A Retrospective Letter

[LadyLekku]

A letter available for public perusal-

I write this as my first document in nearly a year and a half, as neither your Minister of Civics nor Alms. While I understand what is perhaps the self-indulgence of such a retrospective letter, I hope also that the public can forgive me, as what has been a key piece of my identity as a Noblewoman has come to its natural conclusion. And, it felt wrong to not address my resignation in some form, given my well-known penchant for long-winded speeches and lofty words.​

I will not restate the history of this Ministry, as I've done in other documentation, except to say that when I presented the concept of the "Alms" Ministry, I did not know what its final form might look like. And through its changes, both in form and function, even as I began to see what would and would never be feasible as I oversaw it, I believe something remained true. It is certainly among the best jobs to have, in the Jeweled City.​

Criminals serving sentences are on their best behavior, striving to prove their benefit to society. The common folk come to you with bright, hopeful eyes, and share their ideas for the betterment of the city. And the nobility are at their most charitable, most humble, as they fill your baskets with coin and your halls with coal and food. It is in this position that you see the very best in people, in a way I do not know many others are given the opportunity to see.​

But, as balanced as the world tends to be, there are ways in which you see the worst as well. You see the sick, the starving, the addicted, and the dying. The abandoned, and the hopeless. Wealth takes on a new meaning to you, as you begin to see the flow of wealth skip some, and land upon others. Upon yourself. You realize both the scope of abundance, and the restrictions of your own power. After all, when the opportunity for change is upon you, so too is the burden of responsibility. This is not a damning feeling, in fact it can be an inspiring one. And yet, for all the joy of this work, it takes a heavy toll.​

One sees charity, yet also manipulation, pride, the buying of social status through giving. And one must face the question- does it matter? Can coin for the needy be denied, because of its donor's motivations? Of course not. But can such performative selflessness yet be lauded with praise and encouragement, when you see the snake behind the eye? This question, I am afraid, I had to face more times than I can count. Ethics are not so black and white as they once seemed, when you have swum in the swirling greys of intent and effect for so long.​

I look hopefully toward the future. Toward whomever is appointed the mantle of the Minister of Civics, I wish you well. And my door is open to you, should you seek my counsel. Many endeavors have I experimented with, and many I had to let go. But it never need quell one's innovative spirit, to try new things, and see where the most good can be done. To listen to the voices of the many, and direct the power and wealth of the few toward their call. And I look to the past with pride, and inspiration from the love of others who have assisted my tenure along the way.​

Let failure never put a stop to our attempts to do the right thing. Let setbacks propel us forward, upon new paths, with stronger resolve. I cannot promise that each problem one faces can be overcome, but I do believe that the spirit of Humanum is in our resolve to try. Try, try. And know that even if you have not fixed what was broken, that you brought a light into the world that otherwise might never have shone.​

Glory to the Empire, and its People.

Ever with Gratitude,

Sivrid Sorenvik
Jarless av Irvainvik
Valsung and Jovrlov of the Velheim

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OOC: Siv isn't retired as a character! Just from the position. I still plan to host more fundraising events, and donate the money to the Civics again anyway. So no, your coin still isn't safe. Look for Siv in the Old Gods Temple in the Sorenvik Estate for pagan-themed events to come!