The official wedding invitation
You should feel lucky to be invited to…
My wedding!
It will be held at the closest church
At 6:00 pm
On Tuesday, November 14th
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From Mary to Emma
October 25, 1916
The Silver Bird Inn,
Emma,
Has something happened to mother? I sent the invitations to you and Bert, but when I tried to send one to mother, nothing happened. They usually disappear, but hers simply stayed there. That only happens when the person's carpetbag has been ruined. What happened, Emma? The letter I sent to her not a month ago was delivered perfectly fine. Please tell me that she accidently dropped it down a sewer or something. I could not bear it if… I'll not finish that.
Love,
Mary
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From Emma to Mary
October 26, 1916
Peter's Ridge
Mary,
I am so sorry. I wish I could be there with you right now. It would be easier than telling you this via letter. Mother… well… let me just break it to you gently. Three days ago, the revolutionaries paid a visit to William Hollow. They kidnapped a few people and set fire to many buildings. One of those buildings was our childhood home, mother and father's home. They were inside having a pleasant dinner, and didn't notice the flames until they were surrounded. There was no way to get out; an attempted escape would have only hurt them more. They, and all of their possessions, were burned. I am so, so sorry, Mary. Mother was so excited to come to your wedding. They died happy, so you need not worry for their spirits. They would have loved to meet Bert.
And for happier news, Wilson and I have found a way that we can get to the portal safely. We should arrive in no more than five days. I can't wait to see you!
Love and comfort,
Emma
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From Mary to Emma
October 27, 1916
The Silver Bird Inn
Emma,
Thank you for telling me. I know it must have been quite a feat. As soon as I finished your letter (truly it was merely minutes after I set it down) Bert knocked on my door. I am convinced that he has a sort of sixth sense to be able to tell when someone needs his help. When I opened the door, he immediately pulled me into a hug. I felt so safe and cared for, I just melted into him. I was already feeling better and thinking that it would be all right. After a few moments, Bert let go of me and stepped fully inside. He looked into my eyes after we sat down.
"What has happened Mary?" He asked. I looked at my lap, tears returning to my eyes. Bert reached over and wiped one away with his thumb.
"My…" My body shook with a sob. "My parents are dead." Bert held me once again, stroking my back in comforting circles.
"What happened?" He asked quietly. I took a moment and then answered.
"A fire. Those imbeciles who started a revolution burned our house down." My lip quivered, and I buried my face in Bert's chest. He sat there quietly and let me soak his shirt with tears.
"And what's worse is that my father and I did not end on good terms. I have always hoped we could breach the gap between us, but-" I shook my head.
"Shh." Bert said, comfortingly. I cried until I had no more tears and my breaths finally grew even.
"Thank you, Bert." I whispered against him.
"You did the same for me." He said. It was getting late, and I must have fallen asleep, because I woke up this morning fully clothed. I am starting to believe that Bert is an angel, and he is truly living up to the name "Ethereal". Thank you for your concern, but I believe Bert and the knowledge of your upcoming visit will buoy my spirits.
Love and gratitude,
Mary
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From Emma to Mary
October 29, 1916
Peter's Ridge
Mary,
Thank the heavens for Bert. He really is an angel. Actually, speaking of angel, mother made an Angel Brew a few weeks before the fire. She just felt her end coming. She also wrote you a letter, for it is you she wants to have her wind power. I will send you both items and my love.
Sincerely,
Emma
My dearest Mary,
I love you so much, and I want you to have a few things of mine. I will send them to Emma to give to you when the time is right. First, I want you to have my gift. Remember, it can control the wind and summon it when there is none. It is very helpful because, when you master it, you will be able to move lightweight objects with it and eventually people (if you wish). I had a great deal of fun spinning my brothers about in the air when I was younger, but I advise you to use it wisely. The other thing is the most important. It is knowledge and, while all knowledge is helpful, I want you to know about your father. He was always very closed off and it was hard to get anything through his shy exterior. He worked so hard to be able to support us, his family, and he wanted to be able to pass it all along to a son. Your father was disappointed when he had two girls, but he grew to love you. Even though he had a hard time showing it, I could always see it in his eyes. I hope you can forgive him for his harshness and come to know him as I do. Tell Emma that I love her very much, as much as I love you. Thank you for always thinking of others and serving whenever you can. Keep your optimistic spirit.
Love,
Your mother, Adelaide Poppins
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An excerpt from Mary's diary
October 30, 1916
Mother has sent me a letter and her Angel Brew. She explained about father and what was really going on inside his head. Mother wrote that he loved us, but he didn't know how to show it. I trust her, so I will trust her judgment, but that is just so different from what I expected. Father truly loved us? And another thing, I am grateful for the Angel Brew, however I cannot help but think that every time I use her gift I will be reminded of her. Even the wind cannot bring me home when mother and father are no longer there. Without them (or the house, for that matter) there is no home, and without home, there is no reason to return. I will search with more vigor for a position as a nanny (I have decided that is what I want to be) and I plan to excel at it.
I drank the Angel Brew, and it was quite an experience. It tasted horrible, but when I drank it all, I started to… shimmer. My skin almost glowed. It lasted for about two minutes and then it was gone, but the power was there. I have been amusing myself with blowing loose sheets of paper around my room. It isn't too different from my telekinesis, except that I can lift up people now.
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