"When," hm. I'll hold you to it.

( The O in Ostoya sure doesn't stand for optimism, so he's unfamiliar. But he supposes he prefers this than to acting like a dead man walking, even if he is getting his affairs in order. )

Well, do let me know how you and Otegine enjoy the food, and I'll see that I keep you updated on affairs. And regarding the artifact meant for Adelis...

( Hmmm. Actually. He seemed about set to wrap up, but a thought occurs to him. He holds it for a few moments, weighing his thoughts. )

... Perhaps tangential, but are you very good with letters?

( Considers... )

... The artifact is powered for one day per each letter I write to him. I've been making do so far, but I'm not really a letter-writer— I do missives and orders, at most.

He isn't using it right now, so I suppose it's no moment, but... Should he find it in him to try it, I would not like him to find that it is not functional. It is a bit of a dilemma.

( He is not. directly asking for help. but he's definitely implying he's bad at writing letters. Unfortunately, he needs to, for Adelis's sake... )

( You're telling him.

Ugh. Though he masks it, he feels... a little awkward... )

... More or less. So long as the chance that he may open it remain, I do not want him to believe that I have not put in any effort for the task. It seems counterproductive to my current goal, I suppose.

( Which is to. sorta. attempt to fix things between them. He's already convinced Adelis he doesn't care about him, and putting in little effort would probably reinforce that idea. )

( Phew, )

Both must be written and sent every day, was her particular phrasing.

( Probably because she knew Mishka would try to weasel out of the particulars somehow, )

( Mishka considers this. Unfortunately, this is a pretty generous offer, especially given their relative locations. )

Perhaps, joining these ideas, we ought meet once a week and workshop topics and at least a letter draft? That should set me straight for the rest of the week, until I get a hang of this on my own.

In two days, then.

( He dips his head; an unusual gesture from Mishka, indicating sincerity. )

I thank you genuinely. I hope my letters will improve their poor showing soon enough.