13 Kythorn, 1372

Alustriel- High Lady of the Silver Marches,

My lady, if you are reading this then there is still hope. My name is Xanthalus Everstalk, son of Nirakina Oakleaf. When I was younger, my mother told me she had met you while adventuring around Silverymoon. She said you were filled with great compassion and caring, and powerful in the Art. My mother also said you had provided her with extraordinary arcane tutelage, profound words of wisdom, and genuine friendship. She imprinted upon me that if I should ever find myself in great need, to seek you out. I am sorry to say that my mother passed away several years ago, but her words have always been remembered. Alustriel, I need your help.

I am a member of the Wandsmen, an adventuring group in the service of Randal Morn of Daggerdale. We have aided the Harpers on several occasions and recently participated in the Battle of Telemont's Hand. Prior to this, one of my comrades, the Archmage Cedar of Suzail, Cormyr, was informed that his 13 year old sister, Larissa, had been taken by the Shades. Weeks later, while attempting to enter Shade Enclave for intelligence, we were discovered and brought before High Prince Telemont, Lord Shadow himself. To our surprise, Telemont gave us a tour of his city. When asked about Larissa, he said she would be released into Cedar's care. When we returned to our keep, Griffon Hold, Cedar discovered that Larissa had the gift of Spellfire. However and even more astonishing, she also has the ability of what I would call "Darkfire." She seems to be able to draw from both the Weave and Shadow Weave. As you may have surmised, this is the type of power that many would wish to take advantage of. Cedar has since taken it upon himself to guide his sister. However this, as you will hopefully see, has me greatly concerned.

During the Battle of Telemont's Hand, Cedar cast a spell with the aid of Heavy Magic and a Nether Scroll, at a power level beyond that which Mystra allows. As expected, he was punished with Mystra's Refusal to the Weave. Since then he has become obsessed with defeating the Shades. I believe that in his struggle to find himself, he has turned to the use of the Shadow Weave. Cedar may be powerful, but he lacks the wisdom which must accompany great power…knowing how much one still has yet to learn and knowing when not to use such knowledge. With the Shades latest victory and Cedar's recent "actions", I believe Larissa is no longer "safe" in Cedar's care.

My request is this; would you please take Larissa under your care and guidance? Would you provide her with a home where she will be loved, allowed to learn about her powers, and discover who she is? Since you have received this from Dwalimar Omen, it means that both Larissa and her parents of consented to this if you should accept. I understand this is by no means a small request. In short, I am asking you to be a parent, a mentor. I am risking Cedar's valued friendship and possibly his soul. However, I believe in my heart, this is the right thing to do. If my mother was still alive, I know she would agree.

Yours Respectfully,

Xanthalus Everstalk