January 3rd, 1867
Dear Miss Dropwater,
It is with a heart buoyed by anticipation that I pen this letter to you. Your request to engage in scholarly pursuits at the Demomire Historical Library has not only been accepted but has also instilled a certain excitement within these venerable walls.
You will find the library a haven, steeped in the kind of history that breathes life into the pages of the books it houses. Established by Prince Leopold George Rákóczi, it serves as a monument to his enduring legacy of enlightenment—a treasure trove for an intellectual such as yourself.
The collections here are vast and varied, encompassing works that span from the common to the arcane. Prince Leopold’s own contributions form the cornerstone of our archives, with tomes that delve into subjects as diverse as they are profound. The library’s heart beats strongest in the section that houses his personal collection, where history and science intermingle with the esoteric studies that were rumored to have captivated his curious mind.
As you traverse the corridors of knowledge within our walls, you will find yourself in good company. The spirits of scholars past seem to linger in the air, their whispers caught in the rafters, eager to impart wisdom to those who seek it.
I must admit, Miss Dropwater, your arrival is particularly fortuitous. The library stands on the cusp of expansion, with aspirations of becoming a cornerstone of academia in this wild isolation we call home. Your presence will no doubt contribute greatly to this vision and perhaps even inspire new paths of inquiry.
Upon reviewing the academic treatise you included in your application to conduct research among us, which examines the relationship between dark sorcery and the quest for immortality. I found myself both intrigued and impressed by the depth of your analysis and the boldness of your thematic exploration.
Your paper raises questions that have long been debated within these hallowed halls, and I dare say, it has sparked a renewed vigor amongst my colleagues who share an interest in the esoteric. In particular, your discussion on the historical accounts of rituals purported to grant immortality has drawn considerable attention. It is an area that remains shrouded in mystery and skepticism, yet you approach it with a commendable blend of scholarly detachment and insightful conjecture.
Allow me to assure you, Miss Dropwater, that the Demomire Historical Library houses the largest collection of Esoteric books in the New World. Our archives contain works that trace back to forgotten civilizations, treatises on alchemical transformations, and grimoires penned by those who claimed communion with the unseen. Prince Leopold’s personal collection alone could furnish years of study for those brave enough to navigate its complexities.
Your mention of Duskmire in your correspondence has not gone unnoticed. The estate, as you are no doubt aware, is enshrouded in tales as dense as the ivy that clings to its forsaken walls. While it stands a monument to the passage of time and the whispers of what once was, there is an undeniable allure that pervades its decay.
Please accept this letter as not only an invitation but as a welcome into a community that values the preservation and acquisition of knowledge above all else. Upon your arrival, I shall personally guide you through our collections and ensure you are well situated for your research.
In anticipation of your arrival at Demomire, I extend an invitation for us to meet in person. A conversation may better serve to align your academic pursuits with the resources our library can provide. Furthermore, it would grant me a clearer understanding of how best to support your research endeavors within these walls.
Please respond at your earliest convenience with a suitable time for us to discuss these matters further.
With respect,
Fiona Gant Custodian of Demomire Historical Library