Correspondence

[The following message is written in rough, but clearly legible penmanship, each letter imprinted heavily into the sheet. Several spots of dark reddish-brown mar the otherwise pristine material, with a noticeable blotch at the lower corner.]

For the consideration of one Elexia Myeras-Silvermoon,

I bid you greetings, and good health, Ms Myeras-Silvermoon. I trust that you will not begrudge an uninvited missive overmuch, despite the negative perspective with which our respective communes hold one another.

In the spirit of brevity, I will endeavour to limit my urge towards effusive praise to the merely complimentary. Thus.

I have just had the pleasure of bearing witness to the recorded production of Love Song of Ser Arrowdale, in which you starred opposite another - and star is, I feel, an appropriate descriptor in this instance, for the passion and skill with which you both played veritably shone with a stellar intensity. Truly, it was a singularly enthralling experience, and I have rarely felt so enraptured in a tale, nor been so immersed in a story that I near felt the blow that felled the bard as if it were stricken upon my own flesh. I applaud your ability to evoke such a visceral response, and the exquisite manner in which the production was delivered overall.

I hope that you will not find my token of appreciation to be boorish. If you prefer another form of prey as a meal, do be swift in correcting me, and I shall convey it to you posthaste.

Cordial regards,
Rhalkyr

[Enclosed within the document, still and dead, is a rotund brown and white bird, its small form remrkably unruffled.]

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You read what is written on stationery adorned with bluebell flowers:
[This letter has been composed in a light, flowing script, with the letters being formed with an exacting precision. The only imperfections in the penmanship lie in a handful of unusually small letters, oft at the start of a sentence. An attempt appears to have been made to blot these letters out with ink.]

Dear Rhalkyr, of the Summer Wood,

Autumn's tidings to you! I am good of health and lively of spirits, and I pray that you are the same. We may walk different paths, but I will always welcome a letter of kind intent and a good heart. And before I neglect to mention it, I give you thanks for your gift! It was well-kept, and made a fine dish.

To hear such effusive praise has brought a smile to my lips! I know my dear sister, Lief, would be similarly flattered. I shall be certain to pass on your words to her when she returns to us from her meditations! Didn't she do just a marvelous job composing the piece? I scarce think I'll forget the words so long as I shall be blessed to walk beneath the Moon!

It was my very first performance, as well. I had regarded it as an alluring, but frightening thing to stand atop the stage, but after that song I knew I would be forever bound to it. Tell me, Rhalkyr of the Summer Wood, do you have such aspirations? Or do other paths, other crafts, call to you in its stead?

While I am grateful for your letter, truly, I must also say my curiosity is piqued at seeing one of the Wyrd so readily extend a hand across Faethorn to one such as myself. Sometime, perhaps, I should very much like to meet you shard-to-shard. Perhaps in a place of significance to both our peoples, such as the Caoimhe Del. Have you heard of that place? It's equal parts beautiful and fascinating.

In any event, I hope to hear from you again soon.

May your tah'vrai be just,
     - Elexia Myeras-Silvermoon

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Elexia Myeras-Silvermoon,

Autumn is a most fine season, is it not? I often find time to be still and appreciate the beauty of it. Have you ever drank in all the riotous hues in which the leaves are painted in, and tried to pick out each subtly unique shade? It makes the world seem afire, when the chill wind stirs the forest into a whispering susurration of eddying currents of flame - Tongues of dry fire that one can caress without feeling the bite upon the flesh.

I am most pleased to know that the gift was to your liking. If you have a preference as to prey, do inform me, and I shall make efforts to hunt it down when next an offering is called for. As for that which you so kindly sent in return, I admit - I have never before in my life sampled anything other than the bounty of prey and forest, so as you may imagine, my first brush with such finely crafted confection was rather educational. The cream, in particular, was pleasant upon the tongue. I found the fruit to be most winsome, and the texture and consistency of the pastry took a little time to grow accustomed to - but it is an experience that I greatly enjoyed, and thank you for it. That is three such, now, that you have been generous enough to gift me - I confess that I feel a miser in comparison. How might I balance the scales?

Ah, dear Lady Myeras-Silvermoon, if you think that praise to be effusive, truly you would be at a loss if I were to forgo the restraint of civility and lavish you with words unfettered by decorum. It is well, however, to know that my modest efforts coaxed forth a smile. I had intended to send a similar missive to your sister, but alas, it seems that there would be little point - You have saved myself time and ink. I would be most appreciative if you were to be kind enough to convey my delight to her, when next you see her. She crafted a piece of surpassing quality, such that I greatly look forward to experiencing her other works - and those in which you play a part, of course. Have you created aught of your own? I would see that which your heart and mind could weave of words and music, if so.

Truly? You deserve even greater accolades, for comporting yourself with such skill and aplomb, if you were combating with the nerves of performing in such a manner for the first time. I applaud your courage, and it is fitting that such bravery rewarded you with a true passion for the arts. Imagine if you had balked, and never came to know the thrill of spinning tales and song for an enraptured audience.

As for myself, I think it unlikely that I am quite so naturally suited to song as you, for my voice is a far cry from being so sweet upon the ears. I have toyed with the notion of crafting plays and their ilk, so that others might sing and act for me. I have given it little serious consideration, but perhaps I shall do so, now that I have experienced such joy for myself. Would you, perchance, have any guidance to offer for a fledgling writer?

Far be it for me to rouse an appetite and see it go unsated, Lady. I shall see to it that your curiosity is slaked - though I must warn you that my words do not flow so readily in speech as they do when born upon the patient currents of ink. I would be amenable to a meeting, certainly. I have not heard of the Caoimhe Del. Perhaps you would be so kind as to enlighten me when we meet there, for history and the learning of it is near as sweet a thing as the taste of the tart that lingers still upon my tongue. We can, I expect, find much to discuss - such as tah'vrai. I am keen to hear what your thoughts on the matter are.

I have burdened this aggrieved page overmuch, I fear - I shall dam the torrent of words, for now, and hope that they have not washed away any desire to respond.

Loquaciously,
Rhalkyr

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You read what is written on honeysuckle-scented stationery:
Dear Rhalkyr of the Summer Wood,

You speak well indeed of the seasons and their miraculous colour! If you ever find yourself so inclined, I should think a book of poetry from your hand would make for lovely reading. Indeed, simply collecting phrases just as the first you sent me would do well among the literary judges of the Basin of Life when they consider which works to esteem and award the highest prestige. I do not speak to flatter, I genuinely think you should consider such a project.

Ah! Since you asked, I have a predilection towards fish among meats, and strawberries among fruits. I've oft gathered trout myself from the Moon River which winds through the Serenwilde Forest, and never found it lacking for flavour. Would you tell me, in return, what manner of cuisine is to your preference? I am heartened to hear you liked the tart, though I know it is perhaps a bit saccharine!

To your request for advice on how to begin working in theatre, I would say there is no shame in beginning with a smaller project and coming to see how you like it later on. If you're not keen on singing or music, perhaps you might enjoy weaving the glamours of the stage together to tell a tale? It wields powerful magics, and so long as whatever you dream can fit upon it, you can bring its very image to life.

Once, I was given the invitation to watch such a performance by the one they call the Spirit Warden, Xenthos An'Ryshe. In truth, the precise name of the piece eludes me, but I recall the tale vividly. It was told entirely without words using the illusory magics of the stage. A story of one of your Wood's spirits, and their connection to an animal therein. It was engrossing, and may make for good study if this manner of production piques your interest.

Whatever you decide to do, first, you'll need to seek out one who has been granted authority over the stage. Your Wood's Minister of Culture will always bear this power, though they may grant it to a select few they wish - only they have the power to initially create works, after which a director may be assigned and given full control. But, as a price for this responsibility, they may never submit an official rating to the Theatrical Guild for any play to avoid potential manipulations. If you seek out your Minister or one of these appointed officials, they can make your production with whatever name you wish and appoint you director!

As for my own works, I've had the pleasure of directing three: A Vow Remembered, which is a duet with a dear friend of mine which has
unfortunately been lost to time, A Night for the Host, which is a series of songs I performed solo honouring the spirits of the Serenwilde, and at last Sown in War, which is a historical drama about the ancient war which would come to bring Serenwilde under the yoke of the Celestine Empire and scar the Wood.

Of the three, Sown in War is by far my most ambitious and the one for which I feel the most pride. Lief and her then-courtship-partner-now-husband Zitto played the romantic leads, and several others dear to me donated their time to bring the story to life. Oh, but lest I forget, you may also find interest in Treeheart: A Musical. It's another work produced by my dear sister Lief, and is a truly spell-binding take on Ellindel, the first of the Wiccans, and how she would come to meet the fae.

Oh, but how I have myself gone on and on without end! I look forward still to meeting you, but alas, for the time being our comings and goings have evaded each other. Perhaps the next few Moons will bring the opportunity we seek to converse!

May you be given a spark for your Expression,
     - Elexia Myeras-Silvermoon

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[A pouch has been carefully bound to the letter with thin, rough rope. Within the pouch, nestled within a generous padding of leaves is a small box of stiff card, and an ivory vial crafted of bone.]

Elexia Myeras-Silvermoon,

You are too kind, Lady Myeras-Silvermoon. Even the most brutish of minds can be inspired to weave elegant words of praise, when working with so fine a muse as nature. I shall consider such a thing, though I have little experience with crafting poetic verse, in truth. Perhaps you would be so generous as to turn a practiced eye upon my first, clumsy attempts and furnish me with your opinion?

I will remember that. I would have snatched a fish for you, but I rather think that a letter is a poor mode of conveyance for a morsel so damp and prone to pungency. Instead, I give you a gift of three; A cake, which I hope you will find pleasing to either the eye or the tongue, a tea to wash it down with, and a vial in which it is contained, that I found pleasing. While temporary pleasures are fine things indeed, I desired to give you a token that will last. Mayhap you will think of our correspondence when you use it in the future.

As for my own tastes, I am a simple creature possessed of a palate equally lacking in complexity, you may be disappointed to learn. I greatly enjoy fresh red meats, though fish of almost any variety is a close second in such a regard. For fruits, I am terribly fond of blackberries - I enjoy their taste, and the hue of their flesh. Purple is a fine colour, in my reckoning, and complemented rather exquisitely by the black luster of the berries' skin. What hues do you favour?

I must convey my sincere gratitude for your excellent advice in the matter of theatre - It is clear that you have a firm grasp upon the matter, and it behooves you that you are so generous with such knowledge. I believe a tale would be much more suited to my inclinations, yes. I will think upon what I might like to write. I have spoken briefly with Xenthos, but I was unaware he had penned the likes of what you describe - It sounds a most intriguing format. I must make a point to inquire after it, when next I see him. My thanks for the recommendation, Lady.

I will endeavour to take the time to appreciate Sown in War, then, given that it is the work you are most pleased with. I would have waited to do so before responding, but I did not wish to have you believe that I regard your missives so lowly as to be of diminished priority. I will make certain to have watched Sown in War, at the very least, before next I write to you.

Worry not, Lady, for it is far from a trying thing to peruse words so fine as yours. I feel you would have to burden a letter with such a prodigious amount of ink as to have it groan beneath the weight of it, 'ere you would risk writing too much. I, too, am curious to make your acquaintance beyond parchment and penmanship. I shall be about with greater regularity in the coming Moons, so it seems a likelihood indeed.

May the Shadows of the Forest enshroud you,
Rhalkyr

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CUPCAKE: Set in a bright red paper cup, the majority of this cupcake has been left golden brown. The cake has been shaped to form a little vixen
sitting upright, its nine shapely tails wrapped around its base. Slices of strawberry decorate the ends of each tail and either ear, and rich deep berries have been used to form the tiny eyes, whiskers, and grinning maw of this confectionery creature.

VIAL: The slender, curving form of this ivory-hued vial is moulded into the form of a delicate amphora. Sharp-toothed roses claw their way across the swollen belly, disgorging half-open blooms touched with rubescent enamel. A filigreed chain of silver swings from the handles on either side of the narrowed neck, allowing the vessel to be fastened securely to pouch, belt, or hand.

POUCH: This pouch is void of decoration, save the crow-shaped bone toggle that holds its flap closed. Made of soft, black leather and lined with fur, this pouch holds a number of items safe and dry.