To the loyal subjects of the Protectorate:

[alt_ptolemy]

Have no fear, the Little Venice festival is ready and waiting! Take a gondola trip up the Thames, under bridges that for this weekend evoke the City of Canals. Stroll along the Embankment and delight in the food and drink available for purchase. Stop for a time at the outdoor piazzas where entertainment has been arranged.

It promises to be a beautiful day today and tomorrow looks just as fine. Our Department of Magical Law Enforcement has been working diligently to ensure that all those who are loyal may enjoy the pleasures to be found in the world's greatest city. We shall not let the Phoenixes ruin our freedom, nor shall we allow them to spoil our opportunities for celebration.

Comments

Re: Private message to Barty

[alt_crouch_jr]

Still has a great deal to learn about public messaging, doesn't he? Apparently Bella chooses to read potential where I see weakness.

How irritated was Lana re. the change of venue? Know Burdett-Coutts was furious. Regent's canal is too difficult to protect. Too many vulnerabilities there, and too cramped in spots for adequate crowd management.

Re: Private message to Barty

[alt_rodolphus]

I believe Bella feels she can no longer indulge in the sort of choosiness that she no doubt longs to indulge in- which I'm sure is causing her great displeasure.

If nothing goes awry, then it will turn out that there was nothing to fear, indeed.

More disappointed than irritated. And not so disappointed about the change of venue than what it represents. Things simply don't come as easily as they once did. It's a difficult transition for someone who has never known an England that was not the Protectorate's England.

Re: Private message to Barty

[alt_crouch_jr]

I'd forgotten. Her family immigrated as the war was ending, didn't they? By invitation, I know. So, yes, I'm sure she does feel attachment to what we built.

Does she not see the opportunities now to build anew? And better?

Re: Private message to Barty

[alt_rodolphus]

Her delicate condition does have her idealising her own childhood at times, and comparing it to the period of uncertainty that her own child may face. And then there's the feelings of over-protectiveness that all those hormones produce to account for, as well.

But Lana is far too tenacious not to persist in the face of disappointment, and has plentiful faith that this period of transition, rocky as it may be, will lead us to a stronger future.


Of similar note, I thought to suggest to Bella that the Burdett-Coutts event scheduled for July's end conclude with a public demonstration that overwhelmingly severs any association between us and the former lord protector.

I know the intent is to put a new spin on "Freedom Day" altogether, so why continue ignoring the erumpent in the room that he now is?

How do you find the notion?

Re: Private message to Barty

[alt_crouch_jr]

Think that is an excellent idea and a logical time to make the gesture.

Renouncing him is both politically pragmatic and a needed cathartic. I'll support the idea if you present it. If she should object, I expect it would be on the grounds that one doesn't like admitting to having been so misled. Not sure whether she'd let that stand in the way. What do you think her reaction will be?

Re: Private message to Barty

[alt_rodolphus]

Bella doesn't like to be wrong. She likes admitting to being wrong even less.

If I craft my message so that it's less about her being wrong, and more about how a bastard halfblood managed to yoke us to his cause without fulfilling all the promises he made, she will be more receptive.

Think of the wards and other magic that went into disarray after his death. He did not want the Protectorate to survive him, and in fact went to great lengths to ensure that it would not. That she is left cleaning up his mess should enrage rightly enrage her. She need only be reminded of it.

Re: Private message to Barty

[alt_crouch_jr]

You must know you can count on Tosha for support in this, as well.

Re: Private message to Barty

[alt_rodolphus]

I do.