Topic: Scathachian Correspondence

Delphinea · Date: 2011-08-30 14:01 EST

My benevolent Lord Lucius DeAuster;

We have good news from the hospice in the Temple District. We have had an offer from a medical doctor who is willing to work with the facilities. Dr. Raye Ibaraki will be volunteering her time as a full member of the staff at both hospices. She has already aided us in improving the conditions for the patients here and will no doubt, allow a more peaceful experience, if not aid in the actual healing of those who have previously had little hope. She will be heading up to the facility on the Northwest Cliffs this afternoon.

We have also received a new shipment of medical supplies from Batten Industries to further the healing efforts here. I am sure that you have received the supplies as well.

As per Illea, we would like to report that our numbers here are improving. Fewer citizens have come to our doors and some of those patients that have been in our facility are still with us. There are five patients who even show marked improvements since Dr. Ibaraki's arrival earlier today. We have seventeen who are progressing as expected, albeit they are comfortable. As far as deaths: thirteen more have been claimed by the virus since our last count to you.

We request any updates from your staff, Illea has stated that she will be meeting with you during your usual time. Once again, our humble and everlasting thanks to you and your generous family. We would be lost without the actions of great pillars like you.

May the strength of Scathach guide you and yours and may She bestow many blessings upon your endeavors.

Respectfully,

~Delphinea Quinn~ Priestess and Servant of Scathach

Lucius DeAuster · Date: 2011-09-01 12:15 EST

Lady Delphinea,

As of this date the number of those convalescing at the hospice in the Northwest Cliffs currently number fourteen. The nurses that have been on duty tell me that three will soon be crossing to the Immaterial, while another four are in serious condition. The rest appear to be responding to the vaccinations and the treatment brought by Batten Industries. Since our last correspondence nine have died from the virus, and the bodies have been released to their families after the risk of spreading infection has passed.

It has been my experience when touring the hospice myself that those being cared for are receiving comfort from both the Scathachian priestesses and the volunteers from Our Lady of Perpetual Misery. Our conservative count places the vaccination rate for the North Shore community at ninety percent, largely due to the smaller numbers of those living in the area. There are fewer coming in each day here also, and I will look to that as a good sign.

I have notified the guards protecting the hospice to expect the arrival of Dr. Ibaraki. Her help will be greatly appreciated by both staff and patients.

I remain, Lucius DeAuster

Sheryl Resendei · Date: 2011-09-14 23:43 EST

Having been given the task of delivering correspondence from Isuelt, Sheryl Resendei, only daughter of the High Priestess of Scathach, stood before the impressive gates to Shadowhold Manor, scroll in hand. Even though it was barely down the street from the Sanctuary, the walk there seemed to take forever; each step feeling like a mile. Always the inquisitive scholar, she had been asking about the neighbors to the Scathachian stronghold since she arrived. Though as her Sister Nimue had been preemptively barred from stepping foot onto the property owned by the DeAuster clan, Sheryl's attention had been turned there. The gates were shortly opened and she was given the opportunity to reveal her purpose there.

Since her arrival in the city, Sheryl had learned that the Lord of the manor was a powerful and decorated warlord, though there were whisperings (and even a few spits on the ground after his name was mentioned!) that he was not human. The volunteers, as it turned out, were incredible gossips. The Lady of the family was discussed in hushed tones, as if she could hear the words being spoken of her. The volunteers spoke of her incredible beauty as well as her impossible command of magic. And one gossip insisted that there was a second wife, a healer. But little more was said of her as the volunteer remained sour about it for some reason.

The Lord and Lady of the compound were rarely seen among the common folk of the city, it was said. But the children were different. There was a boy and a girl, as well as another female who some said was another daughter, and some said was a student or a ward. The younger DeAusters, the gossiping women relayed, were more approachable, though their presence was spotty as well. When Sheryl inquired as to the secluded nature of the family, she was quickly and sharply corrected. "They are warmongers! They are always away, always at war. All of them!" "Demons, I think they're all demons!" "I've heard they're elves and they don't wish to dirty themselves with the likes of us mortals!"

There were as many opinions about the DeAusters as there were citizens in Rhydin, and being the inquisitive individual that Sheryl was, she was thankful for the opportunity given to her by Illea, but fearful of what she might find, nonetheless.

She had announced herself as a messenger of the Scathachians and was curious to see exactly which one of the members of the famous family would receive her.

Cieara DeAuster · Date: 2011-09-21 20:29 EST

Two guards stood at attention once the gate was open and one extended am arm, clad in pristine plate towards the house that stood a short distance up the curving sweep of worn cobbles. Light danced off the windows, cast by a stray sun beam that had broken through the clouds. That display also sent shadows dancing along the well maintained grounds. Exhibiting an array of late blooming flowers and whimsically cut hedges depicting a variety of creatures from eagles to large maned cats all lining the road in verdant splendor.

A hint of cocoa and cinnamon drifted in the air and grew even more discernible as the large oak doors swung open revealing a tall man. His features were scarred and weathered but the wiry gray hair was tamed by a cut best described as military and his role made plain by the black and green livery he wore. "Good day to ye miss. Do come in, I shall notify one of the family of your arrival."

Mr. Tabard then made a motion of his hand, the white glove immaculate as he invited Sheryl into the main hall where the gray marble floors shone, while only the faintest hint of citrus polish still hung in the air. "Follow me to the sitting room Milady. Mrs. Tabard will bring in some refreshments momentarily."

The house radiated a serene sort of silence usually found in stately old homes. Well maintained, the sitting room was designed to welcome visitors having warm autumn colors and hints of colors spaced throughout. The seating was plush and comfortable and offered a lovely view of the expansive gardens off to the side of the old manor.

Mr. Tabard regarded the Scathachian with sharp hazel eyes and while everything about the man by appearance alone suggested he was simply a butler, the way he moved and the air radiating from him hinted at something more. "It will be just a few minutes Milady. My name is Tabard. If you need anything in the meantime simply call for me. "Again he motioned to a silver bell sitting upon one of the elegant service tables before making one smartly executed bow and then stepped out.

It wasn't long after the butler had departed there was a rather loud "Thud" in the hallway and a muffled curse following. "Owww! Cieara! Why did you do that?" A male yelled, sounding mildly irate.

Melodious mirth filled laughter echoed, bouncing along the walls as the door of the sitting room opened and Cieara glided inside. She was wearing a loose, cream silk shirt and soft suede pants in a warm brown shade, those garments elegant yet still relaxed and comfortable. "Tis nae my fault ye be tripping over ye own feet Danny. That be what happens when ye be rushing about maur br"thair. " Her tone was laden with amusement and then those radiant emerald pale eyes swung about, her attention alighted upon Sheryl.

Instantly a warm smile bloomed upon soft lips while her auburn head took a tilt to the side with a rippling of silky curls. Cieara's demeanor polite and also clearly inquisitive. "Hello Milady. I am Cieara DeAuster. Tabard said ye be a messenger from the Scathachian Sancuary, aye' How might we aid ye?? As she spoke the young half-elven woman was moving closer and extending a hand encased still in a riding glove to Sheryl in greeting.

Sheryl Resendei · Date: 2011-09-22 16:50 EST

The Scathachian scholar was taken aback. The DeAuster compound was nothing like she imagined it to be on the inside. Her impression of Mr. Tabard, who had admitted her into Shadowhold Manor and escorted her into the warm receiving parlor was nothing short of an efficient welcoming wagon. The house itself, what she could see of it so far, was wrapped in the loving warmth of a family who truly relished not only the fine things, but the art of entertaining guests. Everything about the house advertised ease and comfort. The scents that graced the environment were not unlike those she remembered from her upbringing in her aunt's household (for it was not until later in life that Sheryl was brought to the Island of Shadow and told who her real mother was).

A soft smile took the delicate features of this young Scathachian as she inhaled deeply and helped herself to a closer look around the sitting room. Her shoulders jumped slightly as the THUD! was heard just outside of the room, followed by voices. Blonde curls bouncing, Sheryl spun her body to face the doorway. Her form was clad completely in white, save for the crimson sash at her waist and a single chakram on her left hip.

The young woman who identified herself as Ciera was simply charming, and not at all what Sheryl expected. Ciera was certainly a beautiful vision, but it was her boisterous and disarming zest which the young Judge found marvelous. Walking to the young mistress of the house, Sheryl shook a firm hand as she smiled, "I am Sheryl Resendei, Miss DeAuster. It is a great honor to meet you. You have an exquisite home, truly." Her wide blue eyes were dancing with excitement, surrounded by thick lashes. Meeting new people and learning from new experiences were some of the very reasons that Sheryl was thrilled to be selected to come to RhyDin. Ciera DeAuster nearly exuded a vivacious personality that the untested warrior wanted to soak up.

She had nearly forgotten why she had come, "Oh, yes. I have this." She finally let go of Ciera's gloved hand and presented the scroll with which she had been charged. It was sealed. "Illea...uh...Issy told me to deliver this for the Lord of Shadowhold Manor." Her sparkling expression glanced toward the doorway briefly, wondering if the male voice she had heard earlier was him.

Daniel DeAuster · Date: 2011-09-26 12:47 EST

Daniel was muttering softly as he walked through the doorway into the parlor, rubbing his shoulder where he had bounced off the stairs when he 'had tripped over his own feet'. He was already planning his revenge on his sister, but thoughts were put aside as he took in the two ladies before him. "Danny, this be Sheryl of the Scathachian Order." Cieara made the introductions as he walked over. "And this is Daniel DeAuster, my sometimes clumsy elder brother." There was an air of teasing in her voice that earned her a seconds worth of 'The Look'.

"A pleasure, and welcome to our home." Daniel also extended a hand in greeting to Sheryl, the faint scent of the ocean lingering about him as he did so. Like Cieara he was dressed for riding, the two enjoying a rare day that did not involve some kind of family duty. He noted the scroll that his sister now held, but refrained from any questions about it for the moment. He had arrived in the middle of the initial introductions, and was more than willing to let Cieara take point for the moment, as it were.

During the first introductions Mrs. Tabard had slipped in quietly, bearing a tray laden with a small serving kettle, cups and a plate filled with small scones, cookies and tiny cakes. the tray was set on the coffee table, and the housekeeper started preparing the cups of tea for Sheryl and her hosts.

Sheryl Resendei · Date: 2011-09-26 15:55 EST

The blonde curls, cleaned and nearly in ringlets for the first time since leaving the Island, turned as Daniel entered the room. There came another low bow to the second DeAuster she was meeting today; and her mannerisms were just as cordial as they were to the first. "Mister DeAuster, the pleasure is mine, to be sure." She looked back and forth between the siblings before she gestured to the scroll. "I believe it is a favorable report from the hospice dealings," her voice was bright with promise. In her short time here, she had seen so much. Yet, there was an unbelievable amount left out there, just waiting for her to explore it.

"It's been a wonderful effort that your family has given. The facility, itself, is truly a blessing!" She thought for a moment, her intelligent blue gaze setting on the tray which was prepared by Mrs. Tabard, "It's a pity that our interactions are limited to the business of aiding people who are at the end of their road. I don't know about the both of you, and perhaps I am too forward, as everyone is wont to tell me, but it rather makes me long for the road itself."

She offered a bright smile for Cieara, then turned her expression to Daniel. It was at that moment that Sheryl remembered where she had heard his name. Isuelt had been yelling at Janie and sharing with her the now infamous "list" of those the blonde bombshell was forbidden to have any contact with. Sheryl managed to conceal most of her chuckle as she looked away from the clumsy elder brother and rested her charismatic expression on the lady of the house.

Cieara DeAuster · Date: 2011-10-01 22:28 EST

Cieara was the more social of the two. Perhaps it was the lessons taught to her by her mother and Myrialla that gave her that edge, either way Daniel often let her take the lead. So, with a warm smile and an echoing glow within the depths of luminous pale green eyes she motioned towards the sitting area. "Come, please have a seat Sharyl."

Steps graceful and liquid smooth carried Cieara towards the plush sofa where she paused and then handed the scroll to the pleasantly plumb Housekeeper. "Mrs. Tabard" Could ye please send a messenger through the portal to deliver this to our father post haste?"

"Of course Milady. " Eyes of bright sky blue danced with merriment as she collected the missive and with a nod of her brown head, Abigail Tabard was bustling off towards the kitchen, passing out of a large oak door and closed with quiet efficiency. The scroll would be in Lucius's hands in no time at all.

Cieara watched her brother take a seat in one of the side chairs near the fire and chuckled softly as he still remained silent for now. Burnished curls rippled with light with a casual turning of her head turned and regarded Sharyl again. "Be ye a healer by chance" I ask as tis something I have heard a few of such gifted individuals say regarding the "Road" ye be mentioning." As Cie spoke, deft elegant hands set about preparing the cups, the rich herbal scent carried by the steam as she poured. It was a soft fragrance of summer flowers, chamomile and citrus and offered a subtle perfume in the air around them. It was a special blend of tea designed by Myrialla to be soothing and appealing to the senses.

Sheryl Resendei · Date: 2011-10-10 18:42 EST

Sheryl's exposure to "the finer things," including everyday social graces had been limited to her upbringing on the Island of Shadow and as many books as she could devour. And while she was simultaneously in awe of and inspired by the DeAuster siblings and their grand estate just across the street from the Scathachian stronghold, she was fighting her curious nature to launch a million questions at the welcoming duo.

She took a seat, as directed by Cieara; and taking the cup and saucer, she sipped, following Cieara's lead once more. The fragrant tea was divine, and Sheryl was more than impressed with the infusion. "A healer? Well, I guess I would answer yes to that. We are all, uhm, meaning my sisters and I, are all trained in the healing arts. It is only natural, I expect, being followers of the Goddess of War." She offered a sweet-natured and bright smile that almost was in contradiction with her admission of her patron. "However, I prefer to think of myself as something of a scholar, I guess."

There was a hint of pink on her cheeks. This was a new audience, and she felt strangely free to share her opinions without expecting the usual teasing and sometimes ridicule that came from her Scathachian counterparts. "I am the Keeper of the Archives on the Island," she offered proudly, "I record and organize the history of Scathach's followers and of the world at large." She looked down at the fine china cup with its delicate pattern and deliciously steaming infusion and took another sip. "Since my initiation as a Warrior of Scathach, this is my first voyage off of the Island. The world is truly a wonderful and wondrous place," the librarian fought to keep her zeal in check with a simple and light chuckle. "This city in particular has been one surprise after another."

After another sip, she placed the saucer lightly on her lap, the cup rattling ever so slightly. Her bright blue eyes looked to the siblings as they warmed with her lips' smile.

Issy · Date: 2011-10-26 22:04 EST

The following set of letters were delivered to Shadowhold manner, along with a ceremonial dagger, which was a perfect copy of a Scathachian sword, wrapped in crimson silk.

Esteemed Governor Helston:

It is with great pleasure that I write this letter to proclaim the following news. As of yesterday, the last patient afflicted with the Rydin Bengu Fever virus was discharged from the hospice in the Old Temple District. Additionally, there have no new reported cases in over sixteen days. The hospice run by the DeAuster family in the Northwest Cliffs has also not seen a patient in over two weeks.

Although it is with caution, it is also with great pride that I report to you that our city's plight with this epidemic appears to be over.

While Rhydin has lost many citizens and visitors alike, we have also gained from this horrid experience. New knowledge and new technology in dealing with the treatment of refuse, the safeguarding of livestock and produce, as well as the filtration of drinking water, have now been drafted and expounded upon by the city's appropriate divisions. It is with this hope that we endeavor to not be touched in this manner by a catastrophic and widespread disease again.

We will, of course, leave the hospices open for one more week. But as all citizens and visitors have been accounted for with inoculations, and as we will continue to keep a stock of vaccines on hand, we do not foresee any new illness of this strain. Furthermore, the scientists of Batten Industries, as well as other facilities, continue to work for understanding the disease and creating a cure.

I would also like to thank you for your tireless attention to this matter and your leadership. This city is grateful for your control and presence of mind during the RBF outbreak. It is my belief that many owe you and your decisive actions a sincere thanks for keeping them and their families safe during this uncertain time.

I am, as ever, your humble servant,

~Isuelt DeRomiano

cc: Lord Lucius DeAuster

My dear Lord DeAuster;

As I write this letter, I know that I will not be able to find the words I need to express my gratitude for all that you and your family have done in the past month. Without the help of you and all that you employed to run the Hospice facility, this city would have suffered a greater loss during the epidemic.

The use of your property as well as the man power which you supplied will be remembered for long after this crisis is forgotten. Though the Scathachian Nation and the Embassy of Gharnholme do not often have the pleasure of interacting, I feel that we have better gotten to know our "neighbors" from this crisis and am thankful for it.

It is with pleasure that I look forward to further dealings with you and your family, as I have come to revere them and you as worthy pillars in this city. Please accept this small token as a symbol of our esteem. It is a ceremonial blade of Scathach, which is reserved for presentation to our allies in times of war. I feel that we have, indeed, fought a war together as we have finally seen our way clear of this illness that so ravaged our city.

My thanks and gratitude is ever yours,

~Isuelt DeRomiano

Daniel DeAuster · Date: 2011-11-04 11:22 EST

"It's full of surprises, but you have to be careful, for you never know what you might run into." This was Daniel's foray into the conversation from where he sat to the side. He shifted a bit, leaning forward in the seat as he looked to Rhiannon. "Especially in the West End. Things are always a bit'strange there."

Now, he was being quite careful, as he had only recently put his foot in his mouth in an evening with Isuelt and Raeghan and had no desire to insult Rhiannon, especially given the young woman's gracious demeanor. However, his own curiosity had been piqued, and so he forged ahead as his sister took a moment to enjoy the tea. "So, you're a chronicler" I imagine that you have some wonderful tales of your sisterhood." It was one of his guilty pleasures, reading and listening to the stories of far-off lands and the heroes that resided there.

The appearance of Mr. Tabard gave him pause, the lean form of the butler moving to stand in the doorway leading into the foyer, his arms folded behind him at a crisp attention. "Pardon the interruption, but a messenger just came from the embassy. Your father will be arriving shortly."

"Thank you, Mr. Tabard.? Daniel darted a look to his sister as the butler inclined his head and stepped back out of view. He had been unaware of any plans of their parents to come to Rhydin this day.

Sheryl Resendei · Date: 2011-11-11 16:08 EST

Sheryl continued to follow Cieara's lead as far as tea etiquette was had. From her readings and curiosity-based research, she knew of quite a few cultures that employed intricate and significant tea drinking ceremonies. And while the Island of Shadow had no such event, she doubted that the tea consumption within the DeAuster household was overly complicated. Still, Sheryl being the conservative one, erred on the side of caution and placed her cup and saucer upon the occasional table just after Cieara had.

Her large blue eyes looked to Daniel as she heard him ask what many of her Sisters would be warning him not to: "So, you're a chronicler" I imagine that you have some wonderful tales of your sisterhood." Sheryl's entire body, as well as her expression seemed to come to life. Had another Scathachian been here, one who knew Rhiannon, she would have doubtlessly rolled her eyes with something halfway between a sigh and a moan. Sheryl's love of learning and of scholarship was a dubious thing: at once admired and exhausting.

"Actually," she began as she had a million times before, "I have just finished restoring a manuscript from our archives that tells of the first recorded account of the battle for High Priestess domin—"

Whether he knew it or not, Mr. Tabard had just saved Daniel and Cieara from what would have certainly been a detailed tale which might have led them into the evening. Sheryl's lashes blinked to the butler and then looked to the DeAuster siblings. "Perhaps I should be leaving you? I've taken up so much of your time and I'm sure that you have important matters to attend."

Issy · Date: 2012-06-26 13:52 EST

My lord DeAuster;

It is with pleasure that I inform you that we have accepted the young K'ail-lua, or Kai, into our ranks as Keeper of the Temple. While I stress that she has not been inducted into the Scathachian Order as a warrior or priestess, she has been entitled with the rank of "Keeper" and will be stationing our Riverside Temple and Healing Springs in the Old Temple District.

It is much due to the recommendation of the other keeper Eudora, whom you may remember from the RBF outbreak, and your own words of praise for Kai. I agree with you completely that Kai's service is beyond measure and that we are fortunate to have her among our allies in so inimate a service as one who would tend to our sacred grounds as well as our injuries.

Please inform your family that there will be two Keepers in the Riverside Temple now, Eudora and Kai. Should any of you ever need anything, please understand that you may utilize them as you would myself or my Sisters.

My thanks to you in aiding me in my decision to bestow the title upon Kai and to offer her a permanent home in the Riverside Temple. Your words carry heavy weight with me and I am grateful for your honesty.

Regards, Isuelt DeRomiano

Lucius DeAuster · Date: 2012-08-31 10:01 EST

While he had read the letter from Isuelt on arrival, it had taken some time to actually pen a reply. He hoped she would forgive him for the time it took to send the missive.

Lady Isuelt,

I am glad that I was able to help you in your decision. I spoke merely of my own observations, though it seems you may have already known this. May the new Keeper serve the temple and the people of the city well.

I remain,

Lucius DeAuster