Love Knows No Bounds (elandra and Cherri Tart)
<h1 id="title">Elliquiy Role Playing Forums</h1>
		<h2 id="linktree">Play-By-Post: Bondage, D/s, S&amp;M =&gt; Bondage: Human Solos =&gt; Topic started by: Elandra on 13-01-2008, 03:07:04</h2>
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				Title: <strong>Love Knows No Bounds (elandra and Cherri Tart)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elandra</strong> on <strong>13-01-2008, 03:07:04</strong>
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				<em>The following is a love story told exclusively in letters. At the beginning, nothing is known of each other’s characters, except their genders and a first initial. They, the characters, could be of different eras or nationalities or they could be of the same era, their letters to each other will reveal all to the writers. </em><br><br><br><div style="text-align: right;">17th April 1811</div><br>My Dearest L-,<br><br>Not one month ago, I stood in the streets of my beloved City of Paris, near the Notre Dame waiting in anticipation as I heard those church bells ring, announcing the birth of Napoleon’s child. As with every man, woman and child on those streets, I stopped what I was doing and held my breath, counting those strikes, my heart soaring as I heard the twenty-second toll, the Emperor had had a son, an heir to his throne, Caesar. I was beyond joy, my heart sang with it, I could not help but grab the nearest shop keeper and embrace her, the shock on her face. I had cried out with jubilance, enjoyed too many a spirit and eventually had returned to the barracks to fall into a deep slumber upon my bunk. If it weren’t for my undying love and devotion to you, I would certainly have joined the men in the nearby brothels.<br><br>Our Emperor had demanded, with the nearly bolstered troop numbers that we march to the eastern edges of France in preparation for our victorious march into the heart of Russia to decisively determine there is but one Continental Emperor, Napoleon. After serving three years, since the age of twenty, with the glorious leader, most of which was in Spain, I have been promoted to Sergeant Major of a company in charge of training and equipping the new recruits. They are so young, ma cherie, so full of bluster, so brash and brazen, was I ever that naïve?<br><br>For the following month I will ride, walk and sludge through the spring rains towards Wesel, where I will be stationed until the Emperor deems it appropriate to begin the attack on the Tsar’s troops at the borders of the Grand Duchy of Warsaw. I will do my best to write, but you may not hear from me until my arrival. Be elated for me, ma cherie, for I know in my heart victory will be ours.<br><br>Yours fondly,<br><br>&nbsp; Francisco<br><br>[Enclosed is a dried pale sky blue with a gold center Forget-me-not blossom, its delicate petals all perfectly intact.] 
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				Title: <strong>Re: Love Knows No Bounds (elandra and Cherri Tart)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Cherri Tart</strong> on <strong>13-01-2008, 21:07:35</strong>
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				&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; May 29, 1964<br>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Dear Francisco, <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It is with a bright smile that I received your letter.&nbsp; The Spring days here have been crisp and invigorating as they melt into summer and the sunshine that pours through my afternoon window is nothing compared to the light that illuminated my heart when I received your letter.&nbsp; Somehow all the distance between us seems to melt away as I sit on my bed, stealing a moment of privacy to read your news.<br><br>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; I wish you could see me as I eagerly tear open your letters, giggling like a little girl on Christmas morning and running up the stairs to my room,&nbsp; pouring over them again and again, unable to get enough of your words.&nbsp; &nbsp;I must admit that I have pressed the blossom you sent between the pages of my journal and not a day goes by when I don’t gaze upon it, imagining you walking through a field of flowers, looking for the perfect flower, looking so handsome in your new uniform.&nbsp; The mixture of emotions I feel about your promotion are too many to count and I will try not to worry too much about you, yet I find your news disquieting.&nbsp; War is such a terrible thing and I hope that you stay out of harms way. I don’t know what I would do if something happened to you. I’ve come to care too much for you in such a short time.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<br><br>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Here too, there is war, both abroad as well as the stirrings of it at home, although I sometimes feel that I am the only one who feels the weight of it.&nbsp; My house mates are all caught up in “Beatlemania” right now and the only thing that seems to worry them is whether or not John is cuter then Paul.&nbsp; There are times when I think that there is a divide wider then the one that lies between you and I despite the fact that they live just down the hall and you are worlds away.&nbsp; I hope that I am not giving you the impression that I despair for the future.&nbsp; Already there are artists like Dylan speaking up and I feel “a change a coming”, as he would say.&nbsp; There is both anger and hope within my heart at his words as well as a newfound resolution that I want to be part of that change.&nbsp; &nbsp;<br><br>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; I will keep you in my heart as I eagerly await your next letter.&nbsp; Words cannot express how fond of you I have grown in the short time we have known each other, yet I hope that you can are able to read between the lines and see the deep feelings for you that have kindled within my soul.&nbsp; <br><br>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Love and Peace,<br>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Lucy<br><br>[enclosed is a single lock of blonde hair]<br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Love Knows No Bounds (elandra and Cherri Tart)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elandra</strong> on <strong>29-01-2008, 23:46:29</strong>
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				<div style="text-align: right;">24th April 1811</div>My Dearest Lucy,<br><br>Your words lifted my heart; I soared amongst the clouds when I received your letter several weeks previous. Each night I would read it by the fire, guarding it from prying eyes just before we bedded for the night. I regret it took me so long to reply to you and I hope it did not give you a scare. The trek was a long and arduous one to the front and mid-march we were redirected to the Vistula River, where the Emperor’s troops are amassing for the inevitable victory over the Russians. Vive l'Empereur.<br><br>Thank you for the lock of hair. I keep it in a watch hidden within a breast pocket so that it and my little piece of you remain close to my heart at all times. I cannot tell you how fortunate I feel to have found you across the great divide.<br><br>I am somewhat curious as to these Beatles and Dylan you speak of, and this war abroad; do the people of your country not support your leader’s actions? I would be interested in learning more about your thoughts of the war. In our coming battles, I look forward to continuing to bring honour to my family and name, as I have done in previous campaigns in Spain and Prussia. <br><br>Speaking of my family, my younger sister Julianne sent me a letter informing me she is to marry whilst I am away. I am excited for her fortune, for there is love between them, she is truly happy with the news and I for her. <br><br>Well I must return to the men, most of them are so young, Lucy, they do not have stubble upon their chin and have come directly to the frontlines with no formal training or equipment.<br><br>Yours lovingly,<br>Francisco
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				Title: <strong>Re: Love Knows No Bounds (elandra and Cherri Tart)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Cherri Tart</strong> on <strong>31-01-2008, 19:40:56</strong>
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				&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; June 14, 1964<br>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;My Dear Francisco, <br><br>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;It was such&nbsp; a relief to hear from you again.&nbsp; I worry every day, silly as that sounds, that you are safe and sound and I have gotten into the habit of running down stairs and meeting the mailman out in front of the building to see if he has brought good news.&nbsp; Imagine my delight to recieve your letter this afternoon and of course I ran straight to my room so that I could have you all to myself. <br><br>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Your trek sounds delightful, or at least I imagine it would have been if you'd been sight seeing.&nbsp; I can only imagine what the footfalls of thousands of men and horses would do to the country side.&nbsp; I am, at least, happy to hear that you are optimistic about the coming battle.&nbsp; Myself, just the thought scares me to death.&nbsp; Everyday I hear the death toll rising and I can't help but think of all the lives that have ended prematurely on both sides.&nbsp; I can't help but think that the young russian men you are going to fight might have been friends in another circumstance and I can't even imagine what it must feel like to fire a gun at someone.&nbsp; Still, I know that you are doing what you believe to be right and I can hardly fault you for that.&nbsp; I only hope that your war is much different then ours.&nbsp; President Johnson still insists upon calling it a 'Police Action'&nbsp; and the soldiers being sent there are 'military advisors' but there is little doubt in anyone's mind that it is growing into more then just that.&nbsp; &nbsp;War, at least in my opinion is bad and I fail to understand why our leaders don't do everything in their power to prevent it.<br><br>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; On a more pleasant note, I am glad to hear that your sister found someone to fall in love with.&nbsp; She is a very lucky girl and you can tell her that herself.&nbsp; Oh, that there is such a divide between us.&nbsp; I often wonder what it would be like to have you here, to be able to hold your hand and go for walks in central park or a drive out to the country.&nbsp; I hope that one day I will be able to see your smiling face and know for myself how handsome you are.&nbsp; <br><br>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;You ask about the Beatles and Dylan.&nbsp; Sometimes I forget that, being as far away as you are, you have no knowledge of popular culture here.&nbsp; The Beatles are a musical group who have become very famous over here.&nbsp; They come from the English town of Liverpool and have caused quite a sensation with their long hair and rock and roll music.&nbsp; Bob Dylan, on the other hand, is a poet of the times, a modern day troubador, who casts a light upon our society that makes me question where we are going.&nbsp; &nbsp;Not that love songs aren't wonderful, but sometimes I think that music should be used for more then just entertainment.&nbsp; We can make a difference, everyone of us, if we only found a common thread.&nbsp; Music could be that thread.<br><br>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; A little sad news to share with you, although not surprising.&nbsp; My father and mother have finally decided to get a divorice.&nbsp; You can imagine what everyone is saying but really, I can't help but think it's for the best.&nbsp; Now maybe they can both be happy for the first time that I can remember.&nbsp; Still, it makes me sad that they could have given up on love so easily.&nbsp; I have to believe that at one time they were mad about each other.&nbsp; <br><br>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;I'm sorry if my thoughts might seem a little scrambled to you.&nbsp; I was so eager to write and have been doing so despite the destraction of our neighbors with whom we share a wall.&nbsp; They are fighting again and this time it sounds serious.&nbsp; I don't understand how there can be so much anger and hatred in the world.&nbsp; It makes me blue.&nbsp; Not wanting to end on a sad note, you'll be pleased to hear that I have been offered a job working at a small record store down town during the summer.&nbsp; Good news, seeing as how tuition for school left me close to broke last September.&nbsp; <br><br>Love and Peace,<br>your Lucy.<br>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<br><br>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<br><br>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<br><br>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<br><br>&nbsp; <br><br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Love Knows No Bounds (elandra and Cherri Tart)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elandra</strong> on <strong>18-03-2008, 19:50:18</strong>
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				<div style="text-align: right;">30th April 1811</div>My Dearest Lucianne, <br><br>The news of your parents separating is unsettling, in my times it would be forbidden unless there was a granted annulment as most of the marriages are arranged to better the family’s standing within a community. From your words, you seemed to believe that it is for the best and it sounds as if it is more common during your times and so we not dwell upon it. <br><br>Music has a soothing effect on those around the campfires at night, when one of the soldiers brought his lute and sang to us as a bard might in old times, the joy I see on the faces, the hopes and fears melting away as they escape into the tale brings a smile to me every time.<br><br>There is no need to worry of me, the war has not started as of yet, for now we stand on the frontlines as part of what I can only imagine is the mighty Emperor’s psychological war against the Tsar, intimidation is a key factor in this war. There are hundreds of thousands of us, though many of the newest recruits are poorly trained, some too puny to be able to even hold the saber they have been issued. I shall not lie to you, I fear for their lives, many of them will never know what it is like to be a man unless they are lucky to find a wench within the town’s borders, none of them will be able to find the love I have found. My heart sings every second I think of you, my step rises just a little further, I could not imagine what it would be like without you, nor do I wish to do so.<br><br>What is it you are studying, my dear Lucy? I have some formal training in philosophy as well as some in the classics, besides my military training of course. When I get the chance I do enjoy reading Homer, I carry the Odyssey with me for inspiration as part of my personal effects. Occasionally at night I will read to the youngest and illiterate from this great work and sometimes I will attempt to teach some of them the basics of writing or at least write to those they have left behind for this grand expedition.<br><br>I must cut this short, for I must sleep, tomorrow we are to be inspected by the General and I have many preparations before then.<br><br>Always you are in my heart,<br>Francisco
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				Title: <strong>Re: Love Knows No Bounds (elandra and Cherri Tart)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Cherri Tart</strong> on <strong>09-04-2008, 19:40:15</strong>
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				&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; July 2, 1964<br><br>Dearest Francisco,<br><br>It's turning into a fun summer!&nbsp; Having a wonderful time at my new job.&nbsp; The people who come in are totally cool and we get to listen to new music all day, some of which I have never heard of before.&nbsp; Really, it's quite an experience and the people I work with are really neat.&nbsp; The owner is a young man, about my age, who really loves music and is really fun to work for.&nbsp; Everything is really relaxed.&nbsp; It hardly seems like a real job.&nbsp; And yes, I know what you mean about music making a difference.&nbsp; It's very hard to sit around and be sad when the Beatles are playing or the Rolling Stones.&nbsp; It just sort of chases your blues away. <br><br>Funny, my mom said the same thing.&nbsp; When she was young, it was unimaginable that married couples would get a divorice.&nbsp; They'd be talked about like pariahs.&nbsp; Not that there isn't talk still, but I guess it's just more common.&nbsp; And it's so strange, thinking of them falling out of love.&nbsp; I hope that I never fall out of love.&nbsp; It should be forever and bridge all obstacles, even those of color or time and distance.&nbsp; &nbsp; <br><br>I try not to worry.&nbsp; As you say, the war has not started, and yet it will.&nbsp; I cannot help put picture the sounds of guns and cannons, the cries of men, the stillness that will lay over the field afterwards.&nbsp; I would much prefer to picture you at some Cafe in Paris, drinking wine and laughing over some funny little annecdote with your comrades.&nbsp; Oh, I would give anything for you to be safe and warm and happy.&nbsp; It frightens me a little, how much I have come to care for you in such a short time, but my heart doesn't always listen to reason.&nbsp; Be safe for me, Francisco.&nbsp; That is all I will ever ask of you.<br><br>I can't imagine a world in which not everyone can read or write.&nbsp; It seems such a basic skill!&nbsp; It makes me even fonder of you, if that is at all possible, that you have taken it upon yourself to teach those lacking.&nbsp; As for my education, I have been taking courses in Sociology at present.&nbsp; Embarrassingly enough, I don't have any long range plans, but it is something that interests me at present.&nbsp; Mom, of course, is only interested in finding me a good marriage.&nbsp; I have yet to tell her that my heart is already spoken for.&nbsp; I'm not sure she would understand.&nbsp; <br><br>For 4th of July I and my roommates are going to Coney Island to ride the roller coasters and eat cotton candy and hot dogs.&nbsp; Just a girls day out.&nbsp; Other then that my days have been quiet, most of my off time being spent in my room, listening to music or reading and thinking of you often.&nbsp; Please write back as soon as you can for your words always bring a smile to my face.<br><br>You hold my heart in your hands,<br>Your Lucy<br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Love Knows No Bounds (elandra and Cherri Tart)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elandra</strong> on <strong>25-05-2008, 17:59:40</strong>
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				<div style="text-align: right;">1st June 1811</div><br>My Dearest Lucianne,<br><br>You have my sincerest apologies for the length of time in between my letters to you, I hope they did not cause you to worry of my well-being. I have been well, though I have been tasked with much in this past month and have found nary the time to sit at a desk and write to you, my love. <br><br>We had our first tragedy this month, the boys they are so young and restless, even though we train them hard they are anxious to get on the battle field and fight and yet they barely know how to hold a sword. I will spare you the details as it was a fearsome sight, but I do believe it has taught the others to be more cautious. I must have spent hours writing the letter to his parents, he was barely sixteen; not all officers write letters home but I force myself to do so, reflecting on their personality and loss. In a way it assures that I spend time with soldiers, interact with them on a personal level as well as a professional one, be a friend to them as well as a commander.<br><br>As of late there has been an influx of men who have joined La Grande Armée for the sole purpose of gaining wealth. Our mighty Emperor has instituted a reward system where Marshals gain title and land, whilst promotions garner one wealth and perhaps a pension if they received the Légion d’Honneur. This has caused many a marshal to remain in Paris, becoming fat and enjoying unsavory activities with their wives and mistresses. We’ve a gluttony of experienced leaders and this worries me, but I should not question the Emperor and his ways.<br><br>Not moments after I had posted your last letter I was approached by a superior to learn Russian so that I may interrogate prisoners and gather intelligence. It was not a request and so much of my spare time has been focused on attempting to discern the language, both spoken and written, mastering the Cyrillic alphabet was not a fun task.<br><br>Too, we have finally have a cantiniére for our company, she arrived in the beginning of May attached to one of the many sergeants and has since acquired a small cart filled with foods and small items. She has set up a tent within the company and it has become the company café, where some come to borrow money or purchase goods, whilst officers come to play cards and gossip. The morale of the men has increased ten-fold with her presence and I for one am glad for it.<br><br>I assure you, my dearheart I will keep safe, if only so I can receive your next letter, each one brings joy to my heart and lifts me from the monotony of training. I hope that your 4th of July celebrations were as joyous as you had wanted them to be. As for your future plans, as long as you have a direction, specific are not nearly important. <br><br>With all my love,<br>Francisco
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				Title: <strong>Re: Love Knows No Bounds (elandra and Cherri Tart)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Cherri Tart</strong> on <strong>08-10-2008, 21:23:02</strong>
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				August 2, 1964<br><br>My beloved Francisco,<br><br>It was with trembling hands that I opened your last letter, so eager to hear from you and relieved to find you well enough to write.&nbsp; I will not lie to you and tell you that I don’t worry for you constantly.&nbsp; I do understand how you feel about your Emperor and his cause, and yet I can’t help but be angry at him for sending you away from the safety and comforts of home.&nbsp; &nbsp;Please, promise me that you will be careful and return whole and unharmed once this war of his is over.&nbsp; I cannot bear the thought of not hearing from you again.&nbsp; <br><br>We too, are at war, although it’s a different war being waged, and on two fronts.&nbsp; Less then 2 weeks ago, in Rochester, which is less then a days drive from our modest apartments, there was rioting.&nbsp; I am not sure of the details, other then what I have seen on the television, but I do know that the national guard was called in and that at least 4 people were killed and hundred injured.&nbsp; &nbsp;They are calling it a “race riot” due to that fact that there were colored people involved.&nbsp; It’s a sign of the times, I’m afraid.&nbsp; I feel the tension here as well.&nbsp; <br><br>In my record shop I work with a colored man named Leon.&nbsp; He works there during the day and at night he plays guitar with a blues group.&nbsp; I’d like to go see him play sometime, but mostly he plays in colored clubs where I fear I would not be welcome.&nbsp; After two days of watching the films and reading the front pages, you can imagine we had a lot to talk about!&nbsp; It was eye opening, truly, seeing everything through his eyes.&nbsp; &nbsp;It was shocking to find that the brutality that the police were displaying on the streets was something he took for granted.&nbsp; Not that it did not make him angry, but it certainly didn’t come as a surprise.&nbsp; I feel like I’ve been living in a small bubble and it’s suddenly been burst!&nbsp; Now I look around the city streets with a different perspective, wondering if the simmering of frustration will boil over here as well too.&nbsp; I hope that I am not distressing you, or giving you cause for alarm.&nbsp; I wish, at times, that I was more aware of what is going on.&nbsp; In the past few weeks, I have seriously thought about changing my major to journalism so that I can discover for myself what is happening to our country.&nbsp; <br><br>That said, I mentioned two fronts.&nbsp; Just today naval ships off of the Vietnam coast opened fire.&nbsp; The details are still unclear, but it seems that we are headed for a war with a people on the far side of the world who pose no threat to us.&nbsp; I do not understand it.&nbsp; I feel like great and terrible things are being put into motion and who am I but one lonely girl, unable to do anything but sit by and watch.&nbsp; I’m sorry that my words are not more cheerful.&nbsp; After all, you must feel the same way at times?&nbsp; Oh, I hope not! I would give anything to be there at your side and smooth away your worries and hold you close and listen to the beating of your heart, to walk hand in hand through the countryside, all our fears and worries left behind.&nbsp; <br><br>I miss you something fierce, my brave soldier.&nbsp; I should mention that I plan on taking a French course next semester so that I can learn to converse with you in your language if ever we should meet.&nbsp; I dream of that day, I want you to know, and hold out hope that it will be sooner rather then later.&nbsp; The summer is speeding on by and right now what we call the ‘dog days’ are upon us.&nbsp; The city is hot and humid.&nbsp; You can see the waves of heat rising from the asphalt in places.&nbsp; &nbsp;Our little apartment never cools down, not even at night, and I find myself spending many restless nights thinking of you.&nbsp; I look forward to your next letter.&nbsp; &nbsp;Please write as soon as you can.&nbsp; I cannot bear the long waits between your words.&nbsp; It is not much, but I wanted to give you something to remember me by while away from home.&nbsp; My heart belongs to you no matter how far away you might roam.<br><br>&nbsp; &nbsp;Love, <br>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Your Lucianne <br><br>[enclosed is a single red ribbon]<br>&nbsp;
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Love Knows No Bounds (elandra and Cherri Tart)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elandra</strong> on <strong>08-10-2008, 21:34:35</strong>
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				<div style="text-align: right;">15th June 1811</div><br>My Dearest Lucianna,<br><br>Only two weeks have passed and yet it feels an eternity since I’ve had the opportunity to pen you a letter, my dearheart and for being remiss you have my deepest sympathies. At this very moment, I sit in the officer’s tent, the red ribbon you sent tied about my the locket I wear over my heart. All around me there is gaming and carousing, several of my fellow officers have been conspiring to drag me into a card game for they are aware of my tendencies to show my honesty upon my expression. I, too am aware of not being the best at the deceitful arts and so I have told them they must endure without me, they were saddened by the news until I offered to pay for the next round, a sure way to gain favour and peace to finish this letter.<br><br>Le Grande Armeé has grown considerably in just the past few weeks, we received an influx of Poles and Germans; they have set up camp directly across the livestock pens from us. The Germans are of the highest caliber, some of the best soldiers, I have seen, besides the veteran Frenchmen of course and I have asked one of the company commanders to train my men and in exchange I would work with him, he wants to learn Russian and so we have struck a bargain. I tell you this because I would like to learn more of these “race riots” you have spoken of, that is if you do not mind sharing more about the tensions I am sure they are causing you. I will keep Leon in my thoughts and prayers, from the sounds of the happenings in your time, his safety seems in jeopardy.<br><br>Journalism is a noble career; we have many such newspapermen, including several from the London Times who travel with us so that they may report the news of the day back to our families and peoples who cannot witness these glorious events with their own eyes. All I ask is that you are careful, journalism, especially during war times is a dangerous profession, I would not want to stop you from pursuing something you believe in, a liberated view I realize, but much of the reason I am able to go to war is because I know you are safe.<br><br>Tomorrow is another day of training, it is rumoured that within a fortnight, the Emperor or one of his Grand Marshall’s is to make an inspection of his men, there is much to do before then, but I will find the time to steal a quiet moment to write you. I would not want you to fret for my safety, I assure you I have had some of the best training and am well-versed in the ways of war.<br><br>I too dream of the day that we might walk hand in hand along a countryside road or perhaps sit and watch as the sun graces the horizon breathing life into the morning as the world slowly wakes from a night of slumber. To hold you in my arms just once would me the world to me, to savour your warmth against me, to know of your touch, I long for the day we will have our chance to meet and the worries of our worlds will be forgotten as we discover what we have always known, we were meant to be with each other.<br><br>Always you are in my heart,<br><br>Francisco<br><br>[Enclosed is a penciled sketch of a man in a pristine uniform with long wavy hair slipping over his shoulders. His cheeks are angular, his jaw set, but his eyes are shinning brightly.]
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Love Knows No Bounds (elandra and Cherri Tart)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Cherri Tart</strong> on <strong>08-10-2008, 21:47:42</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				My dearest&nbsp; Francisco,&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<br><br>It warmed my heart and brought a smile to my face to hear from you, enjoying the moment as if I was actually there beside you.&nbsp; Listening to you talk about your men, your fellow officers, including me in your day.&nbsp; It’s brings me joy.&nbsp; I hope I do the same to you.&nbsp; I know that my last letter was full of dark tidings, and for that I apologize.&nbsp; Since then, my heart has grown light, bouyed up by hope and the love that I feel for you.&nbsp; And to receive a letter so soon after your last one!&nbsp; I cherish each word that you write, holding it dear to me.&nbsp; Often, when I’m feeling a little lonely at night, I’ll pull all of them out of my drawer and reread them, capturing the feeling of falling slowly in love all over again.&nbsp; Thank you for this gift.&nbsp; <br><br>Not much seems to have happened in the world, at least my world, since I last wrote you.&nbsp; The weather is still brutal, humid and hot, something that you could never imagine if you’ve not spend any time in New York City.&nbsp; Because of it, tempers flare more often then not.&nbsp; That said, these have been good times as well.&nbsp; I have grown to consider my fellow employees at the record shop as a family of sorts.&nbsp; They are all very dear people and we have fun, despite it being 'work'.&nbsp; There is always music playing and I find my tastes developing as I am exposed to different styles of music.&nbsp; Ironically enough, I have become enamored of black music and enjoy the records that Leon chooses to play. Buddy Guy, John Lee Hooker, the Rolling Stones (who aren’t colored, but borrow a great deal of their sound from colored artists).&nbsp; I can’t explain why, but it strikes a chord in me.&nbsp; <br><br>I know that if my parent’s knew that I was spending my time with someone of his race, they would be appalled, and so, of course, I make no mention of it.&nbsp; &nbsp;And please do not worry, my dear heart.&nbsp; We have become friends, nothing more.&nbsp; Just the idea of the scandal it would cause to even consider such a notion is enough to give me pause.&nbsp; Besides, he is already madly in love with someone else, so there is little to fear.&nbsp; In some ways, I hope that you find it in yourself to be a little jealous, even though you should know by know that I only have room for one in my heart, and that is you.&nbsp; <br><br>You asked me for more news about the race riots in Rochester.&nbsp; I’ve been working on writing an editorial piece about them, thinking it would be good practice, and when it’s finished, I promise to include it.&nbsp; For now, I don’t wish to mar the joyfulness in my heart with too much reflection on the matter.&nbsp; My deepest worry is that this is just the beginning of unrest in our great United States of America and that it will be a more common theme as time goes by, a feeling that is shared by others of my generation.&nbsp; <br><br>Thank you for the sketch, Francisco.&nbsp; You look as I have always imagined you too. Noble and yet there is a sweetness that shine through.&nbsp; And of course, handsome beyond belief.&nbsp; I hope you don’t mind, but I shared it with my room mates, who both agree that you are very good looking.&nbsp; It was even remarked that you looked like a movie star, something I agreed with immediately.&nbsp; <br><br>Do not, however, think I am shallow.&nbsp; Had you been disfigured, I still would be hopelessly in love with you.&nbsp; &nbsp;It is what is inside your heart, your soul, the words that come from within that I have fallen in love with.&nbsp; Nothing else matters to me.&nbsp; &nbsp;I am glad that you will have a chance to glimpse, perhaps even meet, your beloved Emperor.&nbsp; I know how much he means to you and I try not to dwell on the fact that it is he who has taken you so far from home and put you into harms way.&nbsp; Instead, I will think kindly of him, hoping that once this campaign of your is over, he will return you to your beloved Paris in safety, where you shall have nothing better to do then write me daily.&nbsp; One day, my heart promises we will meet fact to face.&nbsp; I can’t believe otherwise.<br><br>All my affection and love,<br>Your Lucy<br><br>[enclosed is a black and white photo of a young woman with straight, fair hair, dimples, and a shy smile, wearing a buttoned up v-neck sweater over a white collared blouse, a pair of small hearts carefully drawn in pen in the upper left hand corner, followed by ‘F&amp;L' ]
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Love Knows No Bounds (elandra and Cherri Tart)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elandra</strong> on <strong>08-10-2008, 21:53:55</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div style="text-align: right;">30th June 1811</div><br>My Sweet Lily,<br><br>I cannot tell you of the joy I felt upon receiving your note and the image of you it contained, it warmed my heart to finally see how radiant you are, more so than I imagined. At night in the sweltering heat as I lay awake hoping that the night will bring us relief from the aches and pains of the day, I think of you. Staring at the starlit night and the pale moon, my heart fills with the love I have for you and I am reminded of how fortunate I am to have found my eternal love.<br><br>I hope that the tension between the races has calmed or if not that you are isolated and protected from it, I am worried for your safety and that of your friend, Leon. I trust that you will do nothing foolish but also believe you should speak up for what you believe is right, do not let any quell your voice, my love. Speaking of which, if it is complete would you be willing to send a copy of your editorial with your next letter, I would be interested in reading it.<br><br>The Emperor arrived one day previous forcing the armies to stand at attention for hours in the heat in their finery, it was grueling and I daresay not worth the small glimpse we saw of him nor the words he spoke to give us courage as we wait for the battles yet to come. It has become obvious that we are to remain on the border a full year before we march on our Russian foes, the grains for our horses will need to be harvested before the march or they will starve before step across the border. Once his words were finished, he moved on to the next group of soldiers and we were allowed reprieve, it is then I found a letter from my sister awaiting me. The news was not good.<br><br>News of a naval skirmish near the island of Lissa, a strategically important island whereupon the British are continuously harrying our ships and men reached the Front today. I would not make mention of it, especially since such skirmishes have become commonplace in the Adriatic Sea, except for the fact I learned my soon to be brother’s younger brother was one of wounded and subsequently captured when his ship, the <em>Favorite</em> was fired upon and eventually destroyed. The news has devastated his family and he has asked that his wedding be postponed until more is known of his whereabouts and his freedom secured.<br><br>As I sat near a campfire and read her note, I could not help but think of my own life and the risks I was about to take and what it must be doing to you. I promise you I will not enter battle without being prepared, I will remember as I fight for my country and Emperor’s honour that I live for your love and companionship. I have no misconceptions of dying honourably, I want to live if only to see you and hold you within my arms.<br><br>You have my enduring love,<br>Francisco
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Love Knows No Bounds (elandra and Cherri Tart)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Cherri Tart</strong> on <strong>08-10-2008, 21:54:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				My Heart,&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;September 4th, 1964<br><br>Funny how fast the hours go, the days just tumbling into each other so quickly.&nbsp; I can hardly believe that the summer break has passed and I am in class again.&nbsp; The last three weeks have been full of joy and possibilities, only marred by your absence.&nbsp; I hope you do not think me to forward, but I often think of how much better each and every day would be if only I had you beside me at night.&nbsp; There are times when I ache with the need to feel your hand in mine, to gaze into your eyes, to feel your sweet embrace.&nbsp; Often my dreams are filled only with your face, smiling, singing soft lullabies in your native tongue, your words rich and soothing.<br><br>This is not to say that I am sad, be assured.&nbsp; Far from it.&nbsp; Remember how I told you of my aspirations to write an opinion piece?&nbsp; Well, I did just that.&nbsp; It was turned down, can you believe it?&nbsp; And not, I am proud to say because it wasn’t fit to print but rather because it was deemed volatile in nature.&nbsp; Imagine that, your Lucy, a rabble rouser!&nbsp; Naturally, I was crestfallen, but then the most ingenious suggestion was made by, of all people, my employer!&nbsp; It seems that he had been toying with the idea of starting a small newsletter for the record store in which employees could write articles on local musicians as well as record reviews.&nbsp; His suggestion was that, if I wished, I could work on the project as editor and, naturally, I would&nbsp; have my own column for whatever subject I thought important!&nbsp; <br><br>I’ve enclosed our first issue in which we review ‘Another Side of Bob Dylan’ as well as ‘A Hard Day’s Night’.&nbsp; Also included is an interview with my friend Leon talking about the blues scene in NYC.&nbsp; And yes, that really is my picture beside the byline!&nbsp; It’s not a daily paper.&nbsp; Really, that would be impossible seeing as how I am responsible for most of the work with a little help from my ‘family’ at the store. We are trying to put it out bi-weekly and, so far, have been successful.<br><br>The only sad news I have to relate is that the Chicago riots seem to be spreading in scope.&nbsp; Philly, NJ, Dixmoor.&nbsp; I believe that it is only a matter of time before something is done and pray for a peaceful resolution rather then one of violence.&nbsp; It’s not a popular opinion amongst the status quo but I am heartened that, at least among some of my generation, the negro is gaining respect and hopefully, one day, true equality.&nbsp; &nbsp;Leon has taught me a lot, things that a college education is not prepared to reveal.&nbsp; He is, despite his color, a good man and has become more then dear to me.&nbsp; That said, no one can take your place. You are in my heart, my soul, my every waking thought and my dreams.&nbsp; <br><br>I think of you often, so far across the sea, held hostage by distance as surely as your brother in law is being held by the British.&nbsp; &nbsp;One day, my love, fate will bring us together.&nbsp; It must, if there is justice in this universe of ours.&nbsp; I will continue to hold my faith upon that matter.&nbsp; I hope this finds you swiftly and finds you well.&nbsp; Please, continue to be careful and I promise to do the same.&nbsp; <br><br>All of my love,<br>Your Lucy.<br>&nbsp;<br>(enclosed within a manila envelope accompanying a copy of NYC Words and Music)<br>&nbsp;
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Love Knows No Bounds (elandra and Cherri Tart)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elandra</strong> on <strong>08-10-2008, 21:56:15</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div style="text-align: right;">14th July 1811</div><br>My Dearest Love, <br><br>There is so much to tell you, but first I must tell you some distressing news, I was injured almost a fortnight ago, just after I had posted my last letter to you. Do not fret, I have not suffered grievously and have been recovering well, especially since I was released immediately after they stitched up my wound with instructions to rest and recover. I am not sure if you wish to know of the details, the surgical tents here are horrific, never did I want to find myself within the confines of those flaps and yet it was required to have the jagged cut across my left arm sewed.<br><br>The stench of dying, the whimpers of the shoulder all about me, none willing to risk their pride and scream despite how little rum and brandy was distributed to numb the pain and then only amongst the officers. I was fortunate, a full thimble of brandy was provided to numb they worked upon my arm. The man next to me was not so fortunate, his leg wound so infected the only remediation was to amputate, his eyes, the pain in them, I have seen them in my sleep for ten days now, they will haunt me for as long as I live.<br><br>The stitches were removed last night, the scar looks might handsome if I do not say so myself, almost as if Thor himself had blessed me with one of his lightning bolts, I will wear it with pride as a reminder to remain ever cautious even during drills. As you might know, twenty-two years previous on this day, many stormed the Bastille, though there are no celebrations of the day, it is remembered despite the country being ruled by an Emperor.<br><br>The news of working on a paper, albeit a small one is wondrous, dearheart, I knew you could do anything you put your mind to it. Never mind the newspaper that turned your column down, they have yet to realize your potential. Now I realize I may be biased or that there are those that would say my love clouds my objectivity, but your pieces in NYC Words and Music were incredible. It is regret I read of the poor race relations within your country, it is most unfortunate and from your words I can only assume that violence is imminent. <br><br>How are your French lessons coming along? And your family, how are you getting along with your mother?<br><br>De tout mon coeur,<br>Francisco
			</dd>
		</dl>
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