(A collection of letters to and from family)



Day 3; To Mother

Hello, Ma. I'm writing to you from the comfort of Hydlaa's tavern. The landlady has given me permission to rest as long as I like, even with minimal patronage. Perhaps it's because I have been getting my start by doing odd jobs for the tavern employees, including the cook and landlady herself.

I have not begun my personal work yet, as finding tutors for cooking has proven difficult in the sprawling town. Moreso, I've yet to find an oven free for my use. I may take up mining for the meantime, since I have already trained for it and the ore produced will help my funding, mayhap more than my cooking career.

I know it is useless to say, but please do not worry for my health and fortune. The mining will be good for my strength and humility, and I've saved plenty of tria from my introductory work to the town. I will be well and will keep in touch.

With love,
Sanzi



Day 4; To Brother

Greetings Seisaryn. I know you've little care for my 'meager' ambitions and wreckless abandon of the farmstead and uncle's restaurant. Still, I would like to hear news of you and the family business.

You may be humored to hear that I am currently writing to you beneath the light of a lonely torch in Hydlaa's sewers. Apparently there is a demand for freelance rat exterminators, and since you've often pressured me to at least learn to defend myself, I've volunteered to contribute. Yes, laugh if you must, but I'm learning that pacifism should not necessarily extend to disease-ridden menaces.

What is more comical, is that I am lost down here. Yes, you were named after the warrior of our Old Gods and do not disappoint, yet I - named for the courier of the gods - cannot find North from South within an hour of my wandering underground. It's strange, how helpless one can be when suddenly responsible for only themselves.

Please send me news of the restaurant. Is our uncle still planning to retire soon? It would be exciting if you were to finally inherit the business you worked to improve for the better part of a decade. Ah, and how are things with that lass you are courting?

Be well and keep in touch.

Your brother,
Sansorizon



Day 5; From Mother

It is relieving to read your words, dear Sanzi. We all miss you very much, and do not forget to write for your father as well. He is wondering in particular about your progress, skeptical as he may be. Don't take him critically; You know he loves you and is only concerned like the rest of us.

The thought of you doing such filthy labor is upsetting, but I know you need to do what is best. Just don't hurt yourself, son. And stick to your cooking, it's what you do best.

Seisaryn is still disappointed that you left. Finding a cook for your uncle's restaurant once he inherits it will be a chore, especially one as talented. Do me a favor and write to him as well.

I have nothing but hope for you, Sanzi. I am proud of your brave independence. Write me again soon.

All my love,
Momma Sundra



Day 5; To Father

Hello, pops. Mother told me you were curious of my progress. So far it is slow, I am afraid. By daybreak today I intend to travel to the next town, Ojaveda, to study under a noteworthy cook. Hopefully she'll let me use her kitchen as well. I am also commissioned to collect taxes from someone on the way, so I am keeping odd jobs at hand in case my own work starts too slow.

I've met a number of pleasant acquaintances since I last wrote. Two were Dermorians who were abnormally concerned for my safety in the wilderness - Yes, you and Seisaryn aren't the only ones who find me pitiful, apparently. Also, there was a female Klyro. Relax, father, it turns out those 'Reptilefolk' aren't as innately hostile as the clan believed.

Otherwise, there was a rather, well, "eccentric" Stonebreaker who joined us. I'm not worried, though, he seems harmless enough.

Please write me when you have the chance. I love you, and tell Ma the same.

Your son,
Sanzi


(To be continued...)

Aye Zanzibar, there's the complete answer I was dreading.  I suppose it's not necessarily against my will to play a part-time 'rat exterminator' or the like to help get me somewhere, though.

Oh, funny thing about Face of Mankind's rebirth. It's in closed beta now, but before Duplex announced they were bringing it back, a bunch of players were creating an emulator from scratch. Not sure about it now because once I put my chips in, the faction I wanted to rejoin was twisting my arm about producing lethal weapons/ammo at first, which doused my old pacifist fire. Thus I tuned out altogether.