Work Text:
Acquisitions Division c/o High Expositor Beauregard Lionett
Rexxentrum Archive of the Cobalt Soul
The Tangles, Rexxentrum
2 Fessuran 887 PD
To whom it may concern,
This letter is to verify that the attached correspondence, documents, and various memorabilia once belonged to a mage named Laerryn Coramar-Seelie, Architect Arcane of Avalir. These were found in a box sealed by arcane means and date back to the pre-Calamity era. My deceased husband, Professor Caleb Widogast of the Soltryce Academy, unearthed the box during an exploration trip to Aeor in 837 PD. Through our research, we have found these to be authentic.
It seems as though the vast majority of the contents of the box were from a single person, a man named Loquatius Seelie. He and Laerryn Coramar-Seelie had at some point been married. Of that much, we are certain. However, we could only speculate as to the exact order of the events. I have arranged these documents in what we deduced might be the chronological order, but the Cobalt Soul is of course free to do otherwise, as it sees fit.
I am at your service for any other information you may require.
Regards,
E. Widogast
2 Fessuran 887 PD
Dear Beauregard,
I hardly need to say that this letter is for your eyes only. And Yasha’s, of course, since your poor human eyes are no longer up to the task. (This is a joke. Do not punch me.)
A few things I wish to bring to your attention before you begin reading:
- As I mentioned in my letter of provenance, Caleb and I were uncertain as to the order in which the letters and mementos had originally been received by Laerryn Coramar-Seelie. All are numbered, nevertheless: the first number indicates the order in which it was originally found in its box, the second indicates its place in supposed chronological order.
- You will notice that most of the documents found nearer to the top of the box are more worn, as they seem to have been reread several times. A few of the other notes, however, were never even unsealed. We can only guess as to why that is.
I have left my own annotations here and there throughout the collection (I trust you will remove them before turning this over to the Soul). I do not want to preempt your reading, but I am eager to hear your thoughts. We know very little of everyday life for those who lived before the Calamity, and you will find in these mementos a wealth of information. The pneumatic tubes alone in which many of these notes were contained hold so much potential, to say nothing of the intriguing details of the city they lived in that are hinted at in the letters.
I was delighted that Caleb decided to bequeath this little collection of mementos to you, though I am also sorry to part with it. It tells quite a poignant tale. I have been thinking of it often as of late. I think you will understand why, once you make it to the end.
I do not know when I will be back from my research trip, but hopefully it will not be too long. Will write again when I have news. Hopefully I will have more to tell you about Avalir by the time I return, but do not get your hopes up. Its inhabitants kept their city's secrets rather too well. Keep your fingers crossed for me.
Please send Yasha and the children my love. I am certain that if Caleb were here, he would ask me to tell you that he is missing you all terribly. As am I.
E.
[Cat. # 24_1: Handwritten letter. Domunas (pre-Calamity). Enchanted color-changing ink on vellum, 8.5 inches long x 5 inches wide. Attributed to Loquatius Seelie.]
To my dearest, darlingest Laerryn,
Do you remember the party Patia and Nydas organized for Zerxus' birthday last year? The flowers were all in bloom at the Palazzo Por’co for once, even though it was much later than it should have been because of the cold snap that spring. It was as though we were having a celebration out of season. Felt like a dream. Everything was a splash of color. It was the closest I'd ever come to being drunk on this plane.
I remember I looked up at you while I was lying in the grass, and your face was all framed in yellow and white blossoms from the fireburst tree in Patia's backyard.
I know what you're thinking—don't panic, it isn't a special day or anything like that. You didn't forget our anniversary or my birthday (and even if you did, I'd forgive you). I just… I don't know. I thought of you that day, standing in the garden, the sunlight streaming through the flowers just so. You were so beautiful. You always are.
Yes, yes. I’ll stop rambling. Can't wait to see you when I get home!
Your Quay
[Cat. # 22_2: Handwritten note stored in a magical pneumatic tube, found unsealed. Domunas (pre-Calamity). Pneumatic tube: Glass, iron, bronze, 4 inches high x 1 inch in diameter. Note: Enchanted color-changing ink on parchment, 3.5 inches long x 6 inches wide. Attributed to Loquatius Seelie.]
Laerryn, my beloved,
Listen, I’m going to head you off before you watch today’s broadcast—I know you said not to draw too much attention to the upgrades you made to the city's eldritch batteries, but how could I not? I had no idea how important that was until you told me about it. What an incredible achievement that is. (In all honesty, I probably still don’t fully understand it all, but I promise I did my research before the broadcast; i.e. I got Dweomer to sit down and teach me the jargon as though I was a toddler.)
What I'm saying is that all of Avalir should know how brilliant and astounding and innovative you truly are. I hope I did you justice.
Q
[Cat. # 25_3: Handwritten note, unsigned, torn along one edge. Domunas (pre-Calamity). Enchanted color-changing ink on lined paper, 7 inches long x 4 inches wide. Attributed to Loquatius Seelie.]
MAGGIES NOTES
Intermission numbers (note – get team to make a small montage clip)
Avalir Mage Award of the Year (note – have team include individual portraits of all noms during broadcast, short summary of accomplishments, etc.)
Nominees:
- Loras of the Weaver’s Mask – youngest ever apprentice of Eldamir the Wise (@ self – doesn’t Patia hate this guy? ask her about this sometime)
- Merlin Mercer – created discount spell ink, making arcane pursuits more accessible to underprivileged mages w/ big dreams
- Patia Por’co (zoned out, doesn’t matter, ask her later)
- Laerryn Coramar-Seelie – increase in power capacity of Avalir’s eldritch batteries by 200%, use broadcast notes + confirm with Dweomer on the more technical terms re: overall flight stability and descent improvements
Winner:
[several lines of illegible scribbles follow]
SHE DID IT
SHE DID IT
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
THAT’S MY GIRL
[Cat. # 37_4: Engraving on ancient arcane tool; purpose unknown. Domunas (pre-Calamity). Bronze, steel, gold, 12 inches high x 9 inches wide. Attributed to Loquatius Seelie.]
For my beloved Laerryn, on the occasion of her appointment to Architect Arcane of the city of Avalir:
May the stars and leylines always keep your paths true.
Yours, now and always,
Loquatius
(NOTE: B, this was a source of endless fascination to C. It seems to be a prototype of a constantly mutable tool of some sort, hinting that Laerryn Coramar-Seelie must have had a serious turn for both the magical and the mechanical. It is inert now, as you can see, permanently fixed in the shape of a tool resembling a screwdriver, but traces of the transmutation magic it had once been imbued with still linger.
C was working on a spell around this several years ago that was unfortunately left unfinished. If the topic is something of interest to you, I can make you a copy of his notes. I must admit I am loath to part with his original research. Sentimental of me, I know. Do not laugh. —E.)
[Cat. # 23_5: Handwritten letter. Domunas (pre-Calamity). Blue ink on vellum, 8.5 inches long x 5 inches wide. Attributed to Loquatius Seelie.]
Dictated from the desk of Loquatius Seelie, Herald of Avalir (Avalir, 153.134.7657)
Is this thing on?
Shit. It is.
Darling, I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I’ve actually been rendered speechless. This is the best birthday present I’ve ever gotten in my life, and let me tell you, I’ve had plenty. Both birthdays and presents.
You gorgeous creature. You mad genius. I don’t know what I ever did with my life before I met you at Patia’s party four years ago.
Love you so much, so so so much I don’t have the words for it,
Quay
[Cat. # 26_6: Handwritten note stored in a magical pneumatic tube, found sealed. Domunas (pre-Calamity). Pneumatic tube: Glass, iron, bronze, 4 inches high x 1 inch in diameter. Note: Enchanted color-changing ink on parchment, 3.5 inches long x 6 inches wide. Attributed to Loquatius Seelie.]
To the most beautiful woman in the world,
Did you like the cake I sent this morning? Our reservations for dinner are at 7:30 pm, don’t forget!
Ten thousand sweet kisses,
Q
[Cat. # 28_7: Handwritten note stored in a magical pneumatic tube, found sealed. Domunas (pre-Calamity). Pneumatic tube: Glass, iron, bronze, 4 inches high x 1 inch in diameter. Note: Enchanted color-changing ink on parchment, 3.5 inches long x 6 inches wide. Attributed to Loquatius Seelie.]
Laerryn, my love,
Did you get caught in a meeting again? Don’t worry—I’ll reschedule our reservations. Just let me know. Don’t forget to eat something. If you pass out in the Labyrinth again, I’m getting Patia to permanently attach a tracking device to your Sending stone.
Q
[Cat. # 27_8: Handwritten note. Domunas (pre-Calamity). Enchanted color-changing ink on vellum, 8.5 inches long x 5 inches wide. Attributed to Loquatius Seelie.]
Beautiful girl of mine,
I know you’ve been so busy. Look, I know elves don’t have to sleep and all, but you still need to take a proper rest now and then.
I cooked dinner last night, but since you didn't get to eat it, you're getting it for lunch today. Made those little stuffed dumplings you like so much—I didn't think they'd be so difficult to make, but they turned out fantastic, so it was worth it in the end.
Honestly, anything for you would be worth it. (Hush. I mean it, you know I do.)
Enjoy!
Quay
P.S. Did you get a chance to watch my broadcast this morning? I've been trying out a new hairdo. Zerxus hated it, as expected, but Nydas and Patia thought that the summer season would be a good time to make a change to my usual look. Evandrin’s still in bed, but he was supportive as always. Cerrit, as usual, had no opinion. What do you think? I love our friends, but your opinion is the one I care about most.
P.P.S. Yes, fine. I already know what you’re going to say, and you’re right. Yours is the only opinion I care about.
[Cat. # 39_9: Hand-lettered sign. Domunas (pre-Calamity). Silver and teal paint on linen, 3 feet long x 12 feet wide. Attributed to Loquatius Seelie.]
WILL YOU BE MY DATE TO THE HERALD'S TOME AWARDS?
[Cat. # 18_10: Handwritten note stored in a magical pneumatic tube, found unsealed. Domunas (pre-Calamity). Pneumatic tube: Glass, iron, bronze, 4 inches high x 1 inch in diameter. Note: Enchanted color-changing ink on parchment, 3.5 inches long x 6 inches wide. Attributed to Loquatius Seelie.]
Laerryn, my love,
I get it. I really do. You've never had a lot more on your plate than you do now. But was it really too much to just tell me you couldn't make it? The awards ceremony is always my biggest night—did you really have to stand me up like that?
You hold the heart of Avalir in those capable hands of yours. But you have mine, too. I don't care how cheesy you think that is. It doesn't make it any less true.
Q
[Cat. # 32_11: Handwritten note stored in a magical pneumatic tube, found sealed. Domunas (pre-Calamity). Pneumatic tube: Glass, iron, bronze, 4 inches high x 1 inch in diameter. Note: Enchanted color-changing ink on parchment, 3.5 inches long x 6 inches wide. Attributed to Loquatius Seelie.]
Laerryn, darling,
By any chance, did you lose your Sending stone? I haven't been able to reach you all day. If you did, don’t worry about it, alright? I can commission a new pair for us. Just let me know.
Q
[Cat. # 29_12: Handwritten note stored in a magical pneumatic tube, found sealed. Domunas (pre-Calamity). Pneumatic tube: Glass, iron, bronze, 4 inches high x 1 inch in diameter. Note: Enchanted color-changing ink on parchment, 3.5 inches long x 6 inches wide. Attributed to Loquatius Seelie.]
Darling girl,
I'm sorry. I know you hate me showing up at the Labyrinth, but I was worried. That's all. Won't happen again, I promise. But could you at least send me a message now and then so I know you're still alive? Even if you don't have your Sending stone, the spell's easy enough for you, isn't it?
Q
[Cat. # 31_13: Handwritten note, stored in a magical pneumatic tube, found unsealed. Domunas (pre-Calamity). Pneumatic tube: Glass, iron, bronze, 4 inches high x 1 inch in diameter. Note: Enchanted color-changing ink on parchment, 3.5 inches long x 6 inches wide. Attributed to Loquatius Seelie.]
Sweets for the sweet!
(You are sweet, when you want to be. Don’t even try to deny it.)
Q
[Cat. # 30_14: Handwritten note, stored in a magical pneumatic tube, found unsealed. Domunas (pre-Calamity). Pneumatic tube: Glass, iron, bronze, 4 inches high x 1 inch in diameter. Note: Enchanted color-changing ink on parchment, 3.5 inches long x 6 inches wide. Attributed to Loquatius Seelie.]
Laerryn, dearest,
I made a quick stop to visit Evandrin today before heading to the Tome.
Thinking about contacting some cleric friends of mine in Cathmoíra to see how willing they’d be to fly up here for a week or so. I don’t want to butt in—you know Zerxus, he already thinks I’m enough of an interfering busybody—but I’m more than willing to be the bad guy here, if it means some sort of improvement in Evandrin’s condition. Would that be too much? What do you think?
Q
[Cat. # 33_15: Handwritten note stored in a magical pneumatic tube, found unsealed. Domunas (pre-Calamity). Pneumatic tube: Glass, iron, bronze, 4 inches high x 1 inch in diameter. Note: Enchanted color-changing ink on parchment, 3.5 inches long x 6 inches wide. Attributed to Loquatius Seelie.]
Hey there, Dweomer!
Loved your look today, your monochromatic color scheme was absolutely on point. Perfect for the new fall/winter trends.
By any chance, does Laerryn have any free time tomorrow afternoon? I'd love to make an appointment. It's a bit of a surprise for our anniversary, so don't tell her I asked!
Cheers,
Loquatius
(NOTE: B, as you may have gathered, Dweomer seems to have been an assistant of some sort to Laerryn. Unsure as to why Laerryn would have kept these tubes, though, if they were not intended for her. Perhaps Dweomer gave them to her at Laerryn’s request? We can only guess. —E.)
[Cat. # 38_16: Handwritten letter, unsigned, reconstructed from fragments. Domunas (pre-Calamity). Black ink on vellum, 6.5 inches long x 5 inches wide; speculated to be originally 8.5 inches long x 5 inches wide. Attributed to Loquatius Seelie.]
I WILL
I WILL NOT
I WILL NOT PLAN
I WILL NO
I WILL
I WILL NOT
HER SUBORDINATES
I WILL NOT PLAN DATES
I WILL NOT PL
I WILL NOT PLAN DATES WITH HER SUBORDINATES DURING WORK HOURS
I WILL NOT PLAN DATES WITH HER SUBORDINATES DURING WORK HOURS
I WILL NOT PLAN DATES WITH HER SUBORDINATES DURING WORK HOURS
I WILL NOT PLAN DATES THROUGH HER SUBORDINATES DURING WORK HOURS
I WILL NOT PLAN DATES WITH LAERRYN THROUGH HER SUBORDINATES
DURING WORK HOURS
I WILL NOT PLAN DATES WITH LAERRYN
I WILL NOT
I WILL NOT
I WILL NOT
[Cat. # 34_17: Handwritten note stored in a magical pneumatic tube, found sealed. Domunas (pre-Calamity). Pneumatic tube: Glass, iron, bronze, 4 inches high x 1 inch in diameter. Note: Enchanted color-changing ink on parchment, 3.5 inches long x 6 inches wide. Attributed to Loquatius Seelie.]
My darling Laerryn,
I am so sorry. That was entirely an accident. I had absolutely no intention to send that to you but it ended up in my outbox somehow. It was a joke I was having with myself. That’s all.
I’m already looking for a new assistant. Please don’t be angry anymore.
I love you,
Q
[Cat. # 16_18: Handwritten note, unsigned, stored in a magical pneumatic tube, found sealed. Domunas (pre-Calamity). Pneumatic tube: Glass, iron, bronze, 4 inches high x 1 inch in diameter. Note: Enchanted color-changing ink on parchment, 3.5 inches long x 6 inches wide. Provenance unknown. Attributed to Loquatius Seelie.]
Laerryn, I said I was sorry. Stop ignoring me. How would you feel if I did this to you?
[Cat. # 4_19: Handwritten letter. Domunas (pre-Calamity). Enchanted color-changing ink on vellum, 8.5 inches long x 5 inches wide. Attributed to Loquatius Seelie.]
Laerryn, my love,
Yes, I was out that one time you actually came home for the first time in weeks. Yes, I was out drinking with my employees at the Tome because we’d received a special recognition from the Septarion. Yes, I didn’t make you dinner once after cooking a meal for two every day for a month, only to end up eating it by myself.
Look, I just don’t understand. What are you so angry about? You’re at work every last second of the day, but for some reason you get all upset the one time I do the same thing? What exactly is going on here? Talk to me, please. Please.
Q
[Cat. # 17_20: Handwritten letter. Domunas (pre-Calamity). Enchanted color-changing ink on vellum, 8.5 inches long x 5 inches wide. Attributed to Loquatius Seelie.]
Laerryn, darling,
I’m going to cover that big exposé at Vasselheim I was telling you about a few months ago. Not going to lie, I’m both excited and scared witless. I haven’t told anyone but you yet, but I’ll be away for a few weeks, maybe longer. Don’t freak out if there isn’t anyone at home.
I get the feeling you never read these things I send you, so just in case my hunch is correct, I’ve left you something at home. I hope you like it.
Listen, I know it’s been an exhausting time for us both. But can we talk when I get home? We don’t even have to talk about this. This. Whatever is happening. I just. I don’t know. I miss you, alright?
Quay
[Cat. # 40_21: Handwritten note, unsigned, stored in a magical pneumatic tube, found sealed. Domunas (pre-Calamity). Pneumatic tube: Glass, iron, bronze, 4 inches high x 1 inch in diameter. Note: Enchanted color-changing ink on parchment, 3.5 inches long x 6 inches wide. Provenance unknown. Attributed to Loquatius Seelie.]
Laerryn. Did you even spend a single night at our house while I was away? Why haven't you answered any of my messages? Did your Sending stone fall off the face of the city or something?
[Cat. # 35_22: Stone carved in the shape of a rayed sun, inert. Domunas (pre-Calamity). Obsidian, 2 inches long x 3.5 inches in diameter. Provenance unknown.]
(NOTE: B, I believe this was once a Sending stone, judging from the traces of magic left behind. Unsure if this belongs to Laerryn or Loquatius. In either case, as you know, Sending stones come in a set of two—this one is missing its other half. —E.)
[Cat. # 41_23: Handwritten note with enclosed mask of silver stored in a magical pneumatic tube, found sealed. Domunas (pre-Calamity). Pneumatic tube: Glass, iron, bronze, 4 inches high x 1 inch in diameter. Note: Enchanted color-changing ink on parchment, 3.5 inches long x 6 inches wide. Mask: 0.5 inches long x 0.5 inches wide. Attributed to Loquatius Seelie.]
Laerryn, my gorgeous wife,
Patia tells me you have a new accessory lately. Very pretty. If you’re open to it, I thought I’d add a face of my own for your wrist of masks. I promise not to bother you until at least three hours after sundown unless I’m bleeding out on a street corner or something. You’d forgive me for an interruption like that, wouldn’t you?
Q
[Cat. # 36_24: Handwritten note stored in a magical pneumatic tube, found sealed. Domunas (pre-Calamity). Pneumatic tube: Glass, iron, bronze, 4 inches high x 1 inch in diameter. Note: Enchanted color-changing ink on parchment, 3.5 inches long x 6 inches wide. Provenance unknown. Attributed to Loquatius Seelie.]
My beloved Laerryn,
I know this is quite silly of me, but what did you think of the new suit I wore at the Guild's inauguration night yesterday? We featured a couple of photos of it in the broadcast this morning. Did you like it?
Q
P.S. Is your Ring of Masks working alright? I’ve been trying to reach you, but my Sendings don’t seem to connect to your bracelet for some reason. You got the mask I sent you yesterday, didn't you?
(NOTE: B, very fascinated by the aforementioned Ring of Masks. It seems to be akin to a Sending stone, but of a much more refined make. A shame that the mask Loquatius sent was found to be inert. I have more notes on this in a separate file, should you be interested. Do not call me a nerd again. —E.)
[Cat. # 15_25: Handwritten letter. Domunas (pre-Calamity). Enchanted color-changing ink on vellum, 8.5 inches long x 5 inches wide. Attributed to Loquatius Seelie.]
Laerryn, darling,
I went to visit Evandrin yesterday. He says to tell you he’s doing quite well. But we both know that isn’t true He had enough energy for a real conversation today, which was nice. Whatever this is, I’m glad that it hasn’t taken away his good humor.
You know what I’ve been thinking about? There’s a strange fragrance lingering in his bedroom. It’s like the scent of flowers, almost, but not in a good way. Something about the smell reminds me of rot. Of death. I don’t know where it’s coming from. Have you ever noticed it?
I gave Zerxus a bit of a break and amused Elias with my faces for a few hours in the garden (the leaves are so pretty now that they’re changing color, you’d love it). Elias is growing up to be so handsome already. I see Evandrin in his expressions sometimes, which is a strange thing to say about a four-year-old child who shouldn’t have a care in the world.
Did you ever want to have children? I’m not sure we ever got around to talking about it. Though knowing how busy you are, I think I already know the answer to that.
Sending you Evandrin’s love. He says he hasn’t seen you in a few days, but he’s thinking of you.
Meanwhile, I haven’t seen you in two and a half weeks. Any chance of that changing anytime soon?
Quay
[Cat. # 14_26: Handwritten letter. Domunas (pre-Calamity). Enchanted color-changing ink on vellum, 8.5 inches long x 5 inches wide. Attributed to Loquatius Seelie.]
Dear my love,
The Ring of Brass (how strange to call us that now) threw me the most spectacular party last evening. The stars were shining as hard as they could, and so were the moons—even Ruidus was glowing in all its glory. It was delightful. Even Nydas managed to make it—the skyships came early!—and he brought us a selection of the most fantastic desserts I've ever seen. With some excellent wine to pair it with, of course, you know him.
I haven’t had such a lovely birthday in eons. I wish you could have been there. We saved some food for you so you could have a delicious lunch, I hope you enjoy it.
Missing you always,
Quay
P.S. You did remember it was my birthday, didn’t you? Even if you were too busy to send a message? Patia said you had an emergency so you couldn’t make it yesterday, but then Cerrit’s ring glowed.
I don’t doubt you, my dearest. You know I never do. But tell me you knew all the same, just for my peace of mind?
[Cat. # 21_27: Handwritten letter with enclosed textile samples and sketches of evening gowns. Domunas (pre-Calamity).
Letter: Enchanted color-changing ink on vellum, 8.5 inches long x 5 inches wide.
Textile samples, as labeled: (a) tulle, (b) silk, (c) velvet, (d) satin, (e) organza, (f) crepe, and (e) chiffon in varying shades of violet and gold, all 2 inches long x 2 inches wide.
Sketches, as labeled: (i) floor-length dress cut with a deep V in the front and back, (ii) fitted gown with high neckline and thigh slit, (iii) sleeveless dress with attached train embroidered with flowers, (iv) sequined gown with one shoulder ruched, (v) ball gown with fitted bodice and puffed sleeves. Gray ink on vellum, 8.5 inches long x 5 inches wide.
Attributed to Loquatius Seelie.]
Laerryn, my darling,
The Beverage Ball is coming up soon! You know I love to dress up for that one. I was thinking, how do you feel about coordinating our outfits for this one? I went ahead and chose a color scheme for us, but you can let me know if you have any other ideas.
Sending you some ideas off the top of my head, plus some of the best fabrics from Nydas’ latest shipment—he let us get a peek before it even gets into the market, gods, I love him. We’ll be the most fashionable couple in attendance. Imagine the heads we’ll turn! Our pictures in the papers and broadcasts! I’m so excited!!!
I know you won’t want to think about this too much, so I’ll give you some of my favorites:
- (i) floor-length dress cut with a deep V in the front and back, in (b) silk or (d) satin and (e) organza
- (ii) fitted gown with high neckline and thigh slit, in (c) velvet and (b) silk—perhaps with a cape of some sort as an accent?
- (iv) sequined gown with one shoulder ruched, in (a) tulle and (d) satin
Let me know what you think! Happy to give you more ideas if these aren’t to your taste, but I’ve personally curated these. They’ll look stunning on you, no matter which one you choose.
I’m putting together some makeup looks too. Just waiting for Nydas to send me samples of the newest lipsticks and eyeshadows from their latest arrivals. I hear they’ve been making some marvelous new products down in Cathmoíra, hoping they live up to the hype.
I’d meant to send both the makeup and dress ideas together, but I didn’t want you to get overwhelmed by all the options. I’ll make a list for you as soon as I can—it’ll be easier if you already know what dress you want by then, so we can talk about your hairstyle too!
Love love love you,
Quay
(NOTE: B, Loquatius sounds like a man after Jester’s own heart, no? I must hand it to him: he has excellent taste in evening gowns. Though I will say this letter broke my heart a little. —E.)
[Cat. # 2_28: Handwritten note stored in a magical pneumatic tube, found unsealed. Domunas (pre-Calamity). Pneumatic tube: Glass, iron, bronze, 4 inches high x 1 inch in diameter. Note: Enchanted color-changing ink on parchment, 3.5 inches long x 6 inches wide. Provenance unknown. Attributed to Loquatius Seelie.]
So I was out again last evening, and what about it? You think you’re the only one with a tough job? What do you expect me to do, just sit at the dinner table every night waiting for you to get home while the food I cooked grows cold?
I could have had anyone. Anyone at all
I could have gone home to the feywild anytime I wanted to
I deserve better than this, Laerryn
I married you because I loved you, don’t you know that?
I love you still. Even now.
[Cat. # 5_29: Handwritten note stored in a magical pneumatic tube, found unsealed. Domunas (pre-Calamity). Pneumatic tube: Glass, iron, bronze, 4 inches high x 1 inch in diameter. Note: Enchanted color-changing ink on parchment, 3.5 inches long x 6 inches wide. Attributed to Loquatius Seelie.]
Laerryn, my love,
I’m sorry. I was drunk. I’m so sorry.
Please come home. I miss you so much.
Q
[Cat. # 13_30: Handwritten letter. Domunas (pre-Calamity). Blue ink on vellum, 8.5 inches long x 5 inches wide. Attributed to Loquatius Seelie.]
Dictated from the desk of Loquatius Seelie, Herald of Avalir (Avalir, 153.134.7657)
My beautiful Laerryn,
I’m so glad to hear you’re still making time to visit Evandrin lately. He longs to see you. It does him so much good when you’re with him, we see the change so clearly whenever we drop in.
I don’t know what he’d ever do without you.
Sometimes I think he loves you more than Zerxus.
Quay
[Cat. # 6_31: Handwritten letter. Domunas (pre-Calamity). Blue ink on vellum, 8.5 inches long x 5 inches wide. Attributed to Loquatius Seelie.]
Dictated from the desk of Loquatius Seelie, Herald of Avalir (Avalir, 153.134.7657)
To the Architect Arcane, Laerryn Coramar-Seelie:
I hope this finds you well.
May I inquire as to why the Archmage Patia Por’co is able to schedule appointments with you, while I am not?
Thank you in advance for your prompt response.
Regards,
Loquatius Seelie
Herald of Avalir
[Cat. # 11_32: Handwritten note stored in a magical pneumatic tube, found sealed. Domunas (pre-Calamity). Pneumatic tube: Glass, iron, bronze, 4 inches high x 1 inch in diameter. Note: Blue ink on parchment, 3.5 inches long x 6 inches wide. Attributed to Loquatius Seelie.]
Dictated from the desk of Loquatius Seelie, Herald of Avalir (Avalir, 153.134.7657)
Laerryn, my love,
I am so sorry I filled your office with flowers. I had no idea you were allergic to the real ones from the earthbound cities.
May the gods bless me with an assistant as competent as Dweomer one of these days. She’s already sent me a comprehensive list of things that aren't allowed in the Meridian Labyrinth. Please rest assured I will ensure compliance from now on.
Quay
P.S. That last bit about me being on the list was a joke, right? Did you actually bar me from entering the Labyrinth?
[Cat. # 12_33: Handwritten letter. Domunas (pre-Calamity). Blue ink on vellum, 8.5 inches long x 5 inches wide. Attributed to Loquatius Seelie.]
Dictated from the desk of Loquatius Seelie, Herald of Avalir (Avalir, 153.134.7657)
Dear Dweomer,
I have a small present for Laerryn. Would you mind giving it to her for me? Work has been terribly busy, and I want to be sure she receives it. It’s just a blanket. I made sure it wasn’t on The List. It’s from the broadcast I did the other day sponsored by Warren’s Warmest Woollens—could you maybe ask her if she saw it, when you give it to her?
I appreciate you so much.
Regards,
Loquatius
[Cat. # 20_34: Handwritten note stored in a magical pneumatic tube, found unsealed. Domunas (pre-Calamity). Pneumatic tube: Glass, iron, bronze, 4 inches high x 1 inch in diameter. Note: Blue ink on parchment, 3.5 inches long x 6 inches wide. Attributed to Loquatius Seelie.]
Laerryn, my love,
It’s Evandrin.
I know Patia has Sent to you by now, but I want to be sure. Come quickly, please. He needs you.
Q
[Cat. # 10_35: Handwritten letter. Domunas (pre-Calamity). Enchanted color-changing ink on vellum, 8.5 inches long x 5 inches wide. Attributed to Loquatius Seelie.]
Laerryn, darling,
It was a lovely ceremony. I was in awe seeing the crowd that turned up to honor the First Knight. The best and the bravest of us—he deserved every moment of it. We were all there, even Eaedalus and Wrayne. Maya and Kir were there to play with Elias, too. It was a relief to see him smile again for a little bit.
I know we never got around to talking about it, but I have to decide for both of us. I don’t think I can ever have children of my own. I’m sorry.
My love, you’re grieving. I know you are. I know that’s why you didn’t show up to the funeral.
I can’t stand the thought of you going through this alone. Let me be with you.
All my love, always,
Quay
[Cat. # 7_36: Handwritten note stored in a magical pneumatic tube, found sealed. Domunas (pre-Calamity). Pneumatic tube: Glass, iron, bronze, 4 inches high x 1 inch in diameter. Note: Blue ink on parchment, 3.5 inches long x 6 inches wide. Attributed to Loquatius Seelie.]
I know he was your best friend, but you’re not the only one who loved him, Laerryn. I did too. He and Zerxus held me together for so long when you
I need you. Please. Don’t do this to me, please.
[Cat. # 19_37: Handwritten letter. Domunas (pre-Calamity). Blue ink on vellum, 8.5 inches long x 5 inches wide. Attributed to Loquatius Seelie.]
Dictated from the desk of Loquatius Seelie, Herald of Avalir (Avalir, 153.134.7657)
Dear Dweomer,
Thank you for being so kind as to answer my letters the past few weeks.
I have some papers for the Architect to sign; could you please make sure she receives them? They’re terribly important. I don’t want them getting overlooked.
As always, I appreciate you. And I promise I won’t be bothering you for much longer.
Regards,
Loquatius
[Cat. # 3_38: Handwritten letter with enclosed key. Domunas (pre-Calamity). Letter: Blue ink on vellum, 8.5 inches long x 5 inches wide. Key: Unidentified metal alloy, 4 inches long and 1 inch wide. Attributed to Loquatius Seelie.]
Dictated from the desk of Loquatius Seelie, Herald of Avalir (Avalir, 153.134.7657)
All yours now, darling.
[Cat. # 8_39: Hand-lettered document in a magical pneumatic tube, found sealed. Domunas (pre-Calamity). Pneumatic tube: Glass, iron, bronze, 10 inches high x 3 inches in diameter. Attributed to Loquatius Seelie.]
(NOTE: B, this tube troubled C and I; we could not determine whether we could open this tube in safe enough conditions, as it seemed to be sealed with arcane wards we could not break without risk. C believed that opening the tube without disabling the wards would destroy the document it contains. Thus, I am sending it to you as we found it. The transcription the label bears contains the only part of the document we could read without unsealing the tube. —E.)
Respondent Laerryn Coramar-Seelie shall be the sole owner of the Marital Residence. It is agreed that Petitioner Loquatius Seelie has vacated the Marital Residence or shall vacate the Marital Residence. It is further agreed that Respondent shall assume sole ownership of the Marital Residence, and Petitioner will transfer and release any right, title, claim or interest he/she may have in or to such—
[Cat. # 9_40: Handwritten note stored in a magical pneumatic tube, found unsealed. Domunas (pre-Calamity). Pneumatic tube: Glass, iron, bronze, 4 inches high x 1 inch in diameter. Note: Enchanted color-changing ink on parchment, 3.5 inches long x 6 inches wide. Attributed to Loquatius Seelie.]
Laerryn,
Thank you for our dinner today. I enjoyed it so much. Been a while since I had a few hours with you uninterrupted. A lovely way to cap off a marriage, I thought. Forgive me if I didn’t say so earlier. I found myself at a loss for words—it’s not like me, I know.
I don’t think I mentioned it, but you were so beautiful. The most beautiful woman in the world. You always are. You always will be.
Take care.
L.S.
[Cat. # 1_41: Handwritten letter and kite stored in a basket imbued with magical properties. Domunas (pre-Calamity). Letter: Indigo ink on parchment, 7.5 inches long x 4 inches wide. Basket: Woven grass, 9 inches high x 6 inches in diameter. Kite: Silk and bamboo, 5 inches long, 4 inches wide. Attributed to Lirra, last name unknown.]
Laerryn!
We’re so looking forward to seeing you again. And meeting that handsome new husband of yours, of course. (Not that new, I know, but every Replenishment feels like a new year. You know how it is when Avalir docks—Cathmoíra celebrates.) He better be as handsome as he looks in the morning broadcasts.
Sending you some of those little honey cakes that you adore so much, and all our love in between. You better not be working too hard! Give your Quay some attention every once in a while!
Hugs,
Lirra
Beauregard,
Re: the mention of Avalir docking, as well as the kite and basket with their traces of magic—they seem to hint that Avalir must have once been a city in the sky long ago, as Aeor once was. A thoroughly exciting prospect. I will tell you more about this in a separate letter.
One last note from me before you proceed: as you can see, the above letter written by Lirra to Laerryn is the only one in this collection that she kept that was not from Loquatius. It is the source of Caleb’s and my confusion. The letters and mementos have made it clear that Laerryn and Loquatius were happily married, until they were not. Why, then, this excitement to meet her “handsome new husband”?
Caleb was of the opinion that Lirra’s letter should be at the beginning of this collection. I disagree. If they were indeed wedding felicitations, why then keep only this one? Clearly, Lirra was a relative of Laerryn’s, perhaps a sister or cousin with whom she had been close, or at the very least, a good friend. There are mentions of other friends or family here and there throughout Loquatius’ letters—the mentions of Evandrin, Patia, Zerxus, Nydas, and Cerrit in particular indicate that they may have been notably involved in Loquatius and Laerryn’s marriage—but none of their correspondence is present here at all. Strange, no? It almost makes me think that Laerryn put Lirra’s letter in the box by mistake. Perhaps she was in a hurry to prepare for the Replenishment, which seemed to be a particularly significant event during their time, and placed the letter in the incorrect box without knowing. (Baseless conjecture on my part, of course.)
It is difficult to tell for sure, as the box’s contents were all perfectly preserved through arcane means, but judging from the crispness of the paper’s folds and how little it has been handled, it seems as though Lirra’s letter is the most recent of all.
The rest of our confusion stems from the next document. It was wedged against one side of the box, nowhere near as carefully stored as the rest of the contents. The document in question was unsigned, unfinished, and written in an unknown, barely decipherable hand. Out of context, it makes little sense sense. I can only surmise that it might be Laerryn’s own draft of a letter left unsent, though there is no way of confirming that; nor is there any way of knowing at what point in time she wrote it, if indeed she is the author.
This unfinished draft, coupled with Lirra’s letter, makes me more inclined to think that Laerryn and Loquatius reunited in the end, though we are left guessing as to the hows and whys.
Caleb thought I was being a hopeless romantic. On that point, perhaps he was not entirely wrong. I respect his opinions. However, I think that in this case, I am entirely right.
E.
[Cat. # _42: Handwritten letter. Domunas (pre-Calamity). Black arcane ink on high-quality paper, 8.5 inches long x 5 inches wide. Provenance unknown.]
Love
My darling
Beloved
I liked the suit you were wearing in your broadcast this morning. It’s new, isn’t it? I would know. I’ve seen all your broadcasts. I’ve never missed a single one Gold really suits you. You make me think of the sun on a day without weather.
Don’t you wonder what it might have been like if you could just be you, and I could just be me, and we didn’t have to carry the weight of an entire city on our shoulders? What if we could just go away somewhere it could just be you and me? I wonder what that might be like. If we’d be happier
Both science and magic point to the possibility of parallel universes existing in other dimensions (this is a gross oversimplification that hurts me so much, but I’ll let it go). Do you think there’s a version of us somewhere that settled down and had a family or something? Had a little cottage where we couldn’t eat without bumping each other’s elbows instead of a sprawling mansion with dusty rooms and silent hallways?
The thing is, I don’t know if either of us would really want that either. Who would you and I be, if we weren’t the people we are now? I don’t know what’s worse: thinking that we could have happened differently, or that there was just no other way we could have gone but this.
I’m trying to apologize here
I thought if I wrote you a letter then maybe I would finally make sense to you. But words never come as easily to me as they do to you. It’s beyond frustrating trying to reach you, do you know that? Why is it so hard for you to understand? How long has it been since you stopped trying?
Fuck.
I have zero impulse control. You know this about me. But I’ve never doubted my judgment. I still think you were one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
It shouldn’t be so hard to make you see that I still love you
I don’t know why I can’t seem to love you the way you need to be loved
When did you stop wanting to try? I keep going over your letters trying to find
What could I have done differently? You know me just as well as I know you. You knew from the very beginning that this is what I would be like. My work has always been my life, the same way it is for you. You knew that. So why are you punishing me for it now? What changed in the years since we got married to make you stop loving me? Because it sure as hell wasn’t me.
I still can’t believe it. How could you do that to us
Has it really been that long since we got married?
Whatever it is, I can fix it. You threw a wrench into our marriage, but when I pry it back out, everything will go back to the way it was and this will be nothing but a bad dream. We’ll go back to having dinner at Patia’s when Nydas is in town. Lounging at home in our nightshirts on Da’leysen mornings. Poking fun at other people’s outfits at parties. We’ll be happy again. You’ll see.
Don’t you dare give up on us. I’m trying, even if you don’t think I am. All you have to remember is that I love you. I love you. Am I saying something you can understand yet? I love you. I love you on the days you rearrange my notes into something that resembles tidiness to you, but makes absolutely no sense to me. I love you on the nights you insist that I sleep instead of trancing just so that you can wake up next to me. I love you when you’re dressed to the nines for the Beverage Ball wearing the very best of all your faces, and also when you’re wearing your oldest, rattiest gray pajamas and the black veins are visible beneath your skin. I love you more than I could ever explain. I would love you even if you killed the gods. I would love you through an apocalypse and back.
I love you. Nothing else matters.