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Dom Wiedman
The Abraxan Flats
London

Liadán Whitman
The Whitman Estate
Kerry Cove

Dear Liadán,

Yours was a beautiful wedding.  I enjoyed myself very much.  I cannot tell you how honoured I felt to be present and invited into such intimate company.  We didn't have much chance to speak at your wedding of course, but I wanted to say again what I said to you there - that you looked so beautiful in your dress.  It was as perfect as you said.  More-so.  The picturesque bride, I'd say; a tad modest for all you deserve - perhaps - but it only made you shine the more brightly.  I was glad to be there on your special day.

I'm writing now in the hopes that you and I could arrange a dinner between us, if it's not a bother to tear you away briefly from your groom.  I'm sure you are kept busy, honeymooning, preparing your new life and getting your affairs in order for your new family in the making.  But if you have an evening, any evening, preferably one following a day that I haven't spent on Pitch (spare you my Beater's filth); I'll have my schedule below so you'll know what's good.  If it pleases you, tell me a date and your preferences for venue, even if it has to be scheduled a ways off.  I would love to see you and hear all about how you're taking to your newly wedded life.

Send my best to your husband.  I'm glad he makes you happy, so.

With love and all due respect,
your friend,
Dominik

P.S.  My schedule for Quidditch - now that I'm here looking at it I suppose May 8th is the only foreseeable match in my immediate future.  Depending on how that goes, I could get busier a week out from that, or have even more time on my hands.  Blimey I didn't realize how soon work would die down after the International Friendly Matches.  Anyway, do send me an owl, your earliest convenience is fine.  Be well. 

1.	The thread title is taken from a song lyric in Suck It and See by Alex Turner of the Arctic Monkeys.

Liadan O Morain Whitman
Kerry Cove

Dominik Wiedman
Abraxan Flats
London

Dear Dominik,

What kind words! I am glad that you were able to attend my little wedding. I felt quite beautiful, and very happy. Modesty was only appropriate, of course, it being Oscar's second wedding. It would have been improper to have had an even which was overly large or complicated. Besides, small and intimate made the whole affair that much better. Surrounded by the friends and family that I care about was more than enough for me.

Not to mention the fact I get to be Mrs. Whitman. It has quite the ring to it. I make Oscar call me Mrs. Whitman at least thrice a day. The sound of it is truly music to my ears. Imagine how proud my parents would be if they could only see me now!

I would love to have dinner with you, Dominik! I feel as though I have been neglecting my friends since my nuptials. Any day that works best for you I can find the time. Oscar is quite busy with his career and I could use a break from trying to put my feminine touches on his "bachelor pad". Send me a date, a time, and a place and I will be there.

Ever your friend,
Liadan

P.S. Maria tells me that you have not owled her since your last date. You really must stay in touch, Dominik! I will soon run out of eligible ladies to set you up with if you keep acting so barbaric.

Dominik Wiedman
Abraxan Flats
London

Mrs. Whitman
Kerry Cove

Dear Liadan,

Your parents would be very proud of you, and I am, too.  You are an exemplary Witch, and you do deserve the best.  They would be so happy to see you with someone like Oscar Whitman, someone who's successful, respected, and carrying forward his family's name - I've no doubt they would agree, he's an excellent choice of husband.  If only Wizards were as good as you Witches, then perhaps you'd have yourself a truly worthy match, but since things are the way they are and you lot easily eclipse us, you'll have to settle for the best there is.  I hope he is always everything that you need and isn't the kind of fool to think a Witch doesn't run a house.  If he's ever awful, please don't forget you have the best of friends as well, as you deserve.  And that I'll have his head if

Wonderful, wonderful news about dinner, I couldn't be any more pleased.  Let's meet about 6 o'clock this Tuesday, Calaveras.  I wish it could be tomorrow or even tonight, but it's better you have the advanced notice.  Besides, your husband is likely a freer Wizard on weekends than during the normal business week; I'd hate to steal you away from his side on anything but a boring old Tuesday.  I'll have it to look forward to so I can't complain.

Maria is a very nice Witch.  A little difficult to give the kind of attention she would deserve.  To me dating is very horrible, but like I told you, I'll try.  & I'll owl her.


See you there love,

Dominik

Liadán Ó Móráin Whitman
Kerry Cove

Dominik Wiedman
Abraxan Flats
London

Dear Dominik,

You do not do yourself justice! You are a wonderful wizard, Dominik, and any witch would be lucky to have you on her arm. You are charming, handsome, and come from good breeding. Do not sell yourself short. Once you give up your silly broom and beaters bat, and find more permanent and appropriate employment, you will have your pick of ladies! Perhaps I am not doing a good job at setting you up? I have been trying to find you young, genteel women. I think perhaps you need someone with a stronger personality. Don't feel obligated to owl Maria if you are disinterested. It would be rude to lead her on.

Tuesday sounds lovely! I am definitely looking forward to dinner. It has been far too long since we spent any time together! And you have nothing to worry about as far as Oscar is concerned. He has been the model husband and I am very much enjoying married life. I feel as though I can finally be happy and that my life is truly complete. Of course, children will come eventually- but I would like to enjoy being a wife for a little while before I start thinking about that. Motherhood is very exhausting, I hear, and I should hate to do anything to cause myself to age prematurely. But of course that all depends on what timing works best for my husband. I defer to him for most major decisions.

I am very glad that my marriage has done nothing to alter our friendship. I want you to know that I really cherish our relationship and will do my very best not to neglect you. I feel very responsible for you, Dominik. I feel as though you hold my opinion in high esteem and I do not wish to do anything to make you regret confiding and placing so much trust in me. I will find you the perfect little wife before too long, and then we shall have wonderful double dates and dinner parties. It will be the best time of our lives!

Ever your friend,
Liadan

Dominik Wiedman
Abraxan Flats, London

Mrs. Whitman
Kerry Cove

Dear Liadan,

With your lovely self by my side, I know I can't fail.  You brighten everything in your path with such ease, and your friendship always reminds me what happiness can feel like, which is exquisite.  We're fortunate, young (enough, in my case), and beautiful creatures... we've seen the light and more than our share of the dark, but we can still lead such lucky lives, and why shouldn't we.  It's inspiring for me to see you now, you in your white gown, achieving!  One day dinners and silly double dates will set my restless mind at ease; I'll follow your lead if only I could get there.  Together with you, dear friend, I could find a greater sense of purpose in this messed up world.  I want our families to be aligned together forever; we are the ones who will create the next generations!

Despite my transgressions in life, I certainly do want a part of that future.  As ever, I welcome your guidance.  With the end of this last Quidditch season of mine nearly in clear view, I'm going to have to move forward decisively soon.  There is no other way about it, I answer the call or I fall behind even further than I have done. 

A Witch with a 'stronger' personality would do me well, I'm sure - that is what I've been attracted to, as far as I can make out.  Obviously, Dolores and Niobe are difficult acts to follow, each in their own way being so bold.  Quiet, gentle Witches make me feel ill at ease, to tell the truth.  I like a frankly spoken and dominant Witch.  Someone intelligent and crafty, even.  But someone who isn't impossible to please... if both things can be true at the same time, I don't know.  As daunting as it is to be moving on, it's easier with the encouragement and optimism of a great confidant.  If it helps take some of the pressure off, I'd say a friendship must always go both ways.  I may not have the best in the way of advice, but I'm always willing to lend an ear, a shoulder; whatever you need, just say the word and I will be there.


Sincerely,

Dominik 

Liadán Ó Móráin Whitman
Kerry Cove

Dominik Wiedman
Abraxan Flats
London

Dear Dominik,

You really do flatter me too much! But I cherish your words and am ever appreciative of your high opinion. I only hope you keep such a positive outlook on the future! You will get there, dear Dominik, it simply takes time, effort, and a little guidance. But I will always be there to keep you on the straight path to success and redemption. You are too handsome a man, too kind of spirit to be wasted on someone less than worthy. Imagine what you have to offer our society in future generations! Little Dominiks running around, kissing the girls and making them cry- no doubt.

I have a few ideas of who might be better suited to you. I will set you up on a marvelous date sometime soon. Let me send out a few owls and have a few lunch dates to find just the woman for you. Of course, you know that in the past I was not very fond or approving of Dolores. She is headstrong and lacks the more refined qualities of a proper lady- however, she is kind enough and we have mended our fences. I would not oppose such a match as vehemently as I would have in the past- but would consider it a last resort. That is neither here nor there at the moment, however. But rest assured there are witches who match your wants and desires who are of proper birth and behavior. It simply takes time to find them.

Advice comes too freely these days anyway. I am much more appreciate of your constant presence and support. You were one of the few to reach out in my time of great need, and it will never be forgotten.

I look forward to seeing you, dear friend! Until then, I must bid you adieu, and give my husband the attention he deserves while he is home for the weekend.

Ever your friend,
Liadán