1970s A Soldier's Letter

[Gotneska]

A Soldier's Letter

Main Characters: 

Uilliam "Liam" O'Maille ( Rank Varaforingi, 11th Royal Army Division)

Saoirse Ní Mháille (Attending Kado University)

Secondary Characters:  This will be updated whenever a new character is created.

Himi Uyama: College student that becomes one of Saoirse close friends.

 

Friday, 8th December 1978

Dear Saoirse,

Warm greetings from Gotneska! As I sit here in the barracks watching the snowfall to the ground, I find myself flooded with memories of our childhood during Christmas spending time together with family. Yearning to once again see everyone, to talk and laugh round the table as we enjoy our mother's delicious Christmas Dinner. But most importantly, yearning to see you again. To once again have snowball fights with you in the snow."

 I hope this letter finds you well, and your experiences as a foreign exchange student must be truly remarkable. Pursuing your passion for Fine Arts and attending college in a foreign land showcase the adventurous spirit you've always possessed. It fills me with pride to see you achieving your dreams and flourishing in your studies.

 Life as a soldier can be challenging, but the camaraderie amongst my comrades gives me strength. I cherish the memories of our family gatherings during Christmas, decorating the tree together, singing carols, and sharing laughter and love. These memories keep me going during the tough times and remind me of the importance of family.

 I wish I could send you more than just this letter, perhaps a handcrafted ornament or a piece of art to remind you of home. Alas, our current circumstances limit such luxuries, but please know that I'm saving all my leave days to be able to visit you once my deployment is over.

 As the festive season approaches, I hope you find joy in the new friendships you've made and the traditions you experience in your host country. Embrace the diversity of cultures around you, as they enrich your understanding of the wurld and the arts you love. 

Before I conclude, I want to assure you that I'm doing well and staying strong. Please take care of yourself too and don't hesitate to reach out whenever you need to talk or share your experiences. May this Christmas bring you love, inspiration, and creativity as you continue your artistic journey. And remember, no matter where we are, we're connected by the bonds of family and love.

 

 With all my love,  Liam.

 

(OOC: In the exchange of letters there are two siblings A Brother and His younger Sister. The Brother Uilliam "Liam" O'Maille is a Soldier in the Gotneskan Royal Army. His younger sister is  Saoirse Ní Mháille who will be rp by @Esonice as she is Attending College in Esonice. This is part of the wider wbing of the  Gotneskan Civil War.  The letters will for the part be in chronological order)

Edited August 7 by Gotneska (see edit history)

[Esonice]

Date Liam’s letter arrived Wednesday, 20th of December 1978

Date Saoirse’s letter sent Friday, 22nd of December 1978

Date Saoirse’s letter arrived Monday, 15th of January 1979

 

"Dear Liam,

It’s been so long since the last time I saw you. By the time this letter reaches you Christmas is probably long over, but I still hope you had a wonderful Christmas and new years with your fellow men at the barracks. Admittedly, this December has felt rather lonely.. Besides the sparse few Christian communities here in Kado, Christmas isn’t really something celebrated here. However it isn’t all bad, my new friends are coming over on the 25th to celebrate with me, wanting to cheer me up. I am so excited to introduce them to some of our traditions from back home!

Despite that however, I do still feel a little homesick. Also wishing that all our family was together again to celebrate. It just doesn’t feel the same without you, mum, dad.. But I hope that one day we all get to reunite and have another wonderful Christmas together.

Being here in Esonice has truly been an almost magical experience, too much to put into one letter. The life, the culture, the food, it’s all so different from things back in Gotneska. Nearly everyday I learn something new which keeps things fresh and exciting. Though I’d be lying if I said I didn’t have trouble adapting to all of the customs, not including heat. But my friends have made things a lot easier, especially someone called Himi Uyama.

Himi and I have become very close. She’s been very supportive of me, helping me learn more about Esonian culture and language which I still struggle with sometimes. In July she even invited me over to camp with her friends in the mountainous depths of Esonice in Sankai province. Sankai, funnily enough, meaning something along the lines of “mountainous sea” which was no joke. The sights in Sankai were mesmerising, silky clouds gently flowing over the mountains. Covering them like blankets. The cooler temperatures were also a welcome one.

My most fascinating experience however was listening to the older Esonian generation telling recountings of the past. Stories of their lives during the Mitonese occupation of Esonice, the surpression of Esonian sovereignty in the 1920s.. Those times were very traumatising for Esonians, it helped me understand why many Esonians hold their traditions so dear. It even brought me a new perspective on our own struggles back in Gotneska. Esonians never lost hope in fighting against odds that seemed almost impossible to beat, eventually coming out on the other end to a brighter future. I too believe that once all the smokes clear in Gotneska, we too can have a bright future.

This is what I want to conclude with, to tell you to never lose hope. We will see each other again, and when we do I will show around all the places I’ve been in here in Esonice!

 

With love, Saoirse."

[Gotneska]

Date Saoirse’s letter arrived Monday, 15th of January 1979

Date Liam’s letter sent Friday, 19th of January 1979

Date Liam’s letter arrived Monday, 12th of February 1979

 

Dear Saoirse,

I trust this letter finds you well and thriving. Your previous letters always bring a smile to my face, and I am overjoyed to learn that you have found companionship and new friendships in Esonice. Your ability to connect with people across borders through your passion for Fine Arts is a testament to your open heart and creative spirit.

It is with mixed emotions that I share with you the news that my non-combat service might be reaching its conclusion sooner than expected. While the prospect of change looms on the horizon, I find myself grappling with a range of feelings. Part of me is eager for the next chapter, while another part of me is reluctant to bid farewell to this current chapter of my journey.

As my path unfolds, I want nothing more than to extend my heartfelt wishes to you. Your pursuit of your Fine Arts degree and your ability to embrace a new culture and make friends in Esonice fill me with immense pride. While I must admit that my own sense of happiness is tinged with a longing to be there to witness your journey in person, I am genuinely thrilled for the opportunities and experiences that await you.

In the midst of your own endeavors, always remember the words of comfort and reassurance you shared with me: Our Father in Heaven watches over us and guides us through even the most uncertain of times. As you continue to create, explore, and navigate this foreign land, trust in the protection and guidance that surrounds you.

I am reminded of a passage from Psalms 27:1-4 (NIV) that speaks to the essence of finding solace and purpose in our faith:

"An Tiarna is mo gheal agus mo shlánú; cén mhaith a bheas orm? An Tiarna is lárionad m'aosa; cén mhaith a bheas orm? Nuair a tháinig daoine oilc chugam le díleá, leathfaidh siad agus titfidh siad. Nuair a tháinig arm chun aghaidh orm, ní bheidh mo chroí dallta le heagla; nuair a tháinig cogadh chun aghaidh orm, beidh mé muiníneach fós. Amharc amháin a dhéanamh mé ar an Tiarna, sin an méid atá ag teastáil uaim: bheith i mo chónaí i dteach an Tiarna i rith gach lá de mo shaol, chun áthas a bhaint as fíorchuma an Tiarna agus chun é a lorg i dtiúin."

May these verses remind you of the strength that resides within you and the protection that surrounds you, just as you continue to embrace the beauty of the wurld through your artistry.

My dear sister, the bonds that tie us together are unbreakable, even as we find ourselves separated by distance. Your letters are my anchor, reminding me of the love and strength we share. As one chapter closes and another begins, I am excited to see the paths our individual journeys take and how they will continue to intersect.

Wishing you the best of luck, endless inspiration, and the unwavering support of family and friends. Until our paths cross again, know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.

With all my love,

Liam

 

(ooc: The bible verse Psalms 27: 1-4 NIV is written in their native language of Meallaigian. Below is the Anglish spelling.

The Lord is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked advance against me to devour me, it is my enemies and my foes who will stumble and fall.  Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident.  One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple.)