Topic: Greetings and Gifts

Silver Starblade

Date: 2010-05-15 12:15 EST
Silver eyed the bottles on the shelf of her office, her fingers tapping lightly on the desk. She definitely had to look into getting a secretary and soon. She counted silently in her head....two..four..six...

"Eight." Merriam stated walking in with two more bottles in her hands.

Silver laughed, the fingers ceasing their tapping as she lifted a pile of tags from her desk. She looped the dark blue ribbons around the necks of the bottles, the tags draping down to rest against the glass. In scrawling blue writing it read:

"For all your future headache needs. Congratulations, The Minister of Trade and Commerce & The Minister of Agriculture"

"Patrick.." Silver called to the young, lanky boy standing near the door as she and Mer began to load the bottles into a small box. "You know where these all go, aye?"

"Aye, Cap'ain." He nodded, hefting the box into his arms and turning to exit her office. He had a day full of deliveries on his hands.

Posted with Merriam's Permission.

Satariel Shah

Date: 2010-05-19 16:25 EST
Satariel's Tokens of Esteem

Governor Driscol,

A token of our appreciation of your leadership and vision. May your Time as Governor be both lyrical and memorable. With sincerest regards,

The Deaconess of the Institute of Arcane Principle, Satariel Shah

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab284/FioraShantalaine/Satariels%20Gift/350__1_CK6450.png

The note would arrive with the gift at the Governor's Office, delivered by courier service and escorted by guard. The heavy harp-designed clock would await his approval and acceptance.

BardGallant

Date: 2010-05-19 17:55 EST
As was becoming a usual habit, Governor Driscol was sitting semi-slouched in his over-sized office chair with his heels propped up on the edge of the desk when the hesitant little knock sounded on the frame of the open door. He didn't look up from the paper he was reading, which was another habit of his; he knew exactly who it was by the timidness of the sound. "Come on in, Basil," he said with gentle authority.

"P-package arrived for you, Mr. Driscol, Governor, sir." Out of the corner of his eye, Dris became aware of the fact that the shadows looming in the open doorway were too large and too many to belong solely to his eager-to-please but dreadfully shy intern. He slowly lowered the paper and turned his head with a raise of the brow.

His first impression was that this was a most unusual parcel indeed, for there in the doorway stood a raggedy waif of a courier flanked by a pair of armed guards. Much without his realization, the Governor's lips curved into a curious O shape of wonder and surprise. It took his brain an extra moment longer to process that while this was odd, he still had a front to put on and so replaced that expression immediately with his most charming (and oh so common to him) smile.

"Well, bring it in, bring it in," he insisted with a beckoning sweep of a gesture from just one hand. He dropped his heels off the desk and folded up the paper as he stood before setting it aside. The courier shuffled in like a mouse desperately searching for the nearest hole to dash into, and the two armed guards clomped in beside her with the usual silent death demeanor fitting their station.

Dris took the parcel from the courier, maintaining his indefeatable smile, and signed for it in his own hand. He slipped a couple of extra coins in the girl's hand as they made the exchange and gifted her with a wink that predictably rosied up her cheeks. "Stick 'round, love, an' let's see 'o this's from, eh?" he encouraged her. Her brown eyes widened in alarm; he knew this clearly wasn't in her contract, but knew even better that a man could get anything he wanted with the right smile, his smile.

He spared the guards a second glance, wondering precisely what their orders were and perhaps even if this might be some sort of ruse. After all, there could be a bomb in this box, for all he knew. And indeed, it was ticking. "Hope you boys weren't sent on no foolish suicide run," he commented with wry amusement. The two guards expressed no reaction, typical.

Well, he thought, if I'm goin' t'die, at least it'll be in style. Since taking on this job, he had also taken to wearing finer suits than was typically his fashion. But he was Sheridan Driscol. Anything he wore was fashionable, because just by wearing it he made it so.

First he detached the letter and gave it a read. "Both lyrical an' memorable," he repeated softly and still with a smile. "Well, at least this Ms. Shah knows 'ow t'get at a man's 'eart with 'er words, I'll give 'er that." Of course, when he opened the package itself — after a deep breath and bracing himself for an expected bang — his smile only grew. "An' how," he added as he lifted out the artistically designed clock. He appreciated it even more when he heard the awed, stifled gasps of his small audience, of at least two. Basil was gawking by the door, whereas the young courier girl was gaping only on the other side of his desk.

"It'll go nicely o'er 'ere, don'tcha think?" he asked none of them in particular. Dris carried the clock to the left side of the office — his right from where he'd been standing behind the desk — and propped it up neatly atop one of the barren filing cabinets. That addition certainly put some extra color, soothing noise and charm to the arrangement. He stepped back with his knuckles on his hips to admire its placement for a few odd seconds. Then he nodded and turned back to his desk to pen down a quick note.

Dear Ms. Shah,

Your gift of the harp-shaped standing clock is accepted with the utmost joy and appreciation. I thank you personally for this very fine addition to the decorations of my newly acquired office, and shall keep it in my closest care for even my years beyond government service.

Further, as Deaconess of the Institute of Arcane Principle, I entreat you to meet with the Minister of Citizen Resources, Brian Ravenlock, at your nearest convenience to determine how best we can repay the favor of such generosity by serving you and your institution to the best of our ability. Again, you have my sincerest thanks.

Warmest regards,

Sheridan Driscol Governor of Rhy'Din

Once that quick note was complete, he folded it in thirds and slipped it into a crisp new envelope. Rising from the desk, he stepped around to offer the letter to the still waiting courier. "Deliver this to the lady who sent me this fine token of appreciation with haste, m'dear girl," he instructed her, and with that same smooth smile he slipped a couple more coins into her hand. The girl curtsied awkwardly and back-peddled out the door as if she were escaping the presence of a regal monarch. The guards took two crips steps in reverse, about-faced, and turned to follow her.

When they were gone, Dris noticed that his intern was still standing at attention nearby. "What is it, Basil?" he asked with only minimal impatience.

The poor half-elven boy actually squeaked as he snapped to attention. "Oh. Well, um. Sir. Mr. Driscol, sir. Governor. That is to say..." After a pause, he untangled his tongue and managed to continue, but not without his cheeks being fully red. The boy hefted up a box that Dris hadn't noticed he'd been clutching until now. "There's also this case of Badsider come in from Red Orc Brewery, sir."

The Governor's smile turned somewhat wicked then, and he crossed the room to scoop the box up out of the boy's arms. "That Jake sure knows 'ow t'win over a man's 'eart, don't 'e?" he confided in his intern as he carried the case over to a corner of the room well concealed by a lack of filing cabinet in the way. He stuffed the box in there for later appreciation. "Thank ye, Basil," he added a bit belatedly, and that was the boy's cue to take a hike for the time being.

Satariel Shah

Date: 2010-05-23 19:07 EST
Satariel's Tokens of Esteem

The letter and gifts would arrive at the newly appointed Public Works Office, escorted by armed guard.

Brian Ravenlock, Minister of Citizen Resources,

Welcome to your position as Minister. I hope that this gift represents our appreciation of your appointment. We here at the Institute of Arcane Principle look forward to your future guidance and support. The Governor has impressed upon us his wish for us to have a meeting to establish our mutually beneficial relationship.

Please let me know what day and time works best for a man of your busy stature.

With sincerest regards, The Deaconess of the Institute of Arcane Principle Satariel Shah http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab284/FioraShantalaine/Satariels%20Gift/DianaGrandfatherClock.jpg A clock for the Minister himself.

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab284/FioraShantalaine/15574442_6472480_thumbnail.jpg And two for his "assistants."

Satariel Shah

Date: 2010-05-28 17:19 EST
Satariel's Tokens of Esteem

The parchment arrived at the desk of the Silver Starblade with the crated clock. The quiet sentinels only awaiting her acceptance before departing quickly.

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab284/FioraShantalaine/Satariels%20Gift/artwork_images_424967361_514189_geo.jpg

Silver Starblade, Minister of Trade and Commerce,

We at the Institute of Arcane Principle would like to extend our welcome to your new post. I hope that this gift adequately demonstrates our appreciation. Due to the nature of our school we experience a high volume of imports and with the planned success of our student's natural abilities and talents will be eventually looking to export the products of our creative endeavors.

We look forward to working with you in the future.

With sincerest regards, The Deaconess of the Institute of Arcane Principle Satariel Shah

Satariel Shah

Date: 2010-06-02 20:37 EST
Satariel's Tokens of Esteem

The magical door stopped the delivery crew in their tracks as they shared a look. A cough from the armed escort was prompted by their frozen concern.

"You knock." The youthful message courier was quick to retort on a nervous expelled breath.

Hired for their experience in RhyDin it would take more than an arcane door to unnerve them and with a frustrated glower one of them leaned past the messengers to rapidly tap out the required four knocks.

Cringing, the two couriers waited for whatever nasty surprise was about to befall them. Quickly thrusting out the parchment and the ornate box that they were hired to deliver.

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab284/FioraShantalaine/Satariels%20Gift/chest-ornate1.jpg

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab284/FioraShantalaine/Satariels%20Gift/magic-bubble-clock-01.jpg

Silas Greyshott, Minister of Magic, We at the Institute of Arcane Principle would like to extend our welcome to your new post. We are certain that one of your background would easily appreciate an academic setting devoted to magic. With you in office we hope that issues such as the Denubae attacks and other acts of magical violence will be dealt with expediently and successfully. We recently acquired a Magic-eater and are in the process of examining it. Any support, interest, or advice would be well-received.

Please accept this token of our appreciation as it measures your time in office and the successful endeavors your appointment promises.

We look forward to working with you in the future.

With sincerest regards, The Deaconess of the Institute of Arcane Principle Satariel Shah

Silver Starblade

Date: 2010-06-22 19:02 EST
Many apologies for the lateness of this response

Silver looked at the gift, sitting in front of her on the desk for well over a week now. She silently scolded herself for her apparent lack of manners, since she had yet to write a thank you note to the benefactor. A slender finger slid out to run over the worn wooden edges of the nautical time piece.

The wood was rough and dented beneath her fingers, scratches apparent as her hand slid over the wood before she drew it back toward her. It was obvious this clock had once graced the catpain's quarters of a lucky sailor. Whether the ship had gone down in the sea or was dry docked and sawed for lumber, the clock was still in immaculate condition. The fact that it was still accurately telling time drew a smile from the Minister.

A small cream colored card was drawn toward her as she began to pen her response. Satariel Shah Deaconess of the Institute of Arcane Principale

It is with gratitude that I respond to your gift. The nautical clock is a beautiful addition to my office and shall remind me daily of the time spend serving the city. Such a good looking time piece is a wonderful reminder of the sea and its many treasures. I look forward to meeting with you at your convenience regarding your upcoming exports. Should you need anything from the Ministry of Trade and Commerce, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Sincerest Regards, Silver Starblade Minister of Trade and Commerce

The note was given a quick glance before the small card was slid into a matching cream colored envelope. Scrawling blue writing addressed it to the recipient as she yelled into the hallway for Patrick.

The gangly youth, all of eighteen years, stepped in and received explicit instructions to deliver the letter and make hast back to the office. As he scampered off, Silver couldn't help but smile, turning in her chair to look out the looming windows toward the ports.




Satariel Shah

Date: 2010-06-25 13:00 EST
Satariel's Tokens of Esteem

The gift was heavy and demanded an upright carriage. The delivery men relied upon a mixture of technology and magic to meet the demands of the woman who had hired their assistance. The guards nearby to keep it on target. It arrived at the newly appointed offices of Merriam Ksyshravor, Minister of Agriculture with this note:

Merriam Ksyhsravor, Minister of Agriculture

We at the Institute of Arcane Principle would like to extend our welcome to your new post. We are blessed with a large preserve inside the Southern Glen that is home to our school grounds. The potential held in the lands of RhyDin is vast and will assuredly reach its fullness under your apt guidance.

Please accept our token of appreciation for your diligence in your new position.

With sincerest regards, The Deaconess of the Institute of Arcane Principle Satariel Shah

When unveiled:

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab284/FioraShantalaine/Satariels%20Gift/500x500-Howard-Miller-Oasis-Floor-C.jpg

Satariel Shah

Date: 2010-09-13 15:07 EST
Satariel's Tokens of Esteem

The gift arrived at 1407 Grayskull Lane accompanied by armed guards for the Admiral Wolvinator, Minister of Defense with this note:

Admiral Wolvinator, Minister of Defense:

We at the Institute of Arcane Principle would like to extend our welcome to your post. We apologize for the lateness of our acknowledgment as progression on the school has taken most of our attention. With your experiences and background it is satisfying to know that the Realm of RhyDin remains protected under your guidance.

Please accept our token of appreciation for your continued diligence in your position.

With sincerest regards,

The Deaconess of the Institute of Arcane Principle Satariel Shah

When unveiled:

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab284/FioraShantalaine/Satariels%20Gift/saltahna-clock.jpg

Satariel Shah

Date: 2010-09-20 12:53 EST
Satariel's Tokens of Esteem

The couriers delivered the heavy pieces to the offices of Drake Valkanon, Minister of Science and Technology. Paid well for their assistance they still hesitated at the daunting task of assembling it correctly for it quite mystified them.

This letter was included with the delivery:

Drake Valkanon, Minister of Science and Technology:

We at the Institute of Arcane Principle would like to extend our welcome to your post. We apologize for the lateness of our acknowledgment as progression on the school has taken most of our attention. With your experiences and background it is satisfying to know that the Realm of RhyDin has one of your expertise to oversee such diverse growth. Should you find yourself in need of a student to assist you in a learning capacity I am sure our school would be happy to send over an intern of appropriate intellect.

Please accept our token of appreciation for your diligence in your position.

With sincerest regards,

The Deaconess of the Institute of Arcane Principle Satariel Shah

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab284/FioraShantalaine/Satariels%20Gift/tix_clock.jpg

Satariel Shah

Date: 2010-11-10 21:46 EST
Satariel's Tokens of Esteem

The couriers delivered the heavy clock to Heavenly Boutique, owned and operated by Koyliak VanDuran-Simon, Minister of Cultural Diversity. Thrilled to find themselves in such a fashionable establishment they were well dressed and presented their gift with a little bit of ceremony and pomp.

This letter was included with the delivery:

Koyliak VanDuran-Simon, Minister of Cultural Diversity: We at the Institute of Arcane Principle would like to extend our welcome to your post. We apologize for the lateness of our acknowledgment as progression on the school has taken most of our attention. With your experience in office as helpmate and wife to the former Governor, we would like to let it be known that we support any interest you might exhibit as the most logical substitute for our missing Governor. Additionally, in relations to your position as Minister of Cultural Diversity we are looking to expand our student's understanding of the realm of RhyDin. With this in mind we are looking to send our students into the local orphanages as a community service. Should you have any assistance to offer in our endeavors (or suggestions) please know that we are most appreciative.

Please accept our token of respect for your diligence in your position.

With sincerest regards,

The Deaconess of the Institute of Arcane Principle Satariel Shah

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab284/FioraShantalaine/Satariels%20Gift/master_RID147.jpg