Death Of Christopher Blackwell

[Urahra 5781]

The Deacon Branaford and Father Karol Andriukaitis would arrive at the manor, gazing upon the humble death bed of Christopher Blackwell. With a neutral and unfazed expression on his face, Branaford kneels down to leave a simple letter to the inhabitants of the manor. To anyone who would encounter it, it would read as follows:

 

"House Briarwood sends its condolences to those who suffered ill fate as a result of this unexpected death. It is with a heavier heart that we will have to repossess this death ridden manor as it is Lord Briarwood's right to repossess his vassal's land. We bid you well and apologize for this grim decision, but hope you shall tread lightly bearing this news in mind."

 

Afterwards, the pair of clerics would circle the manor, attempting to catch a glimpse inside. Reaching to a flask at his belt, Father Karol begins to ceremonially splash consecrated water on the side of the country manse. Upon soliciting an odd look from Branaford, he raises an eyebrow quizzically.

 

'This is the home of a sinner,' he says simply, continuing his work.

 

Lorina Blackwell, a young widow at nineteen, was the only one to receive the letter. The words felt like a knife twisted inside her gut. She bit down hard on her bottom lip, tears stinging her eyes and a sob rising up in her throat. Her entire body ached from grief and now, now - they were sending her away.

 

She crumpled the letter in her white, shaking hands. "What am I supposed to do?" she asked in a voice so small, so weak that she could barely hear it herself. Christopher had promised to always take care of her. When she was alone, when she was desperate, with everyone trying to kill her, he had promised her a home and shelter and safety. Now he had abandoned her. Now, she stood on the precipice of poverty and homelessness.

 

Lorina had been raised as a favorite little princess, a petted and loved child. As a noblewoman of the highest order, she never had to worry about her next meal or a warm place to sleep. Hunger and cold and loneliness were all foreign concepts. Even after her family had fallen on misfortune, she relied on Christopher to care for her. Certainly, she had seen the poor souls begging for scraps on the steps of the church, but she had never - not once - imagined that she would become one of them.  

 

With a screech of frustration, she ripped the letter in half. If they wanted the manor, fine. They could have it. She hoped, deep in her little heart, that they would bear the shame of sending a grieving young woman onto the streets with nothing for the rest of their lives.

[greygre 259]

Daem curses under his breath when he hears the news of Christopher's death, "I never liked him all that much, but I'd never wish death upon anyone."

[yopplwasupxxx 5946]

Otto feels rather bad now, so he sends a letter!

 

   

Dear Sister-in-Law,

    It has been years since we have spoken, back when Aleksandr still ruled over Petrus, though this letter means all the same. I heard of the death of your late lord husband, Ser Christopher of Blackwell, and I extend my condolences. I was not too fond of him, but I knew that you truly loved him and cared for him, which nearly breaks my heart to see. I know that such pain will never go away, and now many men will grab for your late husband’s lands and manor to drive the pain even deeper. If you ever need of anything, sister-in-law, just ask and I will be able to provide, be it monetary necessities or just a friend to speak to.

-Prince Otto

 

[Urahra 5781]

Otto feels rather bad now, so he sends a letter!

 

   

 

A letter, very hastily written, would be sent in reply.

 

Dear Brother-In-Law,

 

Thank you very much for writing to me. I am in dire straits right now and I am in much need of help from family. The Briarwoods have chosen to evict me from the Blackwell manor. I have nowhere to go and no money. Please help me, brother-in-law. I would not ask you for charity if I did not greatly need it. I fear I will die of cold and starvation if I am kicked out onto the street.

 

I am willing to work hard for a place to stay. I will take any work you give to me. I will clean chamber pots on my hands and knees if you will help me and give me a place to live. 

 

Thank you.

 

Much love,

Lorina Carrion

[yopplwasupxxx 5946]

Otto furrowed his brow, his sister-in-law clearly being distraught. He would send another letter her way!

 

 

 

Dear Lorina,
 

    Of course, I would be much happy to assist. However, my help would not be as it would some years ago. I currently stand banished from the Kingdom of Aesterwald, of course concerning faith issues, and am now sitting in the care of Lord de Bar. Good thing is, however, I was able to retain most of my riches (thanks to a few loyal servants) and I do sit upon some wealth I do not need, henceforth I would be more than eager to assist you. I do invite you to join me within the City of Leuvaarden (my current residence after the banishment), though I am unsure for how long I shall be staying there.

 

    But, I do understand if you wish for something more permanent. My word does still carry weight within the Waldenian Court, and I could ask a few favours to allow rooming and service to a woman of your station. The choice would be up to you.

 

    Send me a letter when you can, or perhaps meet in person to discuss this predicament. Until then.

-Prince Otto

 

 

((ignore spelling and grammar, am writing on a tablet xdd

[Urahra 5781]

Otto furrowed his brow, his sister-in-law clearly being distraught. He would send another letter her way!

 

 

 

 

 

((ignore spelling and grammar, am writing on a tablet xdd

 

 

The second letter would arrive while Lorina was gathering what remained of the valuables from her manor. A wave of shock would overcome her upon reading it. She clasps a hand to her mouth, fingers trembling as her eyes flit over the missive. Hardly anyone ever visited Owynswood, as frozen and isolated as it was. News of the world beyond the small, snowy valley hardly ever reached Lorina.

 

A reply would follow swiftly, carried by bird.

 

Dear Brother-in-law,

 

It seems everyone in our family has fallen on misfortune. I am sorry for your loss.

 

I am in no place to refuse an act of charity. But I do not know the way to the city you speak of. Please send directions, if you can. I do not know when the Briarwoods will come to forcibly remove me from my home, but I fear it will be soon.

 

I have a few small valuables from my home - some jewelry and my wedding ring. Would you please buy them from me when I visit? I have no need for jewels anymore. Just a few minas would be a blessing from Godan himself. 

 

Thank you,

 

Much love,

Lorina Carrion

[yopplwasupxxx 5946]

 

------

 

 

Otto would have been moving items himself, making the room Lord de Bar had given him more comfortable. Seening the new letter, he would have penned yet another reply.

 

 

 

 

Dear Lorina,

 

My loss was of my own doing, sadly, so pity for me. But to make matters easier for you, I would be glad to meet with you in Petrus, Karovia, or wherever you wish. And I would be glad to buy whatever you wish, though I would prefer you kept your ring. A wedding ring carries many memories, and you would only feel sorry and pain if you let the ring of your first love go. Tell me of your wishes, and I will make haste.

 

-Prince Otto

 

[Urahra 5781]

Otto would have been moving items himself, making the room Lord de Bar had given him more comfortable. Seening the new letter, he would have penned yet another reply.

 

To my Brother-In-Law,

 

Petrus is closest to me. I could travel there without falling into danger on the roads. 

 

I must thank you again for your goodness. Without you, I would surely be lost.

 

Lorina Carrion

[Cjmate 1270]

Poor, meager peasant Jean intercepts Lorina on his way to trade in Petrus. He escorts her to Karovia to find lodging in these troubled times. 

[dandan1350 479]

Lord Symon glanced up from his fields, a lone rider garbed in plain green and gold garbs that marked him as a Stafyr envoy made his was slothfully through the heavy set fields of golden wheat. His expression was solemn, so unlike the boy that normally bounced across the fields with good tidings. The curse of bearing bad tidings rested on young Michaels shoulders, slowly he produced a letter from the depths of his fur cloak and breaking the seal. Stealing a deep breath from the frigid winter air he began to read its contents. His voice was a mumble at first before growing some strength to it, Symon already stood prepared for the worst but not what was to come.

"I bring you bad tidings I'm afraid my lord, I wish it was not so. I regretfully am left to inform you of the recent Lord Blackwells..."

Symon didn't urge him to continue, he froze, body slumping onto the support of the wooden shaft of his hoe. Michael lurched forwards quickly, assuring his lords steadiness and he knew no need to continue on. Mind numbing, his lips moving but only incoherent mumbled words escaping him before finally he formed a proper word, demanding it with a shaken voice that threatened to croak.

"How?"

"He took his own life, sire. My condlen-"

Symon waved him off with a dismissive hand as he hung his head and finally gained his footing.

"He was not that close.. But he was a damned good man, I cannot believe he would choose this cowardice. What of his wife, is she well?"

"I'm unsure, Sire. The manor no longer stays in there name, now back under Briarwood."

"Gather Jaegers, full ceremonial uniform and send them out in search tell then to stay clear of the northern realms. Surely she falls upon hard times, I wish to make sure she's well and sheltered, at the very least present my apologies for her loss. I never met the lass but Christopher seemed fond."

The next morn riders rode, their search showing little signs of promise.

"By battle maybe.. But never did I think you'd take your own life, lawman."

[lawnmowerman 3040]

-snip-

[Governor 12]

Having heard word in his town's gossip, Chase nods slowly, his face saddening. He was a Petrus gatesman the only time he met Christopher. Chris had stopped to talk to him, uncommon, since Chase was commonly ignored as the gatesman. He'd always respected him. " Bless him, and his family.. "

[Lita 677]

Moved to the Archive. It shall be sorted into the appropriate category shortly.