I didn't receive any replies to my question at the end of my last chapter, so I went ahead and did the letter idea. Mostly because I wrote these and really like how they turned out. I'm not going to do Kiri's letters though, instead next chapter will be Nikola's replies to these, because that's what my muse wanted. Minku is introduced in this chapter, and she'll be coming up again later, so just keep her in mind. Anyway, Enjoy.
Disclaimer.
Nikola,
Father and I arrived late last night, and I wanted to write you a letter so you would know that I'm alright, we made it here safely. Father says I shouldn't tell anyone our exact location, but I can tell you we're in France. You would love it here, Niko. The country-side is absolutely beautiful, and I've rarely had better wine. Father thinks we'll be here for about two weeks before we move on, and I plan on writing you a letter for every day I'm here. Once we leave it might be harder, but I'll write as often as I can. I have to go now, Father is calling for me. I'll write again soon.
Helen
Nikola,
I know I said I would write every day, but we found something! Father was so excited, he had us working so long and hard that by the time I had a free moment it was all I could do to make sure I fell asleep in my bed, and not on the ground somewhere. This means that we'll be leaving France earlier than we previously thought, and if all goes well, we'll be home earlier. That should excite you. I'm afraid I have to go now, it's my turn in the bath, and you have no idea how long I've been waiting to be clean again. Good-bye, Niko.
Helen
Nikola,
We arrived in Rome today. This is another place I think you would love. Maybe when we are older, you and I can visit these places together. I wonder if Kiri would enjoy that as well? James showed up today; he's mentioned that he works with Father, yes? Well, he was here when we arrived earlier. He says that he has been checking everything out for us, as well as doing some searching. Father says that the next location, in Austria, has someone doing the same. I wonder who that will be, but both Father and James are remaining silent on who it is. I have never seen Father and James together, but they seem to get on well, almost as though James is the son Father never had. It is good, I think, and yet I cannot help but wonder if I am not enough for Father. I often wonder if he wished I were a boy, even though he assures me that's not the case.
Helen
Nikola,
James and Father have left me in the inn all day; apparently today's work is too dangerous for me. So here I am, writing you a letter. Fortunately, if they complete what they want to complete today, we will be moving on to Austria within the next couple of days. Father says that the work there will be less dangerous. He also told me that the person we are meeting is a woman who is sure to entertain me. I am unsure exactly what that means, but if this woman is Father's friend, then hopefully she is not as dull as many of the ladies I have had to spend time with. Most of those ladies only talk to me because my Father is rich; they cannot understand why I choose to attend classes while they are all looking for a husband. Father says this woman is educated though, so hopefully she will not be constantly twittering on about whose son she would like to marry and other such idle gossip. I briefly wondered if maybe this woman is Kiri's employer, but I received a letter from Kiri the other day saying that she was in Spain waiting for a ship to Greece, so I suppose that's unlikely. Have you received any letters from Kiri yet? I still don't know how she knows where to send the letters, I suppose perhaps Father is in communication with her employer; James did say they were friends. I must go now; I can hear Father and James returning. And yes, that does mean I have spent nearly all day writing this letter. Not all at once, of course, but yes, it took all day.
Helen
Nikola,
James and my father were successful yesterday, so we're currently on a train on our way to Vienna. The view out the windows is beautiful, although Father and James seem more interested in their work than in the scenery. Apparently, they received correspondence from the woman in Vienna saying that this portion would be more difficult and more dangerous than the others, and Father has been pouring over old books ever since. It is growing ever more likely that this woman will be interesting. The missive she sent included a description of a cave she had explored, along with a complaint about the fact that she had to wear dresses while in town. I have never heard of a woman complaining about dresses, because to complain about them means that clearly she is used to wearing something else. Father told me that she reminds him of me sometimes, which I take to be a very good sign.
Helen
Nikola,
I met the woman today. Her name is Minku, and my father was right. She is extremely interesting; she and I had the most wonderful conversation about biology over dinner. Apparently she had a private tutor while she was growing up. Father thought the work here would be too dangerous for me, but Minku insisted I help, for which I was very grateful. That is why I came, after all. Father and James spent the day in the city, meeting with some of their contacts (who knew they had contacts in Vienna) while Minku and I explored another cave. Father was reluctant to allow me to go, but I suppose he and Minku are old friends. Minku said that she's known him since he was quite young. We were unsuccessful today, but Father thinks he has a lead, and so hopefully tomorrow will provide better results. Good night, Niko.
Helen
Mr. Tesla,
By the time you get this letter, Helen and I will be back in London. Helen cannot write to you right now; when we're home I will be sending Ellie by to tell you. I have the feeling she will want to see you. Have a good day.
Gregory Magnus