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There are many. Illusions that bend the light or cloak you in shadow. Why do you ask?

That's what I thought. What if Sarah placed such a spell on herself? It would explain why those in her wing are doing fine; she's still there, hiding in plain sight.

Sort of.

I wouldn't know, but I suspect not. Sarah isn't a coward. If you cannot see her, it's likely because she isn't present.

[ Sorry, Nima. Sheena's a dog with a bone. ]

Could someone have placed that spell on her? And is holding on to her? That would explain why her people are still okay.

Sorry if I seem pessimistic and nosy, but this was the way I was trained.

You ask questions for which I have no answers, Sheena. I cannot help.

My apologies, Nima. I sometimes don't know when to stop.

When I find out what's going on, however, I'll let you know. I'll let you get back to your duties, but I'll keep in touch.

Sheena.

[ She's got a formal letter to write and some hot chocolate to send... ]

Edited 2015-12-05 23:33 (UTC)

[There's a small letter in her mailbox embossed with a blue wax seal.]

Your Majesty,

Thank you for the gift. I am humbled by your generosity and I will be sure to use it wisely.

- V

P.S. - I apologise for the lateness of this letter.

[Ruach delivers her letter in reply.]

Venom,

You are most certainly welcome.

Yours,
Nima

[It's a special delivery for one Queen Nima. He doesn't have an elemental to deliver for him, so it's up to humans to fill in the gap.

The box is plain, as is the letter tied on top of it. But the sentiment is there, all the same.]

Little bird,

I want to apologize for walking away like I did. It was a rude thing for me to do, and I know it's not your fault. It's never been your fault. I'm sure you've had word that it's been a busy few days, and the stakes have gone up. I won't bore you with the particulars.

But I will say that I've missed talking to you. Try coffee or tea. It might go well with your gift.

C.

[And in the package is a homemade cheesecake. Dark chocolate gauche with raspberries and golden sugar balls.]

[Ruach, Eros' wind elemental, deigns to deliver Nima's response: an envelope containing a handmade card, Chika's name penned in the place of "eat cake."

Her penmanship is liquid and elegant, a flowing cursive that speaks to many years of practice at writing - and many years of correspondence.]

Chika,

The cheesecake is positively delightful. Thank you for such a marvelous treat. I admit I'm keeping it all to myself; not even Synne is aware I have it.

You are, of course, forgiven. Such an announcement would have come as a shock to almost everyone. As soon as I've returned to Eros, I hope you'll visit me at the palace. Perhaps for tea? Or, if you prefer something less intimate, it's always been my habit to open my doors once a month, or once every other month, to those who wish an audience. I'd love to see you regardless.

And don't hesitate to write. I love writing letters, and I'll always make time to reply to yours.

Yours,
Nima

[Funny; he hadn't heard about how she liked making cards. A trait shared with Gloria, even. But he thanked the elemental, though unsure of what to give a wind elemental to appease it.

So in the end, he ended up writing another letter.]

Nima,

If you tell me what flavors you and your royal cousin like, I can see about making another one. Or should I say two: one for you, one for Queen Synne.

But really, I am thankful. I'd love to visit you in the palace for tea, and I promise not to talk about the charity, or politics if you don't want.

I'll write to you. It's not the same as talking, but it will have to do.

Yours,

Chika

P.S. - what' a good treat or tip for a wind elemental? I don't want to dismiss them without offering some kind of thanks.

[The letter is written with clearly pain-staking care, but even so the letters are shaky and too large, like a child struggling to learn how to form them correctly.

But while the writing seems as though it must come from the hand of one far too young to be writing to the queen, the actual content is significantly different.]

Your highness,

I am aware that you are likely very busy with a great number of matters which require your attention, but if possible I would like to be able to meet with you at your convenience. I will wait as long as is necessary, but there is a matter I must discuss with you in person.

Yours sincerely,

Meallan Lavellan.

[Since Nima had told her not to be a stranger, Integra doesn't feel too weird in sending such a mundane note when she could have simply sent an email. After all the cards Alucard had gotten after all, she figured the woman may appreciate it. A few tiny air elementals gladly deliver this letter, amused at the sheer novelty of such. They may take a bit to shoo off, but when they finally do and she can open it Integra's neat, if not tiny, handwriting rests inside.]

Your Majesty,

As you can see, I made some new friends for a brief contract. One of their stipulations was to visit and bring gifts to Masphet's temple. Offerings other than monetary are rare in my world, so I had hoped you could educate me on some customs and ideas both so as not to upset your gods.

I will be pleased to hear and see you back soon,

Integra Fairbook Wingates Hellsing

Chika,

I wouldn't like you to do more work than necessary. Synne hardly eats at all, truth be told. But if you truly want to make something, carrot souffle. And don't send any to her.

Your charity? You're helping build houses in the slum and docks area, aren't you? Have you found enough backers?

If you mean to curry favor with one, purchase a fan for it to fly in or chimes for it to ring.

Yours,
Nima

[Nima is touched by the care that has gone into the writing of this letter once she sees the name at the bottom. Her reply comes on her finest paper.]

Meallan,

In personal correspondence, you're always welcome to address me as Nima. We're still friends.

I'll be back in Eros by the end of the month. Can it wait until then? If not, I can reschedule some of my meetings in Hreidunn and meet with you here, if that's amenable to you.

How are you? How is everyone? I can't say I'm sad Greta is gone, but I know what it's like to see one of Greta's killing fields. I know what it's like to survive it.

Be well, miri jahn,
Nima

[The letter Nima sends in return is a delicately crafted thing: a creamy ivory paper framed in gold and edged in white striped with red. Instead of her looping handwriting, she employs a bold, architectural print that's far easier to read.]

Integra,

In personal correspondence, you're always welcome to use my name. We're still friends, aren't we?

Masphet like diamonds and wind chimes, as well as things from far off places. A treasured souvenir from Onsra makes an excellent offering when you're in Eros. If you have something you're willing to part with from your own world, she would likely adore it.

If you're just making a token offering, give her something with little value. But if you want to gain her attention, something more personal is better.

Yours,
Nima

Nima,

If I didn't know better, I'd say that you want me to keep my talents to yourself. But we'll see. I might just send one over your way.

I am, and it's...got few, but it could use a few more. I figure that if I throw myself out there, I might be able to get a few more backers to push things along.

I'll remember that, thanks. I was hoping to give your elemental something for their hard work.

Yours,
Chika

Nima,

I'm sorry. I didn't know if writing had to be more [here a word is badly formed and then crossed out with obvious frustration] formal. I didn't want the letter to be taken away before it could reach you or anything.

I can wait until you return to Eros. It's not time sensitive, just something I need to discuss with you eventually and would prefer to do in person for obvious reasons.

I am well and we have all survived what happened, though some take it worse than others. But we are strong and can survive for now.

Stay safe,
Meallan

Chika,

Perhaps I am. I've been known to be greedy and selfish with sweet treats - and people.

I wish you the best of luck. I know my people will appreciate any help you can give them.

Yours,
Nima

Meallan,

Not privately. What fool would open my mail? Don't worry about formalities with me when it's just us. You're my friend before everything else.

As soon as I've returned, I'll set aside time to see you. How much will you need? Two hours? Three? Should we make it four and have lunch, too?

If there's anything I can do to help, you need only ask. I know too well what it's like to take on too many burdens.

Yours,
Nima

[There's a little something waiting for her at the door. It's an envelope attached to a slightly larger mailer. Inside is a handmade bracelet with the runes for wisdom and longevity. It looks remarkably similar to one she made for a now former assassin.]

Your Majesty,

May you have a lovely holiday.

-V

[~~no one ever said he was any good at this sort of thing shhh~~]

[It's never an easy task, gifting for royalty, and Josephine is still new to the ways of Eros. Instead she errs on the side of her friend, and delivers a large selection of Antivan desserts - little cakes and sweet breads and two dozen cookies, enough for the queen and whoever she wishes to share with. Regina was always a generous sort. All are delivered in two baskets wrapped with a ribbon of her signature gold, with a small card noting who sends their fondest regards to the queen.]

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Letter; 12/11

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delivered timely~