Dear Risa,

  We have arrived in the beautiful, towering city of Vodka. There’s plenty of rock around, so most of the buildings are three or four stories tall, built like towers. I like it. If I had any artistic ability whatsoever, I’d draw it for you so you could see the grandioseness of this city.

  But I don't, so you’ll just have to believe me when I say it looks very nice and unique.

  The guards at the city gates offered Cali 500 gold each for our tame liondrakes. She declined. I’m glad they’re not mine, because I seriously would have had to think about that.

  Sure, I like the liondrakes and all, but 1500 gold is an insane amount. I’d sell my brother for that in a heartbeat. I might not sell my boyfriend for that, because he’s a very nice boyfriend, and I like having him around.

  Don't worry, Risa dear, I wouldn't sell you for anything less than 8000. I know your worth.

  Anyhow, the Traveler’s Guild hall here isn’t set up for people who have their own pocket rooms. The lady asked what we wanted in terms of rooms, and she was surprised Cali was the only one who needed a bed. All of us needed access to a shower, though, so she gave Cali a rich-people room with a private bathroom and a huge bed. The sheets are the same kind you have. I don't think Cali has ever experienced such luxury; we’ll see if it ruins her like it ruined me.

  The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

  When we got into the guild and unloaded all our cargo, the people were shocked and amazed at how we used pocket dimensions. One guy ran off to get the guild leader, who had several questions for Luke.

  I kinda love how Luke acts like nothing is ever surprising or extraordinary. He doesn't brag about how he was the first person to put a pocket dimension into a wagon, meaning we can transport an insane amount of cargo. He doesn't think it’s impressive that he did all the runework on the wagon himself. It's just things he does, and any other Runesmith could do it, too, so why are people amazed?

  He’s like this with everything, too. Oh, yeah, he’s on first-name basis with the Goddess, no big deal, why are all the priests super jealous?

  Thankfully he has me around to brag for him. Because if you don't think something is particularly exciting or valuable, people won't pay as much for it. Yeah, there’s guidelines and spreadsheets to show how much something ought to be worth, but we both know those can be manipulated in favor of whoever wants to do some manipulating.

  Speaking of manipulation, today I convinced Cali that she doesn't need to buy a rune book. I don't know what she wanted one for, but we all know what happened the last time she played around with runes, sooooo yeah. If she needs anything, she can ask Luke.

  I should probably warn Luke that she was trying to find a rune for something.

  Yeah, I’ll go do that.

  Regards,

  Maeve Zee