Letters Between Amarys and Moon

I hope this letter finds you well. My sources tell me you are digging around in Dal Evar; searching for the fabled city of Mourn's Shadow, as ever. It is so adorable the way you run headlong after things, like a cat bounding after a ball of yarn. It warms my heart to think of you digging away over there, utterly headstrong in your desire to find Mourn's Shadow all by yourself.

I find myself rather less alone, regretfully, here at the dig site in the Verden Wastes. We have uncovered several major ruins already, and are hoping they will provide some knowledge. Given its proximity to your homeland, and our inability to enter that same country, I have been following the ancient writings of the scholar Kalos. I know you must fear for my safety, but do not fret. Mother and father have even commissioned a company of mercenaries to guard us!

I do so ever hope that you find something of worth in Dal Evar. My family's agents have regretfully already investigated the city and as much of the depths as they could, but take heart! Perhaps a single, rather less well funded tabaxi will find something my dozens of professionals did not.

I took it upon myself to enclose some gold, in case you find yourself on difficult times, as you often were during our days at the university. Use it wisely!

Looking forward to seeing you again. From your dear, much admired friend,

Amarys Laux-Antille.

### Letter 2: Moon to Amarys

To Amarys Laux-Antille,

I am quite well. It is unfortunate to hear that once again mummy and daddy have provided sufficient resources for you. I had hoped that given the danger of your present location your normal attitude would have rendered you unable to continue your own search. I only hope that your hired help has become sufficiently sick of your mouth before this letter reaches you.

As I remember discussing with you during our classes all proper research is best conducted and verified by oneself personally. Relying solely on secondary source accounts may find you missing crucial information. I have been fortunate enough to make some friends prior to my arrival in Dal Evar, friends are people you enjoy the company of and spend time with without paying them money, while not trained they have already shown great promise in exploring historical locations.

Despite being in the city for two days I have already been able to uncover something of immense value. A first edition copy of *Mourn’s Shadow*, even more complete than the version kept by the university! I am well aware of the controversy surrounding the book, but I believe there is much to be uncovered even from fiction. Do not fear, knowing your opinions on the matter already I will not bother you with any revelations I may garner from it.

May your pockets remain deep and boundless.

Moon-in-the-Night-Sky

### Letter 3: Amarys to Moon

My dearest companion Moon,

We are moving further north as we uncover more and more ruins, into the southern plains of Khannaea. So few people in these lands! We have only been bothered by a handful of Imperial patrols so far, but the mention of my name has usually sufficed for them to escort us onward. I am ever fortunate for my family's good standing across Andura.

We have unearthed artefacts in their dozens to send back to the university (putting aside a few choice items for my family's private collection of course), and find more with every ruin we uncover. It takes a few short weeks for the hirelings to excavate each one, of course, but one must make some sacrifices in the pursuit of knowledge. Rest assured, I have spent each wait reading novels within the luxurious confines of my pavilion. I know you often worry for my comfort, but father and mother have more than provided for me in these difficult times.

I am so eager to hear more of your travels! This shadow city must be a fascinating diversion from your studies, but I am certain you will find something of use within the pages of Mourn's Shadow, even if you have to spend years leafing through its pages! I have oft admired your persistence, my truest and most noble of friends.

Ever yours, Amarys Laux-Antille

### Letter 4: Moon to Amarys

To Amarys Laux-Antille,

In the past few days I have been busy dealing with an invasion from another country; my death; the death of my beloved sibling; and now the responsibility of getting a country of the most blockheaded and stubborn people I have met (second only to you) out of said country before they're all killed.

Due to this situation my search for Mourn's Shadow has unfortunately been placed in a secondary priority. Unless you have managed to read any useful information on the history of Ultain in your books as you lounge in your wonderful no doubt silken tent while being pampered on your families money I kindly ask you to fuck right off I don't have time to deal with your bullshit.

Moon.