Dear Ma,
I've made it safely across the sea to Zaun. It's an interesting city. I don't recommend visiting it. This place is about as different from Ionia as you can get. Streets are noisy, crowded, and filthy, and you can taste the air you breathe. It's not a nice taste either. Don't worry though, I'm not miserable. The place has got a few decent things going for it. The art is interesting, food is surprisingly good, drinks are even better, and the people who make hats here do a fine job. Still not sure how I feel about their technology though, their chem-tech. It's equally fascinating and awful.
Most interesting of all though are the people who live here in Zaun. They seem to come from all over and each layer of the city, yeah, Zaun has layers, I'll explain more when I get home, is practically a different city all together. It's difficult to explain the Zaunites in a few words, but I'll try. They're crafty, scrappy, and stubborn in the best sorts of ways. I think you would like a lot of the ones I have met. Still, I do not recommend visiting this city.
Don't worry though; you can still get to know some. I'm bringing a few back to Ionia with me. One is a kid named Isidor. He's a bit of a trouble maker, but all bark and absolutely no bite. Boy's trying to take care of his momma all by himself. He's got to try and be strong for her. You could say I relate to his troubles. Anyways, I told him that he and his momma could stay with us for a few days. They won't be going back to Zaun anytime soon though. They're one the run from gangsters.
Don't worry, I promise that the gangsters won't follow us back to Ionia. You don't need to worry about that at all. Just think about how exciting it will be to meet these new people. I think you'll get along with his momma. Her name is Mairead. She's kind and just wants the best for her boy. I think you can relate her troubles.
And there's one more that needs a place to stay. His name is Zac. He's a big guy and a little strange, but he protected that Isidor kid from the gangsters, so I like him. He's coming to make sure the kid and his ma make it out of the city safely. I'm trying to get him to stay for a while. I think Ionia's beautiful countryside and peace and all that kind of stuff is just what he needs. He needs a break from that city.
I know having all these people over is a lot, but I think it might be good for all of us. They'll behave, I promise, and I'll take full responsibility for their actions. I just want to help them start a new life. That's not too much, is it? I'm trying to do the right thing and be the good boy you raised me to be. I'm sure there's some mantra or something about helping others or making the world a better place, right?
I'll be in the city for a few more days, but this letter is going to be on a boat heading back to Ionia tonight, so it will reach you before I get home. Until then, know I miss you so much and cannot wait to see you again.
Your loving son,
Settrigh