Page 4 of Beaux and Dragons

I’m much obliged to inform you that I have, indeed, valiantly fought off the wiles of a siren enchantress. It was difficult, but I had only to picture your muddy face the last time I laid eyes on you. I believe the sludge dripping from your chin inspired a resilience to her seductress song.

As for snarky, I am nothing of the sort. I merely offered a more vivid picture of what I witnessed. But since my description was not good enough, I will elaborate. One morning, a lady in a purple dress seemed to walk atop the water. Since I had the early morning shift, I investigated and discovered the dress was magnificentscales that would have been beautiful on a dragon—but I digress. She opened her mouth, and the most glorious song I’d ever heard bid me to walk onto the water, but I remembered your letter and had to run back inside to write down her description. By the time I returned, she was gone. I’m sorry to say that the story is not as tantalizing as one of your novels, but how was that for description?

Did the dinner with the pompous Montenegro go as your father planned, or do I still have a chance at whisking you away at your ball?

Federico

Letter the Fourth

From Ana to Federico

4.5 months after Federico left

Dear Federico,

Your description was tolerable, I suppose. You have forgotten to thank me for saving your life. Perhaps I can let your forgetfulness disappear from my memory since you gave more details in your letter.

As for Julian, you’d be surprised by how much of a gentleman he has become. You cannot judge him so harshly for his behavior as a small child. Do not be disturbed by this declaration; Padre didn’t procure a betrothal, and I would not have accepted it.

In more pertinent news, Celestia flew for the first time. I also raced the fellow trainers andalmost beat your father.

I heard war is inevitable at sea with the West Conquistadores. Be safe. Write to me assoon as you can.

Ana

Letter the Fifth

From Ana to Federico

6 months after Federico left

Dear Federico,

I’m assuming your lack of response has more to do with the sea battles I read about in the newspapers, so I will write to you about something to lighten your spirits. I pray this missive gets to you. Celestia has grown to the size of a horse. She still has the same babe features with giant yellow eyes and a mouth line that sits in a smile. Her scales have picked up a shimmer of extra color that makes her shine in the sun, but that isn’t the primary news I mean to share. She let me ride atop her back yesterday!

I pray for you every night.

Ana

Letter the Sixth

From Ana to Federico

8 months after Federico left

Dear Federico,

Where are you? It’s been months since I’ve heard from you, and I’m beginning to worry. If you don’t write to me soon, I’m going to have to fly overthere to get you.

Ana

Letter the Seventh

From Ana to Federico

10 months after Federico left

Dear Federico,