A Land Far Away

Dear Uncle Otis,
Hello from Silverymoon! I made it! You and Uncle Swarthy were right about a hin traveling alone. I hid when I could and managed to find enough to eat (even if it wasn’t all mine). I got beat up a couple of times (mostly when someone found me asleep) and one mean kid set his dog on me. I ended up climbing a tree and throwing fruit gone soft at him until he went away. I know, it was a waste of fruit, but better that then being doggie dinner! I even managed to keep a hold of the gold you gave me to get by. You should have kept that you know.

I found an Inn by the smells of food cooking, like you said. I met the most amazing people there, just like on one of your adventures! And even better, the first people I met were mages. One was an elf, like Ayla. Her name is Ansha, and I think her familiar likes me. Then there was Brenna. She’s a gnome, and I try to follow what she’s saying, I really do! Her friend Miss Marigold is a human, but she’s really nice. She’s got a problem though. Her friend Mister Eifor (his axe is bigger than ME) and everyone else is trying to help her with it. It’s odd. Most times I see, folks just gang up on someone who’s needful.

They let me stay at the University for a night. I started looking for a place where I could be useful, so they won’t kick me out, you know? Just a place to sleep was all I wanted. I ended up staying at the Golden Oak. It’s an inn and a shrine. I was told I could have a room, but I usually end up sleeping behind a sack of potatoes in the cellar. Old habits die hard, and I feel safe there.

Since I’ve been working at the Golden Oak, I’ve met some interesting folk. There’s a hin who follows Urogalan the Black Hound (he hunts undead), an elf who is a mage but is really good at sneaking, and others. I think the one you would want me to tell you about is Mister Slate. He’s a human. I know, don’t trust em. When I first saw him, he was the one who didn’t trust ME. He stared at me with his one eye (to see what I would do about it) and put his pack under his seat (to see what I would do about THAT). I looked straight at one and didn’t look at all at the other (how rude to go through anothers pack right in front of him!). He noticed that I hadn’t been having a place to stay, nor food to eat. Since then he’s kinda been looking out for me, the way you and Uncle Swarthy would when I was at Poppa’s. Like he’s my uncle or something! How odd, a human doing that for me!

I would say watch out for Daisy and Jacky, but I know you would anyway. I know that you keep on eye on them the same as you did me. I will send you money if I can, just don’t let Poppa figure out where the twins got new clothes from. I’ve seen the inside of the University. I wish I knew how to get in. I’ll find a way and make you proud.

P.S. Next time I’ll write you about my first adventure!

P.P.S. Kiss the twins for me.

Love, your niece;

Malmsy

So glad you are back, Miz!

Me too! and I didn't even knew you left!

Sweet letter.

Dear Uncle Otis;

I know it's been a while since I've written, but I've been very busy. Don't worry, I'll tell you all about it!

I've been working really hard at my studies at the Lady's College. I'm more than half way done with the course in Elementary Magic (necromancy was icky)! It's been really quiet there lately. Mister Olaf and Brenna went on a trip together, and Maer's gone too. Maer is a bit of a sneak and a mage like me. I'd hope to learn stuff from him, but he and his friend Ethan took off "looking for trouble". I saw them leaving the college with a group of elves. It's been a long time since I've seen them, so I think them found it.

Speaking of trouble, I've been finding plenty myself. You know how it is, sometimes you don't even have to go looking for it. I'd offered to help some folks in Rivermoot who were having trouble with kobolds. You know how those little yark yarks are. Traps all over. Well, it turns out that weren't all that was going on. There are wyverns involved, and some evil human, and maybe orcs. I'm getting alot of practice with trapspringing and magic, I can tell you! I've been in some tough places, but I've made it out with Brandobaris Boot in my Backside (once or twice) and help from my friends.

There's quite a few folks who are new to the area. Richard (he's a Knight in Training) is our field commander. He's good and keeps his head in a fight. Rothar is a priest of Kelemvor who travels with us sometimes. Itishi is a really good friend, she's from way across the desert! She plays a sad sounding lute she calls a "biwa". Itishi is helping me learn draconic. Keren is another really good friend. He's kind of a nature guy, but he's got some secrets. Kert is a bit of a goof, but damn he's good with a sword! We travel together and work together; we're all kind of trying to watch each others backs.

I only work part time at the Golden Oak, mostly helping with the marketing and cooking. Knight Commander Alyra herself likes my desserts!

My friend Marigold is a Knight in the service of the Knight Commander. She's the tallest lady I've ever seen, and has hair as bright and red as a haystack on fire. It's fitting, since she's a Knight of Lathtander. Mari grew up on the land too. We sometimes talk about how much we miss it, even though we both left it.

I miss you lots. I did have a hard time not to long ago. Mister Slate went missing, and Marigold and I both think he's dead. It looks like he made some bad choices, and it caught up with him. It reminded me way too much of Cousin Egar. Don't worry, I know that's not a subject to talk about in a letter. Mother Erica at the Provider's Shrine has been a big help. It's so nice to have a shrine to Yondalla here in Silverymoon! I help them out when I can and give Mother Erica food (bought honestly, honestly!) to help out a local halfling farmer who's having a hard time.

I'd love to send you some money to help out with the twins, but I'm not sure how to do it. I can post letters from the Inn at Rivermoot, but gold is impractical. I talked to Miss Isolia (she's owns a jewel shop in Silverymoon. I ducked in there when some street thugs were chasing me). She said that I could buy jewels, which are lighter and more practical to transport than gold, and then buy room to ship them on a caravan to Everlund. There's a problem though. Bandits have been hitting the caravans hard lately. I'm doing what I can to help with that, but I'm not exactly the "Lead a raid on a bandit lair in the Moonwood" type. Until I find a way, give Daisy and Jacky my love. Make sure Daisy keeps up with her studies with Mistress Feathermay. Even if Sheelah doesn't touch her especial, she could still make a wonderful herbalist.

Don't worry, I'll try to be careful!

Love always, your niece

Malmsy

A very good read, I really enjoy the letters home. Kudos