A stressful day, and another letter.

The first day of classes were pretty difficult for you. The curriculum was not in any way past your understanding, and you were able to both practice and act upon the lessons fairly easily... but it was the way things were taught her that gave you more of an issue. You'd spent years and years with hands-on training, learning your craft in environments that fostered your ability, whereas here you would bludgeon yourself into large groups of people and strain to listen through the sounds of the crowd to the proctor's fast-talking and easy skill, with no real guided attempts to show those still learning higher-level spells beyond mere shows of arcane prowess and sullied words.

There were exceptions, of course, but all in all, you were finding that your own private studies were carrying you more than what you were being taught, and that was extremely troubling, because it meant that for the first time in your life, you might fall behind.

Still, you did find other students who were at least somewhat willing to help you pick up the pieces. A Gnomish girl by the name of Audrey Thistledown, for example, aided you in some of the more heavily arcane teachings of sixth level spells under the mutual understanding that, should she fall behind, you would do the same... and if it was something beyond that, an exchange in trade would have to occur to keep the two of you even.

All in all, you liked Audrey... mostly because you understood her. The average prospective Wizard was not keen to share information without compensation, and she seemed reasonable in that effect. No, it was more how unknowable most of your peers were that troubled you. You attempted once or twice over the course of the day to open an olive branch, and found yourself met at best with indifference, and at worst, disdain.

Thus, you arrive home late yet again. It only occurs to you as you once again approuch the door that you likely missed your mysterious roommate, and that illicit's something of a sigh from you, though you know not why.

Casting dancing lights around yourself and sending them to illuminate the room, you make your way inside. You have studying to do before you retire, and thus make your way up to the loft.

Your eyes, however, do stray toward your neighbor's desk, where you had found the note the night prior... and, somewhat disappointed to find that there is nothing waiting for you.

Sighing, you make your way to your side of the study. You should have guessed, shouldn't you have? It wasn't like he was actually being nice...

...and that thought of yours is immediately cut off by a note sitting upon your desk.

Dear Hellaine;

I must say that, in all forward honesty, I did not expect to hear back from you until the day we inevitably met one another, or until we had an issue that would have to be worked out. It was delightful to receive your correspondence, and even more delightful to know we are allowed to be on a first-name basis. I find it always a good rule of thumb to make allies with those closest to you, however many that live within the arcane arts find that words to less be about mutual aid and more about the repayment of great power. Folly to that, I say.

_You are not incorrect to say that I am titled, but not locally. I, like you, do not particularly enjoy that aspect of myself, and one could say that I have spent my lifetime thus far avoiding it. In that, we have kinship. Thus, you may refer to me by my own given name, Hellaine. _This place is difficult, however my own history has taught me how to handle those that would take advantage of a thirst for knowledge and a forward stroll toward the pleasure of a life well earned. If you are in need of advice, or wish to speak, or feel lost in this place... well, it could be said that I feel that way as well, hence my attempts to reach out despite our very different schedules.

I am not sure when such schedules will line up for us to meet, but I look forward to when that day finally occurs. As it stands, however, I would not mind the continued letters. When I arrive home I find myself exhausted, sapped both of a night well-spent learning in the midst of those who do not appreciate it as they should, nor wish to share their knowledge. When the sun arrives it only saps me of my energy ever further.

Until the day that fates lines up so we may meet, I hope to occasionally speak with you in this manner further.

With all sincerity,

Aemnac.