It was April 10th, 1901, when you finally found yourself in Loudon. Bidden there by the unexpected offer of a hereditary fortune, the time had finally come to see what would come of the matter. This strange, provincial town was once famous the world over for its purported hauntings. Just now, in the light of earnest day, it didn't seem all that much to fear. Sure, the towering church spires, and the remains of other ancient stone constructions could be a bit intimidating. But they also added a great deal of character to that rural landscape. If you climbed up the hill a little ways you could look out and see just about all of it: The familiar collections of deep orange tiled roofs, the little white and yellow brick houses - thick with leafy trees throughout. And beyond, in the distance, there were promising golden fields stretching to the horizon.
It didn't have the fanciful storefront facades and electric lights of Paris, but the old cobblestone roads ran smooth enough. There were a number of shops and services to supply the needs of the town, and several inns as well. In particular, one of those tall high-rises in the east looked to be a very modern hotel. Yes, the changing times could be seen, even here.
It was a little after three o'clock when you were settled in to M. Herbachet's office - the notary who was assigned to settle this case. It seemed to be quite the proceeding, for not just yourself but about six people had been gathered together in that long wooden room to discuss business.
Monsieur Herbachet had a large desk at the end, but he seemed adverse to sitting in it - instead flitting around the room and welcoming everyone in as they arrived, occasionally dabbing his forehead with his handkerchief. He had a finely trimmed black mustache, though his hair was rather more grey. He wore a fine blue vest and bow tie, and a ring of keys jingled at his hip when he walked. His office looked well enough for a man in his standing. It was a bit run down, but clean. He had a large floral rug and bookshelves, some packed with case files. The shutters were drawn shut, so the place was lit only by candlelight when things got underway.
He cleared his throat and said
"Of course, before we get into the details, I have to be sure of your identities. It's an unfortunate part of my profession, but very important for legal reasons, you see. Please do introduce yourselves, and I'll take a look at your papers." Once he had gone through everyone's details to his satisfaction, he breathed a sigh of relief, and proceeded to inform everyone of his contract.
"As you will have read in my letter, my business here concerns my role as executor of a will. My client, who wished to remain anonymous in these proceedings, has unfortunately passed away. He was a wealthy man as far as Loudon goes, but he was survived by no suitable heir. He left behind very detailed instructions about what was to be done with his estate in this case, and though they are unusual - it is my duty to see it done." The man was a professional, though with a slightly florid attitude. He let everyone bristle for a moment while he produced a silver tray with glasses, and a bottle of fine cognac. It was common to offer spirits over serious dealings, and he gestured for anyone who wished to partake. He put a splash in his own glass and sipped it before continuing.
"You're probably all strangers to one another. I know some of you have traveled some distance for the occasion. But believe it or not, this town is not as alien to you as it may seem. You may not know it, but each of you has a direct ancestor that lived in this place many years ago. According to my client's family history, all of your families were close allies in the founding days of his house. When they fell on hard times, your families were the ones who bailed them out. Indeed, their house may never have enjoyed such success if it wasn't for that support. Respecting his family history, my client wishes to entrust the majority of his remaining fortune to those allied houses.
"The years have apparently changed this place more than we can imagine. None of your families have any surviving members in Loudon anymore - I've checked very scrupulously. Which rather brings us to the point. Gathered here today are the nearest living relatives of the families named as beneficiary in my client's will. Congratulations, everyone.
"You are each slated to receive some six-thousand francs, as long as you comply with my client's very modest wishes. He asks only that you each stay here a night in memory of your virtuous ancestors. I've already made arrangements. Each of you will have a room in a different corner of town, somewhere close to where your ancestor might have lived, as far as I can tell. When I have confirmed your stay tomorrow, we can go about transferring the money in a manner that pleases you. That is what my client has asked of me." He finished off his glass and clanked it down a little harder than was appropriate, to which he quickly raised his fingers in apology.
"Look here, I have a wonderful advance for you all. I mentioned the family jewelry in my letter, yes? Here are the items in question..."Monsieur Herbachet unlocked a drawer on his desk, and retrieved a polished box from within. He sat it out on the desk and flipped it open for all to see. Inside was a soft bed of velvet, and five beautiful golden rings. They all shone brightly, but each one was set with a different gemstone. Ruby, Amethyst, Sapphire, Emerald, and Topaz.
"This one is for you, Mademoiselle," the notary said, offering Joséphine the sapphire ring. Even in the dim candlelight, the light blue jewel seemed clear as glass; a faint highlight danced behind it from the interplay of the facets.
PrinceAlexus,
Redacted,
PatientBean,
lkjhghuio,
Archazen,
BurningCold,
enmuni,
Plank Sinatra,
Carlyle,
Hammy Chi
