Letters
Dear Father,
Our division is being dispatched to the Western Earth Kingdom. There we hope to take over some Earth Kingdom cities. Our general is confident that we will prevail with little casualties. But, to tell you the truth, I'm not too sure… I know I've never fought an Earthbender, but… What if they're harder to fight than I thought? People die in war, that's just reality. Maybe I'm just worrying too much. The other soldiers think I am.
We still drill daily too and practice our Firebending. Practicing Firebending? Not too bad, right? Wrong. The general is a perfectionist and if we do a move wrong, we have to do the whole set again. The drilling is even worse. If I ever hear the words left oblique again…
How are things at home? I trust that the business is going well? There's a high demand for weapons, so I'm sure you're making a lot of money, giving that you're a blacksmith. And I'm sure mother is making a lot of money at the market. Hungry soldiers must pass through there all the time wanting breads and sweets from the bakery.
There is some bad news in this letter… You know our neighbors' son, Tomos? He got caught stealing alcohol from the barracks. You do know the punishment for stealing in the army, don't you? They cut off his hand and gave him a dishonorable discharge. I feel bad for him. There is no job in his future. I thought the punishment was harsh, but I bet that's what keeps are army so orderly. You might want to warn his parents if this letter gets home before he does.
I have to go. We have to practice some more Firebending. I'll write back soon.
From your daughter,
Shenlu