2023-08-08 Where There Is Smoke - Henri

Henri Fitzroy
The Four Fair Winds
Castleside
Daring Heights
Kantas

6 Eleasis 1500

Lord Fitzroy
Fitzroy Manor
The North Wards
Waterdeep
Faerûn

Dearest Father,

I hope this letter finds you well. My life here in Daring Heights has progressing quickly, as you might expect from my previous correspondence.

I mentioned before the stakes of what I face here, the power I find myself up against. One such being was rumoured to be attempting to strike at the Court of Sorcery, and so when a notice presented itself I made the journey.

I regret that we were not able to see much of the Court proper. Instead, we were hired to root out some beast that had been attacking various visitors from the other Fey Courts. One does not need the schooling we have to know the extent of the diplomatic incidents that could cause if left unchecked.

Of those of us that responded to the notice, only I had an inkling of what we were truly after. The remains of one of its latest kills all but confirmed it - the Primordial Incarnate of Smoke was clearly involved. At the time, I kept this information to myself; the others, Mittens McKittens, Thurghor, Yinmaris, and Shway'Shway were strangers to me, and I knew not if they could be trusted with what I knew.

Thankfully, we did have another with us that knew more of what was going on. Or, should I say, we had an escort ensuring we didn't step out of line. The Woodsman was quite an imposing figure, and not one to be trifled with. That did not stop Mr. McKittens, though.

Eventually, we came across the beast that was responsible for the killings. We did our best to put it down, but each killing blow served only to split it in two, as though the smoke was parting under our blows. No matter. All things must end, and this did too, eventually dissipating before reforming in the form of the Primordial Incarnate of Smoke.

Maybe I should have mentioned that possibility to everyone earlier. C'est la vie.

Regardless, the Woodsman's axe flew true. While it did not slay the primordial, it did separate it from our target: a small brass object, covered in many moving, sliding parts and many draconic runes. We only had a short look before it was taken from us, and I did not wish to make an enemy of the Court that day.

Maybe next time.

For the time being, I will lay low in town. Orianna and Gerhard invite us all in, those of us tied up in this mess, every ten day or so to catch up. It's nice. And my day job is going well - maybe, you would be interested in investing in a space for me to go out on my own?

If you receive this, please do reply. I will attempt to send this with a dedicated courier, so as to be sure it arrives. I know not if you have received my other letters, if you do not reply.

Stay well,

Henri Fitzroy