#story with letter format

[mooncookieee105]

Heading Home

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The sky was dyed golden as Ignisia stepped out of the ball, the scent of roses and wine lingering on her cloak. The Ante-Solisteal gathering had been as insufferable as ever — a stage of smiling masks and pleasantries laced with venom

She stepped into the waiting carriage with a soundless movement. The carriage lurched forward and she exhaled sharply. Across her, Valeria gave her an empathic look. Isolde, next to her watched with quiet amusement. 

‘At last,’ he remarked, eyes glinting with mischief, ’here I was wondering if time spun slowly for you.’

‘Next time, you can escort the princess of the Western kingdom’, Ignisia deadpanned.

‘No, thank you‘, he replied without missing a beat, ‘though, may I ask if you have found peace with your stomach, or did it triumph over you, Grandmaster?’

‘Isolde’, Valeria warned him.

‘What?’ he gave his most innocent look, ‘you hurt me, dear wife.’

Valeria shot him an unimpressed look. He returned a goofy smile. Ignisia sighed. She gazed out of the window. The Capital stretched in orderly streets and towering spires. At its heart, the Sanctum Auriel loomed, its golden domes catching the last light of the setting sun.

The Sanctum Auriel was a grandeur display of ancient craftmanship. Its golden towers embedded with purest of crystals, reflected a thousand colours. Silver acacias stretched across the floating terraces and its mystical gardens donned fountains of pure aether. It loomed tall, an absolute authority of the Imperial Family.

The unshakable weight lifted off her as the distance grew. The Capital was like a flaming torch of power, and she was not a moth.

She looked longingly at the starry sky. She could not wait to go back.

The first sight of home appeared on the horizon after a long journey. Everfaith estate nestled against rolling hills — the walls were worn, the banners faded, and yet the sight stirred something warm in her chest.

The familiar scent of earth and embers filled her lungs. No ceremonies, no watchful eyes, no whispered expectations. Just the hush of the evening wind and the distant murmur of her people, waiting to welcome her back.

She was home.

On arriving, Isolde leaped out of the carriage first, almost tripping. Ignisia got off next.

'After you, my lady', she bested him, lending a hand to Valeria.

'Why thank you, my kind Sir', Valeria humoured her.

Ignisia gave him a cheeky grin. Isolde stepped ahead, masking his pout, escorting Valeria by his side. They entered the courtyard, a routine after a long trip. Ignisia followed them few steps behind, mindful of their privacy.

As always, her gaze lifted, spotting the Floating Ginor. Suspended above the eastern courtyard, its ancient roots curled through empty air, defying time and gravity alike. The branches swayed gently. It’s usually teal leaves, now a shade of purple marking the arrival of Soliste. A purple leaf fell, swaying in the air, reminding her of a promise long broken. She caught it in her palms, facing the blunt of emotions that overwhelm her.

‘Matriarch?’ Valeria’s voice snaps her back. How long was she there with Isolde?

 ‘Yes?’, she replied half a beat too late. Valeria gave her a concerned look.

The words she spoke were a low punch to her stomach — 'You have done enough, Matriarch. Fourteen years have passed', Valeria grasped her hands, 'you have searched enough, waited long enough.'

She withdrew her hands. It stung like an old reopened wound. Familiar hurt but no less painful. She clenched her jaw, unwilling to reply.

‘She states the truth’, Isolde faced her, ‘I trust you would not burden yourself with guilt.’

She gave them a small nod and walked past them into the mansion. She headed straight to her study, heavy oak doors whispering shut behind her.

Her study stood there unchanged, bookshelves to the right, a divan and low table at the centre, a desk pushed to the back of the room. Beside it, a display rack for her swords and a cozy fireplace to the left. Her old swords hung above the fireplace.

She rarely visited her study; her duties as the Grandmaster kept her busy. Her visits were now limited to the nostalgic days or in this case — when she was troubled.

She swept a glance across her study, noticing the things placed haphazardly — desk overrun with stationary, books on the floor, low table stacked with letters and scabbards. Reorganizing the study did sound therapeutic now.

She started with her desk. There were stamps, quills, ink bottles, a bookmark and a stack of fresh parchment paper, all rearranged into the drawers based on size. She placed the bookmark and the three picture frames, one by one, on her desk.

The first picture was a recent one after her brother’s engagement. In it, she wrapped her arm around Isolde’s neck. They had the same crimson hair and sapphire eyes. In front of them stood Valeria, lively with jade eyes and silver hair, showing off her ring.

The next picture was her family portrait. Her mother sat forefront; she stood behind her, alongside her father and brother. Her mother had jet black hair with piercing blue eyes. Her father shared the same red hair and had soft hazel eyes. Both held a warm smile.

She paused on the last frame. It was a picture of her childhood, the two of them sitting on the root of the Floating Ginor. She had been smiling and hugging a girl with golden hair and obsidian eyes. Vivian.

With a heavy sigh she tore her eyes off; she needed to distract herself. She picked up the books on the floor next, pushing them in the bookshelf. Then she picked up the scabbards, matching them with swords and rearranging them on the display rack.

She sat heavily on the divan, looking down on a familiar pile of letters, all of them opened. They all had a raven stamp on the bottom left, right next to the sender’s name. She stacked them one by one —

To my dearest Noah,

The taffies you sent were delightful. I especially loved the unicorn tail, if you come across more, do send them my way. How are your training sessions going?

I recently achieved my fifth mana circle and discovered something peculiar. I can perceive others’ mana cores. Some, like Mother’s and Rinn’s, flow like liquid, while others, like Father’s and Magister Robert’s, feel solid. Strangely, Magister Robert never mentioned their colours. When I asked, he looked utterly puzzled and dismissed it as my imagination.

Against my better judgement, I brought it up with my parents. As always, Mother was too busy to pay much attention, and Father… he simply glared at me. He told me not to speak nonsense, and I left in a hurry. Rinn’s expression was odd, but I laughed it off as a joke. It would be troublesome if rumours spread that the heir of the Archmage’s successors wasn’t “normal”.

I wish my parents spent more time with me, even if it was just sharing tea and conversation. It’s not that I mind talking to Rinn, Magister Robert, or the butler, but… well, it isn’t quite the same.

I've sent you some Flame chips, enough for you and your brother. Don’t be stingy, and more importantly, don’t devour them all in half a moon cycle. I’ve included five flavours (five of each for both of you). Take care of your throat, and please, please, spare me the dozen letters detailing their subtle distinctions. They all taste the same to me.

The Greatest Mage in Training, Vivian A. Veritas

-A yellow creased letter

To the greatest dunce Ignisia,

Yes, you read that correctly. Downing an entire barrel of Moonbrew? Truly idiotic. It’s a miracle you managed to attend the Successors’ Meet at all, albeit late.

A little birdie told me you emptied your stomach in the carriage. That alone would have been amusing, but you had rather important company. Who might it be? Oh, just the princess of the Western kingdom. Shocking, I know.

I doubt you even registered your guest’s identity through the haze of your Moonbrew induced suffering. And don’t even think about spewing excuses like ‘A knight’s body can handle three barrels’, or ‘Moonbrew is like water to knights’. If you utter another word of nonsense, I will personally test your so-called knightly endurance against a fifth-circle fireball. Be grateful while I’m feeling merciful, unless you’d like half your estate reduced to ashes.

Such a shame you’ve traded intelligence for muscle. Forget wooing young lords—you’ll end up wooing Jared and wonder why he doesn’t reciprocate. Who is Jared, you ask? My new potted plant.

Some see life through rose-tinted glasses. My vision is already colourful enough with the chaos in the Mage Tower, yet you still manage to add more colour with your antics. Truly impressive, your deeds reach even my isolation.

I’m sending you root syrup for your headache. If I so much as suspect you haven’t finished it, I will peel your eyeballs and boil your teeth. That potion cost me two nights of sleepless brewing, perhaps it will help you recover some of your lost intelligence.

Give my thanks to your brother for the falcon pen. In return, I’m mailing him ‘The Trove: War Axe Edition’. I’m sure his fiancée will appreciate the read. Do pass along my compliments, her smelting skills are truly unparalleled.

As for you, offer Her Highness a proper apology in person and in writing. Earl Everfaith and Countess Everfaith will speak to the emperor on your behalf, but don’t make them clean up all your messes. Get some rest.

Congratulations on becoming a Grandmaster.

Not watching from your walls (or am I?), Alysia

-A letter with a faint herbal scent

Dear Noah,

I’ve been doing… not great. The intensity of colours has increased exponentially. I searched through the Central Library of the Mage Tower, but it yielded nothing useful.

Determined to find answers, I turned to the Imperial Library. My mentor had books to return, so I accompanied her inside. It took time, but I finally found a lead buried in texts from the East Coast and Northern Plains.

And now, I understand. This vision of mine, it is the mark of a spirit-summoner. I hope you haven’t fainted while reading this.

I had my suspicions, so the revelation wasn’t shocking, but it was sobering. Many will find this… unfavourable—though that’s an understatement. Being a spirit-summoner itself doesn’t trouble me, but the circumstances of my discovery do.

Before the Holy Empire’s 300-year Conquest, spirit-summoners were common. But in the centuries that followed, hatred for us spread like a plague. What I uncovered left me recoiling in disgust—those who were discovered were hunted down, and being burned alive was considered a mercy.

Even now, three centuries later, things are hardly better. The looming threat of having one’s core shattered or mana heart crippled is a daily reality. To think that in this so-called Golden Age of Knowledge, exile remains as the sealed fate of spirit-summoners even without a crime committed. It baffles me.

The Northern Plains offer some comfort in their tolerance. The East Coast still fights for equal rights. The Southern Mountains have no luxury for discrimination—they use every resource to survive. As for the Western Kingdom, I know little. And the Holy Empire… well, its hatred remains unwavering.

Becoming the next Archmage should be an honour, but the thought brings me no joy. I want to make my parents proud, but not like this. I love magic, but the more I learn, the more I realize how much I tolerate rather than enjoy. I can only hope they won’t hate their daughter for what she is.

Give my thanks to the Earl and Countess for the crystal brooch. I’m mailing them these enchanted pocket watches.

I couldn’t prepare anything special for you due to examinations, but I’ve made these bookmarks for you. I hope you like them.

Yours lovingly, Alysia

-A letter which dried with uneven dampness and smudged ink

Dear Noah,

I always knew my attempts to be someone worthy in the Patriarch’s eyes were futile. When I tried to broach the topic of spirits, Duchess Veritas’s gaze was colder than ever. And the burn I felt on my cheek? A sixth-circle spell from the Patriarch himself. His expression remained as unreadable as ever, as if nothing had happened. Then, with the same detached tone, he told me to leave.

How have I never truly seen their indifference until now? It was as clear as day—I was nothing more than a pawn, a tool to maintain the stability of the Veritas. After much deliberation, I have made my decision. I am leaving Veritas. This web of deceit cannot hold forever.

My cousin Aster is a mage of remarkable talent for our age. Her sixth mana circle is merely a footnote in her list of achievements. If she becomes the heir, the Veritas household will flourish under her.

The first buds of the Blue Phlox blooming through deep snow are always a heart-stirring sight—a silent reminder that winter is never eternal. Spring will always come to thaw what was once frozen.

After scouring through twelve questionable catalogues, nine gossip collections, and thirty-two useless maledictions, I finally found something real—a genuine book on spirit-summoning.

It took me two months to gather the materials, another five to shape a vessel within me strong enough to hold the energy. After so many failures, I finally succeeded. In secret, I summoned a kelpie—Naelith. The moment it happened, I knew. A sense of rightness, of belonging, unlike anything I have ever felt.

Naelith wrapped me in soothing energy, so warm, so whole. I couldn’t stop my tears. During a dive, Naelith and I found these grape-sized pearls. (And before you ask, no, I didn’t harm anything or anyone, so stop worrying.)

Yours lovingly, Alysia

-A letter with flowy handwriting

It was the last letter, Ignisia stacked them together and set them inside a secret compartment. As she turned away from her desk, a parchment caught her eye.

To the Honorable Ignisia Everfaith,

Grandmaster of Holy Empire and Heir of the House Everfaith,

It is with due solemnity and the weight of duty upon my shoulders that I write to you, for matters of law and order compel us to act with unwavering resolve.

Know that by the edict of House Veritas, Vivian Alysia Veritas, a disgrace to her lineage, is henceforth banished from the lands of the Holy Empire. Their crimes — Oath breaking, Sodomy and Moral Corruption, have blackened their name beyond redemption, and as such, they are cast out from all noble company, stripped of their title, lands, and inheritance.

As the rightful heir of House Everfaith, it falls to you to ensure that none within your domain grant them quarters. To shelter or aid them is to stand against the justice of the realm, and such treachery will not be tolerated. Let your retainers be warned, and let the word spread swiftly to all who swear fealty to your House.

I trust that you, as the inheritor of your House’s honor and duty, will uphold the laws that bind us all and see through it that this command is met with unwavering obedience. Let this be a testament to the strength of our realm and the justice that holds it firm.

May your rule be wise and your House ever steadfast.

By My Hand and Seal,

Duke Nocthelm Veritas

Patriarch of House Veritas

x, x Moon cycle, x1381

-A crumpled parchment with seal of House Veritas

How did she forget destroying this nonsense. She rips the parchment, fury manifesting as scorching aura — setting it ablaze. She tossed it into the fireplace, watching it burn with a crackle.

That was the last letter that updated Vivian’s state—the one marking her a criminal. Banished nobles rarely survived beyond three years. Yet, she knew her friend could withstand even a monster stampede.

Still, for fourteen years, not a single trace of Alysia had surfaced. She never stopped searching. She couldn’t bear to let the number of people who called her Noah shrink from three to two.

A gentle knock startled Ignisia. Quickly, she wiped her tears and adjusted her pearl brooch, ensuring her uniform was impeccable. Composing herself with a soft cough, she answered, ‘Come in.’

‘Yes, Matriarch.’ A maid entered, presenting a letter, ‘I was tasked to deliver this letter.’

‘House of Hearth from Southern Mountains?’, Ignisia took the letter, studying the seal, ‘Who delivered it?’

‘It came with the other official letters; I would have delivered it to your office but it is the first time we received a letter from Hearth, so I’ve come to deliver it to you directly.’

Ignisia dismissed her with a wave of her hand, opening the letter —

To the Grandmaster of the Holy Empire,

It has been a long time since I last wrote to you. The celebration of the X1395th Soliste feels different here in the South. Winter is relentless—its pure white mountains a constant, untouched through the seasons.

I wouldn’t blame you if you burned this letter upon arrival. In fact, it would be a miracle if you read it to the end.

Nonetheless, the Floating Ginor remains as majestic as I remember.

Yours lovingly, Vivian Alysia

[stamped with a raven seal]

‐-----------------------------------------------------

A.N. This is my first work lol.

[matchalovertrait]

After about 10 months of dating, Dulce decided it was time for her family to meet Caruso, and well... let's just say that things could've gone better.... Will this shake things up in the Alegría household?

Note: For those who don't know, the "discovery" of "spa water" was a very real thing 💀 That sounds so unappetizing. Insulting in many ways lol.

Start from the beginning (Gen 2)

Previous | Next

Transcript

Erick: Nice to meet you, Caruso!

Noemí: What a pleasure to finally meet you.

Caruso: Thank you. I see where your daughter got her good looks from.

Noemí: Oh my! How flattering.

Ángel: Um... is he really using his phone at the dinner table?

Noemí: It's so nice to have every seat filled up at the table! Now we wait for the grandchildren to come.

Erick: [Whispers] Are you seeing what I'm seeing...

Pavan is completely oblivious, too in love with Ángel to notice anything.

Ángel: [Whispers] Yeah...

Erick: I'll give him another chance... Nice shirt, what's your favorite album of theirs?

Caruso: Oh, I don't listen to this band. Their music is boring. I thought the design on the shirt looked rad as hell.

Erick: I see.... please excuse me.

Noemí: Your agua fresca is amazing! It's agua de pepino, right?

Caruso: ...Agua... fresca? No, no. This is my creation! I call it "spa water."

Noemí: Oh... clever.

Ángel: I'm not sure if my drawing is conveying the message y'know?

Pavan: Looks great to me. The colors play into the theme of not escaping one's past.

Ángel: Ah perfect. I was going to sign myself up for Color Theory 101 again.

Caruso: Color theory? What's there to theorize? Colors exist, obviously. Just look everywhere, haha. Am I right or am I right?

Ángel: Is this a joke?

Noemí: Ahem... Mija, can you come help sing a lullaby to the fish? They won't sleep.

Dulce: Oh we have pet fish now? Since when do fish need music to sleep anyway? [Says quietly] Also, I sing well?

Caruso: Yeah you sing beautifully.

Noemí: Um... It's a new kind of science. Let's go, just the two of us.

[francesderwent]

I hate video as a format generally because I’m a fast reader, but there is nothing worse to me than a theology video wherein the speaker looks directly into the camera. just a guy alone in a room staring at a camera telling it about Jesus. the dialogical aspect of the Word is totally absent. there’s no encounter. there’s no emptying of self to meet the beloved where they’re at. hate it so much.

[kaoharu]

these ones... explodes to viscera bc oh yeah i havuve a type or whatver

IM LAUGHIGNFJEHEGWUDVEIW sorry i kind expectes like half of these. its okay patpat also yay i like ellis and jude too i want them to DIE

[paperbridge]

me: I hope I actually finish my poto reread instead of just getting three chapters in and forgetting about it

also me, three chapters into the reread: I should try les mis letters this year!

[wavesoutbeingtossed]

Have you ever done or would you ever want to do a full song analysis/interpretation? Like a complete autopsy

Not sure what that really means tbh?

I've done lots of writing about songs and themes, although you maybe wouldn't know it from tumblr's poor search functions or tagging system lol.

If you mean like a line by line interpretation, no I don't think I have to that microscopic degree, other than I think the teaser poem before TTPD came out. Idk, I don't really feel the need to go line by line like an academic paper, since I think most analysis I do comes out of either a discussion point or parallels to other songs or themes in her music and goes by theme/feeling rather than like, lyric by lyric.

I'm happy to share thoughts or interpretations when asked or when the mood strikes! But don't really know if that's what you mean.

I've added a few tags that sometimes work below!

[gods-special-little-lobotomite]

is your name vivi vivian paper mario. is that why

is your name damien damien wayne batman. is that why 🖕

[cloudbends]

the characters stories have been leaked. inconsolable

[navree]

horror 🤝 historical dramas, having the audience know right out the gate that something bad is coming and there's nothing that can be done to stop it or change it

[garvalhaminho]

LOVE when authors have their characters parallel gods in their stories. we're comparing the mortal wish of love to the beings who know they have lived so much to never care for love, or have stopped caring a long time ago.

[shadeswift99]

There was an interesting mystery story involving red string

Red Thread..... That one still has a special place in my heart even though it kind of ended up in the realm of perpetually unfinished. It put me onto a more varied form of storytelling that I now really enjoy. I'm glad you found it memorable too 💙💙💙

[crystal-verse]

divinity -- noun; the quality of being divine/divine nature/a divine being

sae'pheli'ehva has always been divine. mortal bodies are not meant to hold such sacred, hallowed aether.

[yxstxrdrxxm-a]

Hi hi!!! I hope you're doing well. Here is a hydration check if you need one ^^

I just saw the flawed event intro/launch post(?), and now that I'm here from the start, I aint gonna miss a single thing during this event >:0 So please add me to the taglist :D I'm already v hyped bc of the premise for the event + the banners/new theme is looking amazing as well!! (Loving the art!!)

I can't wait to see what amazing things you'll come up with this time!

(going to answer yours + Mochi's before I officially kick things off w/ a post + first poll so! o7 lets go boys)

AAAAAA IM SO GLAD, I'M HONESTLY VERY HYPED AS WELL HAIUHDRUFI

I'm going to be doing a new format this time with this event, so this one is going to be my first that I'll put effort with formatting and seeing which works or not (I already dread the fact that 3 weeks won't be enough... orz. I'll make do)

Also! I added you to the taglist, so you should be good (unless I forget then pls remind me orz orz)

I'm already v hyped bc of the premise for the event + the banners/new theme is looking amazing as well!! (Loving the art!!)

AAAAA TYTY, I spent so much time on those and it drove me nuts HAIUHDURFI I'm so glad you love it!

I hope that you'll enjoy the story of Flawed though :> I got a small baseline of how this will go, so! Let's hope the majority of y'all don't go to the bad ending orz. I will be very sad if you guys do.

[isekyaaa]

Of my works, my favorite in no particular order are:

Follow the Wind ii - Kazuha

Tipsy Tales - Xiao

Telling them Off - Ayato

What Destiny Has Brought - Fischl

[dissociacrip]

descriptive transcript:

Haben, a Black woman in her thirties with long dark hair, speaks to the camera, a vibrant blue wall behind her.

Haben: If you're a creator, add transcripts to your videos. I can't see videos, I can't hear videos, but I can read transcripts.

Pins on a Braillenote Touch pop up and down in their Braille cells. Each cell has eight pins that are either positioned up or down depending on the specific Braille letter.

Haben: Braille displays connect to phones and laptops, allowing Braille readers to access the internet this way. Descriptive transcripts should have both the visuals of what's happening on screen and speech and key sounds for the video. Really good descriptive transcripts captivate readers just like the best novels.

The Braille display disappears and the video shows Haben in the same room.

Haben: Once we have widespread accessibility, it'll be easier for deafblind people to share our stories and also participate in conversations. I love learning from lives different from mine and in order for me to do that, I need transcripts. I look forward to reading all your transcripts!

end transcript.

sharing for people who aren't aware this is a thing & can put it into practice, video transcript copied from haben's instagram (please let me know if the format needs to be adjusted in some way 👍🏻)

[redgoldsparks]

Has your name every appeared in the credits of a book, or is it likely to in the near future? Then you should join AUTHORS AGAINST BOOK BANS! Transcript below the cut. A version of this zine formatted for print is available to download on my patreon.

Do you make books? Yes? I want YOU to join Authors Against Book Bans! By Maia Kobabe

WHAT IS AABB? 

A coalition of writers, illustrators, editors & other book creators, standing united against the unconstitutional movement to limit the freedom to read. We support the availability of diverse voices in our libraries, in our schools, & in our culture. We pledge to band together against the oppression of literature, to speak when our voices are silenced, to go where our bodies are needed, & to fight to ensure this freedom.

Our concern is not only for the books, but for the children, families, educators, librarians, & communities who suffer when the freedom to read is challenged and taken away.

WHAT CAN AABB OFFER YOU? 

- Regional groups working on legislation to protect authors & the freedom to read state-by-state

- Online trainings on digital security, public speaking, & how to counter book challenges in your community

-Affinity groups for BIPOC authors, queer authors, authors with disabilities, indie, nonfiction, romance writers & more

-Support if your book is challenged!

-A very active discord community

Author: What if my book hasn’t been challenged? 

Maia: JOIN!

Author: Ok, but what if I’m really busy and can’t do much organizing right now? 

Maia: JOIN ANYWAY! 

Even if all you do is sign up, your membership will help lend weight to the letters AABB sends to publishers & legislators. As of January 2025, AABB has 3500+ members. Check out the recent open letter to publishers on AABB’s socials & feel free to share it with your contacts. 

An Open Letter to Our Publishers- instagram.com/p/DCzYmKcR8uq

Maia: I’ve been facing intense challenges to my book since 2021. Knowing that I am not alone in the fight against censorship is what keeps my spirits up! 

Watching the folks in AABB share information, co-write legislation, show up to library & school board meetings, & speak up to publishers about the need to protect diverse books & minority authors has been amazing! 

This is a weird & scary time to be an author, but you are not alone! Join thousands of us fighting for the freedom to read, the freedom to write, the freedom to teach, the freedom to learn, & the freedom to share our stories!

AABB on instagram / AABB on bluesky