[A letter for Acolyte Amelie]

[cmenden]

Dear Amelie,

I know it's been some time since we discussed the matter, but I have taken a break from my frustrating calculations to clear my mind and ended up writing a poem.

I send this to you, as a mutual appreciator of such things, and hope that you find it interesting despite it being a frivolous piece compared to your own work.

Regards,
Estellise

In the chaos of life, I seek to see
A path ahead, a future bright and clear
But Gellema, the spoke of entropy
Mocks my efforts, and fills my heart with fear

The Stele of Law, a barrier of might
With symbols etched by ancient hands divine
But even they could not resist the blight
Of Gellema's power, so dark and malign

I pour over the text, seeking some sign
A way to pierce the veil and see beyond
But Gellema's laughter, so cold and unkind
Echoes in my ears, my efforts all for naught

Yet still I strive, against the tide of fate
To find a way, to break through the chaos gate.

[Fortuna Imperatrix Mundi]

Estellise,

I am glad to have received your letter and the enclosed poem.  It seems we have indeed burst through Chaos' Gate, or lowered the walls, or reduced the ramparts, or have otherwise made it easier to pass. Unto clearer roads and threads of fate.

I hope you do not mind that I waited in reply until I had something to offer in return. Enclosed are the first few verses of "The Fate of the Garden." The next verse will be Kula and Warad spinning a duet, thereafter the ruin of the Garden by Pra'raj and the Wyrm, and thereafter the revenge of the Wyld upon them both. Between each of the longer verses, the spokes of the Wheel shall speak or be described, as you see here.

Finally, I was also challenged to rhyme by Lynneth (though I do not know if she realizes she issued this challenge). The scheme will get more complex in future verses (as the world it describes gets more complex with spreading Life). I could muse about structure more but we can speak on that in person.

Yours,

Amelie

In ancient days, of distant lore;
No verdant green was seen before;
B'aara the Mother, sought without;
And wept Her tears to Life devout;
In barren lands, these waters flowed;
Edutu marked its canyon road;
From sorrow, holy, light of Life;
Though balanced on the edge of knife;
For angry Demon cast His gaze;
To burn away the seed in strife;
The Wheel to meet His evil blaze.

With body wracked by bitter pains;
B'aara kept safe the growing strains;
And Life in all its myriad forms;
She gave anon to meet the storms.

For Kula, Wyld, did relieve;
The Mother from her music's breve;
With guiding hand and bidden thanks;
She lead them from Edutu's banks.

But recognizing newfound fate;
The Martyrs stood, repose ornate;
Commanding cycle then to be;
From Life, to Death, in grave degree.

[Fortuna Imperatrix Mundi]

[Appended is the first edition of "Of Errantry Upon the Sands".]


Estellise,

Please find attached a recent work. You shall recall the subject matter--I wrote much of it while I was still afield and commended it in bits and pieces to the Balladeers. Were I to die, a fitting epitaph, yes? But much of it is new. Composed in the last few tendays as I have sought an answer amid divination to all that happened.

I do not forget the horrors that were visited upon us. Nor the relief I felt at seeing that you sought me in that hellscape.

Yours,

Amelie

[cmenden]

Dear Amelie,

Seeing that you have returned safely to the Well from your travels did much to improve my day. I have not been able to be as reciprocal in writing poetry as I would wish, owing to the whims of creativity, and perhaps to a lesser degree that some of my works are extremely personal, but I would still like to share my next work with you whenever I complete it.

I'm uncertain how aware you are of the goings on of your sisters during your absence afield, admittedly. However, if Hypatia or Ianthe say anything strange regarding me, I would implore you to consider our lengthy affiliation and my willingness to risk as much as I did to see your safe return. Such would be worth a conversation before the presumption of guilt, in any case.

Thank you, as always, for sharing your works with me.

Regards,
Estellise