Lost on Sectarian (breaking Chapter)

A/N I'll be doing these intermittent chapters from a notebook I've titled Tales of War. They'll be based on the letters home and to military personnel during the first and second world wars.

Loveliest Amelia,

I know it's been a long few weeks since my last letter. My apologies, should I have caused you any undue worry and frustration, my time along the frontlines has been long and fraught with hardships. Hardships, loss, and above all, an unbearable sense of homesickness. Although I last saw you only six months ago, it feels like a lifetime without the homely sense of love you bestowed upon me to keep that warmth contained within me through this brutal winter.

I yearn for the day I return to your indescribable beauty, with your glowing green eyes, flowing auburn hair, and the smell of the mountains that accompanies your life-giving presence. I miss our daughter, Layla. the daughter I've yet to meet. I'm sure you fear for my safety and well-being, as I do every day. I'd ask you not to worry, but it would be in vain. for your compassion for others is as endless as our universe's range.

I've seen terrible things, the death of my friends and comrades, and the destruction of Ethyrias' native life and environment. The mounds of dead, the freighters of wounded being shipped home, broken in body, mind, and soul. While to many, including my Mother and Father, my placement here and our purpose in this war seems useless and unnecessary, I see it as imperative and required. As well as my station here, although we fight the deadliest war in Sovereignty history, we fight to defend our liberty, freedom, and each other.

But I fight for something far greater than this. I fight for you, to keep you safe, healthy, and happy. I fight for Layla, so she can have the same opportunities we had, a successful life, happiness, love, and freedom. I fight here so you don't half to, and I fight now and see these atrocities, this destruction, and everything else no one should have to see, so Layla need not need to fight or be damaged by war.

Believe that I fear for my life, just as any other soldier, Marine, or Sailor does. I fear what will happen to you and Layla should I be killed on this planet, I've already suffered many a close call. Seen my friends, atomized, in a position I was supposed to be in that day. I am wrecked with the guilt of those I've lost, but that guilt is balanced by the knowledge of what I defend, and that all my suffering isn't in vain. There is a purpose to it, and there is something better that comes after it. I'll do whatever I can to ensure that I return to you alive, I may be damaged, but I know you accept me for who I am, and I hope you'll accept me for who I become after this war.

Unlike some of the men and women here, the Mercenaries and Guilds, I don't fight because I hate the Empire, I fight because I love what I stand for and in front of. Don't worry, I will not hesitate to destroy what's in front of me and these trench lines, not only to defend the lives of the soldiers nearest and farthest to me, but to protect the lives, fortunes, history, and culture of all behind me, from all that, stand in front. I know many back homes are against the Sovereignty joining the war, but, as a soldier fighting in that war, I feel obligated to tell all, that they'd rather us face this danger and destruction.

should I perish for this cause, do not worry, for the millions of my brothers and sisters shall step in my place to raise Layla. though my body may be destroyed, my spirit will follow you until your final day upon this plane, wherein I shall meet you at the gates of the next, so we shall experience everything again, together...

Yours Lovingly,

-Captain Michael Dunlap
Confederate Sovereignty Army
Status: ALIVE

A/N I hope you guys enjoyed this, it's my first time releasing one of these stories to the public, and the first time I invite criticism. But I welcome it anyway, so let me know if you enjoyed it.