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Geo Train- Sub continent

Dear sister,

I must begin my letter by first relating a dream I had last night on the train. In my dream I found you standing near a lake gazing at a small school of fish swimming close to the shore. As I drew near, you turned and smiled at me. “I have solved the equation at last. See in the water below. It is written on the scales of my new friends.” You stated this clearly then turned and dove into the clear blue water disappearing from my site. I awoke in my sleeping compartment with tears streaming down my face struggling for meaning in what I had seen. I felt a sudden desire to observe the Equine so I threw open the window screen and gazed out at the sky. The night was clear as the train rushed through the dark and I studied the unobscured Equine floating above with additional critique hoping for some inspiration to interpret my strange encounter with you. I then felt an overwhelming sense of serenity pass through me. Sinking back down on the bed, my confusion transformed into the realization that it was only a dream. The sense of loss and panic I experienced as you disappeared below the surface was so real I still fight back the tears as I write this.

I know the dream was caused in part by the total absence of you from my life at this time, but I questions if that is the sole message here. This is the first time in my life that I have ever been completely cut off from communication with you. I realize now it is placing added strain on me that even the Equine struggles to contain. I have turned the events of the dream over and over in my head, but still have come to neither rhyme nor reason as to the meaning. I returned to bed for the remainder of the journey to Newton but I never was able to find sleep again. I have spent my visit to  the city in a mental haze, as lack of sleep and my mental distraction did not promote clarity. It seems essential to understand what the dream could mean, other than your absence, and I will continue to meditate on this when my mind is clearer. We have always retained a close connection even when separated and I believe there is something vital you may be trying to tell me.

　

I am now back onboard the train, having spent the better part of the day in the city of Newton. Although smaller than Delphi, Newton still utilizes all the environmental and minimalist technologies used across the entire planet. Back on Earth, I was initially skeptical when researching the strict regulations required of the colonists in order to establish themselves on New London. Nonetheless, I am now amazed at how they have kept to these philosophies. They have created an environmentally conservative planet preserving the natural beauty of the terrain, even in the higher population areas. I described in an earlier letter how the use of low light oil lamps to illuminate the streets minimized the distortion of the visual effect from the Equine, but  they also have the added benefit of the lowest emissions of any light source known to exist. The lighting in the cities does not allow for full preservation of the splendid Equine view from the countryside, but compared to conventional lighting it is a great improvement. The use of the local equestrian stock also assists with the conservation process along with the aforementioned geo-trains.

I quickly found the Newton’s Orb Café after exiting the train station and it was not a disappointment. The beverages they produce from the hybrid coffee bean developed for cultivation on New London is nearly indiscernible from the Earth version. There is a pleasant alteration to the taste that I can only describe as nutty. It brings back memories of the pine nuts we picked in Spain on one of our vacations there, only sweeter. I sat for almost an hour in the quaint café savoring my beverage and gazing out the window at the passing people. The storefront contained a hexagonal window commonly used here and I enjoyed the distorted picture it created. The outrageous prices in the attached shop did not discourage me from purchasing several varieties of coffee roasts and a small service set made from the local clay. Each region of New London uses different currency so I have had to rely on my electronic account for purchases so far. When I arrive at the studio site I will find the proper regional currency and convert some of the Louvre credits to tradable coin. Credit is ideal for most of my business and personal needs, but I have found here that the local merchants and street vendors prefer the in hand variety. I made a final stop at an herbalist shop before I returned to the station. I was curious to see first-hand the various new botanicals available here and, if  possible, discover some of their uses. I had meant to seek a shop in Delphi but ran out of time. The owner of the Newton’s Orb directed me to a small shop several blocks away and I spent a very enjoyable hour speaking to the woman there. She was full of useful information and suggestion for my research. I only vaguely outlined my work, but it was enough for her to open up on the subject. She also showed me a botanical book written by a local author and I will try to procure a copy for myself once I am settled. She had only one copy and was reluctant to part with it, referring to it as her main reference. She had many recommendations for herbs that enhance the relationship between the mind and the Equine. Most were involved with improving creativity and wellness, but one in particular was recommended for its electrical enhancement properties within the human nervous system. I took a few notes but as she was quoting portions out of the book she recommended, I will wait and take my research directly from the original source. I purchased a small supply of the discussed substance called pytherium and hope it turns out to be a useful adjunct to my research. If it is, I will attempt to find a source more local to the studio.

　

We are once more traveling at full propulsion toward my final destination. The terrain has begun to change, passing through heavily forested mountains. Newton is located in a deep valley surrounded on three sides by mountain ranges and a flat plain to the south. We travel first through the northern mountain range bordering the valley and will continue to for most of the night. The altitude is well over a kilometer here and I have seen signs of snow topping the visible peaks. It is high summer in this part of New London, making me wonder how extreme the winters must be here. I now am grateful the studio site is in the equatorial desert region, although I might revise my opinion once I experience the summer heat. We will have to see.

Please visit me again in my dreams tonight, but if you do please be less cryptic.

Love always,

Victoria