i can't remember if i posted this, but i was digging through my old google docs and discovered this little writing exercise i did for characters in a story i'm working on. i'm actually quite fond of how this piece went, i may have to pen some more letters between them. writing exercise below the cut
I am enthralled to inform you that I have arrived safely to my new station in one piece! As you noticed in my greeting, I’ve elected to refer to you using a pseudonym in an attempt to draw less attention to our correspondence. Though you are far clever enough to devise a pseudonym should you choose to utilize one for me, I have a few suggestions that I’ve included in a list below:
Light of my life which makes even the sun dim.
Lover in this life and the next.
The strongest, most attractive man to have walked the Earth.
If none of these are to your liking, I hope that you get a kick out of them at the very least—I’m sure the barracks have never been so boring as they are now in my absence. I look forward to your response, as well as the day I will get to grace you with the sight of my face once more.
The soldiers here aren’t as cordial as our unit was, but maybe that’s just because I’m a new face. I am positive things will lighten up as I settle in. Although, the commander has a real stick up his butt. Maybe that’s just his way of testing ‘fresh meat’, which is what he’s called me almost exclusively. I find it quite endearing that he already has a pet name for me. You may have some competition soon, ‘Rose.
Speaking of the devil, I can hear him shouting for some attention now. I suspect it has something to do with training drills. In any case, I’m afraid I must cut this letter short. Stay safe, my love.
E. (a placeholder, naturally)
I am relieved to hear you arrived at your station safely. I reviewed your suggested pseudonyms and have come to the conclusion that they are a tad too wordy to remain inconspicuous, aside from the last which I thought too brief. I’ve drawn some inspiration from the name you gave me and settled on ‘Ra. I read somewhere that it means ‘sun’ in another language, though I can't recall which. Regardless, I think it is fitting.
Please do your best to not provoke your new commander. If you manage to get yourself reassigned again, this letter might never get the chance to reach you. And, frankly, I would be irritated. I trust that you’re smart enough to toe the line and not cross it.
To add to the list of ‘things I will nag you about even miles away’, I do hope you’ve started unpacking. Knowing you, probably not, but miracles do happen every day. Allegedly, at least. Dumping your luggage into the corner of your room doesn’t count as unpacking either.
The barracks are quiet without you. I’ve taken the night shift guarding, though, so I don’t notice much. I miss sharing meals with you.
In terms of work, it’s been surprisingly peaceful over the last couple of days. We head out in three days to guard while the commander participates in a meeting with some higher-ups. I am honestly a bit surprised they ordered me to join considering how the last meeting we were present for went, but perhaps they don’t expect any more issues with you assigned to a different station.
Please write me as often as you are able, and please stay safe.
