A Homecoming, Of Sorts

Father, I am sure Euphigenia has been keeping you apprised of my current travels and trials. I would not normally trouble you with such direct communication. However, I have had cause to stop at New Stone Chimney and spoke with Cousin Sephin. I had occasion to introduce him to the courageous young hero, Never, who survived the attack on Stone Chimney by the scourge who is called the Caustic Tribulation. She is the child who stood up to him as he lay waste to the town. We do not know his true draconic name, so I have taken to referring to him as such. While exploring some ruins from prior to the Cataclysm, my erstwhile companions and I happened upon the remains of his mate. We were unable to determine why the conflict occurred, but it appeared that she was killed by he. The ruins seemed to be some sort of foundry or forge where the Men of Steel we occasionally find wandering the world originate from. It is the "birthplace' of our own living automaton colleague, "Arc" originates from. He seems to believe that the mad old hermit Aeshrith may have some information in regards to it's original intent. He refers to Aeshrith as Master. It appears that the mad elf may have awakened him some 80 years ago or so. I know I have often been a disappointment and embarrassment to you, but I feel like I have truly found my calling in aiding these brave explorers expand our knowledge of the world and the events that have gone before. I have been able to be a beacon of Light against the Darkness that is in the world. I have explored a Necropolis of the Cataclysm and rescued a fairy from possession. I have aided in curing a young half elf of lycanthropy and restored a Gnomish gentleman's estate to level inhabitability. I have even faced a Night Hag, dread though she was. I have endeavored to comport myself with grace and respect. And have even attempted a level of humility by immersing myself in the culinary arts of the common folk. I hope to impress upon you the simple beauty of the use of infusions and herbalism in this most necessary patronage of arts in our next meeting as I have started to experiment with melding of two forms of gastric enjoyment by infusing libations into my dietary creations. I hope this letter finds you well in your travels, and that you are safe while out in the wilds that populate our lands. I myself have been enjoying traveling among the common folk and learning more from Never and the salt of the Engraben people on how we may best serve their interests and improve their lives.
 
Your doting son,
 
Malcolm Barnabas Winslow, Lord Stonebriar, the 33rd of his name