Did you read page one stuff.

Next time read the title. You may proceed.

Dear Lincoln,
First and foremost, the information you've given me of your universe. That sounds a bit harsh. Toxic air is also not so good. Most places in my universe are pretty clear, but not all of them. People don't consider me right in the head either, though, so maybe we have a bit in common.
Secondly, attending to the questions you asked. Although if you had asked me way back when, it would have been a bit more sensitive, but I will answer you.
Yes, I am over 2000 years old. I've been suspended in my 19-year-old body ever since a mishap with a potion, leaving me alone in this world. With books. So I certainly have read quite a few. I'm particularly interested in those to do with botany and plant-life.
I'll answer your next two questions together. Witch is really a blanket term for people who practice the manipulation of the materialistic world. My world has quite a few species, most of which are considered "supernatural", that possess magic, but witchcraft is different. Whereas magic is something that you're born with, witchcraft is something learned. It can be hereditary, but more often than not it's something that you pick up. There are a lot of different branches, although my favourites are probably (again with the plants) nature-related types and also dimensional. Recently, I've been looking into the latter, which is how I came across this concept. If you would like a bit more elaboration, I could supply it but the last time I tried explaining it, I gave Sain a sensory overload.
And now for the final question. Witchcraft is not widely accepted in my world, even less so than the supernatural. Even though the latter greatly outnumbers the amount of "normal" humans. Actually, the fault for the prejudice was my great-something grandmother. She was a catalyst for the whole movement against witches. They're feared because of her decisions and her methods. And as for why there aren't many of us left… well, there was a purge in the very beginning of the hatred, but then it became that we're just in hiding. We tend to avoid civilization. I would do the same, but I have a dumbass, a demon, and two (mildly) innocents to keep out of trouble.
Sincerely,
Aster

Dear Aster

I apologize if I over stepped in my questioning. It was not my intention to make you uncomfortable, I have a tendency to do that to people. Please, only answer what is within your boundaries.
You are physically unchanging. Does your hair still grow? That is if you indeed have hair.
You have an interest in flora. I've read a few books on the subject. A certain species of flower is what's documented as the origin of the toxic fumes that fill the outside air, that and the materials they tried to mixed them with.
Manipulate the materialistic world? Can't we all do this to a certain extent, I'm not sure I'm understanding this correctly, I'm guessing witches have a special way of doing it.
I've heard the term "supernatural" it was used to describe the infected, a subset of people born with a rare disorder that gave them strange properties, they don't exist where I live anymore due to selective breeding. But they still plague other parts of the world.
Wait, witches are similar to those infected aren't they, if that is true that would mean our worlds aren't so different in certain views.
Witchcraft is a learned form of witch kind? Or are they different, is witchcraft often preformed by those without "magic" or is it more used as a boost to one's who already possess the abilities?
What is dimensional witchcraft? Yes, elaborate.
Your many greats grandmother changed the world? For worse it seems, what exactly did she do? If you don't mind me asking.
I would avoid civilization too, but I'm a bit obsessed with it.
I've heard of demons, they live in Oblivion, the Under of this world, where the dead go to be sorted. Though demon is a bit outdated of a term where I'm from.
Why do you have to keep them out of trouble? Do you own them? Are they children of sorts?

With sincerity,
Lincoln

Dear Lincoln,
A quick warning before you dive into this letter. There are some parts written by my companions. They'll most likely be noted as such at the end, but if you see a sudden change in penmanship assume it's one of them. Because of the number of topics and questions that you've supplied me with, I'll be answering in a list form this time. And I thank you for your concern. As of yet, you have not made me uncomfortable. I also can say the same to you in regards to any questions I may ask.

1. I suppose my hair does grow, but at a much slower rate than normal. For most people (I have limited sources, so if this is inaccurate, I wouldn't be surprised), hair grows 6 or 7 inches in a year. Meanwhile, mine grows only about 1/2 an inch. The good thing about that is that I don't need to cut it often.
2. That's quite interesting. I feel as if I've heard something similar, though I can't remember where. The idea of there being different plants in different universes intrigues me.
3. Perhaps the way I described it wasn't the best. (To be fair, words are hard to work with. -Sora) Although that is an accurate assumption. It's a lot of more "unnatural" occurrences or the types of things that you wouldn't ordinarily see. While this can be done by any person, its the method behind it which differentiated it. Witchcraft takes a lot more will-power, solid visualization, and focus.
4. (And technically 5. -Rosa) That does seem like an uncanny similarity. Although the terminology of "infected" reminds me of the more common viewpoint of witchcraft, you could most certainly put it that way.
5. Hm, witchcraft is something which can be learned by any being, regardless of species. And while it could be a boost, more often than not it is used for other purposes. Rosa, whom you may have noticed interject earlier, began to learn just for the sake of curiosity. As a human, she doesn't possess the type of magic that other species do but she does have a pretty good grasp on witchcraft.
6. I'm fairly sure I made dimensional magic up, but as of yet, nothing has gone wrong. It works a lot with portals and time limits. You also need a clear image of the type of terrain you wish to travel to first. I based this branch off simple teleportation, which involves either immediate travel or portals. You can't travel to another dimension just like that, however, so it's portals. These are gateways to other places, yes, but they have time limits. Depending on how far away a place is in tpm (teleportation magic), the time limit will be longer or shorter. The further it is the longer opening you'll have. The same can be said with dm (dimensional magic), though on a much larger scale. You also have to be fairly precise with where you wish to go, which can be difficult. I've mainly explored through literary worlds. I have a few books that entail different worlds, so with enough focus, I can imagine it. This would work with any type of landscape that's described or shown, as long as you have the right image in the head. If you don't, you could end up in some strange place with no knowledge of where you've sent yourself. As opposed to the portals in tpm, the portals from dm disappear once you've gone through and then reappear when your time is up. Considering that different dimensions are uncharted territory, it's easier to get lost. I haven't yet figured out what would happen if you didn't enter the portal when it reopened, as I'm still figuring it out.
   I suppose I had a harder time conveying this verbally. Personally, I'm not to good at speaking so I wouldn't put it past myself.
7. will have to be omitted, I'm afraid. I don't much like revisiting the damage that she did, especially the specifics.
8. Yes, I will admit society has its pulls and temptations. There are times when I feel in need of visiting the outside world, though, since people near my home know who I am, I often have to travel further to find peace of mind.
9. I suppose that, in a way, Channary is similar to that. The main difference is that the sole reason for her status of demon is that Rosa accidentally returned her to the world of the living. She was reasonably angry for being dragged back to life. I do take part of the blame for that, however, as I should have warned Rosa. You could call her my apprentice, so it's my responsibility to make sure she doesn't do anything that she might regret before she has a full grasp of the craft.
10. They all come from different backgrounds and have attached themselves to me for various reasons. While I don't own them, sometimes they do act like children. The ones I mainly have to keep out of trouble are Sain and Channary. Channary, the demon I mentioned previously, tends to get herself into a lot of trouble with accidentally burning things. Normally I have to put it out. And Sain is a) blind and b) a chaotic daredevil. For the most part, I just have to keep track of her but there are times when it takes a little bit more. Rosa came to me looking for tutelage and Sora accidentally stumbled upon my place in her escape from home.

I hope I successfully answered your questions. If not, please inform me. However, I also have a few questions of my own on my end. I also hope you don't mind if some of my friends end up asking some.
Aster: What are some interesting plants in your world? And that one in particular you mentioned- how did it have such a strong impact?
Sora: You asked whether Ast owned us. Does that mean that there are ownerships of people in your world?
Channary: If demon is an outdated term, what do you use? Just like, dead or something else?
Sincerely,
Aster

Dear Aster and company

Thank you for taking such time to answer everything, I tend to ask questions incessantly.
Witchcraft is a learned skill with intention, while being a witch is more innate, by my little understanding.
Rosa, you say the infected might be viewed more similar to those who preform witchcraft rather them those who are witches. How is witchcraft viewed compared to witches?
Dimensional magic seems a bit out of my understanding. You created it, is it an ability only witches can perform or can those who practice witchcraft do it as well?
Dimensional/Teleportation magic questions

• you can venture to worlds of fiction? Is the world then a new reality or do you become fictional?
• If you were to imagine your insides, would you be able to teleport there?
• Why is it that the further it is the longer the time limit is?
• What do the portals look like?

Channary was alive at a point? She wasn't born in Oblivion or what ever your equivalent is? Here that would be considered undead. Rosa used witchcraft and accidentally brought Channary back to life, what was she trying to do? Also did Rosa bring all of Channary back to life or what body does Channary inhabit?
Would you consider them your found family? I've always wanted one of those. Do they all live with you?
now to answer your questions.
First. There are many variations of plant life, most are farmed for sustenance, some for medical use and some purely cosmetic (flowers mostly). Plants aren't used recreationally very often, I've only seen a few species. The plant that devastated the outside air is a sub-variety of the common Dandy, a simple flower. The one responsible for the poisoning was the Blood Dandy, named after the pollution. The flower's petals would turn red when they came into contact with the martials that carried a substance that reacted with the plant in a toxic way, the materials that were common place at the time. it's difficult to find information about the plant or the martial now, the history books don't much like their history.
Second. There isn't exactly ownership, there is this phenomenon called marriage where usually two people bind themselves to each other for life, they surgically exchange their ring fingers. Also, children are seen as being owned by their parent(s). Though I know in other divisions of my world there are ownerships of people, mostly the infected being owned by "healthy" individuals. There has been speculation on if having an infected in your house will result in a spread of the infection.
The last question is simple, well, maybe not. It seems our worlds have different definitions of "demon". Here a Demon is a citizen of Oblivion, created there, raised there and in eternal debt to the Over Seer/"King" for creating them. It's all very complicated and I don't exactly have all the information and the information I do have is likely outdated. We call them The Counsel of Oblivion, or as individuals, Denizens/ Denizens of Oblivion.
I hope I've answered your questions satisfactorily.

With sincerity,
Lincoln

Dear Lincoln,
I may not have worded that correctly. The term witch describes a practitioner of witchcraft. When I refer to naturally born witches, I mean people who would have an easier time with it than most. I don't know. It's more like how certain people inherit things like intelligence from their parents. Anyone can perform witchcraft, but some people are better. At least, when they first start. (I don't remember saying that… Did I say that? Maybe I forgot. -Rosa) For the second question, refer to my first answer. Basically, witches and practitioners of witchcraft are the same things.) Additionally, I apologize for that. I've never really tried describing it much. (They don't have anyone to describe it to. None of us really felt like listening, either. -Channary)

1. I'm not quite sure yet. I believe that, once they're sort of "brought into being" they just coexist alongside my own. And it's not just fictional worlds, but they're easy to get information about.
2. I'm not quite sure I understand.
3. It's one of those things where the magic seems to adjust itself to fit the desires of people. If it's further away, you'll likely have something you want to do that may take longer.
4. They vary. Sometimes it depends on the kind of place you're travelling to. Most of the time they also have an accompanying scent that can (sort of) tell you the environment. It's more useful if the portal appeared without warning, usually done by someone with malintent.

I'll let Rosa and Channary answer the question.
Channary: Yeah, I was once alive. I think it was a long time ago. Yes, the undead would be a good term for it. No, most of us aren't born there. Yeah, I have the same body I had in life. Plus the burn marks.
Rosa: I believe I was trying to do an animation spell on some paper butterflies. It was something Aster had taught me recently, so I was trying to practice it on my own. I messed up some things, though, and didn't think to stop. I was hanging around the place that Channary died, so that was how she ended up stuck with me.
Yes, I do consider them my found family. They're… better than my biological family, in fact. And yes, all of them live with me. Most of them came from bad backgrounds, although Rosa still visits her family.
Interesting. Plants, around here, are a lot more common. Or less common, depending on how you look at it. I live surrounded by forest, as do the people in the nearby town. And normally they have at least one plant around their house, although there are some (such as myself) that have more. The Bloody Dandy… I must say, that sounds like the fault of the people. If it was pollution from their activities, that is. And history books are often liars, no matter how much they promise truth.
That's… interesting. We have a similar concept here, the only difference being how it's carried out. Perhaps because they don't have the type of power to exchange middle fingers. Although I doubt that the people around here would much like being bound for life. The infected seem to have fewer rights, but that may just be my mind carrying me in different directions. How can people really tell the difference, though? Is it noticeable?
Oblivion sounds a bit like the hierarchy Channary described, although she also says she didn't pay much attention. The main difference being that they were once alive and it's like they've been "taken in."
Considering that, at present, I do not have any questions, I'd say those were good answers. *(Although, I'm curious about how the thing with the "ownerships" started. I've always been interested in history. -Sora)
Sincerely,
Aster

Dear Aster and company,

I'm sorry for my absence, I've been a bit busy with my education, I'm not exactly the best at expressing my knowledge, though I love taking in knowledge.
Witch is a term that applies to any who practice witchcraft, regardless of inborn ability? It's like wealth, you can inherit much or have to work your way up from the bottom?

• So the fiction from the stories becomes partially real?
• By my second question I meant, if you were to create a portal to a place too small for you too fit or a place that would create a paradox, what would happed?

Channary, you say you died a long time ago. How did your body not decompose, unless our universes have different body compositions and you do not decompose the same.
Paper butterflies sound interesting, what is are butterflies?
Channaery is "stuck" with you (Rosa), are you soul bound? Or am I misreading?
I'm sorry you all seem to have gone through much hardship. I'm spoiled in my privilege.
Speaking of family, I happen to love mine (I'm sorry if I sound like a spoiled prick), I'm an only child, but I'm not a lonely one, though I've not made a single friend since youth. I have two loving fathers, they've been only good to me, been there for me even though I'm not exactly the easiest child to raise. Especially with my mental development since having gotten outside some how as a young child. They've cared for me. We may not be the richest but we're far from poor.
You have forests? Are they beautiful? Are there trees? Here "trees" are a controlled substance. Well, I guess all plants are.
You keep plants in your house? That sounds lovely.
Yes, I've been doing research into the pollution and it seems to be pointing to the martials they used at the time, though I can't be sure, most only skim over the martials reacting with the plant. From what I've gathered the material was already toxic on it's own it's just that the flowers reacted to it's toxicity and absorbed it, and keep producing it. It was a product of the time, we weren't as developed as we are now, we know more. Though we'll likely make the same mistake again. I could be consuming volatile substances and not know till years later when they actually research the the components of common consumer products.
Also Blood Dandy is one of it's nicknames, it's most popular in fact. others include, Polluted petals, Toxic Dandy, Delicate Killer, Sickening sweet, Death Dandy. Some due to what it does and others due to the recent romanticizing of the flower and it's effects on people.
There is marriage where you're from? Is it mandatory? It used to be here, but it's since changed. if you do not bind each other by physically exchanging in some way, how is it done?
I'm not sure I understand what you mean by exchanging middle fingers.
You don't bind for life? How long then?
The infected don't have the same rights. It's not a problem here anymore so I don't have much information about their rights, but when they did exist here, they were frowned upon, to have an infected child was to poison your bloodline, as for rights, they were not aloud much of a choice in life, most were sent to work in the mines, others were sent to testing so it could be understood why they were born that way and could be stopped.
As for how to tell the difference, they are branded as children, physically branded. They also usually have a few ticks and mannerisms, like Their eyes filling with pupil or their entire bodies erupting into flames. Many have physical features that coincide with their property type.
Is your Oblivion also called Oblivion or is it called by another name? They were all once alive? Everyone? Who runs the counsel? In Oblivion the lower denizens are usually tasked with sorting the dead, as in the living that have died. They sort them by how they lived, I don't know the categories but they take the memories from the heads, when someone dies, their head is sent down the Well where it ends up in Oblivion and is sorted. I do wish I was a denizen, They have the knowledge of all of history through the dead.
About the ownership, it's not in the division I live in so I don't have the most information on it. It seems that they divide the "healthy" from the infected. Once an Infected is able to control it's abilities it's sent into the system to be sold and own by a "healthy" person. I'm not sure about many of the details.
I'm a bit tired at the moment of writing this, if I missed something I am sorry. I shall be heading off to bed after this, if I stay up too much longer my roommate may tell me very harshly to go to bed.
One question.
To be born a witch does one have to have at least one witch parent, born witch parent?

With sincerity,
Lincoln

Dear Lincoln,
Ah, it's alright. And yes, that is one way to describe witchcraft. In terms of skill level, that is. And if you're born with a natural affinity for it, it's like an inheritance. You start with some rather than having to work all the way from the bottom.

1. Yes. It was a bit strange, at first, to know and realize that, but it does become real on the base level, which entails the mechanics of the world, plus the history and geography.
2. Most of this is trial and error, and I'm still trying to figure it out. Worst-case scenario, I would die. As I've said before, it's of my own making. Although I may have more experience than most, I'm no master and working from scratch is always a stressful endeavour.

Channary: I guess to explain this I'll have to answer a few other things too. It goes by many names, but while I was there, but the name I like best is Kólasi. Most of us were alive, though some never were. While we're there, we're suspended as we were when we were alive. There's not really much of a "council," but we do sort of get judged. The whole layout is kind of like a scale- like the kind when people say "from 1-10"- based on what you were like in life. In terms of whether you were a good person or bad, I guess. I don't know. Anyway, I was pretty young when I died (around 13, I think) but I was dead for… I don't know. I lost count. I'm not nearly as old as Aster, but still. I'm stuck in the same body I was when I was alive and the same body I was stuck in for the time I was in Kólasi.
Rosa: A butterfly? Hm, I think I'd have to draw one rather than explain it. I'm not really good with explanations. Not as good as Aster or Sora, at least. And yes, I think that's one way to describe it. There was a bit of a freakout when she first turned up. Aster was muttering a lot.
It's not spoiled if that's how you grew up. Simply different. It's good that you have a loving family. I… don't really mind hearing about other people's lives. It makes me feel not-so-out-of-touch. And yes, we do have forests. Some are terrifying, some beautiful. I feel like there's beauty in both, though sometimes harder to find. Plants being controlled… that seems wild. Here, plants aren't exactly orderly. Unless a person grows the plants themselves, they grow wildly.
Hm, that sounds mildly disconcerting. But at least the apparent threat has passed, at least until something else happens. (Ah yes, the romanticizing of things that are actually negatively impactful. -Channary)
No, marriage is thankfully not mandatory here. It's not a permanent binding, though some do get married for life. I've fallen out of touch with the traditions in recent years (When they say years, they probably mean closer to a century or two. -Sora), but before it was more an exchange of items important to the people involved. And it lasts for however long they wish to stay together, I suppose.
Hm. I do see many similarities to witches there. We were normally sent far away or not allowed to leave the house. Except, it wasn't always that noticeable. I guess that's one advantage. For the most part, we're unassuming.
Hm. That's… interesting, to say the least. People do that sometimes here, but it's less common than it was around a decade ago.
To answer your question though, sort of. It can be someone down your bloodline, like how mine was my great-grandmother (I tracked down the family tree. In a previous letter I said I didn't know, but now I do.).
I apologize for my letter's vagueness and length. I myself have been ignoring sleep for too long.
Sincerely,
Aster (and friends)

( i read page one stuff!)

Dear future companion,

May this letter find you in good health. Before I start talking about other things, I must introduce myself. My name is Angga, and I am a student in an International English boarding school, and I must admit, I do not enjoy it as I used to because of- past events. I've always been fond of the thought of writing letters to a mysterious person, without knowing anything- even the name of each other. It somehow gives me such an odd yet comfortable feeling, because we both know this friendship will have a fresh, new start. It's like restarting a broken friendship, it gives off such a fresh, motivating feeling that you can start over with no mistakes made yet.
As I said before, my name is Angga. I'd prefer it if you just call me that, but I don't mind Sir. Angga either, but it brings back traumatic memories and it sounds utterly embarrassing- but it does give me a sense of professionalism, which is a feeling I long for.

I am looking forward to talking more about this world I was in, academics, and my relationships. I am currently on earth (Well, I think so.) and I am living a normal life, however, on a particular day approximately 2 months ago, something changed. I had detention in a class with a lab partner of mine, Fred. We didn't like each other and long story short, I stormed out, and suddenly, our environments shifted and we are in a different dimension. I plan to talk more about it soon, but I would love to hear your story first.

I am a very studious person. I have a passion for learning and many other things. I used to be a very burnt-out perfectionist, however, my new best friend, Fred, changed that. I moved from Indonesia at about 13 years old and I would also be willing to discuss that if you are willing to.

P.S. I may need best friend advice in the future

• Sincerely,
  Angga.

(I read page one)

Dear Sir Angga,

I'm just going to skip the formalities. My name is David Lawson and I'm writing this letter to you from prison. Now, I don't want you thinking I'm some hardened badass criminal, because I most certainly am not. I'm just a guy who was in the wrong place at the wrong time, stuck in this place because of a misunderstanding… Not really, that was a joke. I totally did the crime I was convicted for, although it wasn't anything cool like robbing a bank or committing twelve counts of murder. First, it was only one count, and second, how dare you think murder is cool. (Again, a joke.)

Anywho, I also live on Earth, so maybe we can look forward to meeting each other in person someday. Although, unlike you, I'm not stuck in some alternate dimension, so… Who really knows? I've spent my entire life in Willowdale—It's one of those tight-knit festival cities in Facithema, in case you've never heard of it. I don't really have much of a story to share, aside from the whole arrested for murder thing, but that isn't super interesting. I guess it's a little interesting that I'm a werewolf, although I don't have much of a story to share about that. Oh well.

Do you mind me asking why you and Fred didn't like each other? I mean, I will admit, if I knew someone named Fred, I probably wouldn't like him either. It's just that any man who's willing to confidently introduce himself as Fred isn't afraid of anything, and that is a scary type of man. I'm also curious about what you got sent to detention for? Did you get into a fight? 'Cause if so, that's cool as hell, and I'd love to hear about that; Tell me all about how you curb-stomped a b*tch.

I'm not familiar with Indonesia. Is that somewhere in New Salem? Or Fluchland? I've never been to either, and I'm not very good with geography, so sorry if I'm wrong. And, I can't guarantee that I'll be of much help when it comes to giving "best friend advice" (especially considering the fact that I'm pretty sure my best friend is at least a little scared of me), but I can certainly do my best.

Regards,
David

Dear Davin Lawson,

I must say I am extremely thankful for the reply. It is a very long story- getting stuck in the alternate dimension of mine.

About the detention thing, I am sad to say we got detention because of an extremely boring reason. Being in an elite and prestigious boarding school has its downsides, and one of them is receiving punishment for something as simple as not doing a biology partner project. However, I do not blame myself for receiving detention, as another normal person wouldn't do the project either if they have Fred as their lab partner. He is the type of person to be the dumb, popular jock in teenage rom-com movies (if you know what that is), and during the 2 months we had to do the project, I couldn't even sit near him properly without being teased with and thrown scrunched papers at.

However, we did have a fight in the detention, resulting in 2 more days of detention. The punch was worth it, though. I am happy to say that his bruised face was something I will never forget for a lifetime. Who can blame me? He was an annoying freak (pardon, my English) and it is safe to say he was very dumb too (Don't worry, he admits it too). However, during our time together in a dimension, my beliefs about him somehow shifted and I've grown to enjoy his company over the few months (or weeks, if you count in earth's time)

Being the (once) top student in my class, many consider me as a perfectionist. The burnt-out and extreme one. My family and I are immigrants from Indonesia, a place in Southeast Asia. I am not surprised you are not familiar with a country because it is not very popular. Perhaps, saying that Bali, the magnificent tourist spot is in one of the many islands of Indonesia will help as many people know the place. I was born in a small, peaceful village in Indonesia, West Java to be specific. The place is very culture-oriented, holding on tightly at the roots of our ancestors. I am not religious, however, I am fascinated by religious rituals and tribes.

Maybe that is why the alternate dimension I talked to you about was heavily involved with culture from the country, resulting in many unsettling things happening. (Many things from my culture I consider quite uneasy and uncanny.)

Anyway, enough about me. It might be weird to say I am deeply fascinated by your story. Approximately 2 months ago I would've been freaking out receiving a letter from a werewolf. But I have gotten used to fantasy becoming reality that I didn't even flinch finding out. May I ask about the murder? Why did you do it? Please take no offense, as this is coming from a fellow murderer.

I must admit that sounds wrong coming from a 17-year-old, but I promise it wasn't a person or anything, and it was for a good cause. I am also more than willing to listen to your story of becoming a werewolf. I've never been quite interested in werewolf things, but that's probably because the only stories about werewolves I know are Harry Potter: Prisoner of Azkaban and (I'm ashamed to say,) Twilight. Does it hurt transforming into a werewolf? How did you become one? I apologize if these questions are offending your privacy, but I promise I am no more than curious about your situation.

I will be waiting for another letter from you. Take care.

• Sincerely,
  Angga.

Dear Aster and Company,

Thank you for the clarification.
I wouldn't describe your letter as vague, it was insightful (much like all it's predecessors), but that may be due to my utter lack of otherworldly knowledge.

My roommate just came in wanting help with putting pigment in his hair, I told him I couldn't due to the writing of this letter. He seemed a bit dejected, he's since gone into the freshening room and is likely making a mess of himself. Back to the letter.

• Regarding fiction turned real, where is the matter supplied from?
• How long ago did you start dabbling in dimensional magic?
• Do you have anyone to help experiment?

Channary, how does one pronounce "Kólasi"? Sadly, I'm not well versed in otherworldly pronunciation. Or language for that matter.
A judgment scale? Are you placed on a physical scale then weighed by your life's experience? Or is it more of a measurement system?
What happens after you're judged? Where do you go?
Some were born in Kólasi? What is the difference between those and the ones that died?

Rosa, it's alright, explanations don't come easy to me either.
Do you plan on returning Channary if possible? Would you both die if you tried? Have you tired? Sorry if I'm not in the place to ask such questions, ignore these if you will.

I guess it could be viewed that way, I try never to take for granted what I've been given.
You're plants aren't controlled? I don't know what I was expecting, but "wildly"? What does that mean in terms of plant growth?
Yes, the threat has long since past, though the aftermath was devastating. It happened before even my parents were born. Not even they know how it is outside, _{though I do unfortunately..}

Is the exchanging of items part of the marriage process or the end goal of marriage?
Ownership of people was once common place?
Can witch bloodlines be diluted? Is there purity?

I fear I must keep this brief, I can hear my roommate struggling from the lavatory, it would be in my best interest to help him.

With sincerity,
Lincoln

Dear Angga,

Although I will admit that I'm a little disappointed that there was no fight involved, I can hardly blame you for refusing to work with someone like what you described Fred as being. In fact, his description reminds me of myself, and I would hate having to deal with my own bullshit for more than an hour. I honestly don't know how the people around me do it. When I look back on my own time in high school, I'm pretty confident in labeling myself as a classic shoving-kids-into-lockers bully. Whether or not I regret those years of my life… Honestly, I'm still debating it.

Now, I've been wondering about this alternate dimension since receiving your initial letter, and though I failed to ask before, I would like to know what's different about it. Like, when compared to normal Earth, what makes it alternate? Are the people different? Or the places? You implied that time works differently… So, do you age faster there? Or slower? You also mentioned that it has a culture similar to Indonesia, although seeing as I've never even heard of the country, I don't know anything about the culture. But, I wonder if different areas of the dimension you're in have different cultures, or if it's all the same.

Speaking of Indonesia, I'm afraid that it being located in "Southeast Asia" also doesn't help much, because, again I've never heard of that place… I had a thought a little while after sending my first letter, and though this seems a bit like a conspiracy theory, your whole situation with an alternate dimension makes it seem more plausible than impossible. Maybe we both live on, like… "Earth", but… different… Earths? Because I did do a bit of digging in the prison's library and couldn't find anything about Indonesia or Southeast Asia. Maybe I'm just not looking in the right place, but I think my theory holds at least a little bit of ground… or maybe I sound insane, who knows?

Well, I wouldn't say it sounds particularly wrong for a 17-year-old to commit murder, seeing as I was only 20 when I got arrested (I'm currently 22). The murder itself… It was kinda an accident, but kinda not. 'Cause, it's not like I walked out of my house and decided, "Hey, I think I'm gonna kill someone today!" It was more like… I wanted to hurt that person, and even though I wasn't expressly trying to kill him, I wasn't trying to not kill him. I think that's considered second-degree? Anyway, I don't feel super bad because that guy was a total douche and had it coming. But, what about you? You said that the murder you committed was for a good cause… So was the person you killed bad?

I've never heard of Harry Potter or Twilight. Are they research books? 'Cause, there's a lot of books that delve into the psychology behind werewolves and stuff, so are they anything like that? I've never been super into those types of books, seeing as… Well, I already know what goes on in my brain, I don't need a book to tell me. Plus, a lot of them get it completely wrong because they're written by people who don't know what they're talking about. Like, you shouldn't be writing about that if don't have a psychology degree or aren't an actual werewolf.

Actually, the idea that it hurts to turn into a werewolf is just a myth that was originally spread by European, religious extremists who saw werewolves as spawns of the Devil. Most of the time, you're already unconscious by the time anything really happens, and even if you're not, it only kinda hurts. See, the brain releases this toxin during the transformation that basically makes the entire body numb (Which is also why werewolves seem so resilient)! Like, it's a mutation, not an actual curse like so many people call it. I did a bunch of research on werewolves back when I was first turned, and it's not all magic and the supernatural: There's a whole lot of biology and evolutionary advantages behind it. It's really interesting and is actually what inspired me to want to be a biologist when I was younger. As for turning into one, it's the same as what most people think: You get bitten by one. But, it's actually pretty rare, seeing as the average survival rate of a werewolf attack is only around 12%, and you only turn into one if you survive (Obviously). There's a lot more that I could talk about, but I already feel like I'm ranting and I don't wanna bore you with all this science talk.

I look forward to hearing from you again.
Regards,
David

Dear David,

I must thank you again for another reply.

About the alternate universe situation, I wouldn't really call it an alternate dimension after a few more thoughts. To this day, I and Fred have not found an answer to any of the questions that we have: where we were, if it was real or not, why it happened, and how we got there in the first place. It is very complicated to say the least, as I am still trying to do my research on the supposed dimension.

It might be quite odd explaining it to someone, but here it goes. The world was weird, almost like a feverish dream. But it also seemed like a lucid dream- which made it even worse. The people there seemed very normal at first, but it felt like the longer you stare at their eyes the more "out of place" they became. Like they were not real. There was this one time when Fred went to find me in the woods and he spent a day in a cabin with me there. However, the weird thing was- whatever that thing was- it was not me. I remember precisely that I was not there. He said that I seemed quite off too, often repeating things he has said before and giving uncanny glares almost suddenly. It was unsettling, he said.

Unfortunately, that was only one of the many odd situations that happened. It was almost like a horror story, except for the fact we don't realize it until a few more days or so. Not everything was mysterious and unsettling, some were clear as day. But like always, we missed every single hint.

In a short summary, something in the back of my mind always thought the people and creatures there were out of place. Actually, the whole "realm" felt out of place. And to prove my point of it being somehow like a fever dream, it did involve signing off life contracts to a cult (I didn't know at that time), meeting an anthropomorphic tribe deer who worships the sun (Something we found was his wife's head, hung to the wall like a decoration) and seducing the bird queen who was in charge of the passageway to reality. About your question about time, I do not know much except for the fact that I knew, clearly, that we were there for months. But when we arrived back, we were told it was only a few days, so that's something I'm trying to find an answer to. I am afraid to say that I forgot about the events that happened involving my culture that well, but something I knew for sure was that it involved playing disturbingly beautiful music that was usually used to be played in rituals summoning creatures from another realm.

Also, you mentioned something about a different "earth". As a firm believer in the existence of other universes, It may be possible to have a different earth. However, to find out further, I must ask you these questions:

1. Does your world have something unusual like magic in it?
2. Does it contain normal humans and animals or does it also have magical and mythical creatures?
3. What country are you currently in?

Also, about the murder- I would be lying if I said I remembered every detail of it. I didn't really remember killing the person, but I somehow have this underlying feeling, telling me that I wasn't really myself when I did it. It was like an out of body experience, but I didn't have the mind to think about the consequences of what was happening. So, that's that. (P.S. I don't even know who I killed.)

I am glad to hear that it doesn't hurt that much. They looked quite painful when I watch werewolf movies. If I may ask, are you fully conscious when you are in your werewolf form? And how do you deal with it in prison? I have always been fascinated by the biology of unusual creatures, werewolves are one of them. I also wanted to be a biologist when I was younger, and maybe I will become one in the future, but my parents want me to have a "secure" job like a lawyer or a doctor. Quite frustrating, really, but I don't know what to be either.

I am interested in hearing about why you wanted to be a biologist. Do you still want to be one now, or have you given up on it? And also, I don't mind hearing too many things about science, I am quite literally in love with learning new information.

• Sincerely,
  Angga.

Dear Angga,

Let me start off by saying that you are totally in a horror movie, and I'm pretty sure you got, what we in the business call, possessed. It's not a very pleasant experience, I know. Although, tribal deers and bird queens and crazy cults don't really surprise me as much as they probably should, seeing as the witches of New Salem worship some pretty funky deities. Speaking of New Salem…

Yes, we do have "magic", although I stand firm in the belief that magic is just science we don't yet fully understand, and New Salemites are the scientists of magic. In fact, New Salem, as far as I know, is the only country where it is not illegal to practice potent witchcraft, seeing as their entire government is essentially run by witches. Although, I've been hearing about some discourse and backlash surrounding some choice decisions made by the witches in power. I'm not clear on the entire situation, but I think it has something to do with them institutionalizing a certain branch of witchcraft? Look, I don't really follow New Salem's politics, so I'm not nearly as in-the-know as many others, but I can totally look into it further if you want.

We do have normal humans here. In fact, most people are just that: humans. Hell, even the witches of New Salem are just humans who've learned how to manipulate the elements… Although I guess by that logic, werewolves are just humans who are allergic to the full moon and silver. Whatever. I'm not entirely sure what types of animals are considered "normal", by your standards, so I'll just give some examples of creatures we have. When I was younger, I remember having to chase phoenixes away from the tobacco fields because they loved nesting there, and we also had a huge problem with manticores eating our livestock. I also just remembered this huge scandal about a crime organization distributing and utilizing poison dart frogs for their operations. We have stuff like toucans, monkeys, hydras, and my personal favorite, peacocks. So, whether or not they're all "mythical animals", I'll let you decide.

I live in Facithema, a tropical country with a lot of farmland. It's said to be one of the most haunted countries in the world, and if you live in Facithema and haven't been possessed at some point in your life, you're in the minority. I don't know whether or not this will make any sense, but we're situated to the south of New Salem and to the east of Tierrte. Unlike most other countries, we don't have much government involvement and the people are generally left to their own devices. That's not to say there are no laws (clearly, there are, if I'm in prison right now), but we're a very people-run country. I don't know if you have a word for that where you are, but we call it Phaymism, after the first country to employ this type of government, Pai-Phaym. What about Indonesia? Is it technologically advanced, or more of a third-world country? What type of government or economic system does it have? And, is potent witchcraft illegal there?

Wait a second. Hold on. Wait, wait—They make werewolf movies in your world and they show the transformation? First of all, that's a pretty huge violation of privacy, 'cause it's considered rude to watch a werewolf transform, let alone record it. Second of all, that's a super dangerous job. Who would willingly go into a room with a werewolf just to get footage for a movie? You must make fucking bank with a job like that. Or just have a death wish? I dunno. I've heard some stories about werewolves who've managed to stay conscious, but I'm honestly hesitant to believe any of them. I mean, I've had an entire decade to practice staying conscious, and I've never even come close. And, as for how it works in prison… Well, they usually just escort all the werewolves to the nearby maximum-security prison for the night. I find it pretty telling that they haven't even bothered to construct cells specifically made for… that.

Anyways, you mentioned that while Fred was talking with "you" in the cabin, you remember not being there. So, where were you at the time? Do you not know, or not remember? Because I'm dead serious, that sounds like possession.
Also, if the whole thing was "dream-like" then… could it have been a dream? I've heard about people who are spiritually connected sharing lucid dreams with one another, so do you think this could've been something like that? I don't want to discredit your experience by saying "maybe it was all just a dream", but do you think that could be a potential explanation? Or did it feel just a little too real for that to be possible?
On that note, I know I previously said that tribal deers and bird queens didn't surprise me, but that wasn't entirely true. That's actually freaky as hell. You seduced the bird queen? How the hell do you do that? Offer to stroke her feathers? I'm not even gonna lie, that's that freak kinda shit. Also, I think they should create marriage counseling in that freak-dream-world because it sounds like that tribal deer needed some. Or, I could lecture him about violence against women… Yeah, that sounds good.

Funnily enough, I also considered being a lawyer as a kid, more specifically a prosecutor. But, if the only reason you're considering it is because your parents are pressuring you, then don't do it. I get the impression that your parents are fairly strict, and I understand that validation from our parents is something that a lot of people seek, but sometimes they don't have your best interests in mind; a lot of the time, they think they do, but that doesn't mean they actually do. If they were really looking out for your best interests, they would encourage you to pursue a career that makes you happy, not one that just makes you tons of money. I've mostly given up on being a biologist (I mean, what dignified college would accept a radicalized punk, werewolf felon into their school?), but if that's where your passion lies, then why the hell would you do anything else? If you're working a miserable job that you hate, not even that six-fig salary will be able to buy your happiness back.

Anyway, good luck with your investigation into the freak-dream-world, and I do recommend giving some thought to your future. Try not to let your parents dictate your life.

Regards,
David

Dear David,

Thank you again for the reply. It's quite exciting to have a pen pal from a different world.

Before I start, I apologize if I sound a bit less proper than before. I have a pretty bad fever and academic burnout, so my head is a bit more slow.

Anyway, back to the letter. I am very, very sure of the fact that I was not with him in the cabin. He said that the person cooked a very delicious dinner, and let me tell you, I can't cook at all. So the person impersonating me did a really bad job at being me. I am also pretty sure that after the fight, I stayed and camped beside a nearby lake for a whole day, so it's impossible that I was possessed. Unless there's something freakier than I thought lurking in the woods.

And the bird queen, I know, it is really weird. I am glad to say the seducing didn't go that far, but I had to put on a totally different persona and complimented her a lot of times, joined her parties, and danced with some of the other birds. To clear things up, she's not actually a bird, but more of a half-bird human. However, all my interactions with her were really odd, looking back at it now. In all honesty, I don't know what to explain about the deer guy anymore. The deer spoke in some kind of Shakespearean English, and he seemed so peaceful, calm, and philosophical at first until we found…that.

Also, I am very happy to say the werewolves in werewolf films aren't real. Actually, on our earth, no one believes in werewolves. They just think it is some kind of fantasy creature used in films and books. So basically, a human actor pretends to be a werewolf, and then another person will edit them and make it seem like they are a werewolf (with fur, teeth, etc). Most of the films are trash, though. Some are genuinely interesting, but some are just cringe-worthy romance.

Your country sounds terrifying. I have experience of being possessed before and I did not enjoy it. Not one bit. I am quite happy to see that we have some animals in common, and I was struck by jealousy when you said that there were phoenixes. Same as werewolves, they are usually in films and they always look magnificent. Speaking of countries, Indonesia a third-world country, but it is quite different from the rest(The main reason why it is a third-world country is probably because of the amount of corruption and poverty) With phones and computers and advanced trains, Indonesia has quite advanced technology. And no, any form of witchcraft is not allowed since it is a very, very religious country. However, there are some people similar to witches that make potions and practice dark magic for the clients too.

David, I must admit I am quite fascinated by werewolves in your country. Are they usually feared, and once they become werewolves, how does society change because of them? I don't think I want to be bit by a werewolf though, it seems really painful and I definitely do not want to become a creature. Also, did your position as a werewolf get involved with the murder you got arrested for? an how do they treat you in prison?

I am sorry for the rush, David. As I said before, I am not feeling quite well. Feel free to ask me any more questions and I will be waiting for more from you.

Sincerely,
Angga.