Since the Guild insists I provide full transparency, I suppose I should introduce the boy they’ve chained me to.
This is Sebastian Ashcroft, Laurean Scholar, top of his class, and apparently so brilliant that the Guild decided only he could keep me in line. He’s 20, already insufferably arrogant about it, and corrects my spelling mid-conversation (yes, aloud).
They say he was sent to “edit my dispatches” and “uphold the dignity of Aurelia.” Translation: make sure my notes don’t read like adventures and daydreams, but like proper Guild records.
He calls himself a scholar. I call him a chaperone with spectacles. He’ll tell you he’s here to maintain accuracy. I’ll tell you he’s here because I was “getting too wild.” Both are true.
So, welcome Sebastian. Do try not to believe everything he writes.
— Audrye 🌿