Private Message to Blaise

[alt_padma]

Happy Valentine's Day.

Did you get the same owl? About tomorrow? Honestly, I'm sort of looking forward to it.

I mean, part of the Council is being able to work together as a group, even when if some of them are arguing about other things. So we should all be able to get along for an afternoon.

Only, I wish it weren't right in the middle of a Hogsmeade Day.

Do you think we'll get a chance to talk to our sponsors about where we are in the standings? Because I'm not sure the last challenge was really a good one for me. I'd love to get Lana's ideas about how to improve next time.

Comments

[alt_blaise]

I'm pleased, of course, for the opportunity of meeting all the sponsors and mingling socially with that set.

I expect we ought to consider it the next challenge, after a fashion, though. It should show quite clearly which of us do not belong in that society, and where in the order of things the rest of us might expect to find ourselves.

I suppose that's the sticking point, isn't it? And the trouble with it coming on the Valentine's Hogsmeade visit. Of course, we'll have had our lunch already--and I suppose there's no point pretending you don't know our reservation is for Sorcere. Turns out to be rather convenient, that.

[alt_padma]

I hoped we were going there, but I didn't want to assume. Yes, that's splendid. And then we'll be right there.

I think it's also a measure of how effectively people navigate the various circles, exactly. And we might want to not appear as couple-y as, say, Lizzie and Richard. Lares told me Vaisey's pretty sure he was abysmal in the last challenge because he was protecting Lizzie more than watching his own back. But I suppose that's to be expected.

I mean, people know we're still dating but it might be to our advantage not to let them think we're a tight bloc like that.

[alt_blaise]

Good. I expected you'd understand.

Honestly, I don't see why Stevens doesn't just withdraw. There's no reason to pretend she's interested and a word to her sponsor should really be all that's needed. Under the circumstances. After all, there's no shame in wanting just to be the wife of a council wizard. If they hope Vaisey will be selected, then he stands a better chance without her dragging him down. Just as you say. And if neither of them wishes to be selected, then this is a perfectly graceful way for her to bow out, and he can see to his own situation.

I mean to say, if they're trying to use her condition as a way to cover his doing poorly on purpose, then I don't think it speaks at all well of him, putting her in the line of fire like she is as long as she's in.

So, no. I've no wish to be seen in comparison with them.