Chapter 8

Under the Weather

In the end, I didn't ever get to ask my parents on the matter regarding the Amaryllis aristocracy, the Kindred criminals, or Fairfolk territory. Rather, I had purposely avoided it, and they didn't tell me about it either.

But, I could sense something different in the atmosphere. It was something my parents carefully carried whenever they went into their respective studies to work. A thread that subconsciously pulled at my thoughts whenever they left our estate for business matters.

All through winter, it quietly lay there as if in hibernation.

Like that, the season calmly melted into spring. I could feel anticipation course through me every morning, and a snippet of disappointment replacing it every nightfall.

Crescia hasn't visited me yet.

Nara also hasn't awaken from her sleep.

I shake the light layer of snow off the branch of an evergreen tree, as if that would hurry the blooming of flowers. Both my parents are apparently doing follow-up investigations throughout our territory, so only the help remains in the building.

I will be turning nine soon. So, I know I should be more responsible and focus on my lessons - Being the sole heiress to the Newlyn lineage and all.

However, all the subjects Aristole teaches me recently is so dry. Continuously pestering him to teach me about Fairfolk and the Kindred seems to bring about the opposite effect. Instead he pushes me to memorize local and judicial policies or historical events.

He's really such a bully.

Thus, I've been spending most of my free time reading books that take my mind off other matters. Currently, my latest obsession are mythical creatures.

Laying down in the snow, I think how I don't wanna go back in until mommy and daddy returns.

Grey cirrus clouds coalesce and snake around and around. "That one looks like an Eastern Draconis," Saying this to no one in particular, I point at the sky. "That one looks like a Sea Serpent. No, actually it looks like a Sereine." My hand sways and points toward another cloud.

"I wonder if mommy and daddy will let me have a pet..."

*

Dinner is clay-roasted herring, tossed salad with lemon, and pecan tarts for dessert. When I finish eating, my caretaker - Ms. Anne - hands me a letter.

There's a red seal stamped with the logo of a tower and neat, cursive writing on the back - to Aeriea Newlyn. My face lights up as I skip back into my room.

Last season, mommy noticed my boredom and found me a pen-pal. Her name is Leila von Kerris, the second daughter to Mark von Kerris, Baron of Kerys Castle and the Minister of Finance.

Let's see what we have here!

Opening the envelope excitedly, I begin reading her letter.

Wow, she's learning horse-riding. Speaking of which, I also got a horse last year from the Colvaires. But, daddy said I should wait until I'm a bit older...

What a worrywart.

Maybe I can show him this letter and convince him I'll be fine. After all, Leila is only one and a quarter constellation-cycles older than me.

Oh! She says she's looking forward to attending my birthday party, that means I can finally meet her in person! An eagerness blossoms in my heart.

Whoa what, she's already picked out a gorgeous lilac dress and figured out how she wants her hair done? You must be bored too, huh Leila~?

Though maybe I should also start looking at some dress catalogues. For now, I'll just write that my outfit is a secret, hehe.

I continue reading her letter.

"Next year, I will be attending  Harthrow Academy of Interdisciplinary Studies located in the capital city of Harthrow. We will practically be neighbors! Perhaps, we could visit one another in our spare time if you would be so inclined. While I am excited to meet others close to my own age, at the same time, I am quite anxious about mingling with the Fairfolk and Kindred."

Hmn, maybe I should tell her most aren't that scary.

Though I suppose I can't speak of everyone - Two women in particular pop into my mind.

But...

Picking up a pen, I begin scribbling on some parchment paper:

Regardless of one's species, I'm optimistic we all can find similarities. Even the differences that differ from each species’ anatomy and culture can be interesting dependent on one's outlook.

Let's write some interesting facts on Water Fairfolk, since the Irvines are near the territory where the academy is located. Let's see, she also seems to quite like topics on fashion and beauty so...

On Water Fairfolk - Males have scales that glisten, while females have shining gemstones inlaid into their skin. I had the honor of meeting the Irvines on my last birthday. Lady Irvine's skin were sprinkled with beautiful jewels, and she perfectly complemented them with a purple, tulle dress. Before meeting her, I did not even realize other races could use their own unique traits to enhance their looks.

And while we may have such anatomical differences, the Water Fairfolk's diet commonly comprises of seaweed and fish. Things even we may eat. When you look at small things like that, we do not seem so different, right?

I conclude the letter with a flourish of my signature.

Your dear friend,

Aeriea Newlyn