The Tide’s Song
34(ish) Autumn 218
Contents of Carter’s letter to Ethan Fairchild
In-game context:
Before Ethan, Grisham and Warbler leave the Tide’s Song, Carter catches Ethan, handing him a pair of carefully folded letters, each sealed with deep red wax.
In the conversation, Carter verbally shares a short description of the neighborhood of Galoring in which she lives - in the garden quarter. She would describe Viks, the Swan guard captain who regularly sent peacekeeping patrols down the side streets, making sure the quarter was safe. It is clear that Carter is excited about her home and has great fondness for the people she describes.
The contents of the letter follow:
Mister Fairchild -
Galoring is a busy place, but my family name is well-known here. The other letter includes a writ of passage for you, and a note to my staff, informing them of Holland’s death in battle and my own ascension to Baric. That letter, along with my seal should be enough to at least allow you in the house, and the threat of repercussions from an angry Baric could buy you time anywhere in the city.
If you do end up at the Blackwood Townhouse, you will likely be brought to meet with the housekeeper or the captain of the guard. The housekeeper, (Mrs Henriette Miller) is the better bet, so be charming and act hungry.
Here, Carter has drawn a little winking face, and a small picture of a bowl of soup.
The letter continues:
If it is Captain Sondell, instead, you may be dashed around a bit, but keep your calm and show my seal and he should also allow you access.
If asked, the story is this: the Lady Carter Blackwood was on her way to Ven, a trip she anticipated would take a few days, maybe a grasp. She did travel secretly. You and your merry band found her shipwrecked and rescued her. Since then, you’ve been attacked by Isendelian soldiers at every turn. Calling you witches and pirates… (elaborate how you like, but I’d prefer if you don’t mention that Holland was a witch).
The previous line has been scrubbed out and then rewritten, the paper noticeably thinner beneath it.
The letter continues:
It actually may be best to keep details simple, and to not mention witchcraft (this is scratched out) magic of any kind. Simply say Holland died in the crossfire of a naval battle, but, crucially that you saw his body. That he is dead.
Tell the staff that, following my brother’s sudden, tragic death, I wanted to make haste back to my home. However, with all of the crowds in the city and the incredibly dangerous approach (see above, rogue Swans, pirates, sea monsters, whatever you like) you and Grisham have been sent ahead to ensure things are prepared at the townhouse and that it is safe for my arrival and ultimate investiture by the Court.
The staff may be surprised, but I’ve always paid Mrs. Miller well for her discretion, and Capt. Sondell far prefers me over Holland, so if you speak smoothly enough, confidently enough, you should be fine.
The letter is signed with an ornate signature:
Lord Carter, Baric Blackwood.
A final line below the signature reads:
Keep the other letter close. Burn this one.
A drawn arrow indicates a single cigarillo, cleverly pressed through a cut in the paper and secured with a wax seal.
The seal is the Blackwood crest - an ornate B flanked by leaves of oak. Pressed into the dark red wax, the details of the seal seem almost a true, rich black.
….
The other letter is sealed.
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