Diana's Letters

‘29th day of Ortemis, of the year 717,

This is my first day staying here, the view from my window is new, but I’ll grow used to it soon enough, I’m sure. This city looks so different from this side, for one thing the sun no longer greets me in the morning. That is a fairly sour change for me although overall the premises are without fault. It seems this year has a low student count, exactly as they said it would be. However it still very much caught me off guard, the campus is extraordinarily quiet in comparison to our years here. This place, and the silence, it makes me think of you. I miss you dearly Johanna. I know these letters cannot reach you and yet… 

Please wish me luck. I will do everything in my power to prevent what happened to us, happening to them. But it may not be enough, it seems all the cards are stacked against me, it feels impossible to contend with. But I must try. Perhaps it is best I state a distance between the students and I, just in case fate supersedes me once again. 

I will write to you again soon Johanna, 

Your’s truly, Elizabeth.’ 

'34th day of Ortemis, of the year 717,

I met the students today, my students that is. Nine. Only nine of them (though apparently there are a few to join later in the year but that hardly makes a difference). I cannot believe it, our expedition has utterly destroyed the academy’s reputation. I'm happy about that of course, but I’m still bitter about all of this. I am but a puppet on a string for them, and I will dance and dance till my strings snap. Then they will bury me with a fancy ribbon and say that I ‘served my country honourably’ …

I am sorry, that is no way to talk of myself, especially to you. 

The students are quite young this year, it makes me worry. Tell me, am I wrong for considering teaching them poorly? ‘If I keep them weak and useless, perhaps they will be spared the service?’ That was a naïve thought of mine I had earlier today, I realise they would send them anyway. 

I swear to you I will protect them, Johanna. I will make sure they are strong, skilled and ready for what happens next. I’ll make sure they get what we didn’t.

I have become tired so soon tonight. 

Please wait for my next letter, I will tell you more about them then, 

Your’s truly, Elizabeth.’

'56th day of Ortemis, of the year 717,

I am sorry it has taken me so long to write, I have had such busywork as of late I hadn’t but a moment to myself for weeks now. Tonight was my first private bath I’ve managed to have since the night I moved in. Unfortunately I couldn’t settle my thoughts even then. I don’t remember if you got to experience the public bathhouses here, they're very handy when you don’t have time to make one for yourself. Of course I'll never forget the hot spring we once enjoyed together… 

You wouldn't have known it but I took quite a moment just now. Remembering that memory made me so happy, but then it faded back to now and as it always does, and it hurts more than it did before thinking of you. 

It’s hard to admit that I would be happier without your existence in my thoughts. I don’t want to move on and yet, thinking of you brings me too much pain to bear. 

Please forgive me for now, I think I need some more time. 

Your’s truly,       Diana.’

'16 Tor, 717

I swear to you, Johanna, I will find you your peace. 

I will not rest until I avenge your desecration.

I swear Johanna, 

I swear on my life.’