Dearest Sister,
Sad are these times when the rich have little and the poor have less. I am sure that you will all have enough for the next month, but I am growing worried for that is the end of the winter. You know as well as I that the crops will not seed well in the frosts at this time, and I planted later than we did last year. This was on account of our relatives finally leaving, my own lack of judgment and the snows falling so late last month. I am sure that the older plants will make it through but I worry about the younger. Each of them is now covered in an earthy shell of sorts, and I am counting on some twigs to keep the weight off of their backs. I don’t think this remedy is doing much good, although our father always swore by it. The pig you helped raise is staying by the woodpile now, instead of under the benches like he used to. I think he is getting a good deal bigger.
I heard in town that the winter festivals are going to be soon. As I suppose, this year will be your first. Last year I didn’t take you because you had a fever. If you are going, be sure to talk to the lady at the grain stand. She was our neighbor one year and will probably have some candy for you. She always did for me.
You may have heard that all of the citizens who didn’t live in a town were required to stand before the queen and account for all members of their household. I think this was because of you, although I am not sure. For some reason they did not call me, and although I went I was not on their register. In reflection I think this was because Father never bothered about registering our family, and I never thought I would have to. What it means is that we have been missed on nearly every census and record, although strangely never on the taxes. So some day you might see me in the old record hall filing these things, although you will probably be concerned with other things, or in another place altogether. The palace is so large from up close.
I’ve started an apprenticeship with at the mill, in the hopes the wages will help some of the debts I’ve accumulated for a new jacket.
My best wishes for you.
Sincerely,
Your brother,
Jonathon
rapidarketidings Community Member 
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