TheStarsAreRight:RedlandLetter6

Dear Laura, I'm not sure exactly when you will receive this letter, but I would like to wish you a Happy Birthday! I wasn't quite sure what to get you, but when I was at the village outside of Wisphers, I noticed that {name of a store} had some beautiful hairpins. If that's something you're interested in, I'd be pleased if you'd use the enclosed money to purchase them (or something else if hairpins don't strike your fancy).

Or, if there's something you'd like me to pick up from abroad, please let me know and I'll bring it with me the next time I'm in Wisphers.

I'm feeling a little better since the last note I sent you. I've met several nice people here, and I'm currently performing a small favor for the Tsarina. I expect we'll be leaving the country fairly soon, but I'm not setting our itinerary, so I can't be sure.

I've uncovered some interesting information regarding Donal. Apparently, in addition to being your Godfather's name, the term 'donal' can refer to an entity created by an alchemist/sorceror-type. This entity has the shape of a man, but is generally (mostly) insensible. It 'soaks up' information over a period of time and then returns to its creator. It then transfers the information and ceases to exist. The similarity of the names may just be a coincidence, or it may help explain that mystery of the '3 Donals' that we encountered so many months ago in Cornwall. I don't suppose this rings a bell with you?

It has also come to my attention recently that I sometimes meddle in people's lives in ways that are unwanted. I wanted to make sure that I wasn't doing so with you. I'm referring to matters related to attaining the position of 'Principle of Aspiration'. I've been trying to put the pieces together so that you can become said Principle, but I realize that I never really asked you if this is something that you would like, which is quite arrogant and impolite of me.

I'm not sure what you've learned about the whole situation regarding 'Principles', but I've been attempting to locate the relevant people: the Paladin, the Priest, the Power, the People, the Place, and the Instrument of Change. I've not had much success so far, so if you'd like me to desist, it would be a simple matter.

I am currently operating under the assumption that Donal is the Paladin and New York is the Place. I speculate that your doctor may be the Priest. Everything else remains a mystery to me at this time.

If this is something you're interested in, and we can't find the appropriate people, I figure I can probably step in and take the place of the Priest and the Instrument of Change. I'm becoming (slightly) more adept at communicating with Outsiders, so I think I may be able to put this whole thing together without going through all of the usual formalities (though I could easily be wrong.)

Anyhow, I wanted to assure you that finding Donal is still my top priority. As soon as I've learned more, I will let you know.

And again, Happy Birthday!!

Your friend,

Redland Jack