Dear Winry,
Is that how youāre supposed to start a letter? This is making me realize that I have never done that before. All those years traveling, and not once did I write to you and Granny at home. Iām such an idiot, how did I get so lucky that youād put up with me? Well no more of that from now on, so donāt be shocked next time you get an envelope with my name on it, like Iām sure you were this time. Iām writing at every stop, and thatās a promise!
Speaking of Granny, I expect that youāre receiving this because sheās forwarded it to you. I remember you mentioning going back to your apprenticeship in Rush Valley once we were out of your hair. Iām still sending this to Resembool because, well, if plans did change and youāre still there, Iām not risking Paninya and Garfiel looking through first before forwarding to you. Besides, Iām sending something to Granny as well. Which also includes compensation for the mailing fees, so donāt worry about that, and the Aerugan whisky Iāll bring back when I get home should keep her more than happy.
And I might also not remember the exact mailing address of your shop in Rush Valley.
The train ride sure was something. I remember you complaining about the one from Resembool to Central, it's funny imagining how youād do with this. By my estimation, when this letter gets to you I will be on a train to the next destination. But now that the first big ride is out of the way, until itās time to go back the rest should be well within what Iām used to from traveling around Amestris.
First stop was Aerugo. Libraries are the big spots of interest for me, for obvious reasons, and what Iāve seen here did not disappoint. Of the ones Iāve been to several rival the one in Central in scope, and certainly have it beat in national diversity. My preliminary research does suggest that Aerugo will likely be the highlight on the library front, but Iāll see for myself how the rest compare. The plan is to spend more time talking directly to the locals in the other countries though. Next up is Donbachi, all the way to the coast. Aerugoās also by the coast, but I didnāt go that far south there. Iāve never been by the sea before, obviously. Maybe later, if you can get away from the shop long enough, and your butt can put up with the train seats long enough, we could go together and you could see it too. Also, theyāve got sharks down there. Iām gonna try to catch one! After that is Creta. Theyāre known for good engineering, so thereāll definitely be a lot of interest there for you. Iāll get you a pocketwatch there, thatās something itās famous for, and keep an eye out for anything related to automail. Before you ask about mine, itās holding up for now.
Thereās a lot more I could say even just about where Iāve been in Aerugo so far. And maybe I should, but, well, back when Al and I were looking for the stone, I kept a travel journal. Except it wasnāt simply a journal, that was my alchemical code. So, it just doesn't feel natural somehow, to write about my travels plainly and sincerely to someone, simply for them to read. That and Iām not yet used to writing letters. I miss you, I want to at least hear your voice. So Iāll call, okay? And Iāll tell you more about the trip then. Iāll do it when itās Sunday for you, so thatāll be more reason for you to have an actual break on the weekend.
Eighty-five percent yours,
Edward.
