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Chapter Text

It was darker outside, the evening was coming. No one could be seen from a distance. Everyone was inside Jordan, preparing for diner. Even waiters and servants. They all groomed, changed, and gathered in the large dining room. When they arrived, everyone stood up and the Master began to recite a prayer and the others started to do as well. A little boy named Roger came running during the prayer. He could have been about 11 years old. A small pet landed on his shoulder. It was his daemon, his soul in the form of a little bird. Rodger looked across the dining room as if looking for something or someone. And he did. He watched one girl chant prayer along with all the scholars. Her name was Lyra and she was his best friend. Her daemon was an animal named Pantalaimon. Pantalaimon (Pan) had its frequent form of snow-white ermine. Lyra also looks across the dining room as if she was looking for something or someone. And when they looked at each other, Lyra stopped saying a prayer and smiled. With the last word „amen", Master finished the prayer. They all settled down and the waiters began to bring them an appetizer. Roger, a small servant, brought Lyra a plate of appetizer. She thanked him and smiled at him like no one else. Except for her Uncle Asriel, but she only saw him a while before he flew back to the North in the airship. Roger smiled at her quickly before he had to run away.

Everyone already had a plate in front of them, but they didn't start eating. The first always start Master, who sits next to Lyra (as always), only one chair away. The chair on her left was exceptionally empty. Nobody sat on it, but after all, a plate was laid on the table, It was a place left for a special guest who just arrived.

He walked into the room, more precisely a woman. She walked down a narrow aisle along with a long table. She was only a few steps away from the table and where she was supposed to sit (next to Lyra) when something suddenly popped up on the chair. It was a monkey. And not so much usual, it was a golden one. Lyra had never seen such a monkey, and she looked suspicious. Finally, the Master said, „Good evening Mrs. Coulter".

In the meantime the woman who walked to her chair, the golden monkey was sitting there and looking at Lyra all the time (the woman was looking at Lyra as well) and she smiled and replied softly „Good evening Master. Thank you for the invitation." The golden monkey was a demon of the woman. He just jumped down to the floor and Mrs. Coulter then sits on the chair.

Master then said „ Mrs. Coulter, this is our Lyra, Lyra Belacqua, the niece of Lord Asriel. Lyra, this is Mrs. Coulter, a friend of a Jordan College. She may be of some interest to you." and he looked away from them. He started talking with another scholar, who was sitting in front of him.

Lyra looked at her and smiled. She had never seen such a beautiful and young woman before. Throughout her life, she had only met female scholars from the neighboring college she hated so much. She hated it as they were dressed, and she was horrified when they once said her, if she didn't listen, they would put her on this college. But this woman. Who is she? Lyra was surprised by how she looks like. She didn't seem like other and she wasn't even dressed like them. Which is why she becomes curious even more than before.

Lyra said „oh, hello Mrs. Coulter." and looked to her with a smile on her face.

Mrs. Coulter smiling then said to her „I am not used to grandeur of this. You have to tell me which knife and fork to use. I don't want to make a fool of myself." and looked to her eyes.

Lyra then asked her: „Are you a female scholar?" and looked curiously. Mrs. Coulter answered: „You seemed surprised Lyra." still smiling fondly at her.

Lyra said: „Well, female scholars don´t dress like you." last words she almost whispered for the fear of being punished for that.

Mrs. Coulter then laughter a lot, when she heard that. „I´ll take that as a compliment. No, I´m not really a scholar. I´m a member of St. Sofia´s college and most of my work take place outside of Oxford." she then looked to Lyra with something unexpected and said „But I´m not interesting, you are. Tell me about yourself Lyra." smiling kindly.

Lyra looked to her with a surprised smile. She then said: „Me? I´m not that much interested as you. I think you are the most interesting person I have ever met. Well, except the master, my uncle Lord Asriel and my friend Rodger. There is nothing to say about me, really." and looked with a sad smile at Mrs. Coulter whom when she heard this fondly smile at her and gently brushed Lyra´s hair from her face. Speaking of Rodger, she failed and missed his presence behind her. He brought a jug of water and poured a little into the glass in front of her and said „hello Lyra“. But Lyra this time couldn't hear it. She was completely focused on that woman beside her. Meanwhile, the woman leaned her hand against a chair where Lyra sits so that Rodger wouldn't get and pour a glass of water for her too, she didn't want to lose the girl's attention on her. Roger after this just moved on to master and pour a glass of water for him too. And then continued for other scholars until he was out of sight. But Mrs. Coulter didn't care about that, neither did Lyra at the moment.

Mrs. Coulter then said something. Something that Lyra quite cheered up and also it gave Lyra curiously faces, that the woman knows it. „Well, so the reports that you are using rooftops as your private footway are completely false. Are they?"

Lyra´s face again smiling: „How do you know about that?". Indeed, how does she know about that?

They talked about the whole diner. After diner, all of them go to their room, but they waited till the master get up and leave. He leaves first this room. Always.

The lady then invited Lyra to her room for pieces of gossip which she gladly allowed, so the two of them walked through the halls of Jordan right to Mrs. Coulter´s apartment. During their way to the apartment, they were talking about different things.

Mrs. Coulter with a smile on her face said. „You´re quite something, aren't you? I'm surprised that Asriel doesn't talk about you more. You are really interesting Lyra."

Lyra then again smiling at her again to her: „You know my uncle?" with eyebrows raised.

Mrs. Coulter answered, „I met him at the Royal Arctic Institute many years ago when we were discussing some of the political things and sometimes we pump each other there. "

Lyra´s face grows even more with a surprise and joy as she heard about Institute. „Royal Arctic Institute? I've read so much about it. I would like to see it sometime with my uncle. It's really a famous place where all explorers are meeting and discussing new discoveries, isn't it? But my uncle... I rarely see him... He is often out and sometimes I don't see him for a year, sometimes even more than a year." Lyra said to Mrs. Coulter. She was sad because uncle Asriel was the only family she has. Her parents died in an airship accident when she was a baby. She never met them. All the more she was glad when her uncle arrived at Jordan College. She looked down at the floor for a second, and then she looked back at Mrs. Coulter with curiosity in her eyes. She then asked: „Are you an explorer too?" and looked at the woman with wide eyes. In truth, Lyra always wanted to know everything, she was the kind of person, who always had to know everything at all costs. So, she was often treated by her uncle for her spying on him, when he returned from the North.

Mrs. Coulter watched her all that time and so she saw when Lyra glanced on the floor so she stopped on their way and gave a smile to Lyra, who stopped immediately as well. The lady was aware that the girl was a bit upset down so she gently laid her right hand on Lyra´s face and cupped her cheek to cheer her up, then she spoke with a joyful tone of her voice  „Such a grand word! But yes, I suppose I am. And I can take you to Arctic Institute one day if you want. In fact, I have a VIP card as one of the few Institute members. And I can tell you that it has its advantages sometimes." Mrs. Coulter had a face that Lyra knew so well. It was that kind of face when Lyra was doing some chaos. Lyra was starting to like her more than before. Her heart knew. She felt warm and some kind of joy in it which she couldn't explain nor understand. She saw the kind woman blink on her.

Lyra said to the woman „Really?? That would be awesome. Have you ever been to the North?” she simply asked her. Lyra found herself simply waiting for an answer from the woman she just met.

Mrs. Coulter: „Yes Lyra, several times actually" stroking Lyra´s hair before they both started to walk again.

 „Have you, have you ever seen an armored bear? Or tartars?" she started to ask more and more, Lyra couldn't help herself, determined to know as much as possible about the woman and her trips to everywhere Lyra ever wanted to go. She asked and then looked to the woman's eyes with such curiosity and surprise in her words. She has read so much about North, every book at Jordan´s library. Her uncle told her once a story what he experienced. She was completely lost in his stories. She wished so much to travel with him to the North every time he came back to College to get another funding to his research. And they always gave him enough money so he left Jordan immediately when it was possible... the next day early in the morning. As always, he didn't say her at least goodbye nor went to see her before he left. She felt like she was invisible to him. But still, she had only him, only her uncle.

Mrs. Coulter then looked like someone who likes to be listened to. She was laughing. „As a matter of fact, I had an audience with the bear king himself, it's much more tiresome than it sounds, I fought tartars and that can actually be quite fun. But does this really interest you? I am capable of being quite boring sometimes."

Lyra was completely lost in Mrs. Coulter´s stories. She barely knew her and immediately liked her so much. She wants to become like her one day. The way she spoke, the way she had been up to... the way her everything.

„No no no, when it comes to North, you could never bore me," Lyra said immediately, almost did not let the woman finish her words. The woman smiled at Lyra before they finally reached the door of the lady´s apartment. Mrs. Coulter then opened the door and allowed Lyra to go in with her. The look on the lady's face showed a slight release that she was out of sight of the others.

Mrs. Coulter then started telling a story about her favorite moment in the North. „Well, my favorite moment is early morning when the land seems endless. All that's in front of you is fresh, unbroken snow. You feel utterly alone, and you feel utterly...magnificent" with a tear in her eye. Mrs. Coulter was lost in thought for a moment. She remembered those days when she was in the North, those days that she loved so much. She was brought back from her thoughts when Lyra started to talk. The tear disappeared in a second like she never was. „I want to feel like that" her gaze was completely lost. She was simply trying to imagine this. Mrs. Coulter held a hand to cup Lyra´s cheek and stroke her hair. She then gently touched Lyra´s cheek and with her thumb started to smoothing her while she was smiling at her. After a couple of seconds went from her „ take a seat Lyra“ in a whisper. She was watching the girl went to the sofa where she sat and she now leans herself by one of her hands against the chair. When Lyra sat down, she asked - 

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„Lyra, do you know, why I am here?“ She finally asked.

Lyra then shook her head with saying „No“.She looked quite nervous when Mrs. Coulter asked her. She wasn't quite sure what to expect. But when she asked Lyra realized, that this visiting wasn´t just a friendly one what seemed before.

„The master has asked if I can find a place for you and naturally, I wanted to meet you first. And now that I've met you, I like you and I want to offer you a position as my assistant.“

With a whispering the word „Wow“ Lyra was surprised and pleasured.

Mrs. Coulter heard it and smiled while she continued „Now, you will need to learn fast and I won't take any slacking. But, I think with your enthusiasm and my know-how we could make quite the team. Don´t you think?“

Lyra was just amazed by her words. All she could do at the moment was just shaking her head when she heard „learn fast“ at these words she nodded so quickly. In other words „I won't take any slacking“ she just moved her head from one side to another.

„Me? As your assistant? Are you sure it should be me?“

She didn't believe what she heard. The look she had was something that completely turns her down for a second because she didn't expect it. No one ever wanted her as an assistant or something. Even her uncle. He didn't want to bring her with him, despite this was the only wish she ever had. She just wanted to spend time with him. Just to be with him. It hurt. Her parents died years ago, she never had a chance to say to them „hello“ or „goodbye“. In fact, she even didn't know them or met them. Her uncle refused to talk to her about this topic, the master of Jordan did what he was told by Lord Asriel – the same. Uncle was the only family she had except her daemon Pan. Pan was on her shoulder at this moment as an ermine, his favorite change. He had an eye on Mrs. Coulter all that time.

Meanwhile, the golden monkey was sitting next to Mrs. Coulter's right side. He was doing the same that Pantalaimon. Looking at each other with some kind of similar expression. Like if they knew each other for years. The golden monkey smiled to Pan who smiled to him in return.
Mrs. Coulter smile at her and nodded. She was quite surprised that Lyra was asking. She couldn't help but laugh at this. She was really surprised by this reaction.
„Lyra, what do you think about this? Do you want to go with me to London and help me a little?“

„I...I don´t know. Yes, I would like to, but I'm not sure if I can. Master, he's the one who's in charge of me when uncle Asriel isn't here. He's my guardian. And my uncle is always telling me to stay at Jordan.“

In fact, Mrs. Coulter didn't expect this answer. She was expecting just all grateful words, but this answer... this one made her feel quite unsure. Still, she wanted Lyra for some reason. Maybe as her assistant to help her with some work, maybe for.... something else. But for what? To take her in and adopt her as her daughter? Maybe. She wasn't sure at that moment. She wasn't sure if Lyra......well if she would want that when they only just met a few minutes ago. But she gave to Lyra her bravest smile which wins with her once. She went to the place where Lyra sat and sat beside her.

She looked at Lyra „It's up to you Lyra. It's yours and just your choice. No one can torture you. But I would be really glad if you choose to come with me. I will be really grateful and happy to have a girl like you as my little assistant. And I can deal with Asriel for you if you want.“ Mrs. Coulter blinked at Lyra who smiled at the response. This means that there is someone who really wants her. If she could she would start crying with happiness. But she couldn't, she didn't want Mrs. Coulter to see.

„Are you serious Mrs. Coulter?“ She still wasn't completely sure if this is real.

Mrs. Coulter couldn't help it but laugh again. „Yes, Lyra.“ Her daemon was looking at Lyra with a something that someone would call a pleading eyes. Pan saw the expression on his little face and couldn't help it too. He gave a smile to the monkey. Mrs. Coulter then again reached a hand and cupped Lyra´s cheek. Lyra drew a little to this touch. It felt comfortable.

„And... we would be going to North too? I would like to feel like you, to feel what you fell there. To see all that you have seen. And the armored bears. It will be just unbelievable to see them after I read so much about them.“

„Is it the „YES“ Lyra? That you will come with me? “ Mrs. Coulter asked with a curious face and after a couple of seconds, she laughed a little. „Well, we will go to London first of course so you can learn some important things necessary for that and the other trips. So, will you come with me then?“

Lyra instead of answer did something unbelievable. She did something that no one could think of. She hugged Mrs. Coulter. She wrapped both her hands around Mrs. Coulter's neck just in second. She didn't even think about it. But Lyra never thought about something to do. She just did it without any thinking of that. She never did something sensible in her life.

She smiled as Mrs. Coulter's hands came around her. Then she whispered „Yes. I want to go with you.“

The hug was unexpected for Marisa Coulter. She didn't anticipate this form of reaction. She wasn't prepared for it. Still, her own arms came around the little girl, hesitantly at first. But what surprised her was that she herself settled into the hug, how easily she relaxed in it. She furrowed her brows at first, at the moment Lyra had hugged her because she didn't expect it. But then the corners of her lips edged up into a smile. Her body froze in the hug. She was holding Lyra so gently, that when she heard „thank you, Mrs. Coulter”. And she fully relaxed in the hug. Well, both of them relaxed in a hug. And their daemons looked relaxed too.

The golden monkey reached his hand to Pan and softly stroke him and Pan seemed like he did enjoy it. For a moment, they all were enjoying the other.

After a couple of minutes, which felt like hours, Mrs. Coulter was pushing Lyra away gently, and still, she smiled for the girl and carefully started „And now, I do believe Lyra, that you should go packing. I have some work to do too. We both do best if we get to start. We are leaving in the morning by zeppelin“ Still smiling for the girl.

She then watched her, as Lyra and Pan stood with excitement and nodded. Mrs. Coulter was still sitting, watching the girl go through the door as she heard „thank you, Mrs. Coulter“. Mrs. Coulter smiled on that and told Lyra „Sleep well Lyra and don´t worry, I will speak to the Master that I'm taking you to go and live with me.“ Again blinked on Lyra. Lyra just nodded.

Lyra and Pan then leave Mrs. Coulter´s apartment. Normally she would go to her room and start packing, but she went to find her friend Rodger to say the News. But she couldn't find him. She went to the kitchen to see if he was here, but he wasn't. One of the cooks told her that he is busy and doesn't have time right now. „Try it in the dining room Lyra. But hurry, I need him there. Okay?“. Lyra then just nodded and run straight to the dining hall. Pan flew next to her as a white bird. When they reached the dining hall, they found him there. He was cleaning all from the tables.

„Roger!“ Lyra called out while she was running to him. Then she started speaking „Rodger I have something I need to tell you. I´m going to the North!“ She knew Rodger wasn't so much of an explorer like her, she wanted to go everywhere, Roger prefers to stay at Jordan. He smiled at this news and spoke „Really? That's what you always wanted, didn't you? To go to the North.“ And looked at her.

Lyra then smiles at him too as he was happy for his friend to go where she always wanted. „I still can't believe it. Pinch me that I will know this is not a dream.“ He then did what she wants. She grinned a little, she really wasn't dreaming. This was a reality.

„Promise me, that you will be writing to me, I want to know that you´re okay.“

Lyra nodded before she hugs him. „Of course I will. And after I am back, I will tell you everything, I promise.“ She never broke her promises. „I'll miss you, Rodger.“
Lyra then pulled out Rodger to see him before she will come to her room. They smiled at each other and Roger started working again. Lyra was about to go when she heard Rodger again. „Bye Lyra.“ She looked back at him and smiled as she said the same. She and Pan then went right to her room and started packing her few things before they both fell asleep.

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It was still the night when she was woken up to hear knocking at her door. Someone called „Lyra? Lyra?“ through the closed door. The voice belongs to a man.

She then answered with a sleepy voice „Yes? Come in.“ As she sits on her bed, still packed in her blanket.

Just as the door was open she was a Master. She didn't expect him. When she saw him she looked a little nervous as he was coming to her. She was nervous as to what he will say, she became frightened that her journey with Mrs. Coulter won't be happening. One thing she looked forward to. „Master? What's going on? Am I not going with Mrs. Coulter?”

„No, Lyra, of course, you´re going with her. I can´t stop you, If you want, if it´s your wish then I can´t hold you there.“ His voice was a little worried. But still, he was smiling at her. When he sat behind her at the bed, still for a couple of seconds was watching her face. He knew her. He raised her since her girlhood. He knew exactly what she was thinking.

Lyra seemed a little relaxed, however still quite nervous as to why he came to her in the middle of the night. „Then why you came Master?“. She looked stunned. She didn't know why.

One look was enough for him. Then he put one hand in his pocket and pulled out something. It was small. And packet in the carried-bag. He showed it to Lyra. This time Lyra was fully awake. Lyra carefully touched it, then asked „What is this Master?“ and looked at him with a curious face. She didn't know what is it.

He looked to her and said „This is an Alethiometer, also known as the golden compass. It is illegal and disapproved by the Magisterium.“ He packed it out and gave it to her. He watched her as she was examining this thing she saw for the first time in her life.

She looked up and looked at him with a little fear in her eyes. He saw, however, didn´t say something.

„What is it good for?“ she asked.

„It tells you the truth“ Master simply answered.

„Lord Asriel himself gave it Jordan College years ago. And now, I´m giving it to you.“ He also said.

Lyra´s eyes became quite widened as she heard „It tells you the truth“. „How?“ she asked with a thone of whispering.

Master then again took the Alethiometer from Lyra´s hands and packed it back where it was from. Finally, he spoke „That you will have to learn by yourself Lyra. I´m giving this to you. I´ve always wanted to keep you safe, I promised that once.“. he signed. And then continued „ And the older you have got, the more I felt the importance that promise. I think, Mrs. Coulter will do her best, but I can´t be sure. So, I´m giving this to you. But I need your promise, that you will keep private. It's the most important that no one will know, that you have it. Not a word to anyone, not even to Mrs. Coulter. Can you promise me this Lyra? It's really important.“ he gave it to Lyra.

He watches her as she nods. „Good girl, now get some sleep“ he stroke her hair before he started to get out of the bed and went right to the door. Before he closed the door behind him, he turned back to Lyra and said „Goodbye Lyra“ and smiled. Then he closed the door and left.

Lyra could see from his face that he was worried. However, she didn't know why what has made him feel scared, but It seemed that some part of this involves somewhat her. Still, he didn't say something. Yet, she didn't know what was it and why. She spent another few minutes just touching that thing  Master gave her. Pan finally finds his the best moment to talk „what does all of this mean Lyra? Why he gave it to us?“ and settled on Lyra´s shoulder as a small mouse.

„I don't know. Maybe my uncle knows.“

„Maybe we should give it to him.“ Pan looked at Lyra.

Lyra looked up from the thing laying in her hand and looked to him. She gives him a little nod. But how will do they that? Even if they go to the North, they haven't the faintest idea of where they would be supposed to looking for him and gave it to him.

„But how Pan? We don't know where he is.“

Pan change his form from a mouse to an ermine and jumped down from her shoulder. „Try to ask it Lyra. Try to ask, where we can find him.“

Lyra started to unpack it. When she saw the Alethiometer again and this time she was able to open it, she raised her eyebrows „How? Do you know how Pan? Because I don´t. All I can see are these pictures around the edge.”

“What are they all mean Lyra?”

“I don't know Pan... I´m sure they mean something, but I don't know what.“

Pan was looking at her all that time. Then he looked down at the Alethiometer just in time when the needles started to move. „Lyra, look!“  The needle keeps stopping at the same symbols: the lady, the lightning bolt, and the baby. And then it goes back and does it again see?

„Lyra, what do you think makes the needle move? Pan asked as he was looking at the Alethiometer and then at Lyra.

„I don´t know Pan. Maybe uncle knows that too. We should give him that when we see him again.“

„Sound like a good plan Lyra.“ Pan said. Then he yawned, he was tired. „But now let's get some sleep. We can think of something later.“

Then Lyra packed back the Alethiometer before she laid again on her bed. Pan laid upon her neck. Before Lyra fell asleep she asked Pan „Why it's so important to keep it private from Mrs. Coulter Pan?“

„I don´t know. Let's get some sleep now, so we can figure it out later. I know how much you like it - know everything you can. I´m quite sure we will find out.

Lyra after hearing this just smiled and giggled a little. Her Pan, her little soul knew her too well. He always has been some type of “the brain thinking” while Lyra just did something and never thought about the consequences. And because of that, when Lyra sometimes got a smack, he hurt too. Lyra often calls him a coward. that he is just too scared. One day a few days ago they went to steal one of the scholar's cloaks for one bet. During their way to the room with them, he was saying if she could listen to him at least once. She just replied don´t be such a coward. Pan running beside her as a ferret asked her if he wasn´t such a coward, where she would be? and the answer that he´s given is in the Retiring room already. And quite often they were sneaking into some rooms, where they didn´t allow into, because Lyra was too curious and impatient what´s inside, what is being talked about.

And after a couple of minutes, they both fell asleep again.

Chapter Text

When the first sun rays sunlight hit the window sill in Lyra's room, Lyra was still asleep. After a while she woke up together with Pan, then she got dressed, washed, and if possible, brushed her hair a little. Mrs. Lonsdale was always the one, who was brushing her hair, but she would always leave her head a little bit bruised.

When she was done, Roger always came with her breakfast by this time. Every day since they met a few years ago. The very first time she met him was at kitchens when she was about 8 years old. She came in and tried to steal some biscuits. Roger saw her and she started to run away, and he followed her. He chased after her and she hit him with mud after a while of running. They became friends after a couple of days later. Both of them had so much to tell. And no-one had parents - Lyra's parents died in airship accident when she was just a baby and the only person she has been left was her uncle Asriel, who gave her to the care of Master and the Jordan college, for some reason he told her that this was the only place she would have been safe. She trusted him, he was the only family she had, she had no reason to not believe him. And Roger - he has only his aunt Cora who is working in Jordan College as well. She is working as a washerwoman. Thanks to her, Roger met Lyra. He will be forever grateful to her. Roger and Lyra are like siblings to each other. They are closest friends, know everything about each other - favorite food, game to play, or the place where the other one was hiding. So when Lyra was (accidentally) missing her lessons from time to time, Roger knew exactly, where he would be looking for her. But unlike Lyra, he was more responsible - taking his duties more seriously, knowing that the place he was given was the greatest thing that he could be given. So he didn´t have always time for Lyra, to play with his only friend, but Lyra didn´t mind. She was helping him often so the work was quickly done so they could go and play with the other kids on the streets or the fields.

But Roger still is not coming. At first, she thought he was just a little bit late because he had to do something in the kitchens. But when he wasn't still coming, now for almost half an hour, she set out to look for him. The first place she ran to was kitchens, of course, this was the place he was for almost all day. It was oblivious for her to find him there.

So she runs straight to the kitchens where only the grown-ups cooks were. But there was no sigh about Rodger. Lyra asked,  “Roger?! Is Roger here?”

The cooks shocked their heads and answered that they didn't see him since the last day in the evening, that he every day comes here but this morning he didn't. They have been suspicious for some time they had but soon they stopped. They had to work, to prepare breakfast for everyone. So they hadn't the time to think about him about where he could be.

So Lyra runs to other rooms to look for him. But again, he wasn't here. She became more and more worried about him, what could have happened to him and also hoping that the Gobblers didn't kidnap him like the one boy two days ago. Until this time she still believed that the Gobblers were just a myth to scare children. But when she couldn't find her friend, her mind started slowly to think about them. That a maybe they are real, that the Roger was right with them when he was afraid days ago on that roof, that they maybe took him too. But she couldn't think about it, said to herself that there is one more place where he may be. The only place she could go look was his favorite place. Pan was flying over her head all the time as an eager. When Lyra and Pan arrived, the place was empty. No-one was here and there was no sign about Rodger.

When she was slowly coming back she met Mrs. Coulter. She was packed and ready to go. There have been two men carrying her luggage behind her ready to follow her to the zeppelin. Both of them had a dog as their daemons. The lady can see from the look in the girl's eyes that something worries her. Still, she smiled at the girl and asked.

„Lyra, are you ready?“ Mrs. Coulter said as she saw her running around. The golden monkey showed just behind her as he jumped right to be next to his human watching the girl and her daemon closely. He saw Pan sit on the girl's shoulder as an ermine.

„There's someone missing, I want to say goodbye to Rodger“ Lyra replied to Mrs. Coulter anxiously when she saw her and after she takes some air in so she could catch a breath.

“Rodger? Who's Rodger, my dear?” Mrs. Coulter asked and leaned a little bit to Lyra and waited for her answer. She could see again from Lyra's face worry and fear.

“My friend. He works in the kitchens. I've just wanted to say him goodbye. I was searching for him everywhere I could but I didn't find him. Something did happen to him, this isn't like him,  I'm sure.” she said in low worry throne.

 “What do you mean Lyra? Tell me, darling.” Mrs. Coulter asked and rubbed the girl's cheek.

“Few children have been missing…. they say its the Gobblers so…. I believed that they were just a myth to scare kids but now…. when I can't find him ...I'm not sure” she found herself simply wanted to cry. But she didn't want Mrs. Coulter to see, although she could see on Lyra's face just worry and fear for her friend. It felt just natural - to worry about someone who you care about. And Lyra does care about Rodger and her uncle Asriel as well - those days, months and even years without any message from him and about him, that he is okay, that nothing has happened to him in the North were sometimes just unbearable for Lyra.

The lady then frowned her body a little and asked “Gobblers?” with a little surprised thone in this word.

Lyra looked up at her with some kind of face that she was kinda surprised by her answer, like if she didn't hear about them and the missing children. But didn't say something, however. “Well, I heard with Roger one day not so long time ago from the people that children from the towns became missing and that the Gobblers, that are they named, are taking them. But no-one knows where they are taking them or what they are doing to them. But it must be something horrible.” she answered with concern to the lady.

The golden monkey lifts his head up a little, with concern too towards the girl, and listened properly to the girl. His concern has grown in that moment since he heard the word “ gobblers ”. However, neither Lyra nor Pan recognized him at the moment. So the monkey was free to do and watch anyone he could, for now. He sat beside the woman and waited.

Mrs. Coulter just put her hand to her cheek immediately as she heard the girl say “ but it must be something horrible ” as to stop her from more talking and smiled at her with a sad smile while she rubbed the girl’s cheek with her thumb. “ Don't think about something like that Lyra. I'm sure he will be found out soon. Maybe he just got lost here Lyra.” Mrs. Coulter stopped rubbing Lyra's cheek, but still was smiling at Lyra. ”Jordan and the surroundings here are really large places to go to. Everyone can be lost in there sometimes, trust me, I know this place for years and still, I am capable of lost somewhere sometimes” she laughed a little. “ I'm sure he is here.” 

“Really? When did you get lost here?” Lyra asked.

“Oh, it was a few years earlier and I was looking for someone. Even though I follow the orders from the kind people which way to go, I did stray there for a while. It took me a few hours to get to the place a wanted to be. But what is important that even when I got lost, I found him and then my way back.” Mrs. Coulter tried to laugh to make Lyra a little more happy as to get her more easily with her to go. She was simply a little bored as Lyra was still quite unsure of the journey with her, and all because of the one boy, kitchen-boy to be more specific, whom she found no interest.

Of course, it wasn't somebody else than Lord Asriel. She was looking for him then, to tell him something very important that could not wait any longer. They both had been in a big one problem and they had to figure out what to do next with it. How to solve it. Unknowingly to everyone, it was a few months before Lyra was born.

Lyra didn't know what to say to respond with. She was still worried about her friend but something inside her was telling, that Mrs. Coulter is maybe right. That maybe Roger just went somewhere to hide from the Gobblers. 

Mrs. Coulter then looked on her right hand to check it out what time was. After finding the hours and the time, she looked back to the girl and said

“But we will have to go now, the zeppelin is about to take off in any minute”

Lyra just stared down to the floor. Her eyes met with a floor like every time she listens to her uncle, when he says what he heard about her when he was gone, what she has been doing all the time, about the “unsuccessful” lessons that scholars had been trying to give to her. What a goal that Lyra can always find an excuse for that and for everything else. Its really quite something. Pan was now flying around her head as a titmouse until he sat on Lyra's shoulder and then she heard Mrs. Coulter speak to her again.

“Why don't you write him a letter to him?” Mrs. Coulter said as she was holding one of her hands to Lyra as a gesture to go. “You can tell him all about the journey and you can even send him a photogram. What do you think?” Lyra took her hand and went straight to a zeppelin.

Mrs. Coulter felt Lyra's hand and she took it so gently into her own one. Upon her face, someone could see a slight smile.

“Yeah, I suppose, you're right…”

The two men who have been staying behind Mrs. Coulter all that time begin to slowly start to walk with the luggage that belongs to the woman behind them both. Their daemons were walking slowly as well, right beside them, the black dogs.

So Lyra and her daemon walked from the place they had been living for their entire life straight to their new life in London, to the new adventure.

During their way to zeppelin, Lyra was saying the goodbye word to everyone whom they met. She heard them saying goodbye to her as well and saw their faces looking at her with a smile with a small nod. Right before she could enter the airship, one of the servants held to her a small bag that belongs to her. It has been oblivious that the servants went to her room to gather her luggage because Lyra was always too busy to do something (like running on the rooftops or around the Jordan for example). Lyra didn't have a lot of things so for her the packing was quite easy. The important things that mean for her somewhat she put in the bag. Lyra immediately let go of Mrs. Coulter's hand so she could take the bag to both of her own hands as she was saying “ oh, thank you, James. I almost forgot it, I could not leave without it.”

“No problem, I know how much all of these things mean to you. I hope you well Lyra. You know that even that you sometimes driving me really crazy with your jokes,  I loved you. I´m going to miss you already, you little fighter. Be a good girl and listen to Mrs. Coulter and come back to visit us again sometime. Alright?”

Mrs. Coulter has been watching them and listening to them all that time curiosity and patiently. As Lyra let go of her hand her smile disappear for a few minutes but then another one showed again. The Golden Monkey was watching the young boy the entire time with curiosity as well. Then in a moment, they both exchanged their glances but no-one recognized this. Mrs. Coulter then just said to the monkey " appar ently just another her friend, nothing to be scared about. Hopefully, this will end right now so we could finally leave this place” and the monkey nodded. Finally, with a thone that someone professional could summarise as bored and a little disgusted as well, but neither Lyra nor James did not recognize even if they paid their attention to her at the moment, because it had all been perfectly hidden behind her beautiful face and smile, even the professional would have to take some time before he could find all of that, she spoke “ thank you, Mr. James, for bringing the bag to Lyra. I'm sure that we can take a trip back to Jordan sometime. I'm sorry, but now we really have to go now.” as she looked back to Lyra. Lyra nodded, said “bye”  and give the James one quick hug before she took the lady's hand once again. 

And then, Lyra walked beside Mrs. Coutler to the zeppelin. She thought to herself “I'm finally leaving Jordan College and I'm starting a new adventure! Let's go!”

Chapter Text

From the moment Lyra went into the Zeppelin she was in shock. The shock by how it looks inside. Everything was so beautiful.

And now she was on her way to London: sitting next to the window in a  zeppelin, with  Pantalaimon’s form of the little ermine paws digging into her thigh while his front paws rested against the glass he gazed through. On Lyra’s opposite side  Mrs.Coulter sat and started working through some papers. She paid to Lyra almost no attention at the moment, but her daemon, the monkey, who also sat opposite to Lyra and Pan, he was watching them all the time quietly. At that moment you could feel it as like when you have eyes and you have not at the same time. Your companion, your soul is outside of you and has got them instead of you. Her daemon, the golden monkey, he was herś eyes at that moment. She was looking through him.

The bond between human and his (her) daemon is something interesting, its the most powerful bond you can imagine. Your soul is living outside of you like an animal, is able to have your own intelligence, is able to speak with you, shares with you the same feelings, joy, happiness, sadness, everything. Daemons are the physical manifestations of a person’s inner-self. Children's dæmons don´t have a fixed form, so they can change form voluntarily, to become any creature, it does not matter if it is real or imaginary. 

During their adolescence (puberty), a person's dæmon undergoes "settling", an event in which that person's dæmon permanently assumes the form of the animal which the person most resembles in character, their mature personality. And when the person dies, his daemon disappears instantly, vanished in a cloud of dust.

The fight on zeppelin was just amazing. Lyra looked most of the time from the window to look at wonderful scenery and incredible nature. She was completely lost in it. This has been something that she and Pan saw for the first time. They have never seen anything awesome like this in their lives. Yes, they have seen some beautiful places around Jordan College, but, this seemed more beautiful, peaceful lands over they were flying for hours.

Mrs. Coulter was sitting in front of Lyra and doing some papers. But soon she put them back within a pile closing the folder they were from and started to chat with Lyra about London, the restaurants, ballrooms and the other things in London which are worth it.  But before she started to tell something she was just looking at her for a few seconds. While she was looking at Lyra she was smiling at her. Already knew, what was Lyra thinking about. „How do you like this view from the window Lyra?“

„It's beautiful. I have never seen anything like this.“ the answer came from Lyra’s mouth so quickly, that she herself didn’t even notice it.

„I love it too.“

„Mrs. Coulter?“ Lyra asked.

„Yes, darling? “ Mrs. Coulter could see in Lyra´s face some kind of fear.

„I wanted to ask... How is London? I´ve never been there.“

Mrs. Coulter then answered with such happiness and joy. She really liked to be listened to by someone. And of course, she wanted to answer Lyra as fondly as she could. She saw Lyra´s little worried so she wanted to say something nice. „London is a very beautiful place where you can go anywhere you want. There are lots of theatres, museums, cinemas, beautiful Botanics, which I personally like the most” the lady gave Lyra smile with a small blink of her eye before continued talking “parks and even more. Soon you´ll see it by yourself Lyra. Don´t worry. I think you will be just surprised by all o fit just I once was.“ She was smiling at her all that time.

Lyra couldn't do anything instead of listening to her all that time they were talking to each other. She was totally lost in her thoughts again. She was trying to imagine how everything looks like.

She loved that woman. She loved listening to her all her stories about everything. Especially about the North. But this time she talked more about London. How she first went to Arctic Institute and her first food there, it was really delicious, saw her first play at the theatre and how she, in the end, disliked, about cocktail parties, also boring sometimes, because of some people there who like to talk about nothing, they just want to be in the center of everyone's attention, and that is boring but sometimes the parties were also quite good. She told Lyra that those parties are for important people from the Magisterium.

„What's the Magisterium for?“ Lyra finally asked.

„Oh“ Mrs. Coulter began, „You lived in a tower, didn't you Lyra?“ She looked to Lyra again before she continued, this time much quieter than before, almost it sounded like a whisper „The Magisterium is what people need, hm? It keeps things working by telling people what to do. Some people know, what's best for them and some people don't. The signs. They don´t tell people what to do in a mean bad way, they tell it all in a kindly way. To keep them out of danger Lyra.“ When she finished talking she smiles at Lyra who smiled back.

Lyra then rest of her way looked out of the window. When she saw first big buildings she then again asked „Mrs. Coulter, is this London already?“ as she looked with her eyes widened back from the window at a woman.

She saw the woman looking out of the window smiling as she heard „Yes Lyra, welcome to London dear.“ She then looked at Lyra. „ I hope you´ll like it here as I do. You´ll see that we will have plenty of time to visit all the places and to discuss whatever you wish, because we´re together now , hm? “. She saw the girl smiled and slowly nod.

We´re together now … Lyra found this phrase so beautiful and meaningful just as she found the precious from Mrs. Coulter earlier in Jordan But I would be really glad if you choose to come with me. I will be really grateful and happy to have a girl like you as my little assistant. She felt the woman seriously interested in her in a way like no one did before. She seemed like she would be fun and like she would care about her. No one really cared about Lyra before, besides Mrs. Lonsdale, who has been only interested in her behaving decently and wearing clean dresses, and Master, whom Lyra was once given to take care of as to protect her. Even her uncle had not shown so much interest in her in a way the lady does, still, Lyra has only him as her family, only her uncle, who is kind of ignoring her like she does not exist, pushing her aside. But now, just like the lady said we will have plenty of time to visit and to discuss whatever you wish, they have each other from now on . This made her heart feel warm inside as she smiled at the lady and nodded.

„And now, Lyra, be ready to get out,  because we´re landing in any minute.“ she added.

“Yes, Mrs. Coutler.”

Mrs. Coulter began to prepare to come out of the zeppelin. Just after a few minutes, they saw the conductor came as he stated „ We're landing in a minute, please don´t forget your things. Thank you for flying with us, have a nice day all of you.“

So they both were waiting for another few minutes before they could finally get out. Lyra took her bag on her back while Pan was in the form of a grey cat and walk beside her. As soon as they got from the flight, Mrs. Coulter, was again, holding one of her hands to Lyra as to help her to get her out of the flight. The golden monkey was already out if the zeppelin sitting beside Mrs. Coulter and waiting for the girl.

When all of them get finally out, Mrs. Coulter called for a car driver to take them to Mrs. Coulter’s flat. The driver was so kindly, he even opened the door for the woman and the girl. Pan was laying on Lyra’s lap as an ermine, his favorite form. The golden monkey wasn’t sitting beside the woman, Mrs. Coulter, he jumped right to the seat next to the driver.

And so the car driver started to ride from the airport right to the building, where Mrs. Coulter lives. Lyra could not take her eyes from the window, as she and Pan were watching the entire time the big buildings, sights, everything. Everything was new to them.

Chapter Text

Mrs. Coulter and Lyra got out of a car just before the one big building. The golden monkey got out of the car first, and right behind him was Mrs. Coulter and Lyra. He was sitting beside the car driver. In this building, Mrs. Coulter lived, it has been her home for years, and from now on, this will be Lyra's home too. Lyra looked at a big building and asked: „Is this all yours " she asked immediately when she got out of the car.

Mrs. Coulter just laughed, "Goodness no. Just the one floor. You thought I owe this all" 

"Yeah” was all Lyra could say, embarrassed.

A laugh came from her as she said back "What would I do with the entire building? Trust me, one floor is enough"

"I trust you, Mrs. Coulter."

"Good dear."

Mrs. Coulter brought one hand to Lyra's back and carefully pushed her forward.

As they entered the building, Mrs. Coulter went first and started to show her around this one floor. When they finally reached the lift, Mrs. Coulter called it by pressing the button and soon the door opened itself. Both of them stepped through the golden lift. She then pressed one button, which then closed the door behind them and started to move to Mrs.Coulter'ss apartment.

After a short time the doors of the lift opened and Lyra looked at Mrs. Coulter, who smiled back at Lyra. She then shook her head a little and said, „Go on"

Lyra, unable to believe herself, despite all her misgivings, found some manners inside her, “Mrs. Lonsdale says it's impolite to go before the grown-ups", even Pan was surprised when he heard it.

Maybe she just wanted to make a good impression on her new employer. She offered her job and even took her into her flat, which looks astonishing, as it was made for a queen.
Unable to stop herself, she pressed her hand to the girl's head and lightly stroked her hair. With a grin, Mrs. Coulter said "you have permission Lyra, go on and have a quick look around, my dear". She saw the girl lightly nod before she took her first steps to her new home.

Mrs. Coulter was quite surprised by what Lyra said. Well, at least she had some good upbringing, the thought ran through her mind right now. So she felt some kind of pride in this, Lyra was calmly waiting so she could enter the hallway first, after all, she is living here, it's her home, so it for certain would not be nice to go ahead of her. And Lyra knew this, so she was waiting. It was nice, she thought.

So Lyra stepped a few footsteps from the lift right to her new home and almost in a whisper said to her daemon Pan, who was sitting on her shoulder as a white mouse "Can't believe this is our new home, Pan. Look how shiny the floor is".

They had both seen a great deal of beauty in their short lives, but it was Jordan College beauty and Oxford beauty - grand and stony and masculine. In Jordan College, much was magnificent, but nothing was pretty. In Mrs.Coulter'ss flat everything was pretty if she would compare it to Jordan College. She was simply in shock at everything, how it all was so beautiful and obviously, very expensive. And what's more, she saw for the first time so many things.

Mrs. Coulter and the golden monkey spent the entire time watching her with curiosity and a little surprise as the girl slowly went through the hallway, smiling at her reactions. Then, she put the key in the lock which had been located on the wall, and locked the door, causing the lift to be sent away so others could use it. Then she turned back to the girl and spoke “Let me show you around”, she said, as she gently took Lyra's hand and led her to the closest room, the monkey was next to his human watching the entire time, "This is the living room”, she said as Lyra looked around in awe, her mouth was a little open in that beautiful view.

There was a moment where Lyra was thinking about her room at Jordan - you could fit the girl's old bedroom back at Jordan nearly twice in it! And the furniture here! So beautiful, pretty, everything similar to the word nice. And the fireplace in the middle of the living room! Can you imagine it? Everything is so pretty already. And there it was "the terrace” as she lightly guided Lyra to it, all that time smiling from the enchanted look at her... And then she heard “wow” in a low whisper.

They came back out into the hall, “Now right there to the left is my bedroom and” pointing to in front of them with her finger "that is my study, which I like to keep to my personal space, so I am asking you to not come there” Mrs. Coulter told her, they then veered to the right, "And here is where I prepared the room for you" as she was turning back and walking to the girl's bedroom. They turned to the door on the left, “right here darling”.

They stood in front of the closed door of the room. Mrs. Coulter turned to Lyra and asked her, “Are you ready Lyra?", and she got the answer right away “Yes”, Lyra nodded and answered all excited to see what Mrs. Coulter had done for her. Pan was on Lyra's shoulder in the form of a mouse peering and stretching a little from her shoulder as he was interested as well. “Okay, so now please close your eyes Lyra", Mrs. Coulter said to her and saw her almost immediately do what she told her. Lyra closed her eyes so quickly as if her whole life depended on that. Mrs. Coulter then added, “And no cheating” with a big smile and a little laugh as she meant for her daemon to close his eyes too. Pan closed his eyes too and waited as Lyra did.

Mrs. Coulter opened the bedroom door and then said, “now you can open your eyes Lyra”. And as she finished, Lyra and Pan opened their eyes, Lyra gasped and her eyes went wide. Whatever she was expecting, this was not.

The room was massive, with a queen-size bed in the middle of the room, "I'll let you get settled” Mrs. Coulter whispered, as she finally stopped to be holding the girl's hand. The girl, however, stayed as if she had been frozen for several seconds.

All Lyra could do at this moment was look back at Mrs. Coulter as she stepped into the room and ask "this is mine?” she asked surprisingly. She has never seen anything so beautiful like this. In her room at Jordan, there was just one old bed which used to be in psychiatry or the very old hospitals. Together with one wooden closet and just a few rags as her clothes. And the very old, maybe one of the oldest things in Jordan, the wash-basin. And the last one, the window, is so old and not so big. This room, her room from now on, is all hers, in a soft color of beige painted walls, so beautifully decorated, the large bed made like for the queen with oh, so many colorful pillows…. It feels like a dream come true, she started to feel tears coming to her eyes. “Do you like it? I didn't know your favorite color so it is painted in a beige one, but it can be repainted if you wish” Mrs. Coulter asked as she looked back at her. Clearly surprised by her reaction to all of this. Surprised and maybe a little worried if Lyra liked the room. But before she could do or say something, something else happened… Something she could expect and yet it took her by surprise.

And then it happened again. The hug she received from Lyra at Jordan earlier. She fell, her briefcase fell to the floor as she gasped and slowly put her hands around the girl and her small bag on her back again, her face held so many emotions since the first hug. Mrs. Coulter thought that this time it was more meaningful than before at Jordan, Lyra was so enchanted by her, and when she asked her to come with her...well, who could say no to this interesting woman? She still didn't fully anticipate this form of reaction because she simply had NOT hugged the others. But this girl is somehow making everything different in her presence. This girl has something extraordinary inside her, which made Mrs. Coulter take off her guard for a moment two times now. So easily thought. How is she doing that she wondered? And what's more, how is she able to do that so fast?

She fell, little arms clenched around her back, and the girl's head pressed to her chest, probably sinking into it and she gasped a little. She could have sworn if she had been asked, that she heard Lyra slightly start to cry. She felt a few tears coming to her grey coat, the tears of joy and happiness she thought, which made her press a soft smile upon her face again as she tightened her grip on Lyra a little bit more. And what surprised the woman more, was her own eyes were becoming moist. Few tears were ready to fall down, but she closed her eyes tightly and did her best to hold them back. To her surprise, it worked for a while but not forever, in the end after pulling from Lyra, the girl saw them and smiled.

Pan jumped down to the floor from Lyra's shoulder and transformed from his mouse form to his favorite white ermine right next to Lyra's left leg right when they entered the room.

The golden monkey stayed behind Mrs. Coulter and watched him the entire time like a hawk watching his prey in some kind of way. But do not be mistaken, it's a look with some kind of love in his pleading eyes like he would like to hug him too, to lovingly embrace him, not the other way. He really wanted to. But he didn't, all that time, now he'd been sitting next to Mrs. Coulter, just staring at Pan. He can feel her emotions bursting inside her, not used to feeling any emotions at all and these emotions are a miracle on him as well. The strange feelings, foreign to them, were in that moment right there and they both had to deal with them all. However, Mrs. Coulter stopped him to go closer to the girl's daemon by sending him a simple clear thought -"Don't.“

Few seconds after she heard “yes, it's so beautiful. I have never seen anything so beautiful, I am not even sure if I deserve it, it looks like it's made for a princess or a queen and I'm not either of them" as she fell the girl shaking a little in her arms probably from her feelings, all the beauty in this flat, this room with a big bed made for a queen someone could think, the wardrobe so big, much bigger compared to her previous one not really big wooden closet for a few pieces of clothes at her old room in Jordan and others things.

"Well, I'm happy to hear it, Lyra. There is such a lot to show you”, she spoke so softly with full joy and happiness inside her. Then she laughed a little as asked “why do you think that you don't deserve it Lyra? You are technically a little princess, my little princess, my little assistant, or you're not? Don't worry, it's just the first feelings, I'm sure that you will get over it very soon”. Still smiling, Mrs. Coulter pulled herself away from the embrace gently so she could grab her nose like every mother does while she plays with her child.

As she did that, Lyra giggled a lot causing the woman to laugh too. She then added, "I chose it by myself, the decoration of your room and all, all in hope that you'll like it, of course, we can always change it."

"I do. I do like it, Mrs. Coulter, it's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen” she whispered. And even more, tears came into her little dark eyes, ready to fall to her cheeks as she continued to stare at the woman with her smile.

The next thing Mrs. Coulter said almost made Lyra freeze. She spoke so softly "Welcome to your new home Lyra. I just hope that you'll be happy here" while wiping away the girl's tears with her thumb.

Oh, how Lyra's heart soared hearing it.

She saw Lyra smile again before continuing "now, why don't you get settled hm?" and giving her the mischievous smile as to lightly persuade Lyra to jump on a bed which she found Lyra took just like she had it in her mind.

Lyra ran into the room and immediately launched herself onto the bed with her bag on her back, not carrying to take it off at this moment. Pan ran behind her and jumped as well before starting to roll over to both left and right sides over and over. It was much more comfortable than her old bed at Jordan and oh, so soft the material.

Mrs. Coulter watched her with a smile as she felt a warmth grow inside her, and when Lyra jumped onto a bed, surprising even by herself as she gasped a little when Lyra jumped. The golden monkey was sitting beside his human's leg as he watched the girl like Mrs. Coulter with a surprise in his small dark eyes. "I'm drowning, I'm drowning," the girl said before taking one of the sweet colorful pillows and bringing it to her chest, hugging it like minutes ago the lady.

Lyra couldn't see it, or Pan, but when she told that Mrs. Coulter was looking a little sad as she looked down to the floor for a moment. Probably some memory from the past was brought back byLyra'ss words ´I'm drowning´ and not the happy one.

It seemed like Lyra unknowingly and by accident brought a memory to her which she found unhappy. But she quickly glanced at Lyra again and smiled again, before she told her, “Take your time Lyra settling here, I'll leave it to you. Then we can go to the Arctic Institute for lunch if you like. You know that I told you before, that I have a VIP card as one of the few members, so why don't we use it hmm?”

“I would like that”, the girl politely answered. Going to The Arctic Institute has been her dream since her uncle told her about the place and she read about it.

"Wonderful, so take your time now and I'll take you to the bathroom in a moment. You can have a wash, and then we'll go for lunch and then go shopping.… we must find something nice for you to wear since you'll be helping as my assistant and that requires knowledge as much as good looking with having a nice dress", as she slowly made her way out of the room, the monkey was already out waiting for her."

“Alright, Mrs. Coulter. Thank you."

When Mrs. Coulter left Lyra and Pan alone in their room, Lyra got up from the bed and reached the desk in the bedroom, and placed her small bag upon it. She opened the back and pulled out a few of her favorite books of the north, some journals from her uncle Asriel as well as the two most precious things for her. The necklace and a letter she had from her mother before going back to bed and sitting once more. She has been told that her mother left it for her before she died with her father in an airship accident many years ago. Lyra read it every night before she fell asleep, sometimes she put the letter on a bedside table, and sometimes she was hugging it all night to her chest protectively and softly cried. She took it, sat upon the edge of a bed, and read it again. As always, a few tears fell down on her cheeks while she sadly smiled and held it close to her. This was the only thing, the only connection to her mother. A woman she loved so much and hasn't even got a chance to meet, never said hello, never hugged her, never said and given a goodnight kiss, never even time to say goodbye.

The letter always tells her about her mother's love for her, how hard it was for her to tear herself from her little girl as she never wanted to leave her, but knew she had to protect her daughter at all cost, knew the time has not been perfect and other things that added themself into, some quick stories while they have been together like before Lyra was born or very soon after her birth which made her mother a grimacing face and let out a slight laugh and how much her mother missed her. And the promise… a promise that very soon after everything that was standing in their way they will be together again, and nothing in the whole world will never tear them apart again.

Well, one sad thing about it was the entire time in Lyra's mind. The fact this promise would never fulfill, she never got to meet her mother and nor will she ever get. All that time, of course, what she can remember, Lyra was alone, she had nobody to go to. A mother she dreamed of and longed for her whole life. Only to be reminded of this feeling even more, when she and Roger met the other children who had parents, a mother who would always be there for them, to soothe them when they're sick or hurt, to hug them, to tell a bedtime story, to everything...

"She will always be with you Lyra. In your heart". Pan softly whispered to her as he landed on her shoulder transforming back into a white mouse cuddling to her cheek.

Lyra reached her hand and carefully took him and held him close to her chest. "I know, but it hurts, you know what I mean Pan, I miss her, I miss her so much, both of them...”

“We both do”, he whispered back.

Three words, three simple words were enough for him to say and for her to hear. She knew what Pan meant, they both do share the same feelings, thoughts, and connection with each other. Well, it's true, that not always this duo has been for the same choice of option, let's be honest. Lyra was like a wild cat sometimes and always was for some mischief. Pan, on the other hand, was for leaving things as they have been and not getting into trouble. It wasLyra'ss fault if they got caught, he was the one who was telling her to stop.

After Mrs. Coulter left Lyra in her room she headed right into her study. As soon as she was staying right in front of the door, she reached one of her hands into a pocket, opened the door, and then quickly closed it once more. As soon as the door was closed, she went to reach her study table and sit on a chair. Right at the moment, she took a seat, pressed her back to the chair, and sighed.

The golden monkey sits a few steps away from her and then asks her through a thought "since when did you get so soft?" His mood changed so quickly as well as hers. He got up and suddenly he was sitting in front of her on the table looking at her.

She was doing her best to ignore him for now, because what she wanted to do was not normal for a human treating his own soul.

Their connection was different from the other ones. As if it can be said, their relationship was not entirely good. Their past has been hard on them and they learned, well, Mrs. Coulter more, learned to not let emotions in, because once you let them inside of you, you are lost already and hurt because of them. They can destroy everything. And unfortunately, she had an experience with them, not good at all. So she completely built a big and strong wall inside herself to defend herself from all kinds of emotions.

And so it was for years, until now of course. Until the girl hugged her again a few minutes ago...

All she wanted to do was hit him, she really wanted to slap him in the head or to kick him in the face so hard for letting this thought inside her mind. And so she picked up all her strength to ignore him, taking her bag and taking a fold with her papers, the same folder from her flight on the Zeppelin this morning. These papers were from her work for the Magisterium. A minute or two later there was a knock on the door. She quickly took her keys, unlocked the drawer on her right side, and placed the fold with them in the drawer before locking in back.

The golden monkey jumped to the windowsill as she said, “come in”. Then a minute later, one of her servants came in starting with "I'm sorry for interrupting you, Mrs. Coulter, this letter from Magisterium had just arrived.”

Angry and a little frustrated for interrupting her, she wanted to yell, however, she stopped herself and gave a fake smile while letting “Thank you."

The servant made quick steps to give it to her and be out of the room as soon as possible. So she left the letter on the table and quickly made her way back to her work. She has always been nervous when she had to go to Mrs. Coulter. The woman herself was actually scaring everybody in her presence and her monkey, even more, watching closely the servant's moves.

Once the servant was gone and the door closed again, she took the letter and with her letter opener, she opened it and started to read it. A few minutes later she was done. The letter was about her work and about the complete permission she has been given to start her secret project.

The monkey jumped back on the table, looking at her, trying to say something, only to be halted by his human. Mrs. Coulter raised her hand to stop him from saying something. Even though she was doing this quite often not letting her daemon speak, for her it was even quite natural she thought, for anyone else it was not. All daemons are able to speak and so they are speaking with their humans, only Mrs.Coulter's is not. Yes, he can speak, but Mrs. Coulter does not let him. No matter how much he tried, she would snap his face so hard causing her to feel the pain too or she just grips the scruff of his neck and holds it for a while. The last time she let him speak was years ago, for a brief moment she was really happy. For a short time, she had everything she could wish for.

All this behavior comes from her past that no one knows and so it will stay this way.
"What about the girl?" He finally sent a thought to her.

Cleaning her mind, she sighed before she stood up, again locked the door into her study, and slowly started to walk to her new companion.

Lyra after a while placed Pan back onto her shoulder. She then folded the letter and kissed it, as always, before placing it under one of many pillows laying on the bed.
She then stood up and went over to the window, looking out onto the street.
Lost in the thought, none of them recognized Mrs. Coulter either as the golden monkey approached the room. Nor Lyra, nor her daemon heard Mrs.Coulter's heels slowly coming closer and closer from the hall.

Mrs. Coulter entered the room and stayed by the entrance as quick as she saw Lyra staying over to the window and looking out onto the busy street below, now thinking about her best and only friend Roger, hoping that Mrs. Coulter was alright when she had said he could only lose his way and now is probably back in Jordan's kitchen preparing breakfast with others for the scholars in the big dining hall.

A minute or so later Mrs. Coulter finally asked, "Are you ready Lyra?”, seeing the girl clearly shocked judging by her little jump and quick turn to her, she then rather quickly put a smile on her face once again.

Lyra, clearly shocked by the woman's sudden presence, quickly turned to face Mrs. Coulter, nodded.

“Have you washed up dear?” the woman asked.

Lyra, shook her head, “No" Lyra answered before looking onto the floor for a moment. When she looked back, she noticed Mrs.Coulter's hand.

“Right, come along to the bathroom” she held out her hand and Lyra walked over and took it.

Mrs. Coulter led the girl to the bathroom.

The bathroom was another wonder. Lyra was used to washing with hard yellow soap in a chipped basin, where the water that struggled out of the taps was warm at best, and often flecked with rust. Which has been one of the many reasons why she wasn't so keen to wash.

But here the water was hot, the soap rose pink and fragrant, the towels thick and cloud-soft. And around the edge of the tinted mirror, there were little pink lights so that when Lyra looked into it she saw a softly illuminated figure quite unlike the Lyra she knew. She couldn't believe it, but she saw herself, without any problems. The mirror which she had looked into was clean, not a single line was there. Pan, on her shoulder, looked surprised a little too.

Mrs. Coulter noticed the girl's astonishment and let go of her hand.

"Right, you can wash here before we go. Towels are there", Mrs. Coulter said, gesturing with her finger to the place where towels had been put. She then continued "I'll be just outside in the living room, alright?”

“Alright". Lyra looked back at the kind woman, smiling.

“Good”, the woman said before heading from the bathroom to the living room, closing the door behind her and the monkey daemon.

Once she entered the living room, she sat on the sofa and decided to read newspapers while she was waiting for Lyra to come out of the bathroom.

Once the woman left, Lyra turned on the tap and released the water. She rolled up the sleeves, meanwhile, Pantalaimon jumped down on the edge of the large basin, for Lyra to have room for her move.

Pantalaimon crouched on the edge of the basin and minored Mrs.Coulter'ss daemon, making faces at her.

“Oh, stop it, Pan."

“What?” Pantalaimon asked innocently, lightly laughing.

"Don't be stupid."

Lyra had enough of his grimaces and pushed him into the soapy water, making a splash everywhere.

“Hey!" Pan told her, offended by the attack. He dried himself the best he could.

“Told you to stop and not play dumb." She started to laugh. Just a few seconds later she remembered her bag and the Alethiometer inside. Mrs. Coulter told her she was going back to the living room but did she? Or her golden monkey daemon? To Pan, he looked odd somehow. She promised to Mastershe'dd keep it secret, even from Mrs. Coulter...

Oh, this was confusing. Mrs. Coulter was so kind and wise, whereas Lyra had actually seen the Master trying to poison her Uncle Asriel.

“He must have had a reason for asking to keep it secret from her, Lyra." Pan thought.

“But why? She is nice to us. He tried to kill my uncle, the only family I have left." Lyra questioned him back. She felt so confused. Which of them did she owe most obedience to?"

“I don't know but we should hurry and check if it's still in the bag."

“I know."

She quickly stopped the water and took one of the towels on her right side and rubbed herself hastily, and hurried back to her bedroom, where her bag still lay untouched, just like she left it, untouched, fortunately.

“Lyra, the Alethiometer!" Pan said.

She quickly opened a small pocket to check on the device. Still there, still how she placed it back at her old room at Jordan.

Lyra sighed with relief before going out of the room to find Mrs. Coulter with Pan running beside her as a small white ermine. With luck, she should be able to find her. And she did.

“Ready?" said Mrs. Coulter as she spotted Lyra going back to the living room, seeing the girl stop and nod. The Golden Monkey sat beside her. She then put the newspapers back on the table to fully dedicate her attention to Lyra once again. The Golden Monkey stared at the white ermine the entire time, making Pantalaimon a little nervous.

“Are you hungry dear?"

"A little" The girl politely answered, feeling her cheeks changing their color to red.

“Well, I thought we could go to Arctic Institute for a lunch if you want. I'm one of the very few female members, so I might as well use the privileges I have. And then go shopping to find you new dresses. How does it sound?"

"Great Mrs. Coulter”, Lyra said with a big smile that reached her eyes. She felt truly thrilled that she's really going to visit The Arctic Institute.

“Very well, where do we go first? Arctic Institute or shop?"

“Arctic Institute please."

"Wonderful, let's go then.”

And with that she stood up, ready to leave the flat to go to The Arctic Institute and then to shops in order to find the little girl new clothes. Those she has simply will not do. Above all, she is now with her and needs new clothes if she is to be her assistant.

They went to the lift, Mrs. Coulter called it once again, by tucking her keys and unlocking the lift, she then remove them, placed keys back into her pocket, and waited. As soon as the lift reached their floor and opened, Mrs. Coulter offered Lyra her hand, which Lyra quickly accepted. Both of them entered the lift, followed by their daemons. All of them were ready to leave.

Lyra was smiling the entire way down the lift till it opened itself.

Lyra, nor Pan couldn't see it, but Mrs. Coulter put a light smile on as well and wore it even after going out of the lift and the building.

Chapter Text

Twenty minutes’ slow walk full of talking about all sorts of things took them to a grand stone-fronted building where they sat in a wide dining room with snowy clothes and bright silver cutlery set on the tables and ate calves’ liver and bacon.

However, Lyra wasn’t really taken by heart by this. What lightened the girl’s mood and heart were those exhibits around the room. As soon as they entered the building and the girl saw the exhibits hanging around the big room, which she had to look up to see the ceiling too, she let go of the woman’s hand and ran off to the nearest staged display case with a big ship with white sails placed inside.

“Wow…” she whispered while having her mouth wide open. So big and beautiful! Has she ever seen anything like this? 

The answer was short and simple. No. Never in her entire life. Not even the Grand Hall in Jordan is that beautiful. Although, it is pretty old and quite a lot used for any kinds of presentations or just some banquets hosted by the Jordan College. Her eyes almost fell from their place, for she never had her eyes this wide open.

She looked as if she were enchanted. Nothing and no one else mattered at that moment. Pantalaimon ran towards the nearest display case along with Lyra, not caring about the older daemon at that moment. Ever since he and Lyra met him and the woman just a few hours ago, literally, he sensed something was off about them, although Lyra paid him no mind, she only had eyes for the woman and her sweet and charming aura.

But now, he paid no mind to whatever he or the woman spared a look toward them. He was Lyra’s soul, and Lyra was his companion. They ran off together and stared at the biggest handmade ship they had ever seen. He even transformed himself and seated his bird shape on her left shoulder.

Then they looked to the other side from them, and the girl ran off with her daemon on her shoulder to the other big display case. This one contained various things needed for exploring the North or any other area. Maps, telescopes, much-needed equipment for survival in the wild so one could defend himself or herself in case of an attack, examples of clothing… Although Pan guessed the woman would rather hide in the shadows or never go out for an expedition to the North, if she had to wear these… She would never wear something so ugly, even if it meant saving her life, he thought. His thoughts went to Lyra’s mind but she paid him no mind, completely blocking him.

Lyra, on the other hand, wouldn’t mind these clothes. She never did. Given the fact all of her clothes were already used when she got them. 

Mrs. Coulter, meanwhile, was observing the girl and her daemon very closely. She made sure Lyra wasn’t causing any trouble as soon as she let go of her hand to explore this room. When she found out nothing bad was going to happen, she went to take a seat in the corner of the room near the entrance. So that she could see others entering for the first good but they could not. In case somebody “important” would be coming to have lunch there at the same time as them. To have an upper hand. No one knows about her new “assistant” yet, and they don’t have to know.

She sat up and placed her handbag on the table, all while eyeing the little girl. She then took the menu list into her hands and began to read it. 

Her daemon was just a few inches away from her, so as not to alarm anyone about their little secret, and watched out for the girl. He was Mrs. Coulter’s soul, her own eyes, ears, feelings… everything. Just like any other daemon. Although their relationship was different and difficult from others.

When she finished reading the menu list, Mrs. Coulter called out for Lyra to come and sit down. 

“Lyra, come and join me, dear.”

The first call was not a success. It looked like the girl didn’t even hear the woman calling out for her. Lyra was in awe that even her daemon Pan, didn’t hear anything. 

“Lyra?”

It was the second call that pulled the girl out of her thoughts and finally registered the woman she came with.

Lyra followed her over to a table, still staring in awe and soon took a seat opposite the woman. When she sat down and looked around the room, she spotted the famous explorer Skraeling she heard and read so much about. 

“Is that the Skraeling, who mapped the currents of the great Northern Ocean?” She asked Mrs. Coulter.

Mrs. Coulter was staring at Lyra the entire time since she called out for her. When she saw her sitting down and still looking around the room, her eyes followed the girl’s to see what she was up to. 

So when Lyra asked her, she took a look for herself and started to smile, Mrs. Coulter nodded her head before waving her hand and saying, „Hello Eliezer” to him. 

He, the famous explorer, looked her way, nodded as well and waved to her in return before going back into a conversation he had with other men. Probably about the new expeditions. His daemon, a white dog, sat by his side.

Lyra watched the whole scene playing before her. “You know him?” Her face was stuck in shock, and her mouth was open.

She couldn’t believe it. Mrs. Coulter knows him! That’s wonderful, she thought.

“Of course.” Mrs. Coulter answered with a fond smile. “I can introduce you to him, if you want to.” She added.

“Really??” Lyra asked in shock. 

“Yes, dear.” The woman said and smirked in return. 

“Come, let’s go.” Mrs. Coulter rose from her seat and went to the man’s direction like she was the queen, Lyra following her. Her unique style of walking didn’t go unnoticed by the girl. She’s awesome, Lyra thought. Pan was not surprised. 

When they came to the table Eliezer and other two men were occupying, Mrs. Coulter said with her angelic voice with a smile on her face: “Noon, gentlemen, may I introduce you to this young lady named Lyra?” She said, pointing at the girl standing beside her. “Especially to you, Eliezer. She is your big admirer.” The woman added.

The first man to take action was Eliezer. He stood up, walked over to the young girl and the woman, and greeted them both. Firstly, he stretched out his hand towards Mrs. Coulter, “Nice to see you again, Marisa”, and then towards Lyra, “Hello, Ms. Lyra, it is a pleasure to meet you”, he was saying while smiling. 

The girl was beaming. It was only yesterday evening, when she met this stunning woman by a coincidence, and today she got to know more about one of the biggest explorers she came to admire for what they did. Mr. Skraeling mapped the currents of the Great Northern Ocean. She knows this, because she got to see the maps at Jordan, unauthorized of course, as she was supposed to be studying literature with Charles. Just like always, she sneaked from her lectures to wander around Jordan College. Not that she was interested in her education, not in the slightest. She hates it. But anything from her uncle Asriel or people who did something, meant something in the field she was interested in meant the world to her. And when her uncle was back from North, and when he actually didn't forget  to bring her something from his way, Lyra would treasure it for two reasons. One, it was from her uncle, and second, it was from his expeditions and adventures from the North.

“Nice to meet you, too, Mr. Skraeling. I’ve seen everything you made. I want to be an explorer when I grow up, just like you and my uncle. Travel to the North and elsewhere. To be free like a bird,” Lyra said, as they were shaking hands together.

“That's great to hear, young lady. One day, I believe you will achieve what you want. Marisa here will surely be able to assist with that, right? Of course, you will need to study, knowledge is very important, one needs to know what you want to do.” He said.

“I remember the time when I had to study everything about mapping, travelling… It is not as simple as it seems.” El added.

“Marisa, where have you been hiding this lady? She is just like you. Curious as well.” He said to Marisa.  

Marisa looked at him and with her perfectly trained smile answered, “Of course, I will be the assistance Lyra needs so much, Eliezer. She will achieve great things. I will make sure of it.” Deliberately avoiding having to answer about her hiding Lyra and showing her only now. 

“Mr. Skraeling, do you know my uncle? His name is Lord Asriel Belacqua.” Lyra retook the lead again. Her uncle is quite famous too, right? In Jordan, he is known by everyone there, so maybe here in London people know him as well. In her opinion, he is as important as other big explorers and scientists. And he should receive plaque for his work. That way, Lyra would have even more to be proud of about him and of course, to brag everywhere even more than usual.

“Asriel? Of course I know him, he is quite famous there. Many of these exhibitions are there because of him. Did you know that, miss? Although you should ask Marisa about him. I'm sure she knows him better than I do. After all, they both are explorers as well as scientists.” Skraeling said. He is quite sure he spotted them both numerous times together here at The Arctic Institute discussing some things related to North and a man called Rusakov and his pieces.

And if one is honest, these two are more than just explorers and scientists. Those who remember, Asriel and Marisa were once lovers. They had an affair, one that resulted in the woman’s pregnancy. And some people may say they still see each other sometimes, even after everything.

But that’s not important right now.

Lyra was all ears when it came to her uncle. She knew he was famous explorer, scholar, and a scientist. And above all, he was her uncle, her family. To hear someone talking about her uncle… she felt pride inside. Even though he wasn’t much there her whole life, he was the only family she had. He and Roger, her best friend. 

“Really? He said that one day he'd take me to the North with him.” Lyra said proudly and a little bit boastfully, because in truth, Asriel never said such a thing. Only she always says such things to everyone. 

Asriel.

The last thing he needs is to take care of a small kid, his niece, as he says. Not that he took care of her before. Asriel has other things on his mind, other things to do than watch over a little girl, a child. He made that pretty clear numerous times already to her. The girl was to be under the care of Jordan College and its scholars. But mainly under the care of the master of Jordan college and the librarian named Charles - who is also her teacher. Charles tried his best to educate the girl, but unfortunately, without results he hoped for, as she always found a way to skip the classes he and the master made with such efforts with their quite bussy schedule. But in general, two third of all classes the girl had, were under the lead of Charles, and the remaining one third was under master’s guidance.

She has a new teacher now, and a female one as well as caregiver. And for once, Lyra is willing to learn. Which is very interesting considering the facts she always sneaked out of her lessons with Charles. Even Pantalaimon would marvel now. He reckons it’s simply the woman’s charm. Impossible to resist.

It is sad to have only one relative alive (that you know of) and be completely shut out of him. All Lyra ever wanted was to spend more time with him.

“Is that so? And I would say Asriel is more into working alone, just by himself. Right, men?” He said and turned back to see the other two men only nodding in awe. After all, they don’t know Asriel very well, but even the little they knew was that he was never really into family things. 

“Is that so? Then you will better study hard now so you are fully prepared for the big day one day.” Eliezer said. 

“Can you tell me about your adventures, please, where you went, what you did there…?” Lyra asked. In all honesty, math, chemistry, English and its literature, history, social studies…. None of that really mattered to Lyra enough to take interest in learning it. Because every single thing was in the hands of the Magisterium and anyone who doesn’t follow their teachings and orders ends up in prison.

Which is the better possible outcome, of course - to end up in prison, just being imprisoned and nothing more.

Mrs. Coulter, the well-mannered lady, was showing the first signs of disinterested. Although only a few, who knew her very well, would notice such things. 

She was getting a bit reckless. The golden monkey sat beside her the whole time and he also was getting a bit reckless, changing his seating positions, playing with his hands…

Politeness is the way. So her mother used to say. If something doesn’t suit you the way you want or need, you have to be polite. No matter what. And that is one of many things her mother taught her.

So with the well trained (but a fake) politeness she came into their little conversation she stated:  “Do not worry Eliezer, I will help her succeed. Gentlemen, it was nice to see you again, but I’m afraid I must excuse both Lyra and myself, we have quite a busy day ahead of us.” She said with a smile as she started to put her hands around Lyra’s shoulders which meant they’d be leaving for lunch and other things she finds important.

Mr. Skraeling kindly answered: “Of course, we will not bother you anymore. It was a pleasure to see you again Marisa”, he said with a smile on his face as he shook his hand with the woman’s, and adding, “and to meet this young lady there” shaking hand with her as well. 

Lyra, on the other hand, wasn’t keen on leaving. She looked between the woman and the man and said: “But I’d like to hear stories from your travels, Mr. Skraeling.” 

“Lyra, come on, we have a big day ahead of us.” Mrs. Coulter said. She was beginning to regret ever introducing him to Lyra. 

„What have you done, Marisa?”

The Golden Monkey asked. Now they’ll have to tear the girl away from the man somehow. He was already quite restless and showed few sings of discomfort, of course in a way to not to be spotted by anybody.

“But Mrs. Coulter. They must be worth listening to,” she complained. Lyra didn’t want to leave. This sounded way more interesting than anything right now. She wasn’t even hungry anymore. Not that she would say something - she never complained about food, even when they made her go to bed without dinner quite often, as she got into all possible kinds of mischief or when receiving only very small portions of food. If it wasn’t for Roger, who almost always managed to get her some snack afterwards…Truly the only friend who cared about her in all aspects. 

“Maybe one day, Lyra, but now is not the right time. Eliezer is very busy, as are we, dear. Is that right, El?” Mrs. Coulter asked. Her eyes were practically screaming „say something else Eliezer and you’re done for“ the way she was looking at the man. Her perfectly trained smile almost shot itself up to the sky.

As if the man sensed something not quite pleasant from the woman’s look, he politely rejected the girl, who looked so much like the woman. His daemon looked at them and bowed his head.

“Miss, maybe another day. As Marisa said, none of us has time right now. And we were discussing some important things.” Eliezer said. It wasn’t technically all a lie, but he sensed the woman had different plans, and different ideas about spending her time on. 

“See, Lyra? He agrees that now it is not the right time. All of us have our own work to focus on.” Marisa said. 

Her voice carried a bit of fury already. The girl would be a challenge, indeed. No manners, no proper language and no proper upbringing in general. Marisa will have to do all the work, if she wants the girl to be obedient and ready for life.

Pantalaimon, sitting obediently beside Lyra’s feet as a pine marten (one of his favorite forms), didn’t hide his curiosity either. He occasionally changed to a puppy or an ermine (also one of his most favorite changes), and listened to the man with a white dog as his daemon. 

Not long after their meeting he sensed something wasn't really right with the monkey daemon. And later with the woman as well.

But Lyra completely shut him down the moment the man started to talk. So he didn’t have any chance to send a warning to her.

And now he sensed something was off with the monkey daemon and the woman again. He sent a thought to Lyra to not to stir up any possible trouble and just give up. „Lyra please, don’t. You’ll look like a small baby with the whining. Another day is also a day. And the woman is getting anxious, I can feel it. Please stop.”

Lyra, although pretty disappointed, agreed in the end. It wasn’t like she had any say in this matter. All of them politely said their goodbyes and then went their ways.

„Finally a moment of peace and quiet again,”  Mrs. Coulter thought. The Golden Monkey just silently agreed. There was no need for any more words. Both of them preferred order, neatness (especially the woman) and a quiet over mess and loudness.

Mrs. Coulter, now back in control of the situation once again, took the lead once more. Her hands, still resting on Lyra’s shoulders, guided her back towards their table, they still hadn't even ordered their meal. 

Together, they went back to their table and sat down, with their daemon sitting beside their human. Lyra was still a little mad for not getting to listen to the  Skrealing’s stories, but Pan reasoned with her, as per usual. And this time it seemed to work, at least enough to calm the girl down to not do something stupid. It would not look to act like a small kid in front of so many important people, and mainly in front of Mr. Skraeling.

“Now, Lyra, what will you eat?” The woman asked as she picked up the menu and read today's menu. 

She wasn’t hungry that much, but it was better to get back to the original plan she planned for them - lunch at the Arctic Institute and then shopping - the girl needed new clothes as soon as possible. These very simple and clearly worn out dresses already on her simply wouldn’t do. And these are the best ones she had… Simply not acceptable.

“I don’t care about food.“ Lyra said. 

The girl never cared about the food she got. All her life she got to eat something, sometimes the food didn't taste good enough, but Lyra ate it anyway - she was hungry. And something to eat was better than nothing. 

“Well, you might care if you were starving.” The woman replied.

“I don’t even recognize these dishes. What they taste like or how much they cost, Mrs. Coulter.” The young girl said quietly. The poor girl didn’t have any money with her to pay for the food.

“I don’t need something fancy, ma’am, really. Anything could do.” Lyra said sadly, and Pantalaimon bowed his head down to the floor. They were moneyless both practically and physically and to think they would get the food for free was beyond belief.

The Golden Monkey watched the young daemon like a hawk. His eyes never left the daemon or the girl, as instructed. 

When he saw the younger daemon dropping his head, he understood the girl’s reaction. „She thinks she has to pay for lunch.“ That’s ridiculous, she’s here with one of the richest women in Britain.

As soon as Mrs. Coulter understood what her daemon meant by his thought, and after their shared look, she suddenly realized what the girl meant. One look at that girl and she understood. „That’s ridiculous, she’s not paying, I am.“ 

“Lyra, dear, look at me.”  Marisa said. She had to make sure the girl understood that she is not the one who pays for this food. 

Lyra slowly looked up from the menu to the woman. There was something about her face and the way she looked at Lyra. Her eyes softened slightly as she looked at her.

“Lyra dear, pick up whatever you want, I’ll be the one paying for our meals. You don’t have to worry about that, I promise. Just pick up whatever you want to, alright?”  She needed to understand she can pick up whatever she likes and wants to. She was smiling towards her and made sure her face remained understandable as well. With her, Lyra would never have to worry about money, that’s the first thing she needs to understand. 

“Are you sure? Those meals have to be pretty much expensive, and I don’t want you to pay for something this costly because of me, Mrs. Coulter. I don’t deserve it” Lyra answered. Her voice still carried a sadness and the fact she still wasn’t certain, because she didn’t want the woman to spend so much on her for one single meal. 

Pantalaimon had his hand still in the same position, but this time his tiny nose sniffed as he tried to smell the change of the air. The woman and the golden monkey apparently found out their thoughts about the cost of these meals there. 

“I’m sure, darling. You deserve it, trust me. You don’t have to be nervous nor sad.” Mrs. Coulter said to make her feel reassured. “Here, give me your hand…” She said, and as soon as their hands met again, the woman gently squeezed hers. “Lyra, you don’t have to worry anymore, as long as you’re with me, you will never have to worry about anything anymore, do you understand?” Marisa made sure to have Lyra look at her, without any disturbances. Lyra needed to understand she doesn’t need to worry. 

She watched the girl slowly nod her head and return the smile. She smiled back and let go of Lyra's hand. “Now, what would you like to eat?” Mrs Coulter asked her again.