"Dear Mama,
"Hello, Mama, how are you doing? Have you gotten better from the cough you suffered last cold season? How is Papa? I trust he is taking good care of you. I do hope our garden is growing well and the business thrives at the restaurant. How are my siblings? Is Gen'jr still making eyes at that trader lad from Beldad? He is trouble, I wager--it is a good thing you have T'yme, Syn'ammon and Aal'mund to look after her!
"I trust my aunties and uncles are doing as well as when I left them. I was sure to give them each a kiss on both cheeks and a hug, even Auntie Llia. You remember Papa's sister? The one neither of us ever really got along with? But I could not stand to leave Argovia on bad standing with any of my family. It would be petty and small, and further unwise--you know what the dragons say about how the gods look upon those who shun family. And, on that note, I hope our Auntie Llia is well, and that her children--and all my cousins--are behaving for you!
"I am doing well in Igala. I have made my way to a country called Doma which is on the east of the continent. I have found lodging with an absolutely lovely woman, a very friendly sort, who is a great help while I get started in this country. I am in the country's capital, which is full of many people and has a very large marketplace every day. I have investigated this market for employment, and I think I might just have a job soon with a young woman who sells herbs.
"It is time to close this letter, for when one is this far north dusk approaches early, and it is getting hard to see this paper. Send my best regards to the family, and rest assured that I will be sure to keep you up to date on my well-being and success here in Igala.
"With all my love, your daughter,
"Bas'l"