Re Written: 28.3.13

tell me if you like it.

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Dear Sebastian,

I’ve made it along with Viola to the ‘Maidens Institute of Fine Etiquette’ somewhere in Europe, Switzerland I think. I’m sure I can’t be the only one freezing here. Did you know all the other girls are related, they’re Viola’s cousins and relatives, all nine of them. But Viola is by far the prettiest of them all, but she clings to me and remains silent the whole time.

It’s like they don’t know each other. Or are they all just being mean? Also I just found out that only the selective few get into this school, mostly with some connection to the throne.

Why did Ava send me here? Also why Effie? She makes it clear she doesn’t like it here and as soon as she was out of Ava’s sight she has been causing trouble for the rest of us.

Sorry to keep this short but, Ms Taringa is calling us to ensemble in the dining room. I hope this fish knows where it’s going.

~Aubrey.

My dearest Aubrey,

Yes, I know the place you are talking about. I’ll try and get through your questions so bear with me.

As for you being cold, I never thought to tell you this but, your colouring gives you away as being a tropical fish. Probably why you liked swimming in Australia so much. Also I am quite aware of the exclusiveness of the Institute, you are there because of being engaged to a Count. Effie id there because she overstepped the line of acceptable and Ava wishes for Ms Taringa to ‘knock that attitude right out of her system’, Ava’s words not mine. As for Viola; she and her sisters really don’t get that much exposure to other mers, even within their own family, hence why she clings to you.

Don’t be too harsh on the other girls for being that way. Also I’m surprised you hadn’t noticed, Viola has always been silent around you. She is partly siren and therefore has one of the most amazing singing voices and preserves it for concerts only. We will be attending one in a months’ time.

As for Effie, just remain your sweet beautiful self, and don’t come home with an arm missing or something. I’ve got to keep this letter short for the Messenger trawl. Miss you.

~Sebastian.

Sebastian,

Remember that time I got lost in the palace? Well I had found my way into some old library where I met this beautiful old mer, Genevieve. You never told me she was your great grandmother! Or that she is the principal of this school! She’s going to murder me, she is nothing like she was in the library. She glares at me probably thinking I’m some sort of harlot trying to take her grandson away from her.

As for classes, they are boring. We, even including Effie, already know which fork to use and all the basic dinner table manners. Mother was quite strict on proper etiquette and behaviour when I was little. Teaching me my knife and fork before, teaching me to tie my shoes.

Looking at the other courses, it is pretty much the same stuff mum has been shoving down my throat since I was four. But it was more for being a high class business woman than a proper posh gentle lady. Though i will admit although I have learnt about planning and the running of events, I have never actually held one. The beauty courses will be new to me, and I actually might learn how to look pretty for once. But I have nothing against the others. I love how everyone, is beautiful under the ocean. A topside duck like me has got no chance against a swan mermaid.

~Aubrey

Aubrey,

I never want to hear you imply that you’re ugly again! I don’t care what anyone else thinks and neither should you. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and you’re mine. Remember that. As for my great grandmother, you never told me that you had met her or vice versa. But I can’t believe that she has any resentment for you, granted she is strict but never cruel.

Moving on. I’m already missing your cooking, everyone is, especially me. I’ve had to return back to my peanut butter and jellyfish sandwiches and ‘tacos’. What’s the food like there? It feels strange writing this in bed and not having you next to me. Well nighty night.

~Sebastian.

GOOD MORNING YOU LAZY BONE! I bet I just woke you up. I specially made sure this fish would annoy you until you woke up. Just because I’m not there doesn’t me you can slack off. Up you get, and don’t put that green tie with that pin stripe shirt. In answer to your question, the foods alright…it part of class, in that we should politely eat whatever is put in front of us, unless under certain circumstances, like allergies or possible food poisoning.

I must keep this short but I just wanted to remind you there are some leftovers in the freezer and that sandwich you mention sounds vile. Say hi to everyone for me.

~Aubrey

Dear Sebastian,

Concerning your fiancé, who is the loveliest creature, I would like you to desist in your communication with her. I wish for her to do well, as should you, and will be pushing her to achieve high. However her fascination in you is proving to be a distraction.

Also, what the sea god’s name were you thinking, letting that sweet child get so battered up and then letting Ava send that wench, Ephemera, who is causing hassles for everyone. Never have I come across such a vulgar woman. What type of model was she? Also tell Ava that ‘we are now even’. If anything she is in debt to me now.

Now back to Aubrey, I knew she was yours the moment I met her, a bit timid and too innocent for her own good. But I must say I approve of her greatly, and am looking forward to when I will get to see my great great grandchildren, scurrying around the ocean floor. So stop fumbling around and hurry up and woo this little cutie. Do it before someone else does, I’m having trouble keeping the male staff at bay. I can see when we get to dance class I’m going to keep a very close tabs on them.

‘Temptress’ goodness me, what idiot came up with that name? I don’t want my newly found great granddaughter getting hurt or lost, so get your act together. Where’s my organized professional grandson I know and love?

So please desist with your letters for the time being. I know it will be hard on the both of you but please understand I need her thoughts here on her schooling.

Forever your Great Grand mama

~Genevieve

Sebastian?

If you didn’t get my last letter, that’s ok. Anyway today we have learnt about on how to sit properly in a variety of chairs. After class Ms Taringa kept me back and made me do each chair another dozen times, which meant I missed out on half of lunch and I wasn’t allowed to scoff my face. If they catch you taking a too big a chunk, they swat you over the fingers. I fear I’m going to lose weight and wither away to nothing. Nothing I tell you! Effie is being a rightful pain as usual making a joke out the everything. I admit learning to sit is kind of stupid, but…err. I’ll spare you the details.

We will have a cooking class later today, which is going to be exceptionally fun, and I finally get to learn some proper ocean cuisine. Can we go to a restaurant sometime when I get back? It doesn’t have to anything exceptionally fancy. So how was work today? Anything new? Are the daughters of Atlantis missing Viola? I’m missing our afternoon chats. You there?

~Aubrey

Dear Sebastian,

It has been nothing but constant learning. Ms Taringa is being exceptionally mean, keeping me back to perfect all aspect of this course. I feel like I could fall asleep just writing to you. Jet lag is also getting to me.

Anyway I hope the trawls aren’t getting lost.

~Aubrey.

Sebastian?

You there? Please reply, I miss you.

~Aubrey

Dear Brother,

I have never felt so lonely in my entire life or hungry for that matter. As you probably noticed Aubrey was in the papers again, for being attached by Ephemera, Almond’s Halfling singer. It astounds me that although we are in almost the exact same situation, the difference is startling. Whereas Aubrey rarely complains even on trivial matters she is generally well behaved and composed, Ephemera is the complete opposite. She complains, is loud and obnoxious and shows no compassion to Almond or anyone else for that matter. And as I understand it, her previous occupation as a ‘model’, has made it difficult for her to get used to a more humble lifestyle. I suppose she has this theory that she should have had better material status as Aubrey. But to be honest I’m wary of spoiling Aubrey, she knows about my title, and I knew she would have some preconceived ideas about it. I have hopefully diminished those thoughts from her, it is not something I’m proud of, but it is necessary for us to build this relationship on feelings and not on my large bank balance or estates. This is the only lie I’ve told her, and some days I just wish to take her to my home in either Indonesia or more likely the Fiji villa. She loves the tropics.

I’ve seen Almond attempting to fill this gap for Ephemera. But as the saying goes, ‘money can’t buy happiness.’

I’d hate to get in a catfish fight, judging solely on the condition of Aubrey’s back. That girl can sure take a beating. Not a cry or whimper from her, never complaining about the pain, a few wincers but most of her concern was avoiding me, trying to bandage her up. She cleaned the entire house trying to get out of it. But after a little pre-planned spat we’ve got some more trust between us and hopefully its smooth sailing from here on in.

Anyway back to the point at hand; because Ephemera attacked Aubrey, Ava has somehow come up with this wacky idea about sending the both of them along with Viola to finishing school. You know Great Grandmother Gen’s one.

So now Aubrey sends me messenger trawls a couple of times a day, telling me what’s new and happening over at’ Maidens Institute of Fine Etiquette’. Many of which have various questions about an array of topics. Like she never noticed Viola never spoke. All these questions made it difficult for me to get to asking her questions when the page is fill nearly with answers.

But from her letters, I gather she is doing ok. The other girls keep to themselves while Ephemera teasers her. Luckily, Aubrey is thick skinned and doesn’t retaliate much. She also feels that Great Grandmama is picking on her. During her last visit, she actually met Aubrey, and is now determined in making her part of the family. Judging from the letters, I guess she is really pushing Aubrey to succeed above the rest.

Thus she sent a letter to me requesting me to stop sending Aubrey trawls. As it was somehow a distraction. Aubrey only sent three after I stopped replying. It is only the third day of her course.

I feel terrible as I can see the pain I’m causing her through her letters.

Your brother,

~Sebastian

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I hope that you didn’t get too confused by the changing of letters.

So we do get a glimpse of Finishing school, also re-meet the supposably mean great grandmother, Genevieve. And then we finish off with a letter to the mysterious brother. Well isn’t Sebastian a popular delivery spot.

Anyway, is this chapter ok? I’m not sure if its what you guys wanted.

Oh heres a picture of Ava, I found it today and it is exactly what I pictured her looking like(well her hair is a bit too long and I wish she was smiling   --------->