Copies of a letter to each councilor - except one.

[Kaz]

Copies of this letter are delivered to each Council member in turn, addressed to name, with the exception of Treadwell. There is nothing particularly remarkable about any of the missives - the paper is a common quality, the writing style plain and utilitarian, if a little larger than normal. At the bottom of every letter is a return address marked as a room in the Broken Dagger.

Dear Councilmember,

If this is not an appropriate method of attempting to bring this proposal about, you have my apologies. I do this because it was suggested as something one or more of your number may be either inclined or willing to sponsor.

As I am certain all of you are aware and which has preyed on your minds, the persistent darkness and blocking of the sun, even of the stars and moon has several ill affects, not only on plants and animals, but on people. The devastation of livelihood and life is no small concern, but also, the spirit of the people afflicted is plummeting so hard and fast, you might soon need to fear not only those who would move, but those who, despairing, only contribute further to the problems facing folk who are trying their best to struggle through this harsh time. The need to spit in the eye of one's enemy is a common one, but too often, in situations where one feels helpless, that urge becomes destructive, and is loosed at others who are blameless, and similarly helpless to affect the situation.

While I have little doubt that many are striving to figure out a method to end this phenomenon, I have a suggestion to offer to try and help those who are doing the best they can. It is nothing grand, nothing sweeping, and certainly nothing permanent, but it may help a little.

Have a festival. More, have a festival whose focus is light. The darkness is so pervasive, and little can be done about it. Myrken's people and those who rove through it do as best they can with lantern and candle, torch and fire. Pick a place the people can gather, the tavern would likely be a good place, as large events of this sort have been held there before. Hire mages and illusionists and craftsfolk who can create a beacon of light, decorate the tavern so that it glows, shines, in manners cunning and beautiful. Put on a feast to feed those who come richly and well, put the tavern's resources of drink and food at the disposal of those who would attend without having them need to dig into pockets already empty to pay for it.

I do not suggest that Myrken pay for this from the town's coffers. I do not suggest this be something official - to be frank and honest, if it were done that way, it would likely take too damn long to do anyone any good. I ask instead, for individuals to donate coin to this cause. To give assurance on my honorable intentions, do not give me the money at all. Instead, if you are so minded to help, speak to the keeper of the tavern directly, regarding food, or lease of the premises, or drink. Hire yourselves those who have a skill and willingness to decorate and point them in my direction, so that together such decorations might be organized, or if strong interest is had, become involved yourself.

As I said, I do not pretend that this might be an answer to the woes being suffered, but it might help renew flagging spirits long enough to delay the emergence of other problems. It is, after all, only a suggestion, and one I intend to pursue whether or not any aid can be spared. I merely seek any help that might be available. Suggestions on where else to go and whom else to petition would also be welcome.


Strength and honor be yours,

Kazanthi de-Arluun

[Rattrap]

To Kazanthi de-Arluun,

I'd like to say, first off, that I'm in full agreement with the idea. I'm rather fond of it, actually -- for good reason. I'm more than willing to donate what I can to such a celebration, and I'm sure I can find others who would do much the same.

However, there is one part I don't understand...first off, you recommend 'the tavern' -- which? But nevermind that. It would be a folly, though, to hold such a celebration inside -- there isn't a building in Myrkentown that suitable for holding all the Myrkentown residents.

I must propose, then, the grounds of an estate be used for such celebration. Much like that of Alexander Kanashia's promotion to captain of the Order of Straka.

I'd be willing to offer my own land in this case, if perhaps none better are found.

Sincerely,
Joseph O'Cynen

[Kaz]

To Joseph O`Cynen,

I thank you for your response, and your willingness to help. More, I value the advice you are offering. I have no experience in putting together such affairs - I keep my nose to the wind most times, not dipped in any sort of public service. I am determined to pull this together by strings if need be, only because I am weary of seeing people dragged so low as this blasted darkness seems to have brought them, and there is no other way I can concieve of that I or others of a similar mind might fight such a malaise.

You will have to forgive me my vagueness, it was not intentional. I never actually venture into town, you see, just about the edges and a few shops. Thus, the only tavern I know of is the Broken Dagger, which is, admittedly, somewhat at a remove of the town proper. Nor is it something that I thought, in all honesty, that all of Myrken would come to, at least at once. I will hope that your assumption they would will augur well for attendance.

I am ill equipped to lay out eloquently the ideas that revolve in my mind's eye, so pardon me again. I had imagined something that was not in the least contained inside - but tables and decorations and entertainment that spilled both indoors and without, decorations not only lighting the innards of the tavern but the exterior as well.

Not having attended the celebration you wrote of, I have no basis for comparison. The other notion that held me about this, and why I even suggest magic-weilders and such for the decorations is that I want the lights to remain. Such a festival, though it might lift the spirit, will not last long if allowed to fade like the burning out of a lantern. To do any lasting good, as a symbol of the people's hope or even just as a declaration against the dark, and the one who plunged the region into it, the glowing should remain, at least for a while. A candle may show the way, but it is too easily snuffed, too short-lived. Whatever place is chosen as the site of such an event will continue to draw people, and hopefully, continue to buoy them. If your estate is easily seen in the town or often passed by, then this would work very well, I think. However, you might get a little weary of the decorations, having to live among them. Since you, however, are experienced in the organizing of such things, if you believe this festival is best held on your estate, or if the notion of long-lasting lights is impractical, then I would welcome your offer and further advice. It would certainly make the whole undertaking a little easier. I thank you again for your aid and your interest, and look forward to your reply.

Strength and honor be yours,

Kazanthi de-Arluun

[Rattrap]

Dear Kazanthi de-Arluun,

I thank you for the clarification. You had me a little confused, but now I see your intentions as clear as...day. I'm quite happy, to be honest, to have heard of your noblest intentions. And I think I can save you the trouble of having to use strings to bring this altogether.

Please, come see me in person. It'll save us the trouble of cumbersome correspondance, and I like to see the man I'm talking to.

I live at the northeast end of town, in the middle of farmland. You can't miss it, even in the gloom.

I don't know if long-lasting lights are easily attainable, but if we find that they are, I do indeed know of a spot that overlooks more of Myrkentown than any other I've found at any reasonable proximity. I'll have to show it to you when you come by.

Sincerely,
Joseph O'Cynen

[Kaz]

To Joseph O`Cynen,

I have attempted to go see you a few times since your last missive, but in the way of my luck, something always either came up, or delayed me too long. Either way, however, it seems that the notion I had for a festival is no longer necessary. The sky is visible again, sun will light the day and now the focus will be on rebuilding structures, crops, and lives.

I thank you for your willingness to help, your advice, and for even responding to my initial letter at all. It was the only such reply I recieved. I wish you success in your work, and you have my gratitude for your consideration and time.

Strength and honor be yours,

Kazanthi de-Arluun