ShinyDecidueye » Lair » Hatsuyuki

Hatsuyuki

(#82299523)

First Snow

Familiar

Snowdrop of Crystalline

Energy: 49/50

Personal Style

Skin

Scene

Physical Attributes

Battle Stats

Measurements

Length

17.47 m

Wingspan

19.24 m

Weight

3896.97 kg

Genetics

Midnight
Basic

Hatchday

Nov 26, 2022
(1 year)

Breed

Adult
Undertide

Eye Type

Ice
Uncommon

Level 1 Undertide

EXP: 0 / 245

STR

AGI

DEF

QCK

INT

VIT

MND

Lineage

Parents

none
none

Offspring

none

Biography

HATSUYUKI EVERWINTER

First Snow | She/Her | <Orientation>
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

初雪 -> chūxuě (Chinese), hatsuyuki (Japanese). Meaning: First snow (of the winter season).
- Can make objects out of ice, since she doesn't have claws that can hold stuff. Is trying to see if she can just straight up use telekinesis.
- Also likes doodling, it helps her train her fine motor control... or rather, magical telekinesis.
- Also can make herself smaller using magic. The smallest she can go is a meter long, but the largest is her own size. Can't make herself bigger.
- The rest? Well... see below.

Hatsuyuki

#3021667

art by SunSprite, featuring Polaris, Hatsuyuki and Kosetsu

Inspired by this

To: Administrative Office, Starfall Academia, Astrolodome

From: Archmage Polaris Everwinter's Office

20 Rockbreakers, 4^e 40294

To whom it may concern,

I hope this finds you well. Please be advised our postal address has changed.

The new address is:

Hiems Manor, Everwinter Estate
Zenith's Light
Beacon of the Radiant Eye

Previous address was:

PO Box 198
Post Office
Zenith's Light
Beacon of the Radiant Eye

Please confirm your receipt of this at your earliest convenience.

Toji Everwinter
Secretary

To: Laurel

From: Dawn Jr

I mean... I knew Polaris was rich and that her job as an Archmage paid a lot, but I didn't expect her level of "rich" to be "rich enough to buy an entire ESTATE for herself and her adopted kids". I asked my brother to pass her the bouquet for me, but in case he's forgotten can you remind him?

To: Dawn Jr

From: Laurel

I checked with Hikari, it's entirely legal, and I saw the paperwork for myself. She's inviting both of us over for the house-warming, anyway.

To: Laurel

From: Dawn Jr

I know, I was invited as well, but seeing as I'm still wheelchair-bound I asked Zia to go in my place. Have fun.

To: Laurel

From: Polaris

Attached please find the map of the estate. Because it's not labelled on the map, follow this guide...

[...]

...I had Hikari help me with the wards, so it should be perfectly safe... until Ava does her best to sneak in, anyway. I hope she can't.

(Separate note attached to the letter, whose magical seal is somehow still intact.)
P.S. Please tell Polaris she failed. Privately, of course. - A.

To: Laurel

From: Polaris

DAMMIT

To: Brother

From: Dawn Jr

Thanks for giving Polaris my bouquet as well.

You didn't tell her what I said about her looking like a gender-flipped version of my ex, did you?

To: Big Sis

From: Elio

On her first week on arriving in Zenith's Light? A decade ago?

...no, I did not tell her that you said she had the same eyes as your ex. You were drunk. Why would I tell anyone that?

To: Brother

From: Dawn Jr

...never mind.

From: Toji

To: Polaris

Attached please find a) the list of fish and aquatic plants we're importing, b) the list of plant seeds Taisetsu wanted, and c) their respective prices.

Noted that you will do the wards yourself and there is no need to find someone to do it for you. Also noted that Ava successfully snuck in, and that this should not be mentioned to the rest.

(Left on Polaris' desk, Hiems Manor Archmage's Office, Everwinter Estate, no return address given)

Just so you're aware, Hatsuyuki attempted to sneak into my office. It was hilarious.

(Secure drop location, under [REDACTED] pavement stone of Hiems Manor entranceway, Everwinter Estate)
To: C.

So THAT'S why she asked me to teach her the spell to change her size. I'm more surprised that she managed to sneak up to your office without noticing. How did you respond?

P.

P.S. There's a mailbox for a reason. No need to show off your infiltration skills; I'm well aware it's leagues above Hatsuyuki's. Still, thanks for letting me know I still need to fix the wards.

(Polaris' diary)

Speak of the devil...

(Left on Polaris' nightstand next to a sleeping Polaris, Hiems Manor Master Bedroom, Everwinter Estate, no return address given)

Install better window locks, then.

It was midnight, so she made herself Skydancer-sized and snuck in via the window - she created a tiny icicle as a wedge to open the window, then snuck inside and unlocked my desk cabinet, again with magic. Naturally, I left a letter inside telling her to go to bed. Once she read it, she fled the office, and even locked the window behind her. I was more impressed that she successfully did all of this plus multitasking without limbs; you taught her well in regards to her magical ability.

P.S. For the last time, I don't know how you found out, but I haven't gone by C in years.

P.P.S. You snore in your sleep.

To: A.

I'm more surprised that you're not mad at her.

Also, I have my ways ;) Does it count if you just ditched your first name, shaved off the first two letters of your middle name and translated your last name?

P.

P.S. Any suggestions to improve the safety of my house?

P.P.S. ...thanks, I think?

(Left between the pages of the book Polaris was reading before she went to get a cup of tea, Hiems Manor Archmage's Office, Everwinter Estate)

It's a perfectly serviceable alias.

Your magical alarms are fine, I just found a way to get past them (see below). Consider investing in better motion sensors, or doors and windows that only let certain people use them.

(Left on Polaris' nightstand while Polaris was reading on her bed)
To: A.

How in Sornieth- I was in the kitchen for less than 5 minutes!

I'll follow your advice, my locks needed updating anyway.

P.

P.S. What's the point of an alias if everyone thinks it's your real name?

(Left on Polaris' nightstand; it wasn't there before Polaris turned her head)

[ATTN: DESTROY AFTER READING]

"Ava Starling" sounds better than "Chava Mukudori".

(Left on Polaris' nightstand after removing the previous letter)
To: A.

Since we've established that you're in my room, can't we just talk directly?

P.

(Left on Polaris' nightstand again)

It's more entertaining this way. Also, Ritto's about to enter, I'll take my leave.

To: Polaris Everwinter, Archmage

From: Hikari Caspia, Secretary, King's Office

Adoption papers went through. See attached.

To: Hikari Caspia, Secretary, King's Office

From: Polaris Everwinter, Archmage

Thanks for the heads-up. That was fast.

(Left underneath Polaris' teacup, Hiems Manor Archmage's Office, no return address given)

I hear congratulations are in order. Lunch?

To: A.

Are you reading my mail? Again? How did you even bypass the magical seals?

And sure. Tomorrow, the new restaurant Magnolia opened, 12pm.

P.

(Sloppily left on Ava's desk, Ava Starling's Office, Eternal Star Observatory, Zenith's Light)

Mdm Starling,

I apologise for breaking into your office. May I know how I can make it up to you?

Hatsuyuki Everwinter

To: Mom

From: Hatsuyuki Everwinter

THERE. I SENT IT.

That was mortifying, I'll have you know. I think she's testing me, she hooked up a simple trap to the window this time.

(Slipped into Polaris' overcoat pocket at some point between leaving the training grounds and arriving home, no return address given)

She was sloppy, I saw her enter my office. Then again, considering the fact that she's a novice, it's a decent attempt.

Also, I have my ways :)

P.S. Madam? Seriously? Tell her to stop calling me that, it makes me feel old.

From: Polaris Everwinter

To: Hatsuyuki Everwinter

(Doodle of a small Undertide (complete with >_> expression) being patted on the head while throwing a minor tantrum, drawn in Polaris' signature shade of vibrant blue ink with tiny specks of silver and crystal glitter. Art style is simplistic but economical, with no strokes of the pen wasted; this is the work of someone who's spent a lifetime of meetings doodling and has the skill to prove it.)

To: Mom

From: Hatsuyuki Everwinter

If I embarrass myself in front of her I'm going to blame you and carry the grudge to my grave.

What am I even doing. What is life.

From: Polaris Everwinter

To: Hatsuyuki Everwinter

Didn't you start it?

(Left inside Hatsuyuki's - locked - art tools cabinet, Snöslask Lakeview, Everwinter Estate, no return address given)

You didn't camouflage yourself properly when you entered my office via the window the second time. Also, you left a mark on the windowsill. Learn some invisibility spells, your mother should have some spell scrolls in her library.

11pm tomorrow, training grounds.

To: Mom

From: Hatsuyuki Everwinter

I found the letter in my art tools cabinet. It was LOCKED. LOCKED.

I think I just got schooled by a grandmaster.

To: A.

Ironic echoes? Seriously?

Also, go ahead. If anything, she needs to either learn restraint or learn to be more subtle. I've needed someone to handle some of the more clandestine affairs anyway; have you seen my other kids?

Just don't turn her into a kleptomaniac.

P.

P.S. You're female, you're not married, you're above the eligible "miss" age, ergo you're a "ma'am". Get used to it. Unless you want to get hitched to Breeze?

P.P.S. What's with the increasingly ridiculous drop locations?

(Under Polaris' pillow with the end peeking out, Hiems Manor Master Bedroom, Everwinter Estate, no return address given)

It's to challenge myself. You keep an awful watch for someone so secretly paranoid.

P.S. Isn't she already dating Kaze?

P.P.S. I have a sneaking suspicion you're doing it on purpose.

P.P.P.S. Also, aren't you older than me?

(Slipped into Ava's pocket during Zenith's Light Meeting)

To: A.

How the hell did you sneak a letter underneath my pillow while I was SLEEPING ON IT? You're lucky I didn't crush it. Actually, scratch that, how did you bypass my new wards?

P.

(On Polaris' head when she woke up, Hiems Manor Master Bedroom)

:)

See attached. Improve your house wards, especially now with the Shade becoming a bigger issue.

(Left on Hatsuyuki's bed pillows, Snöslask Lakeview, Everwinter Estate, no return address given)

Did you seriously try to sneak into Maria's office while she wasn't around? You set off one of the hidden wards and you broke the failsafe in one of the locks, that's why you failed. Still, good try, work on recognising different types of locks and developing the appropriate ways to get around them.

In the locked cabinet of my office, there will be a beginner's guide to different types of locks and lockpicking. In return, I'll tell Maria I was testing the new lock she came up with and I won't leak your involvement :)

(Ritto's mailbox, Glaciēs Cottage; Shosetsu's mailbox, Zaspa Lodge; Taisetsu's mailbox, Ningor Barn; Toji's mailbox, Brūma Heights; Shokan's mailbox, Grandō House; Daikan's mailbox, Shimoyake Cottage; Riyuki's mailbox, Pruīna Hall; Soko's mailbox, Poledica Tower; Kanro's mailbox, Tignum Cabin; Everwinter Estate)

Don't be alarmed if you see random messages in Ava's handwriting in random places in your house, I've asked her to test the Estate's new security systems. If you do catch her, please apprehend her, but don't report her to Elio, just bring her to me (she's doing it as favour for me). She probably won't get caught anyway. You're free to try and do so, I've informed her already.

- Polaris

(Hatsuyuki's mailbox, Snöslask Lakeview, Everwinter Estate, no return address given)

(The same as above, but with a post-script.)

P.S. I won't tell the rest about your... activities. Just don't do it to them.

To: A.

I give up, how DO you sneak in?

(Left on Polaris' desk again)

[ATTN: DESTROY THIS LETTER AFTER READING]

I'm only telling you because you really should improve the wards and because I owe you one.

Magical Skeleton Key. Disrupts magical wards long enough for a smaller dragon to sneak through, and leaves them intact enough for them to reform and show no trace. Also serves the function of being a skeleton key and unlocks all doors.

The "not being caught" part just boils down to good invisibility spells.

You do know that I'll just come up with something else once you counter the skeleton key, right?

To: A.

:)

P.

(In Polaris' mailbox like a normal dragon, were it not for the fact that there are hidden seals on them, Hiems Manor, Everwinter Estate, no return address given)

Alright, your new measures seem to have worked. I'll try something else.

Would you mind my sending Maria in on my behalf? Something came up in my private ventures, I'll update when I can.

To: A.

Toji caught Maria sneaking in; he said she was too colourful and stood out. Just so you know.

P.

P.S. Apparently her scarf got caught on a bush and he found strands of it. Who wears a scarf for infiltration missions?!

(Polaris' desk yet again)

I foiled an assassin attempt on you yesterday. Fortunately (relatively), they only tried to do so once you were safely out of the house wards, in other words, they work. Stay safe. Stick to major roads with a decent amount of traffic (but not too much), always travel with someone else, etc. If you want, I can get Maria to tail you as a form of bodyguard.

P.S. While I was in Hiems Manor, I noticed that you're running out of tea. Naturally, I got you five boxes of your favourite breakfast tea and a carton of milk. They should be on your kitchen counter.

P.P.S. I also acquired a box of various tea blends I thought you might appreciate, do you want it?

To: A.

Not surprised; I made quite a few enemies in the Academia, I wouldn't be surprised if [▢ jealous rivals / ▢ dragons looking to take my place / ▢ Regina's enemies / ▢ Effluvial Crows / ▢ Dusk's cronies / ▢ other:_____] decide to [▢ come down themselves / ▢ send cronies to do their bidding / ▢ both / ▢ other:_____[ and try and ▢ kill / ▢ assassinate / ▢ assault / ▢ steal from / ▢ rob / ▢ extort / ▢ kidnap / ▢ torture / ▢ replace my tea with coffee / ▢ other:_____] [▢ me / ▢ my kids / ▢ my plants / ▢ my stuff / ▢ my knowledge / ▢ my tea ▢ other:_____].

(Tick appropriately.)

Not the first time, anyway. I'll be careful, but you never know with these people. Maria acting as a bodyguard would be nice.

P.S. Thanks. I'll take the extra box.

P.P.S. a) Are there favours that come attached, b) is it safe for consumption, c) when's the expiry date and d) did you seriously get the largest size avaliable for the five boxes?

P.P.P.S. Nice to know you secretly care.

(Inside the box of artisanal teas, on top of the paper describing the tea blends.)

...I have so many questions about the checklist.

P.S. a) Not for now, b) I checked for poison; it's safe, c) they're freshly made, so 2 years, and d) we don't know when it's safe for you to go out on your own so Regina suggested I might as well stock up.

P.P.S. Before you ask, yes, I also got Regina some boxes of tea.

P.P.P.S. It's a matter of pragmatism, you're far more useful alive than dead.

To: A

I made a few checkboxes to keep track of stuff and make it convenient for me, here's the one I made for suitors / Academia purposes:

Quote:

Dear [Insert Name Here],

I am [▢ interested / ▢ flattered / ▢ thankful for / ▢ unswayed / ▢ thoroughly unamused / ▢ vexed / ▢ horrified and disgusted] by your ([▢ offer of]) [▢ odes and poems / ▢ gifts / ▢ land / ▢ information / ▢ cooperation / ▢ wealth / ▢ marriage / ▢ sacrificial offerings / ▢ my (▢ worst) enemy's / ▢ enemies' head(s) on a silver platter]. [▢ Unfortunately / ▢ Therefore / ▢ As such], in light of [▢ our respective positions / ▢ the current political climate / ▢ my own personal feelings / ▢ your previous such attempts / ▢ this depraved, heinous act against the dignity of living beings of all kinds], I must inform you that [▢ as [▢ a busy dragon / ▢ an Archmage], I cannot in good faith accept them (▢ as that would be considered accepting bribes) / ▢ your persistence in your fruitless attempts to woo me has become grating / ▢ I have already made my decision concerning your offer / ▢ that was too extreme and you are clearly insane if you think I will accept / ▢ I've already sent hitdragons after you, you depraved b*stard. Actually, no, that's an insult to b*stards].

[▢ I would welcome more correspondence in the future as friends, if you wish. / ▢ Cease your "courtship" immediately. You are not entitled to me. / ▢ [Long string of expletives telling recipient to go away in an extremely rude manner as well as to do some anatomically impossible act] / ▢ Your attempts to get on my good side [for ▢ politicking / ▢ academic favourtism] are even more transparent than glass. [▢ This is a warning; next time I WILL report you to the Ethics Review Board / ▢ Expect Rayde Sunspark at your door first thing tomorrow morning]. / ▢ You could pray, but it'd be too late for you.]

[▢ Archmage / ▢ Eternal Star / ▢ "Boreal Blizzard"] Polaris Everwinter

You should probably come up with something similar, they're useful. I gave copies to the other Archmages for reference, they loved it and made their own variations.

P.

To: Archmage Everwinter

From: Harvest

I heard a couple of dragons whispering about something to do with the Archmages, when I went closer to get my textbooks they looked at me and scattered, should I be concerned?

To: Harvest

From: Polaris

I'll alert some contacts, try not to get involved. Stay safe.

Incidentally, who were the dragons?

To: Polaris

From: Harvest

(A list of the involved dragons and their ranks)

To: A.

See attached. ~~Could I trouble you to look into this for me~~ I want to cash in a favour, please help me look into this?

(Edited because I realised you'll just say "you can" and not actually do it)

P.

To: Ahephyx Deoxyribose
Cc: Rayde Sunspark
Bcc: Ava Starling

From: Polaris Everwinter

10 NotN, 4^e 40294

See attached. Normally I wouldn't worry, but at least if we look into it, at best we get new insights into the latest gossip, and at worst we uncover some conspiracy threatening to undermine us or something. Thoughts?

(Inside Polaris' overcoat pocket, wardrobe, Hiems Manor Master Bedroom, no return address given)

Yes, you can, and I don't mind doing so, so I will.

To: Polaris
Cc: Rayde

From: Ahephyx

15 NotN, 4^e 40294

Your damned Frostbite Hummingbird nearly dropped the letter into my water. Are you expecting me to do the investigative work for you?

To: Ahephyx
Cc: Rayde
Bcc: Ava

From: Polaris

16 NotN, 4^e 40294

1) *Gyrfalcon, not Hummingbird. The magical construct creation / transport spell is... a work in progress.

2) You're permanently stationed in the Academia and have access to the greatest number of Academia dragons, I'm almost permanently stationed in the Lanternlea Port as I need to take care of a baby Undertide, do you see the issue with me trying to investigate?

3) Someone sent assassins after me last week. They failed, but I've got a feeling that it might be related. In the meantime, I'm trying to lay low. I haven't alerted any of the other Archmages yet in case one of them is behind it, but if it gets out of hand then I will.

To: Polaris
Cc: Rayde

From: Ahephyx

20 NotN, 4^e 40294

Oh. At least you're alive and unharmed.

In that case, Rayde can mobilise the POLICE to investigate. He's Cc'd. Rayde, you'd better do it, we can't afford to lose our second Ice Archmage.

You said you don't trust the other Archmages, but you seem to have no problems alerting me, though.

To: Ahephyx
Cc: Rayde
Bcc: Ava

From: Polaris

20 NotN, 4^e 40294

You are the LAST dragon who would resort to such measures.

(Inside the tome Polaris was reading through, no return address given)

I will admit that I have never gone to the Starfall Isles before, so my knowledge regarding the Academia is somewhat limited. For now, my contacts aren't being the most useful right now. This might be a strictly Academia-only matter. Internal politics are... complicated.

Right now, the information I have points to a secret cabal of dragons with unknown motives and members, but I'm not sure. The dragons Harvest overheard were just new recruits and expendable, hence they weren't too careful.

Do Toji, Harvest, Annemarie and/or Soko know about all this?

P.S. POLICE?

To: A

Yeah, they are. Fortunately, I have my own underlings, unfortunately, they all are known to be quite loyal to me. I need an insider, but...

I didn't tell Harvest about the investigation yet, but I plan on doing so. The rest don't know yet; I don't trust Marie to keep it a secret. Toji has nothing to do with the Academia (but he's been ramping up security around the place), and Soko... I'm not sure. Yet.

P.

P.S. Stands for "Panel Overseeing Legal Infractions and Curious Events", it's separate from the ERB (Ethics Review Board; Rayde's the President) because it's an executive branch that actually carries out the disciplinary actions. Yeah, it was deliberate.

(Under Polaris' cup of tea)

Have you considered sending Hatsuyuki to investigate?

To: A

And further imperil her? She's not ready for the world of academic backstabbing, and besides she isn't subtle - her surname is EVERWINTER. Do you think Maria could pass convincingly as a student?

P.

(In Polaris' pillowcase, miraculously uncrumpled, no return address given)

A resounding no for reasons I don't even have to explain.

Agreed, Hatsuyuki would be too obvious.

To: Polaris
Cc: Rayde

From: Ahephyx

1 Crystalline, 4^e 40294

Word on the street is that someone tried to assassinate you last week - again - and you're recuperating. Does this mean your paper on new techniques of making more efficient constructs out of magic will be delayed?

P.S. An extremely belated congratulations on moving into Everwinter Estate. So, how's the weather up there?

To: Ahephyx
Cc: Rayde
Bcc: Ava

From: Polaris

2 Crystalline, 4^e 40294

1) How the hell did news on that spread so quickly?

2) Injuries were minor overall, and Zenith's Light has competent healers. My concern was more with the magic they used. The first few assassins tried the classic "poisoned food" and "sneaking into the house" but the wards kept them out. Then they tried attacking me while I was travelling - I must seriously question their use of Ice and Water magic. After that, they resorted to melee weapons again, and obviously they failed.

3) It's Annemarie's thesis, not mine. I already proofread it; she's delivering this letter along with said thesis.

Incidentally, do you think any of this was motivated by the recent Archmage conference? I might be biased because everyone knows my opinion on literally everyone else. Most of the assassination attempts recently happened AFTER I returned from the conference.

P.S. Is that a height joke? I do hope you're not expecting me to respond in kind, Principal. I'd never stoop to your level; I'd just injure my back that way. Besides, I'm not one to aim for low-hanging fruit.

P.P.S. Thanks for the papers on the Shade, by the way, they were quite useful.

To: Polaris
Cc: Rayde

From: Ahephyx

4 Crystalline, 4^e 40294

1) You of all dragons should know how fast the rumour mill works in the Academia and beyond. Even I heard that there were multiple assassination attempts on you in the span of a month to no avail. None of the other Archmages look particularly upset by the news, but yes, it's a possible motive. You certainly made no effort to ameliorate their impression of you.

2) Surely even the least competent assassins know not to use Ice magic against an Ice mage? Absolute idiots, every last one of them.

P.S. All I'm saying is that now you're a head-in-the-clouds in three separate ways. That must be some kind of record.

P.P.S. You're welcome. I had the process expedited.

To: Ahephyx, Polaris

From: Rayde

5 Crystalline, 4^e 40294

Ladies, ladies, can the both of you stop wasting office memo papers and envelopes? This conversation started out fine but now is needlessly below the belt, as the idiom goes. Though I suppose I can't hold that against you if both of you are incapable of punching higher.

Polaris, I really don't see the insistence on the silver and crystal glitter in your pen ink? Surely just having it be plain blue ink is enough? Is this something from your girly teenage phase you never grew out of?

(On Polaris' desk under Rayde's letter, no return address given)

He's got you there, you know.

To: A

Have you met us academic types? He writes a snide remark, I'll give him an essay... he controls all of our salaries and research prospects anyway...

P.

To: Rayde
Cc: Ahephyx
Bcc: Ava

From: Polaris

6 Crystalline, 4^e 40294

Firstly, I never had a girly teenage phase; I was the only sensible one in a sea of hormone-driven Disciples. If you've noticed, the only major incidents I've had are blowing up the labs, the Academia lake-freezing incident (which was the logistics team's fault), the Professor Obarin incidents (Arelin's fault) and the Effluvial Crow incidents (the Effluvials' fault). Meanwhile, Arelin and Sandra among others were illegally brewing moonshine (and they were involved in stealing the Academia logo mounted on the front gate and using it for Alchemy experiments for some reason), the entire Alchemy, Engineering, and Biology departments were in charge of the betting pool on Ahephyx's marital status with absurd amounts of money involved, and I've seen your records. Since we're at it, shall we discuss your own goth phase and the "Mark of Stan Incident" instead?

Secondly, the shimmer and sheen ink is purely pragmatic. I use less ink in one go, it doesn't splatter, and because it's me and I know the one who makes it I get a special discount. Also, the 'glitter' you speak of is actually tiny specks of a variant of Eternal Snow made from my own Ice magic, so a) the ink is smoother, b) it makes it easy to clean the ink out of pens, c) it doesn't bleed and d) most importantly, I can track where my letters are going, if they were tampered with, and who actually reads them since some of the invisible specks will get onto dragons' claws / gloves. Plus, since it's a variant and easily hidden by other spells in the ink (not that I'm telling you what they are), I'm the only one who knows what to look for when actively searching for the glitter trail. I was advised as such by my own mentor, it's proven useful over the years. Incidentally, I use slightly different inks and glitters for correspondence with each person - that's how I know one Orithyia Borealis somehow got her claws on the last few letters between Ahephyx and I. To keep information channels secure, I had someone else personally deliver this one to the both of you. Have fun investigating her and do keep me updated, I'll be restocking on inks.

(On Polaris' desk, no return address given)

One delivery to the Academia (free of charge) completed. They have rather interesting security mechanisms, I will be sure to take inspiration.

As a side note, smart move with the glitter. Did I get any on myself? I can't tell.

P.S. Orithyia Borealis? Isn't that the Pearlcatcher whom Boreas Aquilo was caught cheating on Princess Chione Arcturias with? I remember it making international Sornieth headlines a few decades back. Breeze was beside herself with worry for Chione (they're penpals and she knew Boreas), incidentally it's why Piccolo became Breeze's secretary.

P.P.S. Mark of Stan Incident?

P.P.P.S. Where do you get the ink from?

To: A

There's someone in our year infamous for getting past all the security systems, he's in charge of Academia security now actually. Don't get caught, I can't vouch for you like here in the Clan.

And no, you didn't. I use non-shimmer inks for more clandestine correspondence, but there are still direct tracking spells (can't have the glitter go everywhere after all).

P.

P.S. Yep. This was one of the reasons for my current popularity actually - both of us are Ice mages, both are magically quite powerful, but Orithyia has never been a very pleasant character to deal with, she's been involved in several scandals, and the above incident was when I just became an Archmage. Also, she's known for making everything administrative-related she touches take longer, while with me what you see is what you get. The incident was the catalyst for her popularity tanking while mine skyrocketed in comparison. Archmages are usually instated for life; exceptions are resignations and being thrown in jail.

P.P.S. Oh boy. It's a doozy of a story. See attached.

P.P.P.S. I get the base ink from Cheripha obviously, who else? They're decent quality and don't smudge or bleed easily. Her shop's open on Tuesdays to Fridays, 9am to 5pm, but closed on the first of each month for obvious reasons.

(Attached to previous)

Long story short, the students in the Biology and Semiotics departments went absolutely bonkers. Well, it started with Semiotics and spread to Biology, but here's how it started[...]

[...]

[...]first they kept getting everyone's names wrong (misspellings of mine include "Potato", "Pomelo", "Polendia", etc). Weird, but we thought was a prank.

Then everyone in Semiotics started losing interest in class and started getting more interested in… well… each other. The most studious ones were always more interested in class than romance, but suddenly we found them glued to one or another of the dragons in their respective classes. We even found the resident shy Tundra Isabella making out with some of the boys - at first I thought it was just her getting less shy, but with all the other weirdness I kinda doubted it. And for that matter, most of the boys suddenly seemed far more interested in the girls. And each other. And these were some volatile relationships. I could barely keep track of who was dating who at what time. I think at one point one of the girls started dating and broke up with all of the Semiotics boys in a single day (and the Semiotics department is not small), but they seemed to keep getting back together too, it was absurd.

Throughout all this, their language kept getting worse. They went from just mangling names to getting words wrong at random. It seems like they couldn't get through a sentence anymore without getting at least one word wrong[...]

[...]

[...]Either way, things entered a whole new stage on the 1st of Starfall. No words can do it justice, I'll just attach the staff meeting transcript to this paper.

Needless to say, it was absolutely crazy. The transcript covers quite a few incidents that happened, but anyway to provide more details here[...]

[...]

[...]other symptoms included aimless running, occasional violence, people trying to cut their wrists with steaks (that is steak as in a piece of raw meat, yes), random screaming, supposedly being "Goffs", believing that they were vampires (or any other misspellings), and many more that I can't remember off the top of my head[...]

[...]

[...]so when Isabella asked him about him being a 'prep' he said, and I quote, "I MAY BE AN ELEMENTALISM STUDENT… BUT I AM ALSO A STANIST!" as well as "BECAUSE... I LOVE YOU!", and then he punched her in the face and kidnapped her. And then 'Oni' abruptly showed up and asked why we hit 'Tombstone', he actually said that he was a cannibal and he was going to eat her, it was absurd. So then 'Oni' said "Kawaii" (I don't even know what that means) and he walked away just like that[...]

[...]

[...]so this whole mess turned out to be the fault of a Semiotics student who had inhaled hallucinogenic fumes by accident and while affected wrote a book that would infect whoever read it with the "Mark of Stan" curse (in case you didn't know, a subdivision of the Semiotics department in the Academia focuses on the study of ancient runes and their properties). When he recovered from his acid trip (he was showing early signs of the curse but nobody knew it at the time) he showed his book to about almost all the Semiotics students to get them to help him decipher what he wrote, and... well... you can deduce the rest[...]

[...]

[...]TL;DR: Student studying ancient runes accidentally inhales hallucinogenic fumes and writes cursed book that made the entire Semiotics and Biology Departments go nuts and become "Goffs", the Aetiology, Alchemy and Elementalism Departments become "Preps", and the rest of the Departments become "Punks". The school descended into chaos for half a year, it was insane.

(Sitting on Polaris' desk before the previous letter(s) could be sent, no return address given)

I have other plans.

P.S. Might actually get some samples for myself - purely for festive occasions, of course. Any recommendations?

P.P.S. ...I actually have no words.

To: A

That sounds... rather ominous.

P.

P.S. Knowing you, try something more water-resistant and that doesn't smudge easily. Cheripha knows more than me.

(Left under Hatsuyuki's head while sleeping somehow, Snöslask Lakeview, Everwinter Estate, no return address given)

Today's task - sneak into my office without my notice and leave a letter on my desk. As a bonus, attempt to find the desk's secret compartment, unlock it, make a copy of its contents, and take the copy with you. Leave no trace when you exit. You'll find that several of the defenses have changed.

I will not cover for you. I suspect Polaris might, however - no guarantees.

(Sloppily left on Ava's desk, Ava Starling's Office, Eternal Star Observatory, Zenith's Light)

Mdm Starling,

Did I succeed?

Hatsuyuki Everwinter

To: Mom

From: Hatsuyuki Everwinter

Did you see what she had me do this past two weeks?!

P.S. Why are you insisting on me calling her Ma'am / Mdm?

From: Polaris Everwinter

To: Hatsuyuki Everwinter

Not leaving behind any trace is an important skill.

P.S. Don't worry about it, it's an inside joke.

To: A

Did you use Hatsuyuki as your guinea pig to test a mockup of the Academia's defenses???? I recognised some of the wards while passing by your office. What's next, teaching her to track people?

P.

(On Polaris' desk, no return address given)

About that... thanks for the idea. Learning when to infiltrate is important; I'll have her track someone and see if she can accurately tell me their usual schedule and when the - hypothetical - best time to sneak in is. However, I would rather track people down myself.

To: Polaris
Cc: Ahephyx

From: Rayde

19 Crystalline, 4^e 40294

[ATTN: DESTROY AFTER READING]

We might risk a search warrant. Give me a good reason to order one. Attached find Orithyia's schedule for the next two weeks.

To: A

See attached. Translation: I hope you have someone who can successfully sneak into Orithyia's office and find incriminating evidence, or else this is a waste of my time. By the way, the Everwinters (except Kanro) are all headed to the Academia on the 21st of Crystalline so I can settle some business in the Academia and we can support Soko at the Academia fair.

P.

To: A

[ATTN: DESTROY AFTER READING]

WERE YOU THE ONE WHO INSTRUCTED HATSUYUKI TO BREAK INTO ORITHYIA'S OFFICE DURING THE FAIR????? IS THAT WHY YOU COPIED THE ACADEMIA DEFENSES AND ASKED ME TO MAKE A CONSTRUCT OF HER???? DID YOU FORGET THAT SHE'S A NOVICE????

P.

(Inside Polaris' vest pocket, no return address given)

[ATTN: DESTROY AFTER READING]

It's precisely because she's a novice I chose her. She doesn't have preconceptions on what wards are used, which is why I've been varying her tasks a lot these past month. I let her borrow the Skeleton Key, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Officially, she has nothing to do with it, she was with you / Toji throughout the day. I told you the semi-sentient constructs would come in handy.

To: Rayde

From: A little bird

[ATTN: DESTROY AFTER READING]

Under Orithyia's desk, there's a secret compartment. The password is Zetes-Fortitude-44.

To: Polaris

From: Rayde

[ATTN: DESTROY AFTER READING]

I neither know nor want to know how you got your claws on that particular piece of information.

P.S. I hope you know a good lawyer.

To: Laurel

From: Polaris

I need a good lawyer for a legal case. Can I cash in on that favour you owe me?

To: Polaris

From: Laurel

Send the details in an official letter to Papaver & Rudbeckia LLP. I'll tell Susan I'll handle the case myself.

Sornieth Daily News
28 Crystalline, 4^e 40294
ARCHMAGE EVERWINTER SUES ARCHMAGE BOREALIS FOR ATTEMPED ASSASSINATION

Archmage Polaris Everwinter has sued Archmage Orithryia Borealis for multiple attempted assassinations on herself[...]

[...]

[...]The hearing is to be on 6 Trickmurk[...]

To: Polaris
Cc: Ahephyx

From: Rayde

You hired LAUREL PAPAVER HERSELF? I know your salary; how did you afford her without going broke?!

To: Rayde
Cc: Ahephyx

From: Polaris

I know her; I first hired her for the Effluvial Crow incident due to several recommendations from lawyers I asked. We're now in the same Clan and she promised to do this for me in exchange for cake and drinks on me if we're successful.

Sornieth Daily News
10 Trickmurk, 4^e 40294
ORITHRYIA BOREALIS FOUND GUILTY FOR MASTERMINDING CRIMINAL CONSPIRACY

Former Archmage Orithryia Borealis has been found guilty of conspiring to kill fellow Archmage Polaris Everwinter[...]

[...]

[...]The Starfall Archmage Council (sans Everwinter herself, who was not allowed to vote on the matter) have unanimously agreed to strip Borealis of her rank[...]

[...]

[...]Archmage Everwinter herself was unavailable for comment.

To: Polaris

I hear congratulations are in order. Dinner with the other Stars?

- Regina

Reg,

Sure.

Polaris

To: RB, MaF

Apparently PE's payment for hiring LP is homemade cake and drinks on her, she'll foot the bill for LP and herself. I'll pay for everyone else.

- A.

To: Ava

Should I be shocked at how quickly you found out?

- Regina

P.S. I like your new ink's shade of green, it smudged a bit so I'd suggest leaving it for slightly more formal occasions where it has a chance to dry. I'm more partial towards black myself.

To: RB

...Magnolia told me you booked out the whole place for us.

- A.

To: Elio Blazelight Shadowbane, HMTK

From: Polaris Everwinter, Archmage

Sorry for not being in the office last evening, all of us Stars went out for dinner to celebrate. It's hard to believe it, but Dawn Jr blabs when she's tipsy.

Did you know my eyes are the same colour as your sister's ex? I didn't.

To: Brother

From: Dawn Jr

MISTAKES WERE MADE

If you feel that this content violates our Rules & Policies, or Terms of Use, you can send a report to our Flight Rising support team using this window.

Please keep in mind that for player privacy reasons, we will not personally respond to you for this report, but it will be sent to us for review.

0/1000

Click or tap a food type to individually feed this dragon only. The other dragons in your lair will not have their energy replenished.

Exalting Hatsuyuki to the service of the Lightweaver will remove them from your lair forever. They will leave behind a small sum of riches that they have accumulated. This action is irreversible.

Do you wish to continue?

Name

Names must be longer than 2 characters.
Names must be no longer than 16 characters.
Names can only contain letters.

Name

Names must be no longer than 16 characters.
Names can only contain letters.