Letter in a Bottle: a Tribute to Wynlynn

13^th of Sehanine

Dearest Wynlynn,

I don’t know when you will read this letter, but I’ve used druidcraft to enchant the bottle holding it. As I’ve drawn strength from the rivers of Arklan when far from the ocean, so may this sparkling stream carry my thoughts and affection to you in good time. You shall recognize this emerald bottle, the color of your eyes, by the blue-green glow it emits when you (and only you) look upon it.  

We have begun traveling north in search of a mystical book that may hold the key to restoring Travis. While this journey is sure to be as perilous as our earlier adventures, I’m really glad for this opportunity to repair some of the damage for which we’re partly responsible. After all, Travis would not have suffered his untimely end had it not been for our party’s foolhardy wager in the Arena. Moreover, having a concrete goal to focus on at this point helps me to avoid dwelling on our recent losses: first, Agenar, then Travis—and now you.

Wyn, with your sharp, sensitive mind—as keen as any of your arrows—you probably don’t need this letter to know that I miss you very much. I am so sorry I wasn’t able to offer you more in the way of friendship and comfort while you were with us. I don’t pretend to understand fully why you had to leave so suddenly but our last conversation gave me some sense of your reasons for staying with the party as long as you did. Whatever happened in your past—whatever you felt you needed to atone for—as long as I’ve known you, your motives have been selfless and inspiring. How glad I am that you opened up to me in recent months—how proud and honored to call you my friend! If I am saddened by your absence, I take comfort in the certainty that your heroic heart will surely be a blessing to other friends in their time of need.

Your courage and composure throughout our adventures will not soon be forgotten: how often has your eagle eye and superb marksmanship thinned the ranks of our foes and turned the tide of battle in our favor! Whether we were fighting mummies or marsh bandits, orcs or ankhegs, you were a real asset to the party. As a novice combatant myself, I always admired your deadly efficiency—and perhaps even more so your mental discipline. I do not think I ever saw you flustered or nervous during one of our encounters.

Except perhaps one: the time when it seemed as if the succubus we encountered in the dwarven tunnels had vanished with Val. Only then did your cool demeanor break down, but even in your impassioned state your aim was true and your resolve as firm as ever. Indeed, far from revealing emotional weakness, your passionate bravery on that day made a deep impression on me. It helped me realize the true nature of my feelings for Caedmon and more importantly, convinced me of the importance of making these feelings known to him in spite of innumerable doubts.  

Indeed, my dear friend, it was moving to see that—even in your haste to slip stealthily away— your farewell note mentions how much Caedmon means to me. I want you to know that, in part because of you, I conquered my fears and spoke boldly to Caedmon about my feelings. He, too, shared the secrets of his heart with me, and neither of us was sorry that we had done so. Though he and I must follow separate paths for now, you will be happy to know that the love we bear each other burns bright, strengthened by the increased sense of honesty in our relationship. 

Likewise, the flame of our friendship shall not be extinguished though our paths diverge. No, I shall remember you fondly and look forward to the time when we will see each other again. Until then, I send you the blessings of a tranquil ocean, the gentlest, most refreshing rain, and the sweetest of spring waters. May your travels be smooth and your path as sure as the flight of one of your arrows. May you find the peace of mind—and, yes, happiness—that you so richly deserve.

Lastly (for now), don’t think that your bravery lives on only in my memory and those of our companions. Of course, Pantaghion, Tilia, Travis (when he recovers), Agenar (wherever he may be), Val, and I will never forget you, but Caedmon will ensure that your heroism will be widely remembered in the Glade and beyond. On the immortal wings of song, the tale of the silver-haired ranger with a heart as true as her aim shall make its way into the timeless stories that delight both young and old.

Good-bye for now, my friend! Till we meet again, I remain

Affectionately yours,

Teal