The Stars Are Right: The Irish Rose: Letter16

Dear Heather,

I was glad to receive your letter, though it made me feel ashamed. You ask if I was worried about not having heard from you. Sadly, I have to admit that I was much more selfish and that my feelings were hurt. Now, recalling that you have just undergone severe injuries and distressing changes in life, I feel like a total creep. I should have been worried, and I hope you will forgive me.

I believe my status in the Seelie Court is okay. On the plus side, people seem fairly happy with my contributions regarding the boxing programs I have introduced, even though I've spent only around 18 months there and around 48 months away. I have done a decent job training assistants, and I will allow that I am somewhat proud of how things have worked out.

On the other hand, I imagine I am still known as the idiot who handed over the medical journal to Rulianov. I have made no secret that I did this, as I figure people deserve to know.

If I properly understand the protocol, I do not have a Household in the Court, as I believe that can only be the case if there is a Fae/Seelie involved (I'm with you on the confusion regarding these various labels!) I think I have what is called a Permanent Residence. The main difference being that I think I have lower status than a member of a Household, though I may also have lower obligations.

I had assumed that the friends you were referring to were Franz Huber, Jean, and Petit Jean (though when I made this connection, I do not recall). Now, my breadth of experience is fairly limited (as you know from watching me deal cards and throw dice at the Rose), but from what I understand, the Seelie Court is a place that can provide purpose.

For Mr. Huber, Medea is there all the time (and she is somewhat lonely), and there is always a need there for someone with his skills. For Jean, well, if he wants to contribute to the defense of New York, the Court, or the world at large, there is ample opportunity in the Court for those who want to fight. For Petit Jean ... well, he'd probably still have to go to school, so it might not be a big improvement from his point of view. I could teach him how to throw a punch, though, if that might interest him!

While, I only have a Residence and not a Household, if it would ease your concerns, I would be pleased to have you all join me there. I imagine you already know that I hold you in high esteem. It would be my pleasure to help in any way that I can.

Although I am away at the moment (I was clearly mistaken about my inaccessibility in Europe, as your letter finds me here in Russia), if you guys were interested in going to the Seelie Court soon and wished to avail yourselves of my good ... er, make that mediocre ... name, you could probably talk to Medea or a guy named Lewis and they could set you up (they should be able to vouch for you, regarding me). Or I could leave here immediately. Whatever works best for you.

On another note, it is interesting that I should receive your letter now, as I was just about to send you one of my own. I am staying at the home of Boyar Rulianov (another thing which may impact my status in the Court), and I have talked to him a bit. One thing he mentioned is that he thinks it is possible your gift may not have been irreparably damaged. You may have already tested this (and thus find it irritating that I'm bringing it up), but if not, you may want to try reading the cards with a short-term prediction (if that is possible).

And this just came to me, but I realize that, due to the Enclave connection, you may have known Rulianov. If so, I'd appreciate anything you could tell me about him / advice you might have to give me regarding him. There are some pretty serious things going on here in Russia, and I want to make the right decisions, but my understanding of the facts and the players of the game are limited at best.

Anyhow, I am very pleased to hear from you, though I wish things were going better for you and your friends. I am glad that you feel you can ask for my help. Know that I will do whatever I can for you.

Your friend,

Vic