Note to Viggo from Liandra, Gorge of Fire

[indigodove.livejournal.com]

Dear Viggo,

I feel like I can only write this to you. As you know, we are in the midst of the Gorge of Fire, hoping to enhance Kotara-nar for Turok. I was prepared for the idea that it would be hot here, but not prepared enough. I don't think anything could have adequately prepared us for this hellish landscape.

I hate it here. I have never been in a place of such disharmony in my life, and I feel that I am failing to appreciate nature's boundless wonder.

I realize that this place brings balance to the rest of our world, that pockets of extremes are necessary for the land as a whole. Nevertheless, being in a place so unbalanced has me feeling at odds with the world.

Smoke and ash suffuses the atmosphere, and a dull red glow is the light each day, dimming only at night. Firestorms rain over us several times a day, growing more frequent the closer we draw to our goal.

We have been attacked each day by creatures born of the flames of this place. Strangely, many that we subdue are bowing to us, then dissipating and disappearing. We suspect that some intelligence is watching us, and sending these beings as some sort of message. A test? A warning? It is difficult to discern. I wonder what lies ahead of us.

However, do not worry unduly for us. Although this place is difficult, I sense that we will survive and leave stronger. We are all keeping in good spirits, and our bonds of friendship remain strong. These things, more than any other, will ensure that we leave this place with what we came here for.

I admit, I yearn to be up to my neck in a cool pool in Oakhame right now...and for both our journeys to be over for good.

Give our greetings to your companions, and know that I pray for your safety each night.

Much Love,

Lian