Lesson Plans

A

Spring breeze ruffled the fae’s chocolate fur, sending a delicate chill up her spine as she entered the grounds to the College. Muddy water clung to her lower legs, her excitement to arrive causing her to grow careless when traveling along the paths muddied by rain showers the nights prior. Gwen had prayed and prayed to the Moon Goddess, asking for her wisdom towards what her next move would be. In her short time with her grandmother, Clodagh, she had learned much in the ways of an apothecary, but still Gwendolyn had desired to know more.

Since learning of the college, Gwen had dreamed of gaining an education amongst the kingdom’s finest. She wished to learn to heal, to save others in the name of her deity. The closer she approached, the more right this decision felt. Soft, emerald grass came underfoot as her violet eyes caught the vibrant meadows indicative of the college. Gwendolyn felt warmed from within as the scents of wildflowers and herbs graced her nostrils, reminding her of her childhood and the fuzzy feelings of home.

She moved along the grounds, nervousness settling over her now that she had arrived. It wasn’t unfamiliar, but she found approaching any of the scholars difficult. The last time she had been here she had met Nimue, a shaman that she could now happily call friend. She’d been gathering herbs then, trying to make it through the tail ends of winter. The beauty of the college in spring was set to dazzle her, but she could wait to fawn over it later. Gwen narrowed her eyes in focus as she rounded a bend, in search of someone to speak to.

@Arythmetik

art and code by Yahtzee-Penguiduck

A R Y T H M E T I K

Spring arrived like a fresh start. The burdens of winter—and of the Winter Ball’s chaotic end—were behind them. Arythmetik heard plentiful rumors that it was the Voice who hired the assassin to kill King Adamh, not Prince Jacob. Such talk wasn’t to be believed without proof, but it did make the scholar question the motives of the would-be assassin. It also made him wonder if such a stunt was orchestrated by King Adamh himself, as a way to stir sympathy and paint his opponents in a brutish light. And yet, Aryth had seen the loving look on the King’s face as he consorted with his Queen… Could such a man concoct devious plans? The winter served as a reminder to Aryth not to be hasty or jump to wild conclusions. He would remain loyal to Queen Aileen, and therefore her son...for now.


Today, Aryth was busying himself with a caretaker’s duties. Spring was new, but already the overgrowth in the Arboretum was making a mess of their herb gardens and lecture halls. The russet male, newly cemented as an official Professor in the College, was pulling weeds with his teeth and claws. As he dug around and cleared away broken branches, an unfamiliar scent caught his attention. He rose to his full height and blinked, emerald eyes sparkling with interest at the sight of a newcomer. Perhaps he looked a bit silly, his face and paws scuffed with mud, but he didn’t mind. With a congenial smile, he took a step closer to the woman and introduced himself.


“Welcome to the College, friend! I’m Professor Arythmetik. Is there something I can help you with today?”

code by claerie

@Gwendolyn

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he was approached by a sandy colored male. Ever the one to socialize, she was relieved to find what looked to be another friendly face. Gwendolyn’s eyes locked on the dirt breaking up the patterns of his coat, and immediately she knew she would like him. It was often her own fur was dusted with debris, whether it was plant matter or mud alike. Violet eyes bright, her tail curled over her back and began a happy wag as she approached. “Hello!” She said, smiling. “I’m Gwendolyn. Gwen for short, if you’d like.”

Realizing he was a professor, the fae grew even more excited. “I think you might be exactly who I’m looking for,” she said. “Ever since I gained the knowledge of the college’s existence, I have admired it. Even more so, I have admired its students for the brilliant mind the college creates.” Rambling slightly, she grew bashful in the light of authority figures. “I have very basic knowledge of herbs and have worked as an apothecary, but I have decided I would like to learn more. I want to heal and help others, and so I’m hoping to become a student here if possible.” She’d been holding in the words for so long, they came out in a rush.

@Arythmetik

art and code by Yahtzee-Penguiduck

A R Y T H M E T I K

The chocolate-brown creature in front of him was quite charming, and Aryth couldn’t help that his tail wagged in return. Among the lavender highlights of the woman’s fur were bits of leaves and the scent of rain: evidence of recent travel. If he didn’t know any better by her accent, the Professor might have thought her a highlander for the adventurous gleam in her eyes. She introduced herself as Gwen, and he chirped a pleasant reply, “Well met, Gwendolyn!” He was looking forward to discovering why she arrived at the College’s arching, branch gates.


Very quickly (which the scholar appreciated), Gwen spilled why she’d come and the reason for her interest. There was something nervous in the tenor of her voice, however. Aryth responded to it with a generous, tranquil energy, smiling softly and continuing to wag his tail in encouragement. He didn’t want her to be embarrassed. He was raised in the College from infancy, so he couldn’t imagine why the institution might feel imposing, but he could empathize nonetheless. After all, it was probably similar to the way he felt when he was negotiating for meat in Castle Town. (Someone had to take care of the College’s practical needs, and there weren’t many new students since the rebellion willing to hunt in exchange for their tuition.)


Besides, it seemed like Gwen had honorable and endearing reasons for being interested. Aryth nodded along to show he was listening, his eyes flashing quickly to the corners of her eyes and mouth as she spoke. She was a full-grown woman, perhaps even older than him, and it wasn’t typical to accept students over the age of one. Not that it bothered Aryth. He wasn’t a stickler for “tradition,” and there were no rules against it anyway. And if Gwen already had some experience as an apothecary, she could be an invaluable ally for the College. With a final nod, as if in summation, Aryth grinned and said warmly, “Fantastic. It sounds like you’ll make an excellent student here. The first step for enrollment is to determine how you’ll pay tuition. Some wolves have families with resources to provide the College, which go into a communal fund to keep all residents fed and healthy. Others are good hunters and exchange meat as their tuition.” He paused, allowing the information to process. “But no need for concern if you can’t pay. You can apply for free tuition with a sponsorship. Once tuition is settled, I’d be happy to give you a tour. You can pick a den within our borders if desired and start to attend regular classes! So what do you think?”

code by claerie

@Gwendolyn

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wendolyn breathed a sigh of relief, happy to note the lack to hesitation towards her joining in her seemingly older age. She had heard of others choosing to educate and better themselves at an unconventional time, deciding to follow in their footsteps with the thought of it being better late than never. Her ears swiveled as she tried to keep up with the flood of information the man was providing, feeling a warmth of pride that he thought her to be an asset rather than a liability to the institution.

Arythmetik’s enthusiasm was infectious, and Gwendolyn quickly found herself nodding along as he spoke, an excited smile gracing her features. She tensed briefly at the mention of payment, knowing she had no contact with her family and was unsure of their financial situation as of now. Furthermore, what would they think of her now? Learning their daughter was on the verge of gaining an education that could save the lives of others? Gwen shook herself of the thought, smoothing any lines of tension from her face as she cleared her throat to speak.

“Not a problem at all!” She said sweetly. “I have grown used to hunting for myself, and I would be honored to earn my education whilst providing food for the College and its patrons.” She paused a moment, letting the feeling of rightness settle over her like a warm blanket. This was one of many blessings from the Goddess, to be sure. Gesturing towards Aryth, she nodded toward the College’s general direction. “Lead the way.”

@Arythmetik

art and code by Yahtzee-Penguiduck

A R Y T H M E T I K

A blip of hesitation crossed the woman’s delicate features. Aryth had to wonder if it was because he mentioned tuition. Outwardly, he didn’t acknowledge it; he continued his spiel smoothly and kindly. Inwardly, however, he knew he would have tensed at the mention of payment too. What could I have even offered, if I hadn’t been raised in the Arboretum? The thought was frightening. Then again, if he hadn’t grown up surrounded by books, maybe he’d have an iota of strength. Maybe he’d be useful for something other than lectures and trivia. Anyway, the worries didn’t last. When the scholar finished his explanation, Gwendolyn replied with an easy and gracious confidence that she could hunt for the College. Aryth’s tail wagged—they sorely needed that! But even if she hadn’t been able to pay… There was something about her. Aryth studied her lavender-chocolate features with subtle inquisitiveness. He felt that she needed this, perhaps, the way he needed the College.


If she couldn’t hunt, he probably would have offered to sponsor her. There was just something about her.


With an honest and shining smile, the Professor replied, “I’m ecstatic to hear it! With a fine hunter on retainer, maybe more parents will feel comfortable allowing yearlings to join our ranks. I’m sorry to tell you that the College isn’t as strong as it used to be.” He winked jovially. “But perhaps you’ll inspire the strength we need. I hope you’ll attend my classes so we may learn from each other.” The russet male turned to guide her, still blissfully unaware that the dirt on his muzzle, paired with his enthusiasm, made him look eccentric.


Little did they know, in the coming seasons, Gwen wouldn’t have to earn her place by hunting. All their time would be spent volunteering their services beneath the blazing sun…

code by claerie

@Gwendolyn We could end here if you like?? Or we can rp out their tour, but I think Gwen could be officially considered a member of the College now! <3