Writing the Third Letter to the Custodians
After a day filled with regular classes and the lingering excitement from the Midnight Trials, Harry returns to his dormitory. The room is quiet, with only the soft rustling of the evening breeze outside and the occasional caw from Nyx. The calm atmosphere feels perfect for reflection, and Harry knows he needs to document his thoughts and share them with the Custodians. He sits at his desk, takes out a fresh piece of parchment, dips his quill in ink, and pauses for a moment, collecting his thoughts. This letter feels important; it marks a significant point in his journey at Arcanum Isle—not just because of the trials, but also because of his growing interactions with the heirs of the Nine Continents.
He begins by describing the Midnight Trials in detail, recounting the challenges his team faced and how they worked together to overcome them. The intensity of the trials had pushed him to his limits, both physically and mentally. "Each night brought new obstacles," he writes, "and while I felt stretched to my limits, it was in those moments that I discovered what I'm truly capable of." He reflects on how the trials were not just a test of magical skill, but also of character and teamwork.
He then turns his thoughts to his teammates, particularly Seraphina. Their relationship has always been complicated, a mixture of rivalry and grudging respect. "Seraphina and I have always had our differences," he notes, "but the trials showed me that even those who challenge us the most can be the key to our success." Harry still feels uncertain about where he stands with her, but he acknowledges that their shared experiences during the trials have changed the dynamic between them.
Next, he writes about his recent encounter with the heirs of the Nine Continents. He describes each of them briefly and their initial interactions. While they congratulated him on his success in the trials, Harry admits he is unsure of what to make of them. "I've met the heirs of the Nine Continents," he continues. "While they were polite and congratulatory, I can't help but feel there's more beneath the surface. They're powerful, each in their own right, and I'm not sure yet if they're potential allies, rivals, or something else entirely. It's clear they'll play a significant role in my time here, but how that will unfold is something I'm still trying to figure out."
Harry confesses to feeling torn. On one hand, he is curious about these powerful peers and what alliances with them could mean. On the other hand, he is wary, knowing that power often comes with strings attached. "I don't know how to feel about them just yet," he writes, "They're not like anyone I've encountered before, and I'm trying to navigate these new dynamics carefully."
As he nears the end of the letter, Harry expresses his desire for guidance from the Custodians. He acknowledges that while he is learning and growing, there is still much he does not understand about the complex social and political landscape of Morgana's Seat. "I welcome any advice you might have," he concludes. "I know I have a long way to go, and your wisdom has always been invaluable to me."
Carefully, Harry folds the parchment and seals it with a wax stamp. He calls Nyx over and attaches the letter to her leg. "Take this to the Custodians," he instructs softly. Nyx gives a soft caw, then flaps her wings and disappears into the night, the letter secure.
Watching Nyx fly off into the distance, Harry feels a mix of emotions—pride in what he's accomplished, curiosity about the future, and a lingering sense of uncertainty about the paths ahead. The Midnight Trials may be over, but the challenges are far from finished. With the letter sent, Harry prepares for bed, knowing that he'll need to stay sharp and ready for whatever comes next. The relationships he's begun to forge with the Nine Continents heirs will undoubtedly shape his journey at Arcanum Isle, and he's determined to navigate them wisely.