Laurel

Hello, Mom and Dad,

it's me Laurel.

I arrived safely in my new home. And I have already found a suitable task in the clan for me, namely Forest-Warrior. In my task I protect the Forest and the Forest-Guardian.

Actually, you are not allowed to approach or disturb the Forest-Guardian, because she has a lot of magic and does not want to hurt anyone accidentally.

However, we met by chance when I was doing my work, so at least I think it was a coincidence.
But in any case, we have seen each other more and more often since then and talked at some point.

She is a very nice Gaoler lady named Eudocia. She has already told me a lot about herself, but I should keep it to myself, because it is better, otherwise possibly enemy clans who may intercept the letter here on the way get information that then put the clan in danger.

But I like her very much and would love to be able to do more for her. I don't know what the feeling is when we are two but I think it's a kind of protector instinct but I'm not sure, I always have a tingling in my stomach and she means a lot to me.

But I'm fine, hope you're doing well and hopefully you've had a good start into the new year.
I wish you a happy new year and maybe we will see each other again in person.

Mom and Dad I would be happy to hear from you and our whole family ^^

LG Laurel

A letter arrives to the Driftwood Drag via a small messenger Fae. She easily slips between the dense, knotted trees, and stays just long enough to drop the letter at Laurel's feet before disappearing again. The letter is written on expensive parchment, and Laurel recognizes the dirt-and-herbal scent it carries as his mother's before he even begins reading.

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Laurel -

A Forest Warrior sounds like a most vaunted position. That said - please be careful! It seems there is much more danger out there in the Tangled Wood and beyond than you ever experienced living in Sunbeam Grotto. From what you wrote, it sounds like Eudocia could be a good ally - and possibly more...? Do write back if anything changes, dear!

Speaking of matters of the heart - your father is away, researching and collecting data somewhere near the Behemoth. He'll be returning within the moon's turn, but it's strange without him around! I'll show him your letter when I see him next.

Here's a gift from our New Year's harvest - our crops provided for a fine feast, I'm very sorry you missed it!

May your heart and wings carry you with confidence!
Dominic

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p.s. your portrait is very charming! I've been carrying it with me, showing it off to everyone I see. I hope you don't mind!

After receiving the letter and the gift, Laurel went into the forest in search of suitable gifts to give to his parents. On the way he met Eudocia and they searched together for gifts for his parents.

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Mom, I'm very happy to read your letter. I hope dad comes back to you soon so you're together again.
I take good care of myself, don't worry. I am not alone. Even though I'm the only one currently doing the work of a forest warrior, but in the forest is Eudocia and in the village there are many other dragons, even if I don't dare to talk to everyone yet, because everything is still so new to me.
I was also very happy about your gift and that's why I was in the forest to give you something, on the way I met Eudocia and we went around together in the forest to look for the gift with our common knowledge of the two of us. I hope you enjoy it.
Hopefully Dad is also happy that I wrote as soon as he comes back.
I miss you both very much.

Laurel

Dominic's eyes are wide as she accepts the heavy parcel from the courier dragon. She holds it close to her chest as she rushes to her treehouse home, tearing into it as soon as she's over the threshold. A smile spreads across her face as she reads through the letter, and once the package's contents are revealed, she sits down right away to pen a reply.

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Laurel -

Thank you very much for your thoughtful gift! The blackberries smell especially delicious - I wonder if they prefer the growing conditions in the Tangled Wood? As much as I want to eat them right away, I think I'll ask Coriander to help me make a blackberry pie!

I'm glad you've found someone to spend time with in your new clan. I know I was overwhelmed when I moved to Sunbeam Grotto; being surrounded by dragons who all know each other is a strange feeling. But things have changed for me, and I know they will for you, too! Even though Elrose is still away, I'm by no means lonely myself - I've been getting to know one of my neighbors, a Pearlcatcher who grows bonsai trees. The little trees are truly amazing; it takes so much time and effort for them to grow properly, but the result is simply beautiful. I hope you will tend to your relationships and your new career with care so they can also blossom into something extraordinary!

I don't have anything prepared to gift you right now - I'd offer a piece of blackberry pie, but I don't think it would ship very well... Maybe once I master the recipe, you can come visit and we'll share some pie together!

Wishing you good fortune and good company,
Dominic

The Wildclaw postwoman Mio lands in front of Lauel's mother Dominic. "Hi, I'm Mio and I'm a postman in training and I have a letter from Laurel to her." smiles and hands her the letter. Then she say goodbye and then she fly off.

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Hello Mom and Dad,
The last days/weeks have flown by for me and so much has happened.
I made new friends. Their names are Etsuko and Baphomet .
Etsuko was born here in the clan and celebrated his 1st birthday a few days ago. We celebrated together and that's where I met Baphomet.
At first I was a bit unsure because it was the first time and Baphomet looked a bit intimidating to me. But it turned out that he is completely different inside.
The three of us are best friends now.

Eudocia and I found a young Gaoler child in the forest a few days ago. Where he comes from and who the parents are we have not been able to find out so far.
We gave him the name Doi .
He seems to have stunted growth and does not grow.
Hisashi and Hiruzen are two little nocturnes who have nothing better on their minds to play pranks but they seem to have the same or a similar problem as Doi.
It is often very annoying and exhausting to make sure that the two Hisashi and Hiruzen do not build mischief and / or run into the forest and again not to get too angry with them because they constantly play pranks on me.
But to come back to Eudocia, Doi and me. Doi seems to see Eudocia and me as her parents and we decided to take care of him. Eudocia and I hadn't really thought about a family until now, but since then we've gotten much closer and spend a lot more time together. I was even allowed by the leaders to live in the forest near Eudocia. I am very happy how it all develops.
Our small group will probably soon expand by another member. I can't say that much because I can't really get close to the little one but Doi disappears from time to time with our permission to her It's a little Gaoler girl. She seems to be very shy and suspicious but I and Eudocia hope that she will open up at some point so that we can possibly help her.

Hope you are happy to hear from me again. I really wanted to write you what happened.
Hope you are well too.
Best regards,
Laurel

Laurel -

What amazing news! It seems your circle of friends is ever expanding. I'm so glad you found a home where you can be yourself and continue to grow and learn! It seems you've already learned a lesson about judging others based on their appearance - I hope you take it to heart. There is much I've learned about child-rearing in my time, but I don't wish to worry you by sending such a great amount of information all at once! This is all to say, if the little ones give you trouble, you can write to me and I'll do my best to impart some helpful advice.

As far as news from back home, your father Elrose has returned from his time away, learning much about the Veilspun colonies of the Shrieking Wilds. The eggs I'd been incubating have hatched and flown the nest - though, due to the magical influence of my new Pearlcatcher friend laying at my side during their incubation, the little dragons ended up hatching as Pearlcatchers themselves...! The magic process of creating a new life is a tricky thing; no dragon can say they completely understand it, and hatchlings' appearance can often surprise their parents! If Doi and his little friend don't keep you too busy, maybe you and Eudocia can start a family of your very own one day. Just something to keep in mind!

I wish you peace of mind and an extra bundle of patience - with so many rowdy children around, I imagine you'll need it!

Write again soon!
Dominic