owlery

@♤ kim gayoung ᵠᵘᵉᵉⁿ [ Addressed to Kim Gayoung, Her Royal Highness, Queen, the parchment is sealed with Pyroliith's royal seal ]

[ Spring 1450 ]
Queen Gayoung,

Faring, is an interesting term, is it not? I am doing somewhat decent, on the count that no information can get by you, your grace. My relatives are gone right now, they are on a discovery trip, that is why I asked to leave when I did. I had this planned out and ironed out before leaving your gracious Kingdom. I have your brother, Prince Hoseok, working on clean up, your grace, the financial details are a bit messy.

Visit you? That seems like an invitation for trouble, your highness. I think that I may take you up on that offer if the true heir can give me a rest on the frontlines. But since you summoned me, I will have no choice.


Red wine.


Kyun
Your friend


PS: I need two gravediggers and some lowly-ranked members of the military to dispose of the mess.

@♤ kim gayoung ᵠᵘᵉᵉⁿ [ Addressed to Her Majesty, Queen Gayoung of Pyrolith, enclosed in the envelope are a dry pressed white daisy and pink pastel rose as a sign of gratitude, sealed with the Aerion Royal Seal ]

[1446]

My dearest Gayoung,

I thank you for thinking of me during these times, I do miss you dearly.

You need not make haste as you have duties of your own to fulfill, I understand that it comes with the task of being the Queen of your kingdom. I look forward to
seeing you soon. I’ve heard nothing but great news about you and I am proud of you, especially as your friend. I apologize for not having been around much during this ascent but you are always in my thoughts and prayers.

It was devastating… well more than that really. I am still quite at a loss as I do not know what am I to do especially with this baby on the way, I am personally not well equipped to do this on my own. Yes I do realize that I have you and my siblings, even the members of this household at my beck and call but I do not want to impose that much.

Personally, I’ve been feeling like a burden. I’m the eldest and I’ve felt like I’ve to keep it together for my King and Queen especially, yet I cry at night to send myself into a deep slumber. Please know that your letter lifted up my spirits, you always know the right words to say and I can’t wait to give you the tightest embrace when you come here.

I wish you all the best, Your Majesty, Queen Gayoung! Long may you reign.

Your friend,
Yoo Sana
Princess, Aerion.

@♤ kim jieun ᵏⁿᶦᵍʰᵗ [ Addressed to Kim Jieun, written on a sheet of pristine eggshell white stationary inside a pale lilac envelope, a small twig of dried and pressed lilacs decorating the front, firmly held in place with the wax seal of the Zhou family ]

autumn, 1450

Dear Ji,

I am delighted to hear that my gift has proven to be useful to you. I shall ask my father to purchase more jars from the market and provide them to our guards at home, as well as sending a few boxes to the troupes guarding our frontlines. Since a certain someone doesn't seem too keen on sharing hers with her comrades.

I know your intentions are noble, but what triste a life to be locked up in a tower, unable to go where your heart desires. It is exactly because there is a war going on that I need to do this. Everyone in this world has their place, their little role to play. Of what use would someone with the power of healing be, if they were hidden in the safety of the capital, far away from where the people truly in need are?

But I also know how blessed I am, to have this many people worry and care about me. My parents, my siblings. And you. You said if you were my sister. Though not related by blood, I hold you just as dearly as my real siblings. So I shall I try and stay out of trouble for the sake of your mind's peace. And i shall not complain further about my father's choice to send a whole entourage of bodyguards with me on my travels. I doubt even His royal Highness, Prince Yunho, has that many bodyguards swarming around him all the time.

I have arrived at Wolkental a week ago. It feels quite nice to be back home. And although the war is weighing heavy on everyone's mind, I am glad to see the people of our kingdom still holding tightly onto the hope that peace may find our nation soon again. This year as well, during the Harvest season's celebrations, my only wish is for everyone to be happy and healthy, for the youngest of us to grow up in peaceful times.

It is a pity we couldn't see the fireworks together this time, but I have high hopes that we will enjoy the one next year together again!

I will be staying in Wolkental for another week, taking care of all the duties as the lady of the duchy that my father has entrusted to me before I will finally set out on my travels. I am not quite sure of the first stop just yet, but it might just be one of the smaller villages at the Eastern side of the duchy before I will slowly make my way South.

Until we meet again, may your guardian angel always be by your side and keep you safe.

Sincerely,
Yuyu

@♧ zhou shiyu ˡᵃᵈʸ ✉ addressed to lady zhou shiyu in aerion, written sloppily and on a yellowish parchment; dirt stains and thumbmarks can be found around the paper, giving the impression that this has been written in between her drills.


⟨⟨ autumn, 1450 ⟩⟩

dearest yu,

before i go about with my ramblings, i must thank you for the balms and ointments ! i have tried one immediately after i read the teeny-tiny note and i must say that they are quite effective. for that, i shall not be sharing any of these until. . .maybe i have consumed half of it? heh ! you gave me these and so i shall make use of it !

now, onto the matters at hand - zhou shiyu, what ever shall we do to you, you restless soul? you are really worrisome, you know? if i was your sister, i would have locked you up in a tower so you shall stay as the pretty lady of the house. i know you are quite zealous with your healing but we are, indeed, at the height of a war. had it been a much safer time, then your loved ones would not have qualms with sending you off to any place you wish to be in at this moment. but alas, you’re are already on your way to gods-know-where. . . i only ask that you stay safe! please do not feel sour about your bodyguards; your father merely worries.

i would have liked a father who worried for me as much as your father does, after all.

praying for your safe travels !

sincerely,
ji

[post deleted by owner]

[post deleted by owner]

@♧ lee jaewook ᵈᵘᵏᵉ [ Addressed to Lee Jaewook, with the symbol being of Pyrolith, and a LH on the letter ]

Jaewook,

You know who this is, I am writing to you because I have not done so in a bit, and it has been a while. I am a RG right now and I am helping the Royal Family, I am forever in your debt for that one day, that day we shall not speak of. I am still waiting to hear back from anyone about any leads, including yourself, please let me know if you hear anything, I am most curious about your findings.

You know I remember that day like it was anything and yet, I am still lost. I feel like any time I use the gift I received that day, I am cursed with the haunted memories and screams of my youth.

Stay in Touch,

LH

@♤ kim jieun ᵏⁿᶦᵍʰᵗ [ Addressed to Kim Jieun, written on a standard sheet of stationary, inside a standard envelope, the faint scent of lavender clinging to the paper ]

Dear Ji,

By the time this letters finds you, I will have probably already left my family's residence in the capital, setting out to travel back to our duchy in The Valleys. My father is very much against it, believing that it would be much safer for me to stay in the capital, but how can I sit idly in our grande residence, enjoying tea and poetry when so many of our people are suffering from the war? Of course I understand his concerns, but it just doesn't seem right to be hiding here in the safety of the capital when so many of our brave people, like yourself, are out there, fighting for the freedom and peace of our kingdom! I may not be skilled in the arts of combat and war like my brothers, but at least I can ease the pain and suffering of those impacted by the war. So after discussing this matter with my dear father time and time again, he has finally agreed to let me go.

Fear not, though. He has hired a group of highly skilled guards to keep me safe on my travels. It's quite endearing how much he still worries, despite this not being my first tour through the kingdom. But how nice would it be if he didn't have to worry so much whenever I leave our home? I'm praying every day that peaceful days may soon return to Aerion.

As well as for your safety and well being.

Sincerely,
Yuyu

P.S. I went to the market earlier today to run some last errands before my departure tomorrow and found these jars of ointment. They're made from some of the finest herbs found in our kingdom and are said to be able to soothe calluses. I hope you will accept this humble gift of mine and make good use of it. And make sure to share some with your comrades as well!

@♤ im changkyun ᵍᵉⁿᵉʳᵃˡ [ Addressed to the General Im Changkyun, the missive is contained inside a blood-red envelope with Pyrolith's royal seal.]

[ Spring 1450 ]

General Changkyun,

How have you been faring lately? I doubt it is anything but great for I have heard of a delicious tidbit about your current pursuits, and I wish to know why you have not been inclined to write to me about your plans. Is it your wish to not include me in the fun? The castle has been terribly boring as of late with nothing of note to direct my attention to.

So I am directing my attention to you now, Changkyun.

I have heard of your plans to assassinate your parents and though any normal, sane friend would deign to stop you, I know what hell your parents have personally meted unto you since youth and how it continuously progressed over the years and so I will not stop you. Not as Gayoung, not as the Queen. However, heed my request when I tell you to do whatever it is that you wish but do it discreetly. Should I hear any dissent from your own relatives, well I shall be forced to give you consequences and I do not wish to do that to you. So, I implore you to torture them to your heart’s desire but clean up after, alright?

When you are done, perhaps you can leave Wonwoo’s side for once as well as your post in the military for a day and visit your Queen. I have not seen you for a while now and I do not wish to forget your face just yet. I know you might avoid the summons, so this part of this missive will be a royal decree. You are to meet me after you dispatch them to tell me about all the details. We can discuss it over tea or red wine.

Write back.

Kim Gayoung,
Queen of Pyrolith

@♧ yoo sana ᵖʳᶦⁿᶜᵉˢˢ [ Addressed to Aerion’s Princess Yoo Sana, The missive is contained inside a blood-red envelope with Pyrolith’s royal seal. ]

[ 1446 ]

Dearest Sana,

I hope this missive finds you well. Truly.

The news of your loss has traveled far and wide, even reaching the castle walls of Pyrolith. Today, I am writing not as the Queen of Pyrolith, but as your friend, Gayoung. I want to extend my deepest condolences on the passing of your husband. It pains me greatly not to be by your side during this time of grief.

I assure you, as soon as my duties permit, I will make haste to Aerion to be with you. The desire to drop everything and rush to your side is overwhelming, but the current instability in my kingdom, particularly following Hyunjin and my recent ascension to the throne, makes immediate departure challenging. However, please know that you are in my thoughts constantly, and I am eagerly awaiting the moment I can join you in person to offer my support and comfort. Until then, please accept my heartfelt sympathies and know that I am here for you in spirit.


I vividly recall the heartfelt letters you used to write, sharing the beautiful story of how you fell in love with your husband. It was a tale that seemed to leap from the pages of the fairy tale books we cherished in our youth, and I was genuinely overjoyed when you found "the one." The news of his passing must bring unimaginable devastation, and my heart aches for you during this difficult time.

Please find solace in the knowledge that I will always be here for you, just as your siblings are. You are not alone in this sorrow. Whether through letters or in person, I am only a missive away, ready to offer whatever support and comfort I can provide.

I will write to you again soon to confirm the details of my visit. Until then, know that you are constantly in my thoughts and prayers. Take care, my dear friend. Lean on me, and your siblings during this time of profound loss.

Your friend,
Kim Gayoung
Queen of Pyrolith.

@♡ lee kiyong ᵏᶦⁿᵍ [ Addressed to Geonova’s Lee Kiyong, reigning King of Geonova. The missive is contained inside a blood-red envelope with Pyrolith’s royal seal. ]

[ Late Autumn, 1450 ]

Kiyong,

It seems that your insatiable greed has once again surfaced in this negotiation. However, intrigued as I am by the challenge, I will consent to your proposal. Let it be ten war prisoners then. I assure you that within ten days, they will return home alongside your lap dog under my guarantee.

Have no worries; I would never relegate him to the royal menagerie. My intention is to ensure his comfort by having my servants prepare a room that befits even a prince. In fact, I am contemplating placing his chambers adjacent to mine. After all, as an owner, it is my duty to keep a close eye on my foster pets, don't you agree? Rest assured, he will be treated with the utmost care and attention during his stay.

Did that last part of your message hint at a threat? I must say, my cat's meows sound far more intimidating. Do try harder next time, Your Grace.

Kim Gayoung,
Queen of Pyrolith

@♧ yoo minjeong ᵠᵘᵉᵉⁿ ⟨ addressed to the queen of aerion : yoo minjeong — backdated to a week after their last secret encounter. ⟩

my dearest air queen,

as i sit here, penning these words, my heart weighs heavy with the burden of our circumstance. it has been an agonizing week since our last encounter, and with each passing day, the ache of longing for you deepens within me. i pray that you are finding solace in the middle of these chaos, as i strive to do the same.

jeongie,

how do i begin to express the hardship that consumes me? for years, our kingdoms have stood as bitter adversaries, locked in a relentless dance of conflict and discord. yet, in the brief moments when our paths converged, i glimpsed a fleeting promise of harmony—a hope that our love could transcend the boundaries of enmity.

but fate, it seems, is cruel and evil to us. just as we dared to dream of unity, such incidents ensnared us once more, tearing us apart with a ferocity i never anticipated. the events that unfolded, like a tempest unleashed, swept away any chance of reconciliation before i could even grasp at them.

in this chaos and regret, i find myself standing at the precipice of an unfathomable decision. the councils, in their wisdom—or perhaps their folly—have decreed a new path for me, one that leads not to your side, but to the arms of another. a duchess, they proclaim, a union forged not by love, but by duty and obligation.

my heart rebels against this edict, love, for it knows only one truth: that it beats for you and you alone.

yet, in the face of impending conflict and the weight of my responsibilities to my people, i am compelled to heed their call. it is a sacrifice demanded of me, a sacrifice that rends my soul asunder with each passing moment.

know this, my beloved, that despite the shadows that now loom over us, my love for you remains steadfast and unwavering. it is a flame that burns bright amidst the darkness, a beacon of hope that i cling to with every fiber of my being.

though our paths may diverge, and the gulf between us may widen, take comfort in the knowledge that you will forever reside in the deepest chambers of my heart. until the end of days, until the very last breath escapes my lips, i will carry you with me, a silent witness to the love that knows no bounds.

yours, and always,
kiyong.

@♤ kim gayoung ᵠᵘᵉᵉⁿ [ addressed to the reigning queen of pyrolith . the letters were sealed with geonova's king seal — late autumn 1450.]

gayoung,

upon careful consideration of your proposition, I have deemed it necessary to respond to your request regarding the exchange of our military subordinates. allow me to clarify that my decision to accommodate your demand is not indicative of any weakness on the part of geonova. rather, it reflects my unwavering commitment to safeguarding the well-being of my people, a responsibility I hold above all else.

while I understand your desire to secure the presence of our military subordinate within pyrolith for a specified duration, I must insist on the terms of our exchange being equitable. therefore, in exchange for the temporary assignment of our personnel, it is imperative that you release 10 individuals from our custody. this is not negotiable, as geonova cannot afford to compromise the safety of its citizens for the sake of diplomatic convenience.

furthermore, should any harm befall him during his stay, I promise you that geonova will launch an attack on your borders. you and your country will bear the consequences of your actions. it's not that I care, given that you have brought this upon yourself.

regards,
lee kiyong
king of geonova.


( there's a tiny word written below the letter — lunatics. + to refer to that part where she kills for entertainment. )

@♡ lee kiyong ᵏᶦⁿᵍ [ Addressed to Geonova’s Lee Kiyong, reigning King of Geonova. The missive is contained inside a blood-red envelope with Pyrolith’s royal seal. ]

[ Late Autumn, 1450 ]

Kiyong,

I write to you with neither pleasantries nor false civility, for our relationship bears no goodwill.

Recently, I've been informed of a rumor suggesting that Geonova possesses a military subordinate—A military lapdog is what they call him whose skills, dare I say, rival or even surpass your own. This revelation has piqued my keen interest, to say the least.

Pyrolith still detains significant war prisoners from Geonova, whom I understand you are eager to have returned. For example, a baron from your northern territory. I am willing to release five of them in exchange for a brief opportunity to meet this... lapdog. Surely you can spare his presence in Pyrolith for a few days?
I am writing to you not only as Gayoung but as Pyrolith’s Queen. Rest assured, once the lapdog's visit concludes, the war prisoners will depart with him unharmed, under my guarantee.

However, if I do not receive a response within two weeks, then I shall take it upon myself to personally watch these prisoners get executed one by one. It has been terribly quiet lately and I find myself in need of entertainment. It will either be Geonova’s military lapdog, or these war prisoners. I shall grant you that choice.

I look forward to your response, Kiyong.

Kim Gayoung,
Queen of Pyrolith