Palace: At Your Service.

Happens long enough after Viggo's test for the bruises to have faded.

( Karl took a deep breath as he waited. This was it. The last bit before getting on the books. He smiled to himself. Finally, him and Viggo. Who would have thought...? )

[Takes place shortly after Viggo's Level Test.]

Grinning even wider, Viggo opened the door, leaned his head inside and hollered, 'I passed!' at the top of his lungs, ducking inside and closing the door after him, waiting for Karl's reaction.

Dear Ben,

I'm sorry. I said I wouldn't bug you, but I was wondering if you had worked up a quote. I just need to get an idea before I make arrangements to begin paying you. So if you could let me know soon as you do, that would be great.

Good luck.

Karl

(backdate to three days before Harry comes home)

Dear Mr. Browder,

My name is Karl Urban. I work at Palace and was given your name by Dominic Monaghan. I would like to arrange a meeting to discuss hiring you. Please respond at your earliest convenience. I would prefer to meet in my room, so if you are interested, I will arrange for the pass and leave directions at Reception.

Thank you in advance.
Karl Urban

(backdated to Sat.)

Lija,

Oh man I can't believe I didn't hit you up on your birthday. I am sooo sorry and there's no excuse for it. Please, forget my birthday this year.

I'm guessing you got a letter from Harry too about him being shipped off. Um, maybe we should get together to figure out how to handle him when he gets back. I don't think he knows we knew about it. And I know you didn't like doing that to him. But he needed the rest and this was the only way to get him to take it. Otherwise he would have done too much too fast and got himself sick.

Meet me in the pub and we'll waste the night away. Least I owe you.

I love you, Lija. Don't you ever forget it. You're part of my family and ain't nothing that's ever going to change that.

Love,
Karl.