23rd February

Dearest Cecelia,
After having the most eventful few days on White Owl Island, I am enjoying a moment or two of quietude amongst my shipmates. I have been introduced to an artistic form of meditation, a pen and ink drawing where the focus is to concentrate on putting down one stroke at a time onto finest quality drawing paper. I am yet to reach the standards of my more experienced fellow artistes on board, but I did rather enjoy myself and felt very relaxed on its completion. Much needed relaxation, I can assure you.

I suppose you might now be wondering where on earth I have chosen to hide the golden box containing the Scroll of Lemuria? Let me tell you, dear sister, I have made a rather inspired selection. You will recall my very first visit to the glass garden right here on the Vulcania? I stepped back in time to be confronted by the most terrible of memories. I had held the sea shell to my ear and heard the prophecy of your impending death. Oh, dearest, how I miss you! Well, darling, I returned to the garden and meditated as L’Enchanteur had taught me, focusing intently on my breathing. Inhaling  and exhaling ever so slowly, all the while visualising that very same beach of our youth.

I have secreted the box in a small hollow in the cliff face where the high tide does not reach. The beach is so familiar to me, as indeed any favourite childhood playground might be and so I have no qualms about being able to locate the box again should I need to. Since this place resides only in my memories and can only be accessed by myself, I have no doubt that my secret is safe here.

Cecelia, there is still more excitement to come. Dear Violetta is soon to be sixty! I am to attend a lavish party two days hence. Joyous news indeed!

Elizabeth.