[A letter written in Qunlat and delivered to Haven along with a large wooden crate]

Meraad,

Thanks for writing to let us know you're alive. I can tell you don't want to talk about the Conclave. I'm sorry about what happened. Can't even fathom it. All we'd heard in the village was that this Herald guy was one of your kith, so we spent a few weeks speculating and losing sleep. At least the harvest kept us busy. Good crop this year, and you remember those seeds I got from the smuggler who went up to Par Vollen? You should see the kitchen garden. We'll make it through the winter, don't worry about sending us money again. Keep writing, though. Our parents cried with relief when your letter came.

I hear your hand glows now. Can you just… zap things with it? I'm thinking of those conjuring tricks you did with the sparklers when we were kids, don't laugh. You have to show me when you come back to visit. Think you can make it home for Satinalia? I know, work drags you everywhere and now you have to fix a giant hole in the sky, but I had to ask. Tell me how things are going in Haven. Met anyone interesting? It's kind of strange to know where to reach you for once, aside from your friend at that tavern in Hercinia.

Nadine sends her best. She's doing better these days, although Alma has been learning some more creative ways to disobey us, so it's just one thing after another here. (Remind me to tell you about the incident at the duck pond.) Thanks for your advice earlier. I know you said you felt out of your depth, but you're the one who spent a decade with Asaara and I've been married for less than half that time, so I'd say you're more qualified than me. I just wish Nadine's family would stop being such assholes. She's still hoping they'll change their minds about the watermill. In any case, she's making some fantastic stuff at the carpentry studio, and things are good at home. Alma sends you a big hug.

I'm sure Herah will write to you about what's happening with her in Markham and all of the dramatic bullshit in the botany department. She'd better fill me in, too. Did she tell you she has her own greenhouse now? First Vashoth at the grand university and she's doing us proud. I think you stole her thunder. Although I doubt she minds having less pressure on her for once.

As for me, I'm still the same old Kaaras. Market day is coming up tomorrow and I'm looking forward to heading into town and running our family's stall. You said it yourself, I'm a people person. Maybe I'm not off having adventures, but everyone knows me here, and you never know who you'll meet, coming down from Antiva or over from Wycome. I'll keep an ear out for news of what's happening farther south.

In case something happens to the crate – we filled it with all the local stuff you like. Let me know if you need more horn balm. Ma's worried they aren't feeding you properly, so most of it is food. I have no idea what you can get in the Frostbacks, but probably not the spiced honey from Iloren's farm, right? Or the jam we make from the berries that grow out in the woods, or the wine from that small vineyard right over the border. Ah, I just chucked it all in. Enjoy.

Love, your not-so-little brother (still taller than you)

Kaaras

Thanks for reading! I've cross-posted this as taslin_strider on Ao3.

Meraad brings some of the stuff along as a pick-me-up to share at mealtimes around the campfire. Dorian and Vivienne are pleasantly surprised by the wine. Sera is a big fan of the wildberry jam. And as for the spiced honey: it goes straight into the Iron Bull's morning tea.