A package for Azrael

[Alyssia Kanath]

*Topaz appears in a cloud of steam and smoke. the small, azure dragonling salutes the Seti, this time without trepidation! Places a simply carved wooden scroll case upon his desk and disapears. The case is roughly carved, as if carved fresh for this very letter out of nothing more than a thick enough branch. The whittling marks are plain to see. It was done in a hurry.*

Azrael

I hope this letter finds you and yours well. It's been quite the adventure showing Katryn about my old haunts. She's gotten quite proficient with that kryss of hers, even put me flat on my arse once! Ha!

You should see some of the trinkets we've found from our wanderings. There are a few things I've found for you as well that may be of interest. Next time we're anywhere with the appropriate type of courier service I'll have them shipped to you.

Oh and a gift! Enclosed in this letter you'll find it. Tiny little thing, there on it's wee chain. In the shape of a four leaf clover it is and made of Beryl. You'll never guess how I got it. Katryn and I were searching for a suitable camp site when out from some brush pops out this pissed off leprechaun. He ranted a few moments about how we couldn't stay there. And how all we wanted was his pot of gold or some such. I've seen some crazy fae in my time but this little blighter took the cake.

Well long story short, he met with an unfortunate accident. Sad really. Though I do admit, I was surprised at the distance that I *The I here is scribbled over and replaced with 'it'”* could threw *the threw is also scribbled out, corrected with 'it could fly so far'”* , pinging from tree to tree like one of those children's games with the pegs and the ball? And you drop the ball down and it bounces between the pegs and into a groove? Right? You...you had those... right? Well maybe not...come to think of it I never have seen one since. *a drop of ink here as she obviously hovered the pen in thought*

Right! Where was I? Oh yes...it squealed something about a lucky charm when I took it. And then I remembered years ago that other leprechaun that would sit outside the blade and beauty. You know, the one on the toadstool? He was such a good friend of yours. I thought maybe if he couldn't have his own lucky charms, he could have this one! I'm sure you'll know how to deliver it to him. Or maybe you can wear it around your wrist or something.... we could always use a bit more luck.

Wait, are shamrock's considered holy symbols anywhere? On second thought, don't wear it. Just in case...

Well, Kat and I are just settling down to bed so I'll make this brief. Keep me updated on anything going on at home, would you? And of course, keep an eye on Fiona for me. Give my highest regards to the Setess. We'll find our way home soon. I look forward to our next meeting.

Signed in a slanted scrawl*
~A

P.S. I almost forgot. Remember to skin the squirrel to find the key. Be careful, if it doesn't fit you'll have to whittle down the soap. If that happens, we're all screwed. You'll find the hose inside the flower box but remember: over watering will strike you blind! And then you'll need a priest to rub out the taint.... don't let it go to that place, Az. It's a bad place....

[Seti Azrael]

Azrael arched a brow slowly, as the dragon-ling appeared, placed the scroll case, and disappeared once more in an equally impressive flourish of smoke. In the dim light, the Seti adjusted his reading glasses and considered the case a moment, before sitting his quill into it’s well once more and closed the file he was currently making notations in.

Azrael opened one end of the case, removed the letter and began reading. The perpetually slight arch of his brow remained the only hint of expression on his otherwise stoic features. The Seti glanced to the scroll case a few moments later, tilting it over and letting the tiny beryl shamrock pendant fall onto his gloved palm. His pupiless-mirrored eyes studied the trinket a moment and then returned to the letter, continuing to read.

Minutes later, Azrael set the pendant and letter aside, took up a fresh pen and parchment, and began writing in the silence of the cold stone office:


Lady Kanath,

It is a pleasure to receive word from you and your spouse, after sometime of your wandering. I am also pleased to hear Katryn has so proficiently progressed in her weapon skills. It sounds as though the both of you are having quite an enjoyable time.

I am…

Azrael arched a brow and looked to the shamrock pendant laying to the side a moment , before continuing:

…grateful, for the bauble that was shipped with your package. I do not believe it to possess any devotional qualities. However, I only tend to wear specific symbols during ritual work, so I will heed your advice and will not be wearing the pendant. Indeed, I would be interested in any other items you may wish to ship from abroad as I am certain I can find interested parties, myself included, that would find value in various archaic and arcane artifacts.

I do vaguely remember the insipid chimera leprechaun that used to roost outside the Blade and Beauty tavern many long years ago. ‘Shaun’ was its name, though assuredly it was referred to by many other explicatives by tavern-goers during that time. Unfortunately, that particular leprechaun went missing one evening, under clandestine circumstance. It’s whereabouts were never discerned and …


Azrael glanced to the small box atop one of the many shelves lining his office. The box was unmarked, though carefully sealed and locked. The corners of the Seti’s pale lips twitched in the slightest of upward curves as he considered the contents: A single green bowler hat with a bright gold buckle on its brim. The Seti looked once more to the parchment and continued writing:


…I am doubtful its disappearance will ever be solved. A shame, that.

As for Fiona, indeed, she is and shall be perpetually watched. Until such time as you may find it appropriate to return to these lands. I will give your regards to Lady Zendra, and I do hope that the evenings are finding you, and yours, well. I look forward to our continued correspondence.


~A


Azrael read, and then re-read the postscript of the letter Alyssia had sent with an arched brow before adding simply:


P.S. …noted.


The Seti sealed the parchment in ebony wax, and pressed the waning crescent marker to it as it cooled. Then, he carefully inserted the parchment into a silver scroll case and walked to the balcony door of the office, calling for his messenger, Lucif.