Tomb of Annihilation: 16
Dearest Skye,
It feels like a long time since we parted, each day that I navigate through this treacherous world without you feels like a century. But I hold onto our memories, your tender smile, your gentle touch, the sound of your laughter; they are my lighthouse in this stormy sea of peril. I write to you from the deck of the Brazen Pegasus, a vessel not as grand as the ones we’d dreamed of, but it sails nonetheless.
A dragon turtle made its appearance today, as majestic and fearsome as the tales foretold. A creature so grand that we were forced to throw in an ungodly amount of treasure, including our winnings from the coliseum and a few precious chwinga statues. It roared, demanding tribute, a king in its realm. And like any king, it had an insatiable appetite for gold. But once satisfied, it disappeared into the depths, leaving us in peace.
We reached our first destination and we were greeted by the natives of the land, the velociraptors. Savage and ruthless, they nearly tore our comrade Pegasus to pieces. But we stood firm, and the power of our unity held strong. You’d have been proud, my love. I know you would.
We encountered sea hags, wretched creatures disguised as harmless old women. Their hideousness, when revealed, was enough to scare even the bravest amongst us. I wish I could say that I stood tall, but their wicked magic drew me into a phantasmal trance. In it, I saw my worst fear – losing you, over and over again. I screamed your name, my heart ached as if it were real.
But it also sparked a rage in me, a fiery determination to not let our story end in vain. I channelled all my pain, all my longing, all my love for you into my fists and struck back. I made sure they’d never harm another soul again. I’m not sure if that makes me a hero, or just a woman mad with grief. But it gave me strength, it gave me a purpose, Skye.
It was a gruelling fight, but we won. But, my victory was bitter. All I could do was kneel beside the remains of those hags and weep. The pain, the rage, the longing, it all caught up to me. It was Delores, dear Delores, who came to my side, reminding me that we are not alone in our grief. That we can share it, lighten the burden.
Tonight, I write to you, with a heavier heart but also a sense of fulfillment. We are making progress. Each day brings us closer to our goal, each day brings me a step closer to avenging you, my beloved. I miss you with every passing second, Skye. But I find solace in the hope that you are with me, watching over me, guiding me. I find strength in our shared dreams, our love, and our memories.
I will write to you again soon, my love. Until then, remember me as I remember you, with love, with longing, and with a promise – a promise to never forget, to never give in, to fight until my last breath.
Forever yours,
Mugen
