Arri- November 28, 2004

November 28, 2004
Dear Keish,

Snow, snow, snow.  Taty is curled up in the parlor with the latest novel, but I am darning a wool stocking because it takes two layers of socks to keep my feet warm and I haven’t time to make more. I will make some over Christmas break. There is so much snow that Sprigs looks reproachfully at me when I saddle him in the morning and Kestrel no longer sees me off at the gate. Clotho and Hermes have reluctantly agreed to spend their nights in a cage in the parlor with Lady Pren’s finches. The public schools closed for a day last week (much to Liop’s joy), but the university forges on. With finals approaching, no one dares to complain: one less day of lectures means being that much less prepared for the finals. No one is sending invitations to parties, because no one wants to go out. This winter is certainly much worse than last year.
To add to everything, there have been more skirmishes on the border with Greste, and that makes Imato restless and Gretel worried. How anyone can fight in a blizzard is beyond me, but Imato says there isn’t as much snow in the desert.

Weather permitting, Liop and I will leave on December 11th, the day after I take my last final. I have arranged passage on a coach. Uncle W., Nysa, Imato, and Gretel will arrive one week later with a supply of New Year’s fireworks to sell in Adya after Christmas. We can stay through the New Year, but have to return on January 2nd so that Liop and I can return to classes.
Imato and I have had to suspend self-defense as there is no appropriate place to practice with the snow so high. It’s rather a relief to me. Don’t tell Imato, but his lessons are my least favorite of any subject I’m taking. Sadly, I know this after only a few lessons.

December 2nd

I received a letter from Tish today with a translation of the article from Dr. Ecrue’s magazine. It seems that the experiment was an attempt to build a ward that would keep bacteria from entering a space. The idea was to create wards for preventing illness. The experiment all failed because any field strong enough to keep bacteria out was also strong enough to keep anything else out too. It was very interesting to read about. I showed the article to Imato and he was just as intrigued as I was, considering the experiment involved wards. He’s going to see if we can borrow a room at the University, or maybe at the medical research center to try and duplicate the experiment after New Year.
Imato has not mentioned Donald Allbox again, and Master Allbox has not come anywhere near me again. In fact, I haven’t seen him in class at all since Imato threatened him. I would feel bad about him missing class so much, except that he missed so much before that I don’t think he could have expected to pass anyway. I wonder why he attends college at all.
For a carpentry assignment, I went into town to look at examples of furniture and other forms of carved wood. I found a wonderful little shop on Main Street that sells mostly cuckoo clocks, jewelry boxes, and wooden toys. The cuckoo clocks were my favorites with intricate mechanical parts and fanciful designs. I picked up the pieces and copied the creators’ signature marks onto my paper to prove that I had done the assignment. I had more marks collected than I needed. I made a game out of seeing if I could guess what signature would be on a piece just by looking at the design. It was harder than I thought. One artist, however, was easy to spot. Almost everything he made had a fanciful scene on it. I found a screen with a tall slender fairy watching protectively over a child. Her long hair and fine features reminded me of Nysa. Her wings were inlaid with mother-of-pearl and her gown edged with gold paint. The same signature was also on a small jewelry box carved with a girl riding a female griffon. Her hair streamed behind her in two long braids. The wings of the griffon were inlaid with multicolored stones.
“She looks like you,” the shopkeeper volunteered kindly.
I smiled and put the jewelry box down. I searched among the jewelry boxes for something else that might be the same artist. A box with another fairy scene caught my eye.
“You like this artist?” asked the shopkeeper, “You have excellent taste.”
“What’s his name?” I asked, politely. The signature mark was an intricate knot that contained no initials.
“Ah,” said the shopkeeper, smiling, “this artist likes his privacy. He does not give his name. I don’t blame him either. I receive rarely get more than a piece a month from him. I think he would be overwhelmed with commissions if anyone knew his name.”
“Wouldn’t that be good?” I asked.
“Well, I guess he’s the temperamental type, who doesn’t like to be told what to carve. I wish I could get him to do more screens though. They sell almost as fast as I get them. That one has only been here a few days. Most of his pieces are small, though: jewelry boxes, book boxes, bookends…”
The shopkeeper told me the stories of some of the other artists and I quite enjoyed myself. He seemed to understand and not mind that I wasn’t shopping to buy.

December 3rd
Mendel and Gordo have shaven their beards. Mendel’s scalp has lost the vegetable dye pattern and his hair starting to look better, although he still wears a hat all the time. I would never see the progress except that Gordo is fascinated and demands that Mendel remove his hat for a minute every time we meet.
“You’re not thinking of shaving your head and dying it too,” I said to him.
Gordo glanced enviously in Mendel’s direction.
“No,” he said, “seeing Mendel is enough.”
Mendel overheard us and grinned.
“You just wait,” he said, “I’m a trend setter. Everyone will be doing it next year.”
Gordo laughed.
“So what are you going to do next?” he asked.
“I don’t know,” said Mendel, “studying for finals stifles my imagination.”
“I wouldn’t think you’d care so much,” said Gordo, “I mean, you’re a gentleman of leisure. This is all just a game. Whether you get good grades doesn’t matter.”
I expected Mendel to laugh and agree, but he didn’t. Instead he went very still and glanced at me, a quick painful glance. Then he got up and walked away.
“Mendel!” cried Gordo, startled and confused, “I meant no offense.”
Mendel turned back. He smiled, but his eyes were serious.
“None taken,” he said, “I know what I am.” He paused. “But don’t you ever put me on a level with Donald Allbox,” he said seriously, “I have nothing to do with his kind.”
Gordo looked stricken.
“I wasn’t even thinking of him,” he stammered, “I was only thinking of the money… and the social status… and…”
“All of which means nothing if I don’t have honor to go with it,” said Mendel, retaking his seat.
Gordo stared at him in astonishment.
“I…” he struggled, “what you told me about Master Donald Allbox the other day…” he reddened as he spoke, “I know you don’t want those things.” He glanced at me.
Mendel said nothing.
“Mendel,” said Gordo, “what do you want?” He cocked his head to one side. “You have honor. That isn’t why you attend college.”
Mendel was silent for a minute. He looked toward a window. We waited. He shook himself and when he turned back he was smiling.
“I want to learn, of course. What better place than here? And what better subject than philosophy, the subject that encompasses all other subjects?” he spread his arms.
Gordo looked doubtful.
“What do you want?” ask Mendel.
“To be able to support my family,” he said simply, “my mother and siblings, and my own wife and kids when the time comes.” He shrugged.
Mendel and I looked at each other soberly. Even I, at my poorest, have never known poverty like Gordo.
“Worthy goals,” said Mendel, “On that note, perhaps we should all study. Now, when are your finals? We should have a plan for when we can meet.”
Gordo and I have Biology together on Thursday. My carpentry final is Monday and algebra is Friday. Gordo’s writing final is Monday, geology is Wednesday, and algebra is also Thursday. Mendel drew a calendar on a sheet of paper which reminded me vaguely of a blueprint.
“My philosophy and writing finals are Tuesday,” Mendel told us, “Trig is Friday.” He penciled the finals in.
“You’re forgetting one,” said Gordo.
“No,” Mendel responded, “see they’re all here.”
“But you only have three finals,” Gordo said.
Mendel glanced at me.
“I know that,” he said, “Now I think we should tackle the writing first…”
But I’ve known Mendel too long and I was too curious to let it pass.
“You have a fourth class,” I said, “What is it?”
“A gentleman—“ began Mendel, but I cut him off.
“What is it?” I demanded.
Mendel reddened. Gordo paled.
“Mendel,” he began unhappily, “I didn’t know…”
Mendel waved his hand.
“Arri can know,” he said slowly, “It’s really my father who doesn’t…” he trailed off and turned to me.
“Something utterly useless, of course,” he said, grinning, his hand on the paper. I looked at it, at the straight lines, the wide margins, the lead pencil so different from the quill pens most students prefer. Suddenly, the whole situation became incredibly funny.
“You’re taking architecture,” I said, “That’s perfect!”
Mendel laughed with me and Gordo joined in, though awkwardly.
“But why can’t Lord Westridge know?” I asked.
“Architecture,” said Mendel, forcing his voice down a notch, “is one of those most dangerous of majors, the kind that leads to a career.”
“Surely Lord Westridge didn’t say that!” I said in astonishment.
“Of course not,” Mendel nodded, “I never gave him the chance. “
I frowned; once again the fact that Mendel hid so much from his parents bothered me.
“Arri,” said Mendel, as though I had spoken my thoughts aloud, “it’s not like I’m a thief or, or worse. The things I want are good. They’re just not what I’m supposed to want.”
I didn’t say anything.
“I only need this one year. For one year I’m a model son. I go to all the most popular parties. I’m seen at the opera, ballet, theatre, symphony… I wear the most fashionable clothes,” (brushing his fingers proudly on his jacket), “I dance all the latest dances. I have a valet and the top floor of student housing. I’m a model son, a gentleman of leisure,” (he frowned slightly) “that they brag about.”
“And then?” I asked.
“After that,” Mendel sighed, “They’ll have to accept me on my terms. They can cut me off—I’ll have enough saved and a minor source of income. In short, if they want nothing to do with me, I’ll still be able to finish my degree. I’ll be free to become what I want to be.”
He smiled, but the smile was troubled. I wondered at his income if all that still allowed him to save. Then I remembered the conversation between his parents that I overheard not long ago. Mendel does not always spend like this.
Gordo was staring at him in amazement.
“You want a career?” he asked at the same time I said: “Don’t you think they’ll be more upset that you lied to them?”
“This year I’m going to be a model son. Just keep my secret that long,” said Mendel, “please. Now, back to finals…”
As we planned our study schedules, it occurred to me that Mendel and Gordo were making sure that I was never alone on campus. Why else, when we have such different classes, would it be necessary to coordinate our studying? I thought about Imato and looked at them suspiciously.
“Has Imato talked to you?” I asked.
Gordo glanced at Mendel, who nodded, grinning.
“He offered to get me a sword,” said Mendel brightly, “but I don’t think it would look right with my college suit. Perhaps I should ask him for a suit of armor to go with it…”
I thought about your letter.
“Is it that bad?” I asked.
“Imato and Jace are over-protective,” said Mendel, laughing, “Can you really imagine Allbox fighting, Arri? He’s all talk, and Imato scared him pretty badly.”
Gordo nodded earnestly, “We can handle him. Mendel says you exercise with bricks.”

Caden is a strange person. At least he doesn’t write the articles about you. The article about influences from Rousha is also strange. What do they mean by influences? Gretel tells me Adya fashion is and always has been influenced by Rousha fashion. Imato says that there are always rumors but that both governments are wise enough to ignore them. He’s much more concerned about the skirmishes with Greste. He agreed though, that it was unusual for an article like that to show up in the Gazette and wondered if he should read the last few issues of the Fly-by to see if they said anything similar. He asked if I would help him, but I refused. I don’t care what they say about anything.
It sounds like Keaton’s magic training is coming along very nicely and that he’s happy living with you. It also sounds like he has found a friend in Caden. I hope they had a good time at the new science museum. Maybe we can see it too when we come for Christmas.

If I don’t send this now, I might as well bring it with me.  Poor Hermes and Clotho. I feel bad sending them out in this weather…

I hope you are staying warm and dry. Liop and I will see you in just over a week.

Love,
Arri

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Keish- November 19, 2004

November 19, 2004
Dear Arri,
Liop would be entirely jealous-- we’re snowed in today.  I think a full three feet has fallen and it’s still snowing.  We’ve had to cancel classes.
Of course, maybe he wouldn’t be so jealous of Keaton, who still has lessons with Master Zart as well as a magic lesson later today.

Mendel’s party sounds entertaining, but like you I’m skeptical about the mineral tonic.  I do wonder how they make it bubbly… I suppose I’ll have to ask Tish.

Papa just received a letter from the Prens accepting his invitation, so they will certainly be here from Christmas Eve to New Year’s.  You should definitely come right after finals.  Papa is writing to Uncle W. right now tell him to come for the Christmas Market-- there’s sure to be plenty of business opportunities to make up for leaving Rousha early.  Adya’s Christmas Market is huge and absolutely second to none.
Keaton, unfortunately, will leave the 13th of December and we don’t expect him back before the 6th of January, especially if the weather is bad.

Tish said she would write to you herself as soon as she knew which issue, so I will send her a note later.  She has rooms on the palace grounds, so likely someone will be able to get it to her even in the snow.

I am sorry if Imato was too forceful with you, Arri, but I am not at all sorry Jace wrote to him.  The responses Jace received to his inquiries… Arri they were appalling.  At least the ones I read.  After reading the last two, Jace stated succinctly that he would prefer I not read them.  He looked so grim that I didn’t press him.
In addition to writing Imato, Jace wrote to the elder Master Allbox-- the one he knows-- who has charge of the family affairs since their father’s death earlier this year.  It was a very strongly worded letter, the gist of it being “rein in your brother, or else” and I don’t think Jace just meant keeping him away from you.
In case you are curious, here is my reconstruction of Imato’s confrontation with Allbox, based on Imato’s letter to Jace:
Imato found Allbox at a (somewhat disreputable, I gather) gentleman’s club.  After explaining to the butler that he needed to speak to Master Allbox, Imato was shown into a private room to wait.  Allbox seemed unsure as to who Imato was until your name came up.  (Apparently angry elder brothers accost him frequently.  I can’t say I’m surprised.)
Allbox had the nerve to seem disappointed.  “Certainly not liberated after all,” he told Imato.
Imato stepped toward him threateningly.  “You will not speak of my sister that way.  In fact, you will not speak of her at all.”
“Or what?”  Allbox threw back in his face.  “A knight of the kingdom engaging in fisticuffs.”  He made a ‘tsk’ing sound.  “Hardly proper.”
Here he made his key mistake-- he turned his back on Imato and said, “She’d have been a nice conquest, but plenty of other fish in the sea.”
Imato quickly and efficiently spun him around, slammed him against the wall and placed an arm across his throat.  (I had Jace show me how this would be accomplished-- very impressive.)
“What?  Are you going to kill me?” Allbox sneered.
“Oh, I don’t need to kill you,” Imato said softly.  “I only need to break you.  Then I can turn you over to my cousin.  She’s always looking for willing volunteers to try new spells on.  And believe me, after I’d finished with you, you’d be a very willing volunteer.”
By this time Allbox was a particularly sick shade of pale.
Imato released him slowly until his feet were on the floor again.  Then Imato let go abruptly and turned away.  “I wonder if you’d make a good newt.  She’s been practicing transformation spells lately.”  With that parting shot, Imato left.
Jace is not particularly pleased that Imato brought me into it.  I am flattered that Imato thought to.

Imato wrote to Jace before talking to you, though, so now that Jace knows he’s going to teach you self-defense, Jace has begun what is sure to be a very lengthy letter explaining all of the changes and improvements Jace has hit upon in teaching.  Some of the moves require modification if you don’t have the physical strength to equal your opponent.
Meeting at the mental home seems perfect.  I’m glad it also gives you an absolute time to visit your father every week.

As far as someone attending classes with you, I doubt you’re in terrible danger on campus.  There are too many people about.
Jace says, however, that there is probably an option for attending lectures without receiving credit, so perhaps someone would be interested in your subjects enough to attend?  Maybe Nysa or Gretel?  I’d attend Literature with you if I could.

I am glad you like the wool.  I did buy a couple lengths of it for myself, but haven’t yet seen to having them made into anything.  Perhaps if the snow allows it tomorrow.  Wool would certainly feel nice right now.

Nov. 21st
The snow didn’t stop until late Friday, but yesterday enough was cleared that I took the wool to the dressmaker’s to have something cozy and practical made.  After deciding on two designs, I trudged back home to spend the rest of the day in front of a warm fire.
Jace and Keaton took the puppies out in the snow.  I watched the hilarity from a window.  I’m not sure there’s anything quite so entertaining as an animal that has never seen snow before.
Tossing snowballs for the puppies to chase became an all-out snowball fight, naturally, with several stable boys and even our footmen joining in.  Jace and Keaton came in completely soaked and half-frozen, but they certainly enjoyed themselves.  If it weren’t so cold, I’d have joined them.

Nov. 22nd
“Come in,” I replied to the knock at my office door earlier today.  “Caden,” I said in surprise as he entered.
He looked around.  “So this is where you hide from me. Very nice.”
“Well, if that’s its purpose it certainly isn’t fulfilling it very well,” I answered dryly.
He laughed, then held up the stack he was holding.  “Twenty copies of tomorrow’s Gazette, Lady Keish,” he said with a little bow.
I raised an eyebrow.  “Impressive.  You can put them over there,” I told him, indicating a side table under the window.  “How do you manage to keep what you do a secret?”
He went very still-- hands still on the Gazette.
“It certainly makes your devotion to reading the Gazette make sense.  Otherwise someone might wonder at your familiarity with its contents.”
He turned to look at me, his face a careful blank mask.
“How much of it do you write?” I asked curiously.
His eyes flicked to the copies he’d brought me.  “I had nothing to do with that story, Keish,” he said seriously.
I cocked my head to one side.  “Interesting.”  I made a mental note to find whatever story he was so quick to disavow.  “That’s not what I asked though.”
His mouth opened, then snapped shut.  He sighed.  “A little less than half, generally, since my return to Adya.”
“I do hope you weren’t responsible for that tripe about the puppy.”
He finally smiled.  “No, Keish.  I haven’t been writing about you.”
I laughed.  “I don’t see why not, Caden.  You’ve certainly had plenty of first-hand information lately.”
No he cocked his head to one side.  “You aren’t angry with me.”
“For what?”
“Writing the Gazette.  Not telling you.  Any of it.”  He sounded somewhat amazed.
“Hardly information you’re just going to share.  Besides, it will be so much more convenient, when I want to start a rumor, knowing exactly who to tell.”
He threw up his hands.  “Unbelievable,” he laughed.
“There is one thing though,” I continued more seriously.
He furrowed his brow at my tone.  “Yes?” he asked cautiously.
“Keaton Leilani is off-limits.”
He shook his head.  “Keish, I would never…”
I cut him off.  “Not just you.  I mean the Gazette at large.  If there is so much as a hint, an implication that could be construed as being about my young ward everyone involved with the Gazette will deeply regret the association.”
Caden nodded sharply.  “Lady Keish,” he bowed and left.

He was waiting outside when I left.
“I passed on your message,” he said quietly.
“Good,” I responded.
He walked with me in silence a few moments before bursting out, “How did you know?”
I chuckled.  “Jace noticed it first.  Some of the stories just… sounded like you.  Phrases written exactly the way you use them, that kind of thing.  You should probably be more careful about that.  Others are bound to notice too.”
“Not sure anyone else pays enough attention to what I’m saying to pick up on it,” he muttered.
“I suppose if Euan didn’t notice after your story about him last week he’s not likely to,” I added mischievously.
He laughed aloud.  “That was a good piece, wasn’t it?” he remarked, obviously pleased with himself.  He paused before adding hopefully, “Now that you know, perhaps you’d help me with something?”
I rolled my eyes.  “Here it comes.”
“No,” he said laughing, “nothing serious.  It’s just that I’ve been asked to write something about Mistress Tish and I haven’t really met her.”
I gave him a sharp look, unsure what to make of his tone of voice.  “Write what, exactly?”
He held up his hands defensively.  “Nothing scandalous.  Her reflections are extremely popular.  Just something about her.”
“Popular thanks in part to the Gazette.”
He gave me a look.
“What?” I asked innocently.
He rolled his eyes.  “I wrote that piece, Keish.  I know where my information comes from.”
I grinned.  “A few well-placed suggestions was all.”
“Right.  Will you introduce me at least?”
“Oh, I suppose.  So long as you’re going to be nice.”
“I do appreciate it,” he answered.
We had almost reached the tower.  “Why do you do it?” I asked as we entered my garden.
“Oh, everyone needs a hobby, I suppose.  Don’t you agree?” he asked Jace as he joined us.
Jace grinned.  “Of course.  Keisha’s hobby is threatening to turn people into fire newts.”
Caden smiled at that.  “Ah, yes, I did hear something about Euan nearly becoming one of his own wedding decorations.  Though doubtless he would have deserved it.”
I rolled my eyes.  “Technically,” I said to Jace, knowing where the comment came from, “I have not directly threatened that awful young man.  Imato did it for me.”
Caden looked back and forth between us.  “This would be about Master Allbox, I take it?”
Jace and I both looked at him in surprise.
He shrugged.  “I read the Fly-By.  Terrible grammar sometimes and I don’t approve at all of how they handle some things.”  He looked significantly at Jace.  “I do hope your sister hasn’t been reading it lately.”
Jace growled something about his mother banning it from the house and Caden nodded.
“You’re not writing about Arri,” I said to Caden sternly.
He chuckled.  “No, I wouldn’t dream of it.  The Gazette mentioned her briefly after your wedding and we were quickly made aware that then-squire Imato Etautca was not at all pleased.  I believe he said something along the lines of ‘bad enough the Fly-By is always at her, but if the Adya rags start in on her too, I’ll find a way to do something about it’.  Given his resources and connections, it was taken seriously.”
I snorted.  “Well I should hope so.”
Jace talked Caden into some sparring so that Jace could warm up for his self-defense class this afternoon, so I left them to that and went upstairs to sit by a fire and read the copy of the Gazette I had taken from the stack Caden delivered.
I had to read it twice, but I think I’ve found the story Caden “had nothing to do with”.  It’s unusual for the Gazette to print anything about political intrigue, but the implications in the story-- that influences from Rousha are the real cause of some new plot or other-- are a little disturbing.  As a whole, relations with Rousha are everything they should be.  On a more personal level, as Jace is from Rousha and teaching the History of Elcaro, I wasn’t sure I liked where this was going.
Certainly I can see why Caden wanted Jace and me to know he had nothing to do with it.

Nov. 23rd
I took Caden over to Tish’s laboratory to meet her this morning.  He was quickly enthralled by all of her scientific equipment and I left them poring over designs for a more complicated microscope.
After my classes, Keaton found me in my usual spot-- curled up in front of the sitting room fireplace.
“Master Zart is ill,” he explained to me.  His expression was an interesting combination of joy at being released from his lessons and dread that he may be forced to remain in the tower without Master Zart to accompany him.
“I see.  Is it serious?”
Keaton gave a little shrug.  (He’s so much less formal now. I wonder what his parents will make of him.)  “Marta says he’ll need to remain abed for three days.”
I frowned.  I trusted Marta’s judgment in such matters, but wondered what I’d do with Keaton.  He’d go crazy in his rooms for three days.  I certainly would.
“Well,” I said carefully, “I suppose you could come to classes with me.”
Keaton wrinkled his nose in distaste.  “I’d rather practice magic all day,” he muttered.
“You’re certainly welcome to do that.  What if I teach you a new spell tonight and you can work on it tomorrow.  Then hopefully we’ll come up with something else to interest you.”
He smiled at that idea.
He’s gotten quite good at making the paper birds fly.  It’s not quite enough to quell the flaring magic within him, but it’s done wonders.
I decided to teach him Liop’s growth spell, with the strict provision that he is only to grow his paper birds and that they are not to exceed Thor in size.  He seemed a bit put out by that, but I wouldn’t teach him the spell until he promised.  I expect it will keep him busy tomorrow.

Nov. 24th
Keaton’s temporary lack of a tutor has led to something completely unforeseen.
As is often the case, Caden was waiting for Jace and me when we got to the school building this morning.
“I hear your ward is lacking a tutor for a few days,” he said immediately.
Really, the man’s sources of information rival even mine.
I raised an eyebrow as Jace responded in the affirmative.  I couldn’t fathom where Caden was going with this.
“I’d be happy to fill in.”
“You’d what?” I asked, nearly at the same time as Jace.
Caden chuckled.  “I’d be happy to serve as Keaton’s guide or companion temporarily.”
Jace looked thoughtful.  “I suppose there are worse choices.”
“And do what with him?” I asked, still completely incredulous.
Caden reddened slightly.  “Well actually, there’s an exhibit of science, mostly Iconese, at the new Adya museum.  I thought I’d take him.  I need an excuse to go.”
Jace and I exchanged bemused looks.  “Not somewhere you can go simply as a gentleman of leisure?” I asked.
Caden winced.  “I’ve rather lost my taste for that appellation since Jace told me more about Donald Allbox,” he stated.  “It’s just a bit… studious.  Wouldn’t seem natural, I’m afraid.  But I thought if I were taking Keaton…”
“And that would seem natural?”
Jace spoke up.  “I don’t know, Keish, it’s something I’d do and the fact that Caden and I have become friends is common knowledge.  I wouldn’t be able to get away to spend the day at the museum, so people may think I asked Caden to accompany him with Master Zart ill.”
I sighed a little.  “I suppose so.”
“If you don’t think he’d be interested, I can take him to do something else,” Caden offered.  “I do want to help.”
I shook my head.  “No, I’m sure he’d be very interested.”  I took Keaton to Tish’s laboratory briefly last week and he was certainly intrigued.  I considered a moment more.  “Oh, why not?  It might be good for both of you.”
Jace grinned.  “Very likely.”
Caden gave us a little bow.  “I shall be on my best behavior.”
I rolled my eyes.  “I should hope so.”
This evening I told Keaton, after giving all appropriate praise to his paper bird, which is approximately two inches larger than when I left this morning.
He seemed surprised that Caden would be accompanying him, but he was obviously thrilled about seeing the exhibit.  Hopefully it lives up to both their expectations.
Either way, I’m sure to hear all about it tomorrow.  If it’s as exciting as Keaton hopes I shall tell you all about it in my next letter.
For now, though, this is long and Hermes is likely to lose all patience with me soon.  Especially if Chewy tries to catch him again.
I hope you are feeling ready for your final exams.  Next week I shall have to decide once and for all what sort of final exams I am giving and prepare them.

Love Always

Keish

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Arri- November 12, 2004

November 12, 2004
Dear Keish,

Well we had our first big snow storm of the season this week. Liop had high hopes of classes being cancelled, but it takes a full blown blizzard to cancel class in Rousha. It was bad enough to make Mendel postpone going home for his birthday until fall break next week. He threw a party for himself and Gordo (who turned fifteen the next day), renting a large room near the castle. It was really well attended with lots of college students.  Taty, Miss Minn, Gordo, and I went. Taty and Miss Minn danced most of the dances. Gordo and I managed to keep a game going in one corner and various people came and joined us. We ate cake and ice cream and sampled an exotic drink called “mineral tonic” flavored with cherry syrup. It was very bubbly and strange. The next day I mentioned it to Dr. Rascada while visiting Father and he told me that it is a health drink from Inconei. With all that sugar, I was skeptical about it being healthy, but Dr. Rascada says it’s the bubbles that are healthy and most apothecaries don’t add so much sugar. Mendel gave me some in a small bottle to take for Liop to try, telling me to have Liop drink it immediately since the bubbles wouldn’t last long in the bottle. Liop didn’t like it at all.

Your masks for All Hallow’s look fabulous. I’m sure you were all the best dressed dancers at the masquerade. I bet Keaton had a great time guising.
Finals are the second week of December. We can come after that and stay through the New Year. Uncle Winthrop is still considering his business and what days he can take off. What fun it will be to spend Christmas in Adya! I’m so excited! I hope the Prens can come too.
The issue of Troilubus Iconetha is for May of this year. It’s the last article in the magazine. I would be very grateful for Tish’s help since Aegolius is not returning to Elcaro with Duke Tulson and Lady Clara. He wants to spend more time with his grandchildren. I would ask Dr. Ecrue to help, but he seems so distracted.

November 17th

Mendel told me today that Master Allbox is telling people that Imato threatened his life if he ever came near me. I have mentioned Master Allbox to Imato before, mostly because he was standing up for me. I had also mentioned about Mendel telling me to be careful about him. I did NOT say anything about the party invitations or imply that Master Allbox was threatening me.
But it seems Imato got a letter from Jace.
“Arri,” began Imato as I was having dinner with him and Gretel, “you really need to be more careful on campus.
It was not a promising start to the dinner conversation.
“I know how to make bricks fly,” I reminded him.
“As I recall, you didn’t have much control over them,” Imato responded.
It was rather like sitting in Uncle W.’s big armchair when I was younger. I bristled.
“I don’t think any attacker would stick around long enough to find that out,” was Gretel’s observation.
“Mendel says Master Allbox is afraid to be in the same classroom as me,” I said, “I hardly think that was necessary. He was nice when I first met him.”
“He was nice because he wanted to take advantage of you,” said Imato.
I reddened.
“I’m thinking you should have someone with you on campus,” Imato began.
“Gordo and Mendel are there. We eat lunch together. And Gordo and I study biology together.”
“I was thinking about asking Taty to accompany you,” Imato responded.
“Imato, Taty has her own studies to worry about. I don’t want her to have to follow me around all day.”
“We’ll hire you a lady’s maid,” Imato said.
Gretel was already shaking her head. “The horse, Imato,” she said. I got the idea they had had this conversation before. “No lady’s maid could keep up with Arri without a horse.”
Imato frowned. No one spoke for a few minutes. I sat and worried that Imato’s next suggestion would involve taking Sprigs away from me. Gretel looked thoughtful.
“What if you taught her the self-defense lessons Jace has been teaching Keish and her students?” she asked finally.
“Yes, of course, she should have that,” Imato nodded, “but she still shouldn’t be the only woman on that campus. It’s not…” He stopped short of saying “appropriate” and shrugged his shoulders. We all got his meaning anyway.
“I’m fine,” I grumbled.
“Jace will agree with me on this. It’s not so much that another woman could protect her. Arri, don’t you think you would feel less isolated if you had a companion?”
I shrugged. “If it was another student,” I considered, “not a maid.”
“Exactly,” Imato pounced on my words, “what we need is another female student.” Gretel looked much struck by the idea.
“There aren’t any,” I protested, “and we wouldn’t be in all the same classes.”
“Oh, I’m sure we could find another girl somewhere who’d like to go to college,” Gretel said.
“She could start Winter term,” said Imato.
“Who?” I asked, wondering how the conversation had taken this direction and how I felt about it. Not that I want to be the only girl at college, but I’ve never heard of, or met, any girl who wanted to go.
“What about Treany?” asked Imato.
Treany??? I didn’t have to say anything. Imato was already shaking his head.
“Clara?” he asked doubtfully.
“She’d do well,” I said, “but she won’t be living in Rousha, and I doubt she wants to leave her husband. Besides, her education with the Westridges was pretty basic. She’d need more tutoring than even I did.”
Imato nodded thoughtfully.
“We could make inquiries in the private schools,” said Gretel.
“Who would pay her tuition?” I asked.
That stopped them short. They looked at each other.
“A young woman, recently graduated with high grades and a lady’s diploma, with parents able and willing to afford tuition,” Imato concluded.
“Who wants to go to college,” I added.
“That’s a tall order,” said Gretel, sounding discouraged.
“Well,” said Imato, “all we can do is ask. In the meantime, Arri, stay close to Mendel and Gordo.”
“All right,” I said. Mostly I was relieved that I didn’t have to have a maid (not considering the expense).  Later it occurred to me that anyone we found wouldn’t be able to start till next year. She’d have to pass the entrance exam in the spring. Imato, however, is determined, and has begun making inquiries.

So now, in addition to my other studies, I’m supposed to find time to let Imato teach me self-defense. This has resulted in an argument since both of us have busy schedules. Gretel finally got us to compromise. I will stay up later than normal once a week for late night training and Imato will get up earlier than normal for a weekly early morning session. Both of which will be held on the grounds of the mental home, so that we can visit Father immediately before or right after. This will save both of us some travel time and was Gretel’s most brilliant idea.

I hope that you are staying warm and out of the snow. I don’t think it will all melt this time. The wool outfit that Lady Pren’s seamstress made out of the wool you sent is wonderful, just perfect for how much time I’m spending traveling outside between classes in this weather. You should have an outfit made from it yourself.
Keep warm and dry.

Love,
Arri

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