(The parchment is a bit weathered from scribble marks over certain words, the rest of it a childish scrawl)
Sara...
I still can't believe it sometimes, that my parents decided to send me overseas... At first, it was such a tragedy, the idea of leaving everything and coming here... They told me that I had gifts that needed to be pursued. They said I had a talent that needed to be pulled forth and turned into skill. I don't understand what they mean sometimes... am I really so strange? Did you think I was strange? I remember every word you've ever said to me, as if you were here telling me them and yet... sometimes I don't believe them.
Sometimes, my dear friend, I think that you're too good to me. I'm a klutz who drops tools and makes loud noises in the smithy. I spook easily, I cry more than boys should...
I don't get why you like me
Anyway, I'm rambling off about nonsense and this letter is supposed to be happy! I miss you terribly, but my dad made the right choice, sending me on that boat. Zenatos made the trip with me to make sure everything was alright. I think he made it back to Vasiliadon last week. Since then, I've made my place here. My dad's Athenian friend is putting me up, the sound of the forge while I read is a soothing reminder of home. But, what's really amazing is the university. The Scholeio is, without a doubt, the best resource I could've possibly been given over to. The shelves are so high I can't reach the top (I mean... that's not really saying much, is it? I'm just a boy. But... they're tall! Even some of the men need stools to pick books off the top shelf) and the diversity in subject matter...
I've spent hours just walking around the place, memorizing the steps and the paths through the particular sections. I got lost in the first day, but... I figured it out pretty quick. Now... my studies have just started in earnest and the professors I have classes with give me resources. The courses range from architecture to politics to philosophy... everything but history because well... they hardly saw the point of teaching a foreigner their history (I took a couple peeks at a few books about the subject, though. I don't think I'm missing out!)
All in all, I've been adjusting well enough. There's no one my age here. Most of the students are at least five years older, but I haven't been lonely. It's been... interesting. I try to stay away from most of the people. Elders have always reprimanded me for my conduct... you know, how I don't really look at people (or maybe not... I've never done that to you), so I tend to stick to myself and my professors. But, it's been eye-opening! There's so much more to discover, but I've got to get back to my studies. I hope this letter arrives to you well, and I hope you're doing okay back home!
I love you
I miss you and I'll try to come back as soon as I can for a visit!
Love Best wishes, and always yours
Alastor
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