Francine's Letters

For a woman who uses the longest words she can while speaking, Francine is not one for writing a journal. She does however write a goodly quantity of letters, especially to her sister Eponine. The two girls pass off the notes to each other via Porté with a great deal of ease. Francine has also written a few times to other denizens of Théah, and we present those as well. There may be some letters missing, as these letters were written as e-mails, some of which have sadly been lost. However, there is still a more more than enough writing for them to form a journal for Francine.

Journal Entries - The Mask of El Vago, Tangled Strands, Attack on El Morro, Altamira Again, The Village of Spirits, ~Family and Freiburg, Maiden Voyage, Secrets, Sewers and Serenades,

The Mask of El Vago

Dearest Francine

I'm sorry to take so long to reply to your letters, but life has changed in so many ways since we last wrote.

I was so worried, money was difficult and mother was ill. But then your friend Clarisse appeared. While I was concerned to have earned the attention of a noble, she was truly an angel of Theus. She paid for a good doctor to see Mama, who became well almost immediately. She also helped us with the rent and food, but we are still proud and could take no more from her. She even apologised for taking so long! That any noble should apologise is unnerving to say the least, but to do so when arriving like a saviour is truly miraculous!

She said to pass her greetings on to you. I sense you have done great service for this woman as she spoke of owing us the bounty she provided. It seems she was going to arrive sooner but her life is in Crieux, and not Charouse. It took time for her to travel.

I am sad to say though that after she left, Mama and I argued. Clarisse herself has no skill with Porté magics, and has asked me to become her personal messenger. I feel that although she asked out of pity for our circumstance, her desire was genuine. I have decided to go with her now Mama is well and travel to Crieux again. I have no desire to see our father, but I believe he fawns over L'Empereur and rarely sees home.

I go against Maman's express wishes. She said she would not see me some noble's lapdog. But her words hurt as I am tired of stitching and sewing. My hands are red from the pricking of a needle rather than my birthright! I hear there are great opportunities for a mage in the navy. Perhaps one day I may travel as you do. Although I hate to leave Maman, it is the only way to provide for ourselves. Clarisse will provide all I need at her home so my salary can go to Mama. Do not fret sister; she has friends in Charouse who will see she is well. I shall visit often as Clarisse has a friend in a master sorcerer who can take me.

I am unsure about this group you mention. We hear many tales of the attacks of terror such groups make. I am a little frightened to become involved. To speak of such things as reform is becoming dangerous in Charouse, and now even further from the capital as well. I feel I would be safer for not being on either side of any troubles. You have always been the one with the stomach for war and adventure, I am happy with far less. I want only to practice my gifts in safety, and see to Mother's needs. But if I come across such things I will remember your words.

Maman and I miss you terribly. I shall write again soon.

Your loving sister

Eponine.

Tangled Strands

Dearest Francine

You must forgive me, I had forgotten to thank you for the bounty you bestowed upon us with your last letter. It was the reason we could retain our pride and refuse any more of Clarisse's aid. In fact I have been able to keep a beautiful gold necklace for myself. I wear it always to remind me of you. I would ask you where such jewels came from, but I know you too well my sister. I can only assume that charming Inishman is once again letting you lead him astray.

I will take your advice on the troubles here. But I think you have been too long from home to see how the people suffer. For all the talk of revolution and violence, the folk of Montaigne have not the energy for a revolt. They are kept hungry and overworked; unable to see further than where their next meal comes from. Everyone hopes things will change, but it is only the talk of thieves and criminals looking to excuse their own activities. No one is looking out for their fellow man in this country anymore. Your friend Clarisse is more aware than most, but her's is a small voice, even among nobles. Mother and I are luckily above the starving and below the nobility. But more beggars crowd the streets every day.

What could such half starved creatures do against the elegance and prowess of our musketeers? They remain good and noble men (and how jealous I am that you have found one of your very own!) but they still serve the nobility. I can see no revolution or end in sight for the people of Montaigne. Mother and I shall be aware, but must look to our own provision first of all.

Travel well dear sister

Eponine

(reply to above)

My Dear Sister,

GM Note: I got my wires crossed and thought Francine had sent jewels not cash to Eponine, so we had to assume she had some something of both. Francine was rather well off at the time!

I am glad to hear that you have kept some little part of the money I sent what seems so long ago to purchase a trinket for yourself. You and mother deserve so much more than I have been able to provide for you. Do not be afraid to use the looks that Theus has given us to further your cause. Draw in your inner strength and let your jewels and clothes only reflect the beauty of your inner nature.

Fionn is well, thank you for remembering him. I shall remember you to him too.

The trials of the people at home sound greater all the time. I must journey home soon to see with my own eyes and to make sure that those I love can be well cared for if anything terrible does happen.

Gerard, the musketeer I spoke of in my letters, is a fine and noble man but alas I have now left him behind in San Arrant. After the head of his garrison died he has been promoted to be their commander and after his uncle left the position of regent in favour of the original Castilian ruler he must remain behind to ensure that there is no friction between the good Castilians and the Montaigne that, rightly or wrongly, occupy their land. One day, I am sure, his skill and honour will be recognised and he will be posted home to Charouse. I look forward to a day when I can introduce you. Who knows maybe he could be charmed by a beautiful young Porté sorcerer?

You never did tell me more of the young man that used to visit you in the shop. Now that you have moved on do you hear from him no longer? You must tell me of the comings and goings at Clarisse’s house, what the people are like there. These days I seldom stay in one place for very long, even when I visit such a magnificent place such as this, and it would light up my heart to hear of the practical goings on in and around your new home. Tell me who plots with whom to avoid scrubbing the floors and who secretly loves who regardless of station. I miss the gossip of the old days when we were simply servants to the one I shall not mention.

But enough, I must go join my companions for our meal. Be bright and beautiful my sister, be aware of those around you and most of all be safe.

All my love,

Francine.

Attack on El Morro

My Dear Sister,

Your letter arrives today finding me in a most humble yet joyous disposition. My compatriots and I are spending a few restful days of serine contemplation at the locale that is the very heart of our faith. Yes, my dear, I have been lucky enough to arrive at the very gates of Vaticine City itself! The tales we heard as children of its splendour were not overstated. I spent last evening taking mass at the cathedral, the beauty of the service almost moving me to tears. Our divine lord Theus has allowed his mere servants to construct a truly magnificent tribute to his majesty.

Tomorrow I intend to spend a quiet day exploring the rest of the city. During this time I hope to find an insignificant local priest whom I can temporarily distract from his duties to hear my now long-overdue confession.

While I am in this city of wonders if there is anything that you or mother would like me to pray for I would find it humbling to be able, in any small way, to pass on your wish to mighty Theus in this, perhaps his most holy city.

But I find myself carried away! Dear sister, you know I was always the one who would talk endlessly of herself while you remained modest and demure. Some days I wonder if I stole your share of confidence while on others I envy you for the simpler life you have built for yourself. I know I go on so in these letters about the places I’ve been and the things I have done but you must remember dear Eponine that every life is equal in the loving eyes of Theus. What you do may, unbeknown to you, be more important to Theus’s divine pattern than my adventures could ever be.

It is truly a relief to hear that mother is well again. I had hoped that the monies I had sent to you previously would have been enough to clear our family debt and see to mother’s wellbeing. However since it appears this has not been the case I am happy that it is Clarisse who has been able to assist you. She is someone I am very proud to call my friend and is a shining example that not all of the nobility of our great land deserve the reputation that the majority have brought upon them.

Sad as I am to hear that mother and you have argued I am very happy for you and proud that you have decided to expand the horizons of your life by taking a position with Clarisse. You are, in fact, far luckier than I in that you have a chance to practice your Porté openly and have the opportunity to perhaps study under the master sorcerer friend of Clarisse’s that you mentioned. Where I travel use of magic is often frowned upon and I seldom have friends I can discuss it with never mind fellow Porté users I can learn from. All my advancements are stumblings in the dark I have made by myself. Soon, I am certain, you will far outstrip me with your knowledge and abilities.

As for the other subject you touch on in your letter – now I know mother is well this becomes my greatest cause of concern for my dear family and friends in my far away homeland. I have heard many rumours from people of many lands saying that a storm is coming, a time when those long oppressed will rise against those that cruelly subjugate them. Such talk always frightens me too dear sister but I fear that after so many years of our Montaigne lords abusing those that they, by rights, should be protecting some truth must be read even from such wild rumours. I not only fear for you and mama being caught up in such events but also now I fear for my friend Clarisse as well. If you do hear of any such rumours I pray you gather your courage and faith about you and pursue the source of such information, not only for the sake of our family but also for your newly found employer and friend. I ask you also to consider this – Clarisse is in a position where those about her will attempt to insulate her from any such rumours. Perhaps you could think on whether she should also be privately kept up to date with any information you may be able to gather. I am sorry to ask you to do such things that are not normally of your nature but needs must in times such as those we live in.

I think of you and mother daily and keep you in my prayers. Tonight I shall pray that one day you and I will be able to visit this great city and offer our thanks to the lord Theus for all those we care about having safely passed through the trying times to come.

All my love to you, mother and Clarisse.

Francine.

My Dear Sister,

I write to you again so soon because already, in the last two days indeed, such momentous things have happened in thought and deed that I feel I must share them with you.

Just when I believed that I would have a few days in quiet contemplation in the beautiful Vaticine City I instead found myself whisked almost immediately aboard a ship with my companions set to rescue the brave and noble Castilian hero Admiral Orduno who after fighting honourably for his country was accused of heresy by the increasing infamous inquisition and sentenced to burn at the stake!

It hurts me to again see what should be the very tool of the church and the watchdogs of Theus striving only for personal power and attacking, not those that challenge our Lord but those that oppose their own mortal position. While the Cardinal of all Montaigne remains unelected due to the missing Arch-Bishops I fear that the lack of a Hierophant leaves the inquisition to challenge, burn and hang all those who might even suggest that they themselves have overstepped their proscribed bounds. I beg you to be careful of any inquisitors you happen across in our homeland. These once noble men and women of Theus I fear can no longer be trusted in any way.

But I digress as normal! Again I ask you to suspend disbelief when I tell you who the captain was of the ship we were born on to the stronghold of (??). It was none other than The General himself! Yes, the very man tasked by L’Emperor to rid the waters of our nation of pirates himself! It seems that… (explain background between The General and the man we rescued which OOC I can’t remember). On the ship were many powerful Porté sorcerers from which I had the opportunity to talk with on our short journey. I welcomed the chance to talk with others who practice our art.

When we arrived within site of El Morro my companions were taken, via Porté, inside the very fortress itself while I remained on board ship where, along with the much more able sorcerers than myself, we defended the ship by using our abilities to ‘catch’ the very cannonballs out of the air as they descended to destroy our vessel! I have no problem admitting that I was as terrified as I had ever been in combat before as I watched the great lead balls flying towards my meagre body only to send them away with the power of my will alone. Theus truly has gifted us with an amazing ability.

But, believe it or not my sister, I have not one but two much greater revelations to reveal to you in this letter. My companions were successful in rescuing Orduno and, again via Porté, brought him back to our ship. It was then that I realised that we could not outrun the ships of the fort we had attacked but The General had already planned ahead. Steering our ship into a dead-ended cove we saw before us a group of master Porté sorcerers performing a feat such I have never heard even tell of before on the surface of Théah. Between them they had opened a Porté hole big enough to sail the entire ship though to a new destination. The very effort upon them looked to be monumental and I personally saw one heroic unfortunate amongst them die in the process – killed by one of the beasts from within the Porté realm.

My companions and I though did not travel through this immense gate into which the ship, the man we rescued and The General departed. As we approached the horizon Fionn seemed extremely concerned that we abandon the ship and travel back by land, in fact he appeared frantic with worry. Not wanting to be split apart from my companions we left the ship and stood on the shore while we watched the ship disappear and the hole collapse in behind them. Their destination and the question of whether they ever reached there remain unknown to me.

Staggering as this all seems to me even now to retell it to you, dear sister, I fear that it is surely not the most important thing I have to express to you in this letter. This last thing is not a done deed that I have to speak of but more of an idea that has formed in the minds of myself and some of my companions. It is an idea so monumental that, just in case it is true, I must share with you before I fear I will burst. As I explained above my companions travelled to the fort El Morro via Porté. During their trip they heard the usual whisperings of the beasts that live within the Porté realm. Fin in particular heard and retailed to us later something that I believe is of immeasurable importance.

I do not believe I have told you this before but my Innish friend is not entirely as like you and I. Truth be told he has in his lineage some blood of the Seelie Sidhe. They are the good creatures of the Avalon lands not to be confused with the Unseelie Sidhe their erstwhile evil cousins I have spoken of before.

While Fionn, his eyes tight shut naturally, was in the Porté realm the beasts whispered in his ear – “Binder! Leave us alone!” While we have been travelling back to Vaticine City some of my companions and I have been discussing what this might have meant and have come to this amazing possible conclusion. What if the Seelie Sidhe were the ones responsible for locking the vile beasts that inhabit the Porté realm into the dungeon dominion? What if those beasts once roamed Théah as freely as we do now? It was but a short step from that thought to come to the surmising that has, even now, contained me in a state of heightened animation! What creatures once were free on the face of Théah and are now gone – creatures that may have been bound away from this world? Why – surely the answer would have to be the Syrneth themselves! Perhaps it is true – the beasts locked in the space between the Porté holes we create are the Syrneth and not the creatures of Legion as so often suggested! My sister, if this is true then we may act freely in our art of Porté knowing that it is free from direct sin because we do not interact with the realm of Legion in doing so. I feel a great weight has been lifted from my heart!

It is with great joy that I write of the ideas that my friends and I have put together - but now it is with trepidation that I write on with a request I hope you can fulfil with the greatest of charm and subtlety. I would like you to pass on all I have spoken of to Clarisse – holding nothing back. Once she understands these ideas please persuade her that I said that sharing such ideas with others may not make her popular at court and she must be very circumspect with whom she corresponds on these matters. What I would wish of her would to be to very subtly ask any master sorcerers with who she has complete trust if such things may be true. If she knows of none she can trust I would have her seek out Hughes Praisse du Rachetisse the blind master sorcerer and, over time, see if she feels he is a man who can be trusted. I have heard tell he often converses with the beasts within the Porté realm and if he has not been tainted by them then surely he would be the best person to know if the ideas generated by myself and my companions may, indeed, be true.

As ever, I know I ask much of you and Clarisse my dear sister but I hope you too can surely see that such knowledge, if shown to be true, could change the world view of all people upon Théah forever. The genuine humility I feel at such a notion overwhelms me and now I fear I must retire to bed to further muse on such thoughts until sweet Theus’s dreams come for me again.

As ever, all my love to you, mother and Clarisse. Respond soon to tell me how you are all faring.

Francine.

Altamira Again

My dear sister,

I hope this letter finds you and mother well and happy. I ask you to pass the included letter to Clarisse onto her if you would be so kind.

I’m currently in the centre of a flurry of activity so I’m afraid this missive will have to be short this time. I am currently in Eisen where a number of my long term travelling companions have temporarily deserted me and I am now associated with a group of rather uncouth members of the Explorers society, I do hope this situation will not last long. Fionn was robbed when we were recently in Altarmira so he is currently looking for the person responsible; I miss him and hope he will return to me soon.

My loving sister, what this has reminded me is that in this life we cannot ultimately rely on anyone else. Friends, family and those we love may try their level best to be with us but each of us must find it within ourselves and through faith the Theus, to be ultimately self-reliant in case we find ourselves in a situation where we have to survive by our own wit and cunning alone.

Be ever vigilant my sister about all that transpires around you – life in Charouse may not be as simple as you think, observe well.

Give my love to mother. I look forward to hearing all that you have done since we last spoke.

Love,

Francine.

Letter Enclosed for Clarisse

My dearest Clarisse,

It has been a long while since I’ve spoken to you so I thought I would also send you a very quick line now that I am writing to Eponine.

I thank you again for taking my family in under your wing; it is most gracious of you to welcome them into your household. I look forward to seeing how well they have settled in when, one day soon I hope, I manage to return to Charouse.

My dear friend, I am writing to you mainly to ask from you a favour – I hope it is not too much to ask. I have been away from Montaigne for far too long now and I am completely out of touch as to what is happening in our fair land. The last I spoke to any of our fellow countrymen that had recently been there they said that there was continuing unrest amongst the common people and that, if anything, it was continuing to get worse. I try to speak to my sister about it but she is an innocent and does not see the things that frighten me. Can you let me know what is really afoot in the world close around you and the others I must love from afar?

I hope you are safe and sensible and that these words letting you know that I am alright bring you some cheer. I will write more of what I have been doing since when we last spoke when I have more time.

Your friend,

Francine

The Village of Spirits

Father Superior,

I hope when this letter finally reaches you it finds your congregation in good health.

I have little hope that Father Alejandro is on a road to recovery but please find 5 Guilders enclosed to help pay for any medicines or comforts he may need. Theus may yet send us a miracle.

I thank you again for all you are doing.

Francine Allias du-Paix.

My dear Elena,

It is with great sadness that I must write to you at this time. Your friend and mine Father Alejandro has been severely wounded in noble battle and now lies as if sleeping at (insert location) where the monks are ministering to him as best as they are able until the day when, Theus willing, he will awake.

I hope you, like myself and Alejandro's other friends, will keep him in your prayers - may he soon be returned to us.

Francine du Paix.

Dear Bishop Constanza del Rios

It is with great sadness that I must write to you at this time. Your brother Alejandro has been severely wounded in noble battle and now lies as if sleeping at (insert location) where the monks are ministering to him as best as they are able until the day when, Theus willing, he will awake.

I hope you, like myself and Alejandro's other friends, will keep him in your prayers - may he soon be returned to us.

Francine du Paix.

Fionn,

Haven’t heard from you. If you aren’t dead, let me know.

Francine.

Family and Freiberg

Mme Du Bisset,

Please forgive me for writing to you out of the blue. I was most heartened by our conversation at the party in Friedberg. I am glad that I am not the only person of noble standing who is disheartened by how those of lower standing are treated in our own country.

I and my family do what little we can to try and help but we have no real voice at court and know of no-one that is trying to help in a more direct manner.

I know it is a great deal to ask but, perhaps, if you know of anyone back home in our beloved Montaigne who is involved in trying to aid those born less fortunate than ourselves you could let me know a way to contact them.

If you feel moved to reply, please send word to Eponine Du Paix at <Clarisse’s address>.

On another matter. I returned the Explorers Society pin to my friend the Vestern. He, however, feels that he has still acted irresponsibly and that he must justify to himself that he has made amends before he feels comfortable to wear if again. If you have any suggestions on how he can expedite this speedily I would love to hear them.

I thank you for your time.

Francine Du Paix.

Fionn,

You evil bastard, if I hadn’t lost my heart to you so many years ago I wouldn’t even bother to notice you’d gone the way you treated me.

At least do me the favour of letting me know how you are doing tracking down the man that stole our money.

One day I may forgive you for deciding to leave in the middle of the night without even having the courage to tell me farewell, you coward.

Till then Theus watch over you and be safe my love – if anyone gets to perpetrate the act of violence that removes Fionn O’Connell from Théah I want it to be me!

Francine.

Maiden Voyage

My Dear Clarisse,

I am sorry to have to ask a favour of you when I have, at the moment, so little to offer in return. My darling sister is herself shortly to do a favour for me which will involve going into the city after dark. I would be eternally grateful if you could have one or two of your household go unobtrusively with her to make sure she safely returns. I am sorry that I cannot, as yet, tell you why.

I do have some glad tidings though! I and my friends are presently on our way to glorious Montaigne! We are to leave Eisen by ship this very morning and hopefully we shall see each other soon.

I thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the help you have given me and my family. When I arrive you shall have to tell me how, in some small way, I can repay you.

Francine.

My Darling Sister,

I hope this letter finds you and mother well.

I never did hear back from you about how life is currently for people in Charouse.

I have been thinking much of late of the rumours I have been hearing about the increasing desperation of those lowly born, like ourselves, in our beloved Montaigne and how wretched their plight has become.

I have decided that I must, in whatever little way I can, try and help those so much less fortunate than ourselves. It is in this task that I am asking you, my love, to aid me at this time. Along with these letters I hope you will find a sum of 200 guilders. I know this is a very small amount but I hope it will go some way to perhaps helping a small number of those less fortunate than ourselves.

It is my plan that you gather the courage I know you have and take this money and go out at night, in disguise – perhaps a mask, and share it out in small amounts amongst those that need it. I have asked Clarisse to send two of her household, also in disguise, to make sure that you can undertake this mission in safety.

It is my secondary hope that as you dispense these monies if you are asked who you are you might say only something like “The Mademoiselle”. My intention being to give those living in such abject squalor a figure of hope they can focus on.

I know I ask a great deal of you, my sister. It might seem not such a difficult thing for me after my travels all over Théah but I know for you this must seem like a daunting task. I ask you to put your faith in Theus and remember that you and I cannot really be so different – I have always believed that whatever way I can make in the world you are capable of the same and more. I know you are fully capable of doing this and I hope helping those less fortunate than ourselves will bring joy into your heart, I hope I will be able to send more money to you very soon.

Finally, I bring you good news. After so long I am finally on my way home to those I love more than anything! My friends and I set sail for Montaigne this very morning and hopefully I shall be able to embrace my beloved sister in the very near future.

My love to mother.

Francine

Secrets, Sewers & Serenades

My Dearest Viola,

It is good to hear from Axel and the others that you are well and that between yourselves there is now an up and coming villa on the outskirts of Charouse with new owners!

Until very recently my life here in the big city had been very different from the way it had been for the last few years. I was enjoying the rounds of parties and introductions as well as spending time with my family and Alan. Then my erstwhile travelling companions (including, Theus be praised, Farther Alehandro) came back into town and things reverted to their usual chaotic maelstrom. I’ll look forward to recounting the tails of our latest encounters to you in person and you can introduce my to this young Ussuran gentleman that I’m told is now staying at your> property. Please keep the enclosed coin safe – I have blooded it for Porté and if you send a brief note to me care of Alan letting me know when you are free I can walk to it so we can converse in person rather than have to pass endless letters back and forwards.

In the meantime I leave you with a few short things to think about.

Now that I am capable to walking to objects I have blooded I was able to use this talent to fetch the swords, guns and knives necessary to save the lives of myself and our friends during our latest adventure. I managed this by finding such items by fluke at Alan’s where I had left such an object. I would be extremely grateful if you could perhaps set aside a small pantry space in your new home where such items as may be useful to us in our adventures may be placed so that I can retrieve them if necessary. I know I ask a most inopportune favour but such items may possibly be purchased next time you travel into the city and brought back by cart as I cannot hope to carry this amount of equipment with me when I come to visit. I include a sum of 30 Sols to cover the costs of such items. I content that this equipment may consist of things such as swords, knives, lanterns, flint, rope, pistols, gunpowder and shot, bows and arrows, blankets, simple clean clothes, water bottles, simple first aid supplies, some simple dry food and anything else you consider appropriate.

I also ask you to think on this. What if a blooded item of mine was able to be smuggled, via your friends, to your sister in Vodacce? If such a thing could be done then a friendly, or hired, master Porté sorcerer could give me one of his objects that I could then place next to mine. In turn he could then walk to his object safely with your sister in Vodacce and bring her safely back to Montaigne. I know the plight of your sister in Vodacce has long troubled you. Perhaps you might think on this possible course of action.

There is one more thing that I wish to tell you about – in fact to finally take you into my full confidence in return for which I hope you can take me into yours. But let us speak of those matters in person.

I hope this letter finds you well. Theus look over us all.

Francine.

(reply to the above)

My dearest Francine,

I am very well and it is so good to hear from you. I will no doubt come to visit the next time I am in Charouse proper (Dave - feel free to discuss with Andy brief visit to game of Viola) to Francine. Although I am very happy in the company of Piotr and hope to stay in touch with him when he departs - he is fascinating man and has almost as many stories to tell of his travels as us - that I do miss all of the company especially yourself whom I have not had the pleasure of conversing with for some time.

The house is some windfall I grant you and it good to know I have some sort of a home. Fear not I will return to you when the house has been developed to an acceptable standard - it was much neglected when I took over. I too am know making good on the promise to develop myself and am in training to learn the Gallegos swords school with a master who was good enough to come to Charouse. It is not secret that this is but phase one of a plan of mine to eventually combine this with my Ambrogia training and become a grand master but since this is not an interest of yours I will not bore you by taking shop as it were. (Andy please - feel free to supply more details of swordsmaster). You must tell me more details of the "chaotic maelstrom" as a swordswoman I rather miss being active in that arena or do you refer to the Axel "broom of doom" type of chaos. I am making a conscious effect to not think about that particular Eisen gentlemen so I will not ask after his affairs.

Of coarse I will keep a blooded item for you in this house. I agree with you it would be extremely useful to do so and have a readily accessible store of weapons and items to hand so to speak and I will assist you in seeing to this. It is a shame that you do not have the mastery of Porté to be able to move me into a situation where my assistance may be useful. We are fortunate that Pyotyr has some healing skills but perhaps the address of a good healer would be useful. We may be able to impose upon Alan to bring him to us should the occasion demand.(Dave does he just have first aid or can he do surgery?) (Andy would Viola know this?).

The blooded item in Vodacce does open up possibilities as does the pledged assistance of Pyotyr. However I think any rescue operation into Vodacce would have to be very carefully planned. I think you have seen and heard enough of the operations of the Lady Lucrezia to know that one cannot be too careful when it comes to Fate Witches or indeed any situation where they may become involved and you also have to deal with Vodacce men and their scheming which can be just as deadly. My countrymen and women are very devious and the introduction of a Porte item would have be done carefully so not to arose suspicious and the identity of those involved would have to be concealed to avoid "bad fortune" befalling them. However it would certainly help the situation and it is good to have friends who can assist.

There are matters which I wish to discuss with you in person too some of which are of a relatively trivial nature some of which are more important. I guarantee that any secrets you tell me will be treated with the strict confidence.

I look forward to seeing you and hearing your news.

Theus be will us all.

Viola.

Mr Dear Gerard,

I am sorry that it has been so long since I left San Arrant before I have put pen to paper. I am sure if I told you half the things that have happened in my life since we last spoke you would not believe me.

It was, in fact, your Captain Jean-Marie Rois et Reines du Rogné who, it is my great shame to admit, mentioned you to me and made me realise that I should make amends and write at once. I was attending an Imperial Ball when I spoke to Monsieur Rois et Reines and mentioned my time in your current area of Castille when he brought up the name of an up and coming Lieutenant Commander he had been hearing great things about. It seems news of your sterling service has travelled far indeed.

Although I was greatly honoured to be invited to such a great event I have been shocked and appalled to see how the state of the peasantry has devolved even further since I was last in Charouse. The already vast gulf between the rich and poor seems to draw inexorably wider. Those at the ball, while speaking ill of the poor in ringing tones, found time to rumour of planned violence by numerous minor groups certain to be put to the sword without mercy.

I cry at night to think of there being so little I can do to change the way things are here. Between myself and my family I have done what little I can to distribute meagre funds as we are able but it is so little. There are groups here that mean well including one I intend to look into called the Free Thought Society but they are of endless talk and little action I fear.

I remember what you spoke to me of your friends and have been thinking much on the subject since I arrived in Charouse. I intend to take the matter up with Cardinal Durkheim when I go to see her for confession later this week.

I wish there was some way I could be more involved in some active way of changing the beautiful country I love into something where all people could try and live in peace and harmony. To be bold, I wish there was a group of people I discuss my love for my country as well as my fear for its future right here in Charouse. I am sure you know of who I speak but, alas, because of what you told me I suspect that such an arrangement would be difficult at best.

Finally I would wish nothing more than to be able to send a blooded coin to you so that I may walk to you in San Arrant to visit you in person. Yet, knowing what you would think of such an act I respect your view and will simply leave you with this letter and a hope that you will send word back to me.

Thinking of you,

Francine.