Springvley, 11th Autumn 227
Dearest sister,
I have now been living in Springvley for slightly less than 10 days. In that time, I discovered my new position, learned about the city, and got an actual place to call home.
First let’s talk about the job. I met with Blair Walken, the mayor, two days after I sent my letter. He proceeded to tour me around town and in the administrative building: it was halfway between a slightly awkward visit, and a political trip. You see, elections are to take place next spring in town, and our dear mayor really wants to show he is trying to strengthen the bond between his city and Hubrivay. What’s better in that regard than showing the new Brivayan lawyer around town?
In any case, Blair seemed pretty happy to have me around. He described in great lengths the main issues I would have to deal with: grain imports, luxury food and pelts exports toward the main state, harmonization of local riverine laws to the brivayan requirements, et cetera. In the end, a lot of this is similar to what we were working on at home! Springvley has been assimilated into the Brivayan state soon after Figmenton, and thus is facing the same issues, at an earlier stage. Of course, it is not quite as large nor as wealthy of a city as Figmenton, which does not help either.
As for my new accommodation, I will admit I was not exactly given much of a choice. In fact, the Springvlayan Housing Agency only had one suitable apartment to lend me, which I agreed to take. It is located on the other side of town compared to workplace, but Springvley is fairly smaller than Figmenton, it barely takes me one rour to get there on foot, less than that if I take the communal coach.
The flat is… odd, to say the least. It is on the second floor of a two-stories structure. Although I have moved here for five days already, I am… not quite sure whether there is one or two other apartments on this floor. I am not sure either that I have met the residents. The entire flat is furnished, with fairly modern furniture. Or at least, I think. I really struggle to grasp the layout of the thing. I will sometimes go toward what I expect to be a cupboard, only to find myself facing an imposing clock cabinet. I suppose I’m only struggling to adapt to my new home, but sometimes I could swear the layout is shifting when I’m not looking!
I am not complaining, tough. The apartment is much more affordable than I expected it would be. Besides, it is very well furnished. You may noy believe that, but there even is a direct water supply inside the building! I thought this only existed in castles, or in the capital. Being able to collect water from the hallway of your home certainly feels like the pinnacle of modern Brivayan comfort.
Anyway, as you can read, I am slowly but surely adapting to this new, similar-but-different life.
What about you? How have things been since I left home? Is the house still standing?
Write me back soon, now that I have an address.
With love,
Plume
"Furnished" rather than "furbished"