LETTER 4

In the Northernmost territory of planet Fistbump the Sky, Juno Altair, head librarian of the Interstellar Observatory, has noticed that the number of stars has been declining. Determined to find the reason, Juno reaches out to an old friend.

Far beyond the territorial borders, Obumbu, the Map Maker, has decided to die. However, news of a war against the god seeds forces them to postpone their farewell.

[Incoming message from Interstellar]
[Inhabitant: Dinker Shilta of Hai-Kyun. Memory reader and historian of the
Inter-Territory Research Team]

[Accept / Decline]

Hello, little seed,
I hope you’re not still upset. I apologise for leaving so abruptly, but I had no choice but to congratulate my demanding friend on becoming the new Head Librarian.

If it makes you feel any better, it took us five stomach-churning days to cross the two oceans before we reached Interstellar. Everyone is safe, though. Great Frog bless the Aquarians, or we would have undoubtedly sunk in the Northern Ocean.

I then spent a day in the Phrenezia territory before crossing the border to Interstellar. It’s baffling how many visitors the red territory receives. This is most likely a symptom of a fascination with death and similar morbidities. I suppose it should come as no surprise that the sellers who have made it their home are tactless enough to produce scorpo-shaped goods. Less a celebration of the Phrenezians’ rightful banishment than it is for their fattened wallets. If I ever take you to Interstellar, then I suggest we detour through Lai instead. Unfortunately, time is a luxury in this particular instance. Thankfully, the soft dunes of the star territory were there to greet me the next day.

I was once again reminded that beauty can lie in simplicity. Interstellar might not be as green and lush as Pendla or Kaff-Lirla, nor as vibrant as Petito. In fact, it is rather colourless in comparison. However, the sparkling stardust that blankets the terrain can only be described as tranquil. I don’t recall us ever discussing Interstellar, but I promise to bring you here one day. If you have not already been here, of course.

Sir Two Eyes told me how hardworking you have been. They also mentioned that Sir Kodan Bao has been lurking outside our rooms. Remember to keep the doors locked and try to stay inside. I will be back at the base before you know it.

My thoughts are with you, and I hope yours are with me.

[End of message]
[Respond / End transmission]

“The Map Maker” is an epistolary series in which destinies entwine and allies are formed to protect their planet. All documents have been translated (with much difficulty) from the National Frog Language of planet Fistbump the Sky to the English Language of planet Earth. “The Map Maker” can be read as a stand-alone series or alongside “The Fantastical Encyclopedia of the Imagined World of Fistbump the Sky.”

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