Dear Family,
I am writing this not even a day after the first letter. I figured they would be much more spread out but so much is happening I feel the need to get my thoughts out on paper.
We luckily made it out of that dungeon. Kol struck down the last “living” creature struggling to get out of its stone grave. He didn’t even bat an eye when he took its life. These men are stone cold.
He even discovered a chunk of obsidian with an insignia etched on it as well as a matching breastplate. He identified it as the Jagged Rock tribe.
I know I told father to read a lot about stuff but this seems much more important than the others so please focus on that.
Carrick carried the boy out of the dungeon on his shoulder and we made our way back to town. They had me trudging through slop and mud, my robes are all kinds of dirty now. Moses guided us but when the lightning struck he let us know we were being pursued.
Wolves… large ones at that. The first time I have seen any beast from the material realm. Vicious and mangy.
This seemed to be just another day for them though they immediately jumped to. Fighting the beasts in close ranged combat. One of them lept out at me and like it was second nature my fingers drew a sigil as a magical ward surrounded me glancing the wolves attack. I without thinking blasted the wolf back.
I don’t know where this is coming from but its like somethings controlling my actions in these situations. I am panicking but my body is working autonomously without me really thinking.
The men made quick work of the beasts but not without punishment. Kol was bitten badly on the neck and Moses was actually taken down by one of the beasts. I wanted to preserve myself and leave but something compelled me to help my fallen comrade.
Luckily I made it out unscathed and we were able to recover Moses’s body. I tried to staunch the bleeding with some wrappings but the others insisted we move. They are so casual about these things, these material folk are much tougher than what our books lead on.
Nonetheless we made it back to the town and delivered the boy to his Mother. My heart crushed at the look of a mournful mother looking at her comatose son. I thought adventurers were supposed to be praised when they return not have to deliver horrible news.
A holy man investigated the boy and said his state was magical, stronger than anything he had seen. He spoke of rumors of Goblin apples that have healing properties in a nearby town. I dont know if I should distract myself with work like this but it feels wrong to leave them in this state. If someone left mother I would never forgive them. Plus it may help to get a better understanding of the lands.
We agreed to look for a solution. Carrick’s family studies magics which is extremely fascinating. He offered his families services but it didn’t seem they were on the best terms so I tried to not ask too much. After working out a plan Moses offered us refuge in his inherited home, an extremely kind gesture.
Carrick had a friend in town that was half-orcish. I would’ve loved to meet one in person but he insisted he went alone to see if he could find anything about that book I mentioned.
The rest of us made our way to the Overhill Cabin, the name of his estate. It was a humble abode but was worse for wear. A persons home is often a window in their soul. Mother always told me you can learn a lot about someone by the home they live in.
I never really understood how until now. It was covered and dust and tattered and a bit ramshackle. Its clear that Moses hasn’t spent much time here and that he was hurt and avoiding this situation. I couldn’t imagine what he’s going through losing his adopted parents.
Mother also said to leave all places better than you found them. So I took my Twister Bauble and cleaned the dust off all the surfaces and tidied up a bit. It was nice to see him smile at this gesture.
Moses told us about his arm, the cosmic hand I had mentioned. It was incredible, constellations of the night sky all the way to his shoulder. Something he has had for a while now, either he doesn’t remember or didn’t wish to share but he didn’t know much about it.
They asked about my clothing in which I lied. But for some reason for the first time ever I felt my skin crawl at the fact of speaking lies to these people. I felt guilt. Back home I lied all the time without batting an eye, I could talk money out of anyone’s pockets but for some reason these silly lies ate away at me.
So I told them, and to my surprise they were very accepting. They didn’t treat me any different or even make a comment about the fact I had been lying the whole time. They just saw me as me.
I kept it simple though and told them of home and what it was like in the Confluence but left it at that as it was getting late.
Before bed I showed them the pebble pipe as emotions were high and we could all use a nice winddown.
Yes mother… I did show them the herbs. Just a few though, we did just fight for our lives. I promise we wont make it a habit.
Kol seemed to love it and even showed sign of a beautiful sword he was after. Whisperfang he called it. He didnt want to share much more and hopefully he wont be upset at the amount he shared while under the influence. But he says the orcs stole it. Maybe this path were on will help him find it.
Moses took a hit as well showing a mountains peak and a man outreaching on top of it. A beautiful depiction in the smoke, either a dream or a memory.
Kol had begun to slur his words though so we went to bed. Moses graciously took me to his old bedroom to rest. All the plants were wilted except a beautiful blue and red tulip. I had never seen anything like it. These other plants could use some work though I am going to leave a Mold Keeper Totem to watch over these for Moses while we are gone. Hopefully the next time we return it will be much more lively in here.
But it is time for me to rest. I hope all is well and I pray you don’t worry about me. I am in good company.
I am going to try this ring Zahir al-Duun gave me. Hopefully he answers.
Love Nahlir
