Greetings fellow Achaeans,

I write to you in a weary state, for the toll taken on my
physical self was extreme to say the least.

On what appeared to be a typical search for irid moss, I
wandered into the Crystal Caverns within The Great Rock.
Indeed, there was nothing typical about my search this day.
For just past a rather jagged crystal, my eyes did catch sight
of an object I'd never before witnessed. Not the patch of moss
I saught. No no, nothing so simple. I found my gaze transfixed
by what appeared to be a type of "seed". With no control over
my own actions, I immediately clamored over the crystals towards
the object. Yet in my haste did I prick the index finger on
my right hand. The hand, still dirty from my harvesting
efforts, began to tremble and my breathing shortened. As I
remember, I reached forward, the seed in my grasp, as the
wound began to bleed at an unnatural rate. My thoughts no
longer my own, I clutched the seed to my heart. In my minds
eye I saw a vision. A vision of a great light in Shallam,
the source as of yet, unknown. But inside, I knew the task
set before me. I was to do the bidding of this thing I did not
yet understand, even as it grew in strength from my own blood.

I remember a great portal opening before me, drawing me
into it. On the other end, a peaceful lake. Unsure of many
things, I knew myself to be inside Shallam. A glance at the
the seed showed it thrice its original size, undulating, ready
to unleash a great power. Not even able to question my own actions,
I raised the seed high above my head, and thrust it into the ground
with the last of my strength. Immediately I spluttered and
was ripped from my wyvern form, burning and exhausted. But somehow,
at peace.

My concept of time momentarily shattered, I awoke some moments later
to the most beautiful sight these tired old eyes ever beheld.
A most massive, perfect crystal, illuminating the immediate
surroundings and giving off a deep, almost imperceptible hum.
Standing over me, a wonderful being who made herself known to me
as Ariela, the Wise. She smiled softly, helped me to my feet,
and began to tutor me in the ways of Crystalism, Elementalism,
and Enchantments.

It is truly a day of rejoicing, my friends. For the Magi have
made themselves known in Sapience!

Penned by my hand on the 23rd of Ero, in the year 254 AF.