Letter VII
Mystic Falls, December 12th, 1768
My dearest Julie,
I must tell you—my new companion is precarious in ways that make the heart tremble, yet wondrous in ways I cannot contain. I have to tell you of what I have seen, though only in fragments, for the ink and paper cannot bear the weight. The book I found truly has infinite pages; my journals are filling faster than I can manage, chronicling mysteries I cannot yet speak of to you. Forgive me, my love, for venturing into the forest once more, but the marvels revealed to me are beyond hesitation.
You might call me mad—or seek to have me cleansed by clerics—but I swear, I have seen it. True magic. Wonders that soothsayers and quacks only whisper about. I moved out of town at my companion's advice, for he suggested the townsfolk were plotting against me. I cannot say I fully believed him, yet he has revealed more truth in the brief time we have known each other than the town in its entirety.
I have seen creatures that could only exist in fairytales, plants that belong to dreams and folklore. The ink of my letter cannot hold all I wish to convey, but I shall return with my journals and show you their wonders in full. I long for the day I can place them in your hands.
Ever yours,
Carter Augustine Winghelm
=========
Letter VIII
Mystic Falls, January 1st, 1769
My darling Julie,
Happy New Year! Your letter arrived, and I read it again and again. How joyous it is to hear from you, to feel your voice across the miles. All that I see and know here—every wonder—is thanks to my companion. I wish I could tell you his name, but even thinking it makes my mind reel with warnings. Some things are too dangerous to hold in thought.
Though he has revealed so much, I am beginning to sense caution where before there was only wonder. He asked me a favor—too simple, almost mundane in appearance: to find a flower and certain stones to craft a special dust. I do not yet understand the full purpose, but I will comply. I promise in my next letter to show you proof—that magic exists, and that it is as real as the sun on your cheek.
Always,
Carter
=========
Letter IX
Mystic Falls, February 25th, 1769
My sweetest Julie,
Your last letter brought laughter and warmth—the wit and charm that I adore so dearly. How you always make even the dullest news seem delightful!
I have nearly gathered all the materials my companion requested, and I have taken the liberty to collect some things for you as well. A gel, small in appearance, but capable of healing even the gravest wounds—use it with care, and it will do as promised.
Yet, my love, I must confess—those persistent warnings at the back of my mind have grown sharper. My companion's words now carry weight I do not yet fully understand, and doubts have begun to take root. I shall remain cautious, but I cannot turn away from what I have begun to see.
Yours, with both devotion and apprehension,
Carter Augustine Winghelm
=========
Letter X
Mystic Falls, June 16th, 1769
My dearest Juliette,
I loved hearing about the gala—you always make every event feel like magic, even in ink. I hope your family is well. Truly.
Everything here… everything is ready. I have gathered all that my companion asked for. Yet there is a creeping sense of danger at the back of my mind—a shadow that moves even when I do not wish it. And still, I feel compelled to continue, as if something else steers my hand, my steps, my very thoughts.
I am… afraid, Julie. I just read my journal. I am not myself. I move to a rhythm that is not my own. My actions, my words… they belong to someone else, some other theme I cannot name.
I pray all is well with you. Soon, it will be done, all of it.
Ever yours,
Carter Augustine Winghelm
=========
Letter XI
Mystic Falls, June 23rd, 1769
Julie,
I do not know what I have done. I fear I have ruined everything. I am glad I never told you his name—oh, the moment you know it, he would know you. He would find you. I have put them all in danger. And I… I was not myself.
And yet—come, Julie. Come to Mystic Falls. You must see this. You must be here.
I do not know if I am writing my words or his, but I am compelled. I am terrified. And still… I would have you here.
Ever yours, though perhaps not entirely mine,
Carter Augustine Winghelm
=========
Letter XII
Mystic Falls, June 30th, 1769
My beloved,
I truly messed up. I have to fix everything. I cannot send you my journal, though I hope, somehow, it finds its way to you. I will go to where up is down and down is up and correct all the mistakes I have made.
No matter what—never come here. There is a reason these mountains are forbidden. There is a reason the people hold their traditions so fiercely. I was a fool. You… you were always right.
The crystal enclosed is a wish I managed to get for you. Where I am going, death is impossible. If you wear this necklace, then, even at the end of time, we shall meet again.
Ever yours, though perhaps not fully,
Carter Augustine Winghelm