Love Letters | Armin Arlert

One: The Raven's Beak

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I once heard of stories beyond the walls, of where others resided in. Cerulean clear waters, enticing new foods, and even wondrous mountains I could climb. Though alas, I cannot leave this enclave for people or so have told us of the dangerous events within far of reach from my home.

As footsteps clacked onto the downstairs floor, I enjoyed the tranquil atmosphere on the balcony. I had a birds eye view of all people wandering down across each street, yet even if I had other interesting things to do, I always found my eyes roaming above the walls and searching beyond for a brighter world.

Although, my thoughts were interrupted by a belligerent knock. "Who is it?" I shouted.

The door opened and revealed a middle aged man, wearing the Marley military's uniform. I turned around and jumped into his embrace.

"Papa! Why are you here?" I asked him, I was enlightened of his arrival since I haven't seen him in a year! But that spark of joy died down when a frown interrupted his smile.

He takes off his hat and puts it to his chest, "I'm here yet to say another farewell. Things have taken a rough turn at the moment and I have been called for duty once more. I apologize, dear."

I tried to keep my tears back from falling, but my emotions cannot be pushed away and so a tear drips from my right eye. "It's okay, father."

"Oh, Y/N.." He says softly as he pulled me into a tighter embrace.

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After a while, I felt silly for expressing my feelings. I don't share them with anyone except for my family, and I know how important and difficult it is to be in the military, however I still can't to this day fathom how they work. What lies a mystery might stay a mystery to all of us outside of the barrier. All we can do is hope for our safety.

I sighed deeply and headed to close the doors leading to the balcony, then I made my into my room and sat on the windowsill, staring beyond the midnight sky that displayed glittering stars. I then put my hands together and started to pray.

"In life, what I wish for the most is to leave this place and travel beyond wonders. But I won't reach for the impossible, so for now I only ask of you to bequeath a messenger upon this land that would carry my messages across each rough in the sand."  And closed the prayer with an "Amen".

"Back to writing I go." I spoke aloud to myself. Every night, when I have a chance to stroll for a while outside the walls—I write a letter and throw it to the ocean in hopes of a person finding it from across the sea.

I started writing, "Dear Whomever, My name is Y/N L/N. I wrote this letter in hopes of another finding it. The walls that encases this town makes me feel trapped, and I wonder if you're the same as well? In love with the outside world and quenching for an adventure." Just then, a tap on the window disturbed the quiet.

I stood up from my chair and opened the window to find a raven resting on the edge of my window. "My my, aren't you extraordinary? What brings you here? Are you lost or perhaps hungry?" I queried the beautiful bird. It gave no response, but a head tilt instead.

"Hmm how about this?" I reached for the plate on my bedside table and took off tiny pieces of bread crumbs to feed him. He gobbled it up with no hesitation.

"You like that? How wonderful.." With a finger, I carefully caressed his head as he stared into my eyes. I smiled, it's nice to have some company besides with humans once in a while.

"Hmm. Oh! I'll need my opinion on this letter, do you think this is applicable?" I showed him the folded letter, but before I could open it—he grabbed the letter with his beak and flew away.

"Hey! I'm not done with that yet!" I reached to grab him but he was too far away. I sat back in disappointed.

"What am I to do now.."