#synthiel

It is a strange thing, when she finally pays mind to the holiday season and feels the impulse to do.. something, for once. It has been many years since she has had more than the smallest handful of people to give gifts to.

Through varying degrees of occult and official means, she sends out a variety of things over the course of several days, when the Archon turns the members of the Sunguard to their own business. Most of the letters are bewitched, unable to be read except by their intended recipients. 

---

Aestus receives a leather armband with elaborate patterns seemingly burned into it, stylish but unobtrusive. On the inside face is inscribed in Thalassian script, “The night does not survive the dawn.”

My friend,

Of the guard, you are the first with whom I spoke besides possibly the dryest interaction I have ever had with the Scion. Though we have not done so in some time, I count you among one of my few steady friends. You have seen the darkness that lurks in the mid of my nights, as I yours.

Trace the script and read it aloud, when it becomes hard. In addition to it, I grant you one favor, to call upon my talents or resources as you will it.

@shampoocommercialelves

Westel is sent a box of pies, professionally made and still-fresh through some minor spell settled over them. In addition, a hunting knife that comes sharpened, its hilt carved and wrapped with artful patterns evocative of woodland beasts, with leafwork embellished along the spine of the blade.

Westel,

You were one of the first to show me friendship among the Sunguard. Three months ago I would not have called it that, but times seem to be changing. I thank you for the kindness, however small it may have been to give.

Where the hell have you gone? I miss Ithruiel. How dare you keep him from me.

@westelfirewing

Nuellen receives a strange, enchanted necklace -- a raven’s skull formed of blackened, petrified wood, attached to a thin, sturdy cord. A note explains its purpose to give the wearer resistance against ambient fel energy or exposure.

Swiftstrike,

Not a week passes that I do not think of my grandfather and how fortunate I was to have him. I have wrestled with feelings about his death for a very long time -- I don’t believe that I am yet done mourning, or that I ever will be -- but I am infinitely grateful to know that I am serving alongside some of the few Farstriders who served alongside him. Thank you.

@thedragonisaprincess

To Thanidiel is sent a cloak of brilliant, blood red fabric. Through some workings of alchemy, the cloak seems to be a remarkable insulator, despite its light weight. Some of the warlock’s sorcery is bound to it as well, and upon investigation it is revealed to be fireproof -- and furthermore, made to deflect magical flame and heat. The underside shimmers against the light with hues of orange and gold. An attached note reads, “This one won’t burn up. Use it well.”

Highdawn,

It has been some time since we have spoken, regrettably. I am still bitter that we did not get to face off at Shadowsunder’s tournament. Though through battle I have regained familiarity with my sorcery and its limits, I would still test it against you when you are available. Consider this a challenge.

@thanidiel

Caelinda is given a pair of boots, sturdy, stylish and well-crafted. Enchantments scribed onto the seams ensure that it will last an eternity of travel -- in addition, the monk feels a little lighter on her feet, when she wears them. To accompany the gift is an ornate brooch fashioned out of gold and ruby to affix to a cloak or scarf, and a batch of festive cookies that are still warm and fresh through some minor spell.

Caelinda,

There are few words to describe the depth of affection and fondness I have for you, however much I may loathe to show it around other people. You have given me a sense of peace and welcome that I have not had in such a long, long time, and I am grateful for your love. I will strive for all my days to be worthy of it.

@superspicedinosaur

Tyleril is sent a piece of everburning coal, infused with sorcery. It is warm to the touch, and a note explains that it can be activated and deactivated through a command word. When active, it effuses strong heat and flame, presumably to be used in the forge or a fireplace. The note warns not to hold it at inopportune times.

Silversword,

Thank you for hosting me in your home the night of the bonfire party. I know that I can be abrasive at the best of times, but it is appreciated, and I wish your business good fortune.

Keep the coal out of Samiel’s hands. That boy has fire in his eyes.

@tyleril-silversword

Vaelan receives a bottle of fine wine, Suncrown vintage. This brand is only seen on shelves practically once in a blue moon -- she must have been holding onto it for some time.

Vaelan,

You’re a fine man to work and drink with, though I fear I tend to grow only more abrasive when inebriated -- but I appreciate your friendliness, and our banter. Put this wine to good use. It’s far too damn fancy for me to drink it myself straight from the bottle, and I’m less inclined to put myself into a stupor on a regular basis, nowadays.

@greatmaulsoffire

A book, old and ornately bound, is sent to Veleth. It appears to be an in-depth study and analysis of extraplanar phenomena, as well as the planes themselves and how they intersect with the material world.

Ashcaster,

I had never expected to find a kindred scholarly mind among the Blood Knights. You are a steadfast ally in battle, and I appreciate your respect and curiosity for my studies. I hope that we both might benefit from learning into the future, with Argus on the horizon.

@veleth95

To Synthiel, a Reliquarian’s sanction for the regulated study and use of alchemically-synthesized anima.

Cloudseye,

It is refreshing to speak with another pyromancer on a level of exchanging knowledge and technique, and for that I thank you -- I have not enjoyed the privilege for a very long time, different as our disciplines may be. My expertise in commanding Wrath hones sharper by the day, and I have you to thank in part for that.

@spiral-seeker

For Ka’ese, a potted Thalassian plant, with delicate leaves in hues that range from scarlet to gold -- it is bright, and fragrant. A piece of home, preserved through magic that is clearly not the warlock’s own.

Brother,

Past our twenty-fifth year I did not think I would ever write to you and say ‘Merry Winter’s Veil’ ever again. I’m still not certain on how to feel that I am doing it now, but I know that I should, after everything. So much has changed since our reunion in Azsuna. Argus yet looms in the sky, and you should know that I intend to see this war to its end. I hope for your health, through it all.

One day we shall spend this time of the year together again, as brother and sister.

@turalyon

The Magistrix Starshard’s gift arrives on the wings of a strange raven with eyes like embers, bearing the warlock’s distinct aura of magic. In a small leather case strapped to its back is a token -- metal fashioned into the emblem of the Sunguard, with its reverse face inscribed with Thinariel’s unique sigil -- and a message of rolled and sealed parchment.

Thradia,

I cannot even begin to presume what you may believe of me at present -- I apparently have an unfortunate habit for disappearing off the face of the world. You have the deepest apologies I may give, and the greatest hopes for your health and success. You are beautiful and strong, more than I could have ever taught you to be.

Know that I survive, and that I had no choice but to take my leave of the Black Harvest when Vataan abducted my brother from Dalaran (yes, I have a brother). Through his hand and mine, no trace of my tower remains in the Twisting Nether. Without my refuge, I serve the Sunguard. So much has changed that I cannot put to words.

Argus looms high in the sky; you know where I must be.

Stay the course.

Shiny - Moana Soundtrack

Far from the ones who abandoned youChasing the love of these humansWho made you feel wantedYou tried to be toughBut your armour's just not hard enough 

Heathens - 21 Pilots

We don't deal with outsiders very wellThey say newcomers have a certain smellYou have trust issues, not to mentionThey say they can smell your intentions

Death of a Bachelor - Panic! At the Disco

Do I look lonely?I see the shadows on my facePeople have told meI don't look the sameMaybe I lost weightI'm playing hookyWith the best of the bestPull my heart out my chestSo that you can see it too

I amTaintedAnd happiness and peace of mindWere never meant for me

“And All That Could Have Been” // Nine Inch Nails

Somewhere there’s a Sunday in the fall,Where you everything love is safe and warm,Where everything was right,But I’m never goin’ home.

“Gone to Sleep” // Moby and Kelli Scarr

Billie, you’re a miracle and God knows I need one.Sing me something terrible that even dawn may come.You and me, we don’t believe in happy endings.Hey, Lady Day, can you save my life this time?Can you cry so beautifully you make my troubles rhyme?Hey, Lady Day, can you save my life again?My only love has gone away.Will you be my only friend?

The parchment was made of the finest quality with a gold trim outlining the page and in the center the crest of house Emberwood painted in gold. Written with blue ink that did not stain or smudge each word was carefully placed.

Synthiel,

Danarius has gone missing since he sailed out to the broken shore. I do not know if he is alive or dead, no body was returned but neither has one been found. I fear that I have lost my only son and that the Emberwood will have to be given into the hands of Sabastriel the Forgotten. If Danarius’ title is stripped from him and given onto Sabastriel because he has managed to convince the courts of his brother’s death, I will not be able to fight the will and testament that was put forth. 

I know that it has been months since we’ve spoken and that fault rests on my shoulder’s, a few moons to one my age is a blink of the eye in comparison to the youth. The north was cruel and the cost was high, my health has not returned and I am under the constant watch of the High Priestesses from within the Emberwood. I can not search for my son, I do not even know if he still draws breath. He carries his father’s strength and it is because of that, that I pray he still lives, but he is all I have that remains of him. I could not forgive myself that I allowed him permission to leave on this venture and before it even began his chance to prove himself and complete his task was stripped from him. 

I know of the care you bare him, the loyalty that has been etched into you, please keep him in your thoughts and should you find him bring him home to me. There are few in this world that i can tolerate, fewer that I even like, and less then that which I love. 

I’ve trusted him into your care before, has that ever left you? My oath still remains, and it is my hope yours too has not faded. 

Please help me find him....

Lady Emberwood, Matriarch of house Duskmere, Ereniel

The second letter was placed on top several packages that were bound in embroidered silks wrapped with an elegant bow. The letter was crafted with the same materials as the first, with three parcels in total. The first was larger and contained all the notations and briefings that were spoken of within the contents of the letter. The second was a smaller rectangular box wrapped in a soft blue material with a gold sheer ribbon. Within held a hand crafted anklet that was made in gold with sapphire gems that would connect to a sword that was shaped like the one she carried on the battlefield. 

Lady Kateriel Morningstar,

It was recently discovered within my sons quarters that he was looking into a personal matter that no doubt touches your heart. I have included several documents that he had placed away in hopes of finding a resolution for your matter.

 I write to inform you that Lord Duskmere has gone missing from the war front of the Broken Shore, there has been no news of his return and without a body present they neither know if he breathes life or has succumb to death. 

For now the militia has listed Lord Duskmere as missing in action, presumed dead. As many bodies did not return from the war front and no witnesses which live or have come forward to seeing his flight or fall from the battle there is no more that can be done from within Quel’thalas. 

As a mother I write to you now so that you know he did not forget about your personal matter nor did he forget about you. Please accept this gift which he had purchased in hopes of gifting onto you upon the successful outcome of your great matter. I hope these documents and notations help aide you in the months to come and that you may gain peace of mind. 

Lady Emberwood, Matriarch of house Duskmere, Ereniel

Miss Cloudseye,

Now that the war has ended and we have been gifted a few moments of peace back within our lands, and the period of mourning has ceased within the guard and we take red again I would like to invite you to the Emberwood to continue your studies within our libraries.

Lord Duskmere has been away for a time dealing with a personal matter however he should be returning within the next few weeks and has requested that I have copies of texts that would interest you created to help further along your aspirations with blood magic.

I will have a set of rooms made at the ready upon your confirmation.

Regards,

Lady Emberwood, Matriarch to house Duskmere