Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

"Hey Mom, Dad and Lil’ Bro,
sorry I just now managed to write you a letter. I didn’t have the materials until now, heh…
I sadly didn’t find any information about the menderbug guild yet. I know it’s been so long by now but they are very secretive. It’s actually very hard to find them…

But recently I managed to find a party to explore with! They are a bit of an… odd bunch. I met them when I entered an inn and there was just this group of bugs. One of them was staring into a lamp that was on the ceiling so I got curious and looked at what was up with that.
The innkeeper there is a very nice person. But he asked if we could find some friends of his that went missing a while back.
And I kind of stuck around with the group since then.

It seems like a good idea to travel with other people. And if I’m already going to places then I might as well help people!

We found a cave with tents inside. And there were some scary monsters there. But we managed to fight them off (please don’t worry about me, mom!) Genuinely surprised how good fighters they are! Sadly there were no signs of the innkeeper’s friends. So, we suspected the worst…
Sorry, I didn't want to end it on such a downer.

The group is really nice to me, though! All of them were from outside the kingdom, so they aren’t familiar with anything from here! Hope I can be a good guide to them! Some of them seem to welcome trouble, more or less.

Oh, and make sure that you watch for any Goam activity in the city. They have been a lot more active recently.

I really hope I will find my dream soon!
With love,
Levee."

Chapter Text

“Hey Mom, Dad and Lil’ Bro,
thought I might share this little adventure we had! I was traveling with Bowel and August ahea… OH, I completely forgot to mention their names in my last letter!

Uh, yes Bowel is a pillbug from a very far away place. Apparently he worships something called “The Great Bowel.” Let me know if you hear anything about that!

August is a very fluffy moth! He would make some of the noble moths jealous. He was also the bug that was staring into the lamp, in my last letter.

So yeah, back to the adventure. Bowel, August and I were traveling a bit ahead to get back to the Inn. On the way there, Bowel noticed the ground having the rough shape of a bowel. Thinking this was a sign of his deity, he investigated it.
That’s when the ground beneath him crumpled away! With my quick reflexes I managed to slow his fall, though! Down there we actually found a hot spring! It was a nice relaxing bath.

After that we climbed back up and arrived at the inn. We had to bring the bad news to the Innkeeper. He looked saddened but at least he had closure.

Oh, if you visit the Crossroads you gotta visit this inn. The Innkeeper is such a great cook! Food is absolutely delicious here!

So that was my mini adventure with these two. I already know life is gonna be a lot more exciting now.
With love,
Levee."

“There we go!”
Levee admires her work, “This should be good enough.” As she finally relaxes, she takes a look at the small mountain of crumpled paper sitting in the corner of the table.

She can’t possibly write about how much trouble these two have caused. Her parents would close up shop right then and there and drag her back home.

She had to completely omit the fact that Bowel wasn’t investigating the bowel shape but instead rolled in it. Or that he jumped off a cliff because his “Great Bowel” told him to. Or that August would get distracted by the smallest lights, to the point of making careless decisions. Or ignite a lumafly lamp because the flame was prettier…
That day felt like babysitting her little brother again. Just this time there were two of them.

At least they were finally back at the Inn. They can’t possibly get into trouble here. A glance at Bowel reveals that he still kept the bowel, for the salad they had for lunch, close to him. And August was once again staring at the ceiling lamp…

Levee just lets out a long sigh: “It beats traveling alone”, as a weary smile crosses her face.

Chapter Text

“Hey Mom, Dad and Lil’ Bro,
I have a lot of things to talk about today!
Got our reward from the last quest. Got two really nice stags! Will make traveling a lot easier.
So, we decided that we wanted to make a stop in the little town called “Dirtmouth.” Bowel heard of a smith there that made dishes. Very fine dishes at that! I got a really fancy plate from him. Gonna definitely evaluate it later, see if it can be sold for a fine price.
August wanted to get somewhere up high so after that we headed to Crystal Peak. The mining operation there got a lot more intense. Apparently the crystals now shoot lasers… And the miners carry shields because of that.
We met a really nice person there, though! A weaver called “Gordon.” Told us about how much the mines changed and helped us get through it. Always nice to have helpful people around!
On the peak of the mountain, August was really invested in the statue. Mumbled something about mother. So hopefully I can help him find his family!
Once we went down again, Orah…
Oh right… uh yeah Orah is a very friendly butterfly! A very ground-to-earth person. She is searching for someone. Hope I can be a good help for her!
Might as well also introduce “Sir Serwacy Marzec the second!” I just call him “Sir Serwacy.” You would like him, dad! He does a good job as long as you have the geo for it.
Ah, sorry for the tangent. So we went down and Orah got interested in this one special crystal. It glowed bright orange. But I told you that the crystals now shoot lasers so I decided it might be better to destroy it. Gave it a nice whack with my hammer!

Quite the adventure today, I tell you! Went back to Dirtmouth after that, just in time for evening. They had this really awesome food cart set up for the miners! Quite the exotic lineup. I got something called “Spicy Curry” and the chef even had different spicy levels. You wouldn’t believe it but Bowel and August took the spiciest option and ate it like it’s nothing! Genuinely impressive!
Oh tiresome day. Looking forward to tomorrow!
With love,
Levee.”

Chapter Text

“Hey Mom, Dad and Lil’ Bro,
new day, new opportunities! And I made good use of today! Went shopping a bit with Orah and got a really nice deal! So there was this little shop in Dirtmouth. Owner was a bit of a grumpy guy but I did find this nice charm there. Got it for a steal! Owner had no clue about it so I haggled it down to 34 geo!
I also got this nice light buckler from a market stand. Since the mines seem more dangerous now, it might be a good idea to keep something like this on the ready.
I know, dad. You are gonna be angry at me for spending so much money but these could actually prove useful!
Also the red of the charm fits me well. Reminds me a bit of the noble’s garbs.
Apparently Orah got a lead on her missing brother. Down somewhere in the Fungal Wastes.
You should’ve seen August! Normally he is completely white but the spores colored him yellow all over. Gonna take him weeks to brush that out!
We spent a long time there and had to make camp. During Sir Serwacy’s, Bowel and August’s watch they met some mushroom people. They didn’t attack so I believe they were friendly.
So yeah, that was the day. Oh, I can’t wait to show you the pin! It’s very pretty!
With love,
Levee”

Chapter Text

“Hey Mom, Dad and Lil’ Bro,
I hope this letter reaches you! Got to travel quite a lot today!
The Fungal Wastes are more lively than I remember. Especially the fungal folk are up and about.
Also met a creature that was attacked by monsters. The monsters were covered in mushrooms so, if you go to Queen’s Station, be careful out there! Hallownest in general seems to be a lot less safe recently. Please be careful!

Got some really nice use of my tower this time! Orah also uses a bow so she seems to appreciate the extra vantage point.
After we defeated the monster the creature told us that… oh yeah the creature can talk. So, they said they knew about Orah’s brother.
Orah seemed to trust them so we followed them. The creature led us into a forest. Hope we can find her brother there!

Found some really nasty little butterflies. Very territorial. Remind me of the charged lumaflies. They swarmed August and Bowel but then August just radiated a bunch of light. August never ceases to surprise me.

Finally got to set up camp after this. Got the last watch, as usual. This forest seems to have their own version of mosscreeps! They are a bit larger and poke their heads out the top. Always nice to find new fauna.

There was also this other creature during my watch. Blue and four-legged. Never have seen something like it before but it could talk and seemed nice enough. Stayed for my watch and then left. Hope to find more nice creatures here!

Getting to learn so much!
Love you all,
Levee.”

“Ough, finally done…” Levee’s anxiety was just pouring out of her. She had to really hold a steady hand just to make the letter legible.
This forest was like nothing she has seen before.
Everything is dark. The plant life is blocking most of the paths. It’s as if someone took Greenpath and gave it a dark twist.
The only good thing is that Levee can see the stars and... moons? She only ever read about those so, this is a surprising experience. A tiny bit of wonder in this forest.

Just as she admired them another shiver went down her elytra. Ever since they camped here, she constantly had these. This time she takes a look around to see if anything is causing this.
Nothing…
“This place must be getting into my head.”

“I hate it here. I wanna go home!” an utterance made under her breath.
The creature that led them into the forest left as soon as they arrived. And the blue one didn’t have any answers to where they were.

And the shadows seem to grow a liking to her.

Chapter Text

This letter seems to be written with a lot more pressure on the quill. The words are shaky and bigger.
It reads:

“Hey mom, dad!
You gotta help me! I know this is sudden. Let me quickly explain.

We are in some kind of other realm! I know it sounds outlandish but please believe me!
This creature, that led us into the forest, tricked us! We are trapped here in a completely different world!

That creature opened a portal somewhere in the fungal wastes. There were like these black crystals. Maybe there are some hints there?

Since then we have been all alone here.
After we rested here two people approached us. They told us that we would meet the queen from here, so we decided to follow them. Once there the queen just snatched August and pushed us all out!
She just kidnapped August!

Locked the rest of us out. Apparently she just wanted to keep him!
Oh and get this! She threw out her own daughter! She is currently with us.

… there were these ambassadors. They waited outside. Took us immediately in because they also dislike the queen.

We are currently staying at one of their homes in a different city. Covered in flowers.
We all needed some time to recuperate there…

I know, I know you can both chew me out afterwards but please!
Somehow get an audience with the King!
This queen is far too strong for us and we need our King! He is the only one who could help! Please, somehow get to him! Help us get August back!

Please, I want to get home.”

End of letter.

“Oh, please please please reach them! Please, by the Pale King, I beg you.”, Levee pleaded. Maybe a small prayer would be heard by the Pale King.
Levee’s mind has been racing a mile a minute to come up with ideas on how to get August back.

The entire party’s morale has been shattered. Sir Serwacy has had nothing but fury and distrust in his eyes since then.
Orah has turned very quiet.
Poor Bowel hit it the hardest. He barely wants to move and his demeanor turned depressive. Maybe a bit of alone time will help?

And Levee has been boiling. She is furious at this queen! But letting it all out when there are bigger problems right now is not the best idea.

And then there is this “thing.”
She turns around in her chair. The light from the lantern casts Levee’s shadow onto the wall.
Levee slowly squints her eyes: “What do you want from me?”, she nonchalantly asks.

Chapter Text

“Hey Mom and Dad
I really hope I didn’t worry you too much about my last letter.
Ach, what am I writing? You always worry about me.
Ok but listen, we got a plan!

So, today we got invited to meet “The Prince.” He currently reigns over a large city that floats in the Sky.
We left Bowel in his bed for now. He looks like he needs some alone time.

We traveled through like a portal I think? Most importantly the city has this massive tower that the Prince resides in.
And a really big library is inside of it. Hope once I establish enough trust I can read through some of these.

The Prince introduced himself as the ruler of the city. Very calm person. And, unlike the queen, a lot nicer.

He already heard of the trouble we were in, so he wanted to lend us a hand.
In short, he wants to establish connections to other worlds, for their good, and use those for political might.
Apparently the rulers in this realm have been in a power struggle for a while now.
And having anything “exotic” might just be what he needs.
In return he will try to haggle for August’s release. Hope he also figures something out for Lune…

Ah, yeah, Lune. She is the daughter of the queen. I mentioned her in my last letter. Still can’t believe the queen just abandoned her own daughter.
She seems very sad… I mean, yeah, accurate reaction to her situation but it seems she is in general a very sad person.
She really needs someone that truly cares for her.

We also got another one to help our group. She was specifically designated to our group from the Prince. I believe she mostly got assigned to us to be a bodyguard, just in case.

Sanga Rose? I believe that’s how you pronounce it. Still haven’t come up with a shorter way. Maybe just Rose?
She is a bit of a handful. You remember how much of an angsty bug I was when I was younger?
Yeah, she is like that. Really a “I don’t care about the world or anything”-type. Eh, maybe I just need to get through that hard shell of hers. Figuratively…

Our first destination is some kind of island. The Prince told us that it was built on the corpse of a giant beast. Not so dissimilar to Kingdom’s Edge!
We are here because magic here is very common and easy to use. Most just spin their hands around and it works.
I’m soooooo jealous of them!
There is something called “Construction Magic” here. Imagine if I could learn that! Bend the hardest materials with a flick!
But then again, it also kind of ruins the art of creating something yourself… hmmm.

So far we met a friendly citizen of the island. A bit kooky but otherwise very helpful. I think I could learn a lot here!

So, yeah I guess I will be dimension-hopping for a bit. A fairy-tale come true!
But do you notice how big of an opportunity this is? If the Prince wants to actually establish connections to other worlds then that means there is the chance that he wants one with Hallownest!
We could be ambassadors for them! Which could lead into an audience with the King. There is a good chance we might get big help here if we can do this!

This is the opportunity of a lifetime here! Please hope it all works out!

Also, please don’t let Shen know I’m so in over my head. I don’t want my sibling to worry about me. He should only worry about what he plays tomorrow.

Hope for my best,
Levee.

P.S. Sorry, no doodle today. Had my hands a bit full.”

Chapter Text

“Hey Mom, Dad and Lil’ Bro,
I don’t have too much to write today.
Turns out the island has something called “Boiling Rain.” Yeah, hot rain…
So, we didn’t really get to go outside today. Hmm, but I will be honest that I got reminded of the City, hearing the rain hit the ground.

But! Good news! We are here to find possible goods to sell to other worlds and this island is filled with magic items!
Albertha, oh yeah, the citizen’s name is Albertha. Albertha has been collecting a bunch of different items over time.

She even knows a bit of potion brewing! All ingredients foraged from the island. So, together with the magic stuff and potions there is potential in this island!
I might get some good use of dad’s teachings here.

You should see Albertha’s home. Fully stocked with the weirdest stuff! Like a box that keeps food warm or cold. This helmet that makes your eyes glow. Oh also they seem to like to collect smoking pipes? And knives?

But they also don’t know how to properly sell stuff. Sold that hot/cold box to Orah for like three geo. I think they could make a small fortune if they just knew how to sell stuff. Even relic seekers would want some of this stuff.

Huh, turns out I had a bit more to write than I thought.

I guess I’m becoming a salesbug after all,
Levee.”

Even the others got a couple new items. Small new knick-knacks here and there. Rose seemed to be most invested in those bones outside and has been carving them out the entire day.

Sadly this Shadow-thing decided last night would be a good idea to show itself again. And here Levee thought that was just a bad nightmare.
It properly spoke for once. It claimed it didn’t mean any harm but then why does it even bother her?
The Shadow seemed to dislike light considering it snuffed out the candles right before bedtime. A sign of goodwill? Instincts?

Sir Serwacy especially has been very wary of it. Constantly poking Levee’s shadow which the Shadow pokes Serwacy back in kind. Forcefully…
Definitely doesn’t like being mistreated.

Levee has too many questions. What is it? What does it want? Why her?

Chapter Text

“Hey Mom, Dad and Lil’ Bro,
hope you are doing well over there! I know it’s been a while since I first left but I really hope you are doing well without me.
You are probably worried about me but I promise I’m doing fine!

The group has been very friendly to me so far and we’ve been helping each other a lot.
Also getting to slowly learn a bit more about them.
You should’ve seen Lune sleeping in Rose’s lap! Adorable!
Sorry, got distracted.

So, Albertha has a little task for us. Apparently some people stole some books from them and they wanna get them back.
So we’ve been-... “

“Urgh, how am I supposed to write that we broke into a prison because Albertha stole those books in the first place and they got confiscated.
I can’t just write that we are breaking into a prison!”
Inner monologuing won’t help there.

“But they also have been doing some weird things here.” Levee’s thoughts briefly interrupted.
She has been thinking about this the entire time.

The prison was empty. Scarily empty. They only met two guards who didn't even look like they were alive. Just empty husks in armor.
The entire prison has some form of anti-magic surrounding it. Albertha wasn’t even able to enter, it affected them that much.
And the prison is normally supposed to have two floors but there was an additional set of stairs in the basement.

They haven’t been able to go down there yet. A drake was right in front of the stairs and the battle was enough to force a rest at the main gate again.

Albertha had no answers to any of the questions the party had. Albertha was in the prison the previous month and they say none of this was here then.

Levee murmurs: “Hmm, I guess I could just-”

“...-trying to get them back. Albertha had this really handy spell that created a flying minecart. It was really fast too.
Imagine if Crystal Peak had those!
Maybe I could learn how to create those. They would make a fortune!
I can’t wait to tell you about all my adventures in person.

With love,
Levee.“

Writing letters has been getting really difficult recently.
Having to write around what she is doing just to keep a good image so her family wouldn’t worry.

Not to tell this “friend” of hers starting to get into fights with other party members now.
Sir Serwacy wanted to stay up during the night just to keep watch on the Shadow again.
They got into a fight which woke everyone up. Rose had to intervene (almost knocking Sir Serwacy unconscious) and forced the Shadow to retreat.
Since then Levee’s guilty feelings have been weighing heavily on her.
Here she wanted to be a good guide to the group and now half of them are gone and she is the reason they started fighting.

And here she thought adventures would be fun…

Chapter Text

“Hey Mom, Dad and Lil’ Bro,
I wish I could say I had happy news but, no.
There was this… guy. Really creepy looking. Wore like a mask, I think? But it didn't look anything like something I know.
They had a bunch of guards with them. Really big ones in armor. Probably too scared to actually confront us personally.

He was a real jerk as well. So full of himself. The kind that likes to provoke others for their own amusement. Basically bullied us out of the building.

At least we got the books! Albertha got really happy about getting her cookbook back. Hopefully it’s enough of a favor.

But yeah, sadly not a lot to write otherwise today. Just got frustrated at this one jerk really.

Hopefully I will calm down,
Levee”

“And more to pile onto the mountain. At least I stopped wasting so much paper because of the rewrites”, once again, Levee is not being completely truthful.

It’s true that they met a person in the second basement but the encounter was a lot more violent.

The masked individual plainly waited for the group's arrival. Immediately asked who the party was with. The person was aware of the Queen so they were either from that realm or were hired from there. And Rose definitely didn’t take kindly to the masked person’s cocky attitude. The first action the villain took was creating an illusory wall to hide their movement. Rose just ran straight through it.

Big surprise when the villain decided to remove the wall and Rose was lying on the floor, unconscious, with a blade near her neck, surrounded by the same husk guards. Levee had to bargain to be able to get Rose back and leave. Outside the prison, Levee just thought: “I hope Serwacy won’t be too painful with his verbal lashing once she wakes up.”

Once again the group’s morale got shattered. And the prison’s atmosphere felt even more oppressing. Levee could’ve sworn to see something scatter in the corner of her eyes.

Especially the Shadow was afraid of this place. Somehow trembling. Maybe Levee should have a talk?

…probably just some form of survival instinct.

Chapter Text

“Hey Mom, Dad and Lil’ Bro,
Good news! Great news actually! We completed our first mission!
So we got back to Alberta's house. And bringing back their books gave us a favor.
Turns out Alberta wanted to leave the island for quite some time now. And they are a walking archive about the island.
Since we were here to gather information about the magic of the island, we just took her back to the Prince’s court.

There they could really show off what they are capable of! Alberta created this giant goo creature and made it perform a little jig. Quite the impressive display of power.
They got an offer after this and we got our reward for a job well done.
We get the night to think what we want.

The Prince is also aware of that masked guy from my last letter. Apparently they are just a single entity that controls a bunch of bodies and originate from this place. Probably in cahoots with the queen as well. Would explain why they were such a jerk.

Oh but we got to meet someone else who also lives in the Prince’s tower. Miss Tremanca, a consort. Was quite the surprise to meet someone so important out of nowhere.
She seems to really like gossip.

Oh, right! So when Lune was sending a message Alberta and Sir Serwacy were in an argument. During that, Alberta called Serwacy a “fluffy boy.”
The Prince apparently overheard that and since then the entire court has been calling Serwacy a fluffy boy.
Much to Serwacy’s dismay.
Still gets a good chuckle out of me.

So yeah, a job well done! Needed a little victory after last time.
Now I just have to come up with what I want for a reward.
I was thinking of easy access to materials to build stuff with. Hmm…
I will get an idea, surely.

With love,
Levee.”

Chapter Text

“Hey Mom, Dad and Lil’ Bro,
Quite the eventful past couple days!

So with the reward I got, I actually wanted to make Lune a small gift. She made me something earlier so I was thinking of repaying that favor.
She has, like, a condition where she is sensitive to bright light. So I made her some glasses to protect her! Now she doesn’t have to worry anymore!
And, I don’t want to brag, but those glasses came out nice. Really flashy! I think they suit her.
She seems to appreciate them a lot!

We also got a new assignment! The Prince got wind of a place that has, like, giant pieces of armor that are worn by small bugs without any problems. And we are supposed to figure out how they work!
Now finally something to use my expertise in!

Getting there was quite turbulent for once and sadly there was no welcoming party.
We just arrived at this ruined town.
There was only a single intact building left and it looked abandoned.
Dust and scattered tools everywhere.

But one of those rooms had some really big armor in it! That must be what we were searching for!
But it has been taken apart. And it turns out it is a bit more… advanced than I expected.
It took me a bit to understand how it is set up.
The armor has these weird strings and tubes going through it.
Luckily Orah found some blueprints! And Lune helped translate them!
There is still a lot to understand but I will try my best!

The others got to explore the rest of the building in the meantime.
Orah and Serwacy found a machine that supplies the entire building with some form of energy. Might be useful in figuring out how the armor works.
The armor seems to work with the same energy, so maybe it needs to be filled with it? But as long as it is apart I won’t know for sure.

I have been mostly just studying the blueprints and tinkering with the armor. Heh, you know me. Constantly have to tinker on something.
But I won’t let this challenge best me!

With all my heart,
Levee.

P.S. The food here is really polarizing. They have the metal boxes here and some of them have little pieces of greens and meat in them.
Another one… I don’t know how to describe the smell but the waterways smell like flowers in comparison.”

Chapter Text

“Hey Mom, Dad and Lil’ Bro,
I DID IT!
Well, mostly. The giant armor I mentioned last time? Yeah, I got it mostly assembled! Most of the parts work so far. Legs and arms move properly. I wasn’t able to attach the helmet yet because that part is mostly empty and I didn’t know how to attach it.
But there is one big issue. It doesn’t have a proper power source. It seems to be powered by this world’s magic and so far we’ve been able to use our own magic to fuel it.
I’m not sure how well it holds up right now. I still need to do a proper stress test.
But, I’m proud of my work so far!

On top of that, Rose and Serwacy found smaller versions of that armor! I controlled one of those and they enhance your strength by so much! I managed to lift heavy crates with ease! Imagine using those in the storage area!
So there are different versions and they seem to be used for different things. I’m just wondering what the big one is for. Hmm…

We did contact the Prince and expect tomorrow to deliver the information and the smaller armors. Might be a good start for them to research those.
I also found this nice bottle of liquor. I don’t know much about booze but it’s booze from another world. And the Prince seems to like exotic liquors!
Gonna hand that over as a gift. Probably puts in a good favor for me.

But I am so proud of myself! Never thought I would get something so huge assembled! Granted it’s not from scratch but this is still a huge step for me!

Hope to learn a lot more,
Levee.”

Ah, such a successful couple of days. Quite the achievement really.
We will just ignore the visit from what can only be assumed to be aliens, over the night.
Levee had the foresight to set up Alarms around the room they were staying in.
On her watch she did see one shadowy figure she saw in the distance.
Probably just a beast.

She couldn’t say the same when she went to bed and got awoken by a robotic spider creature.
It just stared at the group… and then left. Nothing else bad has happened during the night.
In fact the next morning the entire house was clean and some of the rubble in the village was removed.
Can’t assume the worst with them right away, right?
But one thing was sure

they are not alone here…

Chapter Text

“Hey Mom, Dad and Lil’ Bro,
I had a great afternoon! So, I did a couple of tests on this giant armor. There are a bunch of buttons and levers inside and everything in it looks so advanced!
I think I got most of the features noted down. But the armor seems to be missing some limbs on the backside. There was nothing left in the workshop, so I don’t think I missed anything. But it is completely functional otherwise!
So proud of myself!

It was getting late and a storm was approaching. So we decided to camp in the basement instead. I’m not sure if the building would have stood the wind.

Coming morning, the Prince was quite surprised to find us down there.
But all the information we gathered has been of use to him so far!
They packed the armors and brought them back to the court. We stayed here because we still need to find a source of energy that the armors use. But they did leave some supplies for us. Even some books and games. One of them was a lore book of the Prince’s realm. Quite a lot of useful information in that book.
Also one of the Prince’s assistants was ordered to stay here as well. They are a bit of a quiet type but any helping hand is always useful.

Oh, also remember that liquor bottle? Yeah, the Prince loved it! In fact he handed me 400 gold for it! And a magic ring!
This is so much money! I have to find a good place for safekeeping.

…I actually have to be honest with something, I left something out from my last letter.
We are not alone here.
There are these other creatures here. They look like weavers but mechanical. They don’t seem hostile though! Very skittery if anything, in fact!
They have been reconstructing the town we’ve been resting in, bit by bit. And otherwise they ignored us, mostly keeping their distance and only appearing during the night.

Serwacy actually saw from which direction these metal weavers came from. So, we decided we would try to establish contact with them. They seem more knowledgeable about this place than us. And having more friendly contacts is always a boon!

So the new goal is to find where the spiders exactly come from and maybe gain some new information.
Maybe they can help with the energy problem that the armor had.

It is quite a couple days of travel, though.
So thankful that I got the book to read while we travel.
First night camp was special, though!
One of those metal weavers passed by our camp!
A small one. Rose actually tried to communicate with them. I’m not quite sure if she was successful. The metal weavers don’t really speak so communication was difficult.

But it stayed with us for the rest of the night! In fact it replaced the cloth from one of our tents completely.
The thread is a lot more durable now. I guess calling them weavers wasn’t too inapt.

Hopefully I will see you again soon,
Levee.”

Chapter Text

“Hey Mom, Dad and Lil’ Bro,
I got some really interesting stuff to talk about today!
The daytime walk today wasn’t too exciting but at night we had some company!

There are like these two creatures that followed us around. Not the same as in my last letter!
One of them is like a walking bush. Reminds me of a mosscreep but not quite the same.
The other is harder to explain. A small wyrm with legs?
I had my watch with Lune and she seemed to appreciate the wyrm’s presence!
The bush was definitely fixed on me. Always wanted to be near me. Not sure if I’m ready for a pet yet.
They didn’t stay around after morning. Hmm, that makes me a bit worried…

Oh, speaking of Lune. I think she made me some mittens!
I tried to ask her about them but she tried to deny it. She is… really bad at lying…
I did amuse her though! Made her seem very proud of herself.

Next day we finally reached the lake where Serwacy saw the metal weavers come from.
Strangely it had this giant bubble around it. From the outside it looked like a normal lake but inside you could actually see what was happening.
These metallic weavers use those big armors as material! There were so many of them!

And in the middle of the lake was a giant structure! They rolled out a bridge for us and the door was opened.
Actually inside we were greeted by a weird fella. He seemed rather rude and not really welcoming. Definitely has not learned a lot of manners.

But his partner was a lot more forthcoming! She was just as curious about who we were as we were curious about who they were.
Luckily they are already familiar with the Prince!
Well kind of. They know a contact the Prince has. But y’know, a friend of a friend!

So the reason why they are stationed here is because they work for a company and they got sent here to do research!
Huh, talk about coincidences.
And since we are basically doing the same, we got invited into their laboratories.

Their main research focuses on this healing fluid. It’s supposed to be really potent but can also have negative side effects if you aren’t compatible with it. Very advanced technology!
They even claim that it works so well that you can coat ammunition with it and it still heals.

Hmm, but that does give me an idea…

Hmm oh yeah, they also are doing some tests on Rose. They are especially curious about her and that weird sword of hers. Something about ego?
I didn’t quite understand what they were talking about.

We did have some really nice long chats though! Learned a lot about their lifestyles. They don’t really have the prettiest lives.
Almost feels like their kingdom is on the verge of collapse or riots.
Them being out here is probably a nice change. Lots of green grass to explore…

Ah, but I’m getting too sidetracked again.
I think our party could make a nice deal with this company. They have a bunch of these big armors so surely they have a lot of components. A single power source lying around would be enough to study and come back with information.

Alas, even other worlds have their documentations to be filled. Can’t have anything the easy way…
Oh well, hopefully that doesn't take too long. Just means more time for us to explore.

Wish you the best,
Levee.”

Chapter Text

“Hey Mom, Dad and Lil’ Bro,
we sadly didn’t get the energy source we wanted. Company and all that.
Got to see where they store the armors but all of them were already in different states of disassembly.
No energy source. No info on how they work. Can’t have it easy, I guess.

Rose also got to meet someone strange. Like a scientist, I think?
His place got a bunch of big guys wearing white and silver metal armor. And a constant smell of incense and candles. Just really moody, made me very uncomfortable.
They had this symbol of a hammer and nail everywhere. Initially I thought they were some kind of workshop but no…

Rose got through some weird… tests. Didn’t help in figuring out where she comes from. She apparently doesn’t know anything about her past. …I feel bad for her.

Hmm, overall this place hasn’t been helpful. I thought we could exchange more since we have similar connections. Maybe the Prince can talk to them? Apparently it needs Higher-Up’s approval or something.
And since we were considered just visitors for the day, they had to throw us out. Sigh…

Oh, oh, and on the way here it was mostly just plains and forest. But since then there has been an earthquake and an entire area turned into marsh.
We probably found out why that happened. A really big, long and slim wyrm.
I uhm… might have accidentally woken it up. And it was not friendly, not at all. Heh, whoops…

But we did defeat it! At some point it managed to grab Rose and tried to fly up. Just in time, I managed to ensnare it and make it drop to the ground! Looked like a rough landing. Too much action for one day.

And it didn’t stop there. In the middle of the marsh was a staircase down into a cellar.
Rose suggested we go down and explore. Apparently she noticed something going down.

I.. uhm. So, there is this ensemble who likely works for that awful queen. They wear these masks, which the Prince told us completely rewrite their minds into a collective. Genuinely giving me the creeps.

And guess who was in that basement! Yep! One of them! Really nasty. Had blood all over herself.
We learned of folks that are called “bloodfiends” and they basically drink blood? So like mosquitoes but they apparently get powers from doing so. It’s really weird…

…We got trapped in a large room. It has big, glowing symbols on the ground. I don't know what's going to happen here yet…

Please wish me luck,
Levee.”

Chapter Text

“Hey Mom, Dad and Lil’ Bro,
I… ugh. Ok, not the best time. So, you remember how we got forced into this room?
Yeah, really weird, creepy guy in there. He looked first a bit like dried up husk before turning full of life.
What is it with all the creepy themes? Can’t they just be normal?

He driveled something about the Prince. Claimed the Prince is not to be trusted. Even tried to bribe us with a magic item.
You know, typical villain behavior. Not gonna let that deter me! Hah!

Should really take a lesson from Serwacy’s book, though. He’s stubborn as a Elder Baldur. Stood near the door and… well maybe I shouldn’t take an example from his immaturity.
But yeah, I should stand my ground more often.

At least there wasn’t any real confrontation… yet. Spooky Husk definitely threatened one next time.
I need to make preparations, just in case.
He did let us leave, though…

I don’t like him.
His assistant is so smug as well. Makes me just wanna. Urgh.
Sorry…

It really doesn’t give me confidence that the dungeon just disappeared afterwards. There was just a completely normal, abandoned basement afterwards. So, I guess I can never enter a basement again…

The normal basement did have a locked box in it, though. Lune got real happy after finding an amulet and a bunch of gold. Told you that knowing how locks work was gonna be useful!

Oh, speaking of Lune! I did have a nice nightwatch with her. I think I’m slowly getting through to her. She seems to open up!

And, please stay safe back there,
Levee."

Hm hm, Levee finally got some answers too.
During her watch she finally managed to be brave enough to ask her passenger.
Well, mostly because Lune was there to be backup.

But Levee did get to learn why the Shadow decided to stick with her. Levee, a lonely adventurer, seeking for any form of companion just so she wouldn’t be alone on the road anymore.
And the Shadow was more than happy to oblige. Against Levee’s will.
She did bring up how the Shadow could’ve asked first. But they knew already that she would’ve said “no”. And Levee knew that they were right. Took all the air out of her.

On top of that they had a conversation about the Shadow’s being. Created for a purpose, yet fled that purpose. Levee assured them that what you are and what you want to be are different concepts.

Shortly after the conversation the Shadow decided to take a moonlight walk. Very passionate.
Only reappearing back in the morning. Did it seem bigger than usual?

Still, sadly, didn’t get an actual name.

Chapter Text

“Hey Mom, Dad and Lil’ Bro,
I actually had a really interesting day today!
After morning broke the sending stone, we got from the Prince, recharged. Rose relayed all the stuff that happened the past few days.
Yeah, Prince warned us of those creepy husks. Not the nicest.

The weather agreed because halfway through the day it started to rain.
Normally I wouldn’t mind it but this rain was really cold and felt biting.
Really didn’t feel well in it. And same goes for Orah.
We had to find shelter and rest. I really didn’t want to but I also couldn’t muster the strength to argue.

On top of that we got attacked by plants! And here I thought sentient plants were only in Greenpath. These ones were so awful as well.
They had these really long vines that could wrap around you. And there were so many. Managed to snatch up Orah and Lune. And all the mud made it so difficult to traverse.
I did turn the ground more solid but I think that was a mistake after Lune fell on the hard ground…
You should’ve seen Orah though! She looked like she was completely in her element. That dagger of hers was too fast for my eyes. Like a blur!

The fight and the constant rain really just gnawed on my energy.
Thankfully there was this metal structure inside a hill. Looked abandoned and was big enough for all of us. And very sturdy! Quite the craftship!
Not very pretty but I think this was more for function than flair.

Shelter and a warm fire was exactly what we needed.
Hm, but we did get interrupted by the metal door being opened. A group of three were just as much searching for shelter.
They are really nice, though! They seemed shaken and definitely have been on the road for a while.
Just as surprised to meet others as we did.

We did get along really well. Told us that they are wandering because a war between kingdoms forced them to. This entire world has been ravaged by it…
Making everyone's life worse for greed…

Ah, sorry! Both of our groups had watches. Understandable that they don’t trust us. I had the first watch so I got a full rest later.
Lenny, that was his name. Definitely get to hear very exotic names out here.

A really friendly soul! We had so much to talk about, really good listener, had so many problems we could rant to one another about…
Ah, yeah, I was under a bit of stress recently. Being able to talk to someone about it all really helped.
I don’t wanna put that baggage on my party.
They are stressed enough.

Poor Lenny lost one of his limbs in the past. I might have an idea to help him. Is gonna require a bit of tinkering, though.

Don’t worry about me! I’m feeling really fine! I swear!
Hope for a healthy return,
Levee."

Chapter Text

“Hey Mom, Dad and Lil’ Bro,
You won’t believe how much has happened!

Ok so, so, those three from my last letter? They have one of those big armors! Looks different but it very much is one of those.
I might get a good look at the energy source they use because the group has been using this one for quite some time.
Something about trying to escape from the battlefields of the war.

But fully functional! Using this one for travel. We’ve been heading back to the not-so-now-destroyed village but the current swamp terrain has been turning walking into a trudge. Especially with that big armor. Just been sinking into the mud with every step.
I need a long, hot bath after this…

Took us the entire day and we still didn’t get out of this swamp. So, another camp in the middle of it.
Could’ve been worse, though. Found some solid ground, the armor is big enough to provide cover from the weather and at least the nature sounds are nice to listen to.
Silver linings!

Decided to take the last watch this time. Wanted some extra quiet just to be fully rested. My head has been full of ideas. I have to write them down.

[This part of the letter contains a scribbled out list of items]
sorry I didn’t wanna start a list here. Ignore that!

So, yeah. One of the three from the other group, Trevor was his name, I think, decided to explore the surrounding woods. A very thick fog has also set in.
But after hours they didn’t return. Felt so bad for having to wake everyone up just to start a search troupe.
The rest of the other group stayed back at the camp to hold the line. But they also were in no shape to go out. Can’t really blame them.

Thick fog, spooky forest, yeah, didn’t feel welcome.
Rose seemed way too comfortable around there. She found this, like, pair of eyes that were inside a dark hole of a tree.
Had a casual conversation like nothing was weird about it. She got some guts. Maybe I gotta show her the colosseum.
I’m not the biggest fan but she would enjoy it, I think.

At some point Rose and Orah found these… vine creatures? They looked like bodies completely wrapped in vines.
And intelligent enough to understand language, because Rose made a vague threat and those creatures got immediately hostile. Can’t have anything easy…

But, we were on the right track! Trevor was trapped inside this giant flower plant! And the vine guys seem to protect the big flower. Party to the rescue!
It was a real uphill fight. Rose and Orah got immediately dragged away by the big flower.

Serwacy got constantly grappled by vines. Even got him down once. They had some real trouble with the vine guys.

I will be honest. I wasn’t the bravest. I mostly concentrated on the big flower to get Trevor out of there as fast as possible. The others had so many problems with the vine creatures. I should’ve helped them in hindsight.
But Trevor being stuck in the flower. I was so worried.

Had to do something, almost got paralyzed with fear.
The flower looked dry. Burnable!
A cast of Web to envelop the flower, quick thinking from Lune and a fire orb later, the entire plant just went up in a blaze!
Just went “whoosh”, the sound of crackling plant fiber and the flower shriveling up.

Made haste to cut Trevor out of the plant before he would turn into a seared mushroom.
Just came skittering out once he was free. Poor guy went through so much. Understandable, he needed a breather.

And then, that creature that Rose spoke to? Yeah, they enjoyed the show. Came out of their little hidey-hole to Lune.
The creature looks like a shadowy wisp. Kinda adorable.
Took a real liking to Lune and her own little shadow friend. I think it wants to stay around for a little while.

Hope the others know how to handle pets…

Ah but that was the update so far. Don’t want to make the letter too long.
Pray for a safe return,
Levee."

Chapter Text

“Hey Mom, Dad and Lil’ Bro,
Huff. Lots of walking today. I'm mostly gonna write this down in haste. Sorry if my writing isn't as decipherable.

So Trevor was saved, even if slightly more toasty. Or rather charred. Whoops…
You should’ve seen Rose trying to grab Trevor. Trevor’s clothes just ripped off. I think I should buy him a new set.

But he is fine otherwise! The walk back was quite the trip through the marsh again. I can’t wait to get back. I need some rest. Warm food. A nice hot spring, perhaps.

At least the other two were fine. Held up camp watch. Very thankful for having their friend back. Ah, it feels nice to be useful.

Had to take a short break, though. Can’t blame the others. That was such a fierce fight. The great knights back home could’ve probably dealt with that plant in an instant.
At least I get a bunch of stories to tell of my own! Could write an entire book myself! Gonna need to think of a title.

Oh, also speaking of the great knights! Next dawn, finally got out of the swamp, thank the Pale King.
Just to be ambushed by another of those big armors. This one was in pristine white! Just dashed towards the other group’s armor.
Something about having hostages? Probably thought we were held captives?

Just full on tackled them. I tried to make the white armor slip. Just made ‘em speed up…
not gonna try that again.

But good news! Wasn’t an enemy! The leader of the group and the knight actually knew each other!
Thankfully.
Didn’t want another confrontation.

They are brothers! Went both to the war but on separate fronts. So they didn’t see one another for a long time.

So, the older brother, Richard if I remember correctly, took the lead for now. Seems like a real veteran. Proper knight of the kingdom.
Real shiny armor and nail as well.
Got it from a smith after saving them.
I’m so tempted to take a closer look at it but I don’t wanna be rude.

And hey, we are close to the village again! Just crossed the hilltop and then it’s just a slide down.
Still, night broke in too soon. One more camp and then finally some quiet.

Night was peaceful though. Got a nice long talk with Andrew, the uh leader of the group. The younger brother.
So many names and I always forget to describe them…
So the main three Andrew, Lenny and Trevor. And now Richard.

There is this weird “joke” where the others constantly call Richard “Deec.”
Richard always looks annoyed being called that. Not sure why.

The talk with Andrew was very insightful! The war apparently started because the neighbouring kingdom thought this land was weak and wanted to take it over.
As always, greed…

But Andrew spoke very highly of their King! The kind who helps and protects his citizens. So nice to hear that even other kingdoms have great kings.
Andrew even showed interest in artisan craft! Wanted to work with hides and such. Would be fantastic if we both learn different crafts at the same time and then work on a project together!
Everyone has the potential to be an artist.

So, tomorrow we will finally get back to the village base. The others showed interest in having a home of their own so maybe they will stay there.
Have a connection to this world via them.

With love and lots of friends,
Levee."

Chapter Text

“Hey Mom, Dad and Lil’ Bro,
Finally back!
And would you believe it? The entire village got repaired! It even has a proper wall and gate now. A heavy gate as well. Too heavy for me…
Happy that we had the others! Pushed open the gate with their big armors.
Strong, proper knights. ~☆

Our handler was already waiting for us. Got a proper base all set up. There is this machine-statue-thing in the middle of the village.
It has the ability to control weather! Well, at least around the village.
Has like these runes inscribed on it. I really tried to make out what they are but the thing was spinning fast, so it was hard.

Hmm, but the main house we stayed in was all nice and clean as well. No rubble, no scattered pieces.
I have this idea. I don’t remember if I mentioned it but Lenny has lost one of his limbs.
Wanted to build him a claw. Like a mechanical one. To get proper grip again.
This place has a lot of spare parts so I can probably cobble something together for him. I want it to be a surprise!
I’m just worried that I won’t have enough time. It will probably take me a day and that’s only if I don’t mess it up.
Depending on how things go I might have to send it to Lenny somehow. Hmmm…

Something Lune found was a hatch that leads to an extra basement. Rose accompanied her and they didn’t leave for some time…
They were still doing fine. I think they just wanted some downtime.

The rest of us explored the house again if there were any changes. Still the same!
Mostly.
The office was clean enough to notice that some of the books were… off.
Orah got a nice bestiary of the creatures here.
But there was a fake book on one of the shelves! Like in all those mystery stories. Reminds me of the time where I wanted my own little secret room behind a fake wall.

So the faux book was attached to a chain and that opened a wall into a secret room! It was a mess there. There were boards with red strings attached and pictures everywhere. Some of them showed these portals and one of them was of those masked ones. The baddies.

Someone saw them enter this world. Must’ve happened long before we got here. That poor soul went down a Garpede hole.
Hope they are ok. Oh, please let them be fine.

Uuh, ah yeah. We also found a chest in the room. Brought it downstairs. It had a bunch of thingymajigs in them! Didn’t really trust them though since the association with the masked baddies. Were worried they were cursed or something…
I’m starting to sound like Sir Serwacy with my superstitions.

Around that time Trevor also entered the home. Was curious why we were just staring at a chest with stuff in it.
He got REALLY upset when we showed him the secret room. Almost thrashed it.
Turns out he used to be part of the masked group. Against his will. Those masks apparently force you to do stuff against your will. Mostly at the whims of the one who created them.
Trevor at some point met the queen of Golden Oaks I think? She managed to free him! At least that’s how he claims.

Prince told us that whoever wore them dies and gets replaced by the mask personality.
Trevor tells us that you are still conscious but can’t control yourself.
I’m not sure if Prince was just wrong or Trevor is lying. Hmm… I have an idea! Gonna try this tomorrow and it should make things clear.

Oh yeah, Trevor was nice enough to identify the thingy-objects from the chest.
The first were just bracers. Ordinary bracers. But they are in good condition so might be useful!
One was a small, magic charm which makes you more likeable by little critters.
Then this book with a glass cover. Allows you to make copies of most documents. Would make it so much easier to make copies of contracts and such. Don’t have to write everything double!
And lastly a small Needle! You can jab it into the ground to make a small fire. That’s so handy! Gives me ideas.
I’m… still gonna double-check these things later.

Oh, for some reason Trevor got really excited when he heard about Lune and Rose in the basement. He just full-on sprinted to them. Even locked the door.
Took so much effort to break through. I still don’t know why he got so happy.
Lune also looked different. Looked really chilly and suddenly had flowers on her head? Smelled of wine as well.
Hmm. Not gonna question it.

Hope you are doing great, though!
Get yourself something nice once in a while,
Levee."

Chapter Text

“Hey Mom, Dad and Lil’ Bro,
Uhm, so I might have made a whoopsie.

Soooo. Well. Uuuhm. Orah! She wanted something from me.
She wanted to take a look into my Bag of Holding. About feeling something from it?
She grabbed and pulled out this like… spear? It was all metal and looked very advanced. It had this… gem(?) in the tip.
Very big and heavy looking too.

I don’t know where that came from! I never put something like that into my bag!
I don’t know how Orah knew of it, either!
Who put it in there? Did she put it in there? But she looked like she didn’t know what it was either.
She just… stared at it. Fully focused on that spear. Murmuring something…

I think I did something bad. A real, big mistake. I shouldn’t have let her grab into my bag.
I should’ve grabbed my hook and tried to fish it out or something.
Oh by the Pale King, I hope Orah is ok. I need to check up on her.
This thing might be a trap. Maybe cursed. I can’t trust any object we find now.

Serwacy! Serwacy is superstitious enough to believe in curses! He might know how to get rid of those! He should know, right?
I know, I know, I constantly make it seem like he is immature or something but he is genuinely great!
The most grounded of the group and doesn’t take any nonsense from anybug.

Oh please don’t be mad at me. I will try to be more cautious next time. It just all happened so fast.

Please hope Orah is gonna be fine,
Levee."

Chapter Text

“Hey Mom, Dad and Lil’ Bro,
I hope you are doing well over there. Really miss you. Hope I get to visit you soon.
Maybe have some nice food once I’m back. I miss your loafs, mom. With that delicious flavour.
Should’ve written down the recipe to try myself…

So, uhm, yeah. I did mess up.
The next day the first thing I did was check on the objects that were in the chest.
Tried this new spell I thought of. Lets me see curses.
Luckily none of those were cursed!
But uuuh, Orah was in the kitchen right behind it. And she was surrounded by this dark blue aura. And white cracks? Lightning? Orah looked like a Charged Lumafly with that aura.
Orah. Aura. Heh.

Immediately took Serwacy to the side. He thankfully does know a bit about curses!
Explained the situation to him. But just to make sure we questioned Orah a bit on how she feels.
She definitely was fixated on that metal spear.
Harpoon. She called it a harpoon.

She was insisting on using it; even ditching her other weapons. Don’t think I can get used to seeing her without her bow.
At least she was nice enough to let me inspect it.
It is really shoddy. Rusted and looks like it has been left in a waterway.
I’m not sure why she would insist on using it.
Must be the curse, right?

I only have a couple of rations from Hallownest left. I’ve been trying to mostly use the ones the Prince gave us. Only use the ones you gave me on bad days. I guess this counts as a bad day?

Uhh, so Serwacy and I informed Lune and Rose about this. Should’ve seen Lune. She just strode right towards Orah. Not really used to her taking initiative like this.
Also identified that… harpoon. But for some reason she came back crying and immediately went into one of the beds.
You won’t believe how furious Rose looked. Looked so frightening to the point where I got a bad headache.
The only reason why she didn’t start something was because Lune literally grabbed her leg to stop her.
Seemed to cool Rose down a bit.

Thank the Pale King that Orah approached Lune to apologize to her. Still got a bit of a bonking from Rose.
See what I mean, though! Normal Orah wouldn’t cause anybody to cry, right?
She has a bit of a silly attitude maybe but also very fierce and competent.

One last test to prove I’m right. Asked Orah to put her spear- harpoon into my bag and see if she can stand being parted with it.
Curses surely don’t allow you to just drop them.
Well she did do it. Looked very disgruntled about it. But she did.
Let her grab it again, afterwards.
I really don’t want to cause a fight.
This must've shown the others that she isn’t acting normal.
I had to step out of the building to cool off a bit. I feel like I’m being played with or something.

I swear I know what I saw! Everybody in the party believes me!
It’s just, I don’t think words alone will help. But I don’t want to use force either. Don’t think I could live with that on my conscience.
This is my fault…

Hey, also something I forgot to mention. Lune and Rose have been playing around with these critters. They have, like, fur all around? A bit like Mr. Fluffyboi over there, heh.
Called those critters “rabbits.” Kinda adorable. Very soft looking.
They decided to collect them. Hope they know how to handle pets.

Oh, oh! But did have an achievement! So I tinkered together a mechanical uh… claw. So Lenny, from the other group, has lost part of a limb. Saw that and felt bad.
The building had enough spare parts in the workshop. So I managed to craft this claw! But I will be honest that it isn’t my best work.
Just had my mind somewhere eĺse the entire time. Who could guess where!?
Sorry…

Lune was nice enough and helped me finish it up. Bless her. She has a real knack for crafting.

But, oh, poor Lenny. Was in the middle of making furniture. And even tripped. Clumsy.
He was a bit cautious about the claw. Understandable. We only talked a couple times. Probably still a bit weary of me.
Once the claw was attached to his limb he got really excited, though. Also wanted a hug. He sure is a squeezer.
Even teared up. So happy he appreciates it! Hey, maybe I can give it some upgrades, once I improve my craft!
Hope we can one day work together on something big! Always nice to know fellow artisans!

It has been a week since we arrived back in the village. The Prince wanted to visit us, make a check up and maybe use some diplomacy.
Hopefully he can see that something is up. Surely! He is that knowledgeable! He has an entire archive! There must be something!

Maybe some cookbooks there as well. Could always try to experiment in the kitchen. Try to figure out how you made them. But I don’t think they have any of the right spices here. Or anything I’m used to, for that matter.

Just hope to see you again,
Levee."

Chapter Text

“Hey Mom, Dad and Lil’ Bro,
the end of the week went somewhat quiet.
Just thought of a couple ideas for the group. They need better gear. And the workshop storage still had enough metal in it.
Rose might appreciate some better armor. Sadly I didn't have enough on hand to properly prepare it. Stuffed the metal into my bag for the meantime.

Orah and Serwacy had a fun time! I think? They had these wooden dummies to train on. Orah and her… harpoon wanted to get familiar.
At least Serwacy kept an eye on her. Made sure she didn’t go overboard with it.
At some point he just gave one of the dummies a good bonk with his staff and a giant lightning bolt struck it!
…I wasn’t aware he was this powerful…

Oh, Lune! She was really nice and helped me a lot!
There is this gem I found in a chest inside the workshop. Was actually full of them. Only took one. Don’t wanna feel like I’m hoarding them. But it’s very potent with energy!
Also remember this fine plate I got from that one bug back in Dirtmouth? Yeah, it’s very pricey! Could probably get a nice chunk of geo from it, in a pinch.
Or just place it somewhere nice. Would make for good decoration!

So the Prince finally came back. Got some new company as well. He got this star scholar with him. Wanted to learn if the stars are similar there. Because then that would mean the worlds are closer connected than we thought. So they will be staying here for now. Hope there is a connection.

And the Prince went over with the others to talk diplomacy. And politics. Talked for a long time.

Ok, but most importantly! Finally got some information on these masked guys! Proper names. Well, kinda.
Long story short. There is the main villain who is called “The Prisoner.” Probably didn’t choose that name but then again, they are that creepy.
Then there were their underlings. Four- well three… So Trevor, yeeeaah he kind of was one of the main four…
Not just a random underling but actually someone very important to them. And he got freed of that.
Waaaas veeery awkward for a moment after that realization.

The other three are still in the Prisoner’s service though.
Funnily enough, one of them is called the “Mind.” But from what we could tell they are just plain a brute.
Rose wanted a go at them. Always out for a fight…

And there happen to also be these… weapons for hire? They are on their own mostly. But the Prince still warned us of them because they are just as much traveling around and meeting them could start in conflict.
One of them was an inventor… artificer… I feel like I’m being challenged… or made fun of…
Name was something like “Twenty-one ‘Gun’ Salute.”
Had these weird long metal tubes with wood around them. The Prince warned us of those. Shouldn’t get in their line of sight. Hm…

Ach, so much information, too many names. I will go through them if we meet them. Probably get a better read on them as well. Even though I really don’t want to meet them.
I’m so sorry if I make you worried about these tales. I swear I’m good! It’s just a lot all at once…

Could be better. It’s. Well. So. The portal malfunctioned again? More like led us somewhere else. We used these portals to travel between worlds. Wouldn’t believe how amazed I was when I saw it open for the first time!
But the first time we had this weird… nightmare? Strange voices talking about stuff. I didn’t really understand what they meant.
And now the thing completely malfunctioned and sent us to the wrong place! Well, more like it got hijacked.
We got sent to a weird complex. Everything is so warm and dark here. Surrounded by dark metal everywhere. Smells awful too…

Gonna have a talk with whoever is in control of these portals! They need more safety measures! We can’t be the only ones who have these problems! Almost as if we are targeted…

Sorry to cut it short but I think we got company. I will keep you informed!
With love,
Levee."

Chapter Text

“Hey Mom, Dad and Lil’ Bro,
ah so, yeah we had some conflict.

We were on top of this giant metal structure. And we were surrounded by these mechanical guards. Mostly mechanical. Some had a mix of sinew and flesh inside of them. Whoever created these has a sick mind.
They had some kind of order of command in place. One of them pointed around and the others moved. So destroying the leaders made the others stop moving. At least they weren’t that sturdy. Constantly crumbled from the smallest hit. Sick mind and no skill in crafting at all.

There were two leaders to each side on balconies. Quite a ways up and Rose just straight up jumped up there. Destroyed one of them with a couple swings of her nail.
And Lune just made the entire other side explode in a ball of fire.
I’m actually really happy to be surrounded by such powerful warriors. Feel somewhat safe around them.

Had a short break to recuperate. We had no idea where we were. Hot like a forge and smelled like rancid eggs. The sound of giant machinery was overpowering everything, though. And there was a door, which we had no idea what was behind it. Well, only one way to find out.

And you would never guess who was past that door. The lady we met back in the dungeon.
Ok so, the Prince said she called herself “The Will of the Prisoner.” Still as boisterous as last time. Out for a fight. Only for her amusement. She is really sick in the head.

All of her attacks had a focus on blood. Her weapon was covered in it. Or made out of it? She herself was covered in it. So unhygienic!
She had these statues around the place and some of them moved and attacked us as well.
Rose, as usual quick to attack, immediately went up to the Will and gave her a good beating. The Will really didn’t expect that because she had to retreat for a second. Came back with some proper armor. Made out of blood. Of course…

But The Will was no pushover. She had this nasty habit of using ribbons to restrain us, one big attack of hers was making it rain bloo- ok I get she wanted to have a theme and all but couldn’t she have chosen something else? Just plain nasty!
Sorry, so her weapon had this trick where it could be solid as a needle or become fluid and whip it around. Must’ve trained with it a lot since she looked really skilled in that.

The statues also constantly shot these energy balls at us.
Climbed all around the chamber walls. Those were even more creepy than The Will.

Was a really nasty fight but we did come out on top! Barely though. Caught us all off guard with that. Really gotta be more prepared for any potential tricks again.
And after all that carnage The Will just melted away. As if she wasn’t real. Been fighting nothing but a shoddy copy of her. Can’t even get her amusement herself! Pathetic!

So happy the Prince actually noticed our absence. The stone we used to communicate with him was all crackling with noise. Could barely understand most of the message. Just that we should find a higher area.
Lune sure did find a way up. A windy tunnel just shot her through it.

The tunnel led to a chamber and guess who was strung up in the middle of it? The Will! She was attached to a bunch of weird wires and a big construct. Just tied in a weird mash of metal.
And looked weak. Shriveled up and barely even noticed us.
Lune was so close to just thrust a dagger into her. Of all people, Rose was the one to stop her. Funny how quickly the tide turns.
But kind of surprising, Rose just cut The Will out of her shackles. And let The Will bite Rose in her claw. I’m really not sure why she did that. Did Rose see something in her?

Luckily the Prince was able to open up a portal just nearby. Took The Will through it. The others called her a “prisoner of war” but I don’t think that’s quite accurate to the situation.
Seems more like she was… used? I don’t know. The situation didn’t seem like you would think a villain would be in. Didn’t see her on like a big throne in an evil lair.
She was just hanging there… all drained…
Maybe at least get a proper name from her. Calling her “The Will” feels weird. As if her identity was erased.
Prince surely will find a way! Trevor was freed from that group.

Ach, what am I talking about? She has been nothing but trouble for us! And if anything she could have information on how her partners operate. Better to know where she is than just leaving her there. Just hope this was a good idea.

Should concentrate on getting some rest and thinking of ideas. I will be fine! Good rest always helps! Don’t worry about me. Stay safe!
With love,
Levee."

Chapter Text

“Hey Mom, Dad and Lil’ Bro,
hope you are doing well. Don’t forget to treat yourself sometimes.

Finally, FINALLY got to the Prince’s court. You would not believe how relieved I was to be back there after such a long time. Must’ve been like 14 days? I lost count after a while.

So, we did bring The Will back with us. Rose had her on a tight leash so I think it is fine. Prince made sure to apprehend The Will real quick.

It’s been only two days but being back here already helps with all the pressure. Just feels safe here. At least in comparison. Even if most of the faces here are not as familiar, it still feels like everyone at least tries to have the overall best interest in mind.
Good souls.

Well, it was not completely stress free. Only getting back for a day and Rose needed medical help. I think it had something to do with her eating a lot of weird things while we were out there. Some insatiable hunger she has.
Never have seen someone develop crystals and vines inside their body. Got them out there at least.
Still got us all worried. Had to sit there for hours just waiting and hoping for good news.
But Rose is recovering! And really well! Should be back in fighting-spirit in no time.

Oh, and I think the Prince helped Orah out. Just took her aside for a moment. Didn’t see her with that accursed metal spear since then. Good riddance. Orah seems a lot more chipper as well. Glad that got sorted out.

Lune probably had it the quietest. Aside from being the most worried about Rose, I think she was mostly occupied with studying and such.

Then there was Sir Serwacy who looked… fluffy? Like even fluffier than usual. I think he mumbled something about the Second Consort and getting him a bath?
To think he was this fluffy with matted fur. Looked really upset over the entire situation, though. Probably didn’t like the idea of being treated like a grub.
Has he ever washed before? Wait, how would he look like if he was thoroughly cleaned? Is he just fur? Maybe the nickname is more appropriate than I thought.

And I finally have my own little pet! Now please don’t think I actually went out there and collected a creature.
I’ve made them myself! They are small, easy to handle, doesn’t leave any dirt and only requires minimum maintenance.
Looks like a little wooden figure of a mosscreep with a propeller on top. Quite adorable!
That little gem I found works as a perfect energy source!
I don’t have a name for them yet but I’m sure I will figure something out.
Having an extra couple limbs never hurts.

Oh yeah, we did get rewarded! Handsomely as well. I hoped so as well! We went through a lot there and even brought one of the big bads back! That sure is an achievement worth celebrating! Got some healing vials. One of them is bigger. Gonna be handy. And some materials for me to work with. Getting to put my ideas into reality!

On top of that, got like 45000 geo! Can you believe that? I’m definitely saving a bit and once I’m back I will take you all out for a nice hearty meal.
Dirtmouth had a really nice food stand, might take you there.

Oh! Oh! I know! Maybe the others would want to visit! You get to meet them all! They are an odd bunch but you get used to their antics.
Hope to see you soon,
Levee."

Since Levee’s artistic rendition doesn’t quite convey the look of her new homunculus servant, here is a more accurate view.

A mosscreep with a propeller. They are made entirely out of wood.

Chapter Text

“Hey Mom, Dad and Lil’ Bro,
sorry if I was so quiet for so long. Has been a week, hmm.
Since the payout, I was really busy in the workshop. Got some really good ideas!
Have this really fancy screwdriver now! Can turn into most other tools so I will no longer be just sitting there, having nothing to do.
Otherwise I’ve been working on fancier armor for the most of us. And then some other, smaller things. Really a dream come true to work on a cloak!

But from what I gathered nothing has happened here really. Just the usual of sleeping, eating, tinkering, repeat. I do get out, though! I know you would worry, mom!
The others are always here so I will never be truly alone or bored. Not with them.

Orah found a new friend in the court! Has been going around a lot, even showing up in the workshop. She looks so happy to have someone to hang out with. So glad for her!
Rose has still been resting from… whatever that was in her body. I really hope the few things I make will help her a bit. Ah, now I really wish I could remember any recipe of the food you made. Could’ve made her a “Get well soon!”-stew.

Well, ok. Not quite quiet. Serwacy and Lune.
I didn’t see it myself but I got the general idea from what others talked about. I have to preface that all of this story is from what I gathered. I didn’t witness it myself.

So, the Second Consort Tremanca has made it her quest to clean Sir Serwacy and Serwacy has made it his to be constantly muddy. The Second Consort just pours water on him and then Serwacy goes out into the garden and finds a puddle of mud.
Has turned into this weird rivalry for the two of them. It is obvious the Second Consort only does it to annoy Sir Serwacy and Serwacy is, in fact, getting very annoyed.

It all came to a head once literal furniture started to be launched across the halls. Like, Lune and Serwacy stormed into the Second Consort’s room.
Well, Lune more likely got dragged along. Bless her soul.
They were in there for a bit and suddenly everyone and everything in that room just came flying out.

Not quite certain what exactly happened in there. I wasn’t there and only got snippets from mostly hearsay.
The only other things I heard was that the Second Consort was angrily stomping through the halls, searching for them.
Lune got snatched fairly quickly. Got put into timeout.
Serwacy was doing a mad dash out of the court. He knew he messed up.
Just flew over the walls, into the wilderness.
Others say that the Second Consort used some kind of flying stick and chased after him.
After a while they came back, the Second Consort holding Serwacy on his scruff. Didn’t actually drag him back in. Probably was just tired from all that chasing through a dense forest.

Reminds me of when I was younger and hid in the storage when I knew I broke something.
Ah, even here I have to grubsit.

Ok, but the thing is. I need to emphasize again that this is all just what I heard from others. And it would fit Serwacy well!
But all of these stories claim that it was some bright purple moth that wrecked chaos. But Serwacy is in shades of brown.

But then how did Lune get involved? Did she know that moth? And, by the sound of it, that moth had the same mannerisms as Serwacy.
Hmm. Same manners. Bright purple moth. Serwacy doesn’t want to be cleaned…. Wait.

Uhm, I might have to check something myself. I got a hunch now.
I will write to you later again.
With love,
Levee."

Chapter Text

“Hey Mom, Dad and Lil’ Bro,
Finally got to write another letter. Should be done with most of my work now. Took me a long time but I think the others will appreciate it! Especially Rose, once I get her things properly done.
Made some better armor for the others and myself. Shouldn’t hinder them as much with moving around.
Look at me, developing skills in things I never knew I needed.

The week has been mostly the usual quiet.
But Prince Valendan did have a small task for us. One of his workers asked our group to arrive in their tower. Something about an experiment.

Of course, made haste there. Sir Serwacy got really excited because there is a gorgeous garden nearby. Didn’t think he liked nature that much. Guess you learn something each day.
Oh, it also had a small water pond with critters inside. Got Sir Serwacy so transfixed that he didn’t notice someone tackling him to the ground.
Not really much of an ambush when you excitedly call out “Surprise Attack!” - but it still caught us by surprise.

Her name is “Kyoko” and turns out she is actually the grandchild of the one who called us. A hunter in the making as well. Took us all by surprise. Might make it big one day! A bit of childish mannerisms but can’t really say we are much better...
Kyoko invited us to a nice tea break. Had some lovely honey with it. And some really sweet little cubes. I might’ve indulged a bit…

Also learned from her that Prince Valendan tends to be pushy when it comes to tasks. I mean, I can understand it. Better have it out of the way earlier than later.
Just gonna keep that in mind so that we don’t have to break our legs.
Almost felt bad for taking a break. But then again, I’ve been working a lot these past couple weeks.

Was a lovely tea as well. Very sweet. Had the scent of flowers. Might have to bring some back so we can try it!

But back to the actual reason we got here. The tower we got invited to was really strange.
I’m not sure if it was a residential area, more commercial or some kind of research facility. Kind of a mix? Still felt a bit like a high noble area. Would explain the uneasy atmosphere.
Ok, so the bottom floor had a bunch of groups sitting there with smoke hanging in the air. Felt pretty nauseating.
The first upper floor just had a bunch of animals and someone Kyoko knew. Kinda guarding the place?
Really the grumpy type. Probably caught in a bad mood. Or just in that phase.

And finally, our actual destination. Uuh. “Granny”? She didn’t really introduce herself, just went right to business. I really don’t want to call her that. Sounds so informal.
But Kyoko called her that, sooo.
Granny has a rather “commanding” personality. There was a good chunk of headbutting between parties. I really hope we didn’t burn any bridges there. We are quite stubborn.

So the experiment revolved around fixing, or well rather mitigating, the problems we had during our travels through portals. Good to know someone is working on those because I was about to file some complaints if that happened again.
Something about memories and ideas overlapping with the world? Was really hard to understand.
The plan itself is simple. Just to get in there, clear a way and then get out. Granny thankfully had a system in place so that we wouldn’t get stranded. Not too risky of a job.

The entire experience was really weird. We traveled to completely different places in a matter of minutes.
First it felt like we were in a vast dark space full of stars and lights. Walked a bit and then… well frankly I don’t even know how to describe that place. Just so much blue. Just blue. So blue. Blue.
Uhm, so we traveled some more and suddenly in a forest with a very angry plant. A bit more and suddenly in a small room with a weird doll and a bunch of papers with wishes written on them.
Kinda glad I didn’t understand much about this. I think this would be too much for my head to wrap around.

At the end there was this weird… statue? It moved, though. So it was alive? Didn’t look like it was controlled through mechanisms. And was hostile. Had a very sharp needle pointed right at Orah.
We did manage to beat it, thankfully.
Dropped some really weird gem. Looks like a water drop but in red.
The strangest part is that so far every object we picked up there just vanished. Not this one, though. This one stayed. Must be extra important?
That entire place gave me the creeps. Glad we are out of there.

We are fine! We can handle ourselves!
I’m gonna have to continue this later. Gonna tell you if we get anything special.
Love you all!
Levee."

Chapter Text

“Hey Mom, Dad and Lil’ Bro,
I hope you are doing well!
So, got back to the court from… wherever that place was. Completed our mini-task. Got a small reward with this gem… oh yeah!
Uhm, “Granny” was kind enough to inspect it for us.
Little gem actually holds some power in it so it fits perfectly for Orah!

We’ve also been informed that Rose decided to visit one of the other courts. She wanted to learn more about her ancestry. So, it might be a while until we see her again. Hope she will be ok all on her own. Sad she didn’t consider any of us for help but I guess that’s just how Rose is. A bit of a lone hunter. Pray she comes back soon!

Lune was already heading back to her room. I think she didn’t take the news of Rose leaving well.
Might have to cheer her up.
Actually have something in mind.

Finally took a bit of a gander through the town. Never got to appreciate how pretty it can be here. Lots of places to visit. The sky is full of stars. Could stargaze here.
And guess what! A sign pointing right towards a tea shop!
A bit of a hassle to get there because the sign was on a main road while the shop was tucked away in an alley. A bit counterproductive if you ask me but I guess some just like their quiet.

Was a really lovely shop as well! Loved the scent of the dried herbs. Felt a lot more cozy than that other smokey place.
And the owner was such a kind soul! A warm welcome, even for new strangers.
Was even kind enough to offer a specialty on the house. A tea made out of blue roses!
The outside sitting area was also this quiet little garden area. Could’ve spent the entire day there.

Ok, but I actually wanted to find a tea shop because I wanted to see if I could procure some of the tea herbs from that last little break.
I’ve grown quite fond of the taste, heh.
I… didn’t actually know the name. I forgot to ask Kyoko.
Thankfully the owner kinda knew what I was talking about!
It’s called “Jasmine” and I got a small box full of them! Ooh, I can’t wait to brew my own cup!

Ah, but Orah insisted on paying for the tea. And I insisted on her not paying. But she did insist and you know how the whole song and dance goes.
At the end it just resulted in her buying an extra box of tea. So I guess we each have a box now. Well, I’m sure she will enjoy it.
And the little box they come in is also really… adorable? Wait. Why is there a second box in my backp- ORAH!

I’m gonna- have a stern talking with her.

There is also another thing.
I know this is probably not going to happen but if it is at all possible could you maybe let me know how you are doing?
I’ve been just getting a bit worried about you recently. I really hope you are doing fine.
I love you,
Levee."

For you see, that Blue Rose tea wasn’t just an ordinary fancy tea. It did allow one to see a glimpse into the future. And what Levee saw was the City of Tears. An empty street in front of a closed shop. Not a soul in sight.
One wonders what could’ve happened during that time.

Chapter Text

“Hey Mom, Dad and Lil’ Bro,
I hope you are alright! Get yourself something nice.

So the tea shop owner is called Delmir Arsen. Was actually… pretty confused how to spell that. Really exotic names out there.
Was nice enough to write it down. I could’ve never guessed how it was spelled.
Lovely shop, gotta say. Definitely will give it a visit again!

Uhm, so finally got called by Prince Valendan. New mission!
Mostly a scouting mission. But got barely any real information.
Took us a bit to finally arrive. Well mostly Orah and Serwacy.
I’m a responsible bug and arrived in due time! I swear!

Lune is gonna mostly sit this one out. Yeah, thought she wouldn’t feel in a good mood. Might bring her something back. Or make her something. Have to see.

The usual spiel. But this time there wasn’t a problem with traveling there. Guess Granny really did work on the safety precautions.

Yeah, the Prince wasn’t kidding. The entire place is desolate. Just shades of brown everywhere. And the sun was beating down on us. Barely any plants as well. Most of the buildings have been stripped clean. Not even the doors were safe.
And so much rough sand. It gets everywhere! I don’t like it.
Of course curiosity got to us and we searched the buildings for any signs of life in one of the abandoned buildings.

Yeah, mostly empty. There were these metal crates. Had some labels on them like “Browning” and “9mm.” Not sure if it is pronounced “Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm”, or.
Always with the weird names for everyone but I guess that’s what you gotta expect out here.

Oh, but we did find someone!
Well, Serwacy found someone. Well, the someone more so found Serwacy, ok so.
Getting out the back of the building, Serwacy was struck by lightning. Again. He really has the worst luck with those.
Maybe I should make something for him to help that problem.
Uhm, so the lightning came from this someone. Her name is “Val” and quite the, I hope this doesn’t come across as rude, awkward type. Very shy and has a hard time voicing her thoughts. But I think she just needs a bit of time to warm up.

Has a real knack for inventions! Has created this tiny ranged weapon.
A “Flintlock” she called it. It has a lot of moving parts, seems very powerful. But also actually reloading it seems to take a while.
I’m not sure if making something this complicated to use is a good idea for a fight. Gonna leave you unarmed for a bit.
But I can’t deny the sheer power it has.
Probably not for me… so loud as well.
Something about using controlled explosions to propel the ammunition at an incredible speed.
Controlled explosions, hmmmm.

Ah, so she is here with a… partner? Affiliate? Colleague?
They have a rough association. Can’t really stand one another.
So, his name is “Samson”. A very, uhm, sad one. Angry? Kinda a mix.
Doesn’t really need a scholar to see he has a lot of sorro- ah, wait don’t wanna use tha-
Uhm, pains? Emotional scars? Yeah, I guess that sounds accurate.
But definitely more confident in his ideas.

The duo had set up camp nearby.
Oh and they are a bickering bunch.
But they have been here for a week.
They seem friendly, though! Just a bunch that have been stranded here. The heat must’ve really gotten to them. They had thin-as-paper patience. Or just are generally not trusting.
I mean we are strangers, so I can’t blame them.
But they would make a good team. If they just sat down and talked a bit.
Thinking of taking them back with us. For now, first the mission.

Got a bit of info about this world from them.
A long time ago there was a war that effectively destroyed a majority of life here.
The land has yet to recover from this.
One must imagine what weapons they used to have devastated the land like this.
Always going back to war. Everyone just thinks about destroying everything around them. Can’t have one nice place…

We were warned that the land has been overrun by scavengers of all sorts. I really wish I could help them. Help the land. The kingdom that used to be. There surely have to be some rulers or important folk that try their best here.
Wouldn’t just leave everything as is.

Maybe we can help? But we saw some maps and the land is huge! Massive even! Far larger than anything in Hallownest.
The duo had a map that showed the entire kingdom. We are currently in a place called “Vegas”? I think? Hard to read the maps. They have a lot scribbled on them. Especially the names.
This kingdom needs help from powers far beyond our capabilities.
Still! I will assist any soul! If they cry for help, I will try my best!

It will be fine! I hope I will see you again soon! I miss you,
Levee.

PS: Also, Sir Serwacy Marzec II.
I respect you as a party member and capable fighter. But if you read this…
Scram!”

Chapter Text

“Hey Mom, Dad and Lil’ Bro,
Ough, the heat is already getting to me. Maybe next time I should get some sun protection, heh.

So uuh, Val and Samson! They actually know a good place for shelter!
Called “Vault 21.” There must be a lot of those if they just use numbers to distinguish them. Could’ve at least tried to come up with names.

Samson makes for a great watcher! Has this flying creature friend that he can use to see from the sky. More subtle than one of us flying up there. And probably safer.
That way we could actually have a nice conversation while we walked!
Yeah, they have been here for a week and somewhat know the general area. There are a lot of tall buildings here. But all of them are destroyed. Basically stripped down to the foundation. It sounded like they were trying to scavenge themselves. Can’t say I blame them. They just got dropped out here without many resources. Know that feeling - all too well.

Samson warned us of others approaching our locations. Told us they looked very… scruffy… and unfriendly. Raiders? Bandits?
We did try to hide from them but still got seen. And yeah, it turned into a fight. I - really wish it didn’t. I - don’t even know what exactly happened. Everything went by so fast. Didn’t even get a chance to potentially resolve this peacefully.
I just remember a lot of explosions around me. And a lot of injuries. Not on our side!.. Well, that too but I meant the bandits all looked…
I… don’t feel like talking about what actually happened.
It’s good to know that our group has strong combatants, though. Hmm…

Uhm, we did manage to get two of them aliv- uuh… one was still out of it. I think I hit him a bit too hard.
The other was pretty chatty. Surprisingly so, after all - that. Told us that his group also travelled towards that vault. Something about technology being inside. And he was willing to help open it up. I’m not so sure of him…
It is better than nothing, I guess.

The bickering that Serwacy and Samson started didn’t help my mood. It was a very, uh, sensitive topic. I only got a bit of it. The uuh- the bandit had to go outside.
Was really only a ploy to get out of the bickering and I completely understand that.
I admire Serwacy’s conviction but he does tend to pick unnecessary fights. Val was nice enough to accompany me outside. Sadly, didn’t get to have any conversation.

There was a lot of commotion and screaming inside. Suddenly Orah comes bursting through the door with Serwacy in tow. He has been cursing up a storm against Samson and thrashing to escape Orah’s grasp to get back inside.
I’m- I’m not proud but I used vines to snare him down.

I can’t believe I actually did this. I just didn’t know what else to do! I really didn’t want him to start an actual fight. But I also really don’t want to treat him like a grub that had to be put into timeout.
We are mature bugs! We should be able to rationally talk this out! But after the last fight I was so mentally drained and I didn’t know how else to keep him here to calm down and he is so much bigger than me and we were all already so bruised up and I just -
acted on impulse.

And here I thought I escaped the grubsitting. This is awful. I’m awful.
I really hope he won’t have harsh feelings towards me.
Pray that we get over this hurdle,
Levee.”

Chapter Text

“Hey Mom, Dad and Lil’ Bro,
I- didn’t really have the nicest evening.

So uuh, Serwacy is acting like a grub.
I genuinely don’t know why he is like this. It’s gotten so bad that he started to just- lunge at others- and throw things around…
Especially at me, for some reason. I’m not sure if I did something to make him this upset or if he is just...- letting all that anger out on everyone now. I did bind him down with vines but that’s really just so he doesn’t start anything with Samson.
Serwacy must’ve seen it as a betrayal. I know he is angry at me. I should apologize to him.
Stupid desert heat.

It was getting late anyway. After trying to lunge at me, Serwacy got shocked by Val. I would really like it if she stopped doing that. Serwacy already has bad luck with lightning.
But it did stop him in his tracks. Just laid there for the rest of the evening. Mumbling and grumbling to himself.
At least he had time to think a bit.

Inside we set up a bit of a camp. Samson did go out to Serwacy but it really didn’t help his mood. Orah had to just drag him inside. At least he settled down on his bed.
I got to prepare some really nice tea! Was delicious! Genuinely surprised how well it went for me. Normally not a tea brewer but you never know what kind of talents one holds.

My watch with Samson was a little nice. He doesn’t need to sleep so he makes for a perfect watch. Looks very tired, though.
We had a nice little talk. A bit about his previous world. Something about time just freezing around him and the only way out is going here. This is where he also met Val! At least he wasn’t alone for long.

We also had a talk about the- uuh, general situation. He seems pretty wise! Has gone through a lot, so I imagine he picked up a couple things. Mostly about how he handles being stressed…
I... well, he did give me a couple pointers about not taking everything too much to heart. You know me, always have my head in thoughts. Heh.
There are gonna be situations where it won’t go any other way…
He is just saying this as a warning. He does have a bit of a grumpy outlook on life. Told me to not immediately believe everything someone tells me. So, he probably doesn’t trust others a lot. Especially during this evening. Might have to cheer him up a bit!

Orah had second watch. I really hope she had a good night with Samson. I was really exhausted today. Pretty much just fell into my bed.
We will see. Tomorrow is another day.
Looking forward to seeing what this “vault” holds.
Love you all,
Levee.”

While Levee’s writing wasn’t always the cleanest, this letter has visibly much more shaky writing. Nervousness.

Chapter Text

“Hey Mom, Dad and Lil’ Bro,
hope you are all doing well. Hope to see you soon again!

Didn’t know how well Val could cook. Delicious meatballs for breakfast. Just the something hearty homecooking I was craving for a while. A bit too homey… I will never forget calling her that.

Uuh, outside Orah and Val made a new acquaintance. A really big furry creature. Very big! Bigger than them!
The creature has an owner called Theia. She is a part of a group called “The Wild Hunt.” The creature is called Eros.
They are both friendly but Theia mentioned that she is on the hunt for someone to prove herself.(?)
I don’t really know what to make of her. She said she was keeping track of us to see if we are “strong” enough. Whatever that means.
Either way she decided to hang around our group for a bit. Need any help we can get, I guess.

So, this vault is very strange. It was sealed with a heavy metal door. And opening it requires knowledge of how to operate a magic box, which was asking questions via text and it was a whole ordeal. The uuuh… the bandits helped a bunch with that.

So, you would think a vault would just be a small room but no.
There was an entire complex behind that door.
Inside was a total mess. Just long creeping hallways, basically no light, everything was covered in dust and no signs of any life.

Each hallway was lined with small rooms. Looked like little inn rooms. Might’ve been used as an inn? Or something like that.
But, of course, it went further down. Because any creepy place needs to always go further down.
At least the stairs held us all. For how run down this place is I’m just happy that nothing fell on us.
Led to a much bigger room. I would say fancier as well but this place seems like merely a shadow of its former self.
Uh, there was a balcony and some more important-looking rooms up there. One of them was labeled “Overseer’s Office.” So, probably important.

Everyone managed to get inside and there was this weird… coffin? Some kind of metal structure lying in the middle of this room. Big enough to hold someone.
Well… the door closed behind us, trapping us. And the coffin opened up on his own.

Out came someone who glowed this sickly green hue. Claimed they slept all this time in that coffin.
They then smiled and just pointed at one of the bandits. The Bandit was enveloped in the same green glow and just turned into this… wild creature. All shriveled up and without any clear thoughts.
Just a feral being now…

Ack, we had to get out of there. Guess luck was at least a bit on our side because the door did open up just in time.
Of course we took that opportunity and just… ran.
I know I feel like a coward just running away. But the idea of being instantly turned into a feral… I don’t know what levels of fear I felt at that moment.
Or the guilt now.
I… we couldn’t have done anything there, right? Everything just went so fast.

We all immediately tried to head for the exit. On the stairs upstairs Samson mentioned that the glowy guy got the other bandit as well.
And we got quick sight of them because they chased us down the hallways, all the way upstairs.
Tried everything in our bags to stop them but they just wouldn’t let up. Only barely managed to escape this place.
Samson had the great idea to just crumble the entire entrance behind us.
Could hear the steps on the floor before leaving again.

I… I really don’t like this place. Everyone just gets so angry here and nothing seems like people care about anything.
I wanna leave this place. This is not worth anything it has.

I’m sorry. I’m rambling. Please stay safe,
Levee.”

Chapter Text

“Hey Mom, Dad and Lil’ Bro,
I hope you are doing well over there. Please stay safe.

I, uhm, not a whole lot has happened since. We got away from that- awful place. It really doesn’t sit right with me.
Uuh, got to explore more of this abandoned city.
They really have just bad constructions here. Had to climb this metal wall. It was just a bunch of junk, really.

The other side was just more abandoned houses.
I… I really wasn’t in the mood to explore anything. The others went to open a boarded up house and explored the other streets.
I heard a bit of commotion inside, which turned out to be nothing. And Serwacy once asked me about this weird box he found.
Was high technology or something but I didn’t understand how it worked. Had a glass panel on the front and was very heavy. Eh…
Val is quite the cleaning bug. The house was pretty spotless at the end.

I was just… not that into- uuh, right. Nighttime. The night sky is pretty! Lots of stars are visible. Really about it, though. Nothing much happened. Just heard the others on watch talk a bit. I really… didn’t wanna interact with them right then.

Hope I get to come home soon. I really miss you. Love you,
Levee.”

Chapter Text

“Hey Mom, Dad and Lil’ Bro,
I hope you are doing well. Sorry if I sounded a bit… sad in the last letter.
Just a lot going on and, if I'm honest, I don’t quite feel over it yet.

Uh, right. So. Val! Girl of many talents! She does make really nice breakfasts. Made these little roasted bread slices. Tasted nice!

The plan mostly was just to get out of this city. We are on scouting duty after all. And this land is so much bigger than just a single city.
The others - well mostly Theia and Samson - managed to find this metal box on wheels. Had a very comfy interior and was filled with mechanisms.
Probably used for transportation. Reminded me back to those big automated knights. And that knowledge did help getting it repaired again!

Should’ve seen Val and me tinkering the entire afternoon on this. Got it tuckering in no time! The others either held watch or brought some furniture into the back of the box.
Reminds me of the trams. Also had fancy interiors on wheels. Huh.

But uuh yeah, it’s actually pretty comfy inside. I might have an idea or two for later. Get it a bit comfier.
Get some nice windows. Could maybe cushion the seating more. Proper lighting. Ah, many ideas.
This vehicle is also really fast! And it doesn’t need any rails! It can just freely move! Glad there are some intact roads. Still quite the bumpy ride. But compared to a stag, it is like floating on clouds.
And it’s not like we can’t improve it with time. Definitely beats walking. Ah, so much walking…

This vehicle still needs someone to constantly operate it. Otherwise it won’t work. Theia has been controlling it so far. Guess riding her beast translates well into this.

So far we have been traveling west, towards a coastline. Then along the coast probably going north. Where there is water there is life and all. I imagine we meet more, uuuh… agreeable folk.
Helps that we can rest while someone steers this vehicle. Might take shifts with that. Cover more land that way.

Maybe there is something worth the trouble out there.
Wish me safe travels. Love you,
Levee.”

Chapter Text

“Hey Mom, Dad and Lil’ Bro,
hope you are doing well. Maybe get yourself something nice? Mom could make that nice meatloaf again. That one is always so delicious!

So uuh, ah yeah. Actually managed to get some sleep on that vehicle. Despite the bumpy ride. Oh, my poor wings.
Did get pretty far considering how big this land is. Definitely better than walking.

Uh, so Val was currently the one steering this thing and at some point she halted it. Apparently some folk were nearby. Wore these masks. The masks had a longer snout on them. Huh, unique designs even here. But it is nice to see some familiarity here.

One of the folk, Maximilian was his name, uuh approached us and asked Val a bunch of questions. They were very curious about the vehicle we were in.
Apparently working vehicles are a rarity here. Val tried to explain how we got it running but “magic” didn't convince them. Even called me to see if I can explain it better.
They didn’t believe me…

But the folk seem nice! Samson was very quick on getting along with them. They had some good laughs.
Maximilian took a look under our vehicle. It was rusty. Rust everywhere. Kinda surprised that it held together for this long.
We might have to, uuh, replace a bunch of parts.
There was some kind of base nearby. For flying machines. Really big ones as well!
So there should be enough supplies there to get the vehicle fixed up. Mostly need hardy metal to build a frame and some softer ones for springs.

Maximilian and his folk were nice to escort us there. Probably looking for supplies themselves. So similar goals. Good to help one another.
They are so tactical and careful as well. Have a proper command system with their group. Maximilian seems like a good leader.

The base has a lot of machines and loose tools. The others even got some energy into this building going. Lit up the lights inside.
And even found a basement. It was told to us that normally these bases don’t have basements. So whatever this is, it isn’t supposed to be here.
A very dark basement. Val and Theia explored a bit ahead. Our party and two of Maximilian’s team went down there after Val and Theia made sure it was clear.
The entire underground is grimed over and hasn’t seen any use in such a long time. Everything was covered in dust.
Doubt we will find anything here then. Otherwise more folk would’ve visited this place, right?

Ah, I will keep you informed on the rest. Getting a bit too dark to continue writing.
Wish me luck,
Levee.”

Chapter Text

“Hey Mom, Dad and Lil’ Bro,
hope you are doing well! You are probably tinkering around with some stuff, knowing dad. Really can’t wait to come back and see what you created in the meantime.

So, the basement we were in has so much metal we can use!
Ah ok, so one thing after the other. The basement was safe. Nothing dangerous down here. For once…
The others mostly got some small things and went back up.
I was mostly interested in the solid, metal shelves! Together with the forge upstairs we can fix up the vehicle! Took me almost the entire morning to disassemble most of them. During that, the others got everything else prepped. They work fast!

Luckily Val called me upstairs before I stayed down there the entire day.
Only took a bit of rerouting some energy and the forge was running like it was new! Immediately got to melting some of the metal and putting it in proper shape. Lots of work but at least with that we can multitask a bunch.
This building also came with a mechanism on the ceiling that has hooks on long chains. Probably to lift heavy things. It definitely was strong enough to lift the entire vehicle off the ground. Finally we could actually get under it.
While I finished the new frame, Val started to cut away on the old, rusty one. She has this really fancy tool that causes a lot of heat in a tiny area. Melts through metal as if it were jelly.
Only took a bit of the reverse process to get the shiny new frame fitted in.
Val also got the wonderful idea to place some runes on there. Make it just that bit extra sturdier.
Got Samson to help with that. He works fast but efficiently. Probably has been doing a bunch of carving already in his life?

A bit sad that the others didn’t wanna work with us. It is so much fun getting everything in proper shape. But then again, they probably could’ve caused a bunch of problems with actually fixing the vehicle.
Leave the complicated things to the experts, heh!
I think I saw Orah and Serwacy play some kind of card game with Maximilian’s crew. Also looked like they traded a bunch of things? Definitely slid some stuff across the table.
Either way, they all seemed to have fun. Helps relax after the last turbulent days.
Around the time we finished it turned nighttime anyway so might as well just rest here.

Just had enough time to finish writing this letter before we set up camp. Ah, what a hard workday. Definitely deserve a bit of rest.
Everything will go smoother now!
Love you all,
Levee!”