Chapter 1
Dearest Chicory,
Hello my dear friend, it has been a while hasn’t it?
I have to say I am a bit vexed that you have not kept in touch. I had to hear from Tilly that you decided to settle down in Sherba recently.
I must say it does suit you though, that old city. It is teeming in ancient magic and libraries a plenty. Much too stuffy and old fashioned for me really but made better with you in it I’m sure.
What will you do in the city my friend?
Will you buy a manor and play noble now?
I can’t help but laugh a little at the thought of you dressing all up. You always hated fine clothing and parties. Always had your face stuffed in a dusty tome or chin deep in a cup of coffee.
I wish I could be chin deep in some brandy, toasting your new home.
I’m writing this while camping out in the middle of the Bukatia swamps with a pretty much unknown group of adventures.
You may be asking yourself, why in the name of Sweltea is she in the swamps in the middle of summer?
Why for treasure of course!
Rumor has it that a swamp hag named Gertrude has ancient gold and gems from the long forgotten tribe of Althea. But of course that’s not what I’m after.
The Altheans were a rich kingdom yes, but they were more widely known for their arts!
They created the most intricate wood carvings, wrote the most beautiful music and most importantly built magical instruments dedicated to the Gods of the seasons!
For too long have I been drooling over that fool David’s spring harp! He only has it because his dad is a famous adventurer and slayed a red dragon for it. He is forever boasting about his mediocre skills at playing. The poor harp is constantly subjected to abuse daily! How I long to liberate it! But that would be stealing wouldn’t it?
I am hoping the rumors are true and that Gertrude holds one of the instruments I so long for.
The group I am traveling with is interesting though, we are a group of four in total with a variety of classes and races. The most interesting is our healer, she is a Frostling! She is from the far off mountains of Glaciel from the Galga tribe. Apparently they are famous for slaying an ancient ice dragon. She claims she is a little on the scrawny side for a Frostling, if she is scrawny I would hate to fight with a regular Frostling then. She is at least seven feet tall! She wears a white wolf’s head as a hat, she claims she killed it while defending an orc child. Her name is Nala Lifebringer. They do not have last names, instead they are given titles when they have earned one through deeds or a defining personality trait. She heals very well but her specialty is bringing people back from the dead and preventing people from dying. She is a rather stoic woman and rarely talks but I feel like it’s more because of the others she is.
Where to start with the others.
We have a Gnome who has been eyeing my jewelry since I joined. He always wears black and his job is to sneak up on people and stab them in the back and to pick locks. I swear he also steals small things and coinage while the others sleep. It’s a good thing I meditate instead of sleeping!
As annoying as they are, he doesn’t hold a candle to the ranger. He does nothing but flirt with every elf he encounters, including me.
It’s so frustrating, he is so not my type. Nothing but a braggart. All show with nothing to back it up. Sure he is an excellent bowman but compared to Tilly he is just a babe taking his first steps.
Well Chicory I can see the first mornings light so it is time to wake the party.
Your very best friend,
Rosella
P.S. I am including a sketch of nala I did.
