Pomona

[alt_poppy]

I've had a lovely three days here at Berwick. I still think you'd have enjoyed it, but to each her own.

I plan to leave directly after the Parting Feast this evening. My reservation is at the Stoat's Head in Dover, and I'll be there until mid-morning if you need to reach me by fire to change our arrangements for later in the day. I'm having elevenses with Melchior and should be able to meet you at the caravan park at Hampstead by half-three.

I received an owl yesterday from the Order of Apothecaries, confirming our berths in the guest wing of the old pensioners' barracks in Chelsea, Tuesday-Friday next. I worry it may not be as charmingly quaint as the brochure makes it seem, but we shall see. At the very least, it's inexpensive and very close to the Physic Garden, so it will make up in convenience whatever it lacks in comfort.

Comments

Order Only

[alt_poppy]

I've talked Pomona round to joining me for at least a portion of my travels, though she'll need to pop back now and then because she can't entirely abandon her crops during the growing season.

I delayed setting out until after the full moon so we could harvest the fluxweed. I must say that this batch of polyjuice is as potent as I've ever experienced--we tested it, and the transformation held nearly three hours. We agree it must be due to the near convergence of the full moon with the solstice: our last batch from the same plants was in no way inadequate, but this batch is extraordinary.

We'd intended, of course, to pass what we brewed along to the Players, but recent events have convinced us there may be a greater need in other quarters. I hope you agree with this decision, Kingsley.

In any case. Should someone wish to find us and relieve us of a quantity of polyjuice in shatter-proofed phials stowed conveniently in a moke-skin pouch, he would find us at the north edge of the caravan park on Hampstead Heath tomorrow night through Tuesday morning. After that, we'll be lodging at the old Royal Hospital whilst doing a course for the Order of Apothecaries at the Physic Garden down the road. I imagine that the arrangements there might prove more difficult, but perhaps not insurmountable if someone put his mind to finding us. We promise not to meddle in any way with his person nor to interfere with his itinerary, though we would happily buy him a firewhiskey if he deigned to make his presence known.

Re: Order Only

[alt_kingsley]

I'm sure that there could be a Player or two who could be persuaded to relieve you of your burden and then pass it off to other interested parties. If that would help any interested parties who couldn't make an appearance themselves.

Wouldn't say 'No' to the Firewhiskey myself, either.

Re: Order Only

[alt_poppy]

You would, of course, be most welcome to join us.

I'm rather hoping, of course, that a certain someone will agree to collect his own supplies, but I know we all share a desire to accommodate his needs in whatever way will best suit him without encroaching on his desire to remain aloof, secret, independent, unobtrusive, and unable to do any of the rest of us any conceivable harm or vice versa, etc., etc., ad nauseum.

Do come, though, Kingsley. We'd love to see you. And tell that cousin of mine, I'd like to catch up with him if he could spare the time.

In fact, if London proves less than convenient this week, I'm sure we can work out another rendezvous later in the summer. I intend to be on the road, hither and yon for the best part of the next two months. Pomona will come and go as she must, but company at any point would be most welcome.

[alt_terry]

boot checked this morning for Madam Pomfrey, and all of stasis charms she set over the Hospital Wing stores are still glowing gold. So everything is fine in inventory.

boot hopes that Madam Pomfrey and Professor Sprout are having a very pleasant journey.

[alt_poppy]

Thank you, Mr Boot. It's a comfort to know that the charms have held. Do, please, continue to check them as we discussed.

I have had a very relaxing week here in North Berwick, thank you. And I trust that Professor Sprout will enjoy her time away, though I must say that she was difficult to persuade. She has, no doubt, provided you with her rather complicated itinerary. It's a pity she feels the need to be more often there than away. Perhaps in another year, she will feel she has trained you sufficiently to take up at least the most basic and daily of her summer horticultural tasks.

[alt_terry]

boot would be very happy to serve Professor Sprout, too.

please tell Professor Sprout that boot turned the compost pile again this morning. its heating up so well that many of the Vertiginous Ferns on the next pallet over are leaning closer to feel the heat. one even managed to tip its own pot over. boot moved them all back and cleaned up the broken pot.

[alt_sinistra]

I am glad you're having a good time, though the castle is woefully empty and lacking in conversation, as Pomona's been busy getting the greenhouses ready for her to leave.

On the other hand, I'm up to the shoulders in the last minute YPL plans - much worse this year, of course, because we had to wait so long to get the initial schedules in place. I'm confident everything will run smoothly, though we may end up moving the second half of the camping week to another location.

[alt_poppy]

There's nothing quite like a bowls tourney to help one set aside all the cares and concerns of workaday life. I had such a grand time this week.

I admire the work you continue to put in with the YPL; I trust the Ministry appreciate it.

Will you have a bit of time for yourself before the London events?

[alt_sirius]

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