Helstone's mailbag: something for everyone!

[channe]

Today, Coriolanus Helstone, barrister and fashionplate, is making good use of the cramped-yet-formal script he learned at the university.

The delivery of the first letter he writes this morning is a predicament; he writes it quickly, and then makes a decision, penning instructions on the front and sealing it with wax and a barrister's sigil.

To: His Honor Suede Roschen, Councilor of the Myrken Wood Judiciary, in care of Mlle. Jirai at the Broken Dagger tavern

Mr. Roschen,

Your matter proceeds apace, or as quickly as possible considering the molasses-like state of the Council and judiciary processes in the area. I can only assume that you are quite comfortable wherever you are. However, I cannot be of service to you if we do not communicate.

If you have any questions, please write. Please also extend my congratulations and felicitations to Miss Jirai on the birth of her child.

Sincerely,
Coriolanus Helstone, Esq.
Baker Street, Myrkentown
----

The second takes a little more care, as many copies are to be made, and is placed in the pile for the delivery boy.

His Honor Altias Bromn, Governor of Myrken Wood, Meetinghouse; His Honor Kerrak al'Nerun, Councilor of Defense and Civil Security; His Honor Giscard Guillaume, Councilor in regards to Commerce and Trade, Lothbury Estate; to Captain Thomas Daniels, Order of Straka, Barracks:

My honored gentlemen,

This ill-starred state of affairs has gone on long enough, and as a keeper and defender of the law in this province I feel required to speak for those I represent.

We have been four months without a Councilor of Administrative Sanctions, and at least three since my client Mr. Roschen has been able to function in his position due to the scurrilous and untrue accusations against him. This is only one of the languishing cases that I have been unable to move forward with of late due to the Council's seeming laxity (I know you, gentlemen, and I know this is not the case; however, I am but one of many).

I understand the governor has been going through some hard times recently, but he has not been seen in public for months; the rumors among the uneducated are fierce. I myself have dozens of cases awaiting your attention, and for every case I hold there are dozens who cannot afford a barrister to assist them with matters of property, tax, and governance, and who are looking to you to do your jobs.

I urge you to turn your face back to the suffering people of Myrkentown and the surrounding Wood. Reinstate Council functions as best you can and as soon as possible. I have seen firsthand what happens in a province where the government has lost control over the people it governs due to their inability to assuage and address their fear and apprehension.

Gentlemen, to be a Council you must function as a Council; I pray you, look to your responsibilities.

May the One God bless you all.

Sincerely,

Coriolanus Helstone, Esq., barrister of Myrken Wood
Baker Street, Myrkentown

----

Is his hand cramping? No, as there's another letter yet for the waiting delivery-boy:

To: Ariane Carnath-Emory, staff for Governor Bromn, in care of the Myrken Wood Meetinghouse

Dear Miss Carnath-Emory,

I write to express my condolences on the death of your sister. I have only just now heard the terrible news. I know you are not a devotee of the One God, but I hope you will accept my prayers for her nonetheless. Please know that I am thinking of you in this dark time as well.

Sincerely,

Cory Helstone
Baker Street, Myrkentown
----

This one's more businesslike, and penned in extremely small letters on a half-size sheet of paper, and sent to be dropped off at a certain point in the woods, a fact which does not make the delivery boy happy until Cory gives him an extra few shillings for his trouble.

To: His Majesty Richard Aengus, king of New Hibera
From: Coriolanus Helstone, barrister, Baker Street, Myrkentown

Your Majesty,

Greetings and best wishes to you.

You wrote to me a number of months ago regarding your claim over the property of the former Aloisius Treadwell. As of this writing, that property still goes unclaimed and in legal abeyance, due to the extremely interesting circumstances of its desertion.

I never received a response to my letter of a few months ago, so I write to inquire if you are still interested in retaining my assistance in the resolution of this matter, either in your favor or in the Council's, or whether I should recommend public reclamation of the properties.

Sincerely,

Coriolanus Helstone, Esq., barrister of Myrken Wood.

[Rattrap]

To Coriolanus Helstone, Esq.:

Regretfully, there is little I can do to ease the current situation beyond my normal duties and powers. The Order of Straka is only empowered to observe and uphold the law, not to judge; though I must admit in the absence of any judiciary, we've superceded our authority in obvious cases. The Order is dwindling, however, and continues to do so without a functioning government. We're struggling just to defend our fellow townsfolk.

I cannot speak on the Governor's behalf, or the rumors surrounding him. He has shown himself to be volatile and prone to disappearing; I won't even guess as to whether he's alive or dead.

I hope your attempts to rouse the Council into action are successful, Mr. Helstone. I evidentially lost their esteem some time ago.

Sincerely,
Captain Thomas Daniels
Order of Straka

The script was a little messy, due to Thomas' inability to write and hold the paper down.

[Jirai]

Upon recieving the letter, Jirai would (quite predictably), simply open it and scan over the words within, disregarding the fact that the missive was not, technically, for her. With a sardonic roll of her eyes, the letter was thrust into a pouch, presumably to be delivered to its intended recipient.

She would leave the opened letter in a place that she knew he would find it.

[Vanidor]

And Helstone would get a response from at least one of the council members. It was amazing how fast such things would transpire when someone was actually in his office.

-------------------------------------------

To: Coriolanus Helstone, Esq.
From: Kerrak al'Nerun, Councilor of Civil Security and Defence, etcetera.

Master Helstone,

You are quite right on many accounts in your most recent of letters to the council. However I feel the need to fill you in on a few details that will be, shortly, common knownledge anyway. The long and short of it is that the council is severely devastated. As far as is I am certain the only operating councilman is myself. We are, in as much as I can say, without a governor.

I am not certain as to when the torturous assault occured, but I recently was led to the battered remains of our own governor Bromn. I would have to say that whatever cases you have will have to wait, unless you want only one mind and voice to hear them. If that is the case, come to the meetinghouse and find me. If not, urge your clients to wait a while longer.

Oh. And if you so feel like it, there are openings upon the council that you can step up into if you so wish. I tell you, I doubt that there would be dissent from within to get you on the council. Another thing. If someone else from the council DOES manage to respond to your last, please let me know. If it is a certain individual, let him know that I will welcome him back as best I can.

That is all,

Kerrak al'Nerun, Councilor of Civil Security and Defence.

[Treadwell]

The following arrives at Helstone's place of business, carried by a pair of small fairies who glow a bright blue.

To Coriolanus Helstone, Baker Street, Myrken Wood
From Richard Aengus, Aengus Palace, New Hibera

Greetings!

I just received your letter, and I thank you for your further attention to this matter. I'm afraid any other recent communications were misplaced due to recent, rather serious concerns here in New Hibera. However, I here write you to express a continued interest in the properties mentioned: my former toy store and my former cottage and the grounds around both. Contact me with any further questions, but forward any requests for payment to Jonathan Lincoln, Chief Magistrate of Westenford, Amasynia. He has control over the rest of my former estate and is under my command to make payments for whatever might be necessary relating to these matters.

Thank you.

Richard Aengus
March 16, 737 Aengus Reckoning

[Suede]

To: One Mr. Helstone:
From: Suede Roschen, Disposed Councilman of Agriculture.

I will indeed do my best to stay in communication, but recent events in the town have left me of the opinion that to be less seen is a better course of action, both for the wellbeing of my child and myself.

If you wish to discuss the case I can see to it we meet, simply provide me a time to do so.

The letter would be delivered to Helstone's desk while he was out, but the secretary would never have seen the messenger.

[Carnath-Emory]

Having already seen a sample or two of her penmanship, had the lawyer truly anticipated a response to his letter? Thoughtful though the missive might have been, it receives none at all.

But neither does it go discarded. There is a place found for it upon the one table in her barren, township room, and there it will be kept: folded neatly beneath a silver mask of remarkable design, with a fleck of black dragon-scale and a sprig of misteltoe for its companions.

[Guillaume]

I, Giscard Guillaume, Lord of Lothbury Estate, Councilor of the Myrken Wood Judiciary In Regards To Commerce and Trade Etc., to Coriolanus Helstone, Esq., Barrister: Greetings.

Much like Myrkentown itself, the Council presently suffers in a state of flux and ill-repair. You will soon find, however, that it is more easily restored. I bid you be of good cheer, sir, for Myrkentown has survived far worse over the years than a ravaged Council; survived and, by my accounting, flourished! The Wall yet stands, the accursed drow do not yet swarm our streets, and the Council's remnants soon meet to address such matters as you have described.

If you will, Barrister, counsel your clients to calm and patience. You have my assurance that their needs have not gone forgotten.


Done by my hand at the Estates of Lothbury, this 16th day of March.
Giscard Guillaume.

[channe]

(OOC: some now, more later)

By now, the excitement of being Helstone's delivery boy is wearing thin, or, at least, that's what Kennith Parsons thinks; he's standing there, groaning, tapping his feet and being generally recalcitrant, and only smiles when Helstone tips him a few extra shillings.

Helstone looks at his petty cash account and considers hiring a cheaper boy.

----

Today's letters read as follows:

----

To: Captain Thomas Daniels, commanding, Order of Straka

Captain,

Thank you for your thoughts. You have done a commendable job retaining order in our fair province with what little you have to work with. I also appreciate your candor -- especially when we have so often ended up on opposing sides in the courtroom -- as well as your obvious devotion to the well-being of Myrken Wood.

Next time you are on Baker Street, please stop in; my maid serves a lovely afternoon tea and I would be honored by your visit.

Sincerely,
Coriolanus Helstone, Esq.

----

To: His Honor Kerrak al'Nerun, Councilor of Civil Security and Defense, Meetinghouse

Councilor,

I am shocked and saddened at the dreadful news of our Governor's passing. I had many opportunities to meet with Governor Bromn last summer when I was defending him in the case regarding the cultists, and always found him intelligent and reasonable -- if a little driven and stubborn. Myrken province has lost a good man, and he will indeed be missed.

From what you say, it does not sound as if he perished from natural causes. If that is the case, may the culprit be found and brought to the justice he deserves!

As for the other business in your letter, I must confess that I've never fashioned myself the type for public office, but I will be more than happy to step up to the Council at the request of yourself and of Councilor Guillaume. Like you, I believe that this is most certainly not the time for monolithic rule in Myrken Wood, and if my voice may be of assistance, please consider it tendered. I believe in practicing what I preach, sir, and after a letter like mine I consider such things a duty.

Now. I have passed on your comment to Mr. Roschen, as I believe you speak in good faith. However, I cannot, in all honesty, counsel him to appear at the Meetinghouse at this point, considering the charges against him, unless the case against is suspended for the time being. This may be a prudent thing considering the current state of affairs. Perhaps an agreement may be reached?

I definitely appreciate your quick response and devotion to the governance and people of Myrken Wood, and I hope to speak with you soon; until then, sign me --

Sincerely,
Coriolanus Helstone, Esq.

----

To: His Majesty Richard Aengus, Aengus Palace, New Hibera

Your Majesty,

How wonderful to hear from you so quickly. I will begin looking into the matter of the properties in question right away. Both you and Myrken Wood have some kind of legal claim; in the absence of a direct claimant or kin of a direct claimant, it will be a case of determining who is legally responsible for the properties at this point, and, since you are the ruler of a foreign country, if transfer of the properties to you will require a treaty or diplomatic session, etc., etc.

I will write to Mr. Lincoln to request a small flat fee to cover my time and office expenses; any other payment on your part will be conditional to what I am able to secure for you.

I look forward to working with you.

Sincerely,
Coriolanus Helstone, Esq.

----

To: His Honor Suede Roschen, Councillor of Agriculture, in care of Mlle. Jirai at the Broken Dagger Tavern

Mr. Roschen,

Let me extend my congratulations to you, then, as well! I've never had children myself, so I can only imagine what a blessing they are.

I do not believe it necessary to meet at this time, but matters may shortly change that. I will send you a message through Miss Jirai if that is so.

Councilor Kerrak asks me to tell you that he will "welcome you back as best he can," and I believe his offer to be in good faith, considering the current state of the Council. As your barrister, however, I counsel you not to make a response and to bide your time until I can secure a suspension to your case or a a similar legal protection. I will pass on anything you wish to say to him myself.

Also, please thank Miss Jirai for serving as my go-between, if I am not thanking her myself at this moment.

Sincerely,
C. Helstone

[channe]

To: His Honor Suede Roschen, Councillor of Agriculture, in care of Mlle. Jirai at the Broken Dagger Tavern

Mr. Roschen,

The disbanding of the Order of Straka raises some interesting questions regarding the legality of your case. We may need to meet.

Sincerely,
C. Helstone

[Suede]

To One Mr. Helstone, Barrister of Myrkenwood,

Indeed, sadly due to recently family issues I am marginally busy at current. I shall however endeavor to clear a portion of my schedule for you.

Sincerely,
Suede Roschen

[channe]

Dear Father, the letter would begin, were he writing a letter to that auspicious and cold man --

-- dear Father. This province brims with death and is run by madmen; at the rate things are going, I shall be food for worms by midsummer. Don't dance too much on my grave at the funeral; it may disturb Mother.

But he's not writing to his father, today.

----

To: Miss Ariel O'Cynen, caretaker, O'Cynen Estate
From: Coriolanus Helstone

Miss O'Cynen,

Thank you for your recent hard work. Your help is invaluable; hearing support for various Council actions from your esteemed position has helped shore up the crucial and much-needed unity of Myrken Wood.

I write to assure you that I have not forgotten my promise; in fact, your request has become even more relevant of late, considering current events.

May the One God bring health to your lands.

Sincerely,
Coriolanus Helstone

[channe]

There are letters for all of the Councilors, today: and, instead of the young boys Helstone usually sends, the messenger is the lovely Rosamaria. The barrister means business.

Gentlemen, the letter reads --

I was charged with speaking to the girl Alligail during our last full session, and I have done so. I have also taken the liberty of speaking with her companion, the elf Reverie, in hopes of locating Kaelum.

I have the names that we were promised.

Gentlemen, I remand my earlier recommendation to release them. They must be kept in custody for a while longer; you see, I have stumbled upon things both in and behind their words that may both terrify and concern you.

We must meet. Immediately, and not in public.

Sincerely,
Coriolanus Helstone.

[channe]

Also, for Giscard, Rosamaria would have a separate letter.

Councilor Guillaume --

I would meet with you privately before the full session.

This is important.

Sincerely,
Coriolanus Helstone

[Guillaume]

I, Giscard Guillaume, Lord of Lothbury Estate, Councilor of the Myrken Wood Judiciary In Regards To Commerce and Trade, Interim Governor Etc., to Coriolanus Helstone, the Councilor of Administrative Sanctions;

Greetings.

I will be available in my offices at the Meetinghouse throughout the day, and well into the night; I foresee very little rest in my near future, a sentiment that you surely share.

If you prefer, you may consider this your invitation to Lothbury: while upon the Estate, your safety is guaranteed, as is the confidentiality of any matter that you may care to discuss. The fact of your presence there, however, would not: it seems that we have aquired several observers, during recent weeks, and they are diligent in their duties. In any case, the invitation remains open.

Done by my hand at the Estates of Lothbury, this 6th day of July,
Giscard Guillaume.