In Shadow from Alder

My Lady,   Kadia snitched on me and now I’ve been drafted. It feels like a betrayal even though I know it isn’t. Mostly I’m just grumpy because I wanted to spend more time with Tira and Knotrael before diving into things. You’d be proud though and I’m learning a lot. I just… I didn’t expect this. Remember when I was playing humble gate guard in Ipth? Now the Empress, in whose shadow I walk, has taken me as a personal disciple. I’m starting to really put together the pieces of my shadow magic and there are things I never thought of before that I’ve been able to learn… She said she intends to return a shadow dwelling heart seeking blade to you once she’s suitably tempered it.   In between the tasks I’ve been given, I’ve been keeping an eye out on the others, even if they don’t notice I’m there. Everyone’s doing okay, even Hella and Miriam - I have company in lessons that push me to be better even when I’m exhausted, but even when it’s hard, we’re all still smiling between the occasional cursing.   My little sister is thrilled, and even more excited that she’ll be getting her own opportunity to go to school. She wants to meet you and everyone else… hopefully the hero worship fades a bit before she gets the chance. Mom and dad too, they didn’t quite believe me when I told them I was part of your inner family until they met Tira but they’re both very proud, if a little intimidated by the grandness of it all. Tira and Knotrael have been great at checking in on them while I’m spending my days in the shadows of the palace and the feeling of family and closeness has grown to include them both in all the ways I hoped for.   There’s a short letter in here for Lilliallis, but you can tell him from me that since you’re not out with me for morning runs anymore, I expect him to pick up the slack with some evening flights. Don’t get too wrapped up in your thoughts out there that you can’t let things out to the people around you, okay? I worry when I’m not in your shadow.   Alder