Annie's Letters Home

[Verrath]

*written in crooked, careless script, with most of the many misspelled words crossed out and replaced with correct spelling - or near*

Dear Ruddy!

Well, its been a exciting first week. Auntie doesn't seem to like me much though. She also keeps saying how nice YOU are, as if I didn't know. Well, she wants to lock me up inside when all I wanna do is go exploring. There is so much to see, I can't believe how big this city is! I've never seen so many people in one place, and a nice woman I met told me there are some - Waterdeep, Neverwinter, I think she said - that are even BIGGER! I want to go there some day.

Met a lot of people already, and they are all very nice except I met some goblins in the hills when Mathilda ran off again. We were lucky that a nice Adventurer came through and helped us out

As for Mathilda, she's just as excited about being in the big city as I am, I just hope she gets used to all the people, I'd hate for her to nip someone accidentally. You know how she gets. Oh, yeah, Auntie Millie doesn't seem to like her either.

Anyway, I gotta go, I have these lessons she sends me to, but you know about all that... well hope all's well, give my love to Bruno and the twins. And hug ma and pa for me.

Love,
Annie

[Verrath]

*written in much the same fashion as the first letter*

Dear Ruddy,

wow, I have the most beastly headache. But yestarday was soooo fun. Went to see a fight night competition (for the Gods' sake, don't tell ma, or aunt Millie cause I snuck out), and afterward I made the most awesome new friends! There was Calandra, she's a ~real~ adventurer, and two little ones with odd names, and this one gal who kept talking about her master... I don't think I like her master much though. They bought me some honey mead and made me taste the most ~vile~ tasting drink ever. I think that's what gave me the headache though they just kept drinking it. Maybe adventuring turns your throat to leather.

Calandra said she would take me adventuring some day, I'm excited.

Some trouble or other is brewing in the land, there are rumors of tainted water and forest animals attacking folk. Aunt Millie tells me it's rubbish but teh people here are concerned. I'll explore some I think. Can't have animals suffer.

SO anyway, I'm settling in I guess, and so is Mathilda. I have to go now, lessons are waiting.

Love you all,
Annie



*a short note accompanies the letter, penned in precise, elegant script*

Mallorie,

I know I've agreed to tutor your children, and certainly Rudgar was a darling, but Annaleen.... honestly, she is way too much like her father, always getting into trouble. I wish that just once she would do as I tell her. It has only been two weeks and my nerves are frayed already. I hope you do not mind me using the switch on her if it gets any worse. I hate to, really, but I do not know if I can handle her any other way. And that badger of hers, I can't for the life of me imagine why you let her keep it! Well at least it does not leave any messes in my house. I can only hope that the dangers of Sundren will impress the child enough to settle down. And soon.

Your loving sister,
Millicent

[Verrath]

Dear Ruddy,

I have so much to tell you this time!

I told you about the taint or plague we're having here, only it's no longer just a rumor, and now somehow or other my new friends got hold of a potion that's supposed to cure it. They seemed a little hesitant but all I could gather was that whoever had given them the bottle wasn't normally a nice person.

So we hiked all over the place trying to get someone to tell us if it was for real. Then we tried it out on a sick bear, and he seemed better.

But it still wasn't proof. So then we went to the Druids - I mean if anyone would know about the land it's them. I came up with that idea before anyone else, and I'm a little proud of myself.

But the Keeper of the Grove wasn't very talkative, and then this one woman came and demanded to see the cure. She was very odd... she had HORNS! Anyway, I guess my friends - Calandra was there too - didn't like the way she was ordering us around and said no. To be honest, I didn't like it much either, but I was too busy trying to figure out what she was without just asking. That seemed rude. But I've never seen anything like her.

If she had told us she was a Druid we'd have showed her the cure for sure. But once she did... well, her asking to see the potion made sense, didn't it? But the others had already gone ahead. I stayed behind to talk a bit with her because honestly... horns.

Maybe she'll teach me druid things, she says. I'm so excited. But I have to prove to her I deserve to be taught. Something about thinking for myself. Well, I do that, right? It's just that I really don't know enough most times. This whole plague thing is really confusing me. I'm glad my friends seem to understand it better.

I thought that old Mad Sadie back home was pulling my leg when she said I have the gift.. I mean, she ~said~ she was a Druid and all, but well, she's a bit off her rocker, isn't she. But you know, that trick I can do with making my skin look like bark. Not sure what use that is, but there you have it, so maybe she's right. I saw this guy turn himself into a bear the other day. A bear! I wonder if I can learn that too, would be sooooo awesome. I want to be a Druid!

Oh yeah, her name is Serena.

Mathilda is going on a diet - Serena's idea, and a GOOD one - she is getting fat and lazy in the city, with no woods out back to roam around in. I'm going to make her work for her treats now. I just hope the kids down the street can be convinced to stop slipping her treats. I might really have to make her stay in the Grove, otherwise. If I can. I'd miss her terribly, though.

Anyway, I'd better snuff the candle before Aunt Millie catches me up after bed time again.

I miss you all,
Love,
Annie

[Verrath]

Dear Ruddy,

wow, imagine this, there's this Druid place I keep mentioning, right, and you know how old Mad Magda back home always told me I had the powers in me - remember when we said it was our little secret cause Ma would have kittens if she knew? Well... I haven't told Aunt Millie either. She's mad enough about Mathlda chewing on her furniture. I spend half of my time grounded and Mathilda has to stay in the shed (I tore out two boards in the back so she can escape if she wants to - though she seems to like it in there for some reson)

Anyway. This one Druid, a gnome if you'll believe it, well he started teaching me lessons! It took me ages but I actually learned stuff. I actually got the Keeper of the grove mad at me when I messed up this one spell and grew vines all over his lovely meadow... I grew vines! They grew like crazy! Of course I wanted to make myself like stone at the time.... Well. He's calmed down by now though. And, I can turn into a badger now, how cool is that? Well... half of the time it doesn't work the way I want, and going back to human form is ~hard~, all I want to do is dig holes and eat yucky worms when I'm a badger.... but I'm so proud of myself!

Also, it seems we have a war coming. Remember that plague I told you about? Somehow it all seems to be connected but I don't really understand it. Now there's talk of dark armies massing to move on Sundren! I'm a little scared, but by all the gods I'll not hide behind Aunt MIllie's apron like she seems to want. She can stay inside the walls where it's safe, but I'll be with my friends if they'll have me. I'm not a fighter but I know a little about herbs and things, and maybe I can do other useful stuff. I'll ~not~ be locked up!

Someone slipped some foul weed into Mathlda's food the other day. Too bad the little freak got away before I could call the guards at the Exigo Trading Post. Can you believe he actually tried to sneak the stuff into my pack? I'm so glad I noticed, I would have been in deep doodoo if someone caught me with that. Mathilda went all weird and funny, and then fell unconscious. Scared the hells out of me. But they said she'd sleep it off, and it looks like she's better already. A little grumpier than is normal, though. Maybe she has a headache.

One of my friends, Lauan, has gone a little weird and we're all worried. She's not all there in the mind, if you know what I mean, and I guess someone took advantage of that and made her into someone evil while telling her she was doing good things. Or something. She won't say who this new "Master" of hers is, but I mean to find out, and Calandra said she'll help. She's really cool, Calandra is.

Well, that's it from me for now, hope all's well, and give little Bruno a big birthday hug from me! I'd send along some of the delicious sweets they make here, but I don't know if they'd survive the journey... be well, I miss you all so much.

Love,
Annie

[Verrath]

*Her writing is definitely improving - no matter how much she tries to get away from her aunt's tutoring. There are far less spelling errors, even if her hand still has the look of hasty impatience about it*


Dear Ruddy,

I've had an eventful time! I can't tell you all cause if Ma finds out she will have a fit... when I visit with you, remind me to tell you how I got my favorite breeches all torn up. For now, let's just say that I'm really really glad Calandra was there at the time.

Nothing new regarding the war, and Mathilda's recovered. Lauan is still weird, though, and we found out she is slave to some weirdo freak wizard called Pyras, and a Thayan Knight to boot... at times she's almost herself. But then again sometimes she just shuts up tightly and becomes all weird. Some say she actually ~wanted~ to be a slave to this weirdo, but I can't believe that. There has to be a way to save her and I'll find it! Calandra and a few other friends have promised to help me. Even that mad dwarf lady, Brid, who paints her face with blood and dances on their corpses... She seems to like me in some odd way. I'm not sure if that's a good thing. Then there's Cirion and Osclow, who are both friends of Lauan. I hope we can bring her around somehow.

You know, all that time I've been wondering where I want to go, and what these new powers mean... I've learned a lot more about them lately, I can do stuff we only knew from stories before! And I've only just begun learning, it's mind-boggling. I've spoken with the Keeper of the Grove, and he told me it may be I don't even have to desert Chauntea for it... my powers come from nature, and any god who favors nature will approve... it's more complicated than that but I think I'm beginning to see. He said no matter what I decided as long as I served nature, I'd be welcome at the Druid grove. I'm happy. I have to think about what I want to do when my year with Aunt Millie is up. Maybe I'll stay here. Don't tell Ma yet. But I think I would like to - though I'll move someplace outside the city walls for sure.

Mathilda got thrown out of the Exigo Trading Post. Forever. The unfairness!! They gave no reason at all except that she was a wild animal and that it was bad for busniess and that those were the rules. Well, those rules are dumb, I say. She never harmed anyone. Well, not really. That bit of torn pants doesn't count. Dogs are allowed even if the bite people, but she gets thrown out just because of what she is. Not fair.

So I'm not going to buy anything there ever anymore. Bad for business my left foot!

It's much nicer in the Druid glade anyway.

I'll write more soon.

Love,
Annie

[Verrath]

An Encounter in the Night

"Annaleen."

Annie stopped in her tracks, having been about to quietly slip out the door. Her aunt was in her night gown already, apparently having come down to the kitchen to fetch a drink of water. Curse this rotten timing! Annie had a feeling she knew what was coming.

"Yes, Aunt Millie?"

"Where are you going at this hour?"

Annie bristled. "To check on Mathilda."

Aunt Millie sniffed. "At this hour? Perhaps you're sneaking off to your friends, yes?"

Guiltily, Annie shifted her feet. "I might go visit with them, too..."

"This Kalindra Shiny Sword - she is not the right friend for you."

"Calandra. Her name is Calandra," Annie said defensively.

"Whatever. At least this Jasha-"

"Yashia," snapped Annie.

"Whatever. At least she seems willing to get some education. Have you started tutoring her then?"

"Uhm. I was getting to that. It hasn't come up yet."

Aunt Millie snorted delicately. "Indubitably."

Annie didn't bother to defend herself - she was just tired.

"Auntie... I really don't want to-"

"You know, you should start getting yourself a man..."

Annie drew breath for a shocked retort, but Aunt Millie spoke right on top of her.

"Now I had my reasons for never marrying..."

Ha! Thought Annie. I bet you did.

"But maybe you need a good, well-mannered man to settle you down."

"Aunt Millie, I don't-"

"That Sir Cirion, for example. Now there's a fine young man. Handsome, and so well-spoken!" She studied Annie for a moment, nodding to herself before going on. "I suppose that Paladin would do too - but he's probably not for you. Nice build on him though- "

"Aunt Millie!!!" Annie shrieked in outrage.

"And of course the likes of him know how to behave. Though I'm not sure about that one. He rather shouldn't encourage you in your adventuring fancies..."

"They aren't fancies," muttered Annie. "And I really don't think-"

"Sir Wiltenholm now.... I suppose he would do as well, though he is a bit roguish for my taste. Bit of a ladykiller, he seems like."

Annie choked. "Osclow!?"

"And that elf? Tch! No manners, and impertinent to a fault."

"Which elf?"

"Sahrin."

"Sehron."

"Whatever."

Annie rolled her eyes. "He just takes some getting to know."

"But I really hope you're not friends with that atrocious dwarf. Gremlin is it? A fitting name."

"Gromlin."

"Whatever. I do hope there aren't too many like him"

"Aunt Millie," Annie growled, finally getting a word in. "I chose my own friends and I'll chose my own husband when the time comes!" She sighed softly and thought to herself, If that time ever comes... Oh Gods, why does it all have to be so bloody complicated?

"Also... " She added firmly, "I will go out now. I'll be back in time for our lessons, I promise."

She did not see the flicker of concern on the face of her aunt as she headed out the door.

"Just be careful, Annaleen. Don't end as I did..." Aunt Millie said softly, watching the closed door.

[Verrath]

Dear Ruddy,

well... only two more months till my year with Aunt Millie is up, and here she suddenly goes taking way too much interest in my friends... She's beginning to really try my patience with her meddling. Now she's all over me about finding a husband. It's not really helping me right now, with all the things going through my head as it is. I wish you were here to talk to - I know you'd understand. But I can't seem to put it all down on paper right. Perhaps Aunt Millie has a point in that I need to work on my writing skills. So yeah, I sort of gave her a piece of my mind and just walked out. But now I feel bad about that. I know she's only trying to do right by me. But Gods!

But anyway. The big news is, the war is over for now! We were able to beat back Xithis and a Solar helped us... he gave is life to destroy that evil cube. His LIFE! I felt so sad. But of course at the time I had just seen Hano fall, he's a Paladin and really nice and all. So things were a total jumble. But Hano's fine again now, so that's good. And none of my friends was hurt either. You've got to meet them some time. I'm sure you'd especially like Calandra.

Yashia, another friend, has asked to sit in on my lessons, saying she wants to learn as well. Aunt Millie said okay. I suspect Yashia does it mostly so I have some company, she really seems rather smart already. So it's awfully nice of her. At least it won't be quite as dull when I don't have to sit there all alone.

I'm still not sure what I want to do after the year is up. But I rather think I'd really like to stay here. I might visit you, in fact I pretty much will for sure. I miss you all terribly, but I think my place is here, in Sundren.

I hate to ask it of you, but I guess you'll be the one to break it to Ma and Pa. Hopefully they'll still be sending Edda and Emily for tutoring. I can't wait to see them again.

Give my love to all.

Hugs,
Annie

[Verrath]

On silent pads

The small gray tabby dashed out of the inn and behind a few bushes. Slinking out of sight into the dark recess between the inn and some heavy growth of brush, she let a few patrons leave the inn, their weaving gait betraying a few ales too many, before she closed her eyes, rose up on her hind feet and began the gut-wrenching transformation back into her natural, human shape.

Disoriented as always after a shift, she plopped down where she was in the middle of the brambles, heaving a little sigh of relief. They hadn't known. These people, some of them at least, knew her quite well, but they had not known she was there. She felt a mix of thrill and chagrin, for she had intruded on some private conversations she ought not to have heard. When all she had wanted was to make sure her new friend - well, more Mathilda's friend than hers - wasn't unduly abused by those he kept company with.

To find Osclow, Katie and Lauan there had been a surprise. Had she been in her natural form, she would have excused herself and walked right back out. But a cat's mind worked differently, and in order to become the cat, she had to first be the cat. Her own self retreated far into her subconscious, barely enough to maintain control of her personality. Everything was seen through the cat's eyes, processed through the cat's mind - and perceptions differed so radically that at times it was hard to keep track of what was going on.

She keenly recalled Osclow's hands rubbing her back, and her arching against the touch, purring loudly... If he had touched her like this when in her own form she would have been mortified, and yet she could find no embarrassment. She recalled the vile smell of the treat Zack had tossed her, trying to be nice, and how all she could think of was to bury it, then and there. She smiled a bit. She'd found out earlier that the tiefling had a soft spot, and now found it confirmed. It was the gesture that counted, after all. She wondered if he had noticed her wink at him. It had not been easy to do as a cat.

She recalled most of the talk as well, but somehow skewed, distorted. The topic of the overheard conversations was less sharp in her mind, and so she took a few moments to process it all with her awareness properly back where it belonged.

Her brow furrowed more and more as some things fell into place. Others only seemed more confused than before. But she most certainly had learned a few interesting things today.

It was a powerful tool Silvanus and Chauntea had granted her. She prayed to both of them that she would never, ever be tempted to abuse it.

[Verrath]

Dear Edda,

(maybe Ma will have to read this to you, I'm not sure how far along your reading is)

well... what a surprise! Not only did Emily get here safely and is settling in, also Ruddy came a week earlier to come see me, that was so unexpected. But I was so glad to see him! Of course between them they've started digging up every single childhood prank we've ever cooked up - I don't even want to know what embarrassing stories they've been telling Cal. Including that pie you baked for me once after That Thing with Ma's new sheets. You know, the one where you confused the salt with the sugar...

I know with three of us gone now, life will be pretty hard at the farm, so I'm sending you some coin to hire a hand or two, and I'll send more as I earn it - it's the least I can do, given what I'm about to tell you...

As I've hinted before... I've done a lot of thinking and I've made up my mind that I really want to stay here. There are so many awesome people I've met that I care so much about, every bit as much as I care about you all. Calandra, mostly and of course Hano, but Osclow and Yashia and Sehron (haven't seen him a while, should ask Yashia about it), and oh so many others. Times are difficult here, and I want to offer them my help. I know I my powers can make a difference. And I know you all will understand. I love you all. So very much.

*the writing is blotched at this point*

So yeah, that's my decision. I'm very sorry because I'll miss you all horribly. But I feel like I'm needed here, to face all that's threatening this land, and the only way I can truly realize all those powers is if I remain close to the Keeper and the grove...

And besides, I have to look after Emily.

I promise I'll come visit you as soon as things are a little more quiet here.

Love,
Annie

[Verrath]

Dear Edda,

believe it or not, Osclow proposed to me, for real this time, not some rushed and forced exchanging of vows in front of the Village Circle (and to hear him tell it he was held at crossbow-point, too. He does tend to exaggerate). He's always maintainted that despite being persuaded, he had no regrets. I believed him, of course, but this just feels so more real! He proposed to me, all formal-like, right in the middle of a crowded common room. What a show that must have been for the patrons, though I didn't notice anything besides him and his gentle, green eyes.

So we're getting married for real now. I'm soooo happy!

I'm going to let you know the date and place - we'd sort of like to have the ceremony in the Viridale somewhere, but we aren't fully decided yet, perhaps we will come down your way, or to it in Navil. I sure hope Henry and Ulf can take care of the farm while you all are gone - because you ARE going to come, right? No way I would have you miss that. Perhaps my friend Etria can prepare a Sending for you, to let you know more details. I'll ask her.


Cazen was odd the other day. Maybe it was just that for once he was really nice to me. I really don't know what to make of the man. I could like him, I guess, if he wasn't so hurtful every time I see him. Our talks start out friendly enough but tend to go downhill at some point, when he manages to really annoy me. Or maybe I just don't get his sense of humor. That day, however... I don't know. We talked over some drink at the Ranger's Rest and he didn't insult me once, quite the contrary. Only when I mentioned that Tayien was alive (we had thought her dead), he reacted oddly. I thought he would have been happy. Either way, it's made me wonder about him.


Other than that, things have been mostly quiet lately, though it's an uneasy kind of quiet. Some necromancer has stolen Cybil's unborn children and means to do something vile with them and become a god. But so far, we haven't been able to find another trace of him. I hope we find him before he can go through with his plans. At the very least I hope we can put those poor unborn souls to an easy rest.

Till then,

Love,
Annie

[Verrath]

Dear Ruddy,

Well... things have not gone well for Osclow and I recently. A series of unfortunate events and a lot of bad judgement as well as malicious intent of others have led him to end up imprisoned by the Thayans, facing, we were sure, either execution or slavery. Luckily though, the Legion intervened, and for some reason he was moved to Sundren jail, and he has since been released, under the condition that he helps the Legion out when they need him. It's not complete freedom, but at least he has been officially released rather than having escaped and remaining a wanted person.

However, I can't tell you how relieved I am to have him back... I don't know what I would have done if I'd lost him. And with all the powers Nature is granting me - there wasn't a damn thing I could to to help him.

It's the worst ever feeling in the world. Being helpless.

But that brings me to the next thing, and I know you all are going to be upset about this - but with the way things went - we both simply did not want to wait a day longer. So, the moment Os was released, we had a ship captain wed us. There was no celebration, and no guests, any we will definitely have one in time. But the thought of having very nearly been denied the chance to ever get married was too much. I wanted it to happen, and so did Osclow.

So... I am a married woman now. The next thing we face is the decision of whether to remain in this valley. Fenton wants nothing more than running away from here - but it's not that simple for me, or Os.

Os has made more friends than just me here, and while he's very disillusioned with many of the vale's people, he still cares about a lot of them, and about what happens to the forest.

As or myself, I love this place, and I'm tied to this valley. The more I think about leaving it for good, the more I realize just how strong the vale's hold on me is. For Osclow's sake, I'd go, and for our children's. I don't know what losing that connection would do to me, but I would try.

For now though, we've both decided there is still much here that makes it worth staying, and fighting. In a way, it's a relief. Thinking of leaving here is a lot like thinking of cutting off both my arms. Not something I will do unless there truly is nothing left here for me.

I'll let you know what we plan for a celebration - perhaps also we will come by and visit in a while. For now, I'm happy once more, and relieved that things have found a good end.

But the Bloodmaim Orcs are moving in the northeast, stirred up by some force we aren't too clear on just yet. It doesn't look like we will have any time of peace to enjoy our new status.

Give hugs to all, and mine an Osclow's sincerest love.

Annie

[Verrath]

Dear Ruddy,

I can't believe a year has come and gone, so much has happened that time just seemed to fly by. I'm just writing to let you know Osclow, the children and I made it home safely (Mathilda too, of course)

As always, it felt good coming home, and to just shed our daily lives for a while. Os enjoyed it too - despite that incident with Bruno and the bread dough. He really wasn't as cross as it appeared at first, and I know he was sorry for having seemed so. I'm sure he will be able to fix the Zack doll; besides, he hadn't been using that for a long time.

So tell Bruno not to worry.

Ida and Ivy seem to be growing bigger daily, while I still can't believe the wonder that's them. Of course, there are times at night when I'd rather the wonder was taking place a bit less persistently, but you get that.

Trouble's brewing still in this vale - I really doubt it can ever settle down. It's undead this time, but that doesn't mean the Orcs up north have given up.

And then the fools want to build a road through our beloved woods. Not only are they planning to tear down those lovely, ancient trees and destroy the lives of so many woodland creatures, but they think of putting it right past the gnoll and orc tribes and within easy reach of the Orgre clan there.

Those leave us in peace for the most, and there are enough adventurers seeking fame to make them think twice about expanding their territory. But I wonder what would happen if a road were built right where they can see? It would be an invitation for them to help themselves to lunch, if nothing else. More trouble. And all for a snowy pass up the Aquor mountain.

Despite my feelings about the Thayan Enclave, I think Aquor would be a much more sensible place to begin building that road. Sure, it would give them more power... and I can't say I like that much better. It's never easy, is it?

But I don't want to bore you with this stuff - as long as there is the Grove, and the Keeper guarding it, I know our children are as safe as they can possibly be.

For now, I'll have to close. The girls are demanding my attention.

Lots of love,
Annie and Os

[Verrath]

Dear Ruddy,

I know it's been AGES since I've written to all of you, and I'm really really sorry, but I've had my reasons.... I'll explain it all here.

You must promise to break it to Ma gently. She'll have a fit regardless, but make sure she's sitting down, and give her some of Pa's brandy that he keeps hidden under that loose floorboard in the kitchen.

First off. The girls are fine, and so are Os and I. We're doing quite well, despite the fact that things are tumultous as ever in the Valley.

Really. So, whatever I'm about to tell you now, it's all behind us now. No need to get upset or anything.



Right. I'm trying to put it off, I know. Well, here's the deal.

A few months ago, we were waylaid on our way home, by a wizard and banite. Before we had a chance to get any defenses up, he had knocked Os out and turned me and the girls to stone. By the time Lillian and the others found us, he had gone - and taken the babies with him. I'm still not entirely sure how he got so close without us noticing, but I guess not even the forest creatures can really sense a guy who uses the ethereal.

Long story short, that son of a troll-kissing goat tried to blackmail Os into doing some really naughty things, aimed to get some of the good folks in bad graces. Os had no choice for a while, but in the end, I won't go into the details, we managed to free them, and none the worse for wear luckily, as they'd been stoned all this time. I don't think they remember much except that brief scare when they were first turned to stone.

I know who took them, however much he smooth talks around it. And if I get half the chance, I will tear his throat out for what he put us through.

But, as I said, it's done and over and we've taken measures to protect the girls much better now.



A few of our druids are getting a bit brutal about preserving the Vale; I can totally understand their urgency, but I just can't bring myself to approve of their methods. I believe that we can reach more people by showing them the need to preserve nature than by trying to bully and frighten them.

Sulfur seems to disagree (he's one of the more radical druids, and really amazing at shapeshifting.) He actually killed Exigo folk (he can assume Dragon form, imagine that!) and threatened to burn their post unless they paid huge sums of gold... Come to think of it, I've not seen him in some time. I'm not sure I should be relieved or concerned. He IS family, sort of. All the Circle are. But that doesn't mean I don't want to strangle him.

No matter that his words helped keep me from mental breakdown while the children were missing - I can't forgive what he did.


Anyway, lots more going on here but it likely won't interest you, as you don't know most of the people involved anyway. Aunt Millie sends her best - I run across her every now and then - she seems to grow more bookish by the day, if that is even possible.

I'll write more next time - for now, the kids need me.

Love,
Annie