#missive

How... courteous.

It is not often that one receives well-wishes unaccompanied by accusation, hysteria, or desperate bargaining. Civility has become something of a rarity.

Still. I appreciate the sentiment.

My work continues, as it always does. There are calibrations to refine. Neurochemical thresholds to perfect. Fear, when distilled correctly, is exquisitely precise; a symphony of elevated cortisol, accelerated pulse, dilated pupils. So many subtle variations to explore. One mustn't grow complacent with one's life' work.

I trust your own day will be... instructive. After all, one never truly knows what latent anxieties lie dormant beneath the surface.

🎓[Definition/explanation via Vocabulary.com]

“Honorable friends, associates, and allies of the Regalia,

I  pray that this message finds you all well.  These past few moons have been naught short of... eventful.  That the apocalypse would leave just as quickly as it befell Etheirys serves as a testament to the strength and resolve of the countless adventurers and protectors of the realm.

But, as always, this only affirms my statement that the realm continues to maintain its status quo of perennial incursions, primal uprisings, and all-around buffoonery.  The Power in Beauty Catalogue’ has taken absolute hold of the fashion scene, and has received considerable acclaim since the release of the Blessed Wardrobe, Fourteen Apsaras, and Dragonsong Couture, and I’ve you all to thank for making this a reality - from our chosen models, to our collaborators, to the spreading of the good fashion word.  It is absolutely astounding  seeing the fruits of our labor finally showing results.  And while I  may shower you all with praise for bells on end, the true reason for this missive’s creation is of even greater magnitude than the previous.

Firstly, I would like to extend gratitude to our longest-standing allies of the @bandeepakshee​.  They have given the Higuri Regalia a plentiful taste of the finer things in life, which has led to many successes for both businesses.  As thanks, I have given them the honor of their own exclusive clothing line that I intend on unveiling by Summer’s end.  For those intent on exploring a more risque side of haute couture, be on the lookout.

Secondly - as silly as it sounds - a grand dream had come upon me, where I had been granted the clarity and knowledge necessary for my latest project, and has allowed me to ascend to an echelon surpassing Mythrite.  Unlike the previous lines, this one will pertain to the adventurers and brave warriors (of light) who have kept Etheirys safe all these winters, combining practicality with style.  At the time of this letter’s dissemination, my latest project is at fifty percent completion, and I am looking to bring  it to light by the arrival of winter.  If you desire to wield the power of the cold - or if you enjoy cool colors and functional attire - then I highly advise that you keep in the know.

As before, should any of you ever become eager for a ‘teaser,’  you are more than welcome to ask, as my business prides itself on its generosity. Otherwise, as stated before,  expect its grand unveiling by the coming of winter - for all, and Etheirys at large, will be reminded why my empire’s credo is 'Where There is  Power in Beauty.’”

Sincerely,

Thiji Sor Higuri, Diamond Sultan of the Higuri Regalia

I wanted to ask — do you enjoy life, or do you suffer by being a beautiful mirage of the past ? Do you feel misperceived, mocked, or entirely joyously yourself ?Do you have loved ones who feel as profoundly as you do ? I feel that this nostalgia compels deep feeling, melancholy, awareness of the weight of years, of old lovers and older splendors. I have always had keen and insurmountable memories of my lover from a past life, and it seems to bestow me nothing but torture. Consider this a little letter because I frankly have no clue what is my point, I simply appreciate all that you write in your responses. hope your week is delightful !

Hello dear stranger, I am touched and intrigued by your message. Please understand that I can't answer it entirely because some things are more beautiful kept away from potentially malicious hearts.

My attachment to the past makes me want and need to enjoy life to the fullest, because I know everything can fade away so fast. With time I have learned to turn nostalgia and melancholy into creative forces. But I understand your feelings too, being haunted by the beauty of the past can also be a heavy cross to bear sometimes, especially at certain dates or times of the year, to ease those moments I like to visit some special places dear to my heart. These little trips have a regenerating effect and fill me with strength and peace. Of course some losses create wounds so deep they scar the soul, wounds that are condemned to echo beyond the limits of earthly time. And when I think about it, this quote from Nabokov often comes to my mind: "the poison was in the wound, you see. And the wound wouldn't heal”.

I have also learned, at the cost of sometimes painful experiences, not to reveal too much about this aspect of my life, it has to remain partially a secret garden. My loved ones are very aware of my particular sensitivity and even if it might have frightened them at times, they now appreciate and admire the depth of my passion. I'm also lucky to have met in this life a particular person, and I believe that our destinies were not linked by a simple twist of fate...

If one day you feel like talking to me more, know that my mailbox is always open.

Je vous embrasse ✨

Nettle

Solitude

Woolen

Vice Legate,

Your flowers​ are received with appreciation and will look lovely in the Ministry Guard's breakroom.

It is with the hopes to be clear that there is no intention to hesitate in reaching out should any need arise, though it will be kept in mind.

The apology, however, is moot unless you're able to clean it up and show other ministry members and citizens their due respect. Action speaks louder than words, and your future actions will result in my own.

Secretary Lorne is happy to make any arrangements should you need my further assistance. Lessons or otherwise.