Interlude ~Precious Things~

I suppose this is a terribly late introduction. My name is Cecil Crawford. I was a soldier drafted to fight in Vietnam who died somewhere over there, in that jungle. I don't believe my remains were ever recovered. This may sound strange to you, but I still feel somewhat "lost" at times. Goodness, I must seem old to you.

You wouldn't think it possible, would you? That a dead man could die again. It's strange, you know...I knew it was coming both times. I mailed all of my manuscripts home before the mission that took my life. I knew, somehow, that I wasn't going to make it back to the camp.

I suppose I saw Death many times in that jungle. It didn't surprise me when I was his next prize. I seldom find myself surprised, Jazz, but you…

...you both surprise and delight me in so many ways.

Your bright mind, your sharp wit. Your beautiful smile. Your warm acceptance. Your sparkling curiosity. I would have never, in a million years, believed that I would fall head-over-heels for a living, mortal woman.

I often find myself daydreaming. How would we have met, had I been born later? Would we have met at a cafe, or perhaps in a library? A lecture hall? I would surely be enchanted on sight. How could I not?

What about me? Even as I pen this letter, I'm not certain of your feelings. To be fair, it is arguably absurd that a living woman would, could, love a ghost. Many would tell you that you never should. I can't blame them. A halfling is one thing, but…

...but I wonder if it's too much for me to love you.

I've left the Christmas gift I was too cowardly to give you with everything else. The library you may use as you wish, though I imagine that Clockwork will appear at some point to make off with the more dangerous tomes in my possession. I would advise you read them first. You may find them quite helpful. Even Old Death seemed a little concerned that I had them when he stopped by.

Don't mourn me too much, My Beloved Flower. The Realms are as infinite as the soul. Truly, as long as the library stands, I am never far away. Keep your head held high, save your brother, save both the Mortal and Infinite Realms, and make The Fright Knight regret waking up!

I love you, Jasmine Fenton.

Sealed with an Eternal Love that will never die,

Ghost Writer Cecil Crawford