Get Up To Trouble to Alder

Alder!   Maybe I need to modify this letter box to let you send baked goods. I'm sorely missing those same tea biscuits. And do you know how long it's been since I've had to make my own tea?   I'm so proud of Miriam. Going with you and Tira will be hard for her but I know she's up for it. It will be good for her and Hella to be able to lean on each other as well - it won't be easy being the first humans to show up in the Empire. Miriam especially - she hasn't sworn oaths but it should be clear to everyone that she is studying under me. She's tough and she has people around her; I'm sure she'll be fine.   Your sister will believe you when you send her to school. If Alwen hasn't arranged it already please remind him for me. If your blood family is anything like mine they will adjust quickly and be back to teasing and babying you in no time.   I think the Capital will be a good place to stay - there are so many people to meet (provided they aren't all away on the front lines...). Tira will introduce you to my blood family and you should have the run of my gardens of course. My orchard isn't as established as home but I expect a report on its growth when you come back. Doraal was helping me with a new sapling and I'm sure it has grown well under my parents' care.   Don't get too lost in the academy and above all please do not get into any fights with the other students unless someone really really needs help. I trust that you'll find quieter ways to resolve things if you run into any trouble. You have more subtlety than I did at your age. If you get a chance, please do something ever so slightly mocking to any members of the Imperial Court that Alwen says have been whining about me being gone. You'll only have a short while to feign ignorance of the etiquette so take advantage while you can.   I've enclosed a copy of all the names I have collected. Tira and Alwen should be able to help you get the information to the Tools of the Empress and they can decide how best to pass along news of living family across the Barrier.   I can understand why Kadia is apprehensive. I'm eager for her to see the gentleness that rules the Empire now. We've told her plenty but nothing will compare to standing in her shade. I have letters to write to her, Hella, Miriam, and Tira before you all leave but I have been occupied in an ancient Dwarven city deep underground. Even here there is evidence that elves were growing things.    Write me lots. There's so little I can share about what I'm doing but I'm eager to hear from you.   Heiassa   P.S. It's a good thing I got my memory back. We haven't used this cipher in half a century; how embarrassing if I'd had to ask you to send me the key.