Well here we are for the new week. I actually still don't have a beta, but there are fourteen chapters done with only a few more left to wrap things up, so here we go....

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My Dearest Inara,

It has been so long since our last cortex letter, I hope all is well with you and you still even keep this account. I fear you may have fallen from grace as a rather miasmal rumor has reached my ears back home. There is talk of you being in trouble in the legal way and fleeing the maiden house on Greenleaf, possibly falling for a pirate.

I pray that this is not the case, for certainly I have raised my daughter, who is groomed for great things, with more sense than that. Digressing, I wish to hear and see from you soon, for two years abroad is far too long. If you are well, please respond to me and visit. In case you are without means I have taken the liberty to set up an account with Royal Transport. All you must do is go to a dock that Royal Transport uses and check in with your name, from there you will ride to Shinon in a first class suite, where I can have you brought home.

Best Wishes,

Mother

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‘Well I met a boy from Grassy Branch

Fine as he can be

I met him at the big barn dance

And he took a shine to me

He’s got blue eyes

A big white smile

And tall as a sycamore tree

He’s real smart with a real big heart

And he’s gonna marry me…’*

In winter, Shadow partied. There was little else to do, with the snow heavy and impeding work, draped thickly over Shadow like quilt batting on a toy town. So, the towns found the best way to cure the winter blues were barn dances. Folk put together parties, and everyone in the county was invited as long as they brought food or spirits to contribute to the nighttime festivities.

There were a lot of spirits at the barn dance.

All of Pryor was there, and it was a grand barn dance if there ever was one. It was at the Double J Ranch,