floating on the wind

Good lord.

I'm not sure I even wish to fully comprehend the intricacies of this situation. Any possible option is extremely unpalatable, after all. One does not expect these things to happen here, whether we are dealing with a small group of terrorists and another of vigilantes or some vast Ministry-wide conspiracy in an otherwise historically excellent government. Personally I find the latter infinitely harder to believe, despite Unspeakable Bode's no doubt expert analysis of human behaviour and the limitations of potions.

I think I shall go for a long ride this evening. It is difficult to feel so weighted down in the air, particularly as fast as the Granians are capable of moving.

[Private]
The lovers, the three of wands and the fool. I do not like so much of the major arcana in my cards, though at least there are positive associations. Choices. Taking the long view. Beginnings and journeys. Faith. Clearly there is little I can do with outside forces so strong, but with the three of wands to support the fool it lessens the likelihood of walking directly off a cliff.

What does Mr Potter expect us to think? The majority of the worst offenders manage to hide their crimes from their family. One never imagines that ones loved one is a murderer. I know none of these people, I cannot simply take his word over an entrenched government with a long history of doing right by the country. And Mr Bode is hopelessly naive. One wonders if he ever leaves the basement.
[/Private]

Gracie has been ill and extremely discontented about it. It does not help that between work, the horses and board meetings, I do not have hours a day free to comfort her. In addition we have a pregnant mare who needs to be given plenty of exercise. Of course we have a boy who is more than capable, but I do like to get out regularly to check on her for myself. Or, at the very least, take Papa's word that he has done so and she's doing well. I suspect most of the time when he cedes to my insistence on being personally responsible for these things he is merely humouring me.

Very occasionally at times like this I am tempted to quit my obligations and simply be a full-time mother. I have to remind myself that if I were to do so I would be dreadfully bored. I have far too great a need to be active. And, as dearly as I love Graziella, a three year old is not stimulating company.

A mare I sold to friends in Portugal a few years ago recently won her first dressage event. I'm not surprised - she has beautiful form, as does her sister still in our herd - but I'm still glad to hear it. I may submit one of the pictures they sent to the Equine Quarterly newsletter.

I'm glad not to be working in law enforcement at the moment, though. R&C seems rather more relaxed at the best of times, let alone when there has been media interest in an awful crime. I'm sure I couldn't handle being an Auror or hitwizard - coming face to face with that pain every day must take its toll on a person, and I am far too soft for it. I do not pretend not to appreciate the comfort of my life, no matter how busy it gets.

The shock and distress throughout the community these kidnappings has created is, I think, a sign of how lucky we are in general here. There are countries still where these things are ordinary, and nobody cares but those who are personally affected. My mother's country is becoming one of these places, when once it was as peaceful and beautiful as Britain, and it is a tragic thing.

Here we are showing that we are a true community. The idea of people coming into our homes horrifies us, and it is clear that our response ought to be to band together and stand strong. Wizarding Britain has a long history of being a place where families can live without fear, because we are all connected - if not by blood, or love, then at least by our common ideals and values. Already I have lost a husband, and I do not wish my daughter to grow up in a world where these things are an everyday fear.

( when your story's completed mine's a long way from done )