"My body aches to breathe your breath, your words keep me alive..." -Possession
My Ziporra,
I don't know where you are, or where I could send this so that it could reach you. All I know is that I can't speak to you, you're not here, you're somewhere in the darkness. I need to at least pretend that you can hear me, can hear my prayers, can feel my love no matter what desolation the baatezu have you fighting over. So I'm writing this letter in anticipation of the time you'll come back to me and after we've put Ademtus to bed, made love, and awoken to the morning I can show these words to you.
Thank you for the money. I did give a few coppers to the children camped around our building, I know that as much as you complain you know that they are more needy than we are. I did get some fresh vegetables for Ademtus's meals, rather than the usual dull orange carrots and faded green peas. Still, I think we could have found another way, but as you said I don't want to fight about it across the infinite distance that separates us now.
Your words made me cry, and it warms my heart that you think of me to drive those evil whispers away. Just remember who you are, my love, and that you aren't fighting for the devils, not really. You're fighting for your son, he wakes up and cries for you, 'Dada Dada' and I just hold him and promise him you'll be home soon. Please don't be ashamed Zippora but sometimes I just start weeping and we cry together. We're closer than ever, bonded by our love for the man in our lives.
He started walking, your son, stumbling really for a few steps but I know your heart would swell with pride just as mine does as he crosses more and more distance on his stubby legs. You are right, he will never be soldier, but he'll be proud that you were one, and all that you did for him.
Keep him in your thoughts and keep me in your thoughts as well. And as you remember us, remember yourself as well. Think of my smile, yes, but think of your strong hand cupping my face, your body pressed against mine when we saw the cities burning. Remember your tears at your fallen comrades, and how I told you it was okay to cry for them. You are a beautiful man my husband, and I want that man to come back to me. Don't let them change you.
I am forever waiting.
your loving wife,
Ananki
Thanks!
Right now i was thinking the two letters were all i would do. Basically it functions as a story about how fiends play on our human nature and human needs.
It could double as a possible campaign hook where the PCs read Letter I and go to deliver Letter II as well as possibly bring Ziporra home to his wife and son. How willing he'd be to break his contract with the baatezu I don't know...
Just a question I keep pondering. What race is Ziporra and Anaki?
I do hope you continue this story as mentioned by another poster. I can't stop reading both letters over and over. You really draw your readers into the story. Feels like you are actually experiencing each characters point of view.
Hi Lestat - thanks for the compliment!
I figured both of them were humans, likely with Middle Eastern skin tones.
I actually have sat down and tried to think about how to keep this story going and feel that for me, personally, the story ends here.
Others are welcome to come up with their own variations but I like that we don't know what will happen -- unless PCs in campaigns decide to help the lovers out.
Adding more would also tilt the story to the destruction of a man's soul OR to the redemptive power of love. Keeping the question open, for me, feels like the right thing to do. Apologies...
This is a great story. Made me think of the Blood War in a whole new way.
I really like this series. Looking forward to more.
BoGr Guide to Missile Combat:
1) Equip a bow or crossbow.
2) Roll a natural 1 on d20.
3) ?????
4) Profit!