Dear Albatross,

Well, everyone says I have to write to you on account of it being close to your birthday as well as Yuletide. Apparently attached to this bundle of letters is a few presents, mine’s the best one. I even wrapped it too, in the brown paper one with the green string.

The ranch is doing fine, we’ve ran into a streak of normal, which is refreshing. I expect everyone else’s letters to detail their lives, so I’ll just say that I’m well. Still have all my fingers and toes, and most of my wits. You should see Meilin though, she’s figured out how to smile. Big grins too, Inara packed a few pictures for you so take a look.

Hope you’re doing alright, meditating on the phenomenon of bamboo, finding your inner monk, becoming the all powerful creature of the universe that remains trapped within the recesses of your mind, you know, that stuff. Tell that Fiyero kid I said hi too, from what I read in your letter last time he’s your buddy, hope that’s going well for you.

And you’re eighteen! Huzzah! I don’ know what the policy is at a temple, but try to go have a legal drink, eat some good food, kick up your heels…. Well don’t do anything too wild. In fact, before you do something ask yourself ‘Would the Captain do this?’ and if the answer is yes, just don’t do it. If you adhere to that rule, I promise you won’t wake up somewhere confused, nor will you get pulled over, or in bad straights with any folk. As for Yuletide, I doubt monks celebrate something like that, but I wish you a merry one.

Well I gotta go, best visit us sometime,

Captain Pirate Cowboy

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It was almost dinner.

River was lying on Fiyero’s bed, the calligraphy and drawings floating through her head like a never ending nightmare. Fiyero’s torso and head were at the other foot of the bunk, as he was reading a book by Jack London. Bored, she rolled over, her nose nearly running into a toe, and began to play with his feet. They were hard soled f