[Appearing in his post box (if his was fortunate enough to escape being destroyed by the abomination), or with other mail destined for him, or simply slipped under the door of whatever room he might be call his own, is a cream colored envelope with a simple pale pink seal. The paper inside is rather fine, and the handwriting exceptional. It reads—]
Monsieur,
I am writing to extend my unalloyed best wishes for the fall season to you and yours, and to cordially issue an invitation to join myself and a few other select members of Riftwatch for an evening of dinner, dancing, and entertainment at the close of Kingsway.
This event has been arranged as a means to raise funds for the benefit of Riftwatch. Though a member of the Research Division and acting Assistant to the Seneschal, I have organized this benefit purely independently in the hopes of soliciting the good will of individuals who may, for whatever reason, typically not feel disposed to offer contributions to the organization. Nonetheless, I would be most grateful for your participation and engagement in this endeavor; indeed, your presence is vital to the evening's success.
If you are bold enough to accept this invitation, you will be rewarded handsomely with an excellent meal and very fine company shared in the setting of one of Kirkwall's finest estates, and will be required to perform no work more taxing than pleasant conversation (to whatever degree you find most appealing).
Please respond at your earliest convenience. Festivities will begin promptly at sundown on the selected date. All guests are encouraged to dress to their best advantage.
With Thanks, Miss Wysteria A. Poppell Research Division Assistant to the Seneschal Project Felandaris
P.S. Have you recovered your cello since Lady Barra's party? I inquire purely out of good-natured curiosity.
[Just as cheerfully, however decidedly not in motion.]
Monsieur! It is no trouble at all. Indeed, my poor hand is so cramped that I would prefer not to arrange any further correspondence for quite some time.
Most excellent, on all accounts. —Save perhaps the compliment, which is appreciated but I can hardly call most excellent without sounding rather vain.
When you have the opportunity, might I trouble you for two or three sentences about yourself? Where you are from, and what you do for Riftwatch and if there are any hobbies you enjoy best and so on. I would like to be certain that I can play host appropriately when it comes to introductions.
The loveliest in Thedas. There is color everywhere. And music! A song on every street. If you ever have the chance to go, you must let me know so I can tell you where to visit.
I will of course report to you at once should the opportunity arise.
[She's smiling; it's very obvious from the sound of her voice.]
Unfortunately however, even the loveliest of descriptions and most steadfast advice are unlikely to allow you to escape the requirement of those two or three sentences, Monsieur.
I'm very sorry to hear it. [But let's not linger on dead parents; there are far more pleasant things to discuss!] Are you much for parties on Satinalia? I have great hopes that we will have no reason to go fighting our way through Nevarran cities this year, and so there might be a little something organized in the Gallows proper. In which case, what would you estimate the likelihood that you might play at such an affair, and at what rate might you be bribed for a particular sort of tune or two if such a coincidence were to come to pass?
I am much for parties any day, and if there is to be music, I am confident I can elbow my way in. As for bribery—I suppose it depends. What songs were you thinking?
Truthfully, the particular song matters less than the meter for the dances in question. Forgive me - I know it must be awful to say such a thing to a musician. But my designs are entirely to do with the dancing in questions, and I have my eye on one those dreadfully dull slow things where the only point is to turn slowly in a circle, and a saltarello.
I see. Delightful. And I don't think that will be very difficult to arrange, so for bribery... if I think of something else for Satinalia, a game or a gift exchange—can I ask you to help me arrange it?
an invitation;
crystal.
[ Cheerful, and in motion, from the sound of it. ]
I received your invitation, but I am on my way out of the city and I don't have time to answer it in writing. Can you forgive me?
no subject
Monsieur! It is no trouble at all. Indeed, my poor hand is so cramped that I would prefer not to arrange any further correspondence for quite some time.
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[ The legibility of his handwriting, when it exists, does not come cheap. ]
And I would delighted to come to your event, and I do have my cello back. It is kind of you to ask after it.
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When you have the opportunity, might I trouble you for two or three sentences about yourself? Where you are from, and what you do for Riftwatch and if there are any hobbies you enjoy best and so on. I would like to be certain that I can play host appropriately when it comes to introductions.
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[She's smiling; it's very obvious from the sound of her voice.]
Unfortunately however, even the loveliest of descriptions and most steadfast advice are unlikely to allow you to escape the requirement of those two or three sentences, Monsieur.
no subject
[ A little caught out. But he doesn't really mind. ]
When I have a moment to sit, I will write them down for you, ouais? In the book. So you may continue to rest your hands.
no subject
[Oh, but--]
While I have you Monsieur, would you mind terribly if I took the opportunity to propose a second rather more incidental scheme to you?
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[ She's not dead, that he knows of, but you know. ]
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I see. Delightful. And I don't think that will be very difficult to arrange, so for bribery... if I think of something else for Satinalia, a game or a gift exchange—can I ask you to help me arrange it?
no subject