The Stars Are Right: The Irish Rose: Letter17

Dear Heather,

I will write to Medea immediately upon finishing this letter to attempt to address everyone’s concerns. She is a nice lady, and I’m certain that she will welcome all of you. The Seelie adhere to her wishes, even if they are not made explicit. Further, I’m sure she would not want harm to come to anyone in her demesne, so if she can foresee any issues, she will assuredly let me know.

As to Mr. Huber’s concern, I’m slightly less confident. That Medea is enamored of the Irish Rose’s very own Obediah Walters is the current talk of the Court. It is unclear, however, whether he reciprocates her affections.

It is also common knowledge that she is lonely and has not taken a Companion in a very long time. What is, perhaps, less well known, is that our beloved Gregory Parkhurst has been (of his own accord) pulling the strings, tracking down men he thinks might please Medea.

The whole situation is a little odd, and I’m afraid I've done little to assuage Mr. Huber’s fears.

That being said, if he seeks to avoid her, this is easily done, as she spends most of her time in her home, afraid of the undue influence she has on her eager subjects. If he wishes to encounter her, she is generally available and is generous with her time. I am of the opinion that she could do with more friends to occupy her time, as she often seems sad.

I will try to come to New York as soon as I can. Let me know where you would like to meet. I have been to New York City before, so I know my way around there to some degree (though I imagine you can guess the kinds of places I am most familiar with. Here’s a hint: It is not museums). If it is some other city, just let me know what is most convenient for you, and I’ll be there.

Although I will try to get away as quickly as possible, I’m not entirely sure when that will be. After convincing my companions to spend six months learning Russian and then dragging them on a lengthy journey to Moscow, they are, understandably, not eager to leave right away! I am, however, eager to see you again, and I will do my best to get them to move up their timetables. Barring that, once I feel confident that they can (safely) make their own way back, I’ll look into alternate arrangements.

I should probably inform you of a couple of things that have happened since I've been here, which might give you pause. First, I’ve been informed by my traveling companions that I am under some sort of ‘compulsion’, probably from Ruliniov. I’m not sure I fully believe it, but I, nevertheless, find this fairly disturbing, especially since it is unclear what the compulsion entails.

Second, we gazed upon some sort of horrible ‘Outside’ creature. I think it may have, to some degree, damaged my psyche. My thoughts have been a bit disorganized since this encounter, albeit not to the same extent as poor Frank Lovejoy, who is currently raving like a lunatic after having been touched by the creature. For Frank's sake (and mine) I'm hoping it is just a temporary effect.

As far as I can tell, I’m okay, but I would understand if this was something you didn't want to deal with right now.

I appreciate your thoughts on Ruliniov. I’m trying to figure out the best way to proceed there, but there are a lot of moving parts, given all that has happened, I’m trying to gather all of the facts … to avoid making a hasty mistake.

I would be happy to have you read the cards for me. I was always intrigued by it and wanted to give it a try when you were at the Rose (even though, I must confess that I thought it was just a clever trick), but, given the circumstances, I did not think it appropriate to participate.

Anyhow, when I find out when I will be able to depart, I will send a letter to let you know my plans. Give my regards to your friends, and I look forward to seeing you soon.

Love,
Victor