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Dear Winry,
Is that how you’re 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. I’m such an idiot, how did I get so lucky that you’d put up with me? Well no more of that from now on, so don’t be shocked next time you get an envelope with my name on it, like I’m sure you were this time. I’m writing at every stop, and that’s a promise!
Speaking of Granny, I expect that you’re receiving this because she’s forwarded it to you. I remember you mentioning going back to your apprenticeship in Rush Valley once we were out of your hair. I’m still sending this to Resembool because, well, if plans did change and you’re still there, I’m not risking Paninya and Garfiel looking through first before forwarding to you. Besides, I’m sending something to Granny as well. Which also includes compensation for the mailing fees, so don’t worry about that, and the Aerugan whisky I’ll 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 you’d 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 it’s time to go back the rest should be well within what I’m used to from traveling around Amestris.
First stop was Aerugo. Libraries are the big spots of interest for me, for obvious reasons, and what I’ve seen here did not disappoint. Of the ones I’ve 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 I’ll 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. Aerugo’s also by the coast, but I didn’t go that far south there. I’ve 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, they’ve got sharks down there. I’m gonna try to catch one! After that is Creta. They’re known for good engineering, so there’ll definitely be a lot of interest there for you. I’ll get you a pocketwatch there, that’s something it’s famous for, and keep an eye out for anything related to automail. Before you ask about mine, it’s holding up for now.
There’s a lot more I could say even just about where I’ve 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 wasn’t 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 I’m not yet used to writing letters. I miss you, I want to at least hear your voice. So I’ll call, okay? And I’ll tell you more about the trip then. I’ll do it when it’s Sunday for you, so that’ll be more reason for you to have an actual break on the weekend.
Eighty-five percent yours,
Edward.