From Mary to Bert
October 10, 1916
The Silver Bird Inn
My supercalifragilisticexpialidocious Bert,
I just made that word up because I am running out of endearments. Do you like it? I am much too excited for my family to visit Earth, and you to meet them. And our wedding! I will be "Mrs. Alfred"! Or do you want me to keep calling myself Mary Poppins for our safety? I will certainly do so. I am sorry to hear that you had to leave your brother behind, but glad he had somewhere to stay. I wonder if we would have met each other if you had stayed on Ondera? What town did you live in? I lived in William Hollow. My mother still lives there. I will tell you why I had to leave Ondera. There were multiple reasons, actually, both equally important. The first reason was the war, and living with my mother was taking a toll on our food supply. I wanted her to be able to feed herself without having to scavenge for food (as the stores are closed because of the war). The second reason was… well… because of my father. He was not the kindest. Excuse me, is not the kindest. He loves my mother, but he was always harsh with Emma and I. He always wanted a son, but he got two daughters. Emma moved away when she married Wilson, and I had to stay. I discussed leaving with my mother, and she was completely against it. She wanted me to stay, because she gets lonely. I explained how it would be better for all of us if I simply went to Earth. So I packed my bag and mother gave me money, and I left through the portal. It wasn't quite so guarded then as it is now. Our enemies realized after I left how many people were slipping through and escaping to Earth. I hope my family will be able to visit.
Love,
Mary
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From Bert to Mary
October 13, 1916
The Charity Apartments,
My supercalifragilisticexpialidocious Mary,
That is quite the word. I will definitely use it, though I had to check if I spelled it right more than once. I do think it would be a good idea to keep introducing yourself as Mary Poppins, so you don't raise suspicions. I hope your family can come! And this might be insensitive of me, but are you going to invite your father? I'd like to meet him, but I don't want to upset you or your sister. I have a few more questions to ask you. First, who are you fighting? (I can't remember, because I left at such a young age, so long ago, and the war had just started) Why are you fighting them? And the most important; how were you still single when you came to Earth? You are beautiful and smart and witty. I don't understand.
Love,
Bert (your fiancé, can you believe it?)
P.S. I lived in a small town named Crestwood. I think it was across the way from William Hollow. Not too far away, but just enough that we might not have ever met. Thank goodness we both came to Earth.
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From Mary to Bert
October 16, 1916
The Silver Bird Inn
Bert,
I cannot think of anything else. Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious was my last endearment. It really is a splendid word, but atrocious to write. I have told my mother to invite my father, so it's really up to her. I guess we'll see. As to the war, we are fighting a civil war. There was a group of people in a city far away from William Hollow who started a revolution. They had something against not being able to change your gift after your ceremony. I think the leader chose a gift that enabled him to read others' minds, and he regretted it. It's silly, really, all of this for a petty mistake?
I laughed out loud at the last question. I am single because we had to stay inside all the time and because I have too many opinions on what is proper (according to a man who used to fancy me). I have also been told that I am vain, and too focused on my looks. I enjoy looking nice, and that is all. Oh, on a completely different topic, I am going to make an official wedding invitation. Just because we are only inviting family does not mean I can't have some fun with it!
Love,
Mary (your fiancée. I cannot believe it either.)
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From Bert to Mary
October 18, 1916
Mary,
Your letters always make me smile. I still don't believe that you didn't have a slew of men drooling over you, and whoever told you that you "have too many opinions on what is proper" certainly didn't deserve you. I count myself lucky to have found a woman who cares enough about her mum to move away from her. A woman who is close to her sister and adores her nephew. A woman who is practically perfect.
I agree that a rebellion for a simple mistake is very stupid. Couldn't the man have just made an angel brew and gave it to some random person? Or does it even have to be drunk? Can you make an angel brew and then dump it out? I seem to be forgetting things in my old age (That was a joke, I'm only 2,900). And a wedding invitation? Have at it.
Love and adoration,
Bert
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From Mary to Bert
October 20, 1916
The Silver Bird Inn
Bert,
I most certainly did not have "a slew of men drooling over me" that's silly. But thank you for your compliments. I feel old now. I, being 3,000, am a hundred years older than you (though only one in our years). Does that make you smile, too? And about the angel brew, I had an article about it that I saved, but I have memorized it. Let me find it, and I will send it with this letter.
Angel Brew is a concoction made to give away the gift of one Ethereal to another. It is generally given from a parent to a child when the parent is dying, hence the name "Angel Brew". It is made when the parent cuts off some of their hair and then boils it in water. Once the mixture has turned the color of the hair it is ready, and can be given to another family member. Once the brew is made the giver is powerless, and they cannot drink their own Angel Brew. The family member who drinks the Angel Brew keeps their original gift, but they also have the other gift.
There you are. Funny, it says nothing about whether it needs to be ingested or not. I would assume that once it is properly made, it could be dumped out. And I will make the invitation now.
Love,
Mary
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