Dear Risa,

  Ok! So! It’s been a few days since I've written, because I didn't feel the need to write and talk about what I did when I was with you. You know what we did.

  But now, alas, we have parted ways, and I don't know when I'll see you again, Risa dear! Woe is me!

  As you surely have forgotten, with your poor, poor memory: we got to Goldvale, found out Mas is dating, spent the night at your place, went to the Traveler’s Guild the next morning, I got to hang out with Luke all afternoon, and we spent another night at your place before heading out this morning.

  I know I told you, but I'm going to tell you again because it was funny:

  The asshole at the Traveler’s Guild agreed we could be a full party, but didn't want to lend us a wagon. I asked for one after he decided to send me as an Official Auditor to a town called Bendsville. It’s a little town, and mostly they’re just sending me to test if I actually know what I'm doing. Sure, he had a mini test for me that I did perfectly on, but it is true I don't have a reputation yet.

  Anyhow, I told him that if an Official Auditor arrives on foot, I'll be laughed out of town. He tried saying we wouldn't know what to do if something broke on it, and I pointed to our certified Runesmith. Then he said he doesn't know if we can handle a horse, and I asked what part of “Beastmaster who has held a permit to charm animals for the past six consecutive years” he didn't understand. Finally he said we might have it stolen, and I let him know my brother, who until two weeks ago was a member of the Royal Guard, would be happy to let the Guard know he has a poor opinion of their ability to keep roads free of thieves. And also that they can't train their guards well enough to defend a wagon against a couple random muggers.

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  He gave up at that point. You know I always get what I want.

  And it’s not like I was asking for a full carriage. We got a little wagon, with six levitation runes to keep it out of the dirt, and an arched canvass covering for shade. Maki and Cali, as guard and driver, sit on a little bench in front. Whiiich means I get to ride in the back with Luke all day!

  He spent most of the morning carving extra levitation runes in case one of ours breaks or whatever, and we talked the whole time. Then when he was done he said he had to study something in his rune book. Sooo he’s reading his book, and I'm writing in my book, and am I reading too much into this? I'm reading too much into this.

  But come on, Risa! Girl, you saw him! I'm sure you understand!

  And yeah, I know, hotness does not equate a good boyfriend. But that’s why we talked. He’s way more cautious than anyone in my family, so he actually does this thing where he thinks about what he's saying? Meaning everything he says is smart? He asked why I went with Auditor instead of staying a flat Arithmetician or waiting until something else came up. And he understood when I explained! Like, even you weren't convinced, and Maki asked if I could switch back, but he got it! And he said there’s something similar that happens with Runesmith, and he looked happy when I understood!

  So yeah, I don't think this is just a simple crush.

  I could write about this for hours, but I'd better not.

  Soooo…

  Insincerest Regards,

  Maeve Zee