Lechance

The mixer was very well chaperoned, hosted at the hotel by Ms. Sheedy. There was a piano player for music, a buffet against one wall. There were tables for eating and talking, and a space set aside for dancing. Under Ms. Sheedy's beady eye.

Some of the Beloveds at the hotel had arrived early to help set up the room so even by the time it officially 'opened' at 6 pm there was a bit of a crowd of unmarried people.

2pm Friday and Delilah was awaiting Edward's arrival. They had no bookings for the afternoon, and so she'd decided to lock up the studio for a few hours. Gareth, her assistant had invited along his husband Charles, and all three were currently chatting animatedly about future plans, standing around by the till.

Sent while patrol is out.

Dear Delilah,

I would beg a moment of your time on your return to town to send a note and let me know that you have returned safely.

Sincerely,
Edward Parsons

Hattie had spent the last two days baking, cleaning the house from top to bottom and decorating it with flowers. She'd brought most of the chairs in the house into the drawing room, set in little groups so people could talk comfortably, each with a little table to put their tea and cakes on. On a bigger table, there was a huge urn of tea and cakes and breads of every imaginable sort. Hattie had had the time of her life baking them!

The fun she'd had preparing could only be exceeded by the joy that filled her as she gazed about at the people filling her drawing room.

3pm Tuesday and Mr Jones arrived promptly at the Beloved's Hotel to pick Edward up to escort him to Delilah's studio. He sent up Delilah's card and waited patiently for him in the foyer.

It had been a lovely seasonal celebration over the past week. Lots of fun, food, and good spirits had been enjoyed with her new friends in LeChance, and she was looking forwards to the turn of the year, and all the new things it promised.

She was out walking, taking advantage of the unseasonably warm weather. She was in a bouyant mood, as she was out buying food for the New Year celebrations, and she called out in friendly greeting to most faces she recognised.

"Good day to you, lovely out isn't it?"

Mr. Parsons,

I am writing to ask whether you would be interested in attending the holiday festivities. I would be glad to escort you, if you agree. Please send word at your earliest convenience.

With regards,

Daisuke Shimada

( Letters to Ascendants )

( Beloved )

Cathy arrived at the hotel at 7pm, wandering around with flowers and looking for Edward before she got smart and sent a maid to locate him. She settled in a parlor and waited, fingers tapping lightly against her skirt.

Delivered to Edward at the hotel.


Dear Mr. Parsons,

If you would be amendable, I would like to see you this Tuesday evening at the hour of 7. If another time would be more agreeable, please inform me of it so I can make arrangements.

Thank you,
Catherine Lenoy

( Letters to Ascendants )

( Beloved )

Patrick got off the train, managed to charm the loan of a trolley from the porter, and hauled his belongings along to the Ascendants' hotel. Not that it was so much belongings as seeds and seedlings and things to start a crop with. His actual belongings – a couple of changes of clothes, a few personal things – fitted in one small bag.

He secured a room at the hotel and space in the outhouses for his crops, then returned the trolley to the station.

Then, chores accomplished, he set off back into the town to seek a drink and company for the evening. When he saw someone else in the street, he waved to them and called cheerfully, "Good evening to ye! Could ye perhaps be directing me towards a decent drinking establishment?"

Edward wandered around the shop, looking at the vegetable selection that was in the general store. In his head, he was making a list in his head, and creating a recipe for dinner that night.

He wandered over and picked up a tomato, turning it a little in his hand. It wasn't until a moment later that he noticed someone was standing close by. "Oh, I'm sorry," he said, blushing a little. "Did you want to get past?"

Daisuke arrived a few minutes before the appointed time with a chaperone in tow, of course. He waited in the lobby of the hotel, arms folded behind him, and when Edward came down, took a study of him as politely as he could. When the other man reached the bottom stair, he bowed a bit before stepping forward to offer his hand as well. "Daisuke Shimada," he introduced, and then the chaperone. "Good afternoon."

Mr. Parsons,

I would like to know if you would allow me a meeting with you. Thursday, perhaps, at three o'clock?

Thank you very much.

(There are characters first, and then the name, in script, Mr. Daisuke Shimada).

Santiago was in the general store, looking for supplies. He'd moved into his house and while he'd brought some things, it was still sparse. He didn't want to completely fill it until he had met the person who might become his match.

He smiled at the Two Spirit who ran the store as he turned the corner, only to draw up short when he almost ran into someone.

"My apologies," he said.