had to make a whole new batch! Maybe I’ll get back into baking to pass the time between semesters when I’m not busy with work. I hope Sophie and Margot like them too.
I’ve got your picture in a frame on my nightstand. I know if I leave it in my saddlebag, I’ll lose the stupid thing. I wouldn’t mind another when you can get the opportunity.
I’ll try to be your source of normal while you go to the front. With everything that can happen out there, I know you need it.
Come back to me, okay? One day.
Yours (gladly),
-Paige
PS: you have a good family. They watch out for you.
Sent June 29th, 1010
6/9/10
Dear Paige,
Back to war as expected. It’s a lot like Greifenmarsch. The Holy League don’t have a lot of panzers, but they’re making up for it a lot better than the Peasants ever did. More professional troops, panzer-zerstörer guns and even the Knights of Arcturius. The 41st hasn’t gotten stuck in yet, but we’re following the advance towards Yale. I don’t feel bad about that part, because the Sturmtruppen assaulting Romau have got a rough one ahead of them. I’d rather head for Greenback personally, rather than take on the Archon’s own in another city fight.
6/14/10
Paige,
The summer rains are on again. Trucks and tanks sometimes get bogged in the mud, but it’s not as bad as I expected. Better roads here, better fields. Yale’s rich, so they know how to handle infrastructure.
We had a small scrap with some infantry. The Yale truppen scattered once the panzers took to the field, but a company from Angriever stood their ground, died to the last griff. Those griffons concern me. They’re supposed to be some of the Archon’s most loyal soldiers. How do you get fanatics to surrender when they consider you a heretic?
Pushing southeast. The main fight’s still ahead of us. I’m okay with taking our time getting there.
6/21/10
Dear Paige,
We keep pushing, and the League keeps pulling back. But not without cost. It’s a fighting withdrawal, we think. They can’t hold against us, so they fight long enough to stop us and then pull back. Lines of wounded Imperials heading back to the field hospitals. We passed by a kompanie from the 6th Panzer. They were pretty beaten up. Apparently they rolled right into an ambush with PzWs and landmines. Once they stopped to fight the infantry and clear the mines, the enemy pulled back and arty hammered them.
We’re taking the 6th’s place for now. We’re not as armor heavy, no Beak’s and only a few Stahlschilds. Most of our force is Calicos like Zola, with some knights from the Order of the Carmine Shield. But if we keep the panzergrenadiers safe, they’ll handle the fights ahead of us.
I keep thinking back to what you said about going to school. I know I told you that I would if time permits, but so far it’s been nothing but training, preparation to fight, and now actual war. My fear is that, if I do come back alive from this, it’ll be so late in my life when I’m able to go to school, won’t be a point.
6/24/10
Paige,
We got into a scrap with the Yale troops we’re chasing. Turns out, they’ve got panzers after all.
We engaged outside the town of Mortome. Yale troops barricaded the place with traitor Knights backing them up. The panzergrenadiers and Knights dismounted, and we moved to flush out the enemy when we start taking fire from the woods. Turns out, the local Yale forces dug them in, with logs to act like trenches. We lost three before we took out the enemy. Four Yale panzers, old Airbender models. But damn did they do damage. I got one. Felt good. Marked it on the turret. First panzer kill of my career.
6/28/10
Got your letter. Dunno when I’ll get another chance for a photo. I’d give my right arm for ‘boring’ though. It’s gotta be better than this crap. Whatever your finals, I know you did great. No other possibilities with you. Keep on pushing towards that degree. I know you’ll get there some day.
I wouldn’t mind some baking. Sophie will love it. What is medenjaci, anyway?
I’ve got the chance to answer your questions. Okay, favorite color: green. But dark green, like pine needles. Music: jazz, both high energy and blues. We’ve got new numbers on Reichsheer Radio every day, straight out of Griffenheim. It really took off a few years back, and I love it. Place to visit: Rottendedam for me too. Wouldn’t mind some more time at home with mother and Sophie. Hoofington would be worth it to see you there. Always wanted to visit Zebrica, explore the ‘mysterious dark south’. Maybe the Boer colonies, or the Zebrides.
Okay, for you: favorite book? Gotta be ‘Daring Do and the Lost Valley’. Honestly, I’m all up for a good monster-killing story, so the one sells it for me with all the thunder lizards she runs into. Favorite food? I know ponies are a little limited. But I’m always a fan of a good schnitzel. And finally favorite flower? This one might surprise you, but I decided to think outside the box a little. I like Feathisian tulips. Ever since I visited Rottendedam and saw those gardens they have, it just got me. The petals, the smell. I wouldn’t mind a garden of my own wherever I settle down.
We met the enemy again today, in full battle. A Feathisian regiment tried to dislodge them and wound up getting a bit fucked up, so we were sent to save them. The League griffs were dug into a series of trenches, with guns and knights defending them. I don’t know how long we slogged through that field, but I can see why we’re slowed so much. They used the same flying infantry firebomb tactic that the Peasants did. I was hoping that wouldn’t catch on, but now we’re calling them ‘Angriever cocktails’, so I suppose they’re becoming more known. From what I can tell by the uniforms, it was more Yale troopers backed by Angriever soldiers. I saw another uniform I didn’t recognize. It definitely wasn’t Imperial, but it had the pins stripped. These griffons didn’t want to be recognized. I don’t like that.
6th Panzer is moving up again. We’re following behind. Here’s hoping we just clean up whatever they leave for us. General Dawnfeather’s Sturmtruppen broke through the defensive ring, and are advancing towards Romau. We’ll likely have the city under siege soon. But 8th Army is continuing southwards, towards Greenback, and then Angriever. That’s the plan the officers keep spouting, at least.
More news of the Black Knights. Apparently, King Wingfried is going to be decorated. Katerin troops tried pushing east into Longsword for a flank, and Hellquillian troops destroyed them, stopped cold. So word is he’s coming to Griffenheim. The whole thing flares my wings, it really does. Nogriff in the Reichsarmee trusts them. For good gods-damned reason.
We’re winning, I think. The advance isn’t as fast as back in Greifenmarsch, but we -are- moving forward. Here’s hoping it doesn’t keep costing as much as it is for just scraps of land, though.
Word back from mother. She’s concerned, of course. Not just for me. Apparently, the Katerin front has stalled out. She says a lot of griffons are talking about evacuating Griffenheim just in case, but the Regency keeps issuing statements that the Imperial Guard will never let the traitors have the city. Still. Griffenheim has been bombed a few times. I almost want mother and Sophie to get out. I’ve seen what happens when a city is bombed. But I don’t want to worry them anymore than they already are. There’s panic in the Imperial City. Militias are forming too. Word is, General Dawnclaw is on his way back with some of his Sturmtruppen. No chance any land force can take Griffenheim. But I don’t want to see what happens if they try. Uncle August will watch out for them. He’ll know better than I would if they need to go.
Keep up your boring life. I need it right now to stay sane.
Yours,
-Cyril
Sent July 22nd, 1010
Dear Cyril,
Finals came and went. I think my head was somewhere else. It wasn’t hard, I just had trouble focusing. Summer vacation right now, and I don’t have much outside of work and my crystal project. All my friends from school are either at home or out on vacation. I’m starting to feel like I might be slightly boring.
The newspapers are finally reporting on the war out there. They’re calling it the ‘Herzland War’. Plenty of journalists declaring it to be the ‘final gasps of a dying empire about to demolish itself.’ I hate the media out here. I told Static about what you said on the front, about the truth out there, and she said it over her radio show. She started getting hatemail for talking positively about the Empire. She can’t wait to move out of that place.
I can’t believe they’re decorating that monster. I know I’ve been a bit quiet on your leadership, but this is seriously the most bucked up thing. He and his followers are responsible for a massive amount of pony suffering, but just because he comes back to the Empire declaring himself a changed griff, it's all supposed to be okay? I’m not okay with this, and I’m glad to hear the Imperial military isn’t either. (several words are furiously scratched out)
I am glad to hear you and your crew are alright. Your experience in this war is so different compared to what I went through. The constant grind forward, stuck in the mud and struggling for every inch. Thank ‘Zola’ for keeping you alive. I wouldn’t ever consider myself aggressive under most means, but given the fact you’re stuck in against these guys, all I can say is keep knocking them down and keep your head in the panzer.
I looked in an atlas at the Empire. You’re right, Katerin is rather close to Griffenheim. If the Princess’ forces were able to bomb it already, your mother might be right to try and get out. Though you’re right, your uncle would certainly keep her safe. I haven’t heard back from her or Sophie. I’m worried too, trust me.
Medenjaci is a kind of honey spice cookie, or cake. Depends on what you use for the base and how large you make them. I like making cookies, though. Then you can scoop them up for a snack later.
Static found a place, a nice cheap apartment near the campus. I know I get free university housing, but she can’t move out here without help, and I make enough bits to contribute. Plus, I can always apply for housing aid for educational purposes. We’re supposed to go through a series of meetings with officeponies to discuss rent, appeal for housing and other things tomorrow. Hooves crossed, right?
Favorite book. You always have to pull a hard one, don’t you? Okay, I have to say my favorite book would have to be the ‘Senke nad Rijekom’ series (‘Shadows Over Rijekograd,’ but don’t let the name fool you). It’s a political thriller series about the tumultuous nature of Riverlands politics. It covers the formation of the River Coalition and the early years. There was a lot of backstabbing and border tensions in those days. We were so busy fighting each other, we almost fell apart again. It doesn’t paint a flattering picture of the Griffonian Empire either, which I kind of had to unlearn as I grew up. To us, the Empire is still the big scary boogeypony, even after it fell apart. But for the most part, the series is a good historical narrative. And, unfortunately, it also shows how our politics today became so messed up. Socialists, republicans, monarchists, all at each others’ throats. A pity we never learned from those days.
Favorite food is definitely truffels over creamy pasta. It’s simply to die for, and I can never get enough. It’s expensive though, so I don’t get it very often. If you can order it sometime, do so. It speaks for itself.
Favorite flower? You are weird, you know that? I’ve never thought about it.
Purple anenome. My mother has a garden in the yard, and her favorite part of it is the Riverlands Purple Anenome in the center. They’re beautiful flowers. When I was a filly, I used to hide under the flowers in the garden, and I remember the Anenome smelled so nice. Maybe that’s why purple’s my favorite color?
Suddenly, it's getting tough to come up with more questions. I suppose it's different through letters. Oh, here’s one; hobbies. You can’t be a soldier all day, right? What do you do when you’re not at “work” in your panzer? You know about me, with my novels. But I also used to do crafts. When I was a filly in school, I made little statues out of popsicle sticks and glitter. I used to do a bit of scrapbooking too. Then school kind of took over my life and I dropped it for a bit. Maybe I’ll pick it back up.
Childhood. We haven’t mentioned much about when we were younger. I know you told me a little bit about growing up in Industrie, but do you have anything more than that? I was always the smart foal in school, like advanced smart, so I wound up moved forward two whole grades. Got a little awkward during physical education when I was flying with teenagers and I could barely flap my wings. My parents had to take that over for a while, so guess how many times I wound up throwing myself off the slide, the window, whatever high point I could find? I lost my baby teeth early, for certain.
This one is Static’s suggestion. It’s going to be a bit hard for us both. What is your biggest fear?
That one’s tough for me. Before the Crystal War, I used to be afraid of never being able to fly again. I love flying so much, I can’t ever imagine not being able to use my wings again and just stuck on the ground. But nowadays, I’m kind of perpetually afraid of losing you all over on Griffonia and I wouldn’t even know it until a month later. My parents, you, your mother, Sophie. Imagine if you thought everything was going fine until just one day a letter shows up and tells you they’ve all been gone and you never even would have known otherwise.
Okay, that’s a grim way to end this. But Static says we need to get the tough ones out of the way first. So I’ll keep it in there.
I’m watching the news as best I can. I know it's mostly shit, but I like to think it helps me keep track of you in between. There’s word of ‘scuffles’ in the Herzlands, but aside from them saying there’s action in Yale and Katerin, it's a bit vague. They mention the Battle of Ruhr River and the Katerin Siege like everypony’s supposed to know where that is. So keep writing me, Cyril. Because if you tell me what you’re doing, I can watch you. I’ve got Mortome pinned on my map. I know you left it behind already, but I just point an arrow at Greenback and hope.
And maybe pray a little.
Tell no one.
I’ve got your notes, by the way. If you’re going to turn this into a workable log, they need to be preserved properly. So I’ll add your letters to them. We’ll have your autobiography a best seller in no time. A good, nice, long one.
Now I think I’m looking for excuses not to end this letter.
Let’s keep hoping this is it. That after this, the quiet we’re looking for lets us see each other. I know we’ve said that before. We need to keep saying it. Can’t lose hope.
Yours,
-Paige