Days peacefully go by in this way, burning-red leaves and crisp mornings reign supreme.

Rising at the break of dawn to organize and search through mother’s paperwork has become a habit now. Because just the thought of losing track of time in the evenings like last time… I could feel my hands go cold at the memory of Ms. Anne's pointed smile.

Afterwards, I do my best during all manners of lessons and academia. Some days, the work is so hard, my stomach churns and I feel an urge to throw up…

No no no, it’s fine. I’m just doing my best, I convince myself.

My favorite time of day is dinner, the quality of meals seems to have considerably improved since Constantine decided it was her duty to oversee the kitchen staff and their preparations. It's actually pretty amusing, since the head chef has a serving boy keep a constant lookout to warn everyone when Constantine is about to “breach territory”.

Walking after meals helps to digest the food.

…Or so I’ve been told by Nott when the Amaryllis family came to congratulate my recovery a few sun-cycles ago. This frail maiden’s heart hurt a lot from that passing comment! The food is just too good lately, okay…?!

Anyways.

I’ve taken up the habit of strolling through the mansion’s garden and speaking to local Fairfolk after meals. My eyes wander through the bramble, always hoping to see two branches of antlers. Leaves of various colors meet my gaze instead. My heart feels a squeeze and I shake off the overwhelming guilt. I have to, otherwise I won’t be able to keep going.

Nara usually shoos the other faeries away, but she likes hibernating in the fall and winter months. So, I won’t be able to see her for about eight moon-cycles. Because of this, there’s no hindrance to get in the way of the Lesser Flower Fairies bombarding me with chatter. Though, I’m secretly grateful to them for taking my mind off other darker crevices.

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Often, it’s only petty gossip about some person of interest - usually a human noble - that passes around these catch-up sessions. However, the Orchard Faeries says something that piques my interest today.

“Hey hey, did you hear the Dandelions talk about the upcoming students at Harthrow?”

“My my, those weed-like Fairies are good for something at least!”

Dandelions are plentiful, so they always overhear tidbits all across the land. The speed at which they’re able to spread it, is akin to wind carrying spores. The disturbing thing though is that you’ll never know if you’re being overheard by some nosy flower.

“Yeah yeah, it’s quite the lineup next year!”

“Hmn? Who will be attending?”

“Hee hee, so you don’t know hmm~?”

These gossipy ones always seem to bask in some unknown glory when they know something someone else doesn’t.

“You cute ladies are so intelligent and up-to-date, I’m quite curious, since I too will go to the University soon. Won’t you please tell me?”

“Fu fu, of course! Of course!”

These girls are easily appeased with a little flattery and will tell you all they know if you’re in their good books. Words begin to whiz in the air as excitement lights up their eyes.

“Rumor has it that the Third Princess of Gardein just enrolled! With the Second Prince being a constellation-cycle ahead.”

I’ve heard many things about the royal family of our kingdom - though who knows which rumors actually hold any truth to them.

“Not to mention those damned Kindred Princes!”

…So those two will go too, huh?

“Let’s not forget our dear Vanirian Goddess!”

Wow, it really does seem like a lot of important future figures will gather at the same time.

But I’m curious… I’ve never heard about the Seelie Court’s so-called 'Vanirian Goddess'.

Inquiring, the Orchards reply in mock gasp and proceed to enthusiastically chirp about her.

“The strength of a timbering oak!”

“The charisma of sparking embers!”

“The affinity to nature as sure as the transition to fiery autumn leaves.”

My eyes go wide in fascination. It’s no small feat to be recognized by other Fairfolk. I wonder what she’s like to be so highly regarded. With a newfound marvel glittering in my mind, it’s all I can do to not rush into the library and investigate.

I quickly babble out thanks, already tuning everything else out. The echoes of her grandeur glimmering golden in my head as my feet hit the pavement in a run.