IC INBOX [Text, Voice, Video, Action]

[huntedby]

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[depicted]

[On December 24th, a message comes on Vanessa's locket.]

Miss Vanessa Ives,

I have asked that, at the Station, a fairy by the name of Aisling keep a seasonal gift for you. If you would seek her out and tell her my name, she will gladly hand it over.

Merry Christmas,
Dorian Gray

[If Vanessa does as Dorian suggests, she will find a cheerful fairy who, after a bit of teasing, will hand over a jewellery box, containing a pair of earrings. That it is not mere jewellery but a box indicates Dorian's desire to gift her more, similar objects.

That it had to be handed off by a third party rather than Dorian giving it in person indicates just how shy and terrified he is about giving a gift meant to express his romantic inclinations towards Vanessa.]

[huntedby]

[Vanessa is a bit floored, in truth, by the note, and the gift. It is--again, she knows it is peril, it is all peril. She should be avoiding this at all costs.

But still, this Dorian--he calls to her, as the one she knows, does, but in a way that doesn't feel so nefarious. It doesn't feel as if she lets down her guard, she will fall, and fail.

Such a terrible, tempting thing. And she has not been very good with temptation.

So yes, she gets the beautiful old box, and earrings that are perfect--her style. Though of course, even this Dorian would find some way to know.

So on Christmas Day, Dorian will find a note delivered to him. She had to find someone who could bribe a fairy to do so--for she has only abilities with imps.

Her script is well practiced; she has written too many letters in her time.]



Dear Mr. Dorian Gray,

I feel bereft of anything to give you in return for such gifts you have given me. The earrings are lovely, as are the box that they came in.

I would invite you over, to see the beautiful decorations the imps have given me, but as you well know, you are not welcome, jut as I am not welcome in your castle.

So allow me to be so bold to set up a meeting with you, on Boxing Day, to meet at the Station. It would please me to see your face.

Sincerely,

Vanessa Ives

january 13th, voice.

[erythristic]

Lady Ives, I hope this message finds you well. I am Grell Sutcliffe, the Red Knight, and I would speak with you face to face as soon as time allows. Where you are in the Drabwurld is not an impediment.

[huntedby]

I am currently in the middle of traveling. Can I ask what is so urgent?

[She's in the middle of a quest to move people to Redgate, but he can pop over.]

Jan 17th; evening

[depicted]

Vanessa, might I meet with you?

voice

[huntedby]

I am currently traveling to Redgate. But of course, the moment I return, I will meet with you.

Is something wrong?

last week of january; spire

[gandere]

[ The arrival of the artificer isn't exactly prompt, as there were twelve locations that she had to visit and the message from the General herself was vague with the timing. Still, when she arrives she doesn't do much to stand out. There's a case in hand that probably holds the supplies needed to piece the machine together and the rest of her attire is less impressive. A simple red coat and skirt, though her hair is pulled back into a braid instead of the usual twintails. It's only an illusion to make her appear older than she really is--not that it does much considering she's barely five feet tall and has a youthful face.

She doesn't travel far from the ring, waiting expectantly for someone (or something) to guide her closer towards the spire itself. ]

[huntedby]

[There are spiders about.

Some moving pieces of wood, stone, alongside the two-legged workers, who are keeping distance.

A soldier comes up to Rin, and after taking her information, leads her towards a nearby tent, which is clearly the base of operations as the Spire is being built.

There is scaffolding around it, and it looks about three fourths done.

Once in the tent, she will see a young woman seated at a table, looking over schematics, her dark hair pulled high on her head.

A large spider is in the corner, as well, settled in a web.

Looking up, Vanessa smiles.]

Ah, Ms Tohsaka. I'm glad you were able to come.

8th; Rune

[depicted]

[It is until they're in the safety of the forest, until they have time to rest for the night, that he can stop to communicate with Vanessa. His locket is gone, but perhaps that is for the best. Still, it limits what he can say to the barest basics of words.]

Alive?

[huntedby]

yes.

Castle Destroyed.

[She is sure he knows.

But look what the Seelie did. They brought hell down upon them all.]

13th; text

[cagedinflesh]

Baroness Ives,

I hope you have been well after the events of the last week. I am writing to you to ask if your spire would be so kind as to accept approximately seventy-five refugees, only for one night, on our road to the 9th Spire. We would arrive on the evening of the 15th, and will be with tents, for surely there is an absence of rooms.

Yours,
Henry Jekyll

text

[huntedby]

Mister Jekyll,

None of us are well. I am alive. That is enough. But yes, I can accept them. I would never turn any away. We will find room for them.

Baronness Ives.

may 2701; delivered via seagull.

[extramural]

[ A bone charm is dropped off, the seagull impatiently hopping around the spire window until she takes both it and the note on its leg off before squawking, looking around for food, and flying off. Somehow it's managed to avoid the giant spiders. ]

Van-

This charm will work as a communication device. It, my shrines, or sea life can all reach me.

[ There's no signature -- but who needs one? ]

[huntedby]

[Vanessa can't help but smile when she gains the bone charm.

It is probably practical; but there is something...charming, about it.

She touches it, gently, calling on him.]

Is it working?

[She would like to see him.]

Yule 2701 also let's hope my latin isn't bad after all these years

[depicted]

The gift comes anonymously, but Dorian trusts that Vanessa will know. Leather gloves, in the style she always wears, embroidered with her initials on the inside of the wrist; a hand mirror, set in a darkened metal, with pulchritudo in tenebris engraved into the handle; and a finely bound printed copy of Romeo & Juliet, but set side-by-side with A Midsummer Night's Dream.

compass message

[huntedby]

I received your gifts, Dorian.

[Beautiful things. But sad, as well. He may not raelize the double meanings they all have--beyond what he meant for them to mean.]

LETTER DELIVERY - SPIRE 1 - 1ST WEEK OF AUGUST

[greenies]

To: All barons of Spires
Re: A Notice of What Ails the Golems

By now you have probably been told of the golems of the forests across the Drabwurld attacking travelers and visitors to their territory. This anger is caused by a fungus that grows on the plants, and especially the vines, that make up their form, which is growing too fast. It's basically the same as a rash on a person with skin, or fleas on the back of a furred animal.

A method for healing the golems has been found.

Please, take an elementalist who is able to control water and take them into the forests to speak with the Dryads that live there. Ask the Dryads to strengthen the golems and make it so the increased growth of the fungus doesn't irritate them. Agree to have the elementalist wash the golems so their irritation is lessened and they can calm long enough to be healed by the dryad's magic.

Do not destroy the fungus. From everything I've been able to find, it's a normal part of them. It's just that the weather seems to be exactly right for it to grow faster than it usually does. The golems only need to be strengthened so they no longer feel irritation from the current growth rate.

If you have any questions, you may send word to either Wan, in the the Village of Azure (within La Llorona) or Flora, a Marchioness of the Seelie Court.

Regards,
Wan

[ attached to the letter is a second one, much smaller, written in neat, straight handwriting: ]

Vanessa,
I hope you're doing well. Let's meet up and talk sometime soon--maybe once all this chaos has calmed down? (If it ever does, I guess.)

Sorry I missed you this time.
-Thomas

Letter sent back to Thomas by Spider

[huntedby]

Thomas,

Thank you for the note. I would like to see you agian soon, as well. Though I do doubt the chaos ever truly stops, here.

I never thought in my life I'd be attempting to wash golems.

--Vanessa

yule

[cagedinflesh]

[Delivered to Vanessa at the Spire is a small box, containing a pair of earrings, with a small note card inside. There are also various medical supplies for the Spire as a whole - magical potions, medicinal drugs, sterilisation fluid, gauze, etc.]

Dear Miss Ives,
Happy Christmas and Yuletide.
Yours,
Henry Jekyll

[huntedby]

Mr. Jekyll,

I appreciate the gift.

I regret that my gifts will be late, due to an unexpected...illness.

[She knows he will understand.]

Trust I will provide you something in kind, soon.

Hope you are well,

Vanessa.

april 2702.

[arla]

[ A letter will arrive for Vanessa by the third week of April, delivered by bird. ]

To Baroness Vanessa,

Would that I could bring you better tidings in the wake of Caer Scima's revival but I have urgent news to bear. The Void can be seen from the southernmost point of Leathann. It is even closer than before, five miles at most, perhaps. Allies and traders in Treun have begun hearing word of this as well, as I last left the city in the beginning of April. How fast the Void is spreading, I cannot say, and I will remain until that information has become more clear to me. This is dire news that must be kept close until the monarchs have been informed, though I trust that this will become a much more prudent issue for us in the future. As word has begun to spread in Leathann, there has been arguing and fighting. The people are afraid. I suspect this will only worsen and grow in strength as word gets out. It will not remain secret for long.

Once more information is uncovered, I will be able to present it to you. For now, a warning is all I can offer, and thoughts towards the well-being of the people of the Drabwurld. Be safe, all of you. Whatever semblance of peace we have had since the Battles of An Càrn Bàn and An Càrn Dubh is likely to be shattered now.

Sincerely,
Nasrin Lavellan

January 2702 | Via Courier

[gordianknots]

[Delivered to Vanessa is, as promised, a set of chains designed to prevent her from teleporting. Each link in the chain has words engraved to ensure the strength of the spell.

The name of the sender is unknown, as is the maker of the chain. However, included in the package is a simple note, typed on a typewriter found somewhere in the depths of the Station.]

Completed. Test them before intended use.

[huntedby]

[Vanessa, of course, has no idea who gave her the chains.

Still, Waver will find this boquet delivered to the Barrel.]

video - may 3rd

[digophelia]

Miss Vanessa, are the lockets working for you, too?

[ So she sounds a little excited. ]

[huntedby]

They are, yes.

You seem excited.

[Vanessa seems amused.]

after the fall of mair.

[fulminants]

Baroness, I need to talk to you about the broken Spires.

Are you available?

[huntedby]

I am, yes, of course. What do you wish to speak on?

MSG

[withbite]

You are invited! You and a +1 are invited to the opening of The Oasis. The Grand Opening will be on the 26th and will last until the 28th. Come prepared. Accommodations available in town or the Spire. Consider it part of the VIP treatment.

[You're welcome to answer here or at the post -- here]

[entitles]

Baroness Vanessa Ives -

I am sure by now that you've been informed of the unfortunate departure of Baron Sterling Archer.

He has seen fit to name me as his successor to the Eighth Spire and I seek your approval for this decision. I know that we have only met once, but I fear it will fall into disarray if swift action isn't taken to secure leadership.

Thank you,
Balem Abrasax

[Look at that, he even leaves out 'Lord' this time.]

[huntedby]

Good Riddance.

And yet, I am not surprised he would choose you.

It is the rise you wanted, is it not?

Text // backdated to July 31

[entitles]

You wished to speak with me?

[huntedby]

Yes. I have a task for you, if you would have it.

[entitles]

I've gotten a very interesting offer from the monarchs.

I am certain you know what it is.

I will be accepting.

[huntedby]

I am not something to be sold off, like cattle.

letter | arriving by soldier on 8/19

[uneulogized]

[The invitation itself will arrive midday of the 19th. Although servants may try to open and read the letter, it's very clear that the magic is highly secure, making it so that only the baron themselves can read it.

The handwriting inside is tidy, but in a way that it's obvious that whoever wrote it made the effort to throw out a lot of different copies before deciding on the perfect set to send out. It is not the hand of someone who normally has neat handwriting, then.

Each of the messages will be delivered by one of the men who works under Jason given his middling influence in the world. They have been instructed to answer no questions.]

Our meeting of barons will commence on August 25th at Srathmarbh on the Baron Brucolac's airship.

Be diligent, and tell no one of the location before we meet (there are eyes among us). Bring your own beer (or various beverages of choice), if you'd like. I've got a feeling we're going to need it.

I look forward to seeing your homework.

[The eyes among them are the Cult, but he refuses to say it specifically. He hopes that, with the death of Saber, everyone will put two and two together.

Specifics will come when it's time to meet in a week.]

Video | Private

[notavirtue]

[He hadn't intended to let so much time pass, but Leathann and preparation for the war had kept him out of Dorchadas for weeks. Now the land had hardly any food or water to spare, and the dwarven machines were pouring out of the mountains. Soon, he'd be meeting with John and Diarmuid, and soon - they'd be ending this one way or another.

Since awakening his shard, Vanessa had been on his mind more often than not. Never enough to upset his focus, but speaking to her, perhaps seeing her, would put some things at ease.]

Where are you?

Video | Private

[huntedby]

I am in the tower.

[As usual. She looks more harsh, stressed, circles under her eyes from not sleeping. But she is still herself. Even if she is stressed and harried.]