To the teahouse...

[Duquesne]

A request had been brought to the attention of Darkenhold's cloistered architect, spoken by the one soul he sees with any frequency at all, such a request as had him smile just a little in thought. And for a time, paints were put aside and canvases left to glisten damply by candlelight, for this matter of a stone was to be seen to without delay.

At Darkenhold, he was to meet his builder incidentally and yet Betzalel was quickly appointed to the matter at hand--the cutting down of a piece of Darkenhold's excess stone, at such a width and at such a height.

And when it was all concluded, the small slab was cleaned of its dust and wet, polished and wrapped in dense cloth, then placed in the care of two of the builder's fellows at hand with instructions to deliver it safely to the teahouse and its Mme Swinton there residing.

Thus, it is sent away and before the day is done, this package will be delivered to Swinton, its note yielding this short message: 'Ever at your service - S.D.', and all penned in the man's undeniable hand.

[Wendy]

A request is sent with haste for the architect, Duquesne, at Darkenhold:

Syl Duquesne,

Greetings. We have lost a window at the teahouse. Can your contractor please visit us soon and provide an estimate for replacement?

Respectfully,
C. Swinton

[Wendy]

To Darkenhold. Again.

S.D.

With respect for your builder, Mister Betzalel, and high praises for his work in our tearoom, may I suggest that we openly speak of creating an account? The Tea House has immediate needs. Could he have another window in stock?

Of model patience,
Cambree Calomel

[Treadwell]

Cambree Swinton is of key importance to the safety, clarity, and sanity of one Cinnabar Calomel.

Cambree Swinton's teahouse is in urgent need of repairs, a window shattered, a fact noted by peering beady eyes in passing up streets collecting taxes.

Cambree Swinton and her teahouse occupants are apparently very much in danger, if the hinted words of Governor Calomel today, the fourth of February, mean much. Then again, maybe Aloisius Treadwell reads too much into this.

Then again, maybe not.

A note arrives at the teahouse, addressed in a carefully written, fanciful script bordering on calligraphy, with an intricate little picture of a tea leaf drawn behind the "C" in the madame's first name.

= = = = =

Cambree,

Do pardon the brevity of this message, madam. I understand that the Governor fears for your safety, and rightly so; I also understand that the teahouse is in some minor state of disrepair, apparently having suffered some damages recently by various individuals.

There is room for you and for your entire staff in a few extra chambers here at the Church of Tubbius, should you wish somewhere a little distant from town that would be reasonably safe thanks to such distance. In all honesty, we simply are blessed to have a building far beyond our own rather basic needs. I'm quite sure we could arrange some degree of comfort for all of you, here, should you and yours wish to come to stay for some time until danger passes.

Yours in honesty and sacrifice,
Aloisius Horatio Treadwell
Tubbius Regalis, Church of Tubbius of Amasynia and Myrken Wood
4 February A.R. 208

= = = = =

[Duquesne]

C.C -

My resources are at your disposal, madam. You shall not suffer another draft for long, I assure you.

In earnest,

S.D

Post scriptum - I have heard that booby-traps are quite a deterrent to mischief. Think about it.

[Kyorin]

----------------------A sealed Letter -----------------------------

Dear Lady Calomel,

It was a pleasure to visit with you again. I hope you and Cinnabar are well. I've decided to take you up on your offer for a meeting, and would like to inform you that my schedule is quite open for visiting. Please, send word back to me as to when it would be suitable to come and visit again. I am currently staying at the Inn for a few days, so I will remain around the area for a time. It is an honor as always.

Thanks and Sincerely
Kyorin Draez.

[Wendy]

Mister Draez's letter is received a little later in the day. Cambree forms a smile at learning his acceptance of the invitation to dine with herself and Cinnabar. Unlike their previous dinner together, conversation will surround matters of business and development for Myrken Wood.

She was most interested in this notion of peace and/or rebirth for the realm that Draez mentioned. (The man shared some of his thoughts during the party, while they were sitting with Daveney Sauveterre, that may also be of interest to Cinn.)

It will take at least a day, but the teahouse madame will send along a message as soon as she is aware of an evening that will suit their needs. Again, she thanks heaven for having Mister Ymir to work evenings at the tea house - she's getting in the habit of doing so.

Now, it is just a matter of seeing when the Governor will have time.