Honored to be your enemy (ex_arianne555) wrote in roads_diverged, @ 2007-12-01 00:45:00 |
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Entry tags: | arianne:house solidor, final fantasy xii, theme 32: explorers |
Final Fantasy XII, House Solidor, "From the New World," theme #32: explorers
Title: From the New World
Author: Arianne
Fandom: Final Fantasy XII
Pairing: none, but possibly implied Vayne/Larsa, Basch/Larsa
Rating: PG
Warnings: see pairing?
Theme: 32. Explorers
A/N: Accompanying music is the first movement of Antonin Dvorak's 9th Symphony. Vayne's theme starts at 1:58, the twins' at 3:03, Larsa's at 4:12.
5 April 1692
To my dear brother,
We have made our arrival to the capital, so I have much to tell you; for now, I am simply glad to be off the ship, and have the means to write.
First, I must be glad for your well-wishes, for our journey across the ocean lasted only eight weeks, and we were able to arrive in the spring. I thank you for your generosity in buying me passage on a ship traveling in the best months, and we were fortunate that the weather caused us no trouble.
Mexico City is as opulant as any in Europe, if not more; its streets are large, and its cathedral grand. We have all heard that the New World held great riches, but it is beyond even that. There is gold in abundance, and the Viceroy’s fortress rivals that of a king. They receive ships from the Orient, as well, and I see silks for sale quite often; I would purchase one for you, if you would wear such a thing. It is a much finer city than Madrid, and if Córdoba was ever so lovely, it has not been for several centuries past. I have heard there are twenty thousand citizens here, and one hundred thousand others. Are you sure you do not wish to come here, brother? I have learned that the citizens receive one and a half reals a day, simply for being here; if that is possible, imagine how much gold must be available to every man.
Have you heard of the Vargases of Madrid? A son of that house governs the province, here, and has offered to give paid ranks in his army to fifty trained Spaniards. Basch is a fine soldier (as you well know -- I am confident you would send only the strongest along to protect me) and he wishes to join. They are offering a high salary, and all equipment, for only several months of service, though he must travel to the northern frontier. I suspect he wants reason to go to El Paso Del Norte, to see his brother, as he has told me Gabranth rarely writes him. Still, he insists he will not leave me without your permission; we await your word.
The days stretch on much longer here than at home, so even while I am writing this by natural light, it becomes late, and I shall want to rise early and impress the Viceroy tomorrow; I would not be in the New World had he not had need of a courier from the King. (I thank you again for your blessing and leave to go, as I would not be here lacking that, either.) I do think I like it here, even in your absence, though the weeks number not yet ten, and already I miss your voice.
As soon as I am afforded the chance, I shall write again.
With all regards,
Larsa
***
10 August 1692
Dearest brother,
It has been months since I have last written, and I again have much news, even as I apologize for the delay. Basch and I have been traveling; I write now from the capital of New Mexico, El Paso Del Norte. We left Mexico City as soon as we received your response, as the north is where Basch’s service was needed. He and the others shall leave in another week. I only hope you do not mind too much that I have traveled with him, and over such a long distance.
This city is again nothing like home, though I cannot praise it as I did Mexico City. They count only five hundred residents, even in the largest mission, the one in which I will be staying while Basch is away. I find it difficult to believe the records, which say New Mexico’s population was in the thousands during the last decade. Somehow, Gabranth’s letters to me did nothing to lessen the surprise, detailed as they were. (We did indeed visit Gabranth, as he has a small farm outside the city; the years obviously grew long between them, and their embrace upon meeting made me long for you at home, while also fearing that Basch will not want to return when I do.)
That said, I have little else to write of but such details. The weather has not yet been dangerous, and in El Paso, at least, there is farmland, but I hear in the north there is desert, where the Rio Grande doesn’t touch. I am told that here in the frontier, in the absence of gold or Oriental riches, “corn is God”. Corn is indeed the largest crop, and I have eaten much of it, in all forms. I have not eaten potatoes often like you do at home, nor do I care for the grapes New Mexico’s vineyards grow, but they grow other foods I do like, many of which you have had prepared, as imports: peas, beans, peaches, apples, and chocolate. For now, we have plenty to eat, though there are some complaints of the weather’s chill that, in the winters, destroys crops. For this reason, I do hope I will be able to return to Mexico City for the spring.
For all that the winter days may be cold, those in August are warmer than in Spain, even those we’ve spent in Córdoba. I came dressed in the same clothes in which you saw me off: the fine suit of velvet, with lace collars and sleeves, and the wool coat. I quickly learned why no-one who lives here wears such things during the days, favoring instead leather. Of course, it suits Basch quite well; I find it falls on me, still lacking the build of a man, rather less flatteringly. Still, though it may not be fashionable in Europe, the leather itself is tanned and soft, even when made into more hardy items like purses. (I have enclosed one that I’ve bought for you, so you may feel it yourself.) Still, it is a strange place; after nightfall it becomes terribly cold, even at this time of summer. As of late, Basch and I have passed the evenings with playing cards by the fire, and spent the nights together, much the same as when I would lie with you in the winters. I hope you do not mind; it is I who invited him into my bed.
Enclosed as well is a vial of ink, that I hope will still be usable when it arrives. It is the same type as that in which I am writing now. It may not look it at present, but it is quite different from that which you use to write me. I have seen it, and though as I write this it is black, save this letter (I ask, as if you do not save all of mine, surely?), and in several years’ time, it will have turned red.
I hope you enjoy the gifts I have chosen for you, and will write me soon.
With all affection,
Larsa
***
21 December 1692
Dear brother, my brother,
I have spent several days recently listening to stories of the Indians, as Basch and his colleagues have marched to Santa Fe and made their return to El Paso Del Norte earlier this month. They had been on campaign for only several weeks, yet speak of grand victory. Their commander, of course, talks about returning to Spain, and surely his reports will arrive in the spring. Knowing your interest in politics, I shall gladly share what I have learned when I am able.
In short, the frontier has been conquered again in the name of Spain -- without spilling blood, as Basch proudly tells it. I want to be glad for the people living there, who will soon be adherents to the finest empire at large. I do believe their rights will be granted quickly; Basch tells that on the night of the conquest, Mass was held, and hundreds attended. Do you believe what they say, that ours is the kindest empire in the New World? I do hope it is. In my numerous free days, while Basch was away, I convinced the record-keeper into letting me borrow his books, and the laws seem quite fair.
I regret that I will be spending the holidays in this mission instead of the cathedral of our home, but weekly Mass has been well done here, and Christmas will likely be the same. However, I shall truly miss the feast you will hold, as I am sure it will be grand as ever. Also, you must save the new years’ gifts for when I next see you, else I be forced to doubt your doting spirit (for if I know you at all, brother, surely you have still bought gifts).
Please write to tell me when the reports of this campaign arrive in Spain. There is talk, now, about wanting to solidify the Crown’s claim on this land. If the King agrees, one hundred soldiers and five hundred citizen families will be sent, and provided with royal money for livestock and grain. Easily you could arrange to come within the next few years; you could even bring the household and your soldiers along. Surely your name would acquire you land, or even a province, to rule. (If it did not, I would simply charm the Viceroy, as he seemed impressed with me -- and not every man is, no matter what kind words you write, brother.) I do think you would like it here.
Always your loving brother,
Larsa