My Dearest Pia,



I pray this letter finds you in good health. I have only just fully settled into Athenia and have so much to share with you. Should my letter be far too much, you have permission to throw it into the fire. But do not include the package in your bonfire! If you care to read, I shall tell you what is in it.



I did not realize how exciting traveling by ship could be. Serenn is nothing compared to the days you have to spend on the ship to get to Athenia. It feels like the moment you get used to the ground shifting and dancing beneath you, your feet are back on solid ground and you have to adapt to that. And while they bring aboard animals to slaughter for shorter journeys, you are still eating mostly dried meats and moldy cheeses. But I think the massive amounts of wine you consume with your meals is to offset the copious amounts of salt. I cannot help but laugh to think of the bawdy humor among men who think they are alone. I'm still blushing from some of their jokes, and they didn't know that I was there to hear them!



Athenia is breathtaking. The city itself reminds me so much of home but in excess. Everything is far larger, and people are incredibly welcoming. I was treated like a queen the moment I was brought to land. And Princess Emilia is the finest hostess indeed. She is just as sweet as I remember, and I am pleased to say that she seems mostly recovered from the festival. And she is the most delicate of hostesses. I have never felt so welcomed as I do in her home. She has surprised me with dozens of new chitons made of the finest fabric, as well as bolts of fabric to bring home with me to have more custom pieces made. One of the silks is so finely woven that I have decided that you are in desperate need of it for yourself. But, you will just have to wait and see it until I return home. Hopefully, the chitons I have sent ahead will sustain your curiosity until then. I think you will look particularly fetching in the rich purple one. I've convinced her to send me along some of the dyes they use here, in hopes that our own wardrobes will be as fine as the ones of the princess.



Princess Persephone is a delight. While she is most formal, it is easy to see that her love of her sisters is similar to that of my own. And her role here is most peculiar. She is not only active in the Senate but is a respected member whose opinion is regarded far higher than that of any woman I've known. I adore listening to her speak about her duties, and to hear of how much she cares for the happiness of her people. I start to wonder if Mother's teachings regarding a woman's role are true or not.



How are you, my sweet sister? Is the babe healthy? Have you felt him move yet? How are things at home? Is the marriage of you and Stephanos official? I know I shall be home soon, but I hope you'll use one of the King's pigeons to reply to me post haste. I am most desperate for news of home. What is happening? Is everything as we left it?



Please, dear sister, take pity on your eldest sister and write to me at least a page! I shall dazzle you with tales of the Naos and of the markets here, if only you assure me that you are well. And perhaps, I will find you some jewels to match the fabrics.



Your most loving and affectionate sister,

Selene