2. Letter from Zer Manetho to Linnaeus von Roslin

Bukhari Era
Year 79
Month 12
Day 27

Dear Linnaeus,

The cold of winter here in the world of Abbe has reached even my secluded little study. The snowfall brings to mind the months we spend together researching the indigenous spirits of this place. I regret that I have not written to you in some time, and I hope that you will forgive me for my negligence. 

My experiments on essence manipulation via crystal-mediated aetheric coagulation have finally come to a close. I am writing this letter to let you know that you were correct in your assessment of my work. Though I was successful in creating a naturally unbound entity capable of manipulating essences bound to Polonian prisms, they were unimpressed by my proposed methods for liberating the planet’s other non-human inhabitants. I deeply regret that my insistence on pursuing this research brought about the end of our working relationship. It is still my intention to help the downtrodden of this world, but I have come to the realization that my methods were far too similar to those of my ancestors, even if I did attempt to differentiate myself from them by granting my creations free will. I will not ask you to lend me your aid again. I understand how much trouble I have already caused for you. Polonius has made me well aware of how much time and effort you have spent attempting to correct my mistakes. I accept that I deserve nothing more than your ire.

It is with all of that in mind that I must beg your forgiveness, for I cannot help but to selfishly ask that you visit me when the opportunity to do so presents itself. I desire nothing more than a chance to redeem myself in your eyes. If that is impossible, I wish to at least demonstrate fully the depths of my sorrow at the loss of our friendship.

Whatever you may decide, I hope that you remain safe and in good health.

Yours sincerely,

Zer Manetho