April 30, 2010


Dearest Perse,


I am sorry I haven’t written to you lately. I have been busy with my work.

As you should know, dragons worldwide are growing ill. It’s a serious issue and we are currently working our best to solve it. It’s been going on for a couple months now, with no signs of improvement.  Different handlers are getting seriously injured as a result; the sick dragons are unpredictable, dazed, and oftentimes, passing out on top of handlers. It’s a disaster.

Still, we’re doing our best.

How are you doing, sister? I hope all is well on your end.

Love,

Al

May 14, 2010

Alphonse, you'll forgive me for misplacing your letter. I read it soon as it arrived, but it was promptly covered over by other things.  I can't imagine why.

I wish you best of luck in helping those poor dragons and their handlers.  So much depends on their health.  I hope you're keeping safe as well, and keeping out of the bottle! That'll help you not at all and just make your liver more flammable.

At the risk of sounding like a little girl writing home from camp: I've made a friend.  Don't you dare tease, because I know it sounds quite pathetic, but you can't imagine how lonely it can be when nearly everyone tells you only what they think you want to hear.  He's a strange fellow in that he seems completely without guile.  Well, actually, now that I think of it, the fact that he has so much guile is what makes him a worthy employee, but in our personal dealings he carries not a trace of it.

The cats need feeding.  Speak with you again soon.

P.

May 15, 2010


Perse,

I understand completely. You are a busy woman. Things happen, letters get misplaced. I’ve misplaced plenty of your letters in the past, if you’ll recall. Actually, don’t.

Thank you for your thoughts. I assure you that I am keeping safe. No promises about keeping out of the bottle, though! I know you worry, and I promise things are fine.  Speaking of dragons, Balfour Spectre is having a group of us visit a newly sick dragon at the Hebrides Dragon Sanctuary in Scotland today. We’ll see how that goes. I feel so helpless to help them.

What? My sister made a new friend? He must be someone special. It seems to be, the higher your position of power, the harder it is to make genuine friends. Keep him close and cherish what you have. I am happy for you. Will I get to meet him?

Speak to you soon,

Al
 

May 18, 2010

Alphonse,

Now that you ask, I realize it might not yet be the kind of friendship, where we meet each other's people.  He's an interesting fellow, but I wouldn't begin to imagine if he thinks of me as a friend in return.  Isn't that funny?

Do you have any idea what's ailing the dragons? Are you working very closely with Level Four? 

We should be better about getting together.  How about Saturday next?

P.

May 20, 2010


Perse,

Sorry it has taken me so long to respond, Margo very thougthfully dropped off some letters for me and I've just now gotten around to them.  I would still like to visit tomorrow if possible, but it would have to be on the first floor of St. Mungo's.  A hebridian black decided that I was offensive and dealt me a good blow with her tail. Among other things.

I assure you that I am fine! The healers are wonderful.

Al

June 3, 2010

Alphonse,

Did you get the flowers? I'd have come by in person but I didn't want a kerfuffle.  I am up to here with kerfuffles.

As I write to you, I realize that I have so little to speak about other than work and even though I could go on at length, I don't want to.  I'd much prefer to gabble away at something relaxing and meaningless.  I've been thinking of getting a cat.  Yes, that'll do nicely.  Discussing a cat.  For the office.  I think it would add a flair of 'old days sorceress', don't you? A witch and her cat, nothing more traditional or frightening, I think.  I know of a black cat rescue in Greenwich and I'm sure they'll have some delightful candidates.

Temperament is key, as you can imagine.  A familiar, as it were, to a head of state.

I'll need a sharp one.

Yes, a very sharp black cat.

- P

June 5, 2010,

Perse,

I received the flowers. They were lovely. Thank you for your kind thoughts.

I am still at St. Mungo's, the healers insist I must stay, but I am growing impatient. Dragons are still sick and I can't do anything to help. I hope they figure it out soon, I worry that the population will be nearly wiped out before we find a cure.

Animals make fantastic companions. I do hope you find the sharp black cat that you are looking for. And I'm looking forward to meeting it when you find the right one.

How are things going with your friend?


Alphonse

June 6, 2010

Still in hospital! I'm a horrible sister indeed.  I'll be sending chocolates next.  Perhaps you can stay sick until the end of the month and I can come for a visit.  At your convenience.

Mihai, my friend, has been scarce.  But then, so have I.  He has a daughter I'd like to meet, although I get the impression he's tentative around her.  I'd adore meeting here.  Youth are inspiring.

You're our mother's only hope for grandchildren, by the way.  So.

P

July 1, 2010

Sorry I've been out of touch. Things took a turn for the worst-- magical infections can be quite a challenge, you know.

I'm still on the mend, St Mungo's is awfully boring. I'm glad that my friends from work have visited when they can, though truth be told I often sleep through most the day and the night. The healers say that's good-- it helps my body heal faster than I would without sleep. I think it's a side effect of the potions they've given me to combat infection.

I should be up soon, by the end of the month but they don't want me to back to work yet. Mom visited me yesterday, she filled the room with the most hideous flowers though I didn't have the heart to tell her I hated them.  Gave her a hug and kissed her cheek and thanked her.  She misses you, but she seems awfully proud.

Your friend has a daughter? He is tentative? Whatever do you mean by that? Visit me soon. I want to hear more about this friend of yours.

Our parents are out of luck, unfortunately. I have no intention of ever becoming a father. I have zero interest in pursuing a relationship. Alas, the Zepyhr line will end with us!


Al