It’s been a slow morning since I stayed up aether-knows how late reading a text I found yesterday on thayar flowers. I roll my legs off the bed, then stretch my arms above my head. The chambers provided to me have been more than comfortable. I have a large, soft bed, a massive wardrobe that my clothing only fills a quarter of, a desk, a sofa, and bathing chambers. I would have preferred a separate study area, but after discovering the lengths Velmaran fae will go to for larger rooms, I’m quite content in the smaller space.

Opening my door, I pick up the breakfast tray left there by the palace servants. Once I learned that servants in Velmara are unpaid, unlike in Thayaria, coerced into serving to pay off debts or bogus criminal charges, I insisted they provide me with the absolute bare minimum of work. The tea is tepid, but I drink it anyway, before grabbing a pastry and returning to my desk.

Last night’s discovery was massive. Before falling asleep last night, I decided I needed to write to Laurel first thing this morning. I pull out a sheet of parchment and begin the missive, omitting addressing her directly and beginning with dull information to keep potential prying eyes uninterested in the correspondence.

My friend,

I’m enjoying my time in Velmara more than expected. The archives are extensive, the food is excellent, and my chambers are comfortable enough. My favorite activity outside of research is walking through the Floating Market at sunset. It comes alive at night, with street vendors selling aromatic food and the Velmaran people greeting one another outside of taverns and shops. You can find live musicians on every corner, and the commoners are welcoming and friendly. I’ve learned much about Velmara and its histories and culture in the last several weeks.

One particular curiosity I’ve uncovered recently is the history of the thayar flower in Velmara. According to an ancient text on the flower, it once covered Velmara as well but disappeared. The passage did not mention what led to its decline but presented the information as if it was well known. I’ve also discovered that there is a shortage of the thayar flower here in Arnia. Most of Velmara’s supply is sent to the Nivan Desert to aid in trade and shipping. The aether is extremely hard to access there since it’s isolated from any leylines. The courtiers complain about the shortage frequently at parties, as they often use thayar flower to enhance their own magic.

In the right hands, this information could prove useful in negotiations or in making certain demands. I’m sure you can imagine who I refer to—the sons and daughters of our great kingdom deserve a better life, and I’m determined to find the information needed to remove any complications in achieving our vision for the realm.

Your friend and ally,

Nemesia