A lone student sat at her windowsill, head leaned back, eyes closed, a content smile on her face. A small winged cat hatchling lay curled up in her lap, sleeping soundly, exhausted from it's afternoon of play with the other hatchlings in the lush green fields that surrounded the castle.
She pet his dark black fur softly, gently rousing the kitten from his nap. He yawned and stretched his paws out before him, jumping from the student's lap, landing gracefully on the floor. She watched as he trotted over to his favorite spot: the old armchair that sat next to the bookcase in a corner of the bedroom. He climbed up, looking pleased to see her freshly cleaned robe sitting on the chair, before promptly curling up again on top of it, effectively falling asleep.
The student chuckled, knowing she'd have her morning full the next morning, working to clean off her robe of the cat's fur before her classes. She moved from her window to her wooden desk, picking up the letter she'd received from Emander Tyris, her purple eyes reading it over carefully.
How I spend my Summer at the keep... she thought to herself, biting her bottom lip in thought, before smiling and sitting down to write a return letter to the anthropologist.
The student leaned back in her chair, stretching her arms overhead, before picking up her return letter and reading it over once more. Satisfied with her words, she sealed the parchment in an envelope, wrote Emander Tyris' name on the front, and sent one of the Keep Rats to deliver it to the Professor. She chuckled as she watched the Keep Rat salute her, before clutching the letter in his paws, and starting on what she knew would be an adventure.Dearest Emander Tyris,
I must say, it was a pleasant surprise to receive your letter in class today. Finally, a creative project that doesn't involve the usual things, such as magic and potions and the likes. It's been quite a while since I've gotten the opportunity to just write a letter such as this, and I thank you.
Now... Summers at the keep. The castle is actually pleasantly quiet during the warm Summer months, as most magi and students are outside, enjoying the weather. Myself, however, I prefer to spend my Summer afternoons inside, where it's not quite as hot. I can very easily spend countless hours in the library, researching everything from making potions with a Somniant's venom, to the rare and elusive creatures that dwell in the Caves of Nareau.
Another favorite thing to do, is to head down to the Callisto Islands in the late afternoon. My Puvia loves taking the long flight down there, using our Celestial Butterfly companions to light the way back home for us in a bright purple, green and blue path. We've spent many hours there, walking along the sandy shores and watching the Leviathans swimming in the clear water in the distance.
Often times, we'll set up a bonfire on the beach and have snacks with fellow magi who have made their homes in the islands. It's such a wonderful sight to see; a brilliant fire started by a Phoenix, Celestial Butterflies acting as magical, floating lights around us, and magi and their companions sitting around the fire, talking and sharing stories of their adventures. I highly invite you to join us sometime!
Of course, not every day at The Keep is the same. There are some days set aside for doing chores, other days set aside for study. But, I'm sure you get the idea. I would simply love to meet you some day, as I've never met an anthropologist before. I will be sure to spend a couple of my Summer days reading up on your work, Emander!
Once again, my utmost gratitude goes out to you for your kind letter, and I hope my response is the kind you were looking for.
Best wishes to you, good Sir!
Sincerely,
Zelobot
At least, to a small Keep Rat, it would be a mighty adventure, one to share with the attendees of the Callisto bonfire.