27 November 1998
Dear Theodore,
I can claim fluency only in three; I should apply myself better to the others. We shall both be learning, perhaps.
I can love England for many things, especially now I am come to Germany, and have all of the foul weathers of the north and none of the pleasures of home. There is something to be admired about a walk in an English wood or Scottish moor that even my love of other kinds of wildernesses cannot change. Has Robinswood fine walks? I should like to discover them all. I shall wear sensible shoes.
As for my family, I do find as the holidays near and the spirits that accompany them stir, too, I have found again those feelings in me that wish to be apart of something. The lonely traveler is not, I think, entirely purged, but perhaps she can learn to live in accord with a young woman who has obligations and attachments. I have had a letter from my father, recently, and I lost the whole of the afternoon feeling despondent that I was not there with him in his little annex, tending quietly to the herbs, our hands and faces having as much fill of sun and soil as the plants under our care. The cork tree we planted three years ago is flowering for the first time, as it seems he's finally managed to create native conditions. He hopes I will be home in time to see it, as do I.
Mother amended the end of his letter to write of her own eagerness to see me again, and I was surprised at the tenderness I found in her sentiment. She is more a proud woman than she is warm, and I am sure you will not be surprised to hear my anxiety when it comes to explaining to her my intentions desire plans to see you while I am home. I can only hope she will protest more my visiting you in your home than she will to you, though she cannot find good reason for either from my perspective. I have been in far more compromising positions visiting the MacDougal estate.
Egypt has provided you as fine of an experience as Portugal, for you have discovered much about yourself in each place. I am glad for it, and hope soon to have as much aim for my own future self. Next time you go, shall you let me judge the beard before it is gone again?
I am not as discerning at the table as I could be, and like things far sweeter than is entirely healthful. I beg you do not go to any special lengths for me, I would be as happy dining on bread and water if I am in your good company.
Yours,
Padma
( . )
29 November, 1998
Dear Padma,
Robinswood is in Burnham-on-Crouch, in Essex. Its not as much about walking as it is boating, but theres countryside enough just outside the town, I think. To be honest, Ive not spent a good deal of time there, its always been meant more as a career house for myself, and eventually Joseph and Max. To my knowledge, there arent any other Wizarding residences in the area. Sweet things I can provide in abundance, sausages and bacon and coffee too, if your mother - or father, really - doesnt object to you spending so much time in my company. I promise less wild adventure, and only as much scandal as Morag may provide.
Today was my last day at work. They had a nice do at lunch, with lamb and rice and an onion and beef stew, and as a surprise, had found a steak to make for me English style. It wasnt remotely the same, but I appreciated the sentiment. Tomorrow I will pack and make my goodbyes - Ive purchased half a dozen chickens, as a gift to my invisible hostess, whom I will see for the fourth time on my departure, and then head home. I think you are right though, that Ive learned here. It might not have been so enjoyable as Portugal, but it taught me how poncy I look with a beard. I make no promises on you ever seeing such a thing, it would alter your opinion of me greatly.
What would you like best for your Solstice present, Sahka?
Did I say it right? Im sure I didnt. Youll teach me soon.
Theodore( . )
2 December
Dear Padma,
How odd, Rupa and I get on as though weve known each other much longer. Whenever she comes, she brings me your letter, and sits with me as I read it. She drinks water and eats owl treats and spends some quality time with Ascella, its picturesque.
Only joking, she tries to bite my fingers and then flies off.
Happily - for your want to stay near the surf, not your plans to serve as my tutor - I own no boat in this harbor. Our pursuits might be limited to walking, stargazing, setting the meals at the wrong time of day, that like. Or whatever the town has to offer, Im not sure yet what that is, Ill be heading down tonight.
My thanks to Zelma for letting your family, Morag, and I borrow you. Im sure shell be alright for the holidays, and I wager that if you were to simply return following New Year, she would do very little besides look over her paper at you in the doorway and say "Circes tits, youve finally come back," in German, of course. Im sorry for the loss of your Muggles. Losing children changes who people are, Im told.
Why is Sakhi different than Sakha? Because you are a woman? Strange, Sakha sounds the gentler of the two to me. Luckily, I anticipated your indecision and bought something before I left.
When would you like to visit? We should meet first, somewhere in Hogsmeade or Diagon probably, as Robinswood isnt yet on the Floo Network, and I wouldnt want you to try and Apparate somewhere unfamiliar alone.
Yours,
Theodore( . )
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