Dearest Erevan,

You'd be so proud of me if you could see me now. My powers have grown exponentially since leaving home! Just today I figured out how to produce balls of fire, which really came in handy against some undead we encountered in a mausoleum today.

I don't know how much mother and father have told you. We're on an isolated island (which we came to via a maniacal alchemist's bathysphere, but that's another story) because we'd been having dreams about halflings being ritually sacrificed by lizard people. These dreams turned out to be true and we were nearly slaughtered by the lizard folk until their leader (a teen, like me) ran off.

We tracked him to the Crypt of the Dragon King where we slaughtered him and his followers, which included two acid blobs... very difficult to kill, though I have to say my party owes a huge debt to my pact with the stars. I've saved them all now at least once. Anyway, we retrieved some dark magic items from the mausoleum... don't know what we'll do with them.

The real reason I'm writing this letter to you though is to discuss Ashleigh. I'm really worried about her, brother. While she's always been a little bossy and controlling, she seems to have completely lost control of her senses. She's become entirely cruel to the other three of us, me in particular. She says the vilest things about both me and our family and now she's got Sadush on her side. He said he wished they had a "real magic user" in the party, which really hurt my feelings. My powers have saved him time and time again!

Worst of all, and this is the hardest part to write, Ashleigh seems to rejoice in killing just for the sport of it. I wish I could say it was only our foes, but she's taken to slaughtering cats and birds and woodland creatures and eating them raw. She collects their bones in a little pouch like precious gems. She doesn't know I know, so don't say anything. The darkness we've encountered on our mission is indescribable and I understand how a person could snap.

I hate to be the one to say these things, but Ashleigh is no longer the girl you knew, nor do I think she will be again. I look into her and I see a sticky black heart made of pitch. You told me shortly before I left that you were going to propose to her. I love you, brother, and you know I love Ashleigh, but I strongly suggest you hold off until she receives serious help, if not just reconsidering all together. I only write these things because of my concern for both your and Ashleigh's well being. I know they are difficult to read. Please be discreet in sharing this information. I fear for my safety around Ashleigh now. As such, and this goes without saying, please don't tach her any more magic until we're sure she can wield it wisely.

I love you, brother. You and Iagon would be so proud of me. Is he still with the Mer people? Give my love to mother and father!

Always Your Baby Brother,
Illander Illrune