A collection of missives by the authors of Here Be Magic
***************
To
my beautiful Atrilan,
You
know I'm not a man for sentiment. Neither am I one for writing down my
thoughts, much less construct something as profound as a note to profess my
love for you. But heed them now. My words are simple, but they are from the
depths of my soul.
This
is the time of year when tradition dictates that those who share their lives
with someone are expected to confess their devotion. You, Atty, my brave,
beautiful wife, you are the sole reason I exist. We were created for each
other, and every day I thank whatever force or deity led us to meet.
I
am what I am, and who I am, because of you. Know that not a day goes by that
the power of our love doesn't temper every thought I have and every decision I
make. The sight of you keeps me sane. The sound of your voice gives me strength
to withstand the challenges that face us every day.
Even
though we already know this, let me be the first to say it. I would give up my
life for you and for our children, if that sacrifice is demanded to keep you
safe. I know you would do the same, but the possibility of a future without you
would inevitably lead me down an eternally dark and dismal road.
My
pride in you is immeasurable. My faith in you is all-consuming. I cherish every
bad moment, every argument, as well as all the good days, because they were
with you.
I
love you, Atty. Know it is now and for always. Even after our deaths, it will
continue, because its power can never diminish.
I
love you, Atrilan. Forever.
Your
husband,
Yulen
D’Jacques
***************
Fay
If you wake
before I return, follow the rose petals.
Steve
(A leopard-shifter
of few words, but great passion.)
***************
Dear Bipedal Scribbling Ape,
On human calendars, it's
Valentine's Day, and I thought it would be wonderful of me, since I'm wonderful
and all, if I tell you all the things you can do that will help me love you into
2015 and beyond.
I would love you more if you
would let me have free access to the Forbidden Zone. I realize you think it has
dangerous pink insulation in it, not to mention egress to the great outdoors,
but I want to get all up in there, and you won't let me. Do you not understand
how that inhibits my love?
I would love you more if you
would give me tuna every day. My resultant flatulence is that of a cat
well-fed. I don't care what the vet human says. The vet human is a sadistic
crazy person.
I would love you more if you
would hold still while you are sleeping in a prone position so that I might
sprawl upon thine belly. The hogwash your doctor told you about "how side
sleeping will ease your spine and you won't feel so crippled up" can be
tossed aside in favor of pleasing me. And you can hold your pee until I'm ready
to get up in the morning, too. You used to do it for the small humans, after
all. They can't possibly be more important than I am.
I would love you more if you
would get out of the recliner and give it to me. I know you feel most creative
there and putting your feet up means they don't swell, but I don't care much
about your creativity or your feet. I just want your chair.
I would love you more if you
would let me attack the neighbor's cat when that asshole comes sashaying over
to my porch. For all I know, that cat is trying to mooch you away from me. You
might be giving that cat the tuna you refuse to give me! That cat might even be
in the Forbidden Zone. That cat has got to go.
I would love you more if you
would get rid of this stupid collar with its stupid bell. No, wait, scratch
that one. I can get rid of it myself, because it's a lot of fun to watch
everyone turn the house upside down trying to find it.
I would love you more if you
would switch the couch back to the one we had before. This new leather
thing--it's just hard and uninteresting and it doesn't turn into lovely,
thready puffs when I sharpen my claws on it. It just makes these stupid little
holes. How am I supposed to know if it's working when I've nothing to show for
all my scratching but tiny pinpricks? My claws have to be sharp in the event
you let me beat some next door kitty ass.
And I would love you more if you
never, ever, ever close the bathroom door, or any other door, again. You might
be petting the neighbor's cat in there, and I must put a stop to it. I mean,
sometimes I do hear some caterwauling. It makes me suspicious. You won't like
me when I'm suspicious.
So, human, this is what you need
to do to help me love you more for Valentine's Day. I hope you appreciate the
advice!
Sincerely,
Meankitty, she who owns Jody
Wallace
***************
Ravenswing by Shawna Reppert
A Letter Raven Never Sent
from Australia
My
dearest Cassandra,
I
never thought it possible to miss someone so much that it became a physical
pain. It is, perhaps, one of the reasons
I yielded when you refused to renounce me, though I know I could drive you away
if I truly wanted to. The truth is, I
could not bear it, even though it is in your best interests. I love you, and in that love I am far more
selfish than ever I was in my days as a soulless dark mage.
I
love you. Though I do not say it often, I trust that you know me well enough to
know that it is simple truth. Even though I will never post this letter, with
its ridiculous, maudlin sentiment.
I
know that you have not given up on a life together, and your hope keeps me sane
even when I cannot share it.
If
I do not speak the words, it is only because I find them inadequate.
Love
forever,
Your
Raven.
***************
From a yet-unwritten book by Nicole
Luiken
Date:
February 14, 2015
From: Cadmar@widdershins.net
To: Boss@widdershins.net
Subject:
Today
Dear Ms. Kendal:
Please accept my personal apology for allowing today’s
incident to take place. Security is being tightened up, and I assure you Mr.
Fairchild will be escorted off company property on sight in future.
I wanted to tell you that the boys and I are proud to be your
employees and that all of us think that what Bleys said about you is complete
and utter shite.
Yours respectfully,
Cadmar Bane
Eyes
stinging, Kendal read the message twice. It had been a horrible day today and
Cadmar’s no-nonsense words had lifted her spirits. On impulse, she hit Print.
This was probably the closest she’d come to receiving a Valentine’s card today.
But when she
collected the sheet from the printer her eyes widened. For some reason Track
Changes had become turned on and the message she was reading now was quite
different from the edited one.
Dear Miss Kendal:
Please accept my personal apology for allowing today’s
incident to take place. If I hadn’t been on coffee break—no, don’t give
excuses. Security is being tightened up, and I assure you Mr. Fairchild
will be thrown escorted off company property on sight should he dare
show his face again in future. I almost hope he does so I could punch
him again.
I wanted to tell you how fine you looked today in your
blue coat with your pretty hair blowing in the wind like fire. No, no, you
great lummox, she’s your employer and a Lady, for all that they don’t say Lady
here, you can’t say that. that I am the boys and I are proud to be
your employees and that all of us think that what Bleys said about you is
complete and utter shite.
Your humble servants respectfully,
Bane
Instead of
pinning the printout to her bulletin board where others might read it, Kendal
folded it up and put it in her pocket over her pounding heart. It seemed
entirely possible that Cadmar returned the crush she had on him.
***************
Dr.
Frobisher, you asshole
Do you realize
what you’ve done? I suppose you’d say you were saving a life. Just another day
at the office. Well, guess again. The truth is you’ve done something
unthinkable.
You’re
probably scratching your head about now. Probably wondering why I’m not grateful
you treated me before I bled out from that artery wound. (Just so you know, my
kind gets wounds like that all the time. We always heal before we bleed out.)
And sure, I know you thought you were
doing the right thing giving me human blood—your blood— but inter-species
transfusions are always risky. I suppose you’ve never treated one of us before.
Maybe you thought we were just myths like everyone says. Do you even understand
the terrible thing you’ve done to me?
Your blood
is in my veins now…mingling with mine…causing my heart to pound every time I
see you. My palms sweat. I hunger for your touch. Is this what humans call
love? Is this what drives your kind to cross oceans and fight dragons for your
beloved? Will I be like this forever? There must be a cure. You have to help me
Dr. Frobisher.
Eternally
yours
Amalina
***************
From Chaos Station by Jenn Burke
Dear Fixer,
According to
the Standard calendar, today is a holiday known as Valentine’s Day. I am not
sure if you celebrate this event as you are not wearing pink or red, which seem
to be traditional colors. I have also not observed the appearance of any heart
symbols decorating your work area in Engineering. (Though, if you wish to make
some, I would be happy to assist. Please let me know.)
My research
has illustrated that it is customary to send notes to chosen recipients on this
day, otherwise known as valentines, to profess one’s regard. Chocolates and cut
flowers also seem to be popular gifts, but I was unable to procure either item
at the last station. I am therefore sending you this note to request that you
be my valentine.
Perhaps you
could answer a question for me? Why do humans call the heart symbol a heart? It
bears no resemblance to an actual human heart. I spent a great deal of time
last evening evaluating and comparing heart symbols and holographic images of
human hearts to see the correlation but I was unable to do so. I also profess
confusion as to how any emotion can be attributed to an organ key to the
cardiovascular function of the human body. It was my understanding that emotions
are a function of the human brain. Is that not the case?
I await your
reply.
Qekelough
***************
From Sea Change by Cindy Spencer Pape
Dearest Heidi,
As I watch you sleep, I can’t help but marvel at the fates
that brought us together. You’ve given up everything for me—your career, your
life as a human, even your chance at Valhalla. All I have to give you in return
is my heart. Can that truly be enough?
All my love,
Jake
***
Dear Jake,
You idiot. Of course it’s enough. Love is the only magic
that counts.
Now quit being sappy and come to bed.
Heidi
From Magic of the Nile by Veronica Scott:
Love letter from Captain Sahure to High Priestess Tyema, 1550 BCE
Beloved wife, I wish you life, prosperity, health…
The patrol goes well, the enemy runs before us like the hyena spawn
they are…
Yet I long to return to your arms, dear heart…
I miss the sound of your sweet voice, honeyed like the finest date
wine…
I long for the touch of your hand, soft as the touch of a lotus petal…
You are without peer among Egypt’s fairest…
A goddess of the sunrise, planted square in my heart.
When by Pharaoh’s leave I return to your couch, the day shall be made
splendid with our loving.
A million times over…
My heart will be delighted by the sight of you.
Veronica Scott's note: Based
on several actual love songs from the era in which this story of mine is set.
In the novel Sahure tells Tyema he’s no poet, a soldier not a man of honeyed
words…but I like to think this is the way he sees her and the words he would
say if he expressed what’s in his heart.
