The Letter

[Author's Note: In the final draft, Ruwen gives Hamma a letter to give to Big D as Hamma returns to Deepwell. This is the contents of that letter. This will be placed on my website along with The Book Heist scene as extra content.]

Dear Big D,

I’m not sure where to start, as so much has happened since I last saw you. No, that’s not true. I know where to begin.

I am sorry.

I’m sorry that my problems spilled over into your camping trip, and that my disappearance (along with the others) caused you hardship. Bliz and Tremine gave me a glimpse into how difficult your situation became, and I feel horrible about it.

I’m also sorry about not delivering this letter myself. I feel like every step I take creates more responsibility and burdens. Maybe that’s just what becoming an adult means. Regardless, previous obligations keep me from seeing you in person.

I feel especially bad about not meeting you because I want to discuss a favor.

You’ve probably heard about New Eiru by now. To make a long story short, I’ve found myself in charge here.

Your thoughts on fairness and equality resonated with me. In New Eiru, I wish to balance fairness, equality, and personal profit. We are slowly reviving seven hundred thousand more people. This will have an enormous impact on the entire southern portion of Uru’s lands.

I’m telling you all this because I’ve come up with a plan that I hope addresses many of the issues we both care about. I’ve attached the details of my plan to this letter.

New Eiru has a Council of Elders. They fight more than Deepwell’s city council, maybe because New Eiru’s problems are bigger. Hamma will be in town for a little while, and she can answer questions about some of the challenges we’ve faced.

The Elders will focus on the city and immediate surroundings. The city’s rebuilding will be difficult, and while important, pales in comparison to the immense amount of work all the communities outside of New Eiru will require.

Organizing such a vast undertaking is unprecedented and without proper guidance, doomed to failure.

You can probably see where this is going.

Before you decide, I want to clarify the power structure.

The current city council will manage and govern new Eiru and its immediate surroundings. Attached to this letter is a document granting you full and sole authority for all thirty communities outside of New Eiru while construction is taking place. Once the communities are stable, we will give them a seat on the council.

I’m open to changing some of these plans. My intent is to give everyone a voice, take care of the basics, and encourage growth.

New Eiru’s Temple currently disallows binding to anyone from Deepwell or Stone Harbor. You, and any you designate, will be exceptions.

You are probably wondering how I can say such things with any authority. The answer to that is best done in person the next time we meet.

In Deepwell you gave me the quest Shooting Stars. It was a challenge to load supplies from the main warehouse quickly enough to put us back on schedule for the camping trip. As a reward, I received a favor from you.

I am not using this favor as leverage for your help. The task around New Eiru is staggering in its complexity, and far outweighs loading supplies in under five minutes. But, if you decide to help me, know that I would consider this favor redeemed.

I feel ashamed to write this letter. My actions have caused you great harm, and now I’m asking you to give more.

The people in New Eiru are good, especially the Worker Elder Yana. I know you two see things in a similar way.

But I don’t trust any of them like I trust you.

So even though I’m ashamed, guilty, and embarrassed by this letter, I’m forcing myself to write it anyway.

Because when it comes to caring about people, organizing the impossible, and doing what’s right, only you remain.

Again, I am sorry for the trouble I caused.

Even if you don’t accept, I will come and visit you when I can. You deserve to hear my apology in person.

Your favorite Band,

Ruwen Starfield