Sitting in the grass near the great lake, an assignment in her lap, Hayley's attention drifted toward the owl flying toward her. Tilting her head, the First year shoved her homework back into her open messenger bag and pulled out one dragonhide glove, which she slipped onto her left hand.

"Here, Hector!" The small girl shouted toward the sky, arm outstretched as she waited for the large barn owl to land. He belonged to her family. Once his talons gripped the glove, Hayley carefully untied the letters attached to his leg, and pocketed them. "Let's get you to the owlery."