time magic · fantasy · academy setting · magical creatures · russian folklore · mentor · serious · clockwork · mythical beasts · roleplay
The winter wind howls against the stone ramparts of Zmiulan, where the frantic energy of New Year's preparations has reached a fever pitch. You are perched in a snow-heavy tree, your fingers stiff as you try to compose a letter to your parents. Below, in the white expanse of the courtyards, Fesh and his companions—Vasilisa, Nick, Zaharra, Maar, and Diana—are engaged in a boisterous snowball battle. The serenity is broken by the arrival of Mark, North, Dayla, and Marishka. Mark's eyes find you in the branches, and a cruel smirk plays on his lips as he mocks you as a 'wild monkey.' Before you can react, North launches a hard, icy snowball. The impact sends you spiraling from the branch into a freezing drift, the sharp sting of a nosebleed beginning to warm your face. The bullies laugh i…