[001] Text

[queenofkur]

Sender: Ereshkigal
To: Everyone
Subject:

[ There is a strange phenomenon happening with this text entry, what with the header appearing twice. That's because Ereshkigal browsed past entries and figured that she had to write the header herself if she wants to be "Anonymous!" Alas, she is completely unaware her name is in the true sender field for everyone to see. ]

Sender: ANONYMOUS
To: Everyone
Subject: Social Skills

Hello (* ^ ω ^)

Much as I would like to begin by formally introducing myself, I am afraid a most pressing matter led me to pick the quill and put ink on this page. I need assistance with a truly difficult task: engaging in social interactions! (;;;*_*)

I cannot say much lest it reveals my identity, but my line of work is a solitary one that has caused me to become somewhat lacking in what people call "social skills." As such, I believe myself to not be what any sane soul would consider "pleasant" company. Someone as gloomy and evil as myself does not fall under the common conception of a "good person," I am afraid. (｡•́︿•̀｡)

Yet, I very much desire to make friend with as many of you as possible. Unfortunately, mine is a position of such importance, it would be unseemly to openly ask for help when I am supposed to figure out such thing on my own. This is the reason behind this anonymous entry. I realize the suspense behind my identity may be somewhat difficult to bear, and I apologize for any anxiety this might cause you. ｡ﾟ･（>﹏<）･ﾟ｡

I humbly ask that you share with me what wisdom you may have regarding social interactions, so that I may improve and become worthy of friendship and companionship. While I believe this to be a tall order, I shall perpetually strive to improve! Any and all advice are very much welcome. (´｡• ω •｡`)

Thank you for your time. (o^▽^o)

Comments

[grandduchess_anya]

Oh dear, that is really sad to hear: not having some way to keep children from dying so soon. It must be hard not to feel sadden by such an early loss. Especially when they have so much time ahead of them to make the most of life and can bring so many hope and dreams with them.

(Having to lose Alexei and a couple of cousins certainly stings her heart so much. She has since started to wonder what he would be like if he hadn’t died on the night the angry mob stormed Catherine Palace and attacked.)

No little child doesn’t have to die a untimely death, including my little brother. He was very much endearing to every one in the family, including my parents and Mama especially. If only I was able to get him to join me and Grandmama in escaping the mobs together, maybe he would have been still alive today.

[queenofkur]

... Linger not on the past, for it cannot be changed. But look to the future, where a difference can still be made.

[ Ereshkigal had closed her eyes to say that, but smiled somewhat sadly. She genuinely believed humans would be happier if they could let go of the past. If they could blame gods for their misfortunes. But she knows it's not that easy. ]

Of course, it is hypocritical of me to say as I think of the past all the time. But with the short lives that are yours... Reach for the happiness yet to come, not the sorrow behind you.

[grandduchess_anya]

Oh gee that is some good advice. There have been times where I was wondering if I could have done things differently or fate would have been kinder to my family. That does happen to me from time to time. But you’re definitely right, I can’t wallow over the past and look forward to the future.

Life for a human like me is too short to mourn over the past for too long and there is still time for me to enjoy life and do more things I never thought about doing.

[queenofkur]

Exactly...!

[ She... sparkles? Ereshkigal is definitely sparkling. A strange phenomenon that sometimes happens when she smiles and is very much happy. ]

The potential you hold within you is limitless. If you want a happy and fulfilled life, you can get it! You just need not linger on the past.

[grandduchess_anya]

Oh gee thanks. I greatly appreciate the words that you speak, now I’m going to be a lot more motivated in making the best of my time and enjoying life while I still can.

The future is still wide open and I’m not going to wallow in sadness and moruning for the past for too long forever.

[queenofkur]

Ah, I'm glad I was able to help you...!

[ ... Wasn't that supposed to be the other way around, with Anastasia helping her with her social anxiety? Well, she likes it that way regardless! Far less awkward. ]