Drabble + Letter: "Handbook of the recently deceased" and "Sad news"

[misskarin_ebz]

[Most of your characters should have gotten a 'dead notif', feel free to respond if you want to]

Dear Siirka, if you are reading this I am dead, and I am sorry for the inconvenience. Since you haven’t been with me long enough to experience one of my previous deaths I’ve written this ‘handbook’ so you know what to do and what to expect. Now one can’t say exactly how many days one stays ‘dead’ here in London, but for me it’s usually a couple off days, perhaps a week. In these notes you will find lists and information about how you should take care of my corpse, who’s allowed to enter the house while I’m dead, who should be notified about my death, what doctors are reliable and could be called upon if needed, who I’d suggest you’d turn to if you need help keeping the house safe and all sorts of things you might need to know.

And please, don’t grieve too much, I’ll be back...

Siirka wipes away the tears. Best not think too much, better get to work. Let’s see, what’s first on these lists.

--- hours later ---

She settles in the armchair beside Karin’s bed, reaching out to gently touch her dead Mistress’ cold hand. “Allt är gjort. Jag gjorde mitt bästa med breven till dom du ville ska veta att du är död, mallen underlättade men du vet att jag inte är bra på att skriva engelska, du måste lära mig mer när du kommer tillbaka.” She sighs. “Snälla försök att skynda på, jag saknar dig.”

Sad news.

[Character Name]

By the request of Lady Adelswärd I write this letter to inform you about her death. You will be notified when she returns back to life.

~ Siirka Päiive, Karin Adelswärd’s maid

Comments

[captain-ivers.livejournal.com]

Clifford's writing is the plain, spiky script of a man accustomed to keeping his own written records.

Miss Päiive,

Mr. Copernic has informed me of your mistress' tragic circumstance. Do feel free to call on me, should you need any assistance during this time.

Capt. C. Ivers

[misskarin_ebz]

A note, written by someone not used to write and espacially not in english, arrives some time later.

Thank you Kapten Ivers,
Things are under control at the time being.
Thank you

Siirka

[marmalade-hall.livejournal.com]

The condolence card that arrives from Marmalade Hall is something straddling the boundary between "Sorry for your loss" and "Get well soon".

Both Nathan and Scarlet have signed it, but the message underneath that says Do let us know if there's anything you need is in Nathan's hand.

[edwin-graves.livejournal.com]

Graves reads the note with a start. "Hmph! We shall see about that." He puts his hat on, and rummages for a moment in a drawer. He finds the Skyglass knife - it has taken his life many times before, it shall serve again, if necessary. He finds her card, and sets out for her address.

*Knock, knock*

[misskarin_ebz]

A very tired and red-eyed young maid opens the door. "Good day sir, can I help you?" Her heavy accent resembles her Mistress' but is still not quite the same.

[edwin-graves.livejournal.com]

He bows slightly. "Good evening, miss. I am Edwin Graves - a friend of your mistress. How... is she? Has she been down for long?"

[misskarin_ebz]

"One monent sir." She flips thru a notebook, silently reading the names of those who are allowed to enter during this time.

After awhile she holds out the book to him, pointing at his name. "Is this you?"

[edwin-graves.livejournal.com]

He examines the notebook carefully - years of intrigue cause him to scan the other names automatically. "Yes, miss, that is my name. I believe you are... Siirka? Am I pronouncing that correctly? I'm sorry - Englishmen have such clumsy tongues." To think that I was jesting and loving with her only days ago - why did she not seek my help?

[misskarin_ebz]

Siirka nods, not that his pronounciation is much better than anyone else of Karin's friends, but somehow that doesn't seem very important at the moment.

"Then you may come in." She stands back from the doorway, allowing him entrance. "She's been dead since igår... I mean yesterdag," she shakes her head, damn words, "yesterday."

[edwin-graves.livejournal.com]

"Hmmm....." He wonders if this is a long time. Of course, when he comes back from the River, it is always unclear how long he has spent down there. "Has she died often with you? Is the.... length of time spent below fairly consistent?"

[gideon-blake.livejournal.com]

Gideon knocks heavily on the front door, pacing back and forth before knocking again when he decides that Siirka hasn't answered fast enough.

The pattern continues until such time as she does answer.

[misskarin_ebz]

The door is finally opened by a very tired Siirka, she's been watching over her dead Mistress all night and is clearly exhausted.

"Hello Mr. Blake."

[gideon-blake.livejournal.com]

"Siirka, dear, how are you?" He asks, handing her his hat and cane.

[misskarin_ebz]

She takes the hat and cane and puts them away before answering. "Trö... I mean tired, but alive..."

[gideon-blake.livejournal.com]

"Well, why don't you take me to her and then you can get some rest, hmm?"

[misskarin_ebz]

She just nods and starts leading the way to Karin's bedroom.

The curtains are closed and only a single candle burns on the bedside table. Karin's body lies underneath the covers and if one stands at distance and squints it almost looks like she's just sleeping.

[gideon-blake.livejournal.com]

Gideon sighs and shakes his head when he looks at Karin.

"Now, off with you." He says ushering Saiirka out of the room. "Go and get some sleep."

[sean-copernic.livejournal.com]

After reading the letter and delivering the news to Cliff, he makes his way to Karin's townhouse and knocks on the door. He's worried, of course. He's still not used to death in the Neath -- but will he ever? At the very least, he feels as though he should visit.

[misskarin_ebz]

Siirka opens the door, her usual smile replaced with something less cheerful. "Mr. Kopernik, hello."

[sean-copernic.livejournal.com]

"Hello Miss Siirka!" Sean smiles charmingly, removing his hat. He bows his head, tone turning more serious. "I've received your letter of bad news. I was hoping to pay Karin a visit. Perhaps encourage her to return faster. You must be in need of a break, perhaps we can share tea together?"

[misskarin_ebz]

She manages a smile, although a weak one. "I don't want to leave her side for long if she... wakes. Will you watch her when I make tea?"

[sean-copernic.livejournal.com]

"Absolutely. Truth be told, I'm quite worried. To think I'd return to London to hear of such tragedy..." Sean sighs, stepping inside. "Is she in her bedroom?"

[misskarin_ebz]

"Yes," she nods, "I... I think you know where it is?"

[streetfelineblu.livejournal.com]

A message in a small envelope, delivered by a bat with a blue collar.

To the attention of lady Adelswärd:

I am most dismayed by your recent experience. Unpleasant as it may be, I am positive that you are strong enough to overcome it without dire consequences; blood is thicker than water, and that is even truer of Viking blood. I trust you are well cared for, but please have no restrain in letting me know me know your needs. I will postpone any zee-voyage indefinitely, until your situation will not be satisfactory again.

WM

[misskarin_ebz]

There is a note in return, written by someone not used to write at all.

Thank you,
I will show Lady Karin your note when she comes back to life.
~ Siirka Päiive

[Karin is alive again in this post http://fallen-london.livejournal.com/219927.html if Mr. Miller wants to drop by :)]