Chapter Text
Lord Rosfield,
I hope you will forgive my presumption in writing to you like this, but I enjoyed making your acquaintance at the Remembrance Ceremony. Did the Phoenix enjoy the evening? I hope your return journey was not arduous and that you arrived safely. If you would be amenable to further correspondence, please address your reply to me directly. I will inform an attendant that I am expecting it.
Yours sincerely,
Dion Lesage
Crown Prince of the Holy Empire of Sanbreque
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Your highness,
Please, as I mentioned in Twinside it is just Clive. I did not anticipate hearing from you after the Remembrance, but I find myself pleased that you sent a missive. How was the return journey to Oriflamme? Did you go by chocobo again or choose this time to take the comfort of the carriage?
Joshua and I are well, we have returned to our usual routine in Rosalith. Joshua is secreted away with his tutors most days, unless he is sneaking out to try to watch me train! I have been practicing the lunge that you showed me and think that I’ve improved – although you would be the best judge. Have you managed to jump without semi-priming yet?
Clive Rosfield
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Just Clive,
I will oblige you in this, if you will use my name in return.
I did return by chocobo, although I am not sure my body will forgive me anytime soon. Weeks have passed and I am certain I can still feel lingering stiffness. Still, I was able to truly appreciate the land we travelled through so I cannot regret it.
Much to my commander’s relief I have finally managed to perform a successful jump. This time without any materiel damage! It must be peculiar for him, as he has to train the man who will one day become his superior officer. I suspect it is as strange as it is for me to now have my friend Terence act as my squire when we played together as equals when we were schooling together as children.
I do wish that I had been able to earn my place through my own merit; it might silence those that believe I do not have the capability to lead. They would never speak such words to my face, but I am not unaware of the mood within the camp.
But enough of my maudlin ramblings! Please accept my belated congratulations on your birth celebrations. I only found out the date perchance when I asked my tutor about the current Archduke and his family. I think he is becoming concerned with many times I have requested information about Rosaria!
Dion Lesage
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Prince Dion,
Many thanks for the birthday greetings. Whilst I would like to be able to boast of a grand celebration, in reality it was a quiet affair. This suits me, as I am not really one for large gatherings. My father was unavoidably far from home, surveying the encroaching blight in the northern lands. Every day it creeps ever closer, forcing our people further south and placing increased demand on the limited resources we have.
But which of us is being maudlin now?
You could try challenging one of the loudest dissenters to a solo match? I know that I should advise to you to rise above it, but it is possible you may need to make a stance. You have reached your position on merit, for Bahamut would not have chosen if you were not worthy.
I look forward to finding out what you do, either way.
Clive
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Clive,
The blight is a concern for us all. The northern reaches of our land, too, have become subject to its blackened grasp. I wonder how long it will be before the nations of Valisthea are forced to come together to search for a solution? Mayhap it is wishful thinking on my part.
Apparently, we are to send a gift for the Phoenix’s ninth birthday next month as an overture of friendship between our nations. I feel remiss for not celebrating yours, so I have included a small token of our friendship. For I do consider you a friend, now – there are few to whom I can express myself so freely.
Dion
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Dion,
Thank you for the gift. I do not think I’ve ever received jewellery before, but if I had to choose a simple cuff for my ear would have been my choice exactly. But I did wonder what the engraving on the cuff was? It appears to be some form of stylised flower but I can’t quite make it out.
Whilst we are discussing gifts, I’ve included something for you. I hope it will help you move away from the tragedies towards something lighter of heart. There is enough tragedy in our lives without choosing to add to it!
The courier brought my letter to me whilst I was in the presence of my parents the archduke and duchess, today. I told them that I was corresponding with a squire I met in Twinside – in a momentary panic, I gave them Terence’s name! I will have to send future correspondence to Terence as there is a possibility that my mother would forbid it if she knew I was writing to you - or insist on Joshua taking over the correspondence. A mere squire is beneath her notice, however.
I hope this does not cause you too much inconvenience.
Clive
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Dear Clive,
Do not concern yourself! I have spoken to Terence and he is happy to pass future messages on to me. I must admit that he was curious as to why it was necessary, so I told him about the letters we send. Terence and I have been close friends for many years - since we were but seven years of age - and I trust him as much with my secrets as I would with my life. Not that there is anyone that would forbid our correspondence if it was made known, but I might be instructed to use it for political gain. I would never wish for our letters to be anything other than a continuation of our friendship.
The engraving is that of a wyvern tail, the national flower of Sanbreque. I hope you do not find it presumptious of me, but I wanted to gift you something that would remind you of the high regard you are held in by at least this Sanbrequois prince. It is a truly beautiful flower yet contains the secret of the most deadly of poisons; a fitting symbol for your inner strength, I think.
There are rumours of impending war in the east. Waloed, despite attending the Ceremony half a year ago now, is beginning to mass armies on their western border and turn their eyes to Sanbrequois land. I fear that I will be called to the frontline sooner rather than later – if Odin takes to the field then only Bahamut can oppose him. One concern of mine is that there is more than one Dominant present in Waloed and Bahamut cannot fight them all! There is a tension now throughout Oriflamme and a sense of restlessness within the dragoon barracks. However, there is yet time. Waloed has not been moving quickly and with any luck we will have peace for another few precious years.
Thank you for the book of poems, they have served to lift my mood through the lingering darkness. I had not realised before how much joy could be found in poetry as well as sorrow. I will see if there is anything in our library to enclose the next time I write.
Dion
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Dion
Beauty and joy can certainly be found in poetry as well as prose! My uncle (he who introduced me to The Saint and the Sectary, for his sins) has invited Joshua and I to Port Isolde to visit the theatre again. Of all the things that they are putting on, it happens to be Metia and Mordus! Mayhap this time I will understand quite why you love it so.
Clive
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Dear Clive,
And have you developed a new appreciation for the work?
Sadly, I have not been able to attend the theatre for some time now. I used to go with Terence sometimes when we were young; his parents were fond of it and would indulge us. Nowadays I find between training and my lessons I do not have any opportunity! When I enter the dragoons properly I hope that I might get some time back, but that isn’t due to be for a while unless the threatening war encroaches sooner than expected. However, we may yet resolve our differences peacefully; I pray to Greagor that we do!
Perhaps one day it will be peaceful enough that I will be able to visit Port Isolde with you and we can visit the theatre together.
Yours,
Dion
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Dion,
I certainly appreciate the tragedy that is Metia and Mordus more now that I’ve seen it performed. Even my uncle had a tear in his eye! Beautiful and haunting at the same time. I have wanted to discuss it with you so much but do not feel I can get my thoughts adequately down on paper. I fear I am not as talented with a pen as a sword! Sometimes I wish I could send a stolas so that you could hear my thoughts without me having to find suitable words for them, but I do not have one of my own and cannot use my father's for such a trivial purpose when he needs it for the security of Rosaria.
I would love to show you around Port Isolde. It is a fascinating place, with goods and warehouses containing the most exotic wares! I always wonder what it would be like to travel as far as the merchants do.
My brother has expressed a desire for an earring like mine. My mother is, naturally, aghast at the concept of him doing something so plebeian, but my father had already agreed by the time she learned of it. I wondered whether you knew where I could get a similar one as a gift for him?
Clive
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Dear Clive,
You do yourself a disservice. Your writing brings me more joy than you can possibly imagine, although I will acknowledge that your swordsmanship is also nothing to look down upon! Given that you have to resort to deception to send letters via Terence, I believe a stolas would attract even more unwanted attention unfortunately.
I have enclosed another earring for your brother, as they were originally a matching pair. This one is not engraved, however, which is likely for the best as questions might be raised if the Phoenix was wearing the flower of Sanbreque.
Yours,
Dion
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Dion,
So it is not questionable if the Phoenix’s elder brother and future First Shield wears a symbol of Sanbreque?
Clive
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Dear Clive,
To waste a whole letter on only one line! I feel bereft.
I see no problem with my close personal friend wearing a symbol of Sanbreque, no.
Yours,
Dion
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Dion,
Well, then you would not minding wearing a symbol of Rosaria in return.
But also, blessed greetings for your nameday. It is the custom in Sanbreque to celebrate the date of naming rather than the date of birth, is it not? I have been trying to read up on Sanbrequois customs, much to my tutor’s confusion! Again, I have used poor Terence as the excuse. But I do hope you like the gift, and I hope it is discreet enough not to cause any unwelcome questions.
I must warn you that I will be absent for a while, the ducal tourney is fast approaching and I am heading to the north of Rosaria to train alongside a squadron of Shields that are patrolling the marshes. I look forward to reading your correspondence upon my return.
Best wishes,
Clive
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Dear Clive,
The gift is perfect. A slim pendant will fit under my armour, and the feather detail is a beautiful touch. I am touched that you have researched Sanbrequois customs; I have tried to do the same for Rosaria but unfortunately our library is limited on the subject. Perhaps one day we shall be able to break bread together and discuss the differences between our nations.
Do not concern yourself with me, but enjoy the opportunity. I would relish the chance to get away from Whitewyrm castle for a period! However, as you do not expect to be able to send or receive correspondence I have enclosed a birthday gift for you. It is not much, just a token of the esteem in which I hold our friendship.
To think, it is now just over a year since we met. May we have many more years of friendship to come.
Yours,
Dion
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Dion
I thank you for your patience! It is only a quarter now until the ducal tourney and Joshua is depending on me; between that and my general studies I have been kept busy. But my solace has been the play that you sent – truly, I had not appreciated Geskin’s works until now. I could almost imagine your voice reading the role of Hortentio – I do believe you would make a dashing privateer!
I am glad you liked the pendant, I had the feather modelled on one of Ambrosia’s tail feathers. And yes, before you ask, I did name my chocobo after a character from The Saint and the Sectary. My only excuse is that I was younger at the time! But she is a fine bird, a strong white chocobo with a mothering instinct! She has been my solace through dark days.
Do you have any companions? We also have a wolf called Torgal, but he is shared between myself, Joshua and Jill. Have I mentioned Jill before? She is my father’s ward, a former princess of the north who came to live with us as part of the peace treaty. She is between Joshua and I in age, and everything you could want in a sister. Kind and supportive and yet is not afraid to tell us when we are being ridiculous!
My best wishes,
Clive
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Dear Clive,
I wish you well in the tourney, though I am sure that with your resolute heart you will succeed. I do believe there is not much that you would not be able to do if you are determined enough.
I have wondered whether I should set up a correspondence with your brother with the aim of being able to enclose messages to you more discreetly? After all, there is nothing unusual in two Dominants seeking to forge a closer relationship. It would remove any scrutiny from you sending regular message to a Sanbrequois squire (although I do believe Terence enjoys his role in our subterfuge – he is always eager to bring the messages to me straight away!).
You have not mentioned Jill, but I am interested to hear more about her. I often longed for a younger sister when I was a child, though it was not to be. Even now, part of me wishes that father may yet choose a wife and beget more heirs. The pressure with being the only prince as well as the Dominant of Bahamut is exhausting and it would greatly relieve me to relinquish the one duty I can share out, in time. I know that I have not yet been placed in charge of the dragoons but I will be longer before my father departs from this world, Greagor willing.
The rumours from Waloed have gone quiet. It is disconcerting – do they lull us into a false sense of security or have they truly turned their eyes away from Sanbreque? And as we waste our time pondering this, ever more of our land is affected by the accursed blight.
Yours,
Dion
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Dion,
Forgive me for sounding ungrateful but I would prefer you not to involve my brother. It is selfish, but I have kept our correspondence private; even from those whom I love most. It may seem sentimental, but there was something personal about the night that we met and I haven’t wanted to share it. So much of myself is given to my family and Rosaria – and willingly so! – but this is one thing that is mine alone. I will just have to wait for missives the normal way as everyone else does!
Many assume that I would be jealous of the fact that Joshua, being the Dominant of the Phoenix, is the next in line for the dukedom in Rosaria. In reality nothing could be further from the truth. Even at his young age, Joshua has a manner about him which sets people at ease and helps them to find a compromise in almost any circumstance. I do not have the skill or easy way with words that he does and do not think that I ever will. The life of a Shield is much more suited to my talents.
The ducal tourney is but a seven-night away and I find myself beset with nerves now that it is so close. I fear failure, letting Joshua down and proving my mother right. It causes restless nights, which then affects my mood in the day. I know that Joshua and Jill have sensed something is wrong, but they can do nothing to help. Even last minute training preparations would be of no use now!
And yet this concern is nothing compared to the very real possibility that you may go to war. As our ally, I would hope that father would send a rosarian delegation in support. I know that compared to the imperial legion our numbers are few, but we are strong. Perhaps if I do not win the tourney, I could persuade father to be a part of any delegation which does come to Sanbreque.
Yours,
Clive
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Dearest Clive,
I must confess that the thought of you leading a Rosarian force is a sight I would be delighted to behold. Alas, I do believe that you will succeed in your quest to become the Phoenix’s First Shield, so I will need to find another saviour. Not that I have need of one right now, the realm remains peaceful for now.
The delay in the correspondence means that I know that the ducal tourney is in the past, and I know that you are likely even now to be receiving the blessing of the Phoenix, but I will not find out for certain for some time yet. I await the news with baited breath, and will pray to the blessed Greagor for you.
Yours,
Dion
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Dion,
I did it! And I thank you most sincerely for your prayers. I know that you had every confidence in me - indeed, it far exceeded my own! Joshua was delighted to give me the blessing of the Phoenix and now I am in the process of learning how to use it. It is challenging, as Joshua himself is too young to have much familiarity with fighting with the Phoenix abilities and no one else wields them. My trainer, Lord Murdoch, trained under the last First Shield and has some advice but it is not the same. Still, I am hopeful that I will be given my first command soon.
Blessed nameday again, Dion. How quickly a year passes. This time I have nothing much for you, just a small token that I hope you will not find too frivolous! I picked it up on one of the beaches near Port Isolde and thought you might appreciate something from Rosaria.
Yours,
Clive
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Dearest Clive,
A gift that you picked up personally is as precious as any jewellery. I have never seen a shell of that shape or colouration before; maybe a creature native to Rosarian shores?
I knew you would do it, I imagine your brother is very proud of you. If only there was a way that I could show you how I utilise some of Bahamut’s powers. I know that the powers bestowed by the Warden of Fire would be different to those wielded by the Warden of Light, but I imagine there would be much that we could teach each other. Alas, the ever-widening gulf of distance and duty lies betwixt us.
It has been almost two years since we met, and I cannot help but wonder when we may be able to meet again. It feels very distant now, though I will eagerly await that day.
Yours,
Dion
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Dear Dion,
I too would like to renew our friendship in person! But it is increasingly unlikely. War is coming for us; rumours abound that the Iron Kingdom is preparing to strike at Rosalith. We leave for Phoenix Gate on the morrow so that Joshua can undergo a rite that is performed before Rosalith declares war. I have been given my first command as part of the mission – I am to clear the marshes of creatures driven south by blight.
Wish me luck,
Clive
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Dearest Clive,
I send you all the luck in the world, although I am sure that you will not need it. I hope your brother has had success in his rite and that Greagor goes with you if you must go to fight. I will pray for your safe return.
Dion
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Clive please, send word as soon as you can. Horrifying rumours have been coming out of Rosaria; rumours that say the whole ducal family was killed by a giant monster of flame. I need to know that you are unharmed, that you are safe. Send a stolas if you can. Please.