eskil_douglas | Mailbox Post!

From:

notary-puz.livejournal.com

A sphere of a bat rolls and sways its flight path to Eskil's window. It perches upon the sill and leans against a pane; it would seem, upon close examination, that this messenger is more cricket than bat, now. It won't even accept a token bit of food for its efforts.

The message on its leg simply states, Would you like to play a game?

From:

eskil_douglas

He doesn't recognise the handwriting and he doesn't recognise the bat. It's a rather ominous thing receiving an anonymous note with such a message. Has he heard any anecdotes about these sorts of notes? Is it some Neathy custom?

With a puzzled frown he writes an answer and sends it off with the bat. What are the rules?

From:

notary-puz.livejournal.com

The same bat returns a short time later with another scroll.

29 Solve puzzle STOP Rtn to Sndr as proof STOP Bedted yi vkbb ev fkppbui 30

From:

eskil_douglas

It takes a while, but soon enough the bat returns.

YDTUUT YJ YI. MXE QHU OEK?

From:

notary-puz.livejournal.com

This bay is starting to work-off its payment (bribe) with repeated trips, but it does return in its casual, capering way. it bears a scroll on each leg this time.

On the right leg the scroll reads:

29 Good x2 STOP A friend STOP Cousin asked me to give your mind ease, puzzles while you were ill STOP Apologies for tardiness STOP New puzzle 7 Key Wines 1

On the left leg the scroll reads (in rather cramped writing):

29 Qqoy t jjb gx trzqbkp, kmxk xhmxob owx px hth, xb tfk cxfya xb ttk mnohx xwr ixcnbxx lo vnfpnzk ab bvfei cvngh rh sxzngxtoh, ht exh rtpk cvnl orumm qx oqe qqwszp COLON jbi ub lcsmbwhjw trhm ll viha irpjkqh oltfwgy hqqsw fbw, ox ab fczea jzqht xhmxo vss tdjwslq qwrlbut 30

From:

eskil_douglas

This one is definitely trickier, but the young Swede perseveres and after some time the bat returns once again.

Thank you then, friend. Leviathan, is it not? I agree and:

"The only freedom which deserves the name is that of pursuing our own good, in our own way, so long as we do not attempt to deprive others of theirs, or impede their efforts to obtain it."

From:

midnightvoyager

A package arrives at Esse's lodgings right after his breakup with Becqui, where it will remain unless he has his mail forwarded. It contains most of what was stolen from him and a newspaper clip detailing the capture of a pair of petty thieves and their accomplice, an actor mostly known for parts such as 'that guy in the background' and 'man who trips over shoelace.'

The criminals were quite surprised when their target turned the tables and beat the three of them senseless with his cudgel. Donald Pillion Rinkins of the Velocipede Squad stated that it was his night off, but he could not resist breaking up the obvious con when it was presented to him.

From:

eskil_douglas

It's the day after the breakup, when the young Swede returns to pick up somethings before returning to Karin's, that Eskil opens the package. He isn't as pleased as he should be, for obvious reasons he's having a hard time feeling happy about anything right now - but there's a small smile on his lips none the less.

Before leaving his home he sends Bellman with a short note to Middy.

Ms. Midnight

I don't know if I can thank you enough for your help that night, but thank you!

Sincerely,
Eskil Douglas

From:

midnightvoyager

A great zee bat with an odd white spot on his scarred ear delivers a little note.

Arrived safely. Storm's brewing, but I'll be here a week or so, and it will be gone before I leave. Should be clear zailing on the way back.

-Middy

From:

eskil_douglas

Hopefully the same bat will return safe and sound with a message in return.

Glad to hear it. I promise to keep my worrying to a minimum. Best of luck!

- Eskil

From:

sapho1byron

A letter arrives for Eskil. The cream-coloured envelope is embossed with the initials "VC" and sealed with wax, also stamped VC. The letter inside is on matching paper, precisely folded into three sections. It reads:

His Excellency Count Eskil Douglas
Dacre Street 11
London, Neath

Your Excellency,

Please pardon the forwardness of my addressing you in this poor epistle but a mutual acquaintance, viz. the Lady Byron, was insistent that I contact you forthwith and immediately regarding your works of verse for which she had and has highest praise. She is most desirous to see the aforesaid works published and I am given to understand Your Excellency is likewise inclined to give your words wider audience than they have hitherto received. As the owner and editor of La Voix du Cœur I can assure Your Excellency that your poems will be published, should you deign to grace such a humble journal as mine, with utmost respect and dignity. La Coix endevours to be the frame for works of poetic beauty, viz., to be nearly invisible to the connoisseur, yet nevertheless highlighting the native genius of the masterpiece. If you find favor with this proposal and wish to pursue it further please arrange for contact to be made with me, address to below.

I remain your most humble servant, and etc.

G. D. Gordon Heatherfield-Blackwell III, Esq.
La Voix du Cœur, Owner, Editor

Contact information is included below the extravagant signature.

Later that day an urchin delivers the following note:

"G. D. is a silly goose, but his journal is of excellent quality. -S. B."

From:

eskil_douglas

Eskil reads the letter, wondering a bit over the... tone, but still - he's most definitely interested and pens a reply.

My good Sir,

It was with great pleasure that I received your letter and I would very much be interested in having my work published in your esteemed journal. With this letter I send along a few of the poems I've penned for your perusal, and I sincerely hope that some of them shall meet with your standards.

Sincerely,
Count Eskil Viktor Douglas.

As a safety precaution he lets Grams be the one to deliver it - so no mishaps or misplacing should occur.

And then a short note to Sapho, delivered by Bellman. Thank you! - E.V.D

From:

sapho1byron

Several days later another cream-coloured envelope embossed with "VC" arrives. Its contains a letter:

His Excellency Count Eskil Viktor Douglas
Dacre Street 11
London, Neath

Your Excellency,

It is with the most profound and profuse thanks that I write this letter for I have received your poems, hand delivered by your good and trusty valet, and read and re-read them. If I may be permitted to express my humble opinion to one as well versed (pardon - I must have my little jests) in the ars poetica as Your Excellency, the selections you have sent delight the mind and soul with their economy and diction. It would be my great honour to publish "Thou Shalt Thank" in the upcoming volume of La Voix du Cœur and the remainder in the subsequent editions. I am tempted to publish all together, but I believe you shall shine all the more brightly for repeated exposure to the connoisseurs who deign to read my little pamphlets. Publication comes with financial remuneration, and if you are kindly disposed to my proposal do send your legal or other representative to my offices to discuss this matter more fully.

I remain your most humble and admiring servant, and etc.

G. D. Gordon Heatherfield-Blackwell III, Esq.
La Voix du Cœur, Owner, Editor

From:

eskil_douglas

Eskil's reply is swift and basically says that he agrees to have the poems published in which ever order fits best with the rest of editions, something he leaves with warm hands to the editor's excellent judgement, and that he'll send over his legal representative shortly to settle the deal in more detail. And then there are of course all the complimenting niceties and not very well hidden excitement in the letter as well.

Once it's sent off Eskil feels utterly pleased with things and celebrates with some rum and a piece of chocolate cake.

From:

mslavinia

The day after Lavinia and Eskil meet in the Singing Mandrake, a thin volume wrapped in brown paper arrives at 11 Dacre Street, with a letter.

Dear Count Douglas,
Thank you for your assistance in finding transportation for me yesterday evening, and for your charming company as well. I daresay it was exactly what I needed to clear this lack of inspiration. As I promised, I am sending along the issue of Midnights which features "Through the Mirror-Glass". I was tremendously flattered by your interest in it, especially so given your own talent for poetic recitation. I do so look forward to an opportunity to further discuss our work. You have my card, and may call on me whenever it is convenient; though perhaps it would be best to arrange a time for our mutual reading, as I should hate for our conversation to be interrupted.
Sincerely,
Miss Lavinia Mason

It is, indeed, accompanied by the very issue of Midnights she promised.

From:

eskil_douglas

Eskil is delighted! Very much so - and he doesn't waste any time in penning a reply to set a time and date for another meeting (as well as showering Lavinia in polite compliments in written form) before he settles down to read her work.

From:

sapho1byron

Whatever could be in plain brown box that arrives for Eskil? It is a hand-and-a-half in all dimensions; when shaken gently its weight shifts slightly.

Nothing to do but open it.

A glass jar! Filled with ... brown teeth?

No! Chocolate Teeth!! A few appear to have caramel fillings. (get it? get it?)

And here is a note:

Sweeth teeth for your sweet tooth! -S. B.

From:

eskil_douglas

Eskil is part disgusted and part delighted at the gross but amusing gift. He tries one tooth, and it is good, but the thought of eating teeth, even if they are made out of chocolate, makes him leave the left of the candles untouched and the jar put up on a shelf in his study.

From:

oscarleto

In an angled, elegant hand across fine white letterhead with the coat of arms of Attford-Fenwick, comes a hand-delivered message:

Felicitations Lord Douglass~

As ever, I am planning ahead for the what this Season should bring us. Knowing that you have quite a hand at poetry, I did wonder if you would have interest in being a part of a collaborative artistic endeavor that would culminate in a lavish event later this year. I should like to engage the artists early to ensure that there is plenty of time. Please do me the favour of making your interest known by the end of this week.

Kind regards,

S. Attford-Fenwick

From:

eskil_douglas

Dear Mrs. Attford-Fenwick,

I would be delighted to be part of this collaborative artistic endeavour and I am both flattered by and grateful for the opportunity. I am looking forward to hearing more from you on the subject.

Sincerely,

E. V. Douglas

From:

oscarleto

Excellent, I look forward to meeting with you.
~S. Attford-Fenwick.

From:

sapho1byron

Hopefully Eskil Douglas is at home and still in bed on his birthday morning. Hopefully Grams will agree to the plan Sapho presents him when he opens the door.

From:

eskil_douglas

The ever jovial servant is surely willing to listen to the plan at least.

From:

sapho1byron

"I propose, my dear Grams, that I be the one to deliver breakfast to Lord Douglas. I wish to be the first to wish him a Happy Birthday, you see. And to deliver my gift." She holds up a book-like package wrapped in green.

From:

eskil_douglas

It's a bit of a risky request, but Sapho's seen Esse at his worst so why not allow her this?

"Of course, Lady Byron. Though perhaps you wouldn't mind if the rest of us join in - we had planned to sing for him since he says it's tradition to do so back in Sweden. Not that we'd sing in Swedish," he chuckles.

From:

misskarin_ebz

There's another knock on the front door, and when Grams opens it it proves to be the birthday boy's smiling cousin caring a small gift.

"He's not up yet, is he, Grams? Oh, good morning, Sapho."

From:

sapho1byron

"Karin!" Sapho greets the Baroness with a hug.

"And yes Grams, your idea is an excellent one!"

From:

eskil_douglas

"Perhaps we shall leave the singing to the Baroness," Grams says with a smile, "Mrs. Finchley is ready for us, shall we?" he asks gesturing towards the stairs.

And so two ladies, a butler, a housekeeper and two cats makes their way towards the young Swedes bedroom. And Karin does sing - in Swedish.

From:

sapho1byron

After the singing and well wishing and hugging Sapho presents Esse with his birthday gift. "Go ahead, open it!"

From:

eskil_douglas

"Thank you, Sapho," says one tired looking, bed head sporting, sweetly smiling Swede and does as he is bidden and unwraps the gift.

From:

sapho1byron

The gift is a journal, bound in red leather and embossed with fine gold scrollwork. "Keep opening," Sapho urges.

From:

eskil_douglas

Eskil runs his fingers over the fine leather and then flips open the journal to see...

From:

sapho1byron

Atop each page Sapho has inscribed a little message:

Thank you for being a wonderful friend!

You are always loved.

You deserved a piece of chocolate, go have one.

You are strong and kind, Esse.

And so on, throughout the entire journal.

From:

eskil_douglas

It's far too early and he is far too tired to keep his emotions in check when he sees the messages.

"Sapho," he says, clearly touched judging by the tremble in his voice, his moist eyes and the beaming smile he gives her.

From:

sapho1byron

A letter from Sapho!

Be a dear and invite me over for dinner?

-S. B.

From:

vincentravello.livejournal.com

A small package, wrapped in several layers of brown paper, arrives at 11 Dacre Street, addressed to Eskil.
Attached is a note:

Dearest Esse,

My Aunt sent me this, from the Surface. Apparently it used to
belong to my mother, but...I would rather you had it.

Hopefully you've heard of the author.

Yours,
Vincent

P.S. I have named the bear Bramble. He guards my home.

Inside the package rests a very old book.

From:

eskil_douglas

Upon seeing what the gift is Eskil grins, it'll be the second copy of Shakespeare's sonnets gifted to him to add to his shelves, but as he reads the note he can't help but tear up a little - it's too sweet, too meaningful - and he pens a reply;

Dearest Vincent,

Thank you! That you'd choose to part with it for my benefit... words alone can not describe how grateful I am for such a treasure.

Yours truly,
Esse

P.S I hope Bramble shall keep your home safe and warm.

From:

vincentravello.livejournal.com

A heavy, square package arrives, addressed to "Count Esse Douglas".
Inside is an English-Russian Dictionary and a note:

Dearest Esse,

As promised.
I've left notes in the pages which may be of particular interest to you.
Your first lesson, to translate:

я хочу поцеловать тебя, всю ночь
(ya khochu potselovat' tebya, vsyu noch')

Yours, Vincent

From:

eskil_douglas

A few hours later a note comes back.

Thank you my dearest Vincent!

I'll practise for you my fuzzy bear, and;

мне бы понравилось это

Yours, Esse

From:

vincentravello.livejournal.com

A book of pressed flowers, each one pressed by Vincent himself, arrives at Dacre Street wrapped in fungus paper. Attached is a note:

Dearest Esse,

I am sorry I have been a little down lately.
I have a lot on my mind.
I hope you can forgive me.

--Vincent

From:

eskil_douglas

Eskil smiles as he pages through his gift, they're pretty - if a reminder that he'll never see a field of flowers in reality again.

My dear Vincent,

Firstly, thank you for the gift, they're beautiful.
Secondly, we all need time to think every now and then and I won't forgive you since there's nothing I need to forgive you for. You know I'm here if you want to talk or just need a cuddle, but I understand if you'd rather want some time alone.

Love,
Esse

From:

roderigo.livejournal.com

A bottle of lavender scented oil lotion arrives in Eskil's mailbox, with a small note attached to the top with a string.

I heard from a little fluffy creature that it is your birthday.
I hope you like this gift.
Feliz cumpleaños!
Your friend,
Ruy

From:

eskil_douglas

Having received the gift Esse sends Bellman with a note to the gift-giver.

Thank you so much! I do like lavender, and I think the scent helps with achieving a relaxed state?
Either way, it's lovely!

Yours,
Esse

From:

sapho1byron

Dear Esse,
I have no doubt at all that you shall be rather preoccupied on your birthday, and so I shall not call on you. However, I shall mention this: with the most recent shipment of coffee beans for Boadicea’s came these: a live goose (soon to be roasted), asparagus (relatively fresh), canned peaches, and one pound of chocolate. Perhaps, if you pay me a visit, on the 7th of June, you can help me consume the aforesaid delectables. And take possession of a birthday gift.

Have the happiest of birthdays!

Love –S. B.

From:

eskil_douglas

Dear Saffy,
It sounds like a marvellous feast - a pound of chocolate! How could I ever say no to that? I'll be there with bells on... not literally but you know what I mean, thank you for inviting me.

Yours,
E. V. D.

From:

midnightvoyager

Midnight is quite gone for Eskil's birthday, but a message is delivered anyway. An enormous, scarred zee bat delivers it.

It's a silk print, carefully wrapped to protect it from the elements. The print is in Khaganian style and depicts a horse made of fire in full gallop.

Esse,

Happy Birthday! I'm in Port Carnelian now, but it would be remiss of me to forget your birthday.

-Middy

From:

eskil_douglas

Even if Eskil didn't expect a flaming horse he's nonetheless glad to have received one and after having spoiled the messenger bat a bit he hopes it'll find Middy in her travels with his note of thanks;

Dear Middy,

Thank you so much! It's beautiful. I hope that when this reaches you all is well and that your travelling is going as smoothly as one could hope for.

Yours,
Eskil.

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