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Chapter Text

(This is a somewhat wrinkled and smudged letter dated 20 Uktar of 1492. It looks as though it was written in a hurry.)

Astarion,

Be sure to thank Tara for her gracious help in delivering this letter. I’m merely sending this to inform you of my continued health and wellness. I know you and the others must be very busy with setting up your new home, so please don’t feel any need to reply if you have neither the time nor the supplies. 

Just know that I fully intend to keep my promise to stay in touch. I’ve come to care deeply about the lot of you and I don’t want to let distance tear us apart. I’ll be writing similar letters to those of our group that are still on the material plane. 

Gale of Water Dekarios

PS. I intend to figure out a way to send you letters without Tara needing to teleport back and forth. She’s only willing to help so much, which I understand of course, she’s a busy Tressym with her own life to live. 

PPS. Apologies for the state of this letter, I’m traveling with a caravan and the only time I have to write is at night during my turn at watch, so this is being written by the light of the campfire. 

(This letter is written on fine paper and sealed with purple wax, it is dated Feast of the Moon 1492)

Hello Astarion,

I’ve finally made it home! I must say, after traveling with our group of oddballs for however long it was and then with a large caravan for two tendays, my tower is far too quiet. Empty too compared to the rooms at the Elfsong. I keep turning around to say something to one of you only to remember too late that I’m alone. 

It hardly needs saying but my mother is overjoyed to see me alive and well. She wouldn’t let me out of her sight the entire time I was visiting her. To the point she insisted on dragging me from place to place as she made tea and went to get things to show me. I found that I didn’t actually mind overmuch. I missed her too while I was away, and in my year of isolation beforehand. It was easy to indulge her after all of that. Especially her request to come have dinner with her once a tenday. That of course is made even easier by her excellent cooking. 

I was forced to replace nearly all of the food in my larder, apparently even the strongest cooling magic is only so helpful after several unexpected months away. I dare not even think about the mess I came home to for fear that I will remember the smell of it. Goblin camps and Illithid colonies evidently have nothing on a neglected icebox. 

While I was out acquiring fresh supplies I ran across some old friends. To my great surprise they greeted me with delight. I’ve even been invited to reconnect over dinner with two or three of them. My absence over the last year has seemingly not gone as unnoticed as I thought as more than one of them expressed worry over it. 

My friend Danoth also told me that he’d heard what happened in Baldur’s Gate and thanked me for my involvement. It appears that as the city returns to business as usual, tales of our little adventure have begun to spread. I fully expect to receive many letters about the subject in the near future. Wish me luck. 

Moving on to other subjects though, it is only now after returning to the streets of Waterdeep that I realized just how much I missed them. The city as a whole is never silent, even in the deepest night and the streets are always alive with the passage of people. I missed being a part of this colorful crowd. I also missed the markets, gods only know how the people of Baldur’s Gate manage without a night market. I’ll need to show it to you some time, I think you would enjoy it very much. 

Your Friend,

Gale Dekarios

(This letter is written on plain paper splattered lightly with ink on the back, as if it had been set on top of a messy workspace. It is dated 8 Nightal of 1492.)

Dear Astarion,

I was very pleased to receive your reply to my last letter and I assure you Tara has been richly rewarded for her assistance in carrying our correspondence. Now that I’m more settled I’ve begun work on a way for us to write without her help, but I’ve been somewhat stymied by a rather troublesome series of conjuration runes that simply will not resolve no matter what I try. I’m certain I’ll be able to figure it out, but it is a frustrating problem in the meantime.

I’m happy to hear that the settlement is off to such a strong start. Such things often take a great deal of time to truly get going, but I suppose having such a large amount of determined people would make it easier. 

I do hope that you’re able to sort out leadership soon, it sounds like having so many voices at the table would indeed cause problems of the sort you describe. I must ask though. What will you do if they pick you to be in charge my friend? I know you’ve said you’re only there as long as it takes to get the whole place properly set up, but what if they decide you’re there for good?

You also mentioned that you’ve all settled near the Myconid colony we encountered during our travels. How do they fare?

In news from my end, I have continued to reconnect with my old friends, and a few more have reached out to me as well. It’s rather humbling actually, that so many of them still care. 

One of them, Annette, has even asked for my expertise on a project she’s working on. I’ve been. Well to be honest I’ve been dithering on giving her an answer. I can’t help but feel as though my skills at working with others have been neglected these last few years. It’s been quite some time since someone has reached out for my help like this. I’m not entirely certain I’ll be any good at it. 

But enough of my self pity, eh? I’m sure you’ll be much more interested to learn that I’ve decided to renovate my tower come the new year. It took me some time to notice after I got back, but the whole place feels off. I can’t believe it even took me this long to put my finger on why, it was glaringly obvious once I actually sat down to think about it. It all stayed the exact same while I spent the last three months changing. I’ve outgrown it all.

It’s going to be an abso a total boar to do though. All of the wards will need redoing and picking out new furniture is such a drag every time I have to do it. I wish I had someone else around to make those choices for me. Although, I suppose part of the problem with the place as it is, is that I did have someone for that the first time around. I’ll have to think on it.

At the very least I’ll have no trouble paying for it all. We really did accumulate a ridiculous amount of money on our adventure didn’t we? That’s on top of what I got from selling some of the items we found to any adventurer who wanted them. Suffice to say I’m set for quite some time even without taking on any commissions. 

Gale

(This letter is written on a piece of parchment cut off of a larger whole. It is dated 17 Nightal of 1492)

Many thanks, my friend, for the kick in the rear that was your last letter. You were completely right of course. I’m having a grand time working with Annette. I had forgotten how nice it was to work with another person on something. 

You were also right about asking for help with my own work. As it turns out, the old saying about two heads being better than one is very much true. Both of our projects are going much more smoothly now. 

I must say though, it was very amusing to see you in one letter, go from ardently telling me to ask for help and stop being so stubborn, to vehemently denying the very idea of being put in charge of those around you. Especially considering how often you took charge in our fight against The Absolute. 

The solution the people have come to is an admirable one, very sensible to vote anonymously on an option from a pool of predetermined candidates. I also agree that it makes sense the majority preferred that neither you nor any of your ‘siblings’ were among them. I too would be wary of you if I didn’t know you as I do.

Have you any plans for the Solstice? Personally I’ve been invited to spend it with some friends. I’m rather pleased about it actually. I never realized just how lonely the past several years have been. 

Your friend, 

Gale

PS. Thank you for checking on the Myconids for me! I’m pleased to hear they’re doing well. 

(This letter was delivered along with a strange wooden box covered in runes. It is dated 4 Hammer of 1493)

My friend,

Say hello to your new mailbox! We finally figured it out! Annette and I eventually brought in our friend Danoth. He’s a dab hand with conjuration and sorted it right out for the most part. We’d apparently been forgetting to account for all the stone between here and where you are in the underdark, amongst other smaller issues. I feel like a right ass for forgetting about it, but sometimes what one really needs is another person to point out the obvious. 

All you need to do to activate the box is press the large rune on the top. Doing so will cause whatever is inside to be transported to the matching box here in my tower. Each box can only do so once per day but that should more than suit our needs. 

Feel free to send your answer to this letter back with Tara since she’s already there and we’ll test out the boxes tomorrow. 

Gale

(This letter is written on plain paper and it is dated 5 Hammer of 1493.)

I’m utterly delighted to see that the boxes work as planned, assuming this letter arrives safely of course. Just in case it doesn’t I’ll keep it brief.

Please feel free to keep sending letters first. You’re also more than welcome to request things from the world above, for yourself and others in the settlement. So long as it can fit in the box I’m more than happy to acquire it. 

I received a letter from Shadowheart today, she’s settling in well. I should also mention that if you’d like I can send letters to the others for you. I would offer to send them boxes like this of their own but we discovered that having more than one in a single location can cause them to mix up their destinations. We’re working on a solution but I thought that getting the first one to you would be more important than having it be perfect in every way. I’m sorry if that  It isn’t my intention to

Your friend,
Gale

(This letter is written on water stained, wrinkled paper. It is dated 10 Hammer of 1493. Included with the letter is a scroll of Water Jet.)

Astarion, we’ve finished Annette’s project. I won’t bore you with the details but the short explanation is that she was struggling to make the spell simple enough for less skilled casters to use it. It’s intended to be used for firefighting, in conjunction with bucket brigades. Create water is all well and good of course but sometimes a bit more force is needed. 

She had asked for my help in streamlining the whole thing and making the use of energy more efficient. In the end we had to rework the whole spell from the ground up after Danoth suggested we try using conjuration instead of evocation. He was right of course. It’s easier to make a small opening to the plane of water than it is to create and move water at the forces required for its intended purpose. 

I’ve included a scroll with the spell inscribed on it. Myst Gods forbid that you should ever need it, but better safe than sorry.

I wanted to thank you again for encouraging me to do this. My days are so much more full with my friends in my life. I’m continuing to reach out to other friends, though I’ll understand if they don’t reach out in turn. I haven’t been a very good friend to most of them these past few years. All I can do now is hope that they’ll see fit to allow me back into their lives. 

With great satisfaction,

Gale

(This letter is on fine paper, sealed with golden wax. It is dated Hammer 11 of 1492)

You pose an interesting question my friend. I often find myself asking similar things these days. I find that in my lower moments it can help to reframe the situation. Instead of asking myself what I owe others for caring about me, I ask myself what I will do because I care in return. And I do care of course. I love all of these people, Annette, Danoth, my mother and Tara amongst others I haven’t yet gotten around to telling you about. I’m even fairly certain they love me in return despite all my flaws.

I cannot tell you why any of my old friends are willing to let me back into their lives after how I treated some of them, and believe you me I was not kind to some of them. 

After my time at Blackstaff ended my bond with Mystra began to grow stronger. I spent more and more time at her beck and call, often to the detriment of my own studies and interests. Any suggestion that this may not be a good thing was of course met with my disdain. 

As the years passed I only grew worse, begging off of social engagements and neglecting shared projects in favor of spending as much time as I could with Her. 

I asked Annette what I was like to be around at the time and she described me as an entirely different man to the one I had been in school. She called me aloof and cold, distant. She said it was as if everything I had been was twisted to be what Mystra preferred of me. I find that I cannot disagree with her. Eventually I had become so different that she could no longer think of me as her friend. I understand why some of my friends have not accepted my overtures, I wouldn’t either, and it’s deeply humbling to have the renewed friendship of those that have. 

As my relationship with Mystra faltered I realized that I was essentially alone, with no virtually no real friends left. So I of course tried to grab as tight to what little I had left of Her favor. Which in turn eventually led to my last desperate scheme to regain Her love. 

I realize now that I likely could have turned to my friends then. It never even crossed my mind at the time, but they probably would have done the same as they're doing now and welcomed me back into the fold. Of course had I done that then I wouldn’t have been in the position to end up on our journey to Baldur’s Gate. 

In the end I regret what I’ve done to myself, but I can’t truly find it in me to wish it had never happened. After all without this damnable orb in my chest we never would have met. At least I have my friends now, both old and new.

Your humble friend, 

Gale

PS.In regards to the other thing, the one you nearly crossed out and told me not to talk about. Might I suggest you try reaching out to your ‘siblings’. They’re the most likely to understand after all. They may not have had the freedom the tadpole gave you, but they are now also learning how to live life without the looming presence of your former master. 

Chapter Text

(This letter is written on plain paper spotted with ink. It is dated 21 Hammer of 1493)

Astarion,

I’m happy to hear from you my friend. My apologies for not writing sooner. I simply wanted to give you time after my last letter. It was a fairly heavy one after all. I’m pleased that you’ve decided to take my advice into consideration despite how “Ridiculously sappy and cliche” it is. I hope that it serves you well nonetheless.

Gale

(This letter is written on the back of a rough drawing of a tower, likely Gale’s. It is dated 26 Hammer of 1493.) 

If I asked you nicely would you come to Waterdeep and talk to contractors for me? I’m no good at haggling, I can only dream wistfully at the low prices you and Wyll were able to secure for the group. The prices these people want are almost criminal. 

At least I was able to secure the help of another old friend, Gregory, they’re one of the most talented abjuration wizards I know and with their help the wards should be much easier to rework. 

As to the question from your last letter, might I suggest you try picking up a hobby? I know it sounds trite but it may help. Anything you want, I’m willing  I’m happy to send along any supplies the people of the settlement request. I’m sure Tara would be willing to help transport larger things with a bag of holding. 

I’ll do my best to make it quick. I’ve always found that the worst thing for any group of people, aside from genuine disagreements about any given topic, is boredom. Why, as a young man my friend group once ended up in an extended prank war during our summer break from schooling. It lasted for over a month and only ceased due to an incident which ended with all of us dyed ridiculous colors. Our parents had finally had enough of it and put an end to it after that. There should be a painting of me with green hair somewhere if you’d like to see it. I can ask my mother to make a copy. 

Gods bless the patience of my mother by the way. I’ve no idea how she raised me, it can’t have been easy to take care of a toddler capable of casting mage hand. I should take her

I’ve just had the most delightful idea, I’m off to do something foolish. It should be good fun though. 

Your Mischievous Friend, 

Gale

(This letter has some fingerprints dotted across the surface, as if Gale had something on his hands while sending it. It is dated 1 Alturiak of 1493. Included with it are two sets of drawing pencils, two sets of watercolor paints, a large sheaf of good quality paper, and a small watercolor painting of a sheepish looking teenage Gale with absurdly green hair. It is signed with the initials MD.)

Dear Astarion,

You were quite right to be worried about my intentions after my last letter. I found after remembering the good time we had that summer that I could not resist the lure of once again pulling my friends into a competition of wiles.

After finishing my letter to you I went out to acquire the supplies I needed for my little prank and the next day enacted my plan. You see, Annette quite prides herself on the lovely red door of her tower. She built and painted it herself and it is quite a distinct sight. I happened to know that she would be away from home that day and took the opportunity of her absence to replace her door with an equally bright green one. A simple enough thing but one sure to raise her ire. 

Of course I had no desire to once again be on the receiving side of her ire over a prank and in order to throw her off my trail I hid the door, rather poorly, in a mutual friend Helena’s garden. 

I wasn’t there to see the fruits of my labor later in the day when Annette stormed into Helena’s sitting room with her friend Zilyana, both of them wielding wands and summoning sprites which immediately set off to wreaking havoc, but I’m told it caused quite a ruckus and that Helena is still finding sprites in her tower after nearly half a tenday. It all went rather rapidly downhill from there and Helena retaliated to this apparently unprovoked prank, along with the help of her friend Boldan, a day later by shrinking Zilyana’s house to half its usual size.

Zilyana, who evidently has a long running rivalry with Boldan, reacted by rearranging every bookshelf in his home by rainbow order. This unfortunately caught his partner Yannis in the crossfire as they share a home with him. Yannis has decided that it would be the best course of action to stay independent of either side of this developing conflict and instead to retaliate indiscriminately. Thus their retort of enchanted singing paper animal models affected all other participants. 

It was after this that Annette roped me back into all of it to help with her next plan. I’m still not entirely sure what the goal was but it involved a completely absurd amount of beetroot powder and a firework.

Astarion I fear I may be in over my head with all of this. I’m still scrubbing the smell of beetroot out of my clothes.

Gale

(This letter was clearly written in something of a hurry, the ink is smudged in places and the whole thing smells faintly of lavender. It is dated 13 Alturiak of 1493) 

Do not mourn me, for I am the architect of my own fate. I write to you with a heavy heart my friend, for my whole tower reeks of lavender. I cannot escape the flowery clutches of this scent. My friends have hidden the runes producing it so cleverly that no matter how thoroughly I search I am unable to find them. 

This little war has continued to escalate in the time since my last letter and frankly I have no idea how the lot of them have time to commit all of their heinous crimes. They are all presumably professional adults with other commitments and yet somehow this keeps going. Although I must admit to having procrastinated on a commission or two myself in order to contribute, so perhaps they’re all doing the same.

I’ve lost track of the exact order of events so instead I shall give you the highlights of what has happened so far.

- Annette’s whole tower was turned purple, her least favorite color. It clashed horribly with her still green door.

-  Danoth, also now caught up in all of this, was turned into a cat for an entire day and was unable to reverse it before he had to teach classes, much to the delight of his students. 

- Someone replaced all of Helena’s clothing with a single polka dotted robe.

- Boldan’s sculptures were animated mid show. Apparently the critics loved it. 

There were many other smaller things that have been lost in the rush and I suspect that it will all be coming to a head soon. I can’t decide if telling them that I started it all would be better than when they inevitably figure it out for themselves once they’re no longer distracted. 

Oddly, despite my trepidation about how this will all end, I’m having the most fun I’ve had in years. Rather, the most carefree fun. Adventuring is its own sort of fun of course, but it’s different to this. I struggle to articulate why, even to myself, but I think it may have to do with the fact that there’s no real reason for this. It’s fun for the sake of fun. I’ll need to think about it more.

Smelling unhappily of Lavender, 

Gale

PS. I’ve done some looking into how to safely transport a loom and spinning wheel in pieces. I think we’ll be able to manage it so long as the assembly instructions are written down clearly enough. Tara will be along with them just as soon as they’re delivered, along with a few other things that have been requested. I haven’t yet had the chance to look into animals that will do well in the underdark but I think with the creative and careful use of magic it might be possible to keep some rabbits and sheep. I know Halsin planned to settle in the former shadowlands so perhaps he would be willing to help too. 

Good luck with learning the lyre by the way. Maybe someday soon I’ll see you in person and you can play something for me.

(This letter is written on fine paper and sealed with blue wax. It is dated 17 Alturiak of 1493. Included with it are two small watercolor paintings on fine, heavy paper. One depicts Gale with a diverse group of humanoids, every single person is grinning broadly and covered in huge splatters of color. The other depicts a resigned looking Gale, the whole thing is rendered entirely in shades of green. Both paintings are signed with the initials MD)

Astarion,

It is my deep pleasure to finally be able to tell you that our little war has ended with a city wide manhunt. Amongst ourselves, no authorities involved. As you can see from the included painting it also involved a large amount of paint. It was great fun and all was well up until the point Annette and Helena finally got around to talking afterwards and put two and two together to make Gale. 

I didn’t find out they knew until a day later when they ambushed me on my way to dinner with my mother and doused me in green dye, as shown in the other painting. Curse my mother for her terrifyingly accurate memory and for her fast painting. She delivered that one still wet just an hour before I sat down to write this letter. She insisted I send it along for you to laugh at. 

Annette and Helena say the dye will take a few days to wear off, so until then I am resigned to my fate. 

I must thank you for your suggestion that my friends hadn;t used magic to make the tower smell like lavender. Sometimes I forget that such things really can be as simple as stuffing every cushion they could get their hands on with handfuls of the wretched stuff. I would have gone on at least another few days before the thought occurred to me. My tower is now blissfully lavender free and for that I owe you a drink. 

Moving on to other things, the loom and spinning wheel I spoke of in the last letter have finally been delivered, so Tara will be along sometime next tenday to hand them over once I gather the other things needed. I’ve also managed to acquire some beholder jerky, for a pretty penny might I add, to thank her for her help. It really is so convenient sometimes to live in a city full of adventurers. They always have the strangest things to hand. On the flip side of the coin they also drag trouble along in their wake, as we know from experience. 

Your friend, 

Gale.

(This letter is dashed out on a scrap of paper with the ink still just barely wet. It is dated 23 Alturiak of 1493)

My friend please! There is no need to repay me for any of the things I’ve sent. I won’t hear anything more about it! 

Making a settlement is hard work and the people there could use all the happiness they can get. I assure you, buying these things is no burden for me, the only thing I ask is that people treat these gifts well and take joy in them. Perhaps even write me a letter or two about what they do with them if they feel so inclined. I would be happy to hear from them. 

Tara was utterly inflated with all the flattery she got while she was there. I’ll give you fair warning now that she might show up again unannounced, so keep an eye out for her. She was especially taken with the children, as she always is. She’s always had a soft spot for little ones, yours truly included.

Summoning her was one of the best things I’ve ever done, bar nothing. She was and is one of my closest friends. Much like my mother I have no clue how she put up with me back then, I was a precocious child to say the least. Nonetheless she was there for every misadventure and misstep. 

In other news Danoth has asked me to give a guest lecture to one of his classes. They’re beginning a unit on evocation and he’s like an expert to give them some insight as they’ll be choosing their own specialties at the end of the year. I’m looking forward to it but I can’t quite shake the nerves I’m feeling about it. I haven’t done any proper teaching in years and teenagers can be brutal when they put their minds to it. I suppose I will simply have to take it as it comes to me. 

The lecture I’m planning will take us through the progression of evocation magic through the years, and I’ve planned some fun demonstrations. To be performed outside in the courtyard from a safe distance of course. I wouldn’t want anyone to get hurt after all.

Gale

(This letter is written on plain paper. It is dated 1 Ches of 1493)

Your feelings on children come through quite clearly in your last letter my friend. It sounds like you have quite the pack of troublemakers on your hands. I’m pleased to hear that more mortal relatives have joined the settlement, it must be a relief to have more people around that are able to go to the surface. It’s also good that the children Cazador turned have others their own age to play with. Such a thing is terrible to go through at any age, let alone one so young. Though I suspect that soon enough they’ll be trying tricks like the ones played by that little gang of tieflings from Elturel so watch out. I wish their caretakers all the luck in the world with reigning them in. Perhaps it will be possible to channel all that energy into something productive. 

As to your little assumption, I’m in fact terrible with most children, especially younger ones. I’m always afraid I’ll hurt them in some way and their thought processes bewilder me. Older children are miles more manageable to my mind. Far easier to reason with and smart enough to have intelligent thoughts about the world around them, but still not my forte.

 When I was younger I entertained thoughts of perhaps having one of my own but these days that seems an idea so ill advised as to be almost laughable. No matter how nice it would be to pass on my love and knowledge to them. I’ll simply have to let that little dream lie. 

Speaking of passing on knowledge though, my lecture is in two days. Wish me luck!

Your friend,

Gale

(This letter is written on plain paper. It is dated 7 Ches  of 1493. Included are two other envelopes, one from Jaheira and one from Shadowheart)

My friend,

I’ve finally received replies to your letters, two of them at least. I’ve included them along with my own of course. I have no idea why it took quite so long for them to get here but I certainly won't be using that courier company again. I also received confirmation from Duke Ravenguard that he’d be happy to hold our letters to Wyll and Karlach until such time as they’re able to be delivered. I suspect getting letters to Halsin and Lae’zel will be more difficult, but I’ll keep trying. If only for my own peace of mind. 

My lecture went very well by the way. I got several requests for an encore of the demonstrations, which I happily provided of course. 

In less happy news I’ve gotten a pair of rather involved commissions that are going to keep me busy for at least the next two tendays, so I likely won’t have much time to write. I do apologize for that but I’ll still read anything you send me. 

Yours,

Gale

Chapter Text

(This letter is written on plain paper and the envelope is sealed with wax stamped with an image of a Harp. It is dated 8 Alturiak of 1493)

I am happy to hear you’re well Astarion. I am still alive myself and recovering nicely from the injuries I received in the final fight. 

The Gate’s rebuilding has begun and continues apace. As you well know, this city is a resilient one. The Upper City will never be quite the way it was, but the residents have plans to make it even more grand I’m certain. 

When you leave the settlement, there is a place for you with the Harpers should you wish to claim it.

Jaheira 

(This letter, and the envelope it arrived in, have clearly been carried in a pack for some distance, leaving them mildly crumpled. A solid effort has been made at flattening them out but some of the wrinkles remain. It is dated 12 Alturiak of 1493)

Astarion, 

It’s good to hear from you. Scratch and I have been doing quite well, thank you for asking. He seems to enjoy our life traveling together. I drank a potion to ask him why once and he told me it reminded him of working with his old master as a courier. 

We’ve been wandering over the Sword Coast looking for something. I’m not sure what just yet. Meaning maybe, a purpose perhaps. 

Don’t worry too much about me though, I also have a little cottage set up out in the countryside to return to when I grow tired of my wandering. I have a garden and everything. My cooking is nowhere near the caliber of Gale’s unfortunately. His food is among the things I miss from traveling with all of you. Not the least of which is the company. It can get lonely, even with Scratch here.

Tell me though, what have you been up to? A few scant lines about not absolutely hating where you are is hardly enough to sate my curiosity. Gale said that the lot of you planned to set up in that little cove near the Grymforge. Is it suiting you well? How are the Myconids? Tell me everything. Gale is wonderful of course but he’s terrible at relaying the really good gossip.

Shadowheart

Chapter Text

(This letter is written on plain paper and penned in a hand somewhat messier than usual, as if Gale were on the verge of falling asleep while writing it. It is dated 5 Tarsahk of 1493)

Astarion,

Many apologies for the length of my absence my friend. One of the commissions took rather longer than expected, as I’m sure you’ve noticed. As it turned out I was lacking in some of the materials required and despite all of my efforts I was unable to find them in Waterdeep. One would think that with all the adventurers in this city I would easily be able to get my hands on the entrails of a rust monster, but no. Evidently those are too annoying to handle for even the most hearty of adventurers to deal with regularly. In order to get them I was forced to make a trip out to the nearby Sword Mountains. 

The whole ordeal was an abso a total farce from start to finish and I would rather forget about the whole thing as soon as possible. Suffice to say that it made me miss our own party all the more in comparison. I would rather have even just one of you over the whole ridiculous lot of them. Your help especially would have been wonderful with the bandits we encountered on the High Road. 

All of this and I haven’t even gotten into complaining about the client himself. Astarion I would sooner work with a Tarrasque than ever take a commission from this man again. Every day he showed up at my tower to ask after his item and every time I told him I had another client to finish up with first he simply insisted that his item ought to take more precedence. When I told him that I would need to leave the city to acquire the materials needed to finish his piece he threw a tantrum about it, the likes of which I have never seen in a grown man. Unfortunately for me he had paid in advance and refused a refund of any kind. Instead I had a sending stone forced on me and had to check in about my progress like a child going on their first trip alone to the market. 

In all honesty I likely wasn’t needed for the expedition, but if I had to spend another day in my tower wondering when that man would knock on my door to complain about how long I was taking to finish his damned belt then I would have been charged with murder before the tenday was out. Really I don’t know why I keep doing this. I am paid well for the work, but after a certain point the money just isn’t worth it anymore. There must be something better I could be doing with my time. 

It’s things like this that make me wish I had chosen a proper focus for my work back when I was still in school. At least then I might be able to find work as a research mage. I chose to focus on evocation during our journey, but that was out of sheer necessity. Few things are helpful in a fight in the same way as a well placed fireball after all. Even so, evocation was never a subject that truly held all of my attention. 

Before I devoted myself to Mystra I fully intended to pick a focus for my studies, but after it seemed a shame to focus intently on merely one of the many areas of her domain when all of them were an equal part of her. Now it seems absurd of course, she likely wouldn’t have cared one way or the other. Alas, one can only see the foolishness of their actions in hindsight so I shall dwell on it no more for the time being.

In other news, I sprained my ankle while returning home from delivering the commission so now my mother and Tara are fussing over me. Mother insists that I stay with her the next few days while I recover. I was only able to send this letter after asking her very politely to walk me to my tower to pick up a few things. She’s waiting in my kitchen right now, and probably wondering what the hells is taking me so long. Her scolding still makes me feel like a child even now.

It is nice though, to know that she still cares, even after all my mistakes and the grief I’ve caused her. Her wonderful cooking doesn’t hurt either. 

Enough of my complaining! Tell me about yourself my friend! You barely wrote at all while I was away. How are your efforts with the lyre progressing? Is there anything you need? Or that the settlement needs? 

Your fussed over friend,

Gale

(This letter is written on plain paper with small smudges of paint and graphite on it, the ink is in a different color than the one Gale normally favors. It is dated 10 Tarsakh of 1493)

My friend,

You must believe me when I say that I will never find anything about your life boring. I do not send these letters out of obligation. I send them because I care about you and I want to keep you in my life. For all of our physical distance I consider you to be one of my closest friends. In fact you are my closest friend.

Did you know that there are only four people who know the full story of what happened to me? One is a goddess, one is Tara, one is my mother. The last is you. You are also entirely alone in having the privilege of seeing the event in question from my point of view. Our friends may know the broad strokes of my condition, but none of them ever asked for more details. Nor, I think, would I have given them even if they had asked. It was a deeply shameful thing, admitting what I had done, what I needed. Yet you didn’t mock me, or deny me the items I needed, even when the others questioned you. You were always the first to notice when I began to suffer. You always helped me. 

Our hungers are different, but I do believe you’re the only person that could come close to understanding it. The way it gnaws at the very heart of you, that insatiable craving that only one thing can satisfy. The way it can never truly be kept at bay. 

In my darkest moments I fear it will return. That the grace Mystra has allowed me, even after my refusal to retrieve the crown for her, will someday end. I fear I will once again be relegated to the stumbling empty husk of myself that I became in the immediate aftermath of my mistake. In all honesty, I am uncertain I would be able to go on if such a thing were to happen. 

Gale

(This letter is written on plain paper. It is dated 12 Tarsakh of 1493)

When it took you a day to reply I was almost afraid my last letter had finally pushed you away. It was rather a lot after all. Your adamant reply has swiftly disabused me of that notion. Thank you my friend, for your reassurance. No matter how harshly phrased. I was especially struck by your advice to “Get it through your thick skull that people can and do in fact care for you, even with all your ridiculous dramatics.” 

I will also concede to you the fact that I have many people who would be happy to help me should my condition worsen again. We are also in agreement on the fact that I need to confess to my friends what has happened to me. Unfortunately I find that I am unwilling to do so quite yet. I wish to enjoy their friendship without pity for just a while longer.

As to your threat to come and personally beat some sense into me, I am afraid I must decline for the time being. As nice as it would be to see you in person, you are still needed in the settlement, and I have the feeling that when you leave you will be leaving for good. 

I think for now, I would rather not speak anymore on the subject. I’ll write again soon about happier things.

Gale

Chapter Text

(This letter is written on plain paper. It is dated 16 Tarsakh of 1493. Included with the letter are several small swatches of fabric in various colors and a small chunk of dark stained wood)

Astarion,

It has finally warmed up enough to begin work on the outside of the tower and I am growing increasingly annoyed with the constant sounds of construction work around my home. That’s not even taking into account the fact that the work has to be paused frequently so that Gregory and I can rework the wards safely.This is going to take at least two years, gods help me. I know that I’ve brought this on myself, but I will be complaining the whole time. I deserve at least that much, no?

As to the fabric I’ve sent along, I'm redoing the decor for the guest room at the moment and I would appreciate your opinion. I’ve managed to pick out the furniture, all by myself even, but I’m stuck on the linens. I’ve narrowed the choices down quite a bit but I like all of these equally. Just send back whichever ones you prefer with your next letter. 

Now that all of this work has truly begun I find myself worrying that once it’s done I’ll hate it. In truth I almost regret it already. I’m afraid that all of this work will be wasted. I sometimes wonder, while I sit in my study listening to the sounds outside, if all of this isn’t just a rebellion against my past. After all, I did spend an entire year here in isolation from anyone except Tara. It’s entirely possible that I’m just projecting all that hate and loneliness onto the tower. 

I suppose I’ll just have to wait and see won’t I? If I do truly hate it I can always change it again, or move out and start fresh. 

What about you? Have you reaccumulated the same amount of pillows and blankets as you did on our journey? I imagine you have, you mentioned more than once how much you hated sleeping on the ground. If you haven't, would you like me to send some along with Tara the next time she visits?

Your friend,

Gale

(This letter is written on plain paper, it is somewhat crumpled and in two different colors of ink as if written at two different times. It is dated 22 Tarsakh of 1493)

Dear friend,

Greengrass approaches rapidly, and with it my mother’s annual spring cleaning. This year I intend to join her. There are many things in this dusty old tower that no longer serve their purpose. My library in particular is stuffed to the gills and in need of a thorough decluttering. Not to mention that a great number of the books are from my desperate search for a way to regain Mystra’s favor. I fully intend to give all of those to a local bookseller free of charge.  

I’ll also finally be replacing nearly all of my chairs and couches. I have no idea why I let myself be talked into picking the ones I did. They’re far better for looking at than actually sitting in. Frankly their aesthetic is their only redeeming quality, so I don’t think I’d get much for them if I tried to sell them. Instead I’m going to host a bonfire for my friends. We’ll all get drunk and eat a ridiculous amount of food I’m sure.

I would burn the books too but such a thing is antithetical to the way I was raised. My mother would have my hide for boots if she ever learned I had done such a thing. She raised me as a follower of Oghma, and to a lesser extent Deneir. Such things are forbidden in those faiths, and for the time being I have no particular desire to shake those old habits. 

On the topic of faith, I wonder if perhaps I should return to their worship. I have always found some comfort in prayer. Less because I believe any given god is listening, and more as a way to unburden myself. It can be rather meditative.

Sometimes I wonder if being Mystra’s chosen has left some indelible mark upon my soul. I wonder if that mark will be the deciding factor in where I end up after my death. Has my past resigned me to an eternity in her domain? I hope dearly that this isn’t the case. 

Gale

(This letter is written on a scrap of paper torn off of a larger whole. It is dated 23 Tarsakh of 1493)

Your feelings on this matter are entirely valid my friend. I will never begrudge you your lack of faith in any god after what happened to you. I may never fully understand it all, but I hope your newfound freedom can be a balm to soothe all the old hurts. Even if it can never truly take them away. 

I’ve no clue what drives a god to ignore a genuine prayer for help. It’s a sort of callousness that they all seem to show to a certain extent. I’ve heard that out amongst the stars there are worlds where the gods never answer. I wonder if that might not be better in some ways. No reason to get your hopes up on a world like that. There’s a kind of freedom in it. 

Regardless, I’ll talk about the matter no further unless you bring it up first. 

Yours,

Gale

(This letter is written on plain paper. It is dated 28 Tarsakh of 1493. Included with it are several books on animal husbandry in the underdark)

Astarion,

Here are the books that were requested, it really is astonishing the things one can find if they only ask. I hope these are of use to the settlement and that everyone is doing well. Tell the little ones thank you for the drawings you sent with your last letter. I’ve hung them up on the wall in my study where I can look at them whenever I need a little pick me up. 

Your friend, 

Gale

(This letter is written on plain paper. It is dated 3 Mirtul of 1493. Included with the letter are two books, one on musical theory the other about martial techniques used in guerilla fighting, and a potion)

Dear Astarion,

Spring cleaning took quite a bit longer than I expected! I had more books than I remembered. The extras have been distributed amongst my friends and the local bookstores based on subject. My mother also had a couple of books that I thought you might find interesting so I’ve included them as well. 

As to the mushroom samples you sent along with your last letter, they turned out to be very interesting alchemically. I was able to make several potions with them, including an invisibility potion of unusually strong potency. I’ve sent a bottle of that too. It lasts twice as long as a normal potion. I wish you luck in whatever mischief you choose to make with it. 

Gale

(This letter is written on plain paper. In several spots there are spots of ink as if Gale paused while writing, letting his quill drip on the letter while he decided what to write next. It is dated 10 Mirtul of 1493) 

You pose a difficult question my friend. A very large one too. I apologize for the time it’s taken me to respond. I truly wasn’t expecting you to ask and it’s taken me this long to formulate my answers.
Godhood or the forgiveness of my goddess. It must have been baffling for all of you, to see me have chances at everything I wanted and reject them both.

I think I’ll start with Mystra, which may seem an odd choice. Surely ascension would appear to be the more important of the two, but really it was my decision in rejecting her offer that led me to my decision on possible divinity. 

In the end it was all of you that decided it for me. Having your friendship reminded me that there was more to my life than just her. I spent a decade chasing after her, striving to be what she wanted. So much of who I was became tied up in being hers that I forgot what it meant to be mine. Spending time out in the world, no matter how chaotic that time ended up being, was like having a veil lifted from my eyes. I was finally able to see everything for what it was, rather than what I so desperately wanted it to be. I was able to find joy again in the small things. Reading a book for pleasure, cooking good food for friends, a simple conversation, or even a shouting match over something ridiculous.

Not to mention that all of you reminded me constantly that I was more than just “Gale, former chosen of Mystra” or “Gale of Waterdeep”. I was also Gale Dekarios, your friend and valued party member. I was a person outside of titles and power. It helped me remember what it meant to be me. 

I eventually came to realize that I no longer wanted her forgiveness, and what’s more, that I never needed it in the first place. I was allowed to simply be a mortal man, with all the flaws and foibles that come with it. There was no need to aspire to more.

Thus we come to the issue of ascension. I won’t lie and say that I was never tempted by it. After we first learned of the crown I was consumed by the idea of Godhood. Ascending is a thing few mortals will ever experience. All that power. It must be intoxicating. In the end the thing that ultimately dissuaded me was realizing that the reason Mystra treated me as she did was that she was a goddess. An ascended mortal no less. The Mystra I knew was once a mortal woman, but whatever humanity she once had was changed or lost in her transition from human to divine. She no longer viewed the world as she once had, nor did she need to. She had no mind for the squabbles of mere mortals, not when she had the bigger picture to look at. I found, all at once, that I didn’t want that. I didn’t want to lose my mortal love for the word in favor of something so detached. 

I wonder sometimes if she ever misses it. That freedom to care for something so deeply. Not for the sake of her domains, but merely for herself. 

You were

I couldn’t bear to

We would have

Gods simply don’t have the same freedom on the material plane as we do. Being a god would have meant leaving everything behind. My friends, my mother, all of the things I had come to enjoy once more. I couldn’t bear the thought. 

I can only surmise my friend, that you’re asking about this for a reason. You must have been stewing about it for some time to ask so suddenly. Is there something you would like to talk about? Perhaps one of your own decisions?

Your mortal friend,

Gale

(This letter is written on plain paper. It is dated 11 Mirtul of 1493)

I know I will never truly be able to convince you that your choice was the correct one. The only person able to decide that is you. However, I do believe that going through with it would have changed you, and not for the better. Even aside from the issue of the physical transition to true vampiric power, killing that many people would surely leave a stain on one’s mind that would be impossible to ignore. 

It seemed to me that what you truly wanted all along was to finally be safe, and to have the freedom to enjoy that safety. You have that now, I hope. Your former master is well and truly dead, and the place he once imprisoned you has been razed to the foundations. Not to mention that should you ever need it you will have my aid the moment you request it, and the assistance of our other friends as well. As you so often remind me Astarion, you are not alone in this. 

Yours,

Gale

Chapter Text

(This letter is written on plain paper. It is dated 17 Mirtul of 1493. Included with the letters is a copy of “Aurora’s Whole Realms Catalogue”)

Astarion,

My mother recently reminded me that Aurora’s exists. This ought to make it easier for the settlement to choose the things they want instead of coming up with things at random. I think you in particular will find some amusement in the section at the very back. DaRoni certainly has some interesting ideas about machinery.

Now, I have a small favor to ask of you. My mother’s birthday is coming up next month and as usual I am struggling to find a good gift for her. She is the sort to simply buy something if she wants or needs it, leaving me bereft of opportunities. As I’ve mentioned before you have a keen eye for color and fashion so perhaps you can help.

The most recent things I’ve gotten her were as follows; A set of earrings enchanted to match her outfits which she wears frequently, a lovely scarf in her favorite color, and a replacement harp after her old one was badly damaged in an accident. That last one was a fight I won only after pointing out to her that very little could make me happier than helping her get something she needs. 

Tara, who is watching me write from her perch on the back of my chair, has something to say and has threatened to tip over my inkwell if I don’t transcribe it for her. Her contribution follows.
“Mr. Ancunín, do not let this man fool you. He is just as bad as Morena. She always has a devil of a time finding something for his birthday. Perhaps you can weasel a list out of him for her.”

She’s flown off now to lay down on my armchair. If only I could warn a younger me that if he summoned her he would end up stuck with a nosey Tressym living in his tower for all his days. I doubt he would choose any differently but a man can dream.

As to the list, you’ll be doing no such thing.

Gale

(This letter is written on plain paper. It is dated 21 Mirtul of 1493)

My friend,

If you must know, my birthday is 15 Flamerule.

In vastly more interesting news Danoth is getting married! Apparently he and his long term partner finally made the decision back in Alturiak during The Grand Revel and decided to keep it to themselves for a while. They intend to marry on Midsummer and they’ve given me an invitation with a plus one for some reason. Even though they’re fully aware that I am entirely unattached at the moment. 

It’s rather embarrassing to admit, but I harbored a small crush on Danoth during our school years. I’ve long since gotten over it but it was something that happened. These days he is nothing more than a good friend and I am truly very excited to bear witness to this joyous event in his life. It does mean that I’ll need to get some new formal wear. Rather unfortunately all of the suitable clothing I already have are things I acquired when I was still Mystra’s and I would rather not wear them again. Have you any suggestions my friend? 

Gale

(This letter is written on plain paper with a larger nib than usual. It is dated 26 Mirtul of 1493)

Dear Astarion,

I think I’m going to ask Shadowheart to come visit. She mentioned in a recent letter that she plans to start making her way north at the beginning of Kythorn, so she’ll be coming this way already. Thankfully the guest room is finally fully furnished, thanks in part to your gracious assistance of course. I’ve also finished replacing all of my chairs at last. It took far longer than I’m willing to admit to finally find chairs and couches I actually liked. 

I am somewhat embarrassed at the half finished state of the tower, but I’m willing to endure any teasing that it causes if I get to see my friend. 

What of your plans, my friend? Where do you wish to go once you’ve left the settlement? I’d be more than willing to give you a tour of Waterdeep. There is a reason it’s called the City of Splendors after all. 

Gale

Ps. I don’t think I’ll be using this pen again. It’s not nearly fine enough for my preferences.

(This letter is written on plain paper. It is dated 1 Kythorn of 1493. Included with are a few small drawings of various sights in Waterdeep, all of the sketches are signed with the initials MD)

Really Astarion! I mean it! Very little brings me as much joy as showing others around the city. There’s so much to see and do. Waterdeep is full of life and light at all hours of the day, even in the deepest night. I think you would like it here, it’s a city that always has something happening. 

Some of my favorite sights are the Walking Statues. They’re grand things, at least the ones that are still intact are. I’ve asked my mother to make you a few small sketches of them, amongst other things. There’s also a place called the Dancing Court, and on full moons a globe of light appears in the center that allows people to float weightlessly within its confines. 

I know you have little fondness for gods or their temples but The House of Inspired Hands is always worth a visit, if only to see if anyone is going to blow themselves up in the alley out back. Followers of Gond are quite mad but their hard work has provided many amazing improvements in technology.

If you’re feeling particularly brave, or foolish, we could also make a visit to the Undermountain and do some adventuring. Or if you’re not we can spend some time at the Yawning Portal and make a few bets on those who are. 

I would also like to introduce you to all of my friends, and my mother. I'm certain that they would be delighted to meet you, my friend. 

Yours,

Gale
Ps. There's an alleyway here called Three Daggers Alley. It is known for a magical set of daggers that manifest with murderous intent when someone tries to cross it. Many people count surviving the crossing as a mark of pride and keep track of who has highest number of successful crossings. I've never tried it myself but some of my friends have. They claim it to be great fun, but I'm, not sure I agree.

(This letter is dashed out quickly on a scrap of paper. It is dated 7 Kythorn of 1493. Included with it are various cleaning products.)

Astarion,

I think my mother and Tara are plotting against me. I’m not sure what it is they have planned, but if it involves shaving my beard then I will move permanently to Baldur’s Gate and join the Harpers rather than suffer the indignity. I would be much clos  

I’ve been thinking recently about my magic again. Specifically about my lack of specialization. In the past two tendays I’ve been feeling out my preferences now that I’m older. I found that the two schools that come easiest to me are Abjuration and Illusion. Illusion is what seems to be holding my interest the most, much to my surprise. I have never considered myself to be a particularly creative man, but in this I find that I have an unexpected font of inspiration just waiting to be tapped. 

Once you’ve left the settlement is there anything you feel drawn to to fill your time? Adventuring perhaps? Or are you done with that life?

Gale

(This letter is Written on plain paper. It is dated 14 Kythorn of 1493. Included with it are two other letters, one of them is from Shadowheart, the other is from Wyll and Karlach)

Astarion! 

We’ve finally received replies from our friends in Avernus! I am most relieved to know that they are alive and well. I’ve included their letter to you along with my own and another from Shadowheart.

Speaking of Shadowheart, she and Scratch have arrived safely in Waterdeep and are settling in nicely at the tower. Tomorrow I’m going to take her out for a meal at a restaurant I think she would enjoy and then we’re going to have a wander around the city at her whim. Later in the tenday I’m going to introduce her to Annette and Helena. I think the three of them will get along quite nicely, which may well end in merciless teasing for me. I shall simply have to endure.

She intends to stay at least two tendays, perhaps longer. I’m happy to host her however long she decides to stay. It’s rather nice to have someone else knocking around this big empty tower.

Your friend,

Gale

Ps. I hadn’t realized just how much I missed having Scratch wandering about. I am most assuredly a cat and Tressym person, but I must say dogs have rather grown on me since I met him. 

Chapter Text

(This letter is written on rough, wrinkled paper. It smells of sulphur and brimstone and was sent in an equally rough envelope sealed with red wax. The handwriting is that of a finely educated person being forced to write with supplies of less than stellar quality. It is dated 1 Kythorn of 1493)

To our fine fanged friend,

I’ll be doing most of the writing, but Karlach is reading over my shoulder so I’ll add in what she has to say.

We’re both faring as well as one could hope in Avernus. The bow you lent me has been very helpful as well as your tips on getting the drop on our enemies. Karlach is as adept as ever in a battle, but it has taken me some time to become accustomed to fighting without the powers Mizora gave me.
“Don’t let him fool you, Fangs! He’s still wicked good with a blade, and that fancy bow of yours. He’s just way too modest to admit it. That’s ok, I can brag about him enough for the both of us.” 

If you can’t tell, she has no intention of letting me downplay my own skills any further. So, instead I’ll tell you some happy news. Recently we killed a devil in a rather tricky little fight, and on its corpse we found a map to what appears to be Zariel’s forge. If it leads us true we may just be able to find a solution to fix Karlach’s engine before the year is out. We plan to raid it in a few months time once we have a bit more experience under our belts. If we only had the rest of you here with us we could do it right away, but we have no intention of pulling you away to fight our battles for us.

“Wyll’s right, wouldn't be fair to drag you into the Hells with us just for this. Even if we do miss you. We’re more than strong enough to take this on! We’ll be back to say hello in no time.”

Indeed! It will take more than whatever Zariel has to throw at us to deter us from our goal! We’ll be back on the material plane for good in no time at all. We look forward to seeing you all again when we are.

Your friends,

Wyll and Karlach, the Blade and Fury of Avernus

(This letter is written on the same fine paper and in the same color ink as what Gale prefers, it is sealed with blue wax. It is dated 14 Kythorn of 1493)

Astarion,

No doubt Gale has already told you of my arrival in Waterdeep, but I figured I would send you a letter as well. Especially given how easy it is to do so from here, no need to use poor Gale as a middleman for all of our correspondence, not that he seems to mind. 

His tower is lovely, even in the mess it’s currently in. He keeps apologizing for it, as if I care what his home looks like in the middle of being renovated. I’ve seen him covered in all sorts of terrible things. There is almost nothing I could see here that is worse than that. Though come to think of it he kept apologizing back then too, silly man. He hasn’t changed a bit aside from smiling more, and a new skip in his step. 

Waterdeep is very different to Baldur's Gate. It’s almost overwhelming, I think I like it though. There’s always something happening here, even in the middle of the night. I arrived near midnight  and on my way to Gale’s tower I caught a glimpse of a huge night market. I can’t wait to go look at it later in the tenday, once Gale has got all of the touring out of his system. 

He seems to fit right in here, more than he ever did in Baldur’s Gate. Maybe it’s something to do with being a wizard in a city of wizards, or maybe he’s just more familiar with it. He can and will talk for hours about this city if you let him, which I’m sure you would. 

I’ll be sure to tell you all about our little adventures later, but in the meantime I can practically see you telling me to get on with it and tell you about how he seems to be doing. I don’t know why you’re so sure he’s not telling the whole truth in his letters but he seems to be doing well, at least physically. He looks much healthier now with less stress and access to good food. He was always so tired on our journey, especially before whatever Elminster did to fix that orb in his chest. He seems to have recovered his energy nicely though. I couldn’t tell you the state of any of his old injuries without an examination but he moves without any obvious signs of pain or distress.

He’s started wearing his hair half up with a little bun, it’s quite fetching on him. So are the fine clothes he wears. He must have been holding back to save money while he was with us because all of the things he wears here are tailored very nicely. 

It’s a real shame I don’t have any interest in a different sort of relationship with him. He’d be a real catch. I keep seeing people watching him as we walk past. So someone will surely snap him up soon. 

Shadowheart

PS. There’s one other thing. I think the mark from the orb is bigger. It could just be my eyes playing tricks on me though.

(This letter is written on fine paper and sealed with bright red wax. It smells very faintly of an unfamiliar perfume. It is dated 18 Kythorn of 1493)

Hello Astarion,

My apologies for sending you a letter before I get the chance to meet you properly, but I believe this is important enough to warrant it. I will ask you to keep this letter from Gale but understand if you choose not to do so. 

Gale speaks of you and his other friends frequently and with great fondness. He does not however, speak about what precisely happened while he made your acquaintance. Nor does he speak of the year before, during which he was for an as yet unknown reason removed from his goddess’ good graces. This must also be when he received the strange mark upon his chest. 

I am sure you are familiar with his habit of speaking around the things he does not wish to discuss. He has always been fond of such deflection and when asked about the former two subjects he employs that skill with great speed. When asked about the latter he simply refuses to acknowledge the question. This stonewalling is most unlike him and it worries me greatly. 

I worried for many years that my friend had been lost to me for good, ever since he took up with his goddess. She changed him and not for the better. Something in your journey has changed him once more though. I have not seen Gale this happy for nearly a decade now. There is a new lightness to him, as if some wonderful feeling buoys him along. Whatever you and your other friends have done, I ask you to continue doing it. 

Despite his good mood there is still something on his mind. I often see him open his mouth as if to speak only to let it fall shut again words unsaid. It must be important to him for he frowns mightily whenever he does it, and furrows his brow in the way he only does when he is truly upset. I want to help him Astarion, all of his friends do, but we cannot do so if he will not tell us what is wrong. 

I cannot ask you to betray his confidence, to do so would be a breach of privacy greater than I am willing to risk. I have only just been blessed with his return to my life and I am risking the loss of that blessing merely writing this letter. I feel I must do so in order to make a request of you. Please, encourage Gale to speak with us. You are clearly close with him if the way he talks about you is any indication. I am certain you would help him with this yourself if you were able, but distance is ever a hindrance to such things. I will understand if you choose to refuse, it is your right to do so. But I implore you to at least consider it. 

Annette Olarys

Chapter Text

(This letter is written on plain paper. It is dated 19 Kythorn of 1493. Included with it is a small pouch of coins. )

Shadowheart has been telling tales I see. If you must know, the mark has grown by just under a centimeter. Compared to how it spread in the first year I had it I would say that’s an improvement. I am keeping an eye on it my friend, I promise. I would not lie to you about this particular matter. I have refrained from using magic unnecessarily and keep a small cache of magical items in my tower should I have need of them. I have not consumed a single one since the last time you saw me do so. I have been looking into ways to remove the orb but I am just one man. Perhaps a trip to Candlekeep will be called for in the near future. 

In far less depressing news the fabric you requested as well as the other materials that the settlement asked for should be delivered tomorrow. I know I’ve already told you once but I will tell you again. There is truly no need to send payment. I have more money than I will ever be able to spend on myself. I have used the money you sent along as you told me to but in the future I may just send it back. 

I’ve also made a breakthrough on expanding the function of our little mail boxes. I have a bit more tinkering to do but I’m confident I’ll have it done before the month is out. 

Your friend,

Gale

(This letter is written on plain paper. It is dated 22 Kythorn of 1493)

My friend,

Shadowheart intends to leave at the end of the month to travel farther north. She was a lovely guest and I will miss her company greatly, especially at dinner every night. 

Please don’t tell her, but my mother and I have put together a small recipe book for her to take with her. She seemed to enjoy our cooking so much that it seemed a shame to send her away without at least a chance of trying to make some things for herself. I also have plans to send her off with a mail box of her own so that she will be able to send you letters at her leisure. She seemed to enjoy being able to do so while she was here, if the rate of letters you two sent one another is anything to go by. 

As to the other issue. I will be telling my friends soon enough. I truly believe that I am in no immediate danger Astarion. 

Gale.

(This letter is written on plain paper, it arrived folded roughly in half and Gale clearly applied far too much pressure on the quill at several points, causing the ink to overflow and bleed into the paper. It is dated 23 Kythorn of 1493)

No Astarion I do not know when exactly I will be telling them. Does it really even matter? What difference does a tenday or three matter in the scope of things? How will telling them sooner do anything more than hasten the rate at which they once again drift out of my life due to my own folly?

For that matter. How precisely do you suggest I go about telling the friends I have only just regained about the worst year of my life? Shall I start with Mystra losing interest in me? Or perhaps I could begin with being so desperate to gain her forgiveness that for a time I seriously considered my best option to be taking out The Absolute along with myself and everything else for a mile around me?

How about the moment the Karsite Weave tore into my chest? That would make a good dinner topic no? Especially since I’ll have to do it this time without the assistance of our little passengers. No way to just shove it into their minds whole cloth, just my own worthless words to try and get across how it felt to have every fiber of my being torn apart and then tied poorly back together. 

Would you have me ruin a wedding through my own selfish desire for their pity? May I not simply pretend for a time that I am ok? I deserve this pretense at least, this white lie that I am not capable of destroying the city through mere inattention.

(This letter is written on fine paper and sealed with golden wax. It was delivered by Tara along with a box made of dark, stained wood. The box has five symbols etched on the top. The letter contains instructions on how to use the box and nothing more. It is dated 29 Kythorn of 1493 and signed “Gale Dekarios”)

Chapter Text

(This letter is written on fine paper and sealed with purple wax. It is written in a mildly shaky hand and dotted with the small marks left by drops of water. It is dated 15 Flamerule of 1493)

Astarion,

I must first begin with an apology, for ignoring you over these last two tendays, and for the contents of my last letter. I must also thank you for continuing to send me letters despite my lack of response. You did not need to do so, nor did I deserve the kindness. 

These past few months have been so very good, almost too good to feel real. I found myself with nearly all of the things I had been missing for the last decade. Yet there was still something souring it. This damnable fragment of malignance in my chest, dormant for the time being but still so deadly. It gnawed at my mind and my nerves, but no matter how hard I tried I could not force the explanations past my lips and into the air. I feared that doing so would finally end this dream of mine and bring reality crashing back down around me. 

You’re right of course. You and Tara. My friends would not be so fickle to me, and I’m sure if they are you will be here to give them a piece of your mind and dagger in short order. I have made up my mind to tell them after the wedding. I truly do wish for this to be a happy occasion. 

There is of course another thing I must thank you for. The robes you have sent me for my birthday are simply incredible. I can scarcely believe that you spent so much time on a gift for me. I shan’t insist that I do not deserve such things. It would be a disservice to the time and care you so clearly put into this gift and I refuse to insult you like that.  

These robes really are some of the finest work I have ever seen my friend. They fit immaculately, as I’m sure you knew they would. This does explain why my mother insisted on taking my measurements herself for the tailor. It wasn’t for the tailor at all. You’ve had Tara doing your dirty work too I suspect. What did you bribe her with? Or have the three of you simply been having a fun time running circles around me? I wouldn’t put it past any of you.

Truly though, this is a kingly gift Astarion. I shall treasure these for the rest of my life. I would treasure any

Yours,

Gale

Chapter Text

(This letter is written on plain paper, it is dated 20 Flamerule of 1493)

Astarion,

The wedding draws closer every day my friend. In light of this the grooms have elected to invite their combined friend groups out for one last night of unmarried debauchery. There are, I believe, a few different names for this particular tradition but in Waterdeep we call it a stag party. Traditionally separate parties are held for each bride or groom to be but Danoth and his partner, Firuz if I haven’t mentioned it before, prefer to do things together. They’ve rented out a lovely little tavern for the evening and I’m told there’s to be an open bar. It should be great fun. 

Meanwhile, you mentioned, in a letter you sent while I was being an ass, that two of your neighbors have started a small feud. Is that still happening? You said they were being quite loud. Would you like a sound dampening charm to drown them out? I can imagine that would grow tiring quickly if they’re always at it. 

Your friend,

Gale

(This letter is scrawled on fine paper. It is undated)

My dearest, Astarion,

I miss you my friend. It’s selfish of me though isn’t it? You shouldn’t be tied down by any obligation or expectations, especially not from a cursed sad sack like me. You deserve freedom, as much of it as you can get.

I wish I could give you the sun back, and if not that then anything  I could give that would make you happy. Anything at all. I think about what to give you all the time. I think about you all the time. 

Your Gale

(This letter is written on plain paper. It is dated 21 Flamerule of 1493)

I apologize for any drunken Sendings you got from me last night Astarion. I may have overindulged somewhat on the wine. I have always been a sentimental drunk and I’ve already gotten a letter from Shadowheart to remind me of it. Evidently I sent her a couple of rather ridiculous Sendings at around midnight, so I can only assume I’ve done the same to you and the others. I’m certain that I’ll never live this down. 

I somehow managed to spill an entire bottle of ink on my desk too. I have no clue how, and in fact I can’t remember anything at all after my friends dropped me off at home last night. It’s all rather embarrassing to be honest. I haven’t gotten this drunk since my last year at school.
Gale

PS. It really was a good evening though, drunkenness aside. Danoth and Firuz were both so happy to be surrounded by friends. It was the best night out I’ve had in years. Granted it was the only night out I’ve had in years, but the sentiment still stands.

(This letter is written on the back of an unfinished spell diagram, abandoned due to an obvious mistake. It is dated 26 Flamerule of 1493)

My friend,

Thank you for sparing me from a recounting of whatever nonsense I sent you the other night. I am forever in your debt.

In other matters, I truly shouldn’t be surprised that you find so much amusement in listening to your neighbors’ petty squabbles. Perhaps you even egg them on? Seeing as you find them to be “One of the only forms of entertainment to be found in this dreadfully dull place.” I’m sure you exaggerate.
When do you think you’ll leave? There can’t be much left to do to make sure the place is truly stable. Or are you staying for other reasons? Maybe to keep connecting with your fellows? Surely not, given how terribly awful you claim to find their company. That would be abso completely ridiculous. You would never hide fond feelings for a group of people whilst telling them you find them utterly idiotic. No, not you.

Whenever you do decide to leave you’re welcome to stay here with m in Waterdeep. For as long as you’d like.
Your friend,

Gale

(This letter is written on plain paper, it has paw prints marring a few lines near the middle, which have then been rewritten. It is dated 30 Flamerule of 1493)

Dear Astarion,

Just one more day to wait! Poor Danoth is a total mess of nerves, and I’m told Firuz is even worse. All this fuss for such a joyous day. It almost seems more effort than it’s worth. Of course, even as I say that I still entertain daydreams of such an event for myself some day. It must be nice to have someone that you feel so utterly certain about, to want to tie yourself to them for as long as possible. It’s quite a gift to give someone, all of your love and the rest of your life, however long or short it may be. 

That is something that being free of Mystra has given me I suppose. The freedom to find someone else to love. She was a jealous goddess, in the most literal of ways. I have never been one to hold affection for more than one person at a time regardless. I am not a loaf of bread to be shared after all. 

Speaking of sharing myself, the day grows ever closer that I must burden my friends with the knowledge of what I’ve done. With each hour that passes my trepidation grows. I wish I had someone other than Tara or my mother to see me through this. They’re both wonderful of course, but they aren’t the most dignified choices for support are they?

Gale

PS. Please pardon the mess in the middle of the page, Tara took offense and inserted herself into my workspace to admonish me.

(This note is written on a scrap of paper. It is dated 3 Eleasis of 1493)

Today is the day my friend. Wish me luck.
Gale

Chapter Text

(This letter is written on plain paper in two or three different colors of ink, as if Halsin had stopped writing and restarted later in a different place. In several places his handwriting veers off into strange lines across the page as if he was jostled whilst writing. It is dated Midsummer of 1493)

My friend! I cannot apologize enough for how long this letter has taken to reach you. It seems that restoring an area after a century-long curse takes up far more of my time than even I expected.  I am also aiding in the care of a large pack of children that were left without families in the aftermath of The Absolute. Their needs are obviously time consuming all on their own, but we all seem to be managing well enough. At least no one has had any serious injuries so far.
Thaniel and Oliver are faring well, and their recovery sets the pace for the land they steward. There is much still to be done of course, but the progress we have made thus far warms me to my core regardless. They both enjoy having the children around and much of their time is spent on the games that children play amongst themselves. Their laughter rings through the new construction in Reithwin town and brings much joy to those who hear it. 

Thankfully the ruins of the town contained many usable foundations upon which we are able to rebuild, else the lives of myself and the others would be far more difficult than they already are. In time this place will once again become the lively trading post it once was. It is my hope that it will remain so for some time.

The Owlbear cub has grown much since you last saw him. His shoulder reaches nearly to my own now, but he remains as gentle and loving as he ever was when we traveled together. The children delight in his willingness to give them rides and frequently claim they like him better than me. Mostly when I am trying to cajole them into readying themselves for bed. 

Tell me, my friend. How do you fare? I recall that you planned to follow your fellow spawn into the Underdark, and Gale informs me that you are there still. Have you made your home there, or do you intend to make it elsewhere? 

I should have the time to make a brief visit in the near future if that is something you would enjoy. I know that it would certainly be good to see you again. 

Oakfather preserve you,

Halsin

(This letter is written on plain paper. It is dated 2 Eleasis of 1493. Included with it is a letter from Minsc)

Astarion,

Gale tells me this box will send you a letter and I trust he knows his own skills enough to be telling me the truth. The city remains as it ever was and as it ever will be, ridiculous. I have witnessed no fewer than three near fist fights at city meetings in the last month alone. The Duke has his hands full with aristocrats foaming at the mouth to have their homes rebuilt on the city’s dime. The bulk of the work has finally been finished but some have been so caught up in fighting over who will fund it that they have spent months living without their homes instead of simply getting on with it. 

There has been a petition to have a statue dedicated to our little party built somewhere in the city. Personally I think it would be a waste of funds. If they built a statue for every set of people to save this city from some crisis then there would be no room to walk in the streets. 

My time has been spent rebuilding the Harpers, it is going as well as can be expected. I suspect that Minsc has been telling tales somewhere. I keep getting starry eyed recruits asking me if I have truly done one absurd thing or another. One even asked me if I had beaten a beholder single handedly. When you next come through the city you will have to set them straight.
Jaheira

(This letter is written on plain paper, the handwriting is somewhat shaky but still legible. The words are marred in some places by the footprints of a small animal. It is dated 29 Flamerule of 1493)

My Fine Fanged Friend! I am glad to hear of your life. Jaheira tells me you are in the Underdark. You must surely have many glorious tales to tell of the place. Tell them to me! Boo has been most curious about your fate too and asks if you are well. 

We have been assisting in making Baldur’s Gate whole once more. It is a task we take to with joy, but soon we must join Nine-Fingers in her quest to keep the city safe.

Your friends Minsc and Boo

(This letter is written on plain paper. It is dated 22 Flamerule of 1493)

Oh so he sent you one too? And a letter? How spoiled you are Astarion! You didn’t say what was in the letter though. Are you really going to deprive me of whatever Gale decided to send you in his drunken state? I might just have to come down there myself and have a look if you don’t. 

All he rambled to me about was how much he missed having me around to talk to in the evenings. That has nothing on what he Sent to you about watching you wield a knife. I do agree with him on how pretty you can be when you’re gutting someone though. Apparently he told Halsin that he misses cuddling with his bear form on cold nights. What a ridiculous man. 

Neverwinter is exactly what I thought it would be. It’s nice enough, but the locals are too friendly. I think you would have a wonderful time here fleecing people out of their savings, or maybe you would find it too easy. I did have one spot of trouble with a man who tried to steal Scratch but he was easy enough to fight off and judging by the way he limped off after I think it’s safe to say his idiotic line won’t be continued. 

Shadowheart.
Ps. But really Astarion, what was in that letter that has you so clammed up? Normally you would be all for laughing at a drunken man’s antics.

Chapter Text

(This letter is written on plain paper. It is dated 4 Eleasis of 1493)

Well, that went far better than it did in any of my imaginings. I told only my closest friends here. I do not want this folly of mine spread any farther than it abs must be. They were far less upset than I thought they would be. That is, they were far less upset at me specifically than I expected. All of them were quite upset of course, as well as concerned and surprised, but they were not angry. Any harsh feelings towards me were mainly about how long it took me to tell them. Their anger at other things was more pronounced. I had quite forgotten just how many languages Annette knows how to swear in and how creatively she was capable of doing so. Mystra especially received a great deal of her ire. She eventually had to step out of the room to calm herself, I have rarely seen her so upset as to start unintentionally blowing smoke and sparks. Intentionally is another story entirely of course. 

Many of them do think I acted foolishly, but that is of course something I agree with wholeheartedly, so I shan’t complain. 

Once the group had recovered from their shock the interrogation began. I don’t think that I have been so thoroughly questioned about something since the last time I proposed a new spell for publication. It embarrasses me somewhat to admit but I eventually burst into tears at their obvious concern for my well being. After the commotion that caused they all started to theorize ways to remove the orb. Which is frankly something I should have expected, what with them being the ridiculous wizards that they are.
I cannot truly put into words how grateful I am for them, and for you my friend. I would have taken far longer to finally do this if not for your support.

Your thankful friend.

Gale

(This letter is written on plain paper. It is dated 10 Eleasis of 1493)

Dear Astarion,

Progress on the tower continues slowly. Gregory is of course a busy man and any work on the wards is tied to his presence as well as my own. I am also deeply aware of the quickly approaching winter, which will bring work to a halt entirely. I think my estimate of two years may have been somewhat ambitious, but isn’t that just like me?

In happier news I have finished with the public areas of my home. Your input was invaluable of course, along with my Mother’s. I find that I am far more content in these parts of my home than I ever was before. Now however, I must move on to my own spaces. I cannot help but feel that this will take even longer than the others. It was hard enough for things like my sitting room and the entrance. My study, the library, the kitchen, and my bedroom are where I spend the majority of my time, and thus are the places that have the most of my personality in them according to all of the books I’ve managed to find on the subject. The problem is that I am still not sure just what I want for myself from here on out. I am still exploring the person I am without Her. So much of what my home was was predicated on what I thought would please her. This holds especially true of my study and my bedroom. It is a far longer journey than I expected it to be. Tell me, how are you doing in this regard? Better than me I hope. 

On the subject of the orb, it has only been six days and thus far no major breakthroughs have been made, which is to be expected. We have made the decision to meet once a tenday unless something important is found. So far we have delegated areas of research and set a tentative schedule for any experimentation that will need to take place. As the person who knows the most about the orb I have been designated the project leader. I have also been assigned further research on the ways that magic was used pre-fall in the Netherese empire and pre-Spellplague, which should give us some insight into how the orb affects the world around it. It is after all from a time in which magic was fundamentally different and thus will have somewhat different rules than what we are used to. 

All of this rather makes me feel as though I’m back in school again. I haven’t been given assigned reading like this in nearly two decades. 

Gale

(This letter is written on fine paper in lovely dark purple ink. It is sealed with a darling little wax seal that Gale clearly put some time and effort into. The seal depicts a cat that looks rather like Tara sitting in a window sill. It is dated 17 Eleasis of 1493. Included with it is a bottle of very nice ink)

Astarion,

There isn’t much to say on the subject of the orb, research continues apace and we have bandied about a few different ideas on how to handle it.

I have however made good progress on my study. I have picked out and received my new writing desk. It has a great deal of space for both working and storage. There are even a few hidden secrets that I believe even you would find to be a challenge. It is a decidedly lovely black cherry roll top with more than enough space for all of my supplies. I’ve had a great deal of fun organizing all of my writing supplies. I even found an old stash of my favorite ink tucked away in a drawer. Regretfully the company that made it was shuttered some years ago after an magical incident in the city they were headquartered in. Luckily for me all of the bottles I found were well sealed and still perfectly good to use. I will have to be judicious in my use of it to make it last. 

I am pleased to hear that you think you’ve found some of who you are. It is a slow going thing but worth it in the end I think. I am excited to meet the man you’ve discovered in person sometime soon my friend. 

Your friend,

Gale

(This letter is written on plain paper. It is dated 29 Eleasis of 1493. Included with it is a small clockwork bird that flaps its wings and sings a small piping tune as well as a small blue and gold banner with a stylized sea lion depicted on it)

My friend,

I have given the workers the day off from renovating the tower, and in turn a day off for myself from the racket. I think I deserve it. It is the second anniversary of my folly after all. The day rather snuck up on me. I’ve been so busy with other things that I lost track of time.
I spend so much of my time now feeling happy, I had almost forgotten what the weight of my mistakes feels like. The weight of the orb in my chest is all imagined of course, I’ve done the experiments that prove it. It is not a physical thing and yet when I think on it for too long it feels so heavy that I struggle to move. 

Few things manage to alleviate the weight but I have found that companionship helps the most. My friends are always a great help in this matter, but I find that today I wish to be alone. You need not worry though, I will not be spending my day brooding in my tower. I intend to go out and spend some time in the city. I will send along a souvenir or two as proof later in the day.

Gale

(This letter is written in the margins of a small, rough sketch, it depicts Tara laying in someone’s lap. She looks very pleased with herself as a hand scratches between her ears. The sketch is signed by Gale himself. It is dated 5 Eleint of 1493)

I do believe we’ve made a breakthrough! I’m going to take some time to focus on this avenue of research with the others. I’ll get back to you in a tenday or two. I promise I won’t do anything drastic without informing you first.

Gale

Chapter Text

(This letter is written on plain paper. It is dated 23 Elient of 1493)

Apologies for the long wait my friend. The idea we had snowballed very quickly into a fully fledged plan for how to free me of this dratted thing. We still have a few last details to finalize but all in all it is mostly done. I shan’t bore you with the arcane details of it all but the basic idea is thus; On a day not so long from now myself and several of my friends will trek out into the wilds north of Waterdeep and make camp. After a night of rest and revelry we will wake with the sun and begin. We will create a large circle with the intent to make the area within a deadzone in the weave. Once the circle is complete the others will array themselves along the outside to do the actual spellwork involved and I will place myself at the center, as the sun reaches its zenith the ritual will begin and all magic will drain temporarily out of the circle. This feat accomplished I will remove the fragment of Karsite weave from my chest with much haste and let it fall to the ground. It is our hope that being in an area free of the weave will mean that the damned thing will have no fuel to create an explosion like the one that would occur if I were to perish. 

The spell we’ll be using is a much enlarged play on traditional anti-magic circles, with just a touch of influence from counterspell and other similar things. It is entirely temporary and once the circle is no longer being actively powered the weave will quickly reassert itself within the area. If the orb in my chest were a piece of the true weave it would be much the same but instead it will starve where it will fall. Finally leaving me free. I do wish it were so simple to dispose of other enchantments and curses, but anything sufficiently strong would simply be suppressed by the circle not destroyed, much like the weave itself. 

If my estimations are correct then our final preparations for the trip will take a few more days. I will write to you again the night before. The others too.

Gale

(This letter is written on plain paper. It is mildly creased and the writing is slightly wonky as if the letter was written on a soft uneven surface. There is a large portion crossed out in the middle, little can be made out but what is still there indicates that the tone was less than optimistic. It is dated 29 Elient of 1493. Included with it is a small blue flower)

This is the last letter I need to write and after it has been sent I will be having a glass of Elverquisst and going to bed.
It almost doesn’t need to be said, but I’ll allow myself to do so at last. I am deeply nervous, Astarion. I find that even with the others that have come with me I still wish for the presence of the rest of our merry little band. It would be a comfort to me, a balm on my tattered soul to see you all just one last time before I undertake this risk.
I am chiefly afraid that this will all go wrong. I have the utmost confidence in the work of myself and my friends of course, but I worry that our suppositions about the behavior of the orb will turn out to be incorrect. That in doing this I will doom myself and my friends to an explosive end. (A large portion of text has been messily scribbled out after this point)

I will not think like this! I must not think like this! I apologize for not rewriting the entire letter but this is the last of the paper I have. I am choosing to focus on the good that can come of what we are doing and on the freedom I will soon have. I will have a future beyond this day, this is the truth. 

Give me something to look forward to my friend. Tell me what you think of Shadowheart’s plans to keep traveling north to Icewind Dale. I fear it would be far too cold for me, especially as we move further into winter. If I’m frank, my time back in Waterdeep has likely reduced my tolerance for the hardships of life on the road. Even this short trip out of the city has reminded me greatly of the unpleasant parts of our journey and this with people I actually like, unlike the time I left the city during Tarsakh back when our little adventure was more fresh.
To attempt to make Shadowheart’s journey more comfortable I have sent her a pair of boots enchanted to keep her feet warm. I also whipped up a set of similar boots for Scratch in the brief free time I’ve had this last tenday. I was inspired by an affluent young woman I saw taking her dog for a walk during this recent cold snap. The darling little thing had some leather sleeves on its paws to protect them from the cold wet ground.
It has gotten rather late, I should finish this up and go to bed. Please keep your thoughts with me tomorrow.
Gale

(This letter is written on a scrap of plain paper. It is dated 30 Elient of 1493)
I still live, but I must rest. 

Finally Free, Gale

Chapter Text

(This letter is written on plain paper. It is dated Highharvesttide of 1493)

I feel as though I have been trampled by a Tarasque. My whole body aches in a way it hasn’t since just after we finally defeated the Absolute, and to make it worse we have to travel back to Waterdeep tomorrow. For today at least we can rest.

Personally, I intend to spend my time reading and tending to the stew I’m making for dinner. Annette and Helena have been conspiring over something all afternoon and I want abso nothing whatsoever to do with it. Danoth, from whom I’ve stolen the paper to write this letter, is still fast asleep. Travel has always been difficult for him, what with his chair and all, but he refused to be left behind. Zilyana and Boldan have been bickering for hours over some rune-work in a project they’ve been working on together. I’m curious to know how long it will take them to realize they’re both wrong. 

You know, despite all the aches and pains, I feel lighter. It’s as if a weight in my chest has finally been lifted. I’m so pleased that all of our hard work has paid off and that I haven’t died in a terrible, presumably fiery, explosion. 

Gale

PS. I’m fairly certain that Zilyana and Boldan are going to have some sort of epiphany in the next few months. They’ve been circling something more than just friendly rivalry for years according to Annette. All this bickering seems like it may just be an excuse to spend time with one another.

(This letter is written on plain paper. It is dated 4 Marpenoth of 1493. Included with it is a small intricate music box that plays a light tinkling tune.)

Dear Astarion,

Yesterday was the Day of Wonders! A very exciting day to be in Waterdeep to be sure. It is the day on which followers of Gond unveil the things they have been working on for the last year. Highlights this year included an incredible magical firework display that shifted colors several times and made amazing patterns. There was an enormous clockwork tiger that moved uncannily like the real thing. One young lady demonstrated a new way to pump water across long distances. 

There were also as there always are a few spectacular failures. The most notable, and entertaining, was that of Marchell’s Flying Chair. It worked incredibly well, so well in fact that there was no way to bring it back down. The man himself was rescued by the Griffon Cavalry but his chair kept floating off never to be seen again. A friend of mine kept an eye on it for a while with a telescope and told me that it eventually went higher than the clouds. 

It was such a relief to go out in public without the threat of the orb looming in the back of my mind. I could be just another part of the crowd and let the ebb and flow of the city carry me along. I ended up at the Jade Dancer, a fest hall in the Southern Ward. You would like it I think, we should have a meal there whenever you visit. 

Whilst I was there I took a moment to appreciate how much better I have been feeling since my little affliction met its end. I have recovered physically from the ordeal of course, but there was another rather unexpected side effect. My casting has had a not insignificant boost in potency, which I suspect can be attributed to the lack of drain on my magic reserves that the Karsite weave inflicted. This little boost has resulted in a few small mishaps as I adjust to it. Nothing I can’t handle obviously, I am of course an incredibly skilled wizard with years of experience in reigning in my own power. I will merely take a small amount of time to become accustomed to this newly regained power. It is rather annoying in the meantime though.

You mentioned in your last letter that Halsin had found some time to visit. Was it really such an ordeal? I know you two got along quite well while we were in Baldur’s Gate. Or was it perhaps the influx of rambunctious children he brought with that you actually objected to? As I recall you always seemed rather flummoxed by small children on our journey. It was very ende amusing. 

My mother has invited my friends to dinner tonight to thank them for helping me. It will likely be a rowdy meal. I am looking forward to it. 

Gale

(This letter is written on plain paper. It is dated 10 Marpenoth of 1493. Included with the letter is a package that spews forth a number of small illusory birds, multicolored sparks, and a pleasantly scented magenta smoke when opened. At the bottom of the box is an exquisitely made embossed leather dagger sheath. There is also a small packet of candy which fizzes and pops in the mouth when eaten.)

My friend,

I do hope you’ll forgive my little prank, it is the Reign of Misrule, a day dedicated to Beshaba the goddess of misfortune. Traditionally one is expected to break trust, belie oaths, or otherwise disobey the normal order. Within reason of course. This mostly manifests as a series of small pranks and other assorted hi-jinks. For instance this morning I was awoken by Tara walking all over me with sooty feet and my mother fed me a lunch that for all intents and purposes appeared to be an utterly unremarkable savory meat pie but which was in fact a bespelled fruit pie which was topped with a delightful candy that I have also included a small packet of for you to try. It should prove entertaining even for a man with your diet.

By the way, when worn the sheath will allow you to cast minor Illusion at your leisure. simply press a finger to the uppermost embossed circle and channel the illusion in the same way I showed you how to channel the weave last year.

My activities for the day had a similar bent obviously, it’s considered bad luck to not make at least a token effort. These last two years I wasn’t able or inclined to participate but I have always enjoyed a good prank, as you well know, so long as it causes no lasting harm. I started out by conjuring a few sprites to tug Tara’s tail when she wasn’t looking and gently muss her feathers. Further I enchanted some of the portraits my mother has hanging on her walls into following passersby with their eyes. I then played a few harmless pranks on various friends, and had a few played on me, before coming home to send you this letter and package which will be my last effort for the day. After this I plan to hide out here in my tower and relax.

Yours, 

Gale

(This letter is written on the back of a small drawing of Tara investigating a vase of pink camellias. It is dated 11 Marpenoth of 1493)

How in the world did you manage to make these reek so strongly of lavender Astarion? I suppose this is your repayment for my little prank. You know I would never throw out such a lovely gift even if it does smell terrible. 

Gale

(This letter is written on light purple paper flecked with small smatterings of green. It is dated 19 Marpenoth of 1493)

Astarion,

The weather here has been awful, all sleet and slush and bitter cold. I wish Karlach were here to warm up the room, she was so good at it. 

That little issue I was having with an unexpected surge in the strength of my magic has cleared up, thank goodness. Something else has started up though, much to my chagrin. Strange little things keep happening around my house, and everywhere else I go. I simply cannot figure out why, it is driving me to madness. For example the paper that this letter is written on was a perfectly normal cream color just yesterday. When I went to retrieve it this afternoon, it was purple. Four days ago my eyes were glowing like lanterns for an entire day. Two days before that my pot of rosemary started singing. 

My first instinct was obviously to suspect my friends, but every single one of them sincerely denied any involvement. I suppose I will have to figure out what is actually causing it, if what they claim is true. This is all rather frustrating I must admit. I was hoping that there would be no more surprises in my near future but alas it was not to be, apparently. 

Your very confused friend,

Gale

PS. At one point I very abruptly gained the ability to sense lies. It just so happened to be in the middle of a lunch with Zilyana. At one point she claimed that she had no idea how anyone put up with Boldan owing to how irritating he was to be around. She was lying. 

PPS. Tara adored that jerky you sent along for her, would you be able to get me the recipe?

Chapter Text

(This letter is written on plain paper. It is dated 2 Uktar of 1493)

I have rather interesting news my friend. It has to do with the little mishaps I’ve been having recently. I eventually grew so frustrated with them that I went to a cleric to seek out a diagnosis, be it curse or strange magical illness. As it turns out it was neither. The cleric I saw was a follower of Illmater and quite efficient in her work, it took her mere minutes to proclaim her diagnosis; Sorcery. 

All of my issues recently have been symptoms of sorcery, my own sorcery. It was no prank, no curse, at least no curse of a conventional sort. It was my own magic, changed in some manner, or perhaps not. 

As you may recall I first summoned Tara when I was very young, far younger than most people ever manage to complete a summoning of that sort. At the time my mother assumed it was because I had a great talent for learning. This was true of course, I was casting cantrips from a very young age. Thinking back on it however, I don’t actually recall reading any books on conjuration until I was in school. I am led to wonder therefore whether or not I have always been this way. This further leads me to wonder if some traits may have been suppressed by a certain goddess I became acquainted with shortly after my schooling began.
All of this to say that I must now put my efforts into learning more about my new, or old as it may be, abilities. The side effects are irritating but manageable enough and my research on the subject leads me to believe that there are ways to curb them somewhat with the correct training. Dealing with all this change has been exhausting.
Enough about me though! You mentioned in your last letter that there was a bit of a kerfuffle at the Grymforge. How was that settled? Have the gnomes come to an agreement with each other?
Your friend, Gale

Ps. I apologize for how long this letter took for me to write. It was not easy news to come to terms with, and the idea that part of me has been suppressed for so long did not make it easier.

(This letter is written on plain paper in pretty red ink that shimmers a little in the light. It is dated 10 Uktar of 1493)

Dear Astarion,

If they are able to get themselves properly in order I do think the Gnomes will have a great deal of interesting opportunities on their hands, especially if they are indeed able to find Adamantite. So few people are able to forge it properly and if they can get the forge back up and running they will have a very profitable venture in their future. 

It may interest you to know that I currently have a house guest. My dear friend Yannis has decided to camp out in my guest room until their partner Boldan removes his head from his ass. I believe I have mentioned recently that Boldan and Zilyana have been embroiled in a rather strange rivalry for several years. Yannis tells me that it has only gotten stranger these past few tendays. Something about the new spell they’ve been working on together, Yannis was a bit too worked up about it all to tell me clearly. For the sake of their sanity and the continuing state of my wine cellar I do hope Boldan and Zilyana will work it out sooner rather than later.

I was very excited to learn from their most recent letter that Wyll and Karlach have made their way closer to Zariel’s forge and that their plans to raid it soon are shaping up nicely. Less than a month away at time of writing. Hopefully we will be able to see them in person again soon.

On the topic of hearing from friends, I was finally able to make contact with Lae’zel. She plans to write to all of us using Jaheira’s Letter Box so you should be hearing from her soon enough. Actually getting a sending across planes to her was such a pain to do and I have had particularly bad luck with it. I ended up climbing onto the roof of my tower in the middle of the night to better my chances. The air was so cold and the wind so strong I had trouble breathing. I must also be quite out of shape for such a short climb to have been so hard.

Gale

(This letter is written on fine paper. It is sealed with a wax seal depicting a cornucopia. It is dated 20 Uktar of 1493)
Astarion,

My day has been given almost entirely over to preparing dinner for my mother and I. I made a feast fit for a king, my friend, in honor of Last Sheaf. 

The whole city was all aflutter with people sending their last letters and packages before the sea becomes too difficult to travel. I myself have no such troubles of course but it felt in keeping with the spirit of the day to send some letters before I turn in for the night. This will be the last one I think. I am very tired after so much good food and hard work. I may even be tired enough to sleep in late. 

Stuffed to the gills,
Gale
Ps. Yannis ended up going home within the tenday. They grew tired of being away from their library, evidently the way I organize my own was quite an offense to their sensibilities. They have still refused to get involved with whatever the Hells Boldan and Zilyana have going on.

(This letter is scrawled almost sleepily on plain paper. It is dated 27 Uktar of 1493)
It is an absolute delight to hear that you plan to begin travelling in the new year my friend! If you need any help with planning I would be more than happy to assist of course. I look forward to the day you come to visit me. Frankly nothing else in my year will be likely to compare. Do you plan to keep in touch with your siblings or anyone else in the settlement? I know the weavers would be sad if you didn’t stay in touch.
You know I think I may have caught a cold when I last went to the night market. I was hoping to keep working on my latest project now that I finally have some free time but I’ve been stuck in bed all day. I barely managed to muster up even enough energy to write this letter. I think tomorrow I will need to drag myself out of bed to go see a cleric. Twice in one month does feel excessive doesn't it?
Your Gale

Chapter Text

(This letter is written on rough paper and reeks of sulphur. The edges of the letter are lightly singed. It is dated “Still Uktar I think”)

Heya Fangs!
It’s me Karlach this time. Wyll said it was my turn to write since he’s done the last three letters. We’re just getting ready to go raid Zariel’s forge. We decided to take a few days to rest up first. It’s been a right grand time building up our supplies and strength for this. Wyll and I also decided it would be a good idea to have a healer on our side so we’ve picked up Hope to help us out. She’s happy enough to lend a hand as long as we don’t keep her from the house for too long.

I just can’t wait to finally fix this damned ticker of mine. I’m all fired up just thinking about it.  I’ll be back on the Prime Material in no time at all!

Karlach
Ps. Thanks for that embroidered hankie you sent along, it’s a good reminder of the flowers in Baldur’s Gate, real motivatin.

(This letter is written on plain paper. It is dated Feast of the Moon)

It’s too damned cold here Astarion. Why did I think it would be a good idea to come to this far north during winter? To top it all off I have to buy Scratch another new coat. He keeps tearing them to shreds. I’ve even explained to him why he has to wear them when we’re outside but even an intelligent dog is still a dog I suppose. As long as I keep it out of his reach it will be fine, he just got to the last one before I could put it in the trunk in our room.

The roads to the next town are too deep with snow to move on from this one so I’ve been keeping myself entertained by sitting at the local pub and people watching. I’m pretty sure the barmaid is sleeping with at least three different men’s wives. She’s pretty enough, maybe I’ll have a tumble with her myself.
One last thing, have you heard from Gale recently? He was supposed to write to me two days ago and it’s distinctly unlike him to miss a letter.
Shadowheart

(This letter is written on plain paper. It is undated)

Gale has fallen into a slumber from which none of us have been able to wake him. Astarion I need you to make your way to Waterdeep as fast as you can. I think you and the rest of your party may be our only hope.
Morena Dekarios

Chapter Text

(This letter is scrawled on the back of a letter from Morena Dekarios. It is undated)
I'm on my way.
Astarion