Adeorange Post Office

Adeorange Post Office
adeorange

The Adeorange Post Office is a building in the village of Adeorange that houses at least two–to–three–hundred owls, ranging from Great Grey Owls to tiny Scops (the latter for "local deliveries only"), hooting down from colour-coded shelves. The shelves are colour-coded based on how quickly they will arrive at their destination.

Barn Owl

sender: ???
recipient: ???

A very distinct barn owl carrying a folded piece of paper in its talons flies high above the students having breakfast in Adeothorne's Great Hall, before finally making its descent to the Duckweed table, where it very clumsily lands next to Liliana del Rosario after dropping the page on her lap. It accidentally runs into a water goblet, the contents of which spill on another Duckweed student, before ascending again and flying away presumably to the the Owlery. The paper is covered in ink (front and back), and unfolding it reveals it to be a letter to no one in particular. It reads:

*24/09/2047*

*Dear friend,*

*Maybe I should come up with a new greeting. This is already feeling eerily similar to *Perks of Being a Wallflower*, but hey, maybe Stephen Chbosky was onto something. We’ll have to see.*

*Anyway, Daphne said it might be good for me to list down from time to time various things that made me glad. I will admit, I told her I wasn’t the type of jackass to keep a gratitude journal, but it’s half past five in the morning and I’m finding it more difficult than usual to drift off. (It MIGHT have something to do with the fact I slept at seven last night, but I can’t be sure, obviously.) So, here goes:*

*1. Yesterday, I finally put down *War and Peace* with no intentions of picking it up ever again. For that, I am definitely thankful. It’s a shame honestly, because every time things started to look interesting I would be assaulted again with an endless barrage of paragraphs detailing war campaigns or philosophical arguments. It’s almost as if Tolstoy himself forgot that he had made the exact same point around three hundred pages earlier.*

*I will admit, though, that the characters were fascinating (when I could keep track of them) and that Tolstoy raised a couple of good points. He is a talented writer and the book is a classic for a reason. It is great book but not a great book *to read*, specifically. I had seen a couple threads online about how it’s a chore to get through but I thought maybe I would be up to the challenge. Technically, I *was*. I *did* finish it, but I must admit I finished it out of spite. Giving up on the book would mean that the book would win, which of course, I could not allow. I have to tell you, though, sometimes it got so boring it was almost as if Tolstoy was mocking me, which of course only fueled me more.*

*If I were in a more reflective mood, I would go on for a bit about how maybe the lesson here is that I should just let spite continue to be my primary motivator. It has been working out so far and now that I think about it, it’s probably why I’m still alive.*

**Alas*, I am tired and it’s a quarter to six so my main takeaway from this experience will be that I should’ve read *Anna Karenina* instead. Nevertheless, it will be a long time before I decide to reacquaint myself with Leo again.*

*2. Calling Daphne was not as terrible as I thought it would be. Well, technically, she has been calling me for the past two weeks and I have been letting it go to voicemail. If it were urgent, anyway, she could have texted me or gone to my apartment. Anyway, I called her back and was proven correct in my assumption – she mostly just wanted to catch up and check on how I am doing outside of the Sept.*

*Admittedly, it was nice for a bit pretending that she genuinely cared but she mentioned at some point of the call that she had a dream about Dad so I’m almost positive that this call was guilt-induced. It’s fine and the more I think about it, the less bad I feel. I don’t have the energy trying to maintain a good relationship with any of my sisters. I don’t have the energy for most things, but that’s a whole other issue.*

*Daphne mentioned that Mom “really” wants me to come home, which of course, must be an exaggeration. I think, at most, Mom thinks that it would be nice if we were all together. I don’t think she misses me specifically. If she did, she’d have written by now or at the very least been more insistent about me visiting the Sept more often. I don’t mind. I have no desire to return to the Sept anytime soon, but I *do* want to get out of this apartment. ~~Not that I should be complaining. From what Daphne has told me, Josephine and Capri apparently have it worse. This is a bit crazy to me because their parents actually li~~*

*3. Talking to Amor is always fun. I’m considering maybe inviting him out to do something together so that we can properly hang out instead of just texting all the time, but at the same time I’m not sure if I have the energy to do more than just text. It will probably be fun though, then I can sleep afterwards for however long I want, so I should probably stop being such a shithead and just ask when he’s free.*

*I will likely have to put up with more stories about She-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. It’s honestly disappointing to me that he is still such a romantic despite everything she has done to him, but that’s love, I guess. In Pride and Prejudice, Elizabeth tells Jane that only the deepest love will be able to persuade her into matrimony, which is why she will die an old maid. I feel similarly, though I must say that I don’t think the deepest love is even out there to begin with. Whether it is or isn’t, I will definitely die a bachelor. (If there were a male version for the word spinster, I would use it here. Bachelor does not carry the same connotation, I think. It’s interesting how language reflects society and its values.) Maybe I should consider buying a couple cats already, then, in preparation for this fate, but animals have never really liked me.*

*Anyway, I’ll sleep a bit more after finishing up this letter, then I’ll shoot him a text. I think he would appreciate that and I do actually miss him, so there’s really everything to win and nothing to lose from putting energy into this. It would be convenient, though, if it were easier to gather the energy required to do it. I guess that’s what the nap will be for.*

*I’m afraid those are all the reasons I can think of off the top of my head, which is depressing. I guess that was to be expected considering I’m… depressed. You can’t see me now, but that made me laugh, so I guess happy thing number four can be the pathetic irony of coming to this conclusion.*

*Have you ever read Robert Frost’s *Dust of Snow*? It is only two stanzas with four lines each. (Brevity, a concept we’ve established Mr. Tolstoy has not yet fully grasped.) It can be summed up rather simply: *today fucking sucked, then I saw a crow*. I wish I was the type of person who could so easily have their spirits lifted by something so mundane. Maybe I just haven’t seen enough crows. Hopefully a universe will send a murder my way soon. Either definition would be acceptable. (I’m kidding.)*

*Writing letters to no one seems kind of pathetic, but this will have to do for now. I’ve missed writing in general but my muse is dead. At least writing to nobody gives me the opportunity to exercise my vocabulary and to make sure my handwriting doesn’t completely degenerate into something illegible.*

*If this were a real letter, I would finish off by asking about your life in the hopes life is treating you kindly. I actually do miss having someone to ask after, but it seems my well wishes will just have to go to waste with no intended recipient.*

*I wish you well nonetheless.*

***kairos***

Barn Owl

sender: liliana
recipient: kairos

A cloud of white feathers beats against the bedroom window of one Atlas Hwang before the clumsy bird balances on the small ledge outside the window, pecking relentlessly at the glass. After a minute’s pecking, the bird is silent and stares curiously at the drapes covering its view of the apartment. A moment of peace (and perhaps the idea that the bird has left) before its pecking resumes. It continues, waiting to be listened to. Once welcomed in, it has a letter attached to its leg with colorful thread. It reads:

*27 September 2047*

*To Kairos:*

*I feel terrible that I have intercepted this letter, which has been attached behind this note. Its contents and their complexity has led me to leave it in my possession out of reach from others, so no one else has read it nor knows that this is from whoever you are. I thought that would be the most polite thing to do under such strange circumstances! I had read it though. In fairness, it had been brought to me and it was told to me rather late that this was not meant to be read. I’m terribly apologetic for this invasion. At least your well wishes weren’t wasted! ツ*

*Finally, my struggle to return the letter has given me plenty of time to flush out my words. Your writing was beautiful and intimidating... I have just transferred here and have lost my friends, but reading the letter made me believe for a moment that I was corresponding with a true friend— so genuine and rich. My hope is that you then continue to do this despite this incident even if it continues to be written to no one specific. It isn’t pathetic, but quite worldly. (An online dictionary assisted me with that one! ツ )*

*My other hopes are that you have found comfort with your friend Amor and that you find love in its deepest form. Apparently, you have ✳love✳ right at your door! Get it? I thought that was funny. It gave me a good giggle.*

*I wish you the best!*

*— **Liliana** ❀*

*P.S. If you want someone to write to, I wouldn’t be opposed to receiving another letter. My morning was a little nicer having received this last one even if it was on accident.*

Barn Owl

sender: kairos
recipient: liliana

The same inelegant bird that had graced Liliana's presence for the first time around two weeks prior has now found its way to her once again at the end of her Herbology class in the Greenhouse by landing ungracefully by a patch of leaping toadstools. The toadstools immediately begin to hop about upon being disturbed by the creature, so it's very good timing that it had not arrived any earlier and interrupted the class. Amidst the commotion, the owl locates Lili, holding an envelope in its beak. Inside are two letters. The newer one reads:

*01/10/2047*

*liliana,*

*Firstly, my apologies for the belated reply. I didn’t mean to keep you waiting.*

*You can imagine my surprise when an owl had come to my flat with a letter held in its beak. I thought for sure I was dreaming. Unfortunately, nobody writes me anymore, really. It is good to have someone to send letters to again.*

*Yes, I do plan on continuing to write. Since you asked so nicely, I figured I should oblige. If you’ve changed your mind because you grew tired waiting or because of some other reason, then I would completely understand. Our accidental correspondence was serendipitous enough on its own for me to be satisfied should we just end here, but I’m always being pestered to make new friends anyway. A pen pal should probably suffice, right?*

*The past two weeks have been a bit dull, save for one big thing, but I’ll get to that later. Honestly, I spent most of it trying to figure out what to do with your letter. I tend to get in my head often then do nothing but think for hours on end. It is one of my worse traits. (Not that my “good” ones are any better… I’m kidding.)*

*I have work but my job is boring and it is definitely not something I am interested in doing long-term. I actually despise it quite a bit, but I’m too lazy to quit and find a new one that I’m more passionate about. Just in case the verbosity, pretentious vocabulary, and numerous literary references in my last letter did not already make it obvious, I would like to be a writer. At the moment, though, I lack the muse to write anything worth publishing so I’m not going to bother pursuing it for now. How long “for now” will be, no one knows. This might come as a bit of a surprise, but I’m not exactly an optimist or a go-getter.*

*Anyway, this job pays well, as most soul-sucking jobs do! I’ll not go into detail regarding the nature of my work because I might die of embarrassment. Writing bad prose will not pay my rent, so it’s probably for the best that I stick it out in this profession a while longer.*

*On that note, I’m getting a flatmate soon. It’s my friend Amor, the one I mentioned, so I guess love was not content waiting right by my door and instead has decided to invite himself in. (I actually suggested it to him, though, since he was looking for a place to stay.) This might be good for me. I know we were taught that peer pressure is a horrible, horrible thing but I probably need a bit of it to get off my ass and do shit instead of just sleeping the whole day.*

*You mentioned you transferred… Are you currently attending school? Or have you just moved to the UK in general? At least I hope it’s the UK… I would feel pretty shitty for the owl if it’s flying across oceans to deliver these letters.*

*Last year, I transferred into a graduating class, and it was a lonely experience indeed especially given that all the other students had known each other for years. You will find true friends in time, though. I found mine eventually, and I have a very strong feeling that you’re a lot easier to get along with than I am. You’ll be fine.*

*Let me know how you’re doing and how adjusting to this new environment has been. Thanks for your well wishes, and I hope October is good to both of us.*

*kairos*

*PS. Thanks for mailing back my letter, but I don’t have use for it anymore, which is why it’s attached here for your safekeeping. The odds of you having received it are so impossibly slim that I can’t chalk it up to anything but the forces of the universe conspiring amongst themselves. Maybe you were its intended recipient after all. That, or this owl is a dumbass, but that's not nearly as poetic, huh?*

Barn Owl

sender: liliana
recipient: kairos

An impatient bird bombards Atlas’ hair upon his attempt to approach his own apartment building. It bumps into him and falls into his hair, hitting him with the letter that’s tied to its leg until he’s brought down on his arm. Afterwards, he becomes a peaceful yet stupid owl and only stumbles along his arm as they return to the apartment that the owl had turned into its home days prior. Once again, the envelope is attached with colorful pastel string, but is this time decorated with a couple of flower stickers on the outside. Inside is a letter, which reads:

*5 October 2047*

*To Kairos ✿*

*I didn’t mind waiting! I know we both have our responsibilities and things to tend to. I will add your first letter to my belongings, hiding it away for safekeeping! I promise it stays between us. Isn’t that nice? ツ*

*Anyways, somebody does write you now. Me! I’m still excited to exchange letters with you. I’ve dreamt of doing this my whole life, but never thought it would actually happen. It’s pretty exciting! Hopefully, you think so too. I had to search “serendipitous” and I’m taking that as a good sign that you’re also excited. ✼*

*I’m attending Adeothorne, so no worries for this little bird. He might need to be worried over for different reasons, but Mr. Pringle told me that nothing is wrong with him. I was saying that I’m attending Adeothorne though, yes! It’s my last term, which meant everyone had their friends and cliques by the time I transferred. It was depressing for a while especially since I missed my home. I’m from the Philippines, which is awfully far away. My siblings are all in their forties and are overseas, so there really is no one here that knows me well.*

*It’s been a weird adjustment, but Herbology forced a few of us together eventually. I really love them, but things can still be a little lonely. Hopefully, that’s not too much of a downer! I haven’t been able to discuss these things with others yet. Now felt nice. I wish I had your “verbosity, pretentious vocabulary, and numerous literary references” so my feelings could be written more beautifully, but there they are!*

*My friends started planning a gathering for Halloween recently. My hope is that that brings about more opportunities for friendship! It’s not very exciting otherwise because the best parts of planning events aren’t even needed here. I love doing decorations. I was in charge of figuring out decorations for some of the events at the old institute, which was usually the highlight of my month when that would happen. I definitely miss it.*

*I don’t know if that’s interesting, but things will get more interesting as the year progresses! I want my senior experience and I will have it! I’m positive about that. Anyways, point is that I hope you don’t get bored of me. ツ*

 *If you’re not cleaning dragon dung, then it’s not embarrassing! Honestly, that’s not embarrassing either. Hopefully, that’s not what you’re doing. Now ✳that✳ would be embarrassing… Even if it’s not, it’s obviously not what you want to be doing and that’s terribly unfortunate. I know your time will come when you can start your writing. I don’t know if I dreamt ~~endlessly~~ silently about your writing or if I mentioned it in my last letter, but your writing is so magnificent! It has my jaw on the floor with every letter. I have faith it will come together for you. ♡*

*Congratulations on the flatmate! It must be sooo exciting for you that you can share your place with a friend and that that will inspire you. I know that having others around to watch me sure does inspire me to do better! I don’t know if that’s some sort of insecurity or if that’s what’s supposed to happen, but it does something! So, I might understand, but I’m not sure and I don’t want to claim that I do if I don’t. I think that’s a little mean. Anyways, congratulations! I would love to hear more about how that goes in the future. ツ*

*I thought this was nice. I don’t know if this was too wordy or repetitive. I don’t mind constructive criticism and then my letters will be nicer for you in the future. I’m still getting used to this though. I’ve never had someone to write letters too. I won’t lie. I had to restart this one multiple times!*

*Anyways, I hope October is good to you too. I don’t have many questions for now (I’m sure I’ll regret saying that once I’ve tied this letter to its messenger), so just share whatever is on your mind. I would love to hear more tips about adjusting to Adeothorne maybe. I thought that was encouraging. I hope you have an absolutely fantastic and beautiful day! ♡*

*— Liliana ❀*

*P.S. I searched the origin of Kairos, which is a beautiful name by the way, and found out it’s Greek. Now you’re a short, tanned Greek boy in my head. Anyway, I don’t want pictures. It’ll ruin the mystery of it. I just thought that was funny. ツ*

Barn Owl

sender: kairos
recipient: liliana

The same clumsy barn owl swoops in the entrance during dinner at Great Hall, hovering a bit in the air before spotting Liliana and enthusiastically zooming towards her as if it is excited to see her. In the process, it flies into prefect Perry Fletcher's side, knocking him off balance and causing him to fall down rather embarrassingly. It finally settles next amongst a group of Duckweed students and her friends, perching on top of Sadhbh's head as it extends one talon grasping a letter to Lili, who is beside her. It reads:

*17/10/2047*

*liliana,*

*It’s good to know you didn’t mind waiting, and I have to say I’m sorry again for taking so long to write back this time. Don’t take this as indication that I’m not excited to be corresponding with you because I am; this seems to be one of the only interesting things going on in my life, which if you haven’t already put together, is awfully boring, but that’s my own fault for not seeking out more interesting endeavors. (So, you don’t have to worry about me getting bored of you. If anything, I should be the one worrying.)*

*Anyway, that’s to say I’ll be more prompt in the future so you won’t have to wait as long. Things have calmed down a bit, too. Work has been less hectic (I assure you it is more embarrassing than cleaning dragon dung) and also I’ve finished up ironing out the details with my landlord about my friend moving in. He’ll be moving here in two weeks, I think, which has pressured me to actually try and make my apartment look presentable. This is actually really good considering I’ve been too lethargic to get my shit together for a while now – so, who knows? Like I mentioned, maybe I will be peer pressured out of depression.*

*A Halloween party sounds exciting. I’m not one for parties, but I love Halloween. Halloween at Adeothorne, too, has always been an extravagant affair even without parties hosted by its students (I guess the faculty really has to lean into the castle’s witchy aesthetic), so you’re in for a treat. Hopefully your party goes well. Update me and let me know how it goes. I’ll be happy to hear about your new friends, which I’m sure you’ll be able to make as a result of the party. From your letters alone, I can tell that you’re easy to get along with. Speaking as someone who is not the biggest fan of other people, if I can make friends at Adeothorne, then you certainly can.*

*I don’t have any criticism regarding your letter. This is meant to be a correspondence between friends and not something academic – I’m sorry if the way I write is pressuring you to write similarly but rest assured I enjoy your letters very much already and would not want you to change how you write in any way.*

*Likewise, I don’t have any tips for adjusting to Adeothorne either, but you’re talking to a misanthrope.  That, and I took* many *subjects in seventh year and barely had enough time for other activities given how much time I spend sleeping, too. I know taking a lot of classes at NEWT level might come across as nerdy shit, but I was homeschooled until then and didn’t have much exposure to these subjects. I figured I might as well maximize the opportunity to learn to justify begging my mother for the chance to study at Adeothorne, when she was so opposed to the idea in the first place.*

*It’s good that you were able to find friends as a result of your Herbology class. I didn’t take Herbology at NEWT level, but I’ve heard good things about Logg. My best subjects were Astronomy, History, Mythology, and Arithmancy, so if by chance, you need any help there I might be able to assist. What other classes are you taking? If you don’t mind sharing, I’d love to hear about them.*

*Oh and yes, my name is Greek but that’s just because my parents were a big fan of Greek myths. I’m not Greek. In fact, I’m also from Asia, so I sympathize with being far from home. I miss it very much, too. I moved to the UK when I was thirteen and I was a very, very angsty teenager about it. • (I say this as if I’m not still an angsty teenager – I must admit that unfortunately I have not grown that much.) I moved with the rest of my family, though, not that I’m very close with my siblings. We* are*, however, at least close in age, which is why it surprises me to hear that your siblings are in their forties. So your parents were very old when they had you, then? That’s interesting.*

*Anyway, I hope October has been good to you so far. It’s been good to me, and that’s in large part thanks to you.*

*kairos*

*PS. Liliana is a beautiful name too.*

Barn Owl

sender: liliana
recipient: kairos

The familiar bird is perched outside Love Letters, sitting on one of the glass awnings that is attached to the Moonstraw building. It’s waiting for Atlas, hopping around the awning and creating an incessant tapping noise against the glass for minutes and minutes. Another employee enters the building, complaining to Atlas in the lobby and insisting he should take care of it. It sort of sounds above his paygrade or perhaps below it. It continues its tapping, swooping down onto his arm once finally called upon to do so. Attached to its leg is a pastel envelope with *Kairos ❀* doodled on the outside, once again tied to the owl with colorful string. Inside is a letter, which reads:

*22 October 2047*

*To Kairos ✿*

*Any boredom experienced between letters is quickly squashed by the new one arriving. He landed in Princess Sadhbh’s hair, which was amusing to me at the time, but reading the contents of your letter brought me less boredom and more comfort! I’m sorry I don’t know how to reassure you well that I’m listening and interested, but I am! I won’t get bored of you anytime soon, and my heart grew a size or two Grinch-style (except I don’t think it was that tiny to start out with) when you said you won’t get bored of me. ♡*

*I’m excited for Halloween and I’ll tell you how everything goes! I won’t have much to write about except for academics and that’s a little boring! ~~I wouldn’t want to be bor~~ It’s nice you find me easy to get along with. Your comment gave me a nice blush. ツ Maybe you’re too hard on yourself, Kairos, because I think you’re just fine so far.*

*I had to search what a “misanthrope” was, but I have to say that you’re not a good misanthrope if you’re returning my letters with the interest you describe in your own! And you said we’re friends! ✼*

*It’s a little interesting how you had to beg your mother to send you to Adeothorne and I had to do the opposite. I didn’t want to transfer, but my siblings thought it would be a good idea. Since you seem curious (and I don’t blame you because most are), my parents adopted me in their late sixties and had biological children before that, who are in their forties and fifties now. My siblings influence my upbringing a lot because… I don’t know. Unfortunately, we’re not close either, so the two of us have something in common. I understand not wanting to live here either. Where in Asia are you from? Or is that too much?*

*Other than Herbology, I’m in Charms, Potions, Transfiguration, Magical Creatures, and Mythology. My Mythology partner isn’t interested in doing much collaborating, so it might be nice to have someone so well-versed in Mythology in my corner. It’s also nice listening to someone discuss something they’re interested in or at least knowledgeable about. I will never forget your criticism of “War and Peace” from your first letter.*

*It’s getting long now. Hopefully October is being good to you still. I don’t think I’ll hear from you before then, so… Happy Halloween! ☽*

*— Liliana ❀*

*P.S. If we are going to continue to use our little friend (and you are going to continue to care for it for such long periods), then I think we should finally name him. Horton gave me a giggle. Horton Hears a Who? Unfortunately, that might be my only literary reference. What do you think? I’m excited to hear your thoughts on this very pressing issue! 𓅓*

Barn Owl

sender: kairos
recipient: liliana

As Lili, Maya, and Kitt observe the aftermath of the party held only a couple hours earlier (not that it made much of a mess in the first place), a familiar owl swoops in through the door. Unsurprisingly, it knocks over a chair that had been set up on a table to make space and also the projector they had used to watch a film the night prior. It's fine. Nothing that magic can't fix. Immediately, Kitt's eyes light up as he tries to approach the bird and see what it's holding, but it swipes at him with a talon, so he jumps back before he can get hurt and starts pouting as he moves to see if anything's happened to the projector. The owl more kindly flies over to Lili, before resting on her shoulder gently and extending its leg, which has an envelope attached to it. The letter inside reads:

*01/11/2047

~~31/10/2047~~*

***liliana**,*

*I told myself that this time I would reply sooner, I swear, but every time I sat down to write this letter I felt underwhelmed with what I had to share. I’ve reread your last letter countless times to reassure myself that you are listening (well, reading, I guess?) and are interested. I realized, too, that the more promptly I reply, the shorter my letters will be and then you won’t have to read me drone on for over a page. Think of it as my new month’s resolution.*

*I’m writing this letter on Halloween, actually, so I hope your party went well. Amor has actually just finished up moving in and we had plans to celebrate the holiday with some shitty movie but I was too tired after getting everything settled that I just wanted to sleep. I took a nap, and now it’s 2:00AM (so technically it’s the first of November now that I think of it…). Surprisingly, my friend is still up and listening to music.*

*Honestly, I shouldn’t have been too surprised since I know the two of us are on opposite ends of the unhealthy sleep schedule spectrum. He sleeps too little and I sleep too much. (In fact, I will likely go back to sleep after finishing this letter.) It’s still strange seeing him awake despite this prior knowledge of mine. It makes sense that living with someone makes you more aware of them and their habits. I don’t mind, though. He’s my best friend, so I’m elated to be aware of him and all his little tics.*

*I know that likely made the case for my misanthropy weaker, but I guess I’m just picky about the people I surround myself with. I think that’s justified, though, and everyone would be a lot happier if they had higher standards for the type of energy they let people bring into their lives. Though, honestly, I’m not one to talk about* happiness*, so what do I know, really, about what’s good for other people?*

*I believe though that ultimately I can decide what’s good for just me. On that note, your letters and this unlikely friendship are two items off of a very short list.*

*I’m from South Korea. I had actually wanted to move back when I was sixteen, but that didn’t happen because of • unforeseen complications. Anyway, my parents were very conservative and did not want me interacting with wizardkind (it’s a long story, but now that I think about it, maybe it’s their fault that I’m such a hermit).*

*It’s interesting that you were adopted when your parents were so old. I guess they wanted another child, then? I can’t imagine wanting children that badly, but that might just be because I can’t imagine myself acting as any sort of parental figure to anyone. Everyone seems to have daddy issues or mommy issues and I’m not entirely sure I would want to inflict that onto a child… Besides, I could never raise a child on my own and I can’t imagine someone having to put up with me ‘till death do us part when I’m such a pain in the ass. Anyway, all that being said, hopefully your parents were better-than-average (a low bar to beat) after so many years of experience with your older siblings.*

*Let me know about what you’re currently discussing in Mythology, or if you have any projects that you need help with. These myths were my bedtime stories growing up. My sisters did not appreciate this as much as I did; most tend to be tragic and morbid. Anyway, the point is I know them like the back of my hand.*

*I had actually been thinking of a name, too, and had looked to Mythology for inspiration. All the names I came up with were ridiculous (as most names in Greek mythology are), so yes, we can call our friend Horton instead. I appreciate the reference – a classic, indeed. It’s a very good name, not that I should have expected anything less from you.*

*I’m excited for your next letter so you can tell me your Halloween party went. That way, I can live vicariously through you instead of having to put up with the monotonous bullshit of my day to day life. I’m half kidding. In all seriousness, though, I am sure it will be as fantastic as its hostess and that you will come out of it with much more friends, just as you had been hoping for.*

*I’ll wait for a more reasonable time to send this letter so that Horton doesn’t accidentally wake your whole dorm. He’s a bit clumsy, isn’t he? I can already picture him screeching as he flies into your dorm room… Though I suppose that would only work out if you were in either the Begonia or Exochorda tower. I was in Duckweed, so I guess I’d have had to wait until I was out of the dorms to receive letters because I don’t know how the owl would’ve gotten past tickling the pear. (If you aren’t in Duckweed then, congrats, now you know how to get in! I don’t think it’s a very well-kept secret anyway. I don’t see the point in having such convoluted entrances to each common room.) No one would write to me me though last year, so I guess I have no way of knowing.*

*I’m glad that we are writing each other now. I hope that reading this letter was a satisfactory beginning to November. I found that starting the month off by writing to you has made me more optimistic about how the next thirty days will go. In case it was hard to figure out, I’m not terribly optimistic usually.*

*See, then? I* do *know what’s good for me.*

***kairos***

*PS. I cannot believe you have a girl in your year named Sadhbh, and princess, no less. I know there is an extreme likelihood it’s pronounced a lot better than it looks, but I’m still allowed to find it ridiculous. Who names their child that? I’m beginning to suspect the Irish royal family of cruelty.*

*PPS. Anyway, hopefully her hair was alright and she wasn’t too upset with our owl friend. There was a princess in my year too (from the Philippines as well, actually), and she was a bit scary. I can’t imagine that happening to her without someone winding up dead.*

Barn Owl

sender: liliana
recipient: kairos

A bird is seen flying around Atlas’ apartment building for hours, causing whispers among the streets as it screeches and creates spirals in the air. Its waiting is more patient than what is usually seen by the creature, but the screeching is incessant for at least two hours as it awaits Atlas’ return home. When it notices its owner, or at least the closest thing he has to one, he dives straight down towards the concrete, swaying as it catches itself just as it is about to hit the ground. It sways in the air before rushing to enter the door after Atlas, flying straight into the opposite door and falling down onto the ground in a screeching mess until they’re noticed. Horton is fine, but is dramatic at worst. His leg twitches in the air, holding the letter for the taking and scratching anyone else who comes near him. Once the weight is removed, they flap onto their feet and hobble into the apartment building behind Atlas. Attached to its leg was a blush-colored envelope with ꧁ *KAIROS* ꧂ doodled on the outside, once again tied to Horton with colorful string. Inside is a letter, which reads:

*2 November 2047*

*To Kairos ✿*

*I don’t know how to tell you this without fear that you might find me controlling. If you would prefer sending shorter letters, then do that! I love your letters though! I don’t mind them being longer or you taking more time if that means you’re putting thought into them. Even if you’re not, then • I don’t know! I just love them as they are. ♡*

*No matter what you choose— you have my attention, and it isn’t easily kept! I have never read something for so long without getting distracted. It’s a little embarrassing considering you seem so intelligent, but hopefully it is a useful measure to how interested in you (and your letters) that I am! ツ*

*I’m happy to hear that your friend has settled in nicely. Seeing you use the word “elated” was so nice too. I think you do know something about happiness then (just as you admitted at the bottom of your letter that you* do *know what’s good for you!!!). It was also comforting hearing our letters are something good, but also heartbreaking to know that that list is so short. More will come! I’m certain. I can tell you deserve it. ♡*

*My Halloween party was ✳ amazing ✳ !!! We watched an old Halloween movie together, then chatted with each other for hours. It was* so *nice! I wasn’t even that disappointed that I already knew most of them! I met India’s crown princess for the first time. I have never met some so poised and so stunning… • My bestest friend Kitt is friends with her though, and also we’re all transfers! (I have two bestest friends though! It’s important to me that you know that. Her name is Maya! If you went to Adeothorne, then you know her. It’s hard to not notice her! ツ)*

*Anyways, after swallowing the fact that she’s so ✳ gorgeous ✳ , it was a lot easier trying to hold a conversation except she left to spend time with someone else… It’s only occurring to me now that I might’ve been overwhelming… OR it was the person I was with! He’s my Charms partner, and that class is SO boring that we’ve figured out we’re good at bouncing off of each other. I’m easily amused— He wants to amuse others! It’s a win-win! I think we got* so *much closer that night, which is so exciting. He even showed me how he can lift me with ONE arm! He’s SO strong. It’s fascinating.*

*I’ll stop! I really wonder how you would’ve fit into everything. I don’t know if it’s weird, but it’s exciting imagining my friends altogether. I try to picture how my friends at home would fit in with my friends at Adeothorne. I just think it would be nice to be surrounded by everyone that’s important to me all at once. Since you’re misanthropic, my guess is that you don’t agree, but it’s nice for me to imagine. I don’t know how to imagine you though. It’s sort of an exciting little guessing game. Do you have a picture of me in your head too? Actually, I might not want to know.*

*My parents are prominent community members, who were considered the best option before they could find someone to adopt me. When the only other option was letting me go overseas, they decided to adopt me! It’s obvious that the adoption was more out of obligation than an interest in raising a child. It doesn’t bother me though! I know that I’m loved. ✼ I understand your reasoning for not wanting children. I still do though. I trust my judgement in choosing a partner who would be an excellent parent. I would have to find one first, which might be difficult. I don’t know! Once they’re here and we’re married, I’ve always thought that having three children would be exciting. I wonder how confused your face is. ツ*

*Anyway, we’re studying Eros and Psyche at the moment! I have been having a difficult time trying to get myself through the reading. Mythology at home was so much easier than this, but that might just be upbringing. I really gushed to my friends about you wanting to do this. I thought it was the sweetest thing. ♡*

*I’m in Duckweed! I always feel silly tickling the fruit. Anyways, Horton found me swimmingly. I know he’s a clumsy one, but he’s doing his best. I actually think you might be spending too much time with him since he’s gotten a little edgier lately. I find it funny. (And cute!)*

*I would love to inform you that my November is more than satisfactory! I’m excited for your next letter! Hopefully Horton doesn’t give you too much trouble. ♡*

*— Liliana ❀*

*P.S. Are you reading anything at the moment? My guess is that it isn’t Tolstoy. Anyway, was just curious! ☀*

Barn Owl

sender: kairos
recipient: liliana

Horton is *slightly* more behaved than usual and Atlas would argue that's because he gave the owl a stern talking-to about not causing Liliana or her friends any trouble. It is certainly an improvement from last time. While the owl does not harm or attempt to harm any actual people, Horton *does* however, knock over Blossom Covington's inkwell, before flying over to Lili to give her the letter. Horton then proceeds to promptly land on the puddle of ink, walking around her desk and leaving footstripts in her wake. Luckily, Blossom's paper is left unscathed. The letter inside reads:

*06/11/2047*

***Liliana,***

*I tried my best to both write you back as soon as I could as well as keep myself from drastically shortening the length of my letter. It’s heartwarming to know that you love my droning. If I were on the receiving end of the letters I send, I wouldn’t have written back after the second one. Perhaps I’m just a terrible person. Or maybe I just hate myself. It’s probably both.*

*I’m not as intelligent as you probably imagine me to be, but I appreciate the flattery. I wouldn’t want you to be embarrassed though. You should know that I have read many novels, short stories, poetry… It’s obvious I am quite the bookworm, yet no piece of literature seems to have captivated me in the way your letters very uniquely do. I hope* that *serves as a useful measure for how interested I am in yo**u**r letters.*

*I have to admit that reading your certainty that my list of “good things” will only grow was reassuring. I do not normally like to let people know when they have successfully cracked through my pessimism, but at the very least you can’t bully me about it in person. Maybe that’s why I’m less apprehensive telling you. I equally despise letting people know that they were right all along. Despite this, I promise to let you know if more good things happen just as you predicted. I’m sorry to say, though, that the list has not grown by much since a week ago.*

*It’s good to know that your Halloween party went well. Your friends sound like an interesting bunch. I told you I was never one for parties, but I think I would have enjoyed something like what you described. Just the other day Amor and I watched a movie together and it was a very nice experience. It must be nice doing that with an entire group of friends.*

*It is nice that you’ve found the company of other transferees, even if one of them is royalty. I personally cannot imagine being friends with a crown princess, but the same goes with even people not involved with any sort of monarchy. And yes, I do know Maya. She is very hard to miss, especially when she’s threatening to hex the head boy in front of most of the students and nearly the whole faculty. I remember this very clearly because that was the only Quidditch match I attempted to attend, and also because it made me laugh.*

*I don’t think you could possibly ever be overwhelming. I know I haven’t met you in person, but I’m very sure of this. She’s probably just not used to being around so many people. I looked her up on Seeker ~~(and yes, sh~~ and apparently she was not allowed outside of the castle very much as part of her upbringing. Therefore yes, she may have been overwhelmed, but I do not believe that it’s because you were overwhelming.*

*It’s good that even after she left, you still had your other companion with you. I refuse to believe that he was able to lift you up with one arm, unless you reveal to me he is part-giant or something of that sort. Regardless, it’s nice that he amuses you so much and that in you, he has found a willing audience.*

*On the contrary, I think it would be nice to be surrounded by all the people important to me all at once. It’s a very small number, so it wouldn’t be too overwhelming. In fact, I could probably fit everyone in my flat. (That joke would be funnier if you’ve seen how tiny it is.)*

*••
We seem to have found another thing in common. My parents are also very prominent community members, or my mother is at least. Also, I similarly feel that she parents me more out of obligation than an interest in actually raising me. I’m kidding. I’m not going to get into my mommy issues, so you have nothing to be concerned about. And don’t worry, I do know that I’m loved. My family and I are not very close but that doesn’t mean I don’t feel loved by them. (I did, by the way, make the most confused face reading about how you wanted children… I can’t imagine why, but I respect that this is something you want and look forward to.)*

*You mentioning that you are studying Eros and Psyche has actually inspired me to read C.S. Lewis’* Till We Have Faces *. I haven’t read a C.S. Lewis novel since I was ten, reading Narnia, but I’ve heard that this one is his favorite book out of all that he’s written. It’s a retelling of the myth from the perspective of Psyche’s sister, who as you know, encouraged Psyche to betray Cupid and find out her husband’s identity. I’m only halfway through. I have to say that even without this new perspective, I would* also *be suspicious if my sister told me that her husband refused to reveal himself. Does this make me an antagonist, then? ~~It at the very least makes me a hypocrite, I believe, though I would argue tha~~ Anyway, just let me know if you need help with the myth. I’ll reply right away, then save the rest of my letter for another time so that you don’t have to wait too long.*

*My November has been aggressively OK but we’re only a week in. Perhaps I’ll have more exciting stories for you another time. As always, your letters are the highlight of my day whenever they arrive. There have been not much other highlights, but I promise I will keep you posted.*

*Thank you for taking the time to write to me. I don’t believe I’ve said that enough.*

*Until next time.*

***Kairos***

*PS. I don’t know how I could possibly influence an* owl *to be edgier, but I do see what you mean…*

*PPS. Horton did not give* me *much trouble but according to my roommate, he “terrorized the apartment building”. It’s fine. My neighbors are all pricks. They deserve it.*

Barn Owl

sender: liliana
recipient: kairos

It’s November 29th, and one of Atlas’ neighbors is knocking on his door with two birds perched on his arm in the evening. “Someone’s a little busy, huh?” the man teases, passing the birds over. One is the familiar Horton, and the other is a small eagle native to France. It has a small collar with its owner’s address in Paris. A small scroll is attached to its leg, which orders its return immediately after giving it time to rest and payment for a vase that the other bird shattered in the owner’s home. While reading the scroll, Horton finds herself hopping around the apartment and scratching at the closed door to Atlas’ room. Attached to the eagle’s leg is a bland-colored envelope with **Kairos** written on the outside in handwriting that is distinctly not Lili’s. It’s tied to the bird with an unfamiliar tan-colored twine. Inside is a blush-colored letter with ꕥ **kairos** ꕥ written on the outside, this time in Lili’s writing. It has been split open, tearing the heart sticker that she placed over the seam. Inside of that is a letter, which reads:

*8 November 2047*

*To Kairos ✿*

*I enjoyed your last letter! It warms *my* heart each time I receive one! ♡ I don’t have the best sense of reason, but responding to that first letter of yours was easily one of my better decisions. I don’t regret it one bit. ツ*

*It’s reassuring to know that my letters captivate you. • It’s a little overwhelming to think that I have surpassed published authors… Especially in your eyes, that’s a lot of pressure. I wonder if I would have captivated you under different circumstances. It’s a little silly and pointless to even consider, but isn’t it a little interesting? I wouldn’t be a bully about your blossoming positivity! That’s for sure. ❀*

*Your list is still growing! ♡ Besides, your Halloween sounds ~relaxing~! It sounds intimate too. I don’t spend a lot of time with my friends on our own. It’s usually spent altogether. I think that’s just Adeothorne though. Without being aggressive, there isn’t much room to get space for yourself anywhere but the outdoors, which isn’t an option with how freezing it is.*

*I don’t think I’ve mentioned it, but I have friends who spend a lot of time together by the Whomping Willow. It’s super **duper** cute! Except totally strange, but that’s certainly their charm. I wonder if their love for each other is what maintains their warmth or if they’re just used to it. It’s cute to think about. ツ*

*Oh! I have another cute little update about that. I know it’s a little difficult to believe that there could be a cute update about Maya hexing someone, but she’s dating the quidditch player she hexed him over. It’s very cute! I love them both.*

*Anyways! All of my Halloween news is a little more fascinating with the revelation that Valentin, the Russian boy who* can *lift me with one arm, is royalty too. He can, by the way! I don’t know why I would lie about that… He’s only around 185 centimeters, which is rather shor**t** for someone who has Giant heritage. His arm is robotic though! ツ Using this moment of reflection, I do understand why she would have been overwhelmed by us. I’m over it though! Moving on!~*

*It’s a little scary how many vaguely shared experiences we have found. My friends suggested that you might be saying this just to draw us closer together. If so, then you should change your strategy now! I’m kidding. I’m not that pessimistic. ✼ Actually, our “mommy issues” might be an interesting discussion somewhere in the future, but it could be agonizing too. I don’t know enough about your situation to say.*

*I will try finding a copy of* Till We Have Face *somewhere! I haven’t heard of it before. I don’t know what you would be the antagonist of, but I’m assuming you’re talking about our situation? An important difference is that you’re not my partner! ✼ Besides, my identity isn’t known to you either unless you’ve found me on Witchagram by now. I will say it would be a little unfair if you have and you haven’t mentioned it. Maybe then you would be an antagonist!*

*Kairos, you’re awfully sweet to me. I will let you know if I need anything! Hopefully, the last two days of your November have been more exciting! If not, that’s fine. We have plenty more to come. ♡*

*— Liliana ❀*

*P.S. Horton is clumsy at his worst. I laughed a lot at you saying your neighbors deserve him terrorizing them. I understood for a moment why you might not want children and imagined you sicking toddlers oozing snot everywhere on unsuspecting foes. If you ever change your attitude towards having children, then maybe you can use that strategy in the future!*

Barn Owl

sender: kairos
recipient: liliana

Horton is already waiting at Lili's spot during breakfast at the Great Hall. With no indicators of disaster nearby, it seems that she was able to properly land without too much accident, but the moment Lili enters the Great Hall she very excitedly flies towards her. When this happens, Horton accidentally knocks a couple glasses of juice down in her wake and drenches Travis Darling's designer coat. Luckily, Kathy Featherswallow is quick with a cleaning charm. Horton perches herself rather lovingly on Lili's shoulder, stopping her in her tracks. The owl lets out a pleased little hoot as she extends her leg, a letter addressed to *Liliana* attached in an all-too-familiar scrawl. It reads:

*30/11/2047*

***Liliana,***

*I believe it would be best to begin with an explanation, but first of all I have to admit that I’ve missed you and I hope (rather selfishly) that you’ve missed me too.*

*I’ve only just received your letter dated November 8th. It appears that Horton somehow managed to travel all the way to Paris, destroying M. and Mme. Durand’s poor vase in his wake. It must have been a long journey, so I’m letting Horton rest before sending this letter to you. Initially I had wanted to send it immediately, but he does seem tired and I wouldn’t want to bother your roommates so late at night. I will send this first thing in the morning though. Hopefully this will be a good start to your day.*

*Just when I said I was going to start writing back quicker too. The universe has a fucked sense of humor. I’ve never been particularly religious, but at this point I’m convinced there may be some gods somewhere laughing at and conspiring against me.*

***I •** understand if you’re upset and you’d rather not continue this correspondence. It must have been stressful not receiving any letters for quite sometime right after so much reassurance that I enjoy our letters and always look forward to them. I promise that is still true.*

*• •*

*I know that the mystery of our identities may be part of the charm of our friendship, but I’d really rather not have to go through this ever again. My full name is Atlas Kairos Hwang. On Witchagram, I am @las – I can’t take credit for the pun, that’s Amor’s doing – and if you are comfortable then maybe we can follow each other there and be able to talk without having to wait so long for replies. I’d still very much like to continue writing letters to one another, but at the very least if Horton ever gets lost again neither of us will ~~spend a month agonizing over whether or not I had done something wrong~~ worry as much.*

*If you’d rather not follow each other, that’s fine too. At least you have my Witchagram now. If I don’t respond in a week, message me so that we can figure out if something’s gone wrong. I intend to stand by my promise that I will write back to you more quickly, even if it’s just a quick update to let you know I’ve been doing okay.*

*Apart from the letters fiasco, I *have* been OK. Admittedly, the worry over whether or not something had happened was a dark cloud looming overhead most of my November. I don’t feel embarrassed to admit that your letters had become a bright spot in my life and that suddenly not receiving any without any warning was sad. If I can ask just one favor, it would be that if you do suddenly decide that you’d rather not write anymore, you’d at least write one last time to tell me so. You wouldn’t even have to explain yourself. It’s just stressful not knowing for sure.*

*I just want to reassure you, though, that I didn’t spend November moping. Amor would disagree, but I actually did have an OK month. Work is eh, like always, but I’ve read two good books and that’s inspired me to maybe try writing again. I’m thinking of applying for work at the Prophet or some other publication, but I’m still contemplating on it so I haven’t done anything concrete yet. I’ll update you, but don’t expect anything too exciting.*

*Looks like your friends have figured out my master plan. I’m kidding. I swear I’m not lying about our shared experiences. I’m too lazy to come up with any sort of tactic, and you should know by now that I’m nowhere near brilliant enough to deceive anyone.*

*You should also know by now that I feel you would’ve captivated me regardless of how we first met. I do believe we were meant to meet, or else the world wouldn’t have gone through such great lengths to make it happen. Maybe in an alternate universe, we met under more normal circumstances. I would say I don’t envy them given that I think the way we started things was rather interesting, but at least they most probably didn’t have to endure the last three weeks the way we did.*

*I hope this letter makes your day the way hearing from you has made mine. I was expecting today to be a drag. This was quite the gift.*

*I’ll be waiting for your reply.*

***Kairos***

*PS. It’s nice hearing about your friends. I actually think I might know the two who would stay by the Willow, if that’s the same pair that I would occasionally see from time to time during my stay at Adeothorne. If it is, then yes, I understand why you’d say they’re ‘totally strange’. (No offense.) Also, the robotic arm explains things.*

*PPS. Feel free to follow me on Witchagram right away. No need to wait for another letter.*