Springvley, 3rd autumn 227
My dear Khami,
I hope this letter finds you well. I did promise you would receive word for me soon, did I not?
As I am writing this letter, I a m finding myself in a dimly lit dining table at the back of the Hovergate, southernmost inn of town. Remains of my nettle soup and egg lay next to my ink recipient. My room is rather tight, and doesn’t allow any space for a writing desk, which means I am staying in the dining room to write: this is what you get for choosing a birdkind-owned inn.
I reached Springvley soon after noon, from a goat-drawn communal coach. I visited a bit after I unpacked, though not that much either: The travel from home was exhausting. In fact, it was so uncomfortable that I have not gotten any proper sleep since I left. Still, as you might see, it was a marvel of speed. I left Figmenton on the First of autumn, using the new national railway. This first railed coach brought me to the capital, where another train brought me at the door of the Prune mountains. Finally, a goat-drawn communal coach took me to Springvley. Were we to tell our ancestors but two generations ago, would they have believed one would only take two days to travel across the country?
From what I have visited, Springvley is a beautiful town. It is smaller than home, but it seems cozier. Roads are well-maintained, facades are painted and covered with plants. The marketplace in particular looks very quaint. It is filled with tents of all sizes and colors, with paved roads indicating the main alleys. There is even a witch’s hut, similar to the ones that were visiting when we were young!
As lovely as the city is, I have not yet processed this is going to be my new home. In fact, I sometimes still struggle to believe I was really offered this position. Everything happened so fast! Ten days ago, I was still arguing with Outher about my lack of job opportunities back at home. And now, what an offer I got! Even if the town is smaller than Figmenton, I am to be the main administrative assistant there, subordinate only to the city mayor. By the time I leave this town, I should have the experience for some even higher administrative lawyer positions! I wish I had better thanked Outher for his help in getting me there.
I am expected to start work fairly soon: everything and everyone is always in a hurry, as of custom in the world of administration. Of course, I will first visit the Springvlayan Housing Agency, with which the town council collaborates and which should get me an actual place to live in: one cannot live in an undersized inn forever!
Speaking of, it appears I am losing my race against the burning candle. I promise I will write again to you as soon as I can, dear sister, hopefully with an address you can reply to.
I am already missing you. With love,
Plume
