Incredible news! We have been given the royal decree I had hoped for when journeying to this realm. I owe you all my thanks as I could never have made it this far without you. I would be remiss if I didn’t tell you how it came about and what our plans are next.
It was a long journey up some very steep mountains to reach the Lunar Castle. Scoria rode behind me for about half the trip until she felt well enough to fly on her own. Though, that also seemed to suspiciously coincide with her eating the last of my orange slices.
She was reluctant to use her magic until we reached the safety of the castle, but both Glitter and Specter assured me that she would be quite powerful at defense. Fortunately, it doesn’t seem that many nightmares have made it this far into the mountains yet.
Phoebe checked in with me throughout the trip. She kept expecting me to be mad for not revealing her secret sooner, but I truly didn’t mind. I told her I knew almost nothing at all about the Phoenix King, so the truth changed very little for me, and I think that finally put her mind at ease.
The Lunar Castle was as marvelous as I had expected. It was quite imposing. It floated between two mountain peaks, which created a logistical challenge for us as I still, alas, do not have wings.
I am grateful again for the sturdy saddle we made with the supplies you provided us. It was terrible to imagine falling off the sheep and tumbling dozens of leagues to the ground below, but the straps of the saddle were, thankfully, quite secure. I think I will need to learn a flight spell soon or risk developing a fear of heights.
In the back of the hall was an opulent marble and gold perch with a luxurious leather grip. This is where the Phoenix King waited.
He’s a truly magnificent bird. He is pale green like Phoebe, with glittering golden talons. He is larger than any member of the phoenix court. His feathers are arrayed in an intimidating fan. On his head rests a golden crown that seems to be held in place by magic.
When we rose the Phoenix King asked, “Why have you come before me?”
Glitter, the storyteller, spoke first. They described how they found Phoebe and myself in their realm beset by nightmares and shared the stories the stars had to tell of these creatures. Specter went next, explaining the nightmare incursions and the effect they had on the Lunar Spirits. Scoria went third, relating how she had been beset by nightmares in her own home. After that, they turned to me, and I told of the threat the nightmares posed to the phoenix hatchery, how Phoebe had led me here, and how I had come to this realm hoping to unite the entire Phoenix Guard to the hatchery's defense. Finally, Phoebe spoke about her visit to the hatchery, how she found me in the Brightbeak mountains, and her efforts to rally the Phoenix Court.
Phoebe’s feathers drooped at this announcement and I could tell she was bitterly disappointed to be left behind.
I believe I violated etiquette to speak out of turn, but I told the king I couldn’t possibly continue the journey without Phoebe, as she had been invaluable so far.
The King did not like hearing this, but the other members of the court agreed with me. Glitter said that Phoebe’s story had already been set in motion and that keeping her home would merely bring the danger to her. Specter said he had consulted the cards and that Phoebe’s aid would be the key to our success. Scoria said that Phoebe had to leave the nest sometime and it was better for her to make the journey surrounded by the realm’s strongest protectors.
I could tell the king was still against the idea of Phoebe leaving the castle, but he listened to the words of his advisors and agreed to let Phoebe travel with us. Truthfully, I was relieved as I had come to rely on her insights during our various encounters. More importantly, I could tell that Phoebe was overjoyed to be coming along. She kept flitting between each of us as though she was part hummingbird.
We have all been put up in royal quarters. The rooms are enormous with a balcony that looks over the valley below. If I peer into the distance, I can just barely make out the lunar plains where we first came through the portal. The bed is nest-shaped and very soft. I suspect it’s made from lunar wool. There is a resting perch that I'm using to hang my bag.
Scoria is spending some time basking in the light of the royal lunar gem to recover her magic. Glitter and Specter are charting a course to the Frost Portal where the Ice Phoenix resides.
I have received the latest package of supplies from you to help with the next leg of our journey. It includes some winter gear and magical components that could be handy for portal magic. You have also provided me with a magical focus that I’m hoping will let me attempt celestial magic. With Glitter’s guidance, it may be possible. Phoebe is helping me catalog your supplies. She is excited by every item and device that you send over from your realm, no matter how mundane it may seem. This will be her first official royal assignment and she is committed to doing her very best for the realm.
Thank you again for your support and help on my quest! I can’t do it without you.
Your Grateful Emissary,
Thank you for reading all of Cecil's letters! Please join us for our next campaign starting in June 2025!
