Disclaimer: The Vision of Escaflowne is owned by Sunrise and Bandai Entertainment. No copyright infringement is intended by this not-for-profit story, although the author would like to point out that this doesn't mean that others can freely copy this text and claim it as their own!
* * * * * * * * * * *
Blue, 22nd Moon
My dearest Carenza
You have probably heard by now that my father is dead. I know I should be sad, but all I can think of is that he died before signing a betrothal agreement with King Aston, which makes me so happy. Does that make me a bad person? I hope not. I did love him really.
I'm not King of Fanelia yet, at least not properly. According to the customs of my country, I cannot be crowned until I have passed the Rite of Dragonslaying, which won't be at least until my fifteenth birthday. My mother is Regent for now, and she says I should wait until I am king before I choose a bride. So perhaps it will work out for us after all.
Your humble servant
Folken Lacour de Fanel
* * * * * * * * * * *
Grey, 12th Moon
Dearest Folken
That is the best news I have heard in ages! Not about your father I mean. He seemed very nice, though I didn't really get to know him. Van must be very upset - it can't be easy to explain to him that his Daddy isn't ever coming back.
Anyway, it makes it much easier to say no to my father when he talks about finding a husband for me. I just hope I can hold out for another year and a half. He was talking about marrying me to a business associate of his, but luckily the fat old man died of a heart attack last week. Perhaps I should take up poisoning and get rid of every suitor that comes my way! Except you, of course, my handsome prince!
Love,
Carenza
xxxxxxxx
* * * * * * * * * * *
Green, 28th Moon
My dear Carenza
I'm sorry I haven't written in a while, but between my sword practice with Balgus and all the things I have to learn about being a king, I don't get much time to myself any more. What little I do get is mostly spent with Van. He's big enough to run around with now, and Balgus even has him riding and learning to use a sword - a wooden one of course!
Thank you for the book on engineering you sent me. I know everyone thinks Fanelia is stuck in the dark ages just because we honour the old ways, but I am determined to bring the best of the new technology to my kingdom. We have swift mountain rivers that could be harnessed for milling, and the pumps for draining mines could make all the difference to our economy. I already have some ideas on how the water mills could be adapted to drive a pumping process further upstream. Much more efficient than smelly coal furnaces.
Oh dear, I seem to be rambling on about machines again. It's just that I have so many plans for my new kingdom, and I want to be able to share them with you. Perhaps you could turn your knowledge of poisons towards a study of chemistry, and then who knows - we could take on the Zaibach Empire itself! Only kidding - with you by my side, this little valley will be empire enough for me.
Yours as always
Folken
* * * * * * * * * * *
Yellow, 10th Moon
Dearest Folken
Don't worry, I'm not at all bored by your talk of machines - it all sounds very exciting. I suppose as a merchant's daughter I've been brought up to take the production of goods for granted. Actually making things sounds much more worthwhile than just passing them along and making a profit on the transaction.
Not much to report here, except that Marlene's engagement to Duke Freid has been formalised. The king held a huge ball to celebrate, but it was very dull without you there. I think the king wanted to invite you, but my father persuaded him not to. Someone must have told him about us; at any rate I've had to spend most of my allowance bribing a servant to include this letter amongst some trade documents being sent to Fanelia. I do hope you get it, so that I can tell you how very much I miss you and long to see you again.
All my love
Carenza
xxxxxx
* * * * * * * * * * *
Purple, 2nd Moon
My beloved Carenza
I hope you get this letter in time. My fifteenth birthday is now only days away, and I must soon face the Rite of Dragonslaying. Please come to Fanelia - I have to see you before I leave, in case I would really like you to be here when I return, to be at my coronation.
I cannot write more or I will miss the caravan to Palas.
Yours ever
F
* * * * * * * * * * *
Author's Note: this chapter's title is brought to you courtesy of the Royal Mail (in the UK), who use the advertising slogan "I saw this...and I thought of you". Cheesy, ne?