Aether sent them postcards. Every one of them got an individual letter about his time in Natlan. Photographs with the Saurians, the Arena, the Hot Springs, and all the new friends he made. He talked sparingly about his actual journey. No doubt he wanted to hide the messier details.
In the privacy of her apartment, Rosaria shifted through her postcards. Then she spotted her: the short, gray-haired girl with those cute fluffy ears. The caption read: My first Natlan friend, Kachina!
She wanted to adopt Kachina then and there.
Xiangling got pictures of all the new foods he was enjoying, which made her mouth water. Those tall Saurians looked delectable! Chevreuse saw a rather nice-looking place for a swim. Nilou got pictures of breakdancers tearing up the dance floor, which she showed to the other Zubayr Troupe members.
Ei studied his photograph of the Pyro Archon. Even from the picture, she could sense the Archon's fighting spirit. She looked forward to crossing blades one day.
When Furina studied the Pyro Archon's photograph, she saw someone she might call a friend. A human who became an archon—hopefully, she'd get along with this lady.
Tubby received her own letters. He told her about the many people he met—the many people she'd soon be seeing around the Realm Within. He gushed on about the adorable Mualani and Kachina. Tubby read, with some trepidation, about an especially foulmouthed Saurian named Ajaw. She supposed she'd have to show the little twerp the pecking order around here.
He also made a list recommending potential UHA judges for Natlan: Chief Amina of the People of the Springs, Wayna the Chief of the Scions of the Canopy, Vichama, Chuychu, Pacal the Chief of the Children of Echoes, and his newfound Saurian companion. Tubby made a mental note to interview these suggestions. She didn't want another Timmie Lord of Birds/Satan God of Birds situation happening again.
They savored the photographs and clung to every word he wrote. Every one of them looked forward to the day he returned, with all his new stories and friends.