[Apology Letters: Estellise and Naelin]

[Empress of Neon]

*One to an Apothar.*

"Dear Estellise,

I'm writing to tell you I'm sorry for what happened back in the Well. When you were flirting with the idea of buying salts you needed,  my habit of addressing people by name slipped out in that moment of shock.

I won't hold it against you if you'd prefer me gone from your presence going forward. Gods know I deserve it.

All the same, I'm glad you're okay.

~ Isabella"

*The other a Torchbearer.*

"Dear Naelin,

I apologize for blurting your unfortunate name out when I did. The anxiety from your attempt to have everyone in the room give me over to a d'jiin must've taken over my caution against my habit of addressing others by name.

Actually, the more I think about it, it really is your fault isn't it?

I'm also very sorry you remain a loathsome, vile bitch who seems to retain a bad habit of attracting d'jiin wherever she goes.

Know you have my pity and that I'm genuinely embaressed to have ever consider someone like you for the Blushwhorl Auction I held some months ago.

I understand now why you were so upset.

After all, how could anyone ever love a greedy little snake like you?

~ Isabella de Veend

P.S Your map needs some work. Maybe I'll spruce a superior draft and sell copies of my own while I'm out in the dunes.

Who knows."

[cgg]

A reply returned in a florid, if unfamiliar hand.  A great deal of space left behind for a third party to sign their name. A different ink. A different quillpoint.

Dearest Isabella,

Jealousy is a disease, bitch.

Get well soon.

Kind regards,

__Naelin__

[cmenden]

Dear Isabella,

In truth, I don't care about my own name. I battle the djinn regularly enough and face down cosmic horrors while conducting astronomy work.

However, gleefully and spitefully offering up Kythaela's name to an unknown entity is where draw the line.

I would expect an apology made to her at the very least, before I would even consider forgiveness.

Regards,
Estellise Azimi

[Empress of Neon]

*A reply is sent to Estellise.*

"Dear Estellise,

Did I say Kythaela's name to?

If I did, then the following stands true.

1. I owe Kythaela an apology.

2. It is best if I never attend in matters of d'jiinry in the future.

I'll endeavor to find her and pass along my apologies. Though I suspect she won't care to hear them.

Good luck in whatever it was you were all trying to accomplish.

~ Isabella de Veend"

[Empress of Neon]

*A reply is also sent to Naelin.*

"Dear Naelin,

Your concern is touching. Even if it's difficult to read through your atrocious handwriting.

Rest assured, your monstrous consort only inspires loathing and contempt for the woman it trails after. It makes me cherish Ellan all the more.

I'm sorry the best you can do in life are d'jiin parading around as merchants (poorly at that). I'm sure it's providing for all your  brooker needs, at least.

Perhaps one day someone will get drunk enough and mistake the shit that's always coming out of your mouth as something sufferable.

Maybe you'll know what actual happiness (faked or not) is like for a night; who knows?

~ Isabella de Veend"