To: Darius Blackwell

[Daimondheart]

*The following letter would be left with a cleric in the Temple of the Triumvate. It would be asked to be delivered to a Darius Blackwell.*

To Darius Blackwell,

I hope you receive this letter as swiftly as possible. For the past few days I have been staying in Viridale forest with my druid friend, Marisa. She has been showing me the ways of the druids and how to run with the forest rather than through it, but never mind that. During my stay with her, many strange occurrences have happened.

First, I fear the threat of the vampires may be even greater than you have expected. Twice now we have been approached by a vampire at our camp and has attempted to speak with us. And the last visit from this vampire brought a visit from a creature I never imagined existed!

It was some form of man-like creature but it's face was a writhing mass of eyes with cruel jaws dressed in dark robes. It introduced itself as Serrano and claimed to be the owner of Viridale and we were guests within it. The vampire seemed to have some kind of association with the creature, but I was given the impression not a very friendly one. More like master and servant or perhaps even slave.

You see, the creature began talking about a section of the woods that is apparently its home. A section of the Viridale that was burnt down and had a structure nestled within it. It claimed that was its domain and none were welcome there. At this, the vampire spoke up and said the area was a "family crypt," but the creature stated otherwise and departed. After it left, the vampire hissed and did not look happy at all, hence my suspicions of the relationship.

Regardless, if what you said about the vampires being the manipulators in all the events in Sundren as of late, then I fear as you attempt to protect the front from the Bloodmain, the vampires are in the process of preparing to attack you from within the Viridale itself!

Maybe I'm going mad. In fact, I HOPE I'm going mad, for my first nights in Sundren have been naught but a living nightmare! I can scarcely believe all I've seen and experienced. I've been attacked by vampires, witnessed the summoning of a devil in broad day light, socialized with a multi-eyed monster I never knew even existed, and have even seen a red dragon prowling the Viridale!

My faith in the unicorn and my companionship with Marisa are the only things seeing me through it all, which is why I'm standing my ground in the Viridale with her. I feel as if my arrival in these dark times must be for some greater purpose, so I shall do what I can here with Marisa's guidance.

I am fairly sure the vampire we conversed with is dead at least for a time. Though it had not been our intention, the vampire continued to speak with us until dawn's morning light broke through the canopy and filled our camp. A great fire suddenly began to consume his body and he darted off into the woods, leaving naught but a trail of ash in his wake. Nature saw to his end; however, the other creature left before dawn and said he would visit us again.

That first night with the creature utterly drained me. I wanted to scream and run, but I followed Marisa's example, remained calm, and did my best to converse with it. I couldn't draw my gaze from that writhing mass of eyes its head. If it returns, I will do as before and perhaps learn more of its nature and intents.

I would like to speak with you as you offered about events so that I can better understand the situation in Sundren. I tried to find you in the city before at the temple in the military district, which I assumed is what you meant by the house of three. However, the clerics in the temple refused to permit Calb to enter with me. I am sorry, but I will not enter any establishment that will not welcome Calb within its walls.

He is not my pet; he is my BEST friend. And anyone that does not welcome him, does not welcome me. So I shall leave this letter with one of the clerics and hope it makes it safely to your hands.

I pray that we shall meet again, Darius.

Signed,
Cora

[glaes]

A response to the above letter is taken to the Legion Fort at the Viridale, and left sealed with a D with a blade through it.

Cora of the Unicorn,

I regret to hear of the trespasses the servants of Blood have brought against you and your Viridale. However, these events are not entirely unknown to me, though they have been increasing of late and I do thank you for the time taken to alert myself and the Three of this threat.

When time and fate allows I would meet you and your brethren that I might instruct you in forms of defense against the servants of Blood, some small history on your Viridale and them, and including some knowledge of your local ruins. This can be done at this fort along the forest's edge or at a place of your choosing.

The creature you described is a known foe of the Triumvirate and mage of the Black Hand, Serrano is his name or at least the one it does provide, he is a vampire himself and should be treated with extreme caution.

This said, you and your allies should cease all willing communication with these fiends. As defenders of the wood I would think such unnatural horrors very much a foe to yourselves as they are foes to Light. The beasts you have conversed with to this point are capable of great harm and evil and are capable of strong mind-suggestive magicks and influences.

If you are to remain the vale you cannot allow yourselves to be as sheep before the wolf. I will explain more in person when time allows but you should take more measure to protect yourselves from the threat of the servants of Blood and the Black Hand.

Lastly, concerning your friend and ally, by your limited description assume him to be the wolf you carried in your arms but a few days past. I've good faith in a loyal allies, but you should realize yourself that a city is no place for such a friend. Further, being a guest in a House you should abide the rules of that House, if you do not wish to. That is fine, but do not expect exception or hospitality for the broken manner. Just as I would abide the rules of your House were I in such, we ask that you abide by our respects.

Do not let the last leave a sour note, we should speak and I would teach your and your brethren much if you've an ear for the lesson. Alas that fate and circumstance have things running at a terrible pace, I shall not know when I might meet you save but when we cross again. Till then, the Brave watch o'er, and the Three keep you safe.

Darius Blackwell, Holy Blade of the Brave