The Grimbriar Gazette | Issue No. XI
Weather
The weatherstone is wet and vibrating, therefore it is thunderstorming. Two toads have huddled beneath a mushroom cap on the weatherstone's South side, so the storm will likely carry on through Wednesday. A lone bat was found crawling over the top of the stone, which hasn't happened in over a hundred years. The toads seem rather nervous about it.
Lost & Found
Lost: A music box that plays Chopin. Will likely begin crying if away from me for too long. Please return to Samira at dinner.
Found: An ornate silver hand mirror. Offers back-handed compliments when looked into. Left at the front entrance.
Found: A pair of spectacles turn everything a lovely shade of pink. Found and left on the floor of the student library, third aisle.
Gossip
The Great Sock Strike
The laundry sprites of Grimbriar have officially laid down their washboards. Early Monday morning, students woke to find laundry baskets returned to their doors unwashed, each with a small note pinned to the top. The notes, written in very tiny and very angry handwriting, read: "NO MORE CRAWLY SOCKS."
According to the head washer Tolly Thimble, the decision was a long time coming.
"We have washed the laundry of Grimbriar for two hundred years without complaint," he raged, "but someone in the North Dormitories has crawling socks. We will not wash socks that crawl. Do you know how badly a sock has to stink for it crawl? Very bad!!"
The sprites have since gathered in the boiler room, where they have refused to budge until their demands are met. Their demands include: a full investigation into the crawling socks, a written apology from the student, and a weekly bowl of cream with honey. Headmistress Hennenthorpe has agreed to the terms, and the sprites agree to return to work next week.
In the meantime, a laundry washing class has opened to students willing to learn a new skill. We suspect there will be many shrunken sweaters and pink-tinted whites before they master the art of laundry.
Rumors
Midnight Mail for the Headmistress
Nightowl students have reported unusual deliveries to the Academy. Every night this week, just after midnight, a large black owl has been seen fluttering through the halls on its way to the Headmistress' office, carrying an envelope in its beak. Dedicated snoops have landed themselves in trouble with the Headmistress just to get a peek at the envelopes, said to be an elegant shade of burgundy and sealed with black wax. One student even reported that the Headmistress was reading her letters over tea while they wrote out their lines, a strange, fond smile on her face. When asked who the letters are from, she only waved her hand, tutting.
"Never you mind, it's just an old friend."
Familiar Faces
Meet Lopsy, Beloved Journal and Secret Keeper
On the third shelf, second bookcase on the left, fourth aisle of the Student Library, you'll find a book with a simple and lovingly worn cover. For over a hundred years, this linen-bound journal has passed through the hands of countless Grimbriar students. When opened, you'll find page after page of clean, empty parchment for your writing pleasure. You may also be surprised to hear a voice coming from the pages. The voice, deemed Lopsy by students, has been described countless ways.
"It sounds like my mum," confesses Victoria Hardy, becoming teary eyed. "When I really needed to talk to her most. She's not around anymore. I know it's not her...but sometimes you just need to hear your mum's voice."
Lopsy isn't just a blank book to students, but rather a confidant. When plucked from the shelf, it is often found in the lap of a homesick or weary-hearted student, who writes on the empty pages their woes, worries, and frustrations. Lopsy is always present for these confessions, offering warm words of wisdom and support. When finished, students find that their words lift right off the pages and dissipate into curls of lavender-scented smoke. We interviewed the journal, to the best of our ability.
"You won't gather any secrets or heartaches from me, little one. Those are not my stories to share," the journal said kindly.
Word Search
This Week’s Menu at Grimbriar Hall
As always, every meal can be altered to meet the dietary needs of any student upon request.
Monday
Breakfast: Brown butter apple pancakes, cinnamon cream, warm spiced milk
Lunch: Roasted red pepper soup, toasted cheddar bread, sparkling blood orange fizz
Dinner: Spicy lentil and beef curry, spongy fermented flatbreads, lime spritz
Tuesday
Breakfast: Soft scrambled eggs with chives, toasted brioche, raspberry tea
Lunch: Beet and goat cheese salad, warm walnut bread, pomegranate spritz
Dinner: Braised short ribs in red wine sauce, creamy mashed potatoes, spiced plum tonic
Wednesday
Breakfast: Cranberry orange scones, clotted cream, warm rosehip tea
Lunch: Tomato and basil bisque, grilled cheese toasties, chilled cherry cider
Dinner: Masala-marinated lamb shank, roasted butternut squash, warm chai
Thursday
Breakfast: Red velvet waffles, whipped cream cheese, hot cocoa
Lunch: Roast beef sandwiches with horseradish cream, pickled red onions, blackberry fizz
Dinner: Shepherd's pie, buttered peas, warm spiced cranberry punch
Friday
Breakfast: Jiggly steamed eggs, soy and sesame green onions, barley tea
Lunch: Creamy potato and leek soup, buttered rye rolls, sparkling raspberry tonic
Dinner: Pan-seared salmon with dill, lemon-roasted potatoes, elderberry punch
Saturday
Breakfast: Cinnamon apple turnovers, soft-boiled eggs, warm honey milk
Lunch: Chicken and dumpling soup, warm buttermilk biscuits, blood orange lemonade
Dinner: Spicy braised tofu, garlic and sesame cucumber salad, iced melon tea
Sunday
Breakfast: Strawberry cream crepes, crisp bacon strips, hot spiced cider
Lunch: Turkey and cranberry croissants, roasted beet chips, sweet iced tea
Dinner: Beef and barley stew, crusty warm bread, mulled cherry punch
I love the puzzle and the menu...mean i can adapt it for my use
I just wanted to say that I love the Grimbriar Gazette. I await it every Sunday! I originally used it to get into Charm Post and I'm totally going to subscribe to it! Keep up the good work!