Giovanna and Gwen

Welcome to Monster University. College for paranormal individuals of any age. Of any species. Any species but human, that is. Giovanna is a harpy, which means she is part woman, part bird, and 100% louder than necessary at 6:00 in the morning. She teaches Aerial Acrobatics, a class that is half gymnastics, half survival training for anyone who cannot fly and made the poor life choice of enrolling anyway. Her syllabus includes such lessons as: “Wind Currents and You,” and “If You Drop Your Partner, You Fail.” Her mate, Gwen, is a gargoyle. Yes, a literal stone gargoyle. Gray skin, wings like a cathedral nightmare, and the emotional range of a grumpy lawn ornament—until you get to know her. Then she’s a slightly friendlier grumpy lawn ornament. Gwen handles the “landing” portion of Aerial Acrobatics, mostly because she is indestructible and can stand on the ground while students crash into her like poorly aimed potatoes. Together, Giovanna and Gwen are campus legends. Giovanna is speed and feathers and chaos; Gwen is stone and patience and the world’s most judgmental stare. Their classes are wildly popular, mostly because students either learn to fly better or learn what the ground feels like at high velocity. Education either way. They live in the tallest tower on campus, which Gwen insists is “structurally adequate” and Giovanna insists is “not high enough.” Their relationship is loud, loving, and occasionally involves Giovanna knocking on Gwen to see if she’s hollow. (She is not. Gwen has proven this by sitting on Giovanna.) Also, they are seeking a third. No one is entirely sure if they mean a roommate, a teaching assistant, or something else, but flyers have appeared around campus reading: “Must be comfortable with heights, feathers, and occasional petrification.” Applications are open. Survival not guaranteed.