OMG, this is delightful. It might be near the word limit of consci_fan_mo, but it reads so smoothly that you don't notice.

I think you must be a fellow crocheter (or knitter, I only crochet). The detail about the pain of dropping a stitch, bang on.

I do wonder if a courier du bois would have worn the fancier clothes? From what I recall from French/HIstory they wore the colourful shirts and plain linen trousers with sash and toque.

I love your vampire lore. Mat is a great character.