When they get back to their room that night, Heppa takes out her ink, stylus, and new magnifying glass and settles down to write a tiny message to Alric on the strip of paper Kilkk will carry back. It is not much space, certainly not enough for all the things she has been writing down on a larger sheet to tell him. Of course she will have to mention that she and Tric went to Dune School, though she will save the details for later. And she can use her green and red inks to demonstrate the hues her hair and skin have taken on recently.
It seems to Heppa that meeting Alric’s parents is a big deal, one she should not keep concealed from him, but she cannot figure out how to tell him this in a tiny letter that cannot hold all the context and other details. Additionally, if some scribe reads the letter to him—possibly Damal—she will not be on hand for whatever emotional support Alric needs following the news that his parents love him, have been trying to reach him for years, and want to hear back from him. Heppa saw Tric’s response to this news, and it surprised her with its intensity; she is not sure what Alric might do, and she wants to be there for him.
Lonfar seemed to think it was important that Heppa deliver the message in person, and ultimately, she decides to honor that request. She will simply tell Alric that she has a message to relay when she next sees him. Heppa uses all of her space, and any part not occupied by words has a little doodle of something interesting she saw along the way. The magnifying glass helps a lot, and Heppa has fun trying out her new purchase, even combining it with a Falcon Sight casting upon herself.
In the morning, she and Tric pay Rhodri a visit. Heppa lets them know the rumors that she heard about the threat on the road ahead. “We decided we’re heading our own way, but we thought you should know,” Tric adds.
“Bandits with magical abilities? So the road is dangerous but you’re not coming along?” Rhodri sighs. “Well, I appreciate that you took the time to let me know. Suppose I’ll have to go find even more guards to hire…”
While they are there, Tric seeks out Sir Sior and gives him the gift that he picked up for Lord Uchal. “This is an incense stick for your lord to smooth over any misunderstandings we may have had,” he says with a suppressed smirk. “You did mention clove was a favorite scent of his. I hope he finds this to his liking.” Sir Sior accepts the package at face value.
On their way out of the warehouse area, Tric and Heppa run into Knots and the Beard, who are coming in to renew their contract. The Beard gives the elves a ribbing for not signing back up themselves.
“Nope! I’ve decided I’m retiring,” Tric jokes.
“We can’t afford any more wagon wheels,” Heppa adds with a laugh.
“Did you lose money on the last leg?” Knots asks in jest.
“Yes,” Tric agrees. “It’s cheaper for us to travel alone, I think.”
The two pairs wish each other well, and the elves head off to complete their last few errands before meeting up with Ulf.
While Heppa posts her letter, Tric makes a few purchases of generic supplies that he hopes the Society of Shadow will be interested in, like flour and sugar. He figures that if they are living off in the wilderness somewhere, they do not have regular access to fare like spices, fresh bread, and fine cheeses. And because he is intending to make a deal, he also gets a hock of ham. Such has always served him well in the past. He is confident Butterbell will be able to carry the fifty coins’ worth of luxury foods without any trouble.
Heppa – Things are good here in South Tower. I have some new things from Serces that I can show you next time you come. I have a new server too to help out. Kilkk does not like the pack, so you need to visit Zhafa before you leave town. I have been rationing the Fresh Air. I’m going to sign this myself. Hope you can read it!
ALRIC
Alric – I am so glad to have your letter. Your penmanship is beautiful! And thank you for the gifts! Kilkk is looking well, and I miss you very much. I have so many things to share with you, to show you and to tell you. My skin got so burned, it was bright red. And we fought nagas! And some of my hair turned green. Oh, and Tric and I went to Dune School! I have an important message for you that I will tell you when I see you. We’re continuing on to Carcyn next. I miss you!
Heppa
Fin