I'll Stay from Trillium

Auntie,   I’ve decided to stay. I know father has his own family around him. There’s little I could do for him that others can’t and I feel that to be comfort at his side he would need to know who I am. The only thing I could offer is the presence of a loving daughter but if he won’t feel it then…   I know you’ll work to take care of him and so will everyone else. He can meet me when he’s strong. I’m sure if he can’t remember me he’d rather he was at his best when we meet. I promise to tell you about this place - it’s become very very different. It seems that there are temples everywhere all across the city. At dawn you could hear them singing and greeting the sun.   Charlotte found another temple and joined their prayers. All across the city you could hear at each moonrise songs being sung, bells being rung. People pause and observe. Everyone here seems to have deep reverence for human gods. At the same time it feels like the temples here only have soft power, the power of culture and people’s hearts. It feels ike they are distinctly uninvolved in the daily operations and bustle of things. Everywhere I’ve gone priests are treated with some respect. The people themselves seem to be thriving here. The markets are so full of bustling folk and all manner of things to trade.   I think along the river, and certainly in dwarven lands, you find more refined things to eat. Things better tended. But there’s an abundance here that goes with the thriving. Giant portions of rich and saucy decadent things. Sometimes it’s a bit too much! But it’s nice to enjoy the treat from time to time.   At night it gleams like jewels in the dark. There are candles everywhere, on rooftops or balconies or otherwise shining into the night. These folks they continue their lives well into the dark hours. I think you’d find it interesting here. They seem like good folk, though as humans are wont to, those with the most wealth have little respect for those who produce the things they rely on. It’s not as formal as a dwarven caste but the lines are still clear. The worst of humanity is on display every bit as much as the best.   I’m told the Capital is like this but even more. That almost every hour is marked by prayer in pubic space. It amazes me that the temples don’t rule this place, considering how reverential people seem to be.   We’ll be moving on tomorrow heading further south. We feel like it’s better to cross country than immerse ourselves too much in the trade routes and places where people congregate. Still - opportunity for adventure.   How are things with you? You’ll have to tell me about the exciting things happening. I want to hear it all.   Always, Your Little Shadow