Many worlds, many lives
Setting: Jordan College, Oxford, Alethiometer universe. 20 years (ish) after the events of the books.
Caitlin dragged her suitcase through the corridors of Jordan college, trying to make a mental map of the place so she wouldn't get lost. "This is our home for the next couple of years, so we better get to know these corridors quickly." She said to Europa, her daemon who took the form of a buzzard and was perched on her shoulder as usual. Europa shook her wings slightly and replied "I'm more anxious about getting used to the city personally. Too many buildings."
Caitlin had lived all her life in the countryside, her family were mostly farmers. She had known for years that she wanted to study science though, and living in Oxford, a city well known for its experimental theologians, was a prospect that really excited her.
Caitlin and Europa came to a steep staircase. After several failed attempts to lift her heavy suitcase she sat down on the bottom step, while Europa perched on her suitcase and preened her feathers. After a couple of minutes Europa hopped back onto Caitlin's shoulder. "Someone's coming, maybe they can help."
"Hi, my name's Caro. Do you need help carrying your case?" Asked a pretty girl with light blonde hair in ringlets. Her daemon, a large ginger cat, eyed Caitlin's bootlaces playfully.
"Uhm... Yeah, if that's okay" Caitlin stuttered. "I'm Caitlin, and this is Europa"
"That's Tig down there" Caro said, gesturing towards the cat. She was stronger than she looked, and effortlessly picked up Caitlin's suitcase and headed up. Caitlin, Europa, and Tig followed closely behind.
"So Caitlin," Caro called down, "What are you studying?"
"Experimental theology" Caitlin panted, struggling to keep up.
"Oh, interesting. That's Dust, isn't it? Angels and stuff. Not really my thing-I'm studying cartography"
"Right, I think this is my room. Thanks for the help, and I'll see you around" Caitlin said as they reached a small doorway.
Once Caitlin and her daemon were inside, she flopped down on the bed while Europa perched on the windowsill to survey the city. "You like her, don't you?" Teased her daemon.
"No? She's just... Friendly, okay?" Caitlin replied defensively, trying to look more interested in a newspaper she found on the bed.