Dear Mani,

I learned about a group today… I learned about the Tong.

Apparently they are a cruel, frightening mob, thieves and thugs. We passed through a village today and my heart is still so soft and scared from the battle that I was far more cautious and felt much more than I usually do. The village was partially destroyed by witchhunters, but the reason J and I found out later was because the Tong was threatening them. The son of the farmer was so sad, and the poor son of the burgher so scared. I wished I could cheer them up, I wanted to make their sadness disappear, but what could I do? I gave them one of my prized rose-quartz pebbles instead that I had shined until it glistened with brilliance. I’m sending  you one of my shaped and shiny rose-quartz pebbles to remember me by!

I’m starting to get frustrated with all this talk of money, money, money. J was my hero for fixing the poor farmer’s hands! I must not show my frustration. Better to keep the peace and cheer people up with smiles and songs instead. I will braid and laugh and dance my frustration away!

Also, it seems like anytime I’m frustrated and I busk with J and Carnation, there is a splendid amount of coin! There is something to this. Smile smile smile!

Oh, and dear mani, remember Iskandar! He is now a female elf! Never ever EVER play wizard poker dear one! I know you rarely show interest in much else than plankton salad and swim tag, so I know you will be good. Yes you will. And I will never play that horrid game either. So silly! To lose your body? Oh well. At least Iskandar can still perform wondrous feats of illusion magic!

We have another job Mani, so my letters might take some more time to get to you. I can’t speak much about it, but it feels right. A good job.

I must remember to be a little more careful. And smile.

With all my love, my dear little manta ray,