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31 December 946 H.E
Reynard Academy, Port Orsten

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Dear Jade,

How wonderful to hear that you are no longer devoid of companionship at the palace! I was truly beginning to worry you were turning into some strange sort of hermit… But it appears that my fears were altogether unfounded! You and Mr. Emerson seem like two peas in a pod, and, (tedious Ball and 'horrid' grey robes aside) it sounds like you had a marvellous Midwinter's Day.

As for me - why, the Masters' Midwinter Day Challenge was so much fun! Fortunately, due to the number of Novices taking part in the challenge, one team of two was required, and so Maddy and I happily volunteered to be the only non-three-membered group. That morning, the novice wing were rife with excitement, hushed conversations and the loud gloating of some team members (male, of course). Maddy and I sat at our usual table in the dining hall, quietly eating our porridge and considering our plan of action… for unfortunately, we had yet to come up with one.

As had become habit, I was unconsciously eavesdropping into nearby conversations when I heard someone say, "Oh, I love porridge, I could eat this all day!"

No doubt you are wondering as to the significance of this inane comment - well, you see, 'twas this very statement that inspired my idea for discovering the secret meeting place! I excitedly turned to Maddy and motioned for her to follow me, my mind whirling as the plan began to take form. As soon as we reached our quarters, I turned to her with a fierce grin. "I think I have a plan!"

She beamed. "Well… what is it?!"

"First, we must discover which Masters are involved... Though I'm not sure how we can do that efficiently…"

Maddy grinned. "Fear not! Whilst on Dining Duty, I remember seeing the housekeeper with the grand list corresponding each Master to an event requiring supervision… so by process of elimination, the ones who aren't on the list are our suspects!"

"Brilliant!" I replied, my smile widening. "Which only leaves discovering what their favourite foods are."

Maddy gave me a strange look. "…Beg pardon?"

"It's just a thought… but don't you think that if the Masters are expecting to stay practically an entire day in one room, they'll want to be served with their favourite meals? Which means that all we have to do is ask the maids and find out if any of those meals have been served, and if so, to which room!" I hesitated, "…However, if they choose not to eat their favourite foods, then all this will be done in vain."

We exchanged a long, thoughtful look. Finally Maddy shrugged. "A gamble, to be sure - but it might just be novel enough to work!"

Oh Jade! 'Twas so much fun! Especially when the housekeeper refused to relinquish the list and Maddy and I were forced to employ stealth to gain it from her. But fear not! We had it returned before she realised it was missing. Thankfully Master Yachnov was having his favourite venison stew served to him, and so the rest of the mission went quite smoothly – that is, until we realised we hadn't a clue as to the location of the room, or how to get there. After consulting Academy maps (which unfortunately required some decoding skills), we finally discovered the location… only to be further confronted by another obstacle upon reaching it.

The guard at the door was refusing entry to three young men: "No password, no entry!". Maddy and I just about deflated, for we were just as much at a loss as our fellow classmates in answering the guard. Luckily, as I watched a cleaning maid pass by, I was again struck by a stroke of genius.

Tugging Maddy behind me, I rushed to the maids' quarters. After quickly changing into the garb of serving maids, we then returned to the kitchen. Much wheedling (involving a few coins) of the Cook later, we were ready to take up meals to the awaiting Masters.

And thus, my dearest Jade, Maddy and I won the Masters' Midwinter Day Challenge.

Unfortunately, as we did not complete the task in less time than it had taken Blyth's group, I consequently lost my bet to him - a fact of which he constantly reminds me of. As for his request of me… well, he has yet to make one. Personally, I am hoping that he shall simply forget…

Yes, I remain ever the optimistic – and an optimistic that was somewhat eager for the Midwinter's Day Ball to commence.

Yes Jadie, you did not misread that last sentence… due to my insatiable curiosity and the sole fact that our prize was to be announced at this event – I, Audrey Marie Saxton, was actually anticipating a Ball as opposed to dreading its arrival.

My anticipation, however, paled in comparison to Maddy's. A positive whirlwind of nervous activity, she swept around the room, trying on gown after gown, examining hairstyle after hairstyle in the mirror…

Afraid that she would turn her madness onto me, I quietly snuck away to the Library to see if I could find Quinn.

Thankfully, he was in our alcove as I had suspected.

"Happy Midwinter's Day!" I exclaimed, startling him into knocking over a small bottle of ink. "Oh pox-pie, I'm sorry!"

He chuckled, looking up at me as he quickly mopped it up with some parchment. "It's quite alright… and a happy Midwinter's Day to you too."

Smiling, I seated myself on the cushioned window seat. "Why are you in here on such a day? Shouldn't you be out with your friends enjoying the festivities?"

"No… I was waiting for you and Ms. Goodwin to join me."

I blinked, "What?"

He grinned, slowly beginning to pack up his belongings. "I heard that you two managed to complete the Masters' Challenge before your fellow classmates. Congratulations."

I stared at him in surprise, "How did you- …Never mind. A more appropriate question would be: what don't you know?"

He laughed, his green eyes aglow with mirth. In a matter of moments he had everything tidied and packed away. "Shall we retrieve Ms. Goodwin then?"

His question sent me snorting with laughter. "You're welcome to try. She is currently amidst an 'oh what shall I wear' crisis. I had to leave before she began playing dress-up doll with me."

Surprisingly, Quinn's brave attempt to lure Maddy away from her madness actually succeeded. I was more than a little impressed. The three of us thusly spent the rest of the day wandering the markets, stopping at inns to watch the various festive performances. My favourite was the circus troupe which had set up at Market Square, near the docks.

The acrobats were AMAZING, Jade. I would love to learn how to glide and flip through the air like that some day!

The streetfighters, too, I watched with much aplomb. The sheer skill of the men in this troupe was very impressive - not a single challenger managed to beat them. Although I was itching to challenge them myself, I knew that Quinn and Maddy would never allow it. Truly, their lack of trust in my skill is appalling! But I suppose I would rather not have received my prize that night with a black eye and an assortment of other colourful marks.

Just as Maddy began to suggest that we head back to the Academy, a most surprising challenger entered the arena.

Yes, you presumed correctly, Jade - it was none other than my irritating antagonist, the Viscount of Blyth.

"Malt worms! Is he insane?!" I hissed, turning to Quinn with a look of incredulity.

Quinn merely smiled. "You've never seen Blyth in combat have you?"

I frowned, "No… "

"You're in for a treat then." With that said, he returned his gaze to the arena, and I followed suit.

As the fight began, all I can say is that Quinn spoke no exaggeration. Blyth (although I am loathe to admit) is the best fighter I have ever seen. He moves so quickly and with such agility, he delivers his blows with such strength and grace… and his technique, well 'tis impeccable. Blyth fights like how I would imagine a mountain cat to hunt.

Needless to say, he easily won.

Upon gaining his bag of gold (the prize for besting the entire troupe), Quinn shouted his name, beckoning him over. Swearing silently under my breath, my mind raced for ways to escape his presence… but luck however, decided to abandon me then.

"Ah, Quinn and Madeline, Happy Midwinter's Day!"

Upon noticing me, his mouth quirked into a smirk, "And season's greetings to you, too, my dear – the apple of my eye, the key to my heart… the stirrer of my loins." Here he added a vile wink.

I rolled my eyes. Of late, Blyth has taken to calling me all sorts of repulsive 'pet names'… mostly because he knows how much it irritates me.

"Oh, go roll in dung." I replied scathingly, before pointedly turning and pushing my way through the crowds, back in the direction of the Academy.

Unfortunately, Blyth decided to accompany me back, informing me that Quinn and Maddy still had a few errands to run in the Market. I suspect it was more to do with the amusement they gained from my encounters with the Viscount than anything else.

"Well, my sweetest pumpkin, were you sufficiently impressed by my fighting skill?"

"N-No!" I retorted… perhaps a little too hastily.

He raised a brow at my reply, before grinning widely, "I'll take that as yes."

He paused, obviously waiting for some sort of denial from me. "If you asked kindly enough, I may not say no to giving you a lesson or two."

I think my heart skipped a beat at those words, and before rational thought could have any sort of influence on my mouth, I was responding with a gasp and an enthusiastic "Yes please!"

Since when do I, Audrey Saxton, say 'please' to someone I loathe as much as the Viscount of Blyth?!

Blyth, too, must have been equally stunned with my response, for with a most befuddled look at my direction, he replied, "Alright then…"

A lesson was then scheduled with the Viscount on the morrow at dawn. My mind and body protest at the mere thought of having to be up so early.

By the time we'd finally reached the Academy, the preparations for the Ball were nearly done… meaning I had little time to dress and ready myself - not that I required much time anyway. I bid the Viscount an awkward adieu and returned to my quarters, only to find Maddy and Quinn already present, standing by my bedside.

I looked at them in confusion, "How did you two…"

They shared a conspiring smile.

"Happy Midwinter's Day!" they exclaimed in unison as they stepped aside to reveal a beautiful creation lying across my bed.

I stood there, my mouth agape.

"We had Blyth distract you, while we took a shortcut back here." Quinn explained.

"We all know how you feel about gowns and corsets… and so- voila!" Holding up the gown for me to view, Maddy happily proceeded to sing its praises. "It's a classical Eromian chiton with a modern twist, which is both beautiful and uncumbersome to wear. Of course, I wouldn't suggest kicking or fighting in this…"

Oh Jade, it really was beautiful! Stormy blue-gray in colour and falling in gentle folds to my feet - here was a gown that I actually wanted to wear. "Oh, Maddie, Quinn, thank you, thank you!" I cried, so overcome with gratitude that I hugged them both (predictably leaving Quinn shocked that I had taken such liberties). "I shall wear this tonight, and treasure it always."

The two grinned, obviously very pleased with themselves.

Maddy then went on to unearth another present from her pocket, a delicate silver-beaded hair ornament that was obviously made to complement the dress.

"It's beautiful, Maddy! But you really shouldn't have bought me this as well as the gown."

Maddy shook her head. "Oh, the gown isn't from me… this is, however."

I blinked in confusion. "You paid for the gown yourself then, Quinn?!"

He smiled. "Not at all, here is my gift to you," he said, handing me a little box.

I stared at them in utter bewilderment, my hand now closed around Quinn's present to me. "Then who in Hades is this gown from?"

"The person you owe an embrace to…" came the reply from behind.

I turned with dread to find myself looking at Blyth, who stood leaning casually against the doorway with a nonchalant smile, his arms spread wide open. "That was your cue to run into my awaiting arms."

I gaped at him.

Finally, unable to contain his mirth at my stupefied expression, he laughed.

"Is this some sort of jest?" I sputtered.

"No, indeed – but it is certainly amusing enough to be one!"

At my scathing glare, Blyth slowly regained his composure. "No? …Hmm, it seems all I can ask in return for my gift is a dance." He swept a swift, elegant bow, "Tonight then, mistress of my heart." Then, with a roguish smile, he spun and walked off.

I slowly turned back to face Maddy and Quinn who were doing a very a poor job of attempting to conceal their amusement.

…And that is how I ended up attending the Midwinter Ball in a beautiful gown gifted to me by the Viscount of Blyth.

As for the Ball itself, well, it actually turned out to be a rather agreeable event. The music was upbeat and lively, and Maddy and I had a great time dancing all kinds of folk dances - we even managed to convince Quinn to join us for a few. And, I must confess, even my dance with Blyth was rather fun, for it seems his grace in fighting also lends to his skill in dancing. Not that I would ever admit such to him, what with his arrogance already at imploding point. Hardly surprising though, considering that he had a different girl for every dance, all of whom were pandering for his attention.

Nonetheless, the whole evening turned out to be a wonderful experience. The food was delicious, and the music and dance had everyone in high humours. I, myself, was happily flushed – although I suspect that may have been partially due to the excessive amount of wine I'd drunk. Oh, how I wish you had been there as well! I would have enjoyed it even more… and perhaps Maddy and I would have left the evening a little less drunk.

As the Ball drew towards its final notes, the Masters' who were seated at the high table called for everyone's attention.

"Happy Midwinter's Day all!" Master Yachnov began. "I hope everyone has had a wonderful time tonight. With the last song and dance now upon us, it is time to announce the victors of the Midwinter Novice Challenge, and their prize."

Excited whispers erupted throughout the room. After all, only a select few knew that it was Maddy and I who had been the first to succeed.

"The Challenge Champions of this year are… Audrey Saxton and Madeline Goodwin!"

The hall resounded with the noise of congratulatory claps – although I suspect many were grudging ones.

"And their prize is… a trip to Aylesbury in the spring!"

Yes, to Aylesbury, Jadie, Aylesbury! Who knows, perhaps while I am there, I can find some way to sneak into the Palace and meet with you?! Wishful thinking, I suppose.

Well, my arm grows tired after a long day of lessons and penning this lengthy letter to you.

I hope it finds you in good health and humour!

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Happy New Year's,
Audrey

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P.S. The charm you find included with this letter was Quinn's gift to me. Aware of how often we write to each other and how easily delicate matters could be raised in these letters, Quinn gave me this charm to prevent prying eyes from reading their contents. As long we attach it with our letters, our correspondence shall remain private!

P.P.S. Quinn says you seem like a very interesting person and that he would like to meet you one day. The man obviously has a good judgement of people.

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A/N: As Melliflience is going on a holiday overseas which will leave her much time to shop but little time to write ^_~, expect an update sometime late next month. We apologise for the delay, and hope you all have a wonderful New Year!