Tomb of Annihilation: 17
My Beloved Skye,
Today was another day filled with emotions I can scarcely pen down, but I shall try for you, love. This morning, Delores came to me, her questions guided by the gentle compassion she always bears. She asked about you, about the name that I had called out during our confrontation with the sea hags. I found myself opening up, sharing our tale, our love, and the immense pain that has forever marked my heart since your departure.
That moment, Skye… It remains my darkest memory. Discovering you, lifeless, yet still so radiant, took something from me that I will never reclaim. But amidst this sorrow, I am reminded that death is a natural course of life. You always used to say that, didn’t you? That we must respect life’s rhythms, its beats of joy and its pauses of grief. However, I’ve learned of the Soulmonger, an aberration that disrupts this sacred cycle, and I’m compelled to put an end to it. I like to think you’d stand by me, wings at the ready, in this pursuit.
We reached Fort Beluarian today. Oh, how I wish you could see it, perched atop its hill. The Shiny Happy People, our peculiarly-named group, entered its walls, where the Fort’s regiment, the Flaming Fist, exhibited their strength and resources. While some of our group got sidetracked with their worldly pursuits and dealings with the Fist, I couldn’t help but feel detached, lost in thoughts of you.
We were presented with several missions by Liara Portyr, the commanding presence at the fort. As always, the politics of power play out in every corner of the world. The idea of the Flaming Fist seeking to dominate Chult in the name of Baldur’s Gate is unsettling. Their intentions and their ways do not sit well with me, but our need to locate the Soulmonger puts us in a tight spot. Sometimes, my love, one must dance with the devil to bring about a greater good.
A peculiar moment caught my attention today. As we journeyed, a chwinga, a tiny elemental creature, took an interest in my backpack. I tried to communicate with it, to understand its purpose, but the connection eluded me. It was Seki, in his innocent wonder, who managed to forge a bond with it. Its act of gifting him a magical charm was a simple reminder of the gentle magic that still thrives amidst the chaos. It’s moments like these that give me hope, that remind me of the purity of our love and the force that it still is in my life.
But tonight, as I looked up at the skies we once soared together, an imposing figure – a red dragon – flew across the moonlit horizon. While it paid us no mind, it reminded me that dangers, both known and unknown, lie ahead. I just wish you were here, by my side, guiding me with your wisdom, lighting up the darkness with your grace.
Until we meet again, Skye. In dreams, in thoughts, and someday, beyond the mortal veil.
Forever yours,
Mugen
