#humspeaks

[fivefatedfriends]

Hum looked at Jupiter, fast asleep in her nest of blankets, pillows, and twigs. She stuck another twig into the quilted blanket covering him for good measure before exiting the dorm.

"Bye bye Jupes!"

She bounded along the halls, skipping through the academy as she explored.

[fivefatedfriends]

Hum perked up at Jupiter arrived, only to pause. Something unusual was afoot. Something unfamiliar.

"Jupiter-... you're frowning."

"Am I?"

Jupiter smiled widely, reaching down to ruffle the smaller birdfolk's hair. Hum shook their head rapidly to join in, then looked up.

"Your eyes look sad still. Are you sad?"

"Sadness is for the dull and witless, Hum, and I am delightful. I was merely in thought! This Lilly is fascinating, truly. Have you heard about her book?"

"The letter?"

"No, no, a cursed text she was reading! I am quite curious. I was thinking, perhaps when she is preoccupied elsewhere, we can indulge ourselves on the text."

Hum's eyes brightened. Her observation faded entirely, replaced by excitement.

"Celina mentioned a cursed replica thingy that Par heard about! Maybe it's a book!"

He paused. Then lit up even brighter.

We're stealing it?"

"Would you like to?"

"Yes! Absolutely! As soon as possible!"

"Then I suppose our hands are tied- ah, a turn of phrase, an idiom specifically."

"Huh?"

Hum wasn't listening anymore, leaning from side to side excitedly.

"We take tonight?"

"Lilly is in her room, dearest. Best to wait for a distraction."

"Okay! Come on, come on, let me tell you about the dopple-thingy!"

Hum beamed, grabbing Jupiter's hand.

"You don't have to be sad if you have me! Come on! We can play chess again too!"

Jupiter let himself relax, just slightly.

"I fear your success is an... unlikely fate."

"Yeah but I wanna learn it!"

"In that case, I delight in teaching. Birdling, it will be my honor to utterly decimate you at chess while we speak."

Hum beamed, not quite understanding all his words, but thrilled nonetheless. She pulled them to her room, pulling out the chessboard they had lent her just a few days before, letting them set up the board while she rambled upon.

[fivefatedfriends]

"But it looked tasty-"

"Absolutely not. Repeat it again, Hum."

"But-... fiiine. I will not eat paper without getting permission from Celina first..."

"Again."

"I will not eat paper without getting permission- can Jupiter give me permission?"

"No, but Parav can because he won't abuse it to mess with you."

"...what in the world did I miss?"

"Hum ate paper again."

"It looks tasty!"

"It does not. Where've you been?"

"Library. I had something weird happen- actually, does anyone in this place know anything about ghosts or mimics or- stuff like that?"

"I heard someone mention a Nem in the hallway once, maybe they do?"

"I'll try that. Thanks. Uh- don't eat paper."

"Awww..."

[fivefatedfriends]

A bouquet of yellow wildflowers lay just outside the groups dorm with a note attached in legible but not great handwriting

★ Why hello! You 4(?) I think there's 4 of you, right? Whatever, I wanted to say hi and welcome you to Tigris! Hope you all are doing well!!

◆ @Lilly-Tanglewood, the flower mage

P.s. if you need anything, whether a friend, food, or flowers I'm in room 230! :]

Celina looked down at the flowers for a moment, scanning them over before reaching to the note and letting out a laugh.

"Hah! Guys, we got a letter!"

Hum poked her head outside his room,

"A letter?"

"From a flower mage. Room 230, they seem nice."

Celina looked at the flowers while Hum rushed over to see the note, before dropping it without a second glace. Then picked it up and stared. An internal debate was happening.

"Do you think these are magically grown? I wonder if there's a difference in it..."

Celina looked at Hum, who had made up his mind and stuffed the letter in her mouth.

"Wh- no! No, drop it, no eating paper!"

[fivefatedfriends]

Well, darlings. I suppose introductions are in order? 

Introductions~? Like hellos! Hello!

How about we start with names? We share a dorm, it’s only right we know what to call each other.

I’ll go first. I’m Celina. I’ve never been to any sort of academy this big, it’s incredible here!

And a fun fact?

We never agreed to a fun fact.

He speaks! Delightful, you’ve been avoiding speech thus far. What is upon your ears, friend?

…headphones? Um– it’s just loud.

I remember seeing you in the trial, right. They were on your neck then, did the awakening make it louder?

Yeah. Um, yeah.

What do we do if we don’t have a name?

You don’t have a name?

I do, but not with this throat!

You were a bird once, yes? What did you like to do?

I still am- and sing!

Singer isn’t much of a name… hm…

Hum!

Hum? Is that the name? Uh- nevermind, so-... sorry, did you two share your names?

Jupiter von Wyndham, at your service!

Um. Parav. I don't have to bow too, right?

Of course not. It’s nice to meet you all.