This story is a sort of stripped down version of something that was supposed to happen in 'The Twelve Labours of Imoen', after the characters had encountered the schizophrenic Avariel Raptir, posing as a Deva in a village.

Letter Home
~*~

Dear Mom and Dad,

Of course, that wasn't what Aerie had actually wrote. Her parents couldn't read common, so Imoen was translating it with the help of a 'tongues' spell. It had been a trying time lately for them both; Nalia was still quite angry about the accidental destruction of a tapestry and much of the rest of her property. The total cost of replacing it all was, according to Shadow Thief valuations, a lot more than Imoen's life was worth. The red head wasn't sure how to react to that news; on one hand, it was obviously good for her that her friends were able to raise the money to rescue her. But, now she felt kind of cheap.

Anyway, more recently Aerie had been cruelly denied by fate the chance to get word to her parents after so many years. She'd been quiet and pensive all the way back to the keep. Imoen had tried all sorts of things to take her friends mind off it; her Jaheira impression, which for an unprecedented second time that month failed to get even a smile. The funny story about the wizard who made a fatal mistake confusing cedarwood for sandalwood got no reaction either; and that was one they both always laughed at. Who would make such a daft mistake? But although it was unbelievable it was completely true, and that was what made it funny.

But hearing about other people who had died for mislabelling spell components on this occasion didn't stir Aerie one bit, and that had Imoen worried. Aerie was always a thoughtful person; too thoughtful really. She was only digging herself deeper into depression by dwelling on disappointments. In the end, Imoen suggested that she go ahead and write a letter home anyway; sure, they may have no way of delivering it but it might be cathartic for Aerie to get out everything she wanted to say and, one day, who knows.

"It's not the most original opening," the red head commented. Aerie put down her quill and looked about in disbelief, lips pursed and her brows forming a 'V'.

"I-I'm not trying to write a novel," the elf explained, "it's a letter to my parents, and... w-why are you looking over my shoulder anyway?"

"Just curious," Imoen shrugged.

"Well... i-it's a bit... a bit nosey, isn't it?"

"It's not being nosey just to take an interest in people."

"No, but... reading other peoples mail all the time seems to be going a bit far..."

"I just like to know how my friends are doing... it's not a crime is it?"

"The magistrate seemed to think that it was..."

"Okay, it may be a wrong thing to do according to the law, but," Imoen winced for a moment, "actually, I... I don't really have anything to add there. I suppose that is almost the dictionary definition of a crime. But, you're not going to report me, are you?"

"No," Aerie smiled and picked up the quill. Her cheeks to flush slightly as for a long moment it just hovered over the parchment. "I, um... I don't know what to say..."

"See, I knew you'd need my help," the red head said with a grin. She pulled up a chair and sat by the desk. "Now, if I was them, I think the first thing I'd want to know is that you're doing okay and that they don't have to worry anymore."

"I don't know... I don't know if this is really a good idea at all. W-what if they thought I was dead and tried to forget about me. W-wouldn't it just be unfair for me to just suddenly turn their lives upside again after so many years?"

"We've been over this Aerie," Imoen sighed. There were of course many things that could have happened; Aerie had mentioned one. It was also possible they'd tried to find Aerie and maybe gotten themselves captured or killed. The later wasn't so nice to think about, but, "you couldn't just accept that someone so close to you was dead, not unless you saw the proof for yourself, could you? You can't let go until you for sure... so, there's no way they'll have forgotten about you. Certainly wouldn't have given up all hope."

"Yes... I know you're right. But, w-what do I say? Do I tell them everything? About my wings... t-they'd want to know why I'm not coming home to see them, won't they?"

"Like I said, start by letting them know you're actually doing fine and that you're safe then move on to explaining what's happened."

"Well... I-I'm an adventurer... I'm in danger nearly all the time..."

"Don't tell them that... that's not something they'd want to know. And they might try blaming me for it. Tell them you're a witch though... tell them about Edwin patting you on the head and saying you were the second best spell caster he knew. That's bound to impress them even though they won't have ever heard of him."

"Alright," the elf braced herself as she put her quill to the parchment once more, "I'll try..."

So much has happened in the many seasons that have come and gone since I last saw you. But I need you to understand that I am safe now and with friends who care about me. It was one such friend who urged me to write, should we ever find a means of delivering this letter to you.

I am alive and well and living in Amn; you probably don't know where that is. It's a long way from Faenya Dail... a nation where humans, elves, gnomes and dwarves all live and share together. There is cruelty here and terrible injustice... the streets in Athkatla, a vast city, are often destitute and dirty. And yet, despite all that... oh, I wish I could show you the many beautiful and wonderful things that I've seen. From the stuttering, chuttering machines of the Gnomes to the ancient glory and splendour of Silver Dragons. And most of all the many good and kind people who try their best always to help others, even when life is hard for them as well.

But I haven't stopped thinking about you every day. I'm sorry I was such a wild and disobedient child, too curious for my own good. I'm sorry I didn't listen more... I know now I should never have gone flying so far away on my own. And, I'm sorry I left without saying goodbye.

I can't come home right now... someday I'll find a way I'm sure. I know my friends will do their best to help me. But it's very important I help them too... I wish I could tell you everything, but... just don't worry. I can take care of myself now. Someday I will see you again and I promise I'll explain everything.

I love you.

Aerie.

And so, after saying her farewells, Aerie put down the quill and rested. She realised now, that was all she had wanted to say.