28th of Saluna, 1519

Nova,

I'm not sure how much longer I'll be able to write as often. The situation here is growing more serious by the day. We've been stationed near the border for weeks now, and it feels like we're on the brink of something big. There is so much tension in the air that it is almost suffocating. The commanders say that an attack is imminent, and we've been preparing for it non-stop. The cooling weather hasn't helped and the cold nights sap at our already high nerves.

The training has become more grueling, and I can feel the weight of what's coming pressing down on everyone. Sirius and I have been keeping each other sane, though even he has become quieter, more focused. It's strange, Nova, as this life we're living now feels so far removed from the one we had in Mistveil. Sometimes I wonder if I'll ever feel that peace again. I'm on edge most of the time event though nothing has yet to happen.

The nights are harder now. The silence I once found unsettling has become almost unbearable. The men talk in hushed tones about the battles they've heard of, about comrades who've been lost. It's hard not to let the fear creep in, but I'm holding on to the thought of you. It's what keeps me going.

I miss the simple things from before. The way the sun sets over the hills that would cast a golden glow over the village. I miss the sound of your laughter, the way you could make even the darkest day seem bright. I even miss the hectic orphanage with the Sisters who felt like it was their job to scold us every chance they got. There's so much I want to say, but I don't want to worry you. Just know that I'm thinking of you, always.

Please, Nova, don't worry too much. I'll do everything I can to come back to you. I'll write when I can, but if you don't hear from me for a while, just know that I'm still here.

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Yours forever,

Theo

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14th of Ileana, 1520

My dear Theo,

Your letter has me on edge, though I try to tell myself not to worry. But it's hard, Theo. Every day without you here without a response is a day filled with uncertainty. I read your words over and over, trying to find comfort in them, but the thought of you out there, so close to danger, terrifies me. I know nothing of war and many here haven't either outside what is in history books. The small skirmishes between clans are nothing compared to this.

Life in Mistveil continues much the same, though there's an underlying tension that we can't escape. The women in the village must have received similar new to me as they too look nervous. You said that there was no one from our village in your platoon which had me worry more. The village is quieter now as more men have been conscripted, and the fields are emptier. Even the children at the orphanage seem to sense that something is different. They are not as active and their laughter has dimmed. The children with fathers and brothers gone have also been more morose as their mothers fret and worry.

Ravi and Lyra have been my constant companions as usual. Ravi has taken on more responsibilities, helping wherever he can. He's growing into a fine young man, and I can see so much of you in him. He looks up to you and is looking forward to you coming home. It had hurt my heart when he mentioned that he wanted to go help you once he was older. I told him that you will be back before that. I hope that is true.

Lyra has been more subdued, though she still asks about you every day. I think she's starting to understand the gravity of the situation, even if she doesn't say it out loud. She has always been sensitive and seeing her like this makes my heart clench.

I've been visiting the glade less often as It's hard to be there without you. The memories, while comforting, also bring a sharp pang of loneliness. Instead, I find myself spending more time with the children and those in the village. Helping out where I can as resources have been dwindling due to the war. It's not the same, Theo. Nothing is the same without you.

Please be safe. I'm trying to stay strong, to keep faith in your promise. But I need to know that you'll come back to me. I can't imagine a world where you're not here.

With all my love,

Nova