Disclaimer: I’m in the planning stages of a fantasy book. What I’m writing about here is a side character’s story. A man, General Louvel, has nightmares about his abusive relationships in the past with his family. The nightmares don’t feel normal, like they’re cursed. They are constant, they invade his waking moments. He wakes up drenched in sweat and sometimes it’s hard for him to get a grip on reality. He keeps this to himself mostly and only speaks about it vaguely with the healers in the town. This letter is from the perspective of someone who knows his problem and wants to exploit him for it. I hope that’s enough context for you to understand this letter! Enjoy!

My Dear Lou,

I hope it’s okay that I’ve called you Lou. I know that name is reserved for more special people in your life. I think I should claim I’m someone special in your life. Maybe last week you didn’t know. Maybe yesterday you didn’t realize. Hopefully now, you’ll see that I am someone special in your life.

I saw you walking to the apothecary in the Vale district a few days ago. Just today you tried to

get help in the Somnum house. Left their silver and blue doors with nothing but that disheveled look you had on your face. I know I can’t stay away any longer. You are in so much pain. They can’t fix you there.

Have they barely fixed anything? Any dreams other than the ones with that horrible man? He treated you too unkindly, I know. Any moment where you can close your eyes and enjoy the dark for a while? When was the last time the darkness brought you peace?

What a sad life to live, General Louvel. Oh, is that better? Does hiding under your status make you feel stronger, General Louvel? I digress. I see your pain. Cursed to have nightmares of your life’s past. Oh, all that pain, pain, pain.

I have found you. I can fix you. Just, don’t try looking for me, Lou. Leave a cup of motherwort tea out for me outside your door the morning after you read this, and I will help you.

Give it a chance,

Your healer