Difference between revisions of "Letters"

The '''letters''' are a set of correspondence between [[Hoid]] and several other prominent figures in the [[cosmere]], including [[Frost]], [[Endowment]], [[Autonomy]], and [[Harmony]].{{wob ref|86062682}}{{wob ref|5301}}{{wob ref|8401}}{{wob ref|9081}} Hoid's initial letters express his fears concerning [[Odium]]--both his former attacks against various [[Shards]] of [[Adonalsium]], his activities on [[Roshar]], and the potential for future devastation throughout the cosmere--and calls for assistance from the recipients.{{epigraph ref|sa1|12}} Subsequent letters, all addressed to Hoid, are a response to this call for aid.{{epigraph ref|sa2|59}}{{epigraph ref|sa3|33}}{{epigraph ref|sa3|42}}{{epigraph ref|sa3|53}}

The first letter, written by Hoid to Frost,{{wob ref|2682}} argues for the danger presented by [[Rayse]], the vessel of Odium, hoping to draw Frost out of his oath of nonintervention.{{wobepigraph ref|8606sa2|74}} Hoid points out that Rayse was dangerous even before taking the Shard of Odium upon himself, and thus if [[Ati]] could be so corrupted by the Shard of [[Ruin]] then Rayse will only be made worse. Hoid cites the Shattering of [[Devotion]] and [[Dominion]] on [[Sel]] as proof of the threat Odium presents. He then dismisses concerns of his own biases and asks Frost to call off the members of the [[Seventeenth Shard]] who have been hunting for him on Roshar before making his final plea.{{epigraph ref|sa1|12}}

Let me first assure you that the [[lerasium|element]] is quite safe. I have found a good home for it. I protect its safety like I protect my own skin, you might say. You do not agree with my quest. I understand that, so much as it is possible to understand someone with whom I disagree so completely. Might I be quite frank? Before, you asked why I was so concerned. It is for the following reason: Ati was once a kind and generous man, and you saw what became of him. Rayse, on the other hand, was among the most loathsome, crafty, and dangerous individuals I had ever met. He holds the most frightening and terrible of all the Shards. Ponder on that for a time, you old reptile, and tell me if your insistence on nonintervention holds firm. Because I assure you, Rayse will not be similarly inhibited. One need only look at the aftermath of his brief visit to Sel to see proof of what I say. In case you have turned a blind eye to that disaster, know that [[Aona]] and [[Skai]] are both dead, and that which they held has been Splintered. Presumably to prevent anyone from rising up to challenge Rayse.

The second letter is written by an avatar of Autonomy (specifically [[Patji (being)|Patji]], an avatar of Autonomy,{{wob ref|12761}}) and mentions [[First of the Sun]].{{wob ref|9081}}{{wob ref|8606}} As things stand, Autonomy dismisses Hoid's concern, believing Rayse to be captive, and even offers some admiration for the trapped Shard. The author refers to itself in a plural sense and suggests that Hoid may have found more favor if he had approached some other avatar. The letter is closed with a challenge by which Hoid may earn the Shard's respect.{{epigraph ref|sa3|42}}