Cartographer from the end of the world

Failed carrots and new moons

Letter from Étole to Atlas:

5th March, 39001th moon

To my most amazing friend Atlas,

You are incredible! Amazing! Breathtaking! I don't think I've ever been happier to eat food that has been in a letter for weeks! The mushrooms you sent were exquisite, and the mere feeling of them on my tongue sent shivers down my body! How do you do that, make dried food taste so good? I've had it for my whole life and it's been awful, but suddenly you send me some and they're the best things I've tasted in a long time! Although I'm not surprised, you always did have an amazing skill for growing things. Sadly, I had no such luck. Remember when we had to grow beans for school? Yours grew large and green, but mine withered within a week! That reminds me, about 24 moons ago I became so sick of not having fresh food that I attempted to grow some carrots, thinking that since the majority of the vegetable is underground, the bad air wouldn't affect it. Well I must have been wrong, because when I pulled the carrots out they were tiny and rather soft. Yuck. You must tell me your secret, because if I cannot have fresh fruit or vegetables within the next moon I will lose my mind.

Speaking of moons, it's a new one! This means that there are only 3 moons left until winter, when I leave for Puternick and can hopefully see you! Unfortunately the tram from Fort Lupin isn't in the best quality, but I'm hoping it will last until I get to Fort Contar, which has the most beautiful trams I have ever seen. Oh! I have just realised that you do not know what I do for business! I make quality blankets out of materials that I find around the streets! Scarves are the most high quality and comfortable fabrics I can find, which is why I travel to Puternick in the winter! As Puternick is the capital and very wealthy, people often discard scarves, or don't bother to go find the ones they lose, as they can just buy new ones. Because of this, it is the best place to go in the winter, and usually I collect enough scarves to make extra blankets which I give to those who may not be able to afford ones for themselves! It's a lovely business, and I get enough money to survive and even a little extra sometimes! When I do have enough to spare, I like to treat myself to a new dress, or a soft shawl for the harsh winters. What do you buy when you have extra money? Maybe I could buy you a gift for when we see each other!

Sincerely, miss you dearly, Étole

Ps; Do you remember our old friend Wormwood? He lives in Puternick now, and owns a strange little shop that sells pretty much everything! Telescopes, swords, high quality armour (or so he says) and so much more. He's made quite a name for himself, although I am not yet sure if it is a good one or not. As you will recall from our childhood, Wood did always have a knack for lying. But I'm sure he's an honest man now! You should write to him, he'd love to hear from you!