Letter to Melrom

Mel,
 
The Emerald Bog is such a cool city. They have things called dinosaurs here. They’re big lizards and there are so many different kinds! Herbivores, carnivores, small, big, and ones you can ride around town like horses. Apparently there are more in the wild here and they are quite dangerous. The ones here kept in pens don’t seem to be fully grown either, but they are already impressive beasts. I wonder if I could shapeshift into one? I’ve not really been stunned by animals in the wild here, but these elicited the same response of “what are those” as Tahlrem and Kyrie with centaurs.
 
We have been staying at a tavern/inn ran by a goblin man named Gob. He’s an interesting fellow, and can tend to ramble about things and go so far into his accent that only Kyrie can understand him. He’s got a good heart, though. And a mean hop and a skip. I do question his cooking ability. I’ve avoided the goop he serves as food here.
 
Gob pointed us in the direction of an abandoned house on the edge of town after he gathered we are “into that spooky stuff” that ended up being what we came here for. It was a workshop for a new kind of automaton. One that looks human on the outside, but is wires and metal internally. Their creator, “Father” told us that he had one success but had to destroy it as it was too willful. Which was horrifying.
Their creator was also Auto’s creator. His human head had been placed onto a huge metal body with spider legs and repeating crossbow shoulder attachments that hurt like hell. Auto learned about his creation from the dying man once the automaton part of him had been decommissioned. He was made to be like the man’s late son, but became his own person. Auto decided he’d like to be called Austin from here on out, in honor of his creator.
I’m not sure if Austin has realized it, but I thought I overheard his creator say something about love, and he responded in kind. Does he understand love now? Does he even realize he does? There was a lot that happened. I don’t feel as if it’s my place to ask him about it since it’s his own emotions.
 
We spent the next few days around town taking a much needed break. When we arrived we heard about a festival for a goddess called Kala who they said was their goddess of winter. Never heard of her. Have you?
While we waited for the festival, Austin set up a repair shop and Tahlrem helped him out. Kyrie, Kaelee, Payne, and I trained with weapons on the edge of town. I made water targets for those who use weapons.
The festival was wonderful. Lots of foods and drinks to sample. Once it was dark a streak across the sky brought heaps of snow. We took inspiration from the children and had a very intense snowball fight. Ultimately, Tahlrem was the winner. I helped build fortification walls for the children to hide behind when they continued after us.
 
Has it snowed in Sandy Creek? I will admit, seasons are something to get used to. The courts don’t really experience them in the same way that the material plane does. It was early in the year and still winter when I left the Feywild originally. It was cold. And by the time we returned to the rift it was practically summer and considerably warmer. When we stepped back through it was fall, which I think is my favorite. All the colors the trees turn are beautiful.
 
It’s nearly been a whole year on the material plane since I met everyone. I’m so glad I have.
Tahlrem might be young, but is wise beyond his years. I value his input and trust his advice on every situation.
Calder is pretty secretive, and has alluded to doing things he’s not proud of, but he’s got a good heart. Weirdly, he makes me think of Sebastian. They both like stealing things, but they’re not malicious about it. It’s almost instinctual.
Austin has grown so much as an individual in the time I’ve known him. He went from not understanding how a chair worked to running his own successful shop in Zreystead.
Kaelee has shown her softer side in the form of a babysitter for Kyrie’s niece. But she’s also been very protective of us as a party. She’s offered to be a shield for me, basically, so many times. I’m so thankful and grateful to have a friend who is willing to take a hit for me.
Payne delights in some light chaos. He makes me think of my father in that aspect. I hope things work out for him and a certain someone.
Kyrie has been a good friend. I enjoy the antics we get up to. I hope she is letting herself feel again. I think she has been, but I can tell she’s so afraid to. Clyde better not do anything stupid. I worry what will happen if something happens to him and Kyrie is unable to help.
 
Just a heads up, Midnight will likely have to come stay with you soon. She’s almost too big to share the backpack with Sebastian.
We are planning on going to Tahlrem’s home next, and then back to the swamp. I know we have a lot to do, but I hope we get to come back soon.
 
I hope everything is going well in Sandy Creek. Let me know when you get the letter. I’m going to wax seal it and tie it up in vines and then seal it again. I’m hoping it’s not tampered with when you get it.
 
Willow