A Fashion Tycoon's Missive
A clear sky welcomes the arrival of dawn as the sun rises upon the greater region of Garlemald. The blustery arctic winds of northern Ilsabard are reduced to a mere zephyr, and its surviving denizens prepare to face what challenges may await them.
Within the fringes of Camp Broken Glass, three individuals stood vigil: each garbed in attire suited for the cold, but all bearing the symbol of a mythril blue shield flanked by angelic wings. This was the insignia of the Diamond Sultan's personal retinue of combat-ready maidservants - Lord Thiji's Angels.
Himmeya Twelvefist, Kaori Hanabira, and Swoztu Wuotwyrstwyn stood guard as they laid eyes upon a black-robed figure approaching from the Eblan Rime. The sound of beating wings soon followed, and they would turn their gazes upward to behold a curvaceous Duskwight female, gowned in the likeness of the Creator, trailed by a host of tiny magitek bits. Once within several yalms, the woman touched down upon the frosted earth, striding stately towards the Angels.
"Good Morning, Angels," she began.
"Good Morning, Princess Telphie," the Angels answered. The Magitek Maestra chuckled and waved her hand dismissively.
"Be at ease. I bring grand tidings, which I will explain later. For now, it is time we were off home."
"So soon, Princess?" Himmeya interjected with an arched brow. "Is our tour here finally over, then?" The cloaked figure gave a bow to Telphie before turning toward the three.
"My Ladies, if I may - Mamai's Vigil will be arriving shortly to receive you, during which it will send you all to Radz-at-Han. Our Lord Sultan has deemed our duties here fulfilled," the hooded Au Ra stated.
"With the situation in Garlemald well taken care of, and the newly-established trade agreement with Radz-at-Han, it is safe to say that this nation is well on its way to obtaining autonomy once more," Telphie followed, "and with the Ilsabard Contingent close by, our involvement grows less founded. Though I had served this nation for a time, I am satisfied in the work we have done to help these people build back better. And lest we forget, Miss Youmei and House Kyria has lent us their support as well, granting us a formidable ally in the Near East. She will be joining us in Radz-at-Han as well, further strengthening our bond!"
Swoztu and Kaori heaved sighs of relief as Himmeya gave a triumphant yell, eager to return to her fellow Angels - or perhaps eager to try out the spicy Thavnairian fare.
"I won't miss the cold, but it's small wonder Lord Thiji enjoys it so much," Swoztu commented as they accompanied Telphie back towards camp.
"And what of our hooded friend?" Kaori asked. "Will she not be joining us?"
"I am humbled by your offer, Lady Kaori," the mysterious Au Ra said, her head lowered, "but I must return to my own matters. Unfortunately, that is all I can say for now, but know that you've allies in the shadows..."
Not wont to pry further, Kaori simply gave a shrug and waved farewell to the mysterious individual, and soon they would part with Garlemald at long last...
The following evening, the streets of Radz-at-Han were abuzz, from Alzadaal's Peace to the High Crucible. A joyous occasion had befallen the city, and a grand feast was being held at Mehryde's Meyhane. The place was filled to capacity as the citizenry and visitors alike reveled. At one of the corner tables, a team of Radiants were either splayed across the floor or struggling to remain upright as a trio of Lalafellin women laughed haughtily. This trio was none other than Sesena and her sisters, Sosona and Susuna.
"Goodness, dear sister, what's that put us on now?" spoke Sesena.
"Five! And we're barely getting started! Another round, if you please!" Susuna proudly declared. "And, er, some water for our Radiants!"
At the Guildship Hunt Board posted toward the entrance, Sarielle Emeraude - the Regalia's Chirurgeon - was inspecting the daily and weekly marks in preparation for a hunt. Meriri Meri approached and offered her a drink.
"Lassie Sarielle!" the Plainsfolk chimed. "Ye can worry about the huntin' later! It's a time for celebratin', after all!"
"I know, I know, Miss Meriri," the smaragdine Elezen replied. "I was only passing the time so as to assist where needed - and it appears Miss Sesena and them have already drunk the third team of Radiants under the table. If you'll excuse me."
"Och! They're a bunch o' lightweights anyway!" Meriri retorted, heading back towards her table.
Upon the stage where the traditional Thavnairian dance would be performed were Veeveena and Veeveera, performing their own rendition of the Kriegstanz, but with the power of wind infused in their chakrams. They gave quite the show, captivating the audience with their frenetic movements mixed with wild gesticulations which culminated in a small cyclone that filled the stage. And - just like something one would see out of a magic show - a silhouette emerged from the gust: a slender Viera sporting garb never-before-seen on Etheirys. Accented with a large golden Usekh, this off-the-shoulder dress was form-fitting, with lavender-violet hues, and trailing along the skirt's end were numerous tendril-like appendages which glowed a scintillating blue, and billowed lightly even in the calm winds which blew from the balcony. Her white-blue tresses and face were obscured by a veil of similar color, with numerous tendrils that each ended with a gilded gradient.
She took one, two, three, four paces forward before flipping the veil with just enough force so as to reveal herself: the Regalia's Prime Model, Isja "Coldgaze" Kaltablik. Striding from behind her was another familiar face: the Diamond Sultan in his signature garb. Everyone gasped in awe as those who were privy to the Higuri Regalia's practices knew full well what this entailed.
"Th-That robe...! Mistress Isja...!" spoke a bystander.
"The Diamond Sultan, too...! Could this be...?!" gasped an Arkasodara.
As everyone deliberated in hushed whispers and gathered around the posing Veena, the "V" Twins (Veeveena & Veeveera) escorted their lord and master backstage, though they would be met with some light resistance as eager fashion fans clamored to speak with the merchant-lord himself.
"Just a moment, everyone. Our Lord Sultan will be with you shortly," Veera assured. Once they were out of sight, the two Dunesfolk maidens would greet him with a bow, to which he would give one in return.
"We are grateful that you went out of your way to do this... Prince Horu," Veeveena whispered. The Lalafell garbed in the shimmering icy sherwani was, in fact, not the Diamond Sultan, but his twin brother - whom bore striking similarities to Thiji, but the main distinction being the position of their multicolored orbs.
"It's the least I could do to help keep up appearances, Miss Veeveera," Horu replied with a smile. "This is a monumental occasion for all of Thavnair. The Satrap's sister is returned to us, and no doubt my brother has a lot of thoughts to put to paper as we are now poised to proceed with the next phase."
"If I may be so bold, Prince Horu," Veera interjected, "you truly did not have to do this. We Angels could've definitely held our own in your stead - especially with Princess Telphie among us."
"I understand, Miss Veeveera," Horu began, "but a venerable storm of events has befallen the Near East in recent moons, and needless to say that it has given House Higuri - among others - quite a stir. After seeing everyone being called to action, I was compelled to do so as well. I could not stand idle any longer whilst my brother dearest and our allies were hard at work to maintain stability at home and abroad. And now, on this night of nights, the people of Radz-at-Han will know that Thiji Higuri himself graced the celebratory feast, and gave the fashion faithful the long-awaited premonition of our coming clothing line."
"Spoken like a true leader, My Prince," Veeveera said with a grin. "Then let us not keep them waiting."
They would soon return to the festivities, and the revelry would move on well into the late bells of the night. Meanwhile, within the confines of his chambers was the actual Diamond Sultan, focused on fulfilling his new tradition of pre-release portents.
And, within the waking hours of the following morn, his newest letter would at last be disseminated to the public...
“Honorable friends, associates, and allies of the Regalia,
I pray that this message finds you all well. As for myself, it is with great pride that I voice my own tidings of good health. The continual stability of the realm and its regions is once again a testament to the strength and resolve of the countless protectors of Etheirys.
But, as always, this only affirms my statement that the realm continues to maintain its status quo of perennial incursions, supernatural uprisings, and all-around buffoonery. The Power in Beauty Catalogue continues maintaining its absolute hold of the fashion scene with the release of the Hyogan Gallery, but it is in no small part due to you all who have made this a reality - from our chosen models, to our collaborators, to the spreading of the good fashion word. It is absolutely astounding that we of the Regalia have provided a means of form and function for citizenry and adventurers alike. 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 have taken an apprentice under my wing. Some of you may know her, and others who do not will surely come to know of her in due time. She is Izayoi T. Keer, a seasoned courier whose eye and passion for haute couture have surpassed her peers. Seeking to better herself in the field of aesthetics, she - with the Sisters' blessing - took it upon herself to serve under me as my Mythrite (or Diamond) Apprentice. With this knowledge, you may all be pleased to know that the time will one day come where the Higuri Regalia will open its own guild or school to train other aspiring fashion designers. With the Sisters' blessing, they may acquire the skills and talent necessary to create their own label. Izayoi may be the first to study under me, but knowing how fate operates in this realm, she will definitely not be the last in search of aesthetic tutelage.
Secondly, it is with a heart once heavied by concern - now relieved of this burden - that I inform you all that - against all odds - our beloved Satrap - Lord Vrtra of the First Brood - has returned home with his sister, Lady Azdaja.
Though many are worthy of gratitude: to Ser Dione Averre (@lizardywizard) and all of White Wings - it has been a most grueling journey, and I know it was taxing for you and yours. I have long hung up my adventuring ways, but that does not stop me from fighting for the home my family and I have moiled to create. But I know that you all were at the forefront of the operation to liberate Lady Azdaja with the other brave souls who dared to brave the darkness of the Void. This mission was successful twofold: first, with the vanquishment of the Archfiends and the malign force which threatened to breach the sanctity of the Source, our peace has been assured as the Voidsent will now encroach in lesser frequency. Second, with Lady Azdaja's ensured survival, this means that half of the First Brood is alive and well alongside Lord Hraesvelgr and Lady Tiamat - though it cost Lord Vrtra one of his eyes to grant his sister a corporeal form.
This means a great deal to not only the Regalia and House Higuri, but to all children of Thavnair. I feel I speak for us all when I say that we owe much to Midgardsormr's progeny for founding and fostering such a unique culture that can now be fully shared with the rest of the realm. Without them, Radz-at-Han would more than likely never have existed. And when I heard the First Brood's cries ringing across the heavens... I shed a most genuine tear of joy knowing that another great wyrm perseveres (though "great" may be a subjective term for some). Not since the establishment of the Regalia's empire have I felt such joy, and now we can show Midgardsormr's daughter the beauty of the land her brother helped create. So, from the bottom of my heart, you have earned a Sultan's gratitude. To you, and the other champions who answered the call: the Higuri Regalia thanks you.
Moving on to less touching matters, the third and perhaps equally important of tidings: the announcement of the Regalia's upcoming line. To those whom recall: one of our previous editions was known as the Blessed Wardrobe, which was made in homage to the Light-infused beings of the First: the Lightwardens. As an antithesis to this - and as a sort of way of remembering all that has transpired - this next clothing line will be dedicated to those Dark-wreathed beings of the Thirteenth shard - the Void. But not just any rank-and-file Voidsent - we will be focusing primarily on the nobility within their hierarchy as established by Eorzean scholars, thus shortening the scope (because let's be real: creating outfits for every conceivable type of Voidsent would see me well past my prime). As a means of providing backstory and inspiration behind this, those who are unaware of Radz-at-Han's nascency should know that the city-state was actually founded atop a void fissure - the selfsame fissure which is now destroyed thanks to a certain Archfiend of Fire. And it is because of this knowledge I will be blending our designs through a unique fusion of Voidal and Near Eastern aesthetic - I believe a better term coined by adventurers is "Gothic". At the time of this letter's dissemination, my latest project is at forty percent completion, and I aim to bring it to light (pun not intended) by the commencement of the EBL's next season.
Lastly, and this may come off as a surprise to some as my business prides itself on generosity: in light of these auspicious events, I have taken the liberty of providing you all with a teaser of what to expect when this clothing line is brought to fruition. Enclosed within is a "sample" photo of one of the many outfits that will be showcased in this upcoming edition to the PiB Catalogue. As previously stated, expect its grand unveiling by the coming of spring - for all, and Etheirys at large, will be reminded why my empire’s credo is ‘Where There is Power in Beauty.’”
Thiji Sor Higuri, Diamond Sultan of the Higuri Regalia
