Letters
A/N: This is what happens when I get bored in Block class… Anyways, it's a crossover between Fire Emblem (which had an awesome plot) and Deltora Quest. It about six months after Eliwood defeated Nergal. And yes, he married Ninian.
If that last bit actually made sense to anyone, congrats.
This is basically a series of letters used to tell the story of an altered version of the fall of Deltora. The ending's the same, though.
0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0
Dear Eliwood,
Thanks for the opportunity to take this trip with Fa. I haven't been to Deltora for a very long time (and I mean long). However, a lot seems to have changed.
King Alton, who I've never heard of before, does nothing to help the people starving right outside the castle walls. I'm certain that those are his people, and he's doing absolutely nothing to keep them from starving! Prandine, the chief advisor who looks like a hawk on a bad day, seems to be the one really in charge here. He's working without the king's notice towards some hidden agenda that I can't figure out. I can't recall what this situation reminds me of, but I'm sure you can.
Fa is having lots of fun playing with the prince, Endon, but I don't think either of them realizes just how slowly she'll mature. The prince's friend Jarred seems to be getting into the act as well.
Please send a reply post-haste by Fang's wings.
Sincerely,
Immersa
P.S.: I've enclosed a self-inking quill. I'm sure you could use one.
Dear Immersa,
I can tell you right now that the situation is grave. It probably won't matter one way or the other if you expose the truth. I get the impression that the people there must be living under immeasurable layers of lies. Check to see if something dangerous has happened to the nation's records – most evil conspirators prefer their puppets to live in ignorance.
I'm glad that you and Fa are happy enough with your accommodations. I hope that King Alton is treating you well.
You pick quite the names for messengers. 'Fang'? Until he bit me, I couldn't see your point. I do now. I daresay Ninian didn't want him around much after that.
Keep your eyes open for any new developments and watch out for the old 'Master's Ill' trick. You'd be surprised how foolish some people can be when it comes to lying.
Sincerely,
Lord Eliwood
P.S.: The new quill was a lifesaver. If I hadn't used it, I might have been late for a very important date. By the by, my son, Roy, was born yesterday.
Dear Eliwood,
Where'd you get that name? I understand that it means 'Lord' in the old tongue. Do you expect him to succeed you in every way, then? I hope that he never has to face the dangers that you did. Nergal was an impossible adversary. I'm just glad everyone got out of that alive.
The situation here is getting worse. King Alton's wife just died of a very strong fever. King Alton himself is sick with it now and I overhear the healers say he doesn't have much longer. But I don't think it's really a fever. I've heard of poisons with similar effects. I tried to tell the guards, but they ignored me. I'm afraid it will only be a matter of time before this place descends into chaos.
Fa is worried for Endon's sake. He's three years younger than you were when you set out to look for your father. On that note, I'm worried too.
God only knows what will happen with another clueless king on the throne.
In concern,
Immersa
P.S.: When did you get married to Ninian and why wasn't I invited?!
Dear Immersa,
Use that tactician mind of yours to figure out the best way to act. Don't do anything without thinking it through. And I mean all the way, not the half-done way you did while we were all trying to stop Nergal from opening the Dragon Gate.
A lot of news I've heard from the coast is troubling. It seems as if the coasts of Deltora are getting even more inhospitable. When you decide what to do, do it quickly and thoroughly. The fall of Deltora's kings may bring ruin upon us all.
In haste,
Lord Eliwood
P.S.: We were married when you were at the Metallic Dragon Council meeting. We tried to get you to come, but all of our messages went unanswered.
Dear Eliwood,
King Alton is under my care now. The poison in him is strong, but he's not an old goat yet.
If you're wondering how I pulled that off, I bothered the guard at the door until he let me through. I'll have to thank Barda later for his willingness to bend the rules for his king's sake. As Alton gets better, fewer people question me. He started to speak again today.
He told myself, Fa, and Endon that Prandine had scratched him with a poisoned dagger. I imagine that I'll be paying the man a visit in the near future.
Lord Eliwood, rumors hold that the Shadow Lord wishes to conquer Deltora because its southern coast is perfect for launching warships. Tell Hector about this post-haste, along with Lady Lyndis of Sacae, and whoever else you can think of. We're going to need as much help as we can get.
Sincerely,
Immersa
P.S.: The Council doesn't allow contact with non-dragons when it's in session. Even if you're the king of the world, they're not going to bend over backwards to please you. Sorry.
Dear Immersa,
I apologize in advance for the briefness of this message, but scouts along the coast have reported a ship not of Elibe. It has gray sails marked with a red hand.
If this is the symbol of the Shadow Lord, the situation is becoming critical.
Be cautious,
Lord Eliwood
Dear Eliwood,
Prandine was executed today by my own hand, without ceremony. I don't know about your opinion, but someone who tries to kill me in my sleep deserves the favor returned. He put up a bit of a fight and made a scene, but my dagger through his chest shut him up. I've seen Ols before, but this one collapsed in a particularly vile fashion.
King Alton started correcting some of the wrong caused by his family's ignorance. He sent out servants with their arms laden with food for the people of Del, but I'm afraid it's already too late.
The Shadow Lord is stirring, and it will only be so long before Deltora needs serious help.
Fa and I will be heading back to Elibe soon, so don't worry. I'll take care of the fleet when I arrive, if there is one.
Wait just a little longer,
Immersa
To anyone with any sense,
Deltora is a hopeless case now. The Shadow Lord rules, and scours the land for the two foreigners who delayed his conquest. I doubt they will be found.
For now, the Council and Io will bide their time. I implore all other lands near Deltora to do the same unless attacked. The Belt of Deltora is not lost yet.
We still have a chance.
