*a small embroidered leather pouch and a wax sealed letter embossed with a feather symbol, is gently placed onto Sena’s Altar as a parting hand dusts the spot*
I have found myself looking for guidance. Through my research and experience as a mage, I find myself amongst a line of Merlins. As my research lands it has suggested you as one of them. I must sound insane to share that most times I find the amount of Merlins in my dreams and speaking in my head overwhelms my senses and my magic suffers. I question whether every Merlin has gone through this before as a necessary evil of their past selves guidance. I don’t know if you will answer, but I hope the opal and fresh mint I have offered will please you for an offering.
Kindest regards, Mg. Vale 🪶
Sena turned the gemstone over in his hands watching as the light of the temple caught the iridescent edges of the stone. An offering was never a necessity when seeking his counsel, but he appreciated the gesture nonetheless.
“Opal for creativity and transformation, and mint for friendship and focus,” Sena mused to himself, gently placing the gem onto a nearby shelf with some of his other keepsakes. The choice of items represented Vale better than they’d likely intended it to. A shapeshifter with a free spirit that had been stifled for too long, now seeking clarity and connection through their offering. It was endearing in it’s sincerity, and Sena never was one to turn away a person seeking his help, at least not without good cause.
Sena settled at his desk to write out his response;
I’d like to thank you for the offerings you’ve sent me. The opal is a wonderful addition to my collection, and the fresh mint will make for a very nice tea. Perhaps you’d be willing to join me for a cup whenever you have some time to spare.
Regarding your concerns, I assure you, I’ve heard far stranger tales from some of our fellow Merlins. The boundaries that separate our realities tend to be weaker in some places than in others, and the subconscious is one of those. While not every Merlin has experienced exactly what you have, perceptions from one reality bleeding into another isn’t necessarily a rare occurrence either. I am sorry to hear of the negative impact it’s had on you, but I assure you that it does get easier with time and practice. The more you learn to identify and understand the individual voices in your mind, the less overwhelming it becomes for your senses. Being able to pick out specific voices when you need them may even prove to be an invaluable asset on your journey.
If you plan on seeking out any of the other Merlins for advice, may I suggest Magister Beahreth. Your situations are quiet similar, however, while you perceive other Merlins as voices, Beahreth perceives them as ‘ghosts’ wandering her world. She may be able to lend you more personal insights into the matter, or at the very least be someone who understands what you’re experiencing, if only somewhat. You may even find that the two of you share some common interests beyond just magic.
For the time being, I wish you all the best on your continued journey through Esperia. If you need anything, I’m only a letter (or prayer) away.
Warm regards,
Magister Sena.
PS. Do tell your Hogan I said hello. The two of us are quite close in my world, though perhaps that’s a story best told in person.”
With a small smile, Sena enclosed the letter in a simple, elegant envelope before sending it off to its recipient.
