Letter to Mom and Dad

Dear mom and dad,
 
Sorry for not writing sooner, but with everything that happened I just couldn't bring myself to bring it to paper up to now.
 
Gideon has passed away. The news surely reached you by now, and I can imagine like Liliana and myself, there are no words that can describe this loss. A knight passed at our house on the 20th of Lug to tell us the news:
 
How he fought the Black Knight and how the nemeses curse grabbed him in the end. We were told he was convinced the curse would not harm him.
 
Gideon was strong, stronger than anyone I met, when he wielded a blade I could only stare in awe at his skill. In chivalry and kindness, he is someone to aspire to. That's to say, in my mind he was invincible, so the idea of him falling at the curse was as absurd to me as it seemed to be to him. I'd like to think he had a plan, but somewhere I wonder if the recklessness that Lil and I are often accused of also extends to him, like some additional family curse, and it took its toll. However, it could also be called selflessness, so maybe it's truly a blessing.
 
He did leave us a few things: his fullplate armor and his shield. The shield was specifically for me. Liliana declined the fullplate, some of that trademark Liliana selflessness coming through but I also suspect she lacks the strength to properly wear it. I think Gideon wished for us to keep these but I can arrange for the armor to be sent to you if you want it to honor his memory. Not the shield though, I will keep that, even if it will take until I'm a knight before I can use it.
 
As for Liliana, two days ago we made the trip to the gate near Keralon, where she could start her service, which should have started yesterday. Maybe this would be a good time to mention that on the road to Keralon we met Liliana's new master, Vivienne, though owner might be a better term, seeing as how Vivienne treats her. Like someone meeting their new dog.
 
Honestly, you should feel lucky Liliana wants to do this. It's that selfless, reckless spirit of hers I bet, and that spirit I will miss. Where others and I see an injustice done on her, she happily marches towards it all the same. As you know, people would call it brainwashing but I know my sister well enough to know she understands what she's getting into. And even if I don't want her to do it and think it's a bad idea, it's still up to me to support her, even if the thought of stopping her crossed my mind.
 
So you should call yourself lucky with a daughter like her. Because what if she didn't want to go? I wonder what you would have done then? It's something I can't stop to think about now, seeing as how my position in the family... changed.
 
Anyhow, maybe it's best if I update you on our stay in Keralon:
 
We arrived on the 15th of Lug, sadly our family house has been given to a more... persistent family who thought the nice views from the mansion were better spent on them. Think they were called the Tarrins? But we still have a house, it's in the North of the Northwall district. To be fair after weeks on the road I'm happy to call it home. And Liliana, our friends and I had the chance to decorate it.
 
As you can guess, most of our friends are staying over, though don't worry: their 'influence' as mom called it will be shortlived, as Gael has already left with a patrol into Lorewood. He is trying to find Robert Talespinner, mom might remember the bard that was with our caravan, he got lost in the forest during a fight with Dianios and no one found him since. And hopefully Onvyr, our caravan leader, can be de-petrified as well. Quite a lot happened on the road over when you read it like this, but I think that story should be for happier times.
 
Ileas went with him, as news reached us about the Satyr revolts dying down and his family wishes for him to return. So I guess congratulations, I assume dad was involved in dealing with this self styled baron and the satyr clans. And I hope to learn more about it. It is a shame Ileas had to leave as soon as he got here, but I hope to see him again. And this time as equals, as he won't be working for us anymore. I hope you got to see him on his way back since I assume he passed by Hillfield.
 
I also suspect the others will quickly find their own lodgings. As everyone wants to start their lives in Kerlon.
 
And despite everything that happened, I am looking forward to start my life here. The city is full of marvel and I hope you can come visit at some point, after we've all had some time to process. Especially since there are many stories to tell and many things to talk about that ink on paper won't do justice.
 
Say hi to all the people at our home. Especially old Desiderius, and give him my apologies about that whole affair with the broken door. And I hope you didn't fire that poor guard that was enchanted by Luke, he really did everything he could and I take the blame for that.
 
Stay strong,
Alistan