Dear Linden... (continued)

The next evening, Nita finished her long soak in the tub and got into her favorite nightgown – the one Babcia made for her just a few years before she passed. Seeing the still unfinished letter on her desk, she decided to sit down and continue writing.
 
“I’ve almost finished making the preparations for the trip, Linden."
 
"I have been feeling like leaving the Meadows was abandoning the duty we’d sworn to continue - how can we say we are furthering the appreciation of nature if we aren’t here to teach it? – but I have made arrangements that will enable that to continue in our absence. No small part of that is that the Meadows is unexpectedly full of people again, and I can’t wait for you to meet them. Almost all are walking the Path themselves, or are starting upon it."
 
"Scarlet is the newest arrival; she is a delightful squirrel kin who I’m looking forward to knowing better. Erasmus also joined us recently; he was in service to a noble family who seriously undervalued his talents. I have promised to teach and provide for Josiah, a boy recently from the warrens who was rescued on a freezing night by a dear friend. He shows great promise and greater heart. There is also a warforged here who is newly rescued from being used as a weapon and has not yet chosen a name. An artificer friend is working on new arms so they will have the ability to make the fine movements needed to do some of the things they wish. So far, they have shown interest in the growing things of the world, and in cooking."
 
"And there is also Muse."
 
"Muse is also a warforged, and was employed as a gardener by a noble family. They served the family for years, and they found the Path all on their own. Muse would call it “hearing the song”, which fits Muse very well. I’ll let Muse tell you their full story when they can tell you in person, but… It is because Muse is here that I know that the Meadows will continue to serve its purpose while we are away. Muse is a devoted follower of Fodla, and is also teaching Josaiah, as well as many of our other friends, about nature. More importantly, Muse is the rodzeństwo serca – the heartsibling - we never knew we had."
 
"I feared to leave without providing for the Meadows and those who are living here in case we are away for some time, but those arrangements are now made. The snows are almost over, and I have only one more thing to do before I leave."
 
"I’m coming to find you".
 
~ Nita