Below is a collection of letters, poetry, and other miscellaneous writings by Aralei Stardreamer.
Everything is posted in chronological order, in accordance with archival standards. (and because I'm writing these organically, obviously).

A Letter to Omalen (father), #1
Dated Darkmoon 15, 1640 AC

Hi Dad,

I’m sorry for not writing you earlier. I know I said I was gonna write this letter the day I arrived, but I’ve been so incredibly busy adjusting to life at The Spire. I’ve been meeting new people, looking for a job, attending events, and exploring the countryside. Know that I made it here safe and sound. I even had the doctors look at me, and they said I had nothing to worry about.

Dad, it’s so beautiful here. The Spire is this absolutely gigantic… crystal? Shooting out from the ground. It goes maybe 100 meters high? I don’t know. It’s huge. And there are smaller crystals hovering in the air beside it. It’s majestic, ethereal… and nobody knows what it is, or does. It has a door, but it’s sealed shut and cold to the touch. Some people wanna figure it out, and others just wanna… let it be. I don’t blame them.
It’s next to a beautiful beach, with a forest to the South, and another one to the East. There’s a lighthouse too. Sometimes I climb it and look out at the ocean. Or sit at the pier. I mostly think about you. Or mom. Or the sibs. I miss you. All of you. Especially mom.

I’ve gotten a job at the library, and I’ve met some of the staff! I got hired by Yuna Moontusk, who seems really nice. She’s having a baby! I’m so excited!!

I also ran into Nolune. I don’t know if I told you about them. She’s an old friend from school. It looks like they had a rough go of things these past few years, but I’m really happy he’s safe. We’re gonna talk more, later.

I’ve also met a… druid, maybe? His name is Erebos. Hates civilization. Thinks we should all live in the forest, foraging, hunting, stuff like that. He’s really interesting. He’s really intense sometimes, but we have really good conversations. Don’t worry; I’ll be careful. You know I am.
I also helped a girl learn to read a bit. Her name is Senia. She’s… a lot. Very high energy. She beat up a guy (her boyfriend…? Not sure.) the other day. On stage. In front of everyone. It was part of an improv skit, but I’ll try not to comment on their relationship. Truly, I know nothing. But it was funny.

Oh, and I performed on stage too! We were pretending to play a game of chess, as if neither of us knew the rules and were just making things up to play. It was sooo much fun. I never took acting classes in school, but I think I did pretty well!

The other day, there was a village bar night and sooo many people showed up. It was so busy. The performers were amazing! There were a couple musicians, lots of dancing, and one of the performers, Frankie, was causing trouble with the men. It was really fun. I mostly just sat at a table with a new friend of mine, Grydda. She’s also from Mariza, who’s here apprenticing as a smith. I didn’t drink enough water (I know, I know) and I have a headache today. Don’t worry, I’m taking care of myself.

And I’ve met so many other people, it’s hard to keep track of everything. But everyone’s been really nice so far! I really, really like it here. Hopefully I’ll get to go on some adventures, make some discoveries, and write a whole lot more. Yes, I’ll send you a copy of everything I write.

I don’t have a home yet, but I’ve been making things work. I’ve been mostly staying at the inn, sometimes taking naps in the library. The library pays enough for food and shelter at the inn, but not much more than that. So I’m making things work. I’ll get a house as soon as I can, but don’t worry. I’m safe, I’m warm, I’m fed, and surrounded by friends.

I have no idea how I’m gonna get this to reach you, but I’m sure I can figure out a way. People travel out around the Reach all the time. I’m sure someone will head up to the Wall soon.

I miss you. Give Cyrn and Trena hugs from me. Try to send a letter back to me, sometime. I’d love to hear what you three are up to.

Love you Dad. Stars watch over you,

Aralei Stardreamer

Poetry #1 - Assorted Ocean Poems
Written by Aralei Stardreamer, as she sat at the edge of a large rock near the lighthouse. Salty ocean spray has stained the pages and smudged some of the ink.
Dated Darkmoon 16, 1640.

Calm blue of the ocean
Salty scent of the sea
I see the motion of the water
Once rent asunder
Rugged stone
Now tamëd atop
Shallow shores

Would I that I
Could I’d
Trap the scent of the salt
Put it in a potion
[Redacted]

Calm blue of the ocean
Salty scent of the sea
Were this lowly daughter
Take my heart to thee

For what it’s worth
Ocean loves Earth
Alas, I possess a dearth
Of appropriate ocean puns
Unfortunate

...Yeah, I think that's enough for today.

Poetry #2 - A Mother's Embrace

Written by Aralei Stardreamer.
Dated Darkmoon 22, 1640.

You have missed so many things
Great and Terrible
In the time that you’ve been gone

Three years have passed
Three Winters
Three Springs
Three unbearable days
Pushing through tears
Needing to cast
Aside the dread and despair
Batten down the hatches
Of my heart
Just to make it through
Each morning
Til last thought
Before the darkness of night
Takes me to the land of dreams
Where there you are
Waiting

A mother’s embrace
I’ve wanted nothing more
Than to see your face
To cry tears of joy for once
Instead of pain

One day I’ll join you
But until then
You’ll miss so many things
Great and Terrible
Until I too am gone
And once more can feel
My Mother’s Embrace

A Letter to Omalen (father), #2
Dated Reflection 15, 1640.

Hi Dad,

I haven’t received a letter back from you yet, but I’m sure there aren’t many people travelling back and forth between the Spire and The Wall, yet. So hopefully I’ll get your letter soon!
So much has happened in my first month here, some of which I can tell you, and some I can’t. I know, you wanna know all about everything I’ve done, but I’m serious! There’s a lot happening around here that even I cannot really understand. What can I tell you? A lot of good, I promise.

First of all, I have a second job! I am part of a new guild that formed here a couple weeks ago, called the Hermetic Assembly. The library here is still really small, meaning there isn’t a lot to do, so I volunteered myself as the Assembly’s archivist! It’s so much fun. I get to read all the neat discoveries that people make, and help them out when they need someone who knows her stuff! That’s me!

At the library, I made a new organization system, and have been in the process of moving everything around to fit it. Slowly but surely, things are becoming easier to find, not only for myself, but for the others in town too! It’s a lot of work… but you know me. I like to keep my hands and mind busy. There is a surprisingly large collection of romance novels here? I am honestly surprised. I wasn’t exactly expecting that, but… to each their own, I guess! My favourites are the guides on day-to-day trades and activities, like hunting, herblore, and the like. I am learning so much in such a short little time. There are so many knowledgeable people here.

Oh also… now, I don’t want you to get too scared. I promise I’m being safe. I have a sword. No, really! I do! It’s this very beautiful scimitar that my friend Lucian made for me. He’s kind of an aspiring blacksmith, but I think he’s way better than he gives himself credit for. It’s very beautiful. He named it the Stardreamer, after me. I think it’s lovely. I even cut him with it! We were sparing, and I guess I’m better than I expected. I felt so bad… but he promised it was ok.

I also got to fire a bow for the first time. A new person, Hazel, showed me the other day after an archery tournament that the town had. It was so much fun! There were so many amazing archers, and it was so interesting to watch everyone shoot. I think I like shooting bows, but I’m not sure if I’ll keep it up.

I’ve also managed to find a little friend group. Their names are Meridy, Gwenna, and Odera, and there are a few of their friends that I’m not quite as close to yet, but they are really nice too. Meridy and Odera are super sweet, and Gwenna’s a lot of fun. We’re all really looking out for each other, especially after Meridy and Odera got hurt a while back. I can’t really say anything about that, though. I’m sorry. But we’re safe now, and we’re being extra careful to keep an eye on each other, and stick together as much as possible.

I really feel like I belong here, Dad. I really do. I feel like I’m contributing to the town, I really love so many people here in town, and there’s always something fun happening and interesting things to learn. I’ve gotten to meet people from all across the world in a matter of days, and each and every person is so incredibly interesting. I really hope I can tell you so much more, soon.

Oh by the way, there’s apparently a post office in town now, so I’ll see if I can get my letter sent to you that way. I hope my first one got to you safely, and I’m eager to here from you.

I hope Cyrn and Trena are doing well. I hope they don’t miss me too much… I know I haven’t been gone for that long yet, but have they grown at all? Have either of them decided what they wanna do? 

I really miss you a lot. It’s been hitting me really hard the last few days that I’m not with you anymore, and I wish I could have stayed. I really do. But… well, I think coming here was the right decision. I’m sorry.

I love you, Dad. Stars watch over you all.

Aralei Stardreamer

Poetry #3 - Where Love Finds You

You never know
Where love will find you
Sometimes it’s slow
Grows like a tree
A sprout, a sapling, a branch
A trunk, strong and true

You never know
Where love will find you
Sometimes it hunts
Pursues you relentlessly
Through thick and thin
Proving its devotion

You never know
Where love will find you
Sometimes it explodes
Contained by flesh
Until it bursts open
In a celestial show

You never know
Where love will find you
Sometimes it builds
A resolute foundation
A frame of friendship
Into a forever home

You never know
Where love will find you
But it always blossoms
Into something new

Poem #4 - Chosen for Life
(Delivered during Tea and Improvisational Poetry)

Loved
Happy
Nothing better than
Chosen Family

Tea and Cookies
On a Sunny Afternoon
Bright Yellow Sun
And Shining Faces

Drinks on the beach
Red sunset on Blue Water
Dreaming of lives
Well-spent

Together in darkened rooms
On dark black nights
Of the new moon
Shared existential words

Safety and warmth
Nothing compares
To friends and family
Chosen for Life