Letters from a Shallamese Orphan
By: Mardosi Posted on: September 30, 2009
The following letters were written by a Shallamese orphan who was rescued from Tasur'ke, and sent to Shallam to live in the orphanage. The letters mention not the name of the addressee, though it is know that is implied that he was constantly traveling.
6 Ero, 370 AF
Hi! Remember me? I can read and write now. They taught me at the orphanage, and
the Matrons gave me a stationary kit for my birthday. I'm going to write all of
my other friends that you helped. I can't way to see what they write back.
Handel let's me sing in the choir with the other orphans. They are nice. Handel
says I can be a really good bard one day, if I practice more. Maybe you can come
hear me sing.
Write me back!
Hal
>x<
1 Sarapin, 371 AF
Happy New Year! And thank you for the presents. Handel thanks you too. Too bad
you're not able to visit. You must be very busy. I would like to see you again
sometime. I haven't gotten letters back from the kids you took to Ashtan. The
matrons say it's because they weren't really my friends, and that I should
forget about them. I don't believe that though. Have you heard from them?
Let me know,
Hal
>x<
23 Mayan, 373 AF
The city was attacked again. Mhaldor is relentless. I don't understand why they
attack us. We're peaceful and friendly, and everyone is so nice. Handel and the
Matrons say that it's because they're evil and the sparks of light in their
hearts haven't been lit. I feel sorry for them. Thank you for the food you sent
from Cyrene. It's nice to have something that the Matron's didn't cook.
Thanks,
Hal
>x<
5 Lupar, 374 AF
Oh my goodness, they killed Handel! And they smiled about it! I saw him; the
killer came down on a beam of light, and robbed the kid who was in the library.
He must not have been paying attention, because he wasn't doing anything to
defend himself. After that, he just walked into the Choir Room and killed Handel
and the other kids! I managed to hide... somehow he didn't see me. Or maybe he
did, and decided not to kill me too. After he finished, he smiled! How can
people be so cruel? I know Handel and the others will be back, but it must have
been so painful...
I'll write you again when I'm feeling better,
Hal
>x<
13 Glacian, 376 AF
Sorry I haven't written in so long. I've been away from the choir for a while
now, and have taken up work in the city. I deliver things to the citizens who
need them, and I also help the guards with their work. They really appreciate
the help. One of them even asked if I want to join the town guard. I declined,
though. I think I'm going to travel to Thera. Someone here mentioned some sort
of trial that will help me find myself...
We'll talk once I'm back,
Hal
>x<
6 Ero, 377 AF
I've gone through the Trial of Rebirth! I feel like an entirely new person! I
only remember bits and pieces of things before the trial, but I do remember how
you saved me from my life on the streets of Tasur'ke with those other rascals.
That remained clear to me always. Thank you again for saving my life and helping
me find a good home. I've now a priest within the Empyreal Assembly, and I will
be studying the ways of the light to try and put an end to all of the evil I've
seen in the world.
With Pleasure,
Hal
>x<
Date Unknown
Oh, hell. Bloody hell. They told me what happened to the kids in Ashtan. They told me I was old enough to know the truth. You didn't know about that, did you? What they do to them? Of course you didn't, you wouldn't do that. You're a good person, a good man. This is so sad, horrid! I... I'll write you later.
Hal
>x<
Date Unknown
Now I know why you haven't been visiting. Why didn't tell me you had become an
Occultist? You weren't one when you saved me, I think. I know you're a good
person, so you should definitely believe me when I say Occultism is bad. It
works to undo all of the deeds that good people like you and I do. I strongly
urge you to reconsider your choice of class... and your choice of Home! Ashtan?
I told you what they do to the children there, right? How could you choose to
live somewhere so despicable? You're a good man, don't fall prey to the
temptation of Chaos! It's wicked! It's going to destroy all of Creation and you
with it. Please, friend. Do not continue down this path. Seek the Holy Light of
Creation.
May the Light Redeem you
Hal
>x<
10 Aeguary, 390
It's been a while since I've written you, but I wanted you to know that I saw
you today. My allies felled you and your wicked kindred before my very eyes. Do
you not tire of such? It is our goal only to show you the perils of the powers
that you wield. We do not have to be enemies. If only you would see that! You
were a good man once. You can be that man again. Join me, join my allies. Repent
your misdeeds, and cast away the abominable and destructive force that's taken
you! I only tell you this for your own good. I do not wish to see you
slaughtered by the Guardians of Light again. But I cannot protect you if you
continue to wield powers that destroy creation.
Sincerely,
Hal
>x<
15 Mayan, 423 AF
I strongly suggest you read the newly penned codex of light. Perhaps then
you'll understand your folly.
Sincerely,
Hal
Date Unknown.
Old friend, I have failed both you, and myself. I have seen many horrors in my
life, but what you have done is one of the greatest. And now, the very power you
sought to master has destroyed you. Why would you not heed my warnings? Why did
you HAVE to be so blind, so ignorant? That you, someone with so much potential
for good, have destroyed your own life to achieve some sort of 'greater
enlightenment' preached by fools who hide in shadows and prey on the weak is
foolish. This final message you left me means nothing! "You will one day
understand, even if it's in the very end."? What the hell is that supposed to
mean? I won't understand. I'll never understand this. What the hell is so great
that you'd give your life for it?
I am confused so confused...
Why?
Hal
>x<
The merchant's (who has been identified as Azel), replies are currently being
sorted and prepared for publication.