An elegant HANDKERCHIEF flutters away with the wind.

[The Leech Festival]

Stage I • Langston
____________________________________________
_____________• LETTERS FROM HOME •_____________

Word Count: 667

March 1410, Imisus

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FROM THE JASPAR FAIRLEIGH RESEARCH INSTITUTE AND SANITARIUM OF IMISUS
POSTMARKED THE 10th OF MARCH, YEAR 1410


To the Relations of Lady Jacqueline Beufort:

I once again offer my sincerest apologies regarding any inconvenience that this relocation has put on your most respectable Family. As I tried to explain before, I am afraid that the Lady's condition had exceeded my capacities as a single home physician with limited medicinal resources. My decision was made solely on my concern for the well being of Misses Jacqueline and not, as some members of the household accused in their grief-stricken states, for the avaricious fetching of profit. It is best that we put this misunderstanding behind us so as not to upset the Lady in her debilitated state.

We arrived a little after dawn yesterday and Lady Jacqueline was received by our Institution with the utmost respect and tenderness and promptly escorted to her private quarters. She has already been designated a personal nurse and attendant, both female, as per the requests of her husband, Lord Beufort. My colleagues and I are presently finalizing the details of the treatment, which will commence on the morrow. God willing, Hers will be a speedy and comfortable recovery.

It is ordained in this Institution's Policy that Patients do not come in contact with those other than the Sanitarium Staff for the first Month of their admission. This precaution is for the sake of both the Patient and the Family, as it leaves ample time for stabilization of most conditions. Beginning exactly a month's time from the date of this letter's postmark, the Lady will be permitted up to three visitors for a period of no longer than four days once every Month. I encourage members of the household to take advantage of this opportunity, as it instill confidence in the Patient and provides positive reinforcement to all parties involved. There is also evidence that regular visitation of the infirm results in speedier recovery. The Institution is located in the North of Imisus and is highly accessible via the main roads.

I will keep in contact with you regarding Lady Jacqueline's progression and I invite you write with your own questions and concerns.

Best Wishes and Good Luck,
Doctor Isaiah Fairleigh, Physician of Humours

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FROM THE LORD ANSELM BEUFORT
POSTMARKED THE 21st OF MARCH, YEAR 1410


Dearest Son,

I hope all has been going well for you in these past months. I trust that your efforts are doing justice to your Family's pride and reputation.

Catherine tells me that she has already written to you about the events of last month regarding your poor Mother. While I've never been inclined to agree with that fool of a man, Fairleigh, I admit that his advice has done some good for the emotional well being of the Household and I hope Jacqueline as well. I have never been much fond of Imisus's Sanitariums, most especially the Researching types, but I'm afraid we've too narrow a range of options to be particular.

I recently received a note from the Doctor, which I have included with my own letter so that you may read the message in full. I would like you to show both of these letters to your Coordinator of Patrols and request a four or five day leave to visit your Mother in the Sanitarium, starting the day before the visitation allowance, which you will of course use to make your trip. If he gives you any trouble, tell him that he has me to answer to. I would make the trip myself but my duties prevent me from this month's visit and I do not like the thought of leaving Jacqueline in her impressionable state unattended for too long while under the care of strange men. Fairleigh especially. Keep a close watch on him while you're there, son. I trust that there is no reason for you to deny my request, and I expect a letter detailing the events of your visit shortly afterward.

Regards,
Father

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[The Leech Festival]

Stage I • Langston
____________________________________________
_____________• RAIN AND BAD NEWS •_____________

[LINK]

March 1410, Imisus


While wandering about the Imisus marketplace in search
of a gift for his mother, Langston chances upon a very
accommodating Miss Elsie Crane . . .

 

[The Leech Festival]

Stage I • Langston
____________________________________________
_________________• REASSIGNMENT •_________________

Word Count: 1141

June 1410, Imisus

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FROM THE LORD ANSELM BEUFORT
POSTMARKED THE 1st OF JUNE, YEAR 1410

Dearest Son,

I have recently spoken with your Coordinator of Patrols to arrange for regular visitation of your mother in Imisus, but have learned of something troubling in the process. Your superiors tell me that you have a certain fondness of gallivanting with the young women local to your patrol route. Now I do not expect you to assume a life of Chastity. You and I both know that I did not raise my son to be a Holy man. As your father however, I feel it my duty to warn you against the dangers of constant pleasure seeking. Such attitudes weaken a man's morals and his resolve. Your focus should be not on any one individual, but on serving your Motherland. You are still young, just barely a man. At this point, women will only serve to confuse and distract you.

My second matter of concern is the nature of your current patrol route. I do not deny your commitment or earnestness, but I feel that your duties are not particularly challenging. It is not your fault of course. It is never any One's fault that his district is free from crime and corrupt activity. But as the son of a decorated military Officer, you deserve better. It is not often that soldiers are promoted for simple patrolling. Acts of decisiveness and heroics are far more likely to impress your superiors and there is nothing I wish for more than to see you rise as a military man. I speak not for myself, but for my father, and his father, and the Good of our Beufort lineage, both Past and Future.

On the 15th of this Month, you will be expected to have resituated yourself in the Southernmost district of Helios, where you will serve until I have ordained otherwise. I believe that half a Month is ample time to gather your belongings and prepare yourself for the relocation. I would suggest making a habit of practicing your drill exercises until then. The South is much more rigorous than you are probably used to.

Regards,
Father

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FROM LANGSTON BEUFORT
POSTMARKED THE 5th OF JUNE, YEAR 1410

My Dear Father,

I have just today received your letter. I mean you disrespect when I say this, but I fear I must protest your decision on the grounds of several bases. I am not sure how my Coordinator has described my supposed 'gallivanting', but I am sure that he has heavily exaggerated it. I do address women while on patrols, but it is nothing more than to tip my hat, or offer a greeting, or some other act of Chivalry. I extend the same favors toward men and fellow soldiers, and I only act on the manners that you and Mother have taught me to abide by.

I only recognize one woman above all of the rest, but it is not for the reasons you may suspect. There is a Lady of the Hughbert House by the name of Alexandra who has a strange habit of strolling unaccompanied through my District, where she might be vulnerable to the ill will of criminals and cads. She is the same woman I told you I rescued from an Obscuvan scout, you may recall. It is in the interest of her Innocence and Wellbeing that I accompany on her short walks, which are generally on my patrol route anyway.

With all due respect, I ask that you reconsider your decision to reassign my patrol. I feel that it is unnecessary.

Please give my regards to Catherine, Sarah, and Garret.

Eagerly awaiting your correspondence,
Langston Beufort

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FROM THE LORD ANSELM BEUFORT
POSTMARKED THE 1st OF JUNE, YEAR 1410

Dearest Son,

The papers for your relocation have already been signed and my mind is made. I am glad that you have gone to such lengths to protect the citizens of Helios, but part of my argument still stands. I do not understand why you insist on holding yourself back. Hundreds of young soldiers would give all they hold dear to be in the position you are in. You are an Honorable young man of a Respectable Family with military background. The only thing missing is your willingness to advance.

Or perhaps you are so steeped in comforts and luxuries that you cannot bear to lose them, even if only temporarily? Langston, have you not noticed the wealth and power of our family? Do you not consider the success you will enjoy as a future Officer of the Panymesian military? How content are you, making rounds, returning to the barracks to sleep before being risen to repeat the process over and over again, day after unremarkable day? What Fortunes do you enjoy? What Prestige can you boast of? Are you so delusioned that you would be willing to throw every opportunity you have to the wind while others have given their lives to earn their Families even just a fraction of what are privileged with?

If you have answered 'Yes' to any of these questions, you are indeed a Selfish man. I am only even more sure now that I have might the right decision.

Father

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FROM LANGSTON BEUFORT
POSTMARKED THE 11th OF JUNE, YEAR 1410

Father,

If I am a Selfish man, than you are a cold and indifferent one.

Since when has the worth of the soldier been determined solely by the height of his Power and Influence? Weren't you yourself once but a lowly foot patrolman, much as I am now? I do not see the point in forcing me to undergo this relocation. It is no secret that Helios's Southernmost region is dominated by poorer migrants and thus, one of Panymium's most notorious locations. Ought one who wears furs be saved from avarice by being thrown to the wolves instead?

You say that many Officers come from rougher patrol routes. And yet, many of these soldiers do not rise through the ranks. Many of them spend their entire lives squandering on meager incomes that have not once been raised since the day they enlisted. I can't help but disagree with your assumption that I will be made an Oficer of through all this.

You have always been a man of reason, Father. It is not like you to act this rashly. Whoever has convinced you that this move is a necessary one is most undoubtedly in the wrong.

With all due humility and respect,
Langston Beufort

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FROM THE LORD ANSELM BEUFORT
POSTMARKED THE 14th OF JUNE, YEAR 1410

Langston Beufort,

Do not think that, as my son, you are exempt from the consequences suffered by other disobedient soldiers. Remember that the next time you address me, whether in person or by writing.

I will not hear anything more on this matter.

Your Father and Superior,
Lord Anselm Beufort