Laitae Lafreth's letters to Evermeet

[Deathgrowl]

// Written in Elvish

Dear Mother and Father

As I said in the note to you when I left, Kethruil offered to take me to the Sword Coast with him, so that I might seek entrance to study at Candlekeep. I apologize for not telling you in person, but I feared you would be angry again, and I could not bear that.

I have, in fact, been accepted as an Acolyte at Candlekeep, which means I have to do various tasks, like tending to the animals and doing laundry. But soon I will be able to take a lore test, and if I pass, I will be promoted to Seeker and gain access to the Library and the lore within. I am so excited!

I also helped defend five priests of the Seldarine as they cleansed the elven village Doron Amar not very far from Candlekeep, using my arcane training. It is a beautiful place, and makes me miss Leuthilspar.

I realize you are probably very angry with me, and I understand if you don't want to hear from me again. I just decided to send you a letter and tell you how I was doing and that I love you deeply. I hope that one day you will understand that this is my dream and be proud of me.

Your loving daughter
Laitae

[Deathgrowl]

// Written in Draconic

Dear Master Thro'Katharian

It's been some ten-days since I left Evermeet, and I thought I'd write to you and say how I've fared so far, and thank you for the books you gave me for the trip.

Shortly after I parted from Kethruil outside of Baldur's gate, I set south for Candlekeep. Outside of the Friendly Arm inn, an old Bhaal temple taken over by a gnome called Bentley Mirrorshade and turned into an inn, I met several people. Most of which gave me warm welcomes. I asked if anyone knew how to get access to study within Candlekeep, and they kindly directed me to an old human man called Wendel. Perhaps you've heard of him? He acts as Guide for the Avowed at Candlekeep now.

I spoke with him, and he asked me some questions about why I wanted to study there, who I worshiped, and such. Then I got accepted as an Acolyte! I am so excited! I mostly do laundry for the other avowed now, along with helping out with tending to the animals and other tasks, but I'll soon be able to take a lore test. If I pass that test, I will be promoted to Seeker and gain access to the library. Thank you for teaching me patience, Master.

And thank you for giving me books to read while I wait to get access to the library. It is good to have something to fill the days with when I am not doing my chores. But I have also had the opportunity to aid the elven village of Doron Amar, just east of Candlekeep, in cleansing the forest surrounding it from undead corruption. We even faced a few dracoliches. It was rather terrifying, but we prevailed.

I have gained many new friends since I came here. My closest friend, Louise, is a priestess of Ilmater and we spend much time together talking about all sorts of things. I have recently started teaching her elven. Can you believe that? I never thought I would be able to teach anyone anything.

Something that distresses me, even more so than it did home on Evermeet, is the amount of prejudice I see. I have gained a gray orc friend, who is an arcane student like me. He is so kind and completely void of the rage and savagery that they claim orcs have.

I have also become friends with a drow that wanders around the wilds here, trying not to be noticed by those who hold prejudices against his race. He's a follower of Eilistraee, tutor! It is so exciting! He told me much of his past, and considering he's over four centuries old, I suspect there is much he has yet to tell me.

Tell Kethruil I miss him and that I am doing well if you should see him before I do.

Mystra smile upon you, Tutor.
Laitae Lafreth

[Deathgrowl]

// Written in Draconic

Glad to hear from you, little one. I am sorry it took me so long to reply to you, but I have been to Waterdeep and Skullport. The Eilistraeen there asked for my help with some magical item they had come across. I am currently in the process of studying it, and I can tell you it is quite fascinating. You would be all excited and I bet you would even put down those books for once!

Interesting choice to turn the old temple into an inn. A good one, but rather interesting nonetheless. I remember they had a lot of problems with that place.

Cannot say I have heard of Guide Wendel. Has he recently become Guide? Anyhow, it is good that you have been accepted. I never doubted you would make it. You must inform me on how your examination goes, but do not rush it. Remember to keep your patience. You are an elf, after all, and have many centuries still, even though you are not a Baelnorn as I.

I send a few more books with this letter. I expect you to be all out of things to read now, not having access to the Library yet. I picked up these when I was at the Promenade under Waterdeep. They might enlighten you some more on Eilistraeen dogma and history, as I know you are most interested in that.

It is not surprising to me that you should find prejudice outside of Evermeet. They do after all live with all sorts of evil around them. It is curious how they do not see that there are evil elves and humans too, as there are kind drow and orcs. It is most wise of your friend to keep hidden for now. Perhaps the books I send you might be of aid to make him acceptable among the people in the region? I am also certain there might be some within Candlekeep that hold similar views. Do be cautious though, my dear. I trust your judgement, as I usually do, but I would be dismayed if you should fall into grave danger after my advice to go to the Coast. I would never forgive myself is I let you be hurt by my encouragement. Keep your Ilmateri friend close.

I spoke to Kethruil just after reading your letter via my magics. He is staying in Silverymoon for a while, but he was happy to hear you had been accepted as an Acolyte. I would expect a letter from him shortly, if not even a visit!

(I won't bother you with the Seldarine, as I know how you feel about them)
Your proud tutor
Thro'Katharian

[Deathgrowl]

// A letter written in Draconic appears in Laitae's backpack with Thro'Katharian's hand writing

Laitae.

I have not received an answer form you yet, but I will be visiting the Promenade again with the item I have been studying for them, at the end of this ten-day, and thought perhaps you wanted to join me. We would be staying for a couple of days. I can meet you outside of Candlekeep and teleport us there. I would also be very happy to see you again and to talk to you about how your studies are faring.

Cast a sending to me with your answer.
Master Thro'Katharian