Private Message to Aurora Sinistra

[alt_poppy]

I trust you've made it to your quiet cottage and are beginning to settle in a bit. If you haven't found it, there should be a basket there somewhere from Pomona and me--hopefully the elf left it in a place you'd easily see it. I'm sure the Guild provided some welcome supplies for you, or I hope they did, but we wanted to be sure you'd have something to nibble on until you've had a chance to order in your own provisions.

You'll find I've tweaked the formulation for the Small Mercies syrup; I'm hopeful it will serve you better in this iteration.

On another topic altogether: is there someone you could turn to for help managing your post for a bit? I couldn't help but notice that there were an extraordinary number of owls disappointed to miss you this morning. I imagine you are being rather snowed under by people expressing their sympathies.

I doubt I'm the one to help with private correspondence, but do know that if there is anything I could do, I'd be most happy to oblige.

Please give my regards to your mother. I understood she might be with you this evening. Tell her I hope we might find time for another lunch sometime soon.

Comments

[alt_sinistra]

The basket, thank you. Both.

Mum would be glad to see you, she says, and she'll owl about days once she's seen what's changed at work. Temp's coming tonight, to help me sort through food more.

You remember my clerk for the YPL, Felix Green? Note turned up from him, soon as he heard, to help with the post. I think there's awful bits, in with the kind ones. They won't tell me what.

Going to write something more public, in a bit. Spent time figuring out how, the last few days.

[alt_poppy]

Oh, excellent. I always liked Mr Green. I'm very glad he's risen to the occasion now.

Try not to give much energy to wondering what people might say. If there are awful bits, they come from awful people and are entirely more about them than about anything you or Rabastan have done or not done in your time.

I thought your public message perfect for the occasion. Now I hope you can turn to other things--stars and books and pleasant walks, favourite foods, the companionship of wise cats, and relaxation the term never affords.

I believe the first time I'll have business out your way will be Saturday, a week. I am, however, always a mere apparition hop away and most pleased to come if needed. The Floo address for Igtham Mote is on a card in your basket, as well as for The Moated Grange at Abbots Bromley. I'll keep you up to date on where I'll be--I always think it a good idea that someone knows. Just in case, you see.

As ever, my dear.
Poppy

[alt_sinistra]

It took a long time to get it right. The public part. Taking out the bits I shouldn't say.

You're right about the post. And it's not like that part's new. People saying awful things.

Next Saturday, then. You tell such good stories about your travels. And I will say, if you can help.

[alt_sinistra]

Oh. I should say, too. The potion, for the charm backlash. I do think it's helping. A bit.

Good thing I like music. Mum said that was the trouble, with Grandmum Hebe. Getting her to listen as long as you're supposed to.

[alt_poppy]

It is an extremely unusual set of requirements for that potion, is it not? I'm glad you're finding the music suited to you. I'm not surprised, really, now I think of it. I expect it reaches you on several levels, including intellectual ones about rhythm and time, order and the spheres--in addition to the usual, aesthetic ones.

It's also important to observe that potion's hours and specified dosage shifts, but stick to the chart, and you'll be fine. You may find that there's some variation in its effects and effectiveness throughout the month. If you feel uncomfortable at any point or as though it's under- or over-performing, we may be able to adjust it a bit and make a meaningful difference for you.

[alt_sinistra]

Such an odd set, yeah.

I like music. Don't play or sing myself, but Alde introduced me to a lot, and other people later. (Not a place Raz and I overlapped much, actually.)

I keep sort of losing track of time, but Storm's writing a note every day for me to check in. To help. I'm keeping notes on how I feel, too.