Greeting traveler,

You are nearing the time of your deep sleep and I want to relate an ancient story from our past. A subtle reminder of a sacred promise made between two sisters in the dark forests of England.  Think back to the secret ceremony performed between two naïve souls, swearing fealty to each other and their envisioned dreams. Even though these dreams and aspirations were emerging from the minds of children, they remain relevant to this day.

We sat face to face under an ancient oak, our small forms cradled in the twisted roots emanating from its hoary trunk. We joined hands, gazing up to the stars, the seven sisters framed by the branches above.  We spoke the words to the eighth sister, knowing that although she was obscured, her presence and influence was felt. Invoking the power of the star, we promised to be ever fateful to our quest.  A quest for knowledge and creative endeavors that would better the world with the combination of art and science.  Giving strength to our minds to enhance our ability for discovery and inspiration.  We closed the ceremony with a sharing of gifts. Each of us forfeiting our most cherished possession to the other.

I sit here now, cradling the tiny frog you gave me on that epic day.  Its stone form now almost worn smooth from the constant handling over the years.  It has become my charm in times of stress and deep thought over the years since it was received. I hope my Ebby has done the same for you.  A strange companion for a child, a raven, but it was precious to me at the time. It seemed an enormous sacrifice to give him to you at the time and even though we never again spoke of these treasures, the comfort this sharing has given me is more than I ever imagined.

Obviously you are constantly in the forefront of my thoughts and this has become a bit problematic. During my lecture yesterday, I was staring across the auditorium at the far wall attempting to focus on a question from one of my students. Above the door leading out of the hall, there hung an enormous piece of art done by a previous scholar. It depicted the periodic table of elements done in the style of the Ionic monks of the ninth century or possible the Hiberno-saxon style.  My thoughts went immediately to you and your travels.  What amazing things will you discover on New London? Will you uncover some unknown material for our work?  Will we be adding new elements to this piece of tapestry?  Amazing components that will contribute properties to our final production.  Properties that cannot as yet be envisioned.

These and a thousand other questions sped through my mind as I stood mesmerized by the hanging.  I do not know how long I stood in this condition before I realized that everyone was dead silent in the audience.  Two hundred eyes staring at my entranced form standing on the podium.  I pulled myself back into the room, making the trip from New London to Earth in a matter of seconds. I slowly gave the anticipating faces an embarrassed smile and continued with my lecture from before the question was asked.  I still do not recall what question was asked, but I am sure it will return to haunt me.  The audience was so hushed in anticipation of my answer, it must have been something immensely controversial.  I guess I will need to review the lecture recordings as a precaution.

Well I hope this letter comforts you as much as it has me by writing it.  I was temporarily transported back to our childhood to a simpler time and a time when my body was whole.

Love Always,

Annalis