#lightkeepers

“The northern light of Nod-Krai and its southern shadow.” Thus were the whispers I could gather from the streets of Nasha Town. Though it is not confirmation that you exist, my inner sense does not fail me. You are familiar with this sentiment, yes? The tidal nature of those trapped beyond the ley lines?

They are not at rest within your domain, Mr. Flins. I can feel their unrest from Lempo. And, well, my winged companion has bore witness to these spirits himself on flyovers.

Anyway, to return to the original purpose of my letter: filing. As a merchant of this town, I am naturally a member of the local Voynich Guild. For the city’s sake and my own, I would like to document and honor all who have fallen in this country. Please honor my visit at your earliest behest, or deliver a copied assembly of your own certificates. I anticipate your response.

Sincerely,

Undertaker

—

Kyryll Chudomirovich Flins

Final Night Cemetery

Paha Isle, Nod-Krai

An Obscure Undertaker

2/10/20XX

Funeral Director & Mortician

Silver Carriage Mortuary & Crematorium

Dear Director,

Nasha Town, Nod-Krai

You are correct in your readings – both I and the cemetery exist, though that is already evident to you by the arrival of my response. Your sensitivity is further unerring in your conclusions on my “domain”. Allow me to be blunt, Director: we share the same goal. I would prefer to meet you as a fellow patron of the people, out of respect and admittedly convenience.

I must say, however, that I cannot in good conscience allow a colleague to travel inter-island alone, much less take the journey to the occupied Paha Isle. Please allow me to accompany you. I do not intend to offend your intelligence nor skill, but my time with the Lightkeepers has taught me one valuable lesson: teamwork. Even the most stubborn of folk must set their ego aside in battle if they intend to succeed.

Also, does this winged companion of yours bear a scarf? Specifically made with light fabric of indigo, and embroidered with oak branches? If so, please share my regards.

Sincerely,

Flins

—

Kyryll Chudomirovich Flins

Final Night Cemetery

Paha Isle, Nod-Krai

An Obscure Undertaker

5/10/20XX

Funeral Director & Mortician

Silver Carriage Mortuary & Crematorium

Dear Director,

Nasha Town, Nod-Krai

Thank you for making the trek to meet me. Your visit was welcome, despite an abrupt arrival. I must also express my gratitude for your kindness. I have experienced a greater sense of peace since your aid in my comrade’s farewell. The isle is increasingly quiet – just yesterday I could finally hear the whale’s bellows.

Forgive my brevity,

Flins

—

An Obscure Undertaker

Silver Carriage Mortuary & Crematorium

Kyryll Chudomirovich Flins

7/10/20XX

Graveyard Keeper

Dear Flins,

Final Night Cemetery

Your brevity is forgiven, though I wonder if a night at The Flagship would be of benefit? If being a Ratnik is as you say, then one can never learn too much about the art of being social. A shot or two of Novokitezhgrad’s specialty is certainly an aid.

It is now my turn to request your forgiveness – that is likely too unprofessional an introduction. Still I cannot seem to care.

Work has been smooth. Thank you for sharing your comrade’s stories with me. I hope it was a healing experience for you rather than the opposite. My mind is eased knowing they will rest in more memories. I am not sure if you could tell, but my dear Perun was content as well. He seems to like you – appreciate it, that’s rare for him.

Director

—

Kyryll Chudomirovich Flins

Final Night Cemetery

An Obscure Undertaker

10/10/20XX

Dear Director,

Silver Carriage Mortuary & Crematorium

Rest assured that my psyche is sound. I cannot help but question the state of yours after tending to the dead for so many years? Perhaps you should take your own advice. I jest. Only half. A night with firewater and a new friend sounds oddly intriguing – do let me know what date works best for you.

You are most welcome. It is not an everyday individual that can sit through hours of nostalgia; I am grateful for your resilience, though I suppose that is to be expected of a mortician. Hmm. Once again you pique my interest. Please think of stories of your own to share next time.

Flins

P.S - Pass my thanks to Perun for the mouse skull. I am sure I will be able to make something lovely with it.

—

An Obscure Undertaker

Silver Carriage Mortuary & Crematorium

Kyryll Chudomirovich Flins

11/10/20XX

Dear Flins,

Final Night Cemetery

I will accept your rudimentary invitation. Could you make it to Nasha Town by Tuesday? Regardless, I’ll be waiting at The Flagship’s bar. Do not flatter yourself, it is simply part of my nightly routine.

You seem to have favored the bold this time, Flins. I will see if I can recall anything of note.

Director

—

Kyryll Chudomirovich Flins

Final Night Cemetery

An Obscure Undertaker

15/10/20XX

Dear Director,

Silver Carriage Mortuary & Crematorium

Do take it easy on the firewater next time, I would like you to better watch over yourself. Though, I have no doubts in your playful little companion’s care.

“Anything of note”, you said. I must say that your tales did not disappoint. I have always been aware of Nasha Town’s characters, but it seems your experience with them outshines my own. It is truly an “elysium for outcasts”.

I cannot help but wonder if everything is as you say, since you have yet to err. Is this why the guild favors you so?

I will be returning in two weeks' time for a meeting with the Lightkeepers. Shall we meet again?

Flins

—

An Obscure Undertaker

Silver Carriage Mortuary & Crematorium

Kyryll Chudomirovich Flins

17/10/20XX

Dear Flins,

Final Night Cemetery

My memory and my liver are perfectly intact, for now at least. You are right to place your faith in him, dear Perun has always been my most efficient assistant. His delivery skills, as you’ve come to learn, are unmatched throughout Nod-Krai. I do not make this claim lightly. The guild enlists some of the best, but a raven is far easier than a person to me.

You are different in a way I cannot yet place. I find you refreshing. Thank you for spending time with me, it is easy to stay isolated in this profession. I am grateful for your time and humor – laughter has evaded me longer than I realized.

Give yourself more credit.

Your “Dear Director”

—

Kyryll Chudomirovich Flins

Final Night Cemetery

An Obscure Undertaker

18/10/20XX

“Dear Director”,

Silver Carriage Mortuary & Crematorium

I appreciate your charming words. I see how your business has reached its caliber. Just a taste of your company has proven to be haunting in its own right. Please, take this as a compliment – one rare for me to give, at that. Is it too forward to take your thanks as a “yes”? It seems I favor the bold once more; you are sure to be proud.

Yes, your Perun is a wonderful ally. He seems to love using my shoulder as a perch, cawing about anything that crosses his mind. I am curious if his visits are out of an affinity for me or the insects residing here.

You are most welcome for the evening.

Flins

—

An Obscure Undertaker

Silver Carriage Mortuary & Crematorium

Kyryll Chudomirovich Flins

21/10/20XX

Dear Flins,

Final Night Cemetery

Forgive my late reply. An incident at the port required my utmost attention.

It seems the town’s whispers were right – you are a dangerous gentleman indeed. However, I cannot say this flattery is unwelcome. I would thoroughly enjoy another night with you. For what time shall I mark my calendar?

Director

P.S - I have shared your praise with Perun. He practically puffed out his chest.

—

Kyryll Chudomirovich Flins

Final Night Cemetery

An Obscure Undertaker

22/10/20XX

Dear Director,

Silver Carriage Mortuary & Crematorium

Please reserve 1800 onward for our meeting. I anticipate it greatly.

Flins

—

An Obscure Undertaker

29/10/20XX

Dear gravekeeper,

Kyryll Chudomirovich Flins

You are still at The Flagship, yes? I overheard the departing words of one of your fellow Ratniki, and now I simply must prepare a little something for your upcoming birthday. If you are staying, you know where to find me. Come anytime.

Director

—

Dear Director,

1/11/20XX

I must express my awe once more. The piece you gifted me is of unmistakable quality. Each carving is delicate and shines with perfection. Crafting with bone and abalone requires much patience and tenacity, especially to create such a striking stormy scene. This brooch will be well taken care of, on my honor as a Ratnik.

I must also confess to you that I have not felt so…“loose”... in a long time. Thank you for a lovely day of freedom and adventure. You should allow me to reciprocate when your birthday comes around – it is only right.

Flins

—

Dear Flins,

2/11/20XX

As I’m sure you can see, Perun has prepared his own present for you. This is not the reason I write to you, however.

I need to clear my mind, and as such, reveal certain truths to you. Please forgive such an ominous tone, there is no grand secret or emergency, just the humble musings of a mortician.

Despite being surrounded by death and grief, I am familiar with the concepts of love. This turbulent emotion drives grief to begin with, and leads many to altercations that result in the necessity of my services. It also is what drives my affection for you. There is something astonishingly natural to having you with me. Everything feels certain and I become more grounded.

You know that I have always felt transient. As if I was floating through life not too unlike the spirits on your isle. Yet, with you, I feel corporeal. I feel as if my existence is real. This means more to me than I can put into words. Please, Flins, continue to grant me your companionship. I will accept it in any form you give me.

Director

—

Darling Director,

5/11/20XX

Perun’s beetle carcass is beautiful, he is quite the clean hunter. Or sharp-eyed scavenger. Ah, who am I kidding, he is both – not too dissimilar to yourself. Like calls to like, right?

This must be true for the two of us, as well. You are not alone in your sentiments. Though I’ve never been particularly inclined to self-expression and matters of the heart, I am at least well-read on the basics.

I have shared parts of myself almost lost to the annals of my past. For your ears, I am grateful. I have experienced true and kindling kindness. For your heart, I am grateful. I have been able to discuss my knowledge and ideals with a similar soul. For your mind, I am grateful. I have felt the ardent stirrings of a love you describe. For your mouth and lips, I am grateful. I have seen myself materialized. For your eyes and your sense, I am grateful.

You need to not ask me to keep vigil at your side, for I am already there.

Your gravekeeper

—

Lamp light delicately illuminated the cloak of the man before you. His features remained neutral, but his eyes betrayed them.

“I brought you frostlamps. Picked by yours truly.”

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