ph_logs | A Special Invitation

Dahlia has handwritten several letters and sent them to a small handful of people who she considers to be personal friends or particularly fond acquaintances of hers. Those people are the following:

Ianto Jones
Lucas Kovach
Grace Holloway
Angel
Jack Spicer
Arthur Morgan
River la Croix
Degas Clayton

It reads---

Dear Friend,

As you are likely aware, my birthday gala is rapidly approaching. While the entire town of Pumpkin Hollow is, as always, welcome to attend, it is my wholehearted wish that you plan to be present.

I have made a special space in the banquet hall for those with whom I have a particular fondness for, and I cordially invite you to be a part of this space. You may also bring a plus-one, though I must ask you try to alert me of this as soon as you are able. I would also appreciate your RSVP by letter, phone, or in person.

I remind you that no gifts are required, only your presence, though if you bring a gift I will not refuse it. With this letter I have also sent a personalized masquerade mask, hand crafted by a local artisan. I hope it is to your taste.

May your lantern always be lit,
Dahlia Anastasia Leeds

As promised, there is a package with the letter which contains an ornate mask designed based on Dahlia’s understanding of the recipient's taste or personality.

Feel free to RSVP in a method of your choosing.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Though the sky be too dark for dim eyes to discover
The gold-cups and daisies fair blooming thereunder,
Though the hills be held shadows, and the sea a dark wonder

And this day draw a veil over all deeds pass'd over,
Yet my hands shall not tremble, my feet shall not falter;
The void shall not weary, the fear shall not alter

I’ll be there.

-IJ

Dahlia made a face of confusion at the note as she pulled it out of her mail, but smiled broadly at the sight of the note. She already knew he'd be coming as her date, but the poem... the poem was very sweet. Seems Ianto is an artistic soul.

"I expect a corsage," she called after him as he brushed out of the room in a clear attempt to run away from her.

“White acacia, bluebells, mint, and…perhaps some purple columbine!” He replies over his shoulder—then hesitates mid-stride and turns to wink at her with a smile.

“But only if you know your floriography—otherwise it shall be roses to match your gown.”

River's handwriting favors comprehensibility over all else; her letters are sharp and scratched, almost runic, cut deep into the paper by quill pen. Not pictured are the attempts to use a fountain pen, which produced what scientists might call 'black sheets of paper'.

Lady Leeds, I am touched and surprised equally by your invitation, and will be attending. Family tradition favors face paint over masks for formal events such as this, and if this is acceptable to you I will be attending thusly garbed, though I'm loathe to decline the beautiful gift you've provided in this mask. I promise it is not anything personal or intended as an insult, and solely a matter of personal values which, if it is any reassurance, do tend to get us yelled at at events such as this at home as well. There are times and places when the la Croix are the world's crotchety grandmother, full of love but set in our ways. I will, however, be so bold as to intrude further, and seek to persuade you to extend your invitation to Miss Annabel Lee Whitlock if it has not been already, in lieu of my plus one. It is my intention to ask her to attend with me, but not my desire to see her implicitly or explicitly do so as a less honored, or less wanted, guest. Your favor in this matter would be warmly and heartily appreciated. - River la Croix, journeyman necromancer P.S. The second envelope is an unrelated matter and is the product of several attempts to write that letter which eventually resulted in the missive contained therein.

The second envelope contains a single sheet of folded paper which reads:

Phone????

As if in apology for her inability to phrase her question in a more civilized manner, River has drawn a wildflower beneath her one-word question, all in black ink.

Dahlia had laughed at the single-word letter, and elected to keep it in her keepsake drawer devoid of its context so as to earn another chuckle later as well as to keep the drawing.

She replied shortly thereafter.

Dearest River,

I am not at all offended by your desire to wear face paint in keeping with your tradition. If you'd like, you can wear the mask up on top of your head or simply keep it as a party favor.

With regards to your plus one, I am afraid I don't know Annabel Lee personally and such an invite would be out of place. However, all plus ones are just as honored as the invitee and I shall very much look forward to you introducing her to me.

Also, the phone is the candlestick-shaped device with a horn-like appendage on the top and dial on the bottom. I do believe your home came with one and I'll gladly show you how to use it at a later time! Thank you for the flower drawing.

Best,
Dahlia

No further letters are forthcoming. A several-hour session at the forge swearing and beating her way to getting the courage to ask Annabel out this dance, however, is forthcoming.

Written in a rough, blocky handwriting:

Miss Dahlia,

I will attend your ball. I will bring Eddie as my plus one. I apoligize for any horror that comes from waching me attemt to dance. I do not have practice.

Angel

Lucas reads over the note a few times and looking at the mask. It's definitely his style, black with orange accents, not overly ornate but still enough to catch people's attention. He's really sort of flattered, feeling as if he didn't deserve the special invite in the first place.

So he decides to pop by Dahlia's usual haunts outside of her home. At one of them, he finally spies her.

"Hey there! Thanks for the invite," Lucas grins brightly. "And the mask! Sounds like you really know how to party. I'm gonna bring Milo as my plus one, if that's cool."

"Hey!" Dahlia calls back brightly, having been caught outside the library. "I'm so glad you like it! And yes, that's perfectly fine. I met Milo... just the once, I think, when he signed up for his farm. He seems nice! Are you two close?"

Lucas grins brighter, "Awesome! I'll be sure to let him know he's gotta be on his best behavior."

Her question is met with the same easy-going grin, but there's a shade of sheepishness in his features.

"I mean, we're buds if that's what you mean?" Flirting with Milo had sailed right over his head, so Lucas wasn't about to rock that boat again.

"Uh-huhhh, okay," Dahlia replies, a hint of knowing in her voice. But she didn't press the issue.

"Well, I'll be pleased to meet him properly, then. See you there!"

Edited (Typo, RIP ) 2023-10-18 00:40 (UTC)

A letter on plain but good-quality stationery finds its way to Dahlia’s mailbox.

Dear Miss Leeds,

I wouldn’t miss your gala for the world. It’s a good thing you’re doing for the town, making your special day an occasion for everyone to grab some joy. I’ll be bringing just myself, and I plan on having an excellent time.

The mask is just too generous, but you won’t see me turning it down. While I won’t shame you with an insufficient gift, please know that if you’ve got another event planned where you’re in need of vocal entertainment, I’d be more than happy to provide.

A very happy birthday to you.
Grace Holloway

A Special Invitation

A folded note tucked into a pile of letters personally handed to Dahlia by Ianto

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By Letter

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Letter

In person - can just be a super quick thing!

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