letter to Brion

[cellio]

January 4

Dear Brion,

May the blessings of Pelor be ever upon you. I trust that the festival was as refreshing for you as it was for me. When I stood in the clearing holding the symbol of Pelor and feeling the first rays of the sun fall upon me (and it), I felt something special and indescribable. I don't know what it means. Perhaps it was nothing more than insufficient sleep, but I don't think so.

It was an intereesting day, as the day is also holy to the druids with whom we are presently staying. In one night and one day I have seen both the power of the moon and the power of the sun. It's quite fascinating.

We are currently in Oakhame enjoying the hospitality of Liandra's family. Tomorrow we will return briefly to Kozel'sk, the capital of Tergia, and there I trust I will be able to find a messenger going south to carry this letter for me. From there we plan to travel to Durgam's Folly, where rumor has it we can learn more about the troubling events that have befallen the land.

Much has happened in the last couple of months, more than I can describe here. We have seen monsters that ought not be present in human lands, and I fear that the problem is getting worse. We have also encountered, and fortunately vanquished, an evil weapon of some power. We have all continued to grow in power, though it has not been without setbacks. A spectral figure posing as a god (what nerve!) has affected one of our number, and another has undergone a surprising transformation. But we are all healthy and continuing in our quest, and I've learned some new magical skills since last I wrote.

I am sorry to hear that Tobin has left Shepford, as the two of you are obviously close. I fear for his safety out in the world alone, and hope he is sticking with groups. I hope to see him again someday and to hear more of his experiences as rat-kin. Do you have any idea where he was headed?

If Feladan is still there, or if other bards pass through Shepford in the future, ask to hear about the last song of the great bard Therion. It's a fascinating story, and I do not believe it to be mythical. We heard the tale from a master bard here in Oakhame.

I am glad to hear that Shepford's harvest was enough for both you and Timberthorp. I wish I had a way to send food your way. I have made your situation known to the priests of Pelor in Kozel'sk, but I do not know what good that will do. The priest I spoke with, Boniface, seems a pleasant and competent fellow, but the Gastreyr is far away and I don't know how secure messages are, let alone goods. I hope that some way can be found to deliver food to those towns that have been affected.

If the pools of slime re-appear, in Shepford or in other towns, please spread the word that the pools should be healed, not poisoned. I suspect this is the reason that Shepford's crops prospered and Timberthorp's did not.

Thank you for sending word; I greatly appreciate hearing news from back home. I'm amused to hear that Maria is becoming civilized; what was she doing, waiting for me to leave before starting to behave? Ah well; I suppose we shouldn't question the origin of a pleasant outcome lest it be taken away. And if she keeps it up perhaps she will find a suitor, which would undoubtedly please my parents.

Please convey my best wishes to Jehan, and make sure he understands that the ham incident was Prolix, not me. I would never do that to a good ham. Liver, maybe, but never ham. Please also tell him that the food is not nearly as good here as it is back home; I think he'd be happy to know that. If you could also give the enclosed letter to my parents, I would appreciate it.

Take care, and I look forward to hearing from you again.

Larissa