Chapter Text
This is our newest ward, Miss Alma Bentham.” Miss Avocet presented the young girl proudly in the classroom. Alma looked around at the other girls. There was around 5 of them that Alma could see. She hadn't even met the other headmistress yet, having arrived last night and missing breakfast with the others from sleeping in.
“I wish Jack and Myron were here…” the peregrine thought as she looked up at the black haired woman standing beside her. She arrived with Miss Avocet from the council where her brothers stayed for the night. Neither Alma or Miss Avocet knew where they would be placed, but Miss Bobolink assured her they would be very close to this loop when placed.
“And Roisin, stay back a minute please dear.” Alma snapped back from her thoughts as the girls all started to pack up from their desks and shuffle out from the classroom discussing their plans for the free afternoon.
“I wonder which one’s Roisin.” Alma murmured, eying a few of the younger girls who walked by. “They all look friendly…..at least all except her” she thought at the sight of a tiny girl with brown hair and gold rimmed glasses who was having her ear talked off by another girl who was practically bouncing with each step.
“We could go down into the town and get croissants Alice!” The blonde haired girl shook the supposed Alice’s arm, getting a more than displeased look from the girl who yanked her arm out of her grip with a glare.
“Millie stop your gonna hurt her fragile bones” another girl teased as they shuffled out, continuing their banter down the hall.
“Where is that girl?” Miss Avocet looked around the room, then peaked behind the changing screen Alma smoothed down her dark day dress, patting her skirt until someone rushed past her, nearly sliding into the wall from the force as she tried to stop herself.
“You wanted to see me miss? I'm so sorry I’m late getting back, Miss Bunting needed help carrying her old desk downstairs.”
Alma widened at the huge figure as she steadied herself. Bright red fluffy curls cascaded down the woman's back, reaching past her cream colored shirt to her dark green skirt, even all kinked up. the peregrine grabbed Miss Avocet’s hand, shuffling behind her as her green eyes overlooked the girl again. “She's even taller than Miss Avocet.”
“Alma, this is Roisin Gannet. She's our oldest ward and she's very friendly. She is going to take you around and introduce you to the other girls while I go to see where your brothers will be placed, right, Miss Gannet?” Miss Avocet asked. The redhead nodded, putting her hairpin back into her pocket that she had pulled out of her curls.
“Right I will.” the girl echoed as she bent down to be half her height, but yet was still taller than Alma. "Do women even get this tall? Or this freckled?" Alma thought as Miss Avocet took away her barrier and stepped away, transforming and flying out the window. Roe turned, watching her for a moment then picked up her head mistress's clothing, folding them, and laid them on top of a light green changing screen that sat in the corner of the room. To the left of it, a skeleton strung up with wires was placed. It stood posed like a model, his hands holding a book as if he was showing it off to the class.
“Why do you guys have a skeleton? Is he…..you know real?” Alma asked, shifting from one leg to another. It was only 4 pm, but the sun was already blinding her through the window as it made it's descent toward the treeline.
“Oh! That's mister tempus, he's a mascot of sorts!” Roe explained as she walked over, taking the book out of his hands and placing it on the desk. “I dunno where Miss Bunting found him, but I think he’s a real one. She just kinda finds odd things and brings them home. She does it with stray cats also.” Roe held up the skeleton's wrist, shaking it in a wave. “Do you want to come see?”
“No no thank you!” Alma gave a curt wave as she looked around the room to see if there were any more objects of interest she could focus her attention on besides the woman. Except for a few hand drawn diagrams and a huge bookcase in the left corner, nothing else caught her eyes.
“Oh wow yer' really as tiny as you look!” Alma jumped as the husky voice was suddenly right next to her. “Sorry there love, forgot to actually introduce myself” the Irish girl stood up, then curtsied with surprising grace “I'm Roisin, but you can call me Roe if it's easier fer ya.” Roe chirped then offered Alma her freckled hand. The 10 year old looked back at the window where Miss Avocet had left.
“Guess I don't have a choice.” She thought, grabbing the huge hand being offered to her. Roe smiled, holding the door open for her. "Rough hands..." Alma noted. “How old are you?” she asked aloud to the older girl
Oh me?” Roisin glanced down “I just turned 16 a fortnight ago” she chuckled as she relocked the door. “How old were you guessin?”
Alma tugged at her sleeve “uh…… older.” She mumbled. She didn't want to admit she thought the girl was a fully 20 some odd year old woman. The peregrine stifled a yawn as she looked around the plain but cozy floral wallpapered halls. Two hall tables sat inbetween each window, overflowing with huge bouquets of flowers, all full bloomed as if they were plucked from the garden moments before they entered the hall, grown to match the wallpaper above them. Pictures also littered the hall of many people, all in different settings and backgrounds. Even the mauve colored carpet was impeccable. Alma swore she could feel her boots sinking into the fluffy carpet with each step.
“Now, I know my accent is thick as fog, if ya need me to repeat myself, don't worry, just ask” Roe advised as she worked down the hall, shifting slightly as she looked out to the courtyard. “say, I noticed yer a bit frightened…” the Gannet paused for a moment
“O-oh what makes you say that?” Alma forced on a bittersweet smile, but flinched as Roe bent down in front her, but left a good bit in-between them.
“Is it me causin’ ya the fright ?” Roe asked gently, “I won't be mad if you say yes."
Alma blinked a few times looking at anything but the woman in front of her as her mind scrambled for an answer “m-m n-”
“I-i shouldn't lie, mama gets mad when we lie…..but maybe I need to do so she doesn't kill me? She wouldn't kill me right? Well of course not, she's an ymbryne, but what if-” Alma wondered silently as roe stood back up, not saying a word. Alma tensed a bit, finally working up the courage to meet Roe's gaze
“Woah your eyes!” Alma forgot her terror for a moment as she stared at the icy blue eyes old flecks lingered within them. For a moment, Alma’s shoulders fell, leaving her simply staring at the gannet.
“I know, they are a bit of an odd shade" Roe quirked a small smile. "Kinda like icy waters of the Atlantic” Alma took a step forward to look at them a bit closer. She had never seen such an eye color before.
Alma suddenly broke her gaze “I'm sorry, I'm sorry I shouldn't be staring that was rude!” Alma felt her face flush as she patted her cheeks.
"Oh sweetheart your fine." Roisin waved her behavior off. “And if you're scared of me, uh …..please don't be?” Roe said awkwardly. “I-i know I'm a bit tall and big” she shuffled “I know I scare the kids sometimes too. Just comes with being over 6 feet ya know?”
Alma stayed silent, her eyes downcast at the carpet. What was she supposed to even say to make her situation better? The girl already knew Alma thought she was scary! The peregrine bit her lip "I probably made her feel horrible!" She thought.
“Don't worry love” Roe tried another approach to make herself look less imposing, taking a seat on one of the arm chairs, faking tying her leather boots.“ I promise, I'll try to be the best sister and friend to ya. I can be. So if you need anything, just ask okay? Miss Avocet told me yer room is across from mine, so if ya need anything’, night or day, just come in okay?” Roe explained, but looked away as she rubbed a hand over her face.
“I-i didn't mean to make you cry!” Alma quickly hugged the gannet without a second thought. Roisin couldn't help but laugh slightly as rubbed her eyes.
"She probably thinks I hate her!” Alma thought fearfully, feeling her heart twinge. “I don't hate you I promise!” Alma blurted out before she thought better of it. Roe gasped, but then shook her head, a strain chuckle coming out as she patted Alma's head.
“It's not you dear. I had a baby sister yer age.” roe shrugged weakly, a bittersweet smile on her light pink lips. “she…..went home to the Lord recently, been battling an illness for a while, and it finally took her. Just got the letter from my ma a week ago.” the gannet sighed. Her eyes lingered for a moment more on Alma as she took a breath. "She was about the same height as ya, just as shy too, you jus’ remind me of her a bit.” Roe stood back up. “Sorry I didn't mean to jus drop that on ya.” She rubbed the back of her neck. “I'm not usually that emotional”
“i'm so sorry” Alma squeezed Roe's hand as her mind shifted towards her own brothers. Where were they? She hadn't seen them in nearly 2 weeks. What if something happened to them? Alma plunged her tongue to the roof of her mouth in an attempt to control the tears budding in her eyes, taking a few breaths to calm down. The Ymbrynes would keep her brother safe. “plus they are both strong!” Alma reasoned, finally calming down
“Thanks…. Now let's go meet your other sisters. If your as lovely to them as you were to me, you will have some fast friends! "Roisin promised as she started to work to get her hair back into a bun. Alma followed her, finally feeling a bit more at ease as she took Roe's hand back once she finished up her hair.
after walking up two flights of oddly narrow stairs, the pair finally made it to a set of lace curtained French style parlour doors. “Let's see” roe cupped her hand to the glass, peaking in “Ah Millie and Alice! They are both around yer age.” Roe opened the door and held it for Alma, ushered the girl inside.
Alma stepped in as Roe shut the door, immediately being bombarded by a girl with bright blond curls and two very warm brown eyes. “Hi Alma. My name is Millie! Millicent thrush! I'm 12 years old and I hope we can be friends! I love your hair, and those boots are smashing! Do you like the color blue? It suits you so well, especially with that hair, You can sit next to me in-"
“for goodness sake Millie don't scare her off her first day!” A stern voice came from the next girl sitting next to her. “You're gonna give her a stress induced heart attack!” She snapped as she smacked her book closed with one hand and leaving it on the wood table where she had been reading it. Alma stood up on her toes, reading the cover while Millie gave a half response to Alice.
“The Blue Fairy book”. Alma read aloud as Alice quickly grabbed the book off the table, holding it in her lap upside down as she avoided Millie's smug gaze.
“Don't be like that Alice” Roe chastised gently as she poured herself a cup of tea from the kettle that was in the roaring hearth. “Millie here is very easily excited by life’s little joys. It's a good way to live.” the gannet explained as she took a sip of her tea and offered Alma a cup. The peregrine shook her head, turning her attention back to the two younger girls who continued bickering.
“Maybe you should try it sometime Alice! It's so much better than the gloom and doom your used too!” Millie poked Alice's cheek lightly. The tiny girl huffed but sat up straighter when she realized it was her turn to introduce herself to the newcomer.
“Good day. I'm Alice Marie Jones, or Alice Treecreeper. I'm 13 years old, have been training for Ymbrynehood for about 6 months now.” she said, moving to resume her reading once she finished. Alma looked up at Roisin who gave a soft sigh, turning towards the huge glass windows that lined the room. Soft green curtains covered each one to prevent most of the light from seeping in.
“Alice, you must open these while you're reading, you know what Miss’s rule is I know ya do!” Roe exclaimed as she opened the curtains but continued speaking as she opened up the window, sticking wood inside the base to prop them open.
Alma gently took a seat in the third arm chair in half circle around the burning hearth. “I love the book you're reading, Alice.” Alma tried to start a conversation. This is how her brother Jack made friends, so why didn't she try it out also? "My mama reads it to me and my brothers a lot!” Alma commented on the fairytale book, then turned and looked around the elaborate parlour, taking note of the multiple bookshelves stacked with books of all shapes and sizes, neatly tucked into the wallpapered walls. “You all have enough books to have your own library!” the Ravenette exclaimed
Millie rolled her eyes, leaning over the couch edge “reading is my least favorite thing, and that's all Alice does! She's the most positively boring roommate!” She lightly nudged Alice who didn't respond, simply turning her page with a huff but looked back at Alma.
“wait until you see the real library. Miss Avocet believes strongly in reading and the arts.” Alice said as she pulled her shawl tighter to her shoulders as if the room was chilly. “So do you have a favorite book?” Alice asked curiously. “Miss may have it, and if not she will get it for you if you ask. Millie here doesn't know how to read, nor will she ever appreciate it's true magnificence,, it's nice that someone else enjoys it here." She directed her words at her companion who rolled her eyes.
“Do you see how she treats me?!” Millie flopped on the couch dramatically as Alma giggled, but then paused for a moment and thought. Did she have a favorite book? “I don't think I have a favorite one. I like most everything I read” Alma finally gave an answer. Alice nodded, looking down at her book again.
“That's lovely”
“What's your favorite book?” Alma asked back as Roe joined the half circle hair remained standing. Alice closed her book again, but didn't pause at all to think as she took her glasses off to clean them.
“Gray’s Anatomy, specifically the 8th edition from 1877 .” She said automatically as Millie couldn't help but stifle a chuckle.
Alma tilted her head, a quirked smile adorning her face. “isn't that like an adult book?” she asked. She vaguely remembered seeing Myron with a book similar to that name. Alma had barely taken a glance at it before her mother told him to stop reading it since it was for adults, and took it from him. “Wonder if she ever gave that back?” she thought as Alice nodded.
“Yes, it's a medical book. I like studying the human body and its capabilities, especially in a peculiar sense.” Alice shrugged “My parents never had children's books like this, they said it’s brain rot.” She held up the book. “but I really like fairy tales alot too,” she admitted sheepishly.
“We all like different things” Alma smiled “I like fairy tales also. They are probably my favorite genre to read.” She said as Roe came back from opening the last window.
“We all like to cling to our fairy tales until the price in believing them becomes too high” Alice shrugged “then we are pulled back to reality.”
“Alice, she’s like 8 years old, stop going all philosophical on her.” Millie teased as Alma's hand was taken up by roe to move on, so she didn't have the chance to mention her real age to them. She gave a wave to the pair and then turned back towards the door. “Come see us if you have free time after supper today! I can show you how to get to the candy store !” Millie bounced in her seat. “and I think I'm down the hall from you if you ever need anything!” She welcomed Alma, getting up and hugging the tiny girl. Alma broke into a smile “she's so bubbly” she thought.
“That stuff is bad for your teeth and you sleep like your dead Millicent” Alice grumbled as she flipped her page and continued reading “I'll be awake if you need anything ever though.” Alice called after Alma as the door clicked closed.
“We should keep moving, yes?” Roe asked, “Enid and Cathy are down in the garden.”
Alma nodded, following the tall girl outside into the vine entangled archway. Fresh honeysuckle had bloomed on nearly every square inch of the trellis that marked the entrance to the courtyard. Flowers of many different shades and sizes dappled the grounds underneath the towering willow and maple trees. A few wooden swings creaked in the light winds that brought light wisps of fresh rain on the horizon.
“who takes care of the gardens here?” Alma gasped as Roisin as she moved a few willow branches back to reveal two teenagers were seated on a conversation bench, chatting away underneath the dark clouds.
“Miss Avocet assigns us each a plot to take care of. They are all peculiar varieties engineered for loop life, so they grow without constraints of a loop reset.” the gannet explained. “she might assign you to just help someone else sense all the beds are taken up though and sense we are so close to harvest….” roe answered as she ushered Alma underneath the branches of the willow tee “It's a friendly competition. Every year whoever has the best bed at the end of harvest gets to pick a field trip!”
“And I seriously was thinking about giving in and backhanding the guy, because how rude to be so disrespectful to Miss Sandpiper!? she's a little old grandma!”
“Enid, Catherine, say hello!” Roisin exclaimed loudly, catching both of them off guard as a warning to shut their mouths. Both of the girls quickly hushed, turning towards the taller woman.
“Oh my goodness….” The teenager to the right blinked, moving her long black braids to the side.“how precious! She's so petite.” She gave a calm smile.
“Alma, why don't you introduce yourself?” Roisin nudged her forward. Alma looked up at her and then back at the two women.
“I guess the others were very kind” Alma thought, then stood up straighter and curtsied “I'm Alma, Alma Bentham”
“Oh love we aren't worth even a curtsy! Save that for the important people!” One of them chuckled, then the other continued. “I'm Catherine, Catherine swallow, or rather glassbill.”
Alma felt her face flush “o-oh okay” she took Roe’s hand again, squeezing it. “Why do you have two last names? That's really fancy” Alma asked curiously as she took a seat on the bench across the garden with the gannet beside her.
“Well, I'm a swallow, but there is already a Miss Swallow. To avoid confusion, I picked a different name. Had to pick two words I was positive this one could spell, so I had her pick a random one” Cathy pointed to the blonde teenager beside her.
Enid rolled her eyes, throwing one of the broken flower buds at the other girl, but directed her attention back to Alma. “She does unfortunately have me there, I can't spell to save my life.” Eve laughed. “But hello, I'm Yvette Rose Finch, or just Eve will do fine. You might've met my Auntie, Miss Cora Finch While at the council. She said she would be there the next few days."
“You have an aunt who's a ymbryne too!?” Alma gasped “Miss Bobolink told me that was near impossible yesterday!” she smiled maybe Jack and Myron would get lucky also?
“it's incredibly rare. Most don't have any other peculiars in our families. I just got….lucky. One in a million chance” she shifted, looking down at the floor as a less-than-well hidden frown appeared. Roe nudged Eve as Cathy shifted to Alma, taking her attention from the woman.
“So what's your bird?” Catherine quickly picked up the conversation for her friend before the young girl could ask anymore questions.
“A peregrine” Alma rocked on her heels. “Miss Bobolink told me birds of prey are rare” she recounted the woman from the council when they met last week. The bobolink was very charming, even going out of her way to make Alma some Oatmeal when she didn't care for the bananas the council gave her for breakfast.
“They are. Peregrine's are beautiful!” Roisin chimed in “I suppose that's where you got that feather clip in your hair huh?” she asked, her fingers lightly brushing the top of the feather
“That's from my old ymbryne miss Dottrel. She made it for me!” Alma unclipped it and held it up for Roisin. The Irish girl brushed her calloused fingers along the feather, then handed it back
“I didn't know you had an Ymbryne before this” Roe explained. "We assumed you were brought here straight away."
“They told me I was too young to come to the academy when I was first taken in by miss Dottrel. She took me in when I was really young and kept me until I just turned ten last week!” she explained.
“You must be quite impressive then” Cathy said as she stood up. “Miss Avocet doesn't usually take girls this young, it's amazing that at this age you were even able to transform.” Cathy added, “took me till I was 15, and I'm only 16 now.”
“It is indeed impressive.” Eve chuckled softly. “Maybe if your skills are as good as your manners, you can teach the boy I encountered yesterday at Miss Loon's loop.” she muttered more to Catherine as she suppressed a laugh.
“I suppose it's time we head in for supper, no?” Cathy asked as she moved the branches back. Eve got up with a nod, stretching her arms “Yeah we should hear in. I'm surprised Miss Avocet even let Miss B back in the kitchen to cook supper yesterday after last week's incident " she mused.
“Miss Bunting nearly lit the whole kitchen on fire.” Roe told Alma who cupped a hand to her mouth, her eyes widening "She usually isn't allowed to cook, but Miss Avocet lets her take a swing at it every so often to see if she has improved at all."
"Or remind her why she isn't allowed to in the first place" Eve chuckled as she grabbed her papers up off the bench, returning her paperclip to them
“I didn't, dear. She's still not allowed to cook for one reason or another.” Miss Avocet suddenly appeared from the side of the house with two young men in tow. Alma turned around, as the other girls quickly took notice of the boys. "and to be fair, she did only manage to catch the curtain on fire this time and ruin my favorite pan this time. " The headmistress said as the boys looked around the vast gardens.
“Jack! Myron!” Alma ran up and hugged Jack tight. Miss Avocet watched with a faint smile. "They truly must be close with one another. How heartwarming" the headmistress thought, the warm greeting cementing her decision to take in the boys. She knew Amelia wouldn't throw a fit, but she still felt something in heart nagging her against the decision, but for now, she would put that on hold.
“We have decided that your brothers will stay here so as to not break your family up. You all seem very close and I want you to grow up with them.” Miss Avocet explained. Alma nodded, hugging Myron who much more readily accepted the hug than jack. Miss Avocet nodded, then looked over at the trio of teenage girls
“Eve why do you have that sour look on your face?” Miss Avocet asked “that's a bit unbecoming of a young lady to stand there with your mouth agape” she chastised. Eve quickly shut her mouth but turned to Catherine, pulling her close while they all walked up
towards the home that was practically glowing in the hazy waning sunlight.
“That's the boy! The boy from yesterday!” She hissed, holding Catherine back so the others could walk ahead “that's who was rude to Miss Sandpiper!” Jack turned back, his eyes narrowing onto Eve as she glared right back.