Adulmea

17th day of Equinor, 28 RE

My Dearest Friend,   I was inordinately pleased to receive your letter this Talday past, and more pleased—honored even—at the request you made of me. I find it laudable that your daughter has taken such an interest in academics, and understand too well the obstacles (not least of which being the exorbitant cost of higher learning) which stand between those of us with humbler origins, and an education such as can be had in the hallowed halls of Bellum Upon Ivory or Privette Upon Ebony. I learned much in those selfsame halls and travelled far in my Excursions, and now, in my old age, find that I am much warmed by the thought of sharing what I have learned during my younger, more active years as a member of the Excursionarium.   These days I am tied down to the land upon which I have retired, and so will not be able to visit you and tutor your daughter in person. But I would be happy to send a series of essays, lectures and anecdotes to you in written form, touching on a variety of topics. I would ask only that your daughter study them and send to me her thoughts and reactions to what she receives. At a later time, I will provide a more streamlined rubric which she can apply to her responses. For now, I am mostly interested to get a sense of the mind which I shall be molding, and to begin the process of stimulating it into motion.   I must admit that my mind is already spinning, attempting to distill all that I know of this world, and decide where best to begin. Shall I begin with the history of Adulmea—the many wars that marked the Years of Violent Chaos, or the condescension of the Etherborne deities, Tallin and Trice; they who restored peace and justice to our troubled world? Do I speak of the establishment of the Tallinarium and the Excursionarium, and the quest for knowledge and understanding which they embody and inspire? Or shall I begin with the relationship between the inhabitants of adulmea and the Highborne? And if so, which of the Highborne would be a fitting start to a group which includes such beings as the giants of Gwyr, the sea-maidens of Antelia, the vanished draconic gods of the Wydrun, and the oracular, winged Levari of Rittenmor, not to mention the dozens more that we know of?   Or perhaps it behooves me to begin closer to the ground so to speak, with us mere humans…our efforts to live a life worthy of the Favor, Boon and Blessing of the Highborne, a miraculous, divine power that has been used to shape lives, nations, destinies and even the very face of the world around us.   The decision shall be a worthy challenge, but in the end I am certain that I shall follow the stirrings of my heart, as I have always been wont to do…a tradition which has served me well even 'til now.   Ah. Leros calls me to help in the orchards. I must bid thee farewell, and may the grace of Fentemuil be upon you and yours until my next letter reaches you.   Warmest regards, Alian Shryne.