Dear Dawson,

[AuroraWR]

Matilda sat upon the grass, cross-legged, her back against the rock as the light's first rays came over the horizon. The spare feather from her fletching stash dipped in homemade ink before it scrawled, almost illegibly, across the page of the book.

Dear Dawson,
I'm sorry it's taken me so long to write, but there's been so much to do since arriving in port. My ship landed in the city of Edana a few days ago, and while may instincts said I should just head right to the woods and avoid any possible drama, I ran into some locals almost immediately. I was -so- nervous. After everything that happened back home, I feared coming all the way across the ocean to find myself amidst the same sort of turmoil and selfish noble class we had in Kelt. You'll be happy to know, those fears seem completely unfounded.

I hesitate to write this, as I'm not sure you'd believe me, but everyone I have meet here has been so incredibly kind. No, I'm not exaggerating! I've meet knights, councilmen, archmages, and this group called the Order, all of whom were so supportive. I sit here in armor. Yes, you heard me.. armor. Can you believe I actually had to argue in order to be able to pay for armor? Well I did, because they tried to just pass me armor in a bag. But I caught them! To be fair, that was only because the town guard already did the same thing and tricked me into some leather armor. The town's leadership really seems to care about the people living there, even new people who may or may not stay. It's so refreshing.

Guess what. I've meet -so many- Elves. I know you're jealous! The Elven language is like listening to music... I mean, they could be saying awful things and I'd never know, but it so pleasant to hear I could listen for hours. The Elves here travel and work in two man teams and their city is all covered in flowers and vines. It's really beautiful, though I've only visited twice. I passed also passed by Dwarven city, but I haven't been inside yet. It's built -into- a mountain. It reminds me a bit of the mines where you worked, but it looks way more sturdy and absolutely massive. The few Dwarves I've meet were fun to talk to. One was a tamer and the other was mining some ore and called me Skylass. Ask me about that story next time I see you. I'd write about it, but it'll be funnier if I tell it in person.

Oh, I meet a woman who can do magic and loves animals just as much as I do! Stop laughing, it's true! She and a few others took me on a trip where I got to see full grown drakes and a dragon. A DRAGON, Dawson! It was intimidation personified but also.. majestic and powerful... like how you feel when you're looking at a really big storm that you know could end up taking down your house but you can't look away because it's so awe inspiring. It was like that. I wish you could have seen it, Dawson. I've made some other animal friends here as well. There's a giant black feline I've named Whisper who has been traveling with me since I rescued her from a pack of alligators. I even meet some squirrels like my friends back in Kelt. I wonder how they're all doing. I hope the armies haven't completely torn down their forest for lumber Keep an eye on them for me, please?

Anyways, I've been trying to figure out what I want from my new life here, and I'm still not sure. I've had a few offers for places to stay, but right now I just want to enjoy being able to see open sky. I've also had offers to join the Order and the town guard, but so far I've turned it all down. Maybe I'm just too much of a mess right now to even think about committing to anything. Given everything that's happened, that's probably true. I really like Edana, though, and I want to find my place. To that end I've been organizing the community chest and assisting in daily undead crypt cleanses. Don't fret though, I'm being careful. The task isn't pleasant, but doing it makes me feel like I'm at least contributing something back to the community. As you've probably guessed, this means I am learning to fight, not just use my bow for hunting. I even tried swinging your old sword, the one that was father's, but I'm a lot better with an axe. I guess all those hours chopping lumber and hunting back home were good for something.

Actually, I guess it's not back home any more. I think this place is home now. I'm not sure I'm ready to say that out loud, and it feels weird writing that, but it doesn't change that it also feels true. I miss you, Dawson.

Sincerely Your Beloved Sister,
Matilda

The woman blows gently over the last few lines till the ink sets before closing the book and tucks it in her pack. Tilting her head back, she lets the morning sun wash over her skin till a giant black feline headbutts her arm and pushes her hand with his muzzle in demand. Smiling, she looks to her new friend, scritching under her chin.

"Morning Whisper. You ready to start another exciting day?"

[AuroraWR]

Dear Dawson,
Remember all the stories we heard about the Shadow Clan orcs this way, well last night I saw them for myself. Sir Lance invited me to go out with a hunting party in order to check on them. Oh, that's right, I didn't tell you his name last time. Sir Lance is a very kind knight in the Order and is the one I mentioned in my last letter who I negotiated with for armor. He has a wife named Celeste and they are quite possibly the most adorable couple I've ever laid eyes upon. Truly. Everyone should be so fortunate.

Anyways, he invited me to come along and since I've been trying to find ways I can give back to the community I agreed. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't nervous. I've heard so many tales of horrors that happened when the Shadow Clan invaded, including some sort of dark dragon general, and I didn't know what to expect. We faired better than I thought we may, with only one of our group knocked unconscious by a very sneaky orc early on. How something -that- huge can sneak right up behind you without hearing it coming is just mind boggling... but it did! Actually, it happened a few times. (Hidden orcs popping up, not people going unconscious.) However, between Sir Lance, Miss Kes, Mister Wyn and Miss Jess we were able to face the orcs and trolls we came across without too much trouble. Even more so once we came across a new elf fellow named Veldrin. He's some sort of guard captain from the Elven city of Arandor and I've heard stories about him around town but hadn't meet him till last night. He seems very nice, but for some reason Whisper kept wanting to go after him. I've no idea why. Maybe he smells like cooked bird... No, I'm not going to confirm that next time I see him. You know you were thinking it!

We were able to make it through a huge portion of the extensive cave system and at the end there was this...creature. It didn't look like an orc. It was all red with massive horns and legs that reminded me of a mountain goat. Whatever it was, it seemed nearly twice as tall as a normal human and it summoned lava creatures. It was terrifying, but in the moment there wasn't time to think about it. I'm happy to report that I survived the experience, clearly since I'm writing this letter. No one suffered any severe injuries and I feel much more confident about assisting in patrols now.

Oh, to get out of the caves we had to cross this rope over a pit of lava. I'm not kidding. I'm not exaggerating. It was a crazy night, but seems to be pretty normal for the people around here. Maybe that's why everyone is so kind to each other here in Edana, they have to rely on others in order to survive. I wonder if things would be more like Keth if there wasn't a common threat constantly looming. No use pondering what if's, this is how it is in Edana and despite it all I still am glad to be here. It's nice to feel like those in power don't just look at you like a disposable pawn.

Make sure you're taking care of yourself. Till I see you next.

Your Loving Sister,
Matilda

[AuroraWR]

Matilda winces for what seemed like the dozenth time since she’d sat here against this oak tree near the beach. Shrill notes ring out in dissonance then fade, leading to a sigh as finally tucks away the lute she has been trying, with seemingly futile effort, to learn to play.

“You won this time, lute. But next time…”

Pulling a new book and quill out of her pack, she flips to the top page and pins the parchment down with her free hand, lest the breeze off the ocean turn the pages while she works.

Dear Dawson,
It’s been an interesting few days, but the most notable event was probably when I rode into town and almost caused unnecessary mass panic. In my defense, I didn’t realize that the hole I fell into while riding was public knowledge. Yes, I fell into a hole while riding a horse. We’re both fine. Thunder somehow stumbled down without even a scratch and I walked away with only a sore ankle. Honestly, we were lucky. It could have ended much worse riding around in the woods at night. The problem wasn’t so much the falling into the hole as the ShadowClan orcs inside and realizing that the ‘hole’ was actually a man-made… well, orc-made tunnel. I panicked thinking Edana was soon to be under attack and rushed back to sound a warning. Thankfully the first person I came upon was Sir Lance and he explained the tunnel has been there for a while and was one of the places they regularly cleared out on patrol. I feel a bit silly for being so worked up, but on the positive side it’s not a new invasion.

The people here, especially The Order, are making it very hard for me to stick to my original plan of coming here and quietly disappearing. I thought it would be easy since no one knew me here. In Kelt everyone was too busy picking up their fallen and trying to survive. However, despite the countless dangers here, every person I meet seems intent on making me feel welcome. It started when I met Dove, a very ‘famous’ elf, and then countless others since. I’ve tried keeping my distance, avoiding joining any one cause or putting down permanent roots, but it is becoming increasingly difficult and I find myself wanting to stay more and more. It doesn’t help that Lance tried to contract me out as a scout last night and I keep agreeing to help with patrols. Now I can’t just leave, I’d be breaking my word. Anyways, I think I've made up my mind to give this new life a real shot and maybe even buy a home, but don’t tell anyone.

Speaking of meeting people, do you remember Miss Ria who I mentioned in the other letter? Seems she’s courting someone named Rey who is another very nice fellow from The Order. Last night while we were talking about names and family trees, he got me laughing as hard as that night noodles came your nose. It felt good to laugh like that again. I also meet an orc named Gore. I was nervous at first but he seemed nice enough. Much friendlier after I offered him some bacon. He called it a tribute, but I called it a friendly gesture. Either way, I now make sure to keep extra bacon with me when I travel.

I still miss you terribly, but things are getting better. I’m learning to play the lute. Stop laughing as you read this! Yes, it’s just as bad as you imagine but it’s starting to get better. I keep all my practice time as far from town as I’m able so as not to torture anyone else’s poor ears. I half expect Whisper to destroy the instrument before long, but if she doesn’t then one day I’ll be able to play it half way descent. On that day perhaps I’ll feel like singing again.

Sincerely Your Little Big Sister,
Matilda

The pages are carefully cut with a dagger near the book’s spine, noting to herself that her coarsely scrawled words are still as illegible as ever. After blowing on the ink a few times, she carefully rolls the pages into a tight cylinder and slips them into the narrow neck of the empty bottle, sealing the end with a cork. Standing, she moves to where the water just meets her boots in the sand, looking out over the ocean in the direction she’d come from only a few short weeks ago. Then, just as she’d done with each letter before, she flings the bottle out into the water as far as her strength allows. It’s only then that she realizes the presence of a few stray drops of moisture in the corners of her eyes and wipes them away hastily.

[AuroraWR]

Dear Dawson,

My journey continues here on this new continent. I can now say I’ve been on multiple patrols aiding the group who were part of The Order I mentioned, but have splintered off into a more active group calling themselves The Shield of Dawn. You may be surprised to know I’ve become quite a bit more proficient with a bow and an axe, and feel far less nervous traveling around by myself or defending myself against briggins. I don’t quite measure up near those who have been dedicating their lives to the martial arts for years, but I could have easily knocked out that jerk, Daniel, without your help at this point. I am no hero, but I do not wish to be a burden either. Rather, I strive to be someone who can prop up and strengthen those I am with. It also helps that Whisper, the panther I’ve befriended, comes on all of my more risky adventures. Together we have faced briggins, Shadowclan orcs, undead, and even dragons.

I continue to meet more people, human and elf, and I was reminded by one of the more stoic individuals that the word friend can have many meanings. Since arriving in this land, I’ve met many friendly people who have used the word friend, though really they are more acquaintances I’ve seen once or twice. However, true friends are those you’ve spent time with and have grown to trust through observing their actions and getting to know them. These are the people you look forward to seeing regularly, who make your life better by being there, and who leave you feeling as if something important is missing when they are gone for too long. I think I’m finally starting to form some of those bonds, though I’m not entirely sure if they all feel the same.

Lance Deluce is the knight I have mentioned previously in my letters and as I’ve said, he has gone out of his way to be welcoming and make sure I have what I need here. Many of the patrols I have mentioned were with him, or some of his other colleagues in The Shield of Dawn. I find he is very easy to talk, perhaps because he reminds me of you, so perhaps it is unsurprising that he was the first person I opened up to about all that occurred prior to my fleeing Kelt. I have shed more than a few tears in his presence, and each time he found words that brought me comfort. He may be younger, but he has a good head on his shoulders and a big heart. Though I was still surprised when he suggested helping me to seek justice on the nobles for wrongs done. I was also surprised to find I didn’t want him to for fear something bad would happen. I know I’m being selfish, but I consider him a friend in the true sense of the word, and I do not want to risk losing one of the few people who I consider make this new life of mine worth living.

The second person I’d like to tell you about is someone who, when we meet, I never imagined would be falling on this short list. I came across him after returning a wayward horse and checking on some newer immigrants who I worried had found themselves in trouble. As I was leaving, I happened upon this very solemn elf who made it quite clear he was neither interested in conversation, nor tolerant of any sort of distraction that would detract from what he was there to do. He wasn’t rude, just curt, which makes sense given the nature of why he was there. However, I really thought that would be the end of it till I ran into him again in Edana. When I saw him at first I thought he would turn and run to avoid me, but he did not and I learned his name is Tharion. He wanted to ask me about earlier that day, but mentioned feeling exhausted from all the questions of others, so I agreed to have a drink with him so he could get his answers, and promised I wouldn’t ask any questions of my own.

Dawson, it was the -hardest- conversation I’ve ever had in my entire life! How do you sit down with someone, especially someone interesting, and -not- ask a single question? You can’t! Well, I couldn’t. At least twice I had to rescind a question after realizing I asked one, then apologize for breaking my word. Combine that with my personality, which as you know is quite outgoing at times even for a human, I figured I probably wore him out would be avoided in the future. I’m pleased to say I was wrong again.

I happened upon Tharion as he was retrieving something that had been taken by a rather scrupulous group of poor repute, and he actually took me up on my offer to help. I’m not sure how much help I actually was, I am fairly certain he could have mopped the floor with the entire organization even if they mobbed him all at once, but I was honored to accompany him on his quest since he’s not the type to allow those who he finds an annoyance or hindrance to come along.

Since then we’ve met a few more times, and each time I’ve truly enjoyed our time together and our conversations. Tharion is a Luminarch of Celestial Sovereign, which is a title for someone high in rank in one of nine Elven orders that related to their Valar, which as I understand would be their word for gods. I’ve been learning about those orders, the Valar, and other aspects of Elven culture from him and another elf named Scalanis. It’s fascinating, and the overall view of life is quite different due to their long life spans and some of the trials they’ve been through as a culture in the past. I have also discovered, to my joy, that despite the air of seriousness surrounding some of these elves, they do also have the ability to joke and have fun.

You will be happy to know that I have taken up singing once more, and I even shared a dance with someone the other day. It felt strange not having you there for either, but also good to know those things I love did not leave with you. There are two more individuals, one human and one elf, who I spent a long time conversing with last night. Jess is also from Kelt and knows what it is to have left family behind, and Shael seems as if she may have some mess in her own life and would benefit from finding some good close friends. I’ve only really hung out with them once, but I just have a feeling that these two will add to my list of close companions sooner than later, and for that I am thankful.

This letter has gone on far longer than intended, so I will end it here. I love you, brother. I hope that things are changing now, and that soon I will be able to tell some of these people I’m growing to care for all about your stories, and when I tell them I hope I will be able to smile while recalling those memories.

With all my love,
Matilda

Into a bottle the pages go, and Matilda once again stands on the beach just outside of Edana, this time sans shoes, her toes wriggling in the sand. Pressing her lips to the glass for a moment, she then pulls it back and lets it fly through the air, splashing several yards away into the water and slowly bobbing further out into the ocean.

[AuroraWR]

Dear Dawson,
It has been a very eventful week, though all events have ended on a positive note. (Yes, that’s a music joke.)

It all started earlier this week, or perhaps last, when Lance brought up concerns about me sleeping out in the woods. Understandably, he was worried about the possibility of bandits or others with ill intent happening upon me and causing harm. He was very insistent that I start sleeping indoors and I finally gave in to his offer to spend nights camping out in a small office space within The Shield of Dawn’s building. This, we agreed, was only until I found my own place. Well, I’m sure you will find it unsurprising that throughout the week he kept skillfully maneuvering till I found myself moved from the office into a room with a bed. Truly, it is good that Lance has such a good heart, or all of Edana would no doubt fall to his cunning plots.
I know he is doing it out of kindness, but I still feel guilty for taking up space within an organization that I have no intention of joining. I mean, I am friends with them and would come to assist in a heartbeat if called, but still.. There is a certain measure of self reliance I’ve found since leaving Kelt, and when these things happen I sometimes feel as if perhaps I am deluding myself and I truly can’t make due on my own. That is my issue, not his. I know. Anyways, at that point I was on the hunt to figure out my own housing solution.

About this same time, Jess and I came across another new Elf named Shael in Edana. She seemed quite isolated when we met, however, soon she started opening up and I could tell we would be good friends. Miss Jess even went so far as to claim adoption on the woman who is probably centuries older than her. Little did I know at the time that Shael was a far more devious mastermind than even Lance.

Days later, inside of Arandor, we were chatting again and I was telling her of my predicament with Lance and housing. When she mentioned a house for sale outside of Arandor I mentioned that it may work well but I’d have to save a bit longer. That is when Shael offered to give me aid. Now, I am wise to this sort of thing thanks to Lance so I made a deal.. It would just be a loan. We shook on it, brother. Shook hands! Do you know what she did? She turned around and said she was donating my loan repayment to -my house-! This.. is cheating! I mean, I should have known since she literally used a magic wall to block my passage from following her. Now I am wracking my brain to find a suitable way around this… and I -will- find one. Eventually. In the meantime, it seems I’ve made a new cunning friend and I now have a house.

The final bit of news is perhaps my favorite and the most recent. Do you recall the Elf named Tharion Stormwind I mentioned in my last letter? I was so excited last night when I happened upon him in Arandor and we were able to visit. It was lovely. He seems to have this calming soothing presence about him that just makes conversation easier, even when the topic is not the most pleasant. After we caught up a bit, it came out that he no longer has a partner, which is a big deal in Elven society. As he mentioned, having a partner keeps them from being isolated, which can happen given their long lives and how every other race around them is prone to old age and death. The story he then told me, of his beloved partner Arannis Dornthal, was heartbreaking, but only half as much as hearing Thorian blame himself for everything that happened. I thought about all the things you used to tell me when I would blame myself for something, and then turned it around on Tharion… and it worked. All your years of wisdom have come in very helpful, so thank you. In the end I offered to fill in as a sort of temporary partner till he could find another more permanent Elven partner, and I was quite happy when he agreed. I’m still not entirely sure what all this entails, but I’m looking forward to learning just as I’ve been learning about other aspects of Elven culture and traditions.

I think it will be good for both of us. After all, we’re both grieving lost partners and now we won’t be doing that alone. I can’t wait to tell him all about you. I miss you, my mirror.

Love as Always,
Matilda

[AuroraWR]

Dear Dawson,

Home is not a place. I’m sure you’ll recall that discussion we had with Mom and Dad when those roving bandits were spotted too close to the village and they brought up possibly having to go away for a while. They said as long as we were all together that it would be home, and while we struggled with that at the time, it was true. Since the day I last saw your face, home has been out of reach. Even if I had been able to keep our family’s house, without you there it would not have been the same. Purchasing a house of my own has given me a base and a level of security knowing that, once I repay the loan, it will be a place that is mine, no one else’s, and can not be reclaimed or called upon for a debt. Despite knowing that and having settled in comfortably, it still hasn’t quite been home. Not in the same way we had growing up.

I think realizing this, and all the things I’ve learned about Elven society since I came here, has really prompted quite a bit of reflection recently. Much of which has been done while strumming on that lute I have been learning to play. It’s quite relaxing. I get why you used to just sit around strumming the strings aimlessly while you thought. Perhaps thanks to the sheer amount of time spent reflecting, I am finally able to play a tune well enough that I don’t dread anyone overhearing me. I even started writing lyrics to the tune you used to play.

Did you know that the Elven Queen is not born into the position like human nobles, but chosen for her competence and being the person who can best serve her people? Actually, all the titles within their society are earned by deeds. Also, if you do misdeeds that hurt others there is a whole justice system to judge and punish that behavior, regardless of how high you may be. And if the offense is bad enough, the punishment can even take away their immortality. It literally cuts off their connection to their gods, the Valar.

The more I learn about their society and how it works, the more frustrated I become with our own. Nobles gain their title not by merit but through birth and are often allowed to abuse the privileges of that power without taking any of the responsibility over those they hold power over. All the while they play lipservice to gods who, as far as I can tell, allow this behavior to continue without consequence, at least during life. There are exceptions to this, I know. The world does not often deal in absolutes. But… those shouldn’t be exceptions, but the norm. We -should- expect those who are given power to step up and serve their community, and those who fail to follow those ideals and oaths they swore should be held accountable regardless of rank or title. I can’t help but think that the Elves, unsurprisingly considering their experience and wisdom, have a far better system. I know you will not like hearing this, especially given how connected you felt to Adalia, but I never felt that sort of connection to our gods, as you know. I think perhaps it is all of this I’ve written about, unconsciously mixing in the back of my thoughts without form till recently when I spent the time to really consider it. I’m afraid my disconnect with them has only become wider since I saw you last.

I write to you about this, not to upset you or pick a fight but because I feel you need to know in order to understand what I write next. In Arandor, there is a group that was created of those who have been granted a certain level of trust to the Elves, a Friend to all of Arandor as the proclamation read. At least, I think it read that… it was written in Elvish and I had to ask the bank teller to translate it for me. He could have completely made something up and I’d have no clue. I really do need to learn Elvish… Anyways, those who receive this title of sorts are then considered to be in a group called the Silver Bough, and I recently was proclaimed a member. It is a -much- bigger deal than I thought at first, and I’m quite certain at least one of the Elves I see fairly often has been getting no small amount of amusement from my cluelessness in this matter. One of the things I am allowed to do now, given this new status, is swear fealty to Arandor. I know what you’re thinking and I am not being impulsive. I’ve thought about this a lot, and have even heard the oath in its entirety so that I can make an informed decision. It is not as strict as the vow the Elves give to Arandor. I will not have to forsake all else for the nation. However, it is an oath of loyalty in friendship, and a commitment to aid. Tharion was very careful how he phrased things so as not to influence me one way or another when he explained how it worked. All that said, I have decided to go ahead and swear the oath before their stone later this week.

I realize that all I’ve written is not something you would necessarily be pleased to hear. You know my disapproval for the noble system which, if it had been public in Keth could have caused me some trouble. Somehow I doubt you would be understanding of what I’ve said about the gods, which is essentially blasphemy. While I feel my friends will understand, I don’t know how other humans will react if they learn of all this, and I’m certain the Order would not be happy if they knew that I’d started trying to pray to Elven Valar rather than our own gods. I especially don’t want to tell Malik. He has been very kind and apparently is very close to the gods. I have respect for him, but I can’t imagine anything he would say that would allow me to feel connected to the gods of our parents after all this time. Not the way I feel drawn to the Valar. And I do not wish to be at odds with him, or disappoint those I care about. At the same time, I also wish to be true to these feelings and to myself. Because, brother… in the time I was considering whether to swear this oath, questioning our societal structure and religion, I realized that whenever I thought of all the Elves I’ve met and how their society works and the Valar… it just felt right. Like somehow it all aligns and makes sense in ways that everything up to this point did not.

In the moment, when I made the decision to swear the oath to Arandor, it felt like something clicked. As if I’d found the place where I fit. I found home.

Brother, I truly hope that as you read this you will take the time to consider all my words and can find a way to accept how I feel and my decisions. I wish I could have you here before me so we could talk this out and I could be sure that I explained it all properly. That we could finish the debate I know would happen and know for sure you supported me in this endeavor. Even though you are not with me here, I keep you in my heart… and it would break to think that such a thing as this could cause a rift between us.

I love you,
Forever and always…
Matilda Dawnvale

PS:
If you’re still reading and haven’t crumpled it up in a fit of rage…
Do you remember when we were about eight and would play pirates? You would always shout “Fire the Cannons” and insist that I got hit with a cannon ball and exploded. Then you’d tell me I had to be dead, because you can’t survive being blown up, and I would tell you I’m tough enough to survive and then we’d argue till Mother came out and distracted us with baked goods. I can finally say… I win. I am tough enough to explode and survive.
How can I possibly know that? Well, I’m glad you asked! Earlier this week I volunteered for a patrol into a place that is literally so hot you’re swimming in your own sweat under your armor. This place is inside a volcano, and the lava inside -is alive-! It forms up into these elemental creatures that summon even smaller lava creatures who explode. There were several high ranking Shadowclan members, some of which just summoned fields of fire from thin air, and a huge terrifying dragon that caused terror and summoned venomous drakes. All of these required an entire well trained Elven Lance to subdue. Alre is an elf who I promised to lend my bow to in exchange for some of the Winterfrost Ale he brewed. (He tried to trade just for company and conversation, but I enjoyed talking to him so much it felt as if I was getting rewarded twice so I renegotiated for this instead.) Rounding out the rest of the Lance was Azoth, Sorren and Airdan, all of whom are extremely skilled. I was worried that I’d somehow hold the group back considering my lack of experience, but I think Whisper and I managed to be of more help than hindrance.

Anyways, back to my winning… At the bottom of the cave system we came across this being called Igneos who looked as if they were heat incarnate. If heat itself could take form and then pick up weapons and attack, that would be this creature… demon... being. As an archer, I’d managed to stay back from most of the fire up till this point, save the bits that those fiends kept throwing my way. Thank goodness for the trinket that the Elves lent me to help protect against that. The problem was, apparently Igneous as the magic ability to actually make a person explode. He just sort of.. Pointed in my direction at one point and I could actually feel that something ominous was about to happen and that the time was closing in. I motioned for Whisper to stay put and I ran, as fast as I could, far away from her and the Lance… and I’m so glad I did. I am not exaggerating when I say that it was an explosion… and while I find great joy in being able to say I was right when we were eight, I think I would have rather never been able to do so. It hurt, as you can imagine. And I am still cutting off little singed ends to my curls that I keep finding.

I would go in again to aid my comrades and friends, but I truly hope from the bottom of my being to never again know what that feels like.

PPS: I’m fine. Our healer is very good at what he does.

Matilda stood near the docks of Arandor, bottle in hand with several rolled up pieces of parchment stuffed inside. Pulling back her arm as she had so many times before to send the letter into the sea, she paused, recalling a conversation she had not a week before in the Arandor public garden. Slowly lowering her arm, she looked to the bottle and pursed her lips, knowing there were things inside she would not want uncorked by some random fisher-person. Biting her lower lip, she turned and headed back into Arandor to find Artax, mounting up and heading home. There, she promptly pulled the parchment pieces from the bottle, and carefully fed them to the flames within her oven. Poking them about with long piece of kindling till she was sure that no ruminants of the letter remained. She then heads to bed, feeling exhausted, but slightly more at peace than before she'd started writing the letter.

[AuroraWR]

The curly topped redheaded plops down on the rug, cross legged, before a coffee table… pointedly ignoring the much comfier chairs just behind her. Those chairs were big enough for the small woman to curl up on completely, and she was afraid if she worked there then sleep would find her before the task was done. She laid out the book whose pages were more than half sliced from the bindings, and a spare feather from her fletching set that she’d sliced the end from to make a crude quill. Dipping the pointed tip into the ink, she began carefully penning the letter. Occasionally she’d pause, looking thoughtful for a moment and brushing the fluffy end of the feather across her freckles before diving back into writing.

Dear Dawson,

It has been some time since I last wrote and I am sorry for the delay. I would like to say that I have just been extremely busy, but if I’m being honest I know that I was also feeling anxious that perhaps you would be upset after my last missive. I’ve thought about what advice you would give me in this situation and am fairly certain you would be chiding me for my fears and reminding me that in the end you want my happiness. At least, I hope that is the case.

I’ve felt your presence more often of late, thanks in large part to the pendant I now wear. When I left home, the one thing I was able to take of you was the sword from your first smithing work. I’ve kept it with me everywhere I go, but I’ve always been loath to use. Your first attempt wasn’t the best balanced weapon. You know it’s true. Your later works were exquisite compared to this one, but as it is all I have left of you I would not risk its loss. After a lot of thought, I asked my most trusted friend for their help in having your sword melted down and formed into something I could wear and keep with me. The pendant that came back, thanks to both him and another dear friend’s efforts, is more beautiful than I had hoped for and I am thankful daily for this gift of feeling your presence with me wherever I go. I still miss you and I suspect I always will, but now I find my thoughts of you are often good memories that bring me more smiles than grief.

Despite admitting other reasons for my procrastination in writing, I have in fact been quite busy. As a human living amongst Elves who are all hundreds of years of experience ahead, I have found there is a lot of work to be done to get myself to a level where I feel like less of a welp being allowed to tag along and more like a useful ally and equal. I realize there may be some Elves who always view me as a child due to our age differences, but I am in fact an adult and in that sense a peer. At least, I act that way and I believe those who I consider my friends, not just in name but in actual close bonds, view me that way as well. In trying to get my skills to a more comparable level, and learn some new essentials like how to speak Elven, I have spent a lot of time training.

The non-combat skills I’ve been working on include sewing, music, and speaking Elven… all of which have improved by leaps and bounds. I’ve managed to sew some exquisite versions of different shirts and cloaks I’ve seen. Enough to not be as embarrassed if I show someone my craft. The lute has also come along nicely and I performed in front of other people. I can now say there are a few on this continent that know of that song we got grounded for when we were teens. I also finished writing the lyrics to the tune you always used to be working on when you were thinking. As for my Elven, it’s becoming much more rare that someone says something I don’t understand, and I can muster a few word pronunciations that sound passable. I’m sure my accent still needs a lot of work, but it will be nice when working with those in Arandor to be able to understand what they are saying without them feeling the need to apologize or translate.

That said, most of the training I’ve done has been solo combat training, but at some point I realized I needed instruction from a seasoned professional. I attended a training session with The Shield of Dawn, Lance’s group, and went up against a woman named Striga. She’s a beast. I was walloped so thoroughly I blacked out for a minute. She told me I should stick with a bow which I do agree with, but sometimes I need to defend in close quarters so I still want to improve with an ax. The other day I ran into an elf named Tirian who offered to help me train. I believe I’ve mentioned him before as he was the Wood Elf who taught me the dice game, Snakebite. He worked with me in some swordsmanship, giving me pointers so I could finally make some noticeable improvements in how I swing a weapon. I at least now feel as if I can hold my own when an enemy gets in close quarters, and after having to test it out in an ice fortress last night I can say it is much better.

After that workout, Tirian mentioned having someone in mind to help me improve my ability to resist spells. The lichs and some of the other creatures out here cast plenty of spells my way during patrols. Imagine my surprise when the one he sends is the other half of my pairing, Tharion. I was even more -shocked- to discover the method of my training was to stand in a circle while he repeatedly hit me with magical lightning.

She pauses and re-reads the last sentence, chuckling to herself and subconsciously brushing the feather along some freckles before continuing.

I’m not even sure how long we trained for, and part way through another by the name of Vennesegolunil came to help by casting this spell that made my limbs feel like they were numb, causing me to fall over. At that point I was tired from sword training, tingly and twitchy all over from lightning, and stumbling over my own two feet. My hair was a complete frizz and while I appreciate both being gentlemen and not commenting on my state, I imagine I was quite the hilarious sight to behold by the time we were done. I’m certain the barkeep was eyeing me funny when we walked into the tavern after. When I got home I barely got washed up and changed before passing out and sleeping an absurd amount of hours.

Speaking of home, I just recently finished moving. I know, I had just purchased a house and moved in not long ago… but something came up that made me realize I didn’t feel as safe and comfortable there as I would have liked. After discussing it with one I trust and determining I wasn’t just feeling unduly paranoid, I decided to move into Arandor proper. For a while I was staying with a dear friend, till another let me know that they thought my dear friend was something more. There was a rather long discussion that followed where they explained to me Elven courting rituals for Hill Elves and, after a lot of embarrassed realizations, I decided I needed to have a chat with my dear friend to figure out exactly what was going on. Well, it turns out I was being courted without realizing I was being courted. We had only done one of the four courting rituals, but that was one more than I realized. Don’t be mad, it’s not as if he was trying to hide it from me. Also, the dumbfounded expression when I flat out asked him if we were courting was well worth my cluelessness. It’s not often I get to see him thrown off by something, let alone jaw on the floor. If I hadn’t been so nervous as to his answer then I would have laughed. He asked if it would be a problem if we were courting, then went on a long rambling explanation and apology. Watching him try so hard to respect my wishes that he tied himself into verbal knots was touching and made me love him all the more. And yes, I do love him. I think I have for a time. It’s just, I know that relationships between Elves and Humans are far more complicated for the Elf. They will be left behind someday by their partner succumbing to old age, and since Elf inheritance is passed through the women, male Elves are bound to have Human children. He certainly has the most to lose and if I was to be together with an Elven partner, I’d want them to be certain enough of what they want, weighing the risks vs their feelings and rewards rather than trying to influence them one way or another. Perhaps I was being silly holding back, but I already know I will have to leave them one day and I did not want to be the one to suggest something that could cause them more grief in the future. Anyways, instead of looking for my own new house in Arandor I am now fully moved in with my partner, which now has new meaning. I can’t properly put into words just how safe and content I feel with all of this. Just being able to sit with him quietly at the end of a day brings peace. He truly is my home and I am happy.

Love,
Your Twin

Matilda sat and read back through the letter once before adding a little PS detailing the name of said mystery partner, smiling to herself and touching the pendant about her neck.

"Not that I needed to add that, brother. I'm sure you've been watching this whole time and you already knew. Hells, you probably knew I was being courted before I did."

Smirking at the thought before carefully using a dagger to slice the completed book pages from their binding. Standing, she moved over to the fire and let the sheets fall into the flames, watching them curl and dance as the fire burned.

She then found her way to that comfy chair she'd avoided earlier, with the intent to sit up till her Home returned to their now shared living space. Drawing up her feet onto the cushion, Matilda curled her legs about till she looked more cat than a human. She thought about the last week and smiled warmly at the memories. This chair had become her regular spot. A place where she could find his arm pulling her in close enough to feel the warm and safety of his presence. He reminded her very much of the hills his ilk hail from: broad and sturdy, dependable, stubborn. There were things she didn't speak of to most, the grief and circumstances of her brother's death and fears. Vulnerabilities are things that could be used against her, and the past few years surviving on her own in the wilderness had taught her to be cautious with her trust, despite her overly friendly demeanor. Still, he had a quiet strength that puts her at ease, soothing nerves and insecurities while causing her to drop her guard. It had been that way since soon after they met and the effect had only grown the closer they became. It was something she loved about him. One of the many things she loved about him. And she was still finding more things to love with each passing day. Recently it had been the way he huffs and pouts, along with the moments in which her teasing words were met back with a tease of his own. Things she knew not everyone got to see, each of those moments felt like precious gifts.

Her eyes closed and she murmured a prayer of thanks to the Valar before yawning and drifting off.