One of the more exotic sounds in the native frog language is the “deep g”, often transcribed as “gg”. This sound is realized by producing a voiced velar plosive with a negative voice onset time. To us mice, this sounds like someone is about to throw up, making it very unpleasant to converse with frogs for any amount of time.

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For reasons unknown to mice, it is very possible to communicate with frogs. Where other non-mammal languages require years of study to understand without the help of an interpreter, most mice in Berryhill and the surrounding area seem to understand frogs quite well. However, there is historical evidence that this was not always the case. Sources from the Theodore-Winston I era suggest frogs where unintelligible to mice.

Dearest Mother,

Events have overtaken us. Earlier this week, Reverend Basil and Yarrow got caught up in certain business negotiations. While I am confident that they can handle themselves, I went looking for funds in case we needed extra support.

With my sword repaired, we initially journeyed to Coppervale, guided by Birdy and their treasure map. There we again met the Catreizens, who remembered me from my last visit. They were distressed by the disappearance of their eldest pup. I could not help but think of you and our relief at Cassia’s safe return. I vowed to help.

Beyond the stone wall was a mystery. We found much of the land has been eerily abandoned. Only a single elder remains in a once-thriving frog settlement and a nearby mousehole that had been partially excavated for some nobles is now deserted too.

Eventually we found a solitary forest mouse, living on the edge of the eastern forest. They explained, in a gentle rustic accent, that fairies are behind the clearances and their influence is growing each day.

I fear they are correct. You might recall we disrupted the plans of some fairies working with the Old Barn rats. This could be the revenge of the fairy folk.

I need to warn the good residents of Berryhill. If this letter gets to you before I do, please share it with whoever you think needs to know. Hug the siblings tight; I am on my way.

Your loving pup, Anotto Halva esq.

Dearest Mother,

Historian Wren told us there was much more to discover where we found the statue so we immediately, eagerly, went to the fox den again.

Fizzles rejoined us now that their frog relationship is over. They maintain an admirable composure given the circumstances, although I felt it was an unlikely match in the first place. Frogs do not even have tails!

What we found deep in the den was the remnants of an ancient mouse kingdom. Large halls led us to a majestic throne room adorned with painted scenes. These murals told the story of the creation of a magic mug – the very same mug we have been seeking. I attempted to copy their meaning onto paper, but Cassia has always possessed the greater artistic inclination and she was sorely missed.

In those same halls, we disturbed a great snake that I think was guarding the place. We had no choice but to face it, and I regretted not having my sword. We were successful but I had the troubling realisation that perhaps I am now the weakest of my companions. I have long trusted in my size and strength yet in that moment I felt lacking. I have resolved to spend more time exercising. Perhaps, when I get home, we might consider how to add more protein to my diet. You can never have enough peas and corn, after all.

We managed to recover the throne itself. Gwen can carry its full weight on their own. They are a marvel.

Your loving pup, Anotto Halva esq.

Dearest Mother,

Each brief return to Berryhill brings me near home but never close enough. On this occasion, I spent a short while at Owlbury, where the statue we found has generated considerable scholarly excitement. It has sparked in me a curiosity about our past too. I feel there is much we can learn from those who lived through the troubles of previous Two-Cat-Eras, and worse.

We donated the statue to the school, and they generously paid us some money. Historian Wren will require time to study it properly, which will likely hinder their research to assist us in locating the frogs’ missing mug.

Instead, we travelled with three ambitious mice who were eager to be the first to explore the Newly Built House. These pioneers must have been blind because we came perilously close to the awful cat that has triggered this era of unrest. I worried Gwen’s smell may give us away, but we remained safely hidden.

We were close to abandoning the venture when a large hole opened on the side of the structure, granting us entry. We found many inexplicable treasures inside. Among them were round metal boxes marked with images of cats. In my eagerness to force one open, I broke my sword, much to my dismay. When we did finally succeed, the smell and taste of the contents was great. Is this what cats taste like? Do humans eat cats? I have too many questions, and now a broken sword to fix. Life is so busy, busy, busy.

Your loving pup, Anotto Halva esq.

Dearest Mother,

There has been much talk that we are now in a Two-Cat-Era. I remember from my schooling that such times are seldom peaceful, and I urge you to take care and keep the family close. Especially Cassia, whose tendency to wander above ground now is not a good idea.

On the topic of family, I recently encountered a mouse named Belladonna Halva. Could they be of our extended family? We met them in a fox den searching for spells. Our party was able to help but I did not quiz them further because we were anxious to continue our own exploration before the foxes returned.

Soon after, we made an exciting discovery: an ancient statue of a mouse king, unlike any I can recall from my lessons. It seems an object of importance, and we resolved to carry it to town to be studied. The statue is heavy, but Gwen agreed to shoulder the burden.

Gwen is a new associate who claims to have escaped from humans. They do have a puplike naivety in how they regard the world. Their fur also smells sweet and creamy, which I am told is the smell of a “coco nut”. I find it unnatural. Rolling Gwen in the mud does not make much difference.

Forgive me for not making it home yet. The busy life of commerce and adventure keeps drawing me away.

Your loving pup, Anotto Halva esq.

Dear Fizzles,

I trust you are well and your relationship with Gaston is flourishing. The Reverend Basil and Yarrow send their regards. We all miss you.

I am writing regarding a matter of the utmost importance.

The rats living at the Abandoned Car are getting into business selling something that tastes great but makes whoever tries it want more and more. It is a white powder that eventually causes those who eat it to get sick. We thought they were only going to sell to other rats. However, we now believe they are going to try to sell this nasty powder to the frogs too in the hope of making extra money.

I urge you to warn your friends in the frog kingdom not to buy anything from the rats. Tell everyone not to taste the white powder.

Send our love to Gaston.

Best wishes, Anotto Halva esq.

Dearest Mother,

I have become an entrepreneur. There remain some logistical points to resolve, but I am hopeful our family will soon receive something called a “passive income stream”. I do not fully understand what that means, however Reverend Basil is excited and making money out of some rats feels like reparatory justice. I will spare you the details suffice to say we should soon have the money to send Cassia to Owlbury school.

Forgive me for not writing to you sooner to explain my absence. Our recent cave adventure left me exhausted. I was able to recuperate at a health retreat as a guest of the frog kingdom. They tended to me diligently, but the comforts of home are unmatched. My fur became horribly poofy because everything in the capital is sticky and moist. I should not complain though I admit to suffering a little homesickness. I sent Cassia on ahead. Is she home yet?

That reminds me, I must warn Prince Perry of rats attempting to sell anything to his people. Did I tell you about Fizzles? They fell in love with a frog. I am sure the gossip was the talk of Berryhill. I think they could help convince the Prince to ban all rats from their kingdom.

Your loving pup, Anotto Halva esq.

Dearest Mother,

I have wonderful news – I have found Cassia and she is safe. No doubt you will do a jig of delight as you read this. She seems unaffected by her time outdoors and remains as spirited and independent as ever. Perhaps a little thinner. A few hearty homemade meals will soon remedy that.

I found Cassia wandering close to where we had originally parted. My search was aided by Yarrow; one of the mice we freed from the schemes of the rats of the Old Barn. Rather than return to farming life, they have chosen the path of an adventurer. I admire their resolve and sympathise with their fierce disposition, particularly towards rats. Their support has proven invaluable and I am grateful for such companionship when far from home.

Together, we ventured into a nearby cave in the hope of better understanding the forest. What we found was most alarming: strange and aggressive fungi attacked us, and I was forced to draw my sword. It is peculiar to test one’s courage in such circumstances, and I find myself uncertain whether I acted from bravery or mere necessity.

A most curious frog helped us, who had been in the cave far longer than he realised. I suspect he is a few grains short of a bushel. With his assistance, our party prevailed.

These recent days have taken their toll upon me, both in body and in spirit. Now that Cassia is once more with us, I feel a renewed determination to get home swiftly.

Your loving pup, Anotto Halva esq.

Dearest Mother,

What success! The fire at the Old Barn seems to have driven away many of the wretched rats that once dwelt there. I hope this marks the end of their cruel trade.

Though one might expect a heroes’ welcome on our return to Berryhill – I can just imagine the splendid hat you would wear to such a celebration – I must ask you to keep this news secret. There may be reprisals for our family if the rats discover who caused the fire.

We travelled to Coppervale for a time, hoping to throw off possible pursuers, although I do not think we were tailed. The Catreizen families who live there proved most generous.

Once we felt it safe, we went back to the Old Barn. What a mess! It appears humans had visited because some strange white powder was scattered everywhere. The few miserable rats who remained were obsessed with eating it. Our group bought a sample, which I have resolved to keep on me because I do not trust the effect it has on everyone.

In the welcome calm after recent events, I have taken to practising a few flourishes with my new sword. I think it makes me look rather dashing, though no one has said anything yet.

Your loving pup, Anotto Halva esq.

P.S. There is no sign of Cassia yet.

Dearest Mother,

News may already have reached you that the Old Barn has burned down. I must confess that I was partly responsible for this event.

Do you know Lord Dorowall? As our party left the forest, we saw his home surrounded by an army of horrid rats. We went north to avoid the conflict and soon discovered the rats’ nest at the Old Barn was nearly empty. Eager to assist his Lordship, we managed to get inside and set it alight. I hope the blaze will cause the rats to end the siege and retreat home.

I am reassured that we did the right thing. It turns out these rats were trafficking mice to the fairies. For what purpose remains a mystery. Reverend Basil, a mouse of great piety who had joined us earlier, comforted me that our actions were justifiable. Indeed, they themselves were the first to light the flames.

The fire got somewhat out of control though, making our quick return to Berryhill more challenging. Cassia continues to be missing too, yet I am confident she is not far. I assume she intended to head directly to your warm embrace but had to make a detour, as we have. Have faith that she will be found soon.

Your loving pup, Anotto Halva esq.

My dearest Fizzles,

I write to you from the other side of the Busy Road. BAD NEWS. Lord Gwal has not survived the crossing. We were ambushed by the humans in their ghwnaa ghwnaa. The book told us the mug is in the Human Town. I had doubts, but Gwal insisted. Now we are in trouble!

Hope this pigeon finds you, with love,

Gaston

The Mug of Truth has said to have been forged by the great squirrel wizard Farnolorn. For years, the Mug has been

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in the human village. However, some mice say it has been spotted in the house of Fluffy. These rumors have not been confirmed, as not many mice return alive from there.

Dearest Mother,

Cassia is missing but please do not fret. I am confident this is only a temporary disappearance.

We had been searching for that magic mug I wrote about previously. This quest led us deep into the eastern forest. There we stumbled upon the strangest of parties: a group of mice were dressed as bats, dancing to the most enthralling music. They swayed and flapped in time to melodies being played by a pair of fairies. Cassia and I felt compelled to join in. I have never seen her so happy.

What happened next is unclear, however, the music suddenly stopped. I believe there was a disagreement with the musicians because it quickly escalated into a physical altercation. You know how much I dislike violence, but I could not stand by while fellow mice were in danger. I acquired a rather nice sword in all the chaos. I also found some cheese wedged into my ears, which was a surprising, tasty bonus.

Cassia ran off immediately afterwards. She seemed furious that the music had ended. Perhaps there were too many mice crowded around. I know you will worry, but I will bring her back safely.

It might be best to tell the family to avoid the fairy folk for some time.

Your loving pup, Anotto Halva esq.

Hey Baby!

Found this page at the rats! STOP
They might have the mug! STOP
THEY ARE SCARY! STOP
AT THE NORTH EAST BIG TREE! STOP

Hope you come [heart]
[cute drawing of a mouse with hearts]

guarded by Ursula, the great sorcerer owl. It is said that only she – with her wisdom beyond years – could keep the Mug safe. It is unclear if the great squirrel wizard Farnolorn gave her the mug directly, or that she came into possession of it through other means. When asked for the Mug by strangers,

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Ursula would refuse to talk about it. After The Disaster of the Tree of Voragine, the Mug has been lost to the knowledge of mousekind. Some say it has been captured by mice and taken elsewhere, some say Ursula took it with her after her move to the north. It is very unlikely the Mug of Truth is

Dearest Mother,

You would have been so proud to see Cassia and me rubbing whiskers with royalty this week. I say whiskers, but in truth Prince Perry is entirely furless. Yes, we have been visiting the frog kingdom’s capital to the south!

Our arrival was perfectly timed, as we arrived just in time to join their annual jousting tournament. I was chosen to be a steed. This meant carrying a teammate while charging at an opposing pair as fast as possible to knock them down. My size proved an advantage, so I must thank you for all those delicious homemade meals during my youth.

Through Cassia's ingenuity, we made it all the way to the final. Alas, we were ultimately defeated by the reigning champion, but our efforts earned us an invitation to the Prince’s grand celebration afterwards.

The frogs have been incredibly hospitable, although I suspect Cassia feels more at home in these damp surroundings. We have agreed to assist them in finding a magic mug, which means our journey home will, unfortunately, be delayed.

It was lovely to see you wave us off when we first departed town. Cassia was especially touched that you looked so concerned to see her travelling with us. Rest assured, I have and will always look after her.

Your loving pup, Anotto Halva esq.