Whenever Slûûp returns to he, Tomlin, and Vala's shared quarters, he finds a lovingly arranged corner of the room for him. Atop his new bed is a hand stitched Tabard with an embroidered scoll, a full coinpurse, and a neat little stack of books (including Hamund Kost’s Field Journal & Gomlee Moonstagg's Journal). Alongside it all is a letter addressed to him in elegant script.
Dearest Slûûp,
I am leaving this for you rather than saying it aloud. Some things deserve the care of ink.
I am sorry for the business with the sword. I know it was the first thing that was ever truly yours, and I do not dismiss that lightly. I regret it still, even as you, in your unfailing kindness, understood why it needed to be offered back to the one who forged its beginning; Why Sildar needed to be allowed to choose its ending.
You are one of us. This remains true whether or not it feels so today. What we have earned together belongs to you as surely as it does to any member of the party. Our victories are yours. Our spoils are yours. The gold I have left enclosed is not a gift, nor even an apology. It is simply your share. What you have earned.
I have also left you the books I have gathered thus far. Some are simple, some…. markedly less so. Among them are journals we have recovered along the road, accounts bound up in languages I cannot read and meanings I cannot yet reach. I would ask that you continue your good work with them while we are away. Use the might of The Scribe as you see fit, and follow the threads wherever they lead. I know you know Knowledge kept is a kind of shelter; knowledge uncovered is a kind of light. I trust you implicitly with both.
You will also find a tabard laid with your things. I must apologize for it in advance; it is poorer work than I would have wished, and lacking much of the finery such a garment ought to bear. I did not have the proper materials to hand and was forced to make do, pulling apart old dresses to unravel gilt thread and beads of pearl. I hope you will forgive its plainness and find it serviceable enough to wear with pride until I can replace it with something befitting of you.
I am glad of your training. Sildar was as heartened as I by the way the sword answered you, to your goodness. I think it reminded him of all he had lost. Of young Orda and the promise he once held. I think he sees the same spark in you, Smallest of Sers.
And speaking of Sildar… if it is not too much to ask, please see that he eats a meal or two while we are away. He does not know how to stop for himself, but I find he will if he is worried after you.
Oh, and if it suits you, and time allows while we are away, I would be grateful for your help with a scroll of Comprehend Languages. I will, of course, cover the cost (take what you need from my trunk). I would trust the work only to your expertise.
Until then, may The Scribe keep your hand steady and your questions sharp, my friend.
-Vala