Thread:Crowsoul50/@comment-35042251-20190414235421/@comment-35042251-20190417140924

When unfolded, the letter smelled faintly of birch water and lavender, another one of Eglantine's scents. Written in a dusky silver ink, the letter read:

Dear Oprhos,

'If you're reading this, then it means that my worst fears have come to pass and I am dead. '

'You may think it silly, me being afraid of death. After all the chaos and descruction and death I've caused in my lifetime, it what's I've always deserved. But I guess I never anticipated ACTUALLY dying. It takes a long time getting used to merely having longlevity, not being immortal. But I suppose that once I left Jadis's side, she removed my immortality. '

'But whatever the consequences were, I certainly have no regrets. If I nevered left, I'd have never changed my ways and become a healer. If I never left, I'd have never met Agatha and save her life, helping her change hers for the better. If I never left, I'd have never met regal Silverskies, fierce Skylight, carefree Noctus, stoic Nimbus, spirited Wind Weaver, or anyone else I've come to know and love these few, short years I've been in the employment of Silverskies.'

''But most of all, if I'd never left, I wouldn't have ever met you. '''I'd have never known what it's like to meet another cracked, broken soul like mine, yet resonate so deeply with and understand so much of their pain, hopelessness, and loss. I may not have shown it, Orphos, while I was alive or in your company, but in all honesty, you were one of the few people in Forengard I felt like I could truly understand, truly connect with. '

'When I first met you, I never expected that we'd grow to be friends, or that my affections for you would grow into something deeper and rawer, something that I've never felt in my long 800-1000 year lifetime. '

'I don't know what to name it. A huge crush? Maybe, but this feeling felt much stronger then what crushes are supposed to feel like. Fondness? Infatuation? Attraction? All of them are maybes and the one way to describe what I'm feeling is 'love. ''

'I desperately want to know how you, Orphos, made ME fall in love with a drunken god of deals and deperation. And I also depserately want to know if those feelings are returned in anyway, or best left buried and untalked about.'

'Now, I could go on forever, but I won't. If I'm dead, then that means my soul isn't at peace or safe in the Underworld. I may be there, but no doubt Jadis will or already has laid claim to my soul and trapped it in one of her many palaces. For you see, when you enter the service of High Queen Jadis Aevitas of Elysium, you surrender your very soul to her. '

'So if my suspicions are right and you and perhaps others try to free my soul or whatever, you'll need to work out a bargain with my old employer... and adoptive mother. I'm sorry that all your questions can't be answered now, in this letter, but I've hidden others around Aeolus and even at your domain. Find them, and I'll try to explain as best as I can. '

'I must end this letter for now, but before I go, I'll explain the other items in this envelope. Oh, and my snakeskin journal. '

'The map is a map of Jadis's golden lion palace, in the capital city of Elysium, the vast kingdom she rules over and that serves as her domain. It may be a bit outdated, but it'll serve you well if you choose to sneak around there. Now, inside the pouch, is various enchanted soul stones, meaning that they contain the souls of someone or something. As long as you have the soul stone, you'll be able to control and order the souls within about. To free the souls, just smash the gems.'

'The souls there all owe me debts and favours, so they'll help you along. But please, when you've completed your mission, please free them. '

'And all the dried lavender, lilac, and sage is actually important. It comes from the gardens of Jadis's palace and they are excellent for potions or spells. Use them wisely.'

'Now, as much as I wish I could stay, I must go. But please, find the letter, read my journal, and free my soul. '

Good wishes and the deepest love,

Eglantine Darkrose