Letter to House LaCroix

[Daimondheart]

After making the trek from the Viridale, Cora makes her way through the gate of the lonely LaCroix manor off the Pioneer's Path. Having been here once before, she dips her head respectfully to the guards that granted her admittance into the court yard before approaching the ones standing guard before the manor. Again she dips her head to the pair before approaching the one on her left.

"Excuse me... my name is Cora, Cora Kelm and I have a letter for House LaCroix that I would ever be so grateful if you were to deliver it for me."

Cora reaches behind her back for the mini-chest she carries with her wherever she goes. After flipping the latches on each side, it detaches with a faint snap as she brings it around to the front in her arms. Opening the small chest, a glimpse inside would reveal several compartments. One holds several gems with few of some value, gem cutting tools, a mini-ink well and quill, as well as several parchment tubes arranged like dots on a grid. She selects one particular tube, closes the chest, and snaps it back onto the back of her belt with her left hand as the right holds the tube.

Cora then opens the tube, tilts it, and a small bit of rolled up parchment slides out into her hand. "Though I am but a humble merchant, I would like to arrange a meeting with any members of this great house that would be willing to see me. The letter contains further details, but it is to do with a proposal I would like to make to the Emperor and his State." She then offers it to the guard to take should he accept it. "I will not trouble the great house to send a written response to one so low as myself and will make the effort to return at a later date for their response. Thank you very much, good sir."

Cora bows once again to the guard and turns to leave. She makes a detour into the Temple of Lathander and spends some time in there before departing the building and then the manor grounds.

To Whomever of House LaCroix may receive this,

Greetings. My name is Cora Kelm, a humble follower of Lurue, Queen of Talking Beasts. I pray you will forgive me for taking up your time to read this, but I would very much appreciate a meeting with one of the members of your Great House.

I am currently in the process of gathering signatures for a proposal I would like to make to the Emperor and his State in regards to making use of the abandoned Legion outpost on the border of the Viridale forest. Nearly a year ago, the forest was greatly tainted by Talona when she destroyed the Wardens of the Vale that used to reside within its boundaries. Many of the animals were displaced by this event and now roam the country sides of Sundren, often attacking any passing traveler in their state of dementia. It is my hope to use the fort as a starting point to begin cleansing the forest of this taint as well as provide homes for the displaced creatures.

Our efforts are also in conjunction with Lord Quintin Ulsteris, whom has been actively seeking to find refuge for the displaced citizens of Sundren that lost their homes either to the rising of the city or the destruction caused by the failed invasion of the Black Hand and its allies. It is our hope to build a new home for these unfortunate souls as we repair the fort and expand upon it to make it a safe haven for them as well as to any travelers entering the Viridale. Perhaps some day our little village will grow into a city in its own right.

So far I have gathered support and approval for my proposal from members of Houses Blackwell, Ulsteris, and Hellstrom with hopefully more to follow. I would greatly appreciate a chance to present my proposal to you as well should you be willing to listen to your humble servant.

Regardless, I thank you greatly for taking the time to read this letter. I will not further waste your time in asking for any written response. I will make the effort to visit your manor again at a latter time for your response if any is granted.

Cora Kelm

[Lotus]

The response is penned and held until such time as Ms. Kelm again visits the estate.

Cora Kelm,

We appreciate your seeking this family for aid in what can be described as an altruistic endeavor. The LaCroix family has ever held the interest of Sundren and her citizens foremost in its pursuits; one need only examine our long history of service to the Legion and promotion of goodly faiths to know that is truth.

That known, I must confess that your chosen errand seems impossible. The Viridale Forest is and ever has been overrun with monsters and other foul denizens. The Legion outposts dotted around the forest were barely sufficient to hold the Viridale's creatures in check, and indeed, when those creatures were roused and given reason, they drove the Legion away from all of their Viridale outposts.

Yes, Ms. Kelm. The Viridale Forest was surrounded by Legion outposts, each tasked with keeping the forest's border. As it was, adventurers only seemed familiar with Salararius Rixen's detachment. Claiming such an outpost would only put at severe risk those who chose to dwell there, and the spot would be impossible to hold against the alliance of monsters that calls that cursed wood home. Regrettably, the LaCroix family will not put its resources toward such a doomed endeavor, and we hope you reconsider and ply your obvious skill at organization and diplomacy, given the Houses you have already signed on to your hope, toward a more reasonable and useful task. Should you stay your course, you have this family's best wishes.

Duty and honor above all,

Lord Lucius LaCroix

[Daimondheart]

Upon her return visit to the LeCroix, Cora reads the response. Her initial expression as she reaches the second paragraph is clearly that of disappointment, but that abruptly changes as she makes her way through the third. A spark seems to enter her eye, though her visage shows not that of anger.

Once Cora is finished, a soft smile appears on her face as she rolls up the parchment and carefully tucks it away into one of her metallic tubes. She bows to the guards once more, "Thank you for holding this for me. And please let Lord Lucius LaCroix that I wish him and his family good fortune as well." She then departs, a bounce in her step.