I do not kid myself by believing you will back down, and I know myself too well to know what I will do.

I will die before the next day.

It is a strange feeling to know one will die, and yet, I am not scared.

Sad? Yes, perhaps.

There are many things that I have not yet done that I would like to. It is sad to think I will never get the chance to do so.

It is sad to think that this might be the last letter I will ever write to you--the last letter you will never receive...

You think to die, too, I´m sure--we were always so much a like... and yet nothing alike.

No, my dearest Milliard. You will live through this final battle, I know, I am sure. You will live because you have the strength to survive.

I always envied you that, did you know? Your strength. Your beauty, your grace... those things I at least could stand a chance against, for, beauty is only skin deep and grace can be taught... And yet, I never stood a chance against you. I never could. Your beauty transcends the skin and permeates your soul. You radiate, my friend. That is why others long to be beside you. Even I was not immune to your charms.

I don´t think I minded much.

I loved you. I love you still. I will always love you, my dear Milliard, in a way I could love no other, for my love for you is special.

I like to think that you are carrying out the role you want in this farce of a war.

No, not farce. This is real, isn´t it?

I hate it, you must know. It makes me sick, as I know it does you. But we agreed, so many nights ago... didn´t we?

I had almost forgot. I had almost forgot that night--what was it? Five? Six years ago? When the Specials was still something new and special. That night we sat up--like so many other nights...

Did you know then, Milliard? Were you foreseeing our future that night? You might as well have been, for look at us now: separated by war, leaders of our own sides, standing, facing one another... just as you told...

The foretelling of the end of all wars... the War to End all Wars...

I laughed at you then... do you remember? I said it was just a fanciful story... but I never really forgot... I lay awake at night in my lonely bed and think back on the many conversations we have shared... Last night, I remembered that one... that was the same night you told me of your past... of your legacy...

Have you laughed yet, Milliard, at the irony of it? A Peacecraft? Leading a civilization not of his birth into war?

I have. Not at you, of course, my dear friend. No, not at you, but at the irony, yes. I can only imagine how this must be tearing you apart insides...

Are you all alone?

I hope not... I pray that Lucrezia is there with you, supporting you, for she is a part of your strength. I have always liked her. Smart, witty. Just what you need, my friend. After all, behind every good man is a good woman, ne? I have my Lady and you have your Lieutenant.

Yes...

It is late now, and I should be getting my beauty sleep. No sense going to war with ugly bags under my eyes, ne?

Do me one thing, Milliard, my Milliard...

Live.

Live through this battle, this war... because I know your strength and courage will be needed in its aftermath. You will be needed to help put out the fires of discord this war has caused... And then... you will fulfill your own legacy... as the creator of Peace... a true Peacecraft.

Your Friend,