Studying Under The Stars

the time child is the best cutaway gag ever fite me

To my dearest darling Lucretius,

I was so worried I wouldn’t be able to write to you! Imagine that, months and months without being able to talk! Thank goodness Strixhaven has a postal service. It’s only one copper per letter, too, so I can send you tons and tons of letters.

I’m having the most wonderful time here at Strixhaven already! Of course, I’m going to work hard and make you and Auntie Lovelane proud. But freshers week is meant to be about settling in, so I think I can have a relaxing start. Everything feels so weird and exciting.

I've already made some new friends. There’s Gregorius Gwyd Swann, he’s this sweet little gnomish gentleman, so smart and polite. And kind, too! He seems like the kind of guy that will be there to pick you up if you fall down. He can do magic tricks like making the engravings on a sickle light up, so he’s a handy fellow to have on your side. Plus, he said he’d help enchant any weapons I get!

Then there’s Thrisk Olgados, he’s this cute, big ol’ bug construct. It’s the strangest thing, but he doesn’t even know who built him. Still, I guess there’s plenty of squidgy organic people who don’t know where they come from, either. We know his looks are based on a people called the Nantuko who got into a big fight with the ‘Noggles’ and the ‘Kavu’, but there are still lots of mysteries. He’s trying to unravel them, and I’m gonna help! 

I’ve also been hanging with a gnome called Rosie, and she is just too much fun! We went shopping in the Archway Commons together. There’s a party at the end of the week, so we’ve bought new outfits. Thrisk didn’t want to come - I think he’s shy because he’s missing a few legs and can’t dance very well. But I can dance with him. You and I manage just fine, so as long as I do the moves slowly, I’m sure he’ll be able to make a statement and become the best dancer at the event! And don’t think I’ll let Greg leave without cutting a rug, either! 

I also found a talking book called Codie or something. He says he’s a book of ancient lore, but I think it’s just hot air. Still, who knows, maybe he really does have some secrets hidden up his sleeve! I’ll have to wait until Thrisk’s not around to speak to him - they don’t like each other at all. Actually, more like they hate each other's gears.

I’m meeting some of the professors now, too. I met a really sweet owlin lady called Mavinda Sharpbeak. She was nice but she seemed strangely fine about us killing a mimic. I know it’s not sentient or whatever, but it’s still a living creature. (Oh, yeah, we got attacked by a mimic, by the way.) And I met a professor called Fain. He was nice. Yep.

Don’t get the wrong idea, I still think the detention bog sounds really sucky!

I’ve signed up for a school club and a job. I’m going to try out for the Mage Tower Cheer Squad - I mean, I can fly, so just think what kind of amazing stunts I can pull off! And I’ve got to help out Professor Tivash with the orange slices, like I said I would.

Oh, and the job? I get to help keep the Strixhaven grounds spick and span. It’s going to be a great way to get to know the ins and outs of the place! I’ll make sure every corner is neat and tidy.

Well, that’s about everything for the time being. I’m sure I’ll have plenty more to tell you about in the next letter! Oh, Lu, I can’t even begin to tell you how much I’m missing you already. I’m having fun meeting new people and seeing new sights, but it’s just not the same without you there. Please stay safe. Don’t work too hard or let Auntie push you about; I know you want to keep busy, but it’s not worth getting hurt over. And please visit Colmund if you need more medicine, he doesn’t bite!

I guess that’s everything. Funny, I don’t want to stop writing. When I’m writing to you, I can almost imagine you’re sitting next to me. I just don’t want to lose that feeling. Anyway, I’m getting way too mushy, even for me, and that’s saying something. Wish me luck. I love you, Lucretius.

OH! I almost forgot. I tried touching the Snarl with my tail, just to see what might happen. I don’t think it did anything. There was a bit of a funny tingling, but it’s gone now, and so far, nothing bad has happened. Guess there must be more to its secrets!

With all my heart, 

Guess what, guys? I got accepted into Strixhaven! I was so nervous during my interview, but I guess I didn’t do as bad as I thought. 

Professor Tivash was kind of strange, but very nice. I know I have a whole year of freshers to get through before I pick my house, but I think I’m leaning towards Witherbloom. The Professor said it’s been five years since they won the Mage Tower tournament - I don’t think I’m a sporty type, but I could cheer them on and serve orange slices to energise the team!

I bet the professor daydreams about Witherbloom winning a lot - I want to make their dream come true!

I shouldn’t let myself get overexcited, though. After all, I’m on a mission to uncover all of Strixhaven’s secrets for the Oriq. Not very professional to be thinking about cheerleading and half-time snacks... 

Lucretius (he’s my boyfriend!) is so moody lately. I bet he’s sad that I’m going to be leaving. Plus, he had a horrible time in Strixhaven. He got kicked out after one year, then his family disowned him. That’s why he joined the Oriq. Yeah, he’s just worried about me. But I can handle it. I’m better at following rules than he is, anyway, so I can fit in!

I’ll need to say goodbye to Colmund, too. He’s taught me a few divine spells, so I have a good headstart for school! Maybe I can become a really great cleric and heal Lucretius’ injury one day. Eilistraee, please watch over me - and Colmund and Luc, too!