Sebastian finally seemed to notice Serena's discomfort and stepped away... It was more the color of her aura that gave away her distress and as much of an ass as he could be he didn't actually enjoy hurting anyone. He patted her shoulder awkwardly, "Sorry about that.... not so good with boundaries."

Anna let out a relieved sigh, for a moment there Seb had looked like he was going distant on them but now he seemed just fine.

Anna smiled at the group, "Well, I still have bags to unpack and a roomie to meet so I will see you all at lunch maybe?"

She gave Seb a hug before looking up at him sternly, "Behave yourself alright... and let me know if it gets worse. Maybe I could knock your ass out a while."

Seb grinned, "And you propose to do this how? I don't think Gunner would approve, I am a royal you know."

Anna snorted, "Barely..." She turned to Gunner and bumped knuckles with him. "Pleeeease keep him out of trouble... he is hopeless without is you know."

She turned to Serena, "I'll see you later... don't let Seb give you a hard time. If you need to kick his ass go ahead, he can take it.... Nice meeting you Lena."

Anna walked off and entered her room to find a blonde dhampir setting inside, "Oh, hi."

-~*~

Aleksander nodded, "Very excited... it seems I have quite a few promising students this year. Some are even from home. It is odd hearing Russian so often now when before it was rare... You are speaking it well also."

Eliza Linford

Eliza didn't really mean to startle but she couldn't help but laugh. Her eyes fluttered up to meet his then smiled when he shook her hand and introduced himself. "Nice to meet you, as well, Elliott." She wandered off with Elliott following behind her as they toured the mansion together. She thought that it was going to be hard to find someone that she could joke with about anything but it was fairly easy. She showed him many areas and didn't know herself but didn't want to be too obvious. "Oh and this is the kitchen, where we eat, talk and do whatever else." She smiled while locking her eyes with his. "Since we are here, are you hungry? I make a mean Turkey sandwich." Eliza joked while going to the fridge and pulling out some turkey, bread and mayo. She placed the items on the counter then got two small plates. "So, Elliott, tell me a little bit about yourself. If you want to." She said while starting to make the turkey sandwiches.

Serena let out of a small sight of relief when Sebastian removed his chin from her head. She looked between him and Lena. She gave a small smile as she blushed slightly, she shook her head, "No, no... It is fine."

When she looked at around the grup suggesting that she would see them a lunch, she gave her nod. She liked Anna and Gunner. She hadn't been around the two Moroi long enough to figure out just how she felt about them. On top of that, she didn't want to hide away as much this year. Everything was new and different and she wasn't going to succeed in anything if she put up her walls like she did back home.

She blushed again when Anna told her to kick Sebastian's ass if he gave her a hard time. She looked up at him when she left. She could couldn't kick his ass. Well, she was very away that she could kick his ass but... She just couldn't bring herself to.
~
Gunner nodded to Anna as they bumped fists and she begged him to take care of Sebastian, "Don't I always?" He glanced at Sebastian and smirked, "And yes, yes, I do."

He looked back at Serena, who seemed to be far more comfortable now that Sebastian had moved. Finally, he looked at Lena and smiled, "So, are you new here?"

He didn't think he had seen her around. Then again they didn't interact too much with the Moroi. They had classes with them but even then it was hard to know everyone in the school. There was a lot of people in the school after all.

(Kseniya)

At the most Niya had been readying for ten minutes before her roommate showed up. As the girl spoke her first words, the young dhampir got up and went to her, shaking her hands. "Привет! Я Ксения! Я надеюсь, что вы не возражаете, но я хотел ждать ....." For a moment the last word was caught on the blonde dhampir's lips before she could translate in her head. "Urh....I am sorry....Hello, my name is Kseniya. I stayed here until you came back so that we could choose what to do with the room together." Each word was pronounced harshly and with the thickest accent imaginable. She still had a smile on her face though, since she was proud of herself for stringing that sentence together without....many errors.

With a few hops backwards she picked up her black bag and spread her arms wide, her large ring on her right middle finger glinted softly in the light of the room. "You get to pick первый"

---

(Trishia)

Trish clapped happily, or as best she could, around the books, catching them as they were about to fall again. Her smile showed her long fangs, though they didn't take away from the excitment that was prominent in her eyes. "That's wonderful that you have some from home! It has to have been difficult just being here where everyone speaks different and has a bit of a different culture." To be honest, going to Russia had been one of the main places Trish had ever wanted to go. She wanted to go to the old castles of her people and the old homeland. "And ...I teach Russian, I would hope that I would speak it almost like a natural." She giggled softly. "You know, morning magic classes, evening Russian." She looked up at the moon, watching it sail across the sky that was still that inky black. "Would you like to come with me to the male Moroi dorms?"

Anna blinked at a complete loss at first as the other girl greeted her with what she recognized as Russian but she'd never learned to speak it. As the other girl switched to English Anna smiled good naturedly, "No problem, I bet it's hard to get used to speaking in English when you've spoken Russian all your life... You're one of the transfer students right?"

As Niya pointed to the beds Anna chuckled, "Mmmm.... I'll take the one on the right if you want the one on the left?" She tossed her bag onto the right bed and unzipped it, she didn't have much. Her family wasn't wealthy and all her money went to them other than the little she needed to get her by at school. They needed it more than she did. She folded the few outfits she had and sat a picture of she, Gunner, Sebastian, and a beautiful blonde girl with hazel eyes named Anya that none of them talked about anymore.

"So, how are you liking your first day?"

~*~

Sebastian scoffed, "I am perfectly capable of handling myself, thank you... Y'know... when I'm not sneaking off to get into trouble... Speaking of trouble..." He grimaced and pinched the bridge of his nose again, "Apparently my 'self medicating', as Anna puts it, isn't doing much good. This headache is killer and I haven't even DONE anything... You'd think this curse would save the bad ones for when I heal puppies or something... So far, it's just been auras and more auras.... Didn't start till I got back to this damn Academy either..."

He leaned against the wall with a groan, "Before you tell me to go to my room Gunner, remember what I might say back to that," he wiggled his eyebrows at the other guy suggestively. Sebastian was in no way bisexual but he wasn't afraid to say embarrassing things to get his way. He glanced at Serena and frowned, "Your aura is real grey you know that... usually means deep sorrow..." His eyes went distant a moment as his mind brushed hers and he recoiled from the contact, sure she probably hadn't felt it but he had... and as usual it was too much... He felt too much, he saw too much and though it was disjointed and didn't make much sense he was pretty sure he didn't WANT to know... not that much, not about anyone. Knowing someone like that, for him, was dangerous. Without another word, his expression dark, he stepped away from the group. "I'm going to finish unpacking."

~*~

"Oh yes... Sometimes I forget. I don't keep up well with Moroi classes, the students yes but the classes... Не так много."

He nodded, "I would be glad to escort you... What is it you wished to do there?" He reached out and took some of the books from her, helping her lessen the awkwardness and weight of the load.

"Let me help."

Gunner laughed, "When have you ever been capable of handling yourself?" When Sebastian started to complain about his headache, Gunner shrugged, "More people are here... More auras... makes sense. Now-"

Gunner didn't get to finish his sentence before Sebastian cut him off and warned him about what he would say if he told him to go to his room. Now, Gunner had nothing against gay people, he didn't even care if people thought he might be-although it was clear that he was not-, it was always a little strange being hit on, even jokingly by a male friend. He rolled his eyes and crossed him arms as Sebastian turned his attention from him to Serena.

Serena looked at him, her eyes wide as dish plates when he mentioned her aura and threw out there the meaning. The sorrow. She swallowed a little as she held his eyes. However, she felt as though he wasn't looking at her but through her. She started to wring in hands when he seemed to return and say he needed to pack. She nodded, "I should go find my room," She gave the three of them a small smile before heading toward her door room, hands shaking. She kept pulling her hair over her shoulders. Surely, he didn't know anything.

Gunner glared at Sebastian as Serena ran off. He knew that dazed look too well and he was not happy with Sebastian. When the boy said he needed to unpack, he nodded and wrapped his arm around his shoulder. Although it looked friendly, there was a weight to it that told Sebastian not to attempt to resist. He looked at Lena and smiled, "It was a pleasure meeting you. Sorry we have to run off."

He then promptly dragged Sebastian toward the male dorms. He dropped his arm and spoke in a hushed voice, "You're an ass. You barely know the girl and you are throwing it out to everyone that she is probably depressed and sweeping her mind. God. You deserve that headache."
~
Rae was still wandered when he noticed a Moroi girl standing at the female Dhampirs dorms. He smiled, she was cute. He walked over to her and looked between the building and the girl, "You don't look like you belong here."

He laughed a little, "You must be knew here. I'm sure I'd have remember your pretty face," He held out his hand to her, "I'm Rae Costa... Can I show you around the place at all?"

The girl seemed to have understood her broken English well enough to understand that she'd greeted her. She was even more astonished when she chose a bed. "Yes, I am one of the transfers. It will be weird here, I think for me." She happily took her left bed, setting her own bag down before she started to unpack her things. Her training uniforms were the first things out, the small Ozera family crest marking the neck line. For a moment she wondered where to put them before finally finding the drawers.

"It is fine...I met a man here who speaks Russian, are there many like him? He seemed natural to it." She smoothed her uniforms before putting the new school uniform beside them. "And this campus is odd...hmh...I will never get used to how closed off everything is."

With her few other street clothing, and new school uniform, put away, Niya started to dress her bed. Her own sheets were a teal blue, sort of like clear water. She'd brought them from home and was happy to put them on the new bed,....at least it smelled like home. The next things to go up were her small charms from her Sami friends, and other trinkets from the people of Russia. She didn't have any pictures, mostly because they wouldn't have made the journey entirely, so she just flopped down on her bed, her hair spreading out on the pillow. "So you have been here for many years? Yes? You stay with the school?"

---

(Trishia)

Trish gave a little laugh as he explained himself as to not understanding both of her positions. She wanted to tell him that there was nothing to worry about, but she thought that would probably make her seem selfish.

With a heavy sigh she poked out her bottom lip. "I'm giving my presentation of a research paper I did on ancient Siberian dialect roots." She brightened slightly as her load of books was lightened. "спасибо. You are very kind, I am sorry we do not know each other better. I usually get caught up in one paper or another, hardly have the time to teach classes. Maybe that will change this year! Maybe I'll get to know more of the rest of the staff! All the parties I could have!" She squeezed her books and papers hard as she squeaked. "I've never gotten to have many parties."

She has started to walk towards the male dorms as she spoke.

Sebastian watched Serena walk off and felt a bit like a piece of shit... He sighed and then felt Gunner's arm fall heavily onto his shoulders and knew he was in for a fun little chat. He nodded at Lena and let Gunner steer him away. As the other boy fussed at him Sebastian felt his temper flare and had to struggle for a moment to keep it in check before he responded. Gunner was a good friend, he wouldn't take this epic headache and his own stupid mistakes out on the other guy. If he hadn't been a little drunk he would have had the sense to think before he spoke but unfortunately it was difficult to stay sober when alcohol was the only thing dampening what was going on magically in his head.

Still, the suddenly rigid set to his shoulders and the annoyance flashing in his eyes gave the irritability he was hiding a pretty obvious show... "You know I didn't do that on purpose... ESPECIALLY that. It's bad enough having ME in my head without having to feel someone else in there..."

Especially someone who felt almost as messed up emotionally as he was... If he'd thought he was capable, if he'd been a better person, maybe he'd have tried to help her but if he was going to be honest, he was too much of a coward. Helping her would mean letting her in and Anna and Gunner were all he could take as it was and it was a constant effort to stay out of THEIR heads. The difference was, they were mostly bright people... happy... strong. Their auras soothed him and helped him hold it together, letting someone else with that kind of darkness in would be asking for trouble. It would trigger his need to heal and that tapped into Spirit's area of expertise way too closely which was another kind of terror he wasn't ready to face down yet.

He took a breath, "Look, I'll apologize to her and explain it as best as I can but you know anyone around me is running the risk of me peeking into their heads... you and Anna included. I can't control it and you know damn well I wish I could. Smart people would have already abandoned my sorry ass by now."

He paused and glanced at Gunner, "Oh... and while I'm pissing people off and saying things I shouldn't, you have an admirer... or two... maybe have a little fun this year? Not everything can be about Strigoi slaying." Yeah, that little comment might get him punched but it needed saying and he'd better say it now while the alcohol was loosening his tongue because later he'd feel too obligated to keep the secrets he accidentally saw to say anything at all.

He thought of Anya and a pain in his chest joined the one in his head... He still regretted never telling her how he felt even if she HAD known, he'd still never actually SAID it... He'd been too much of a coward. She'd been the light in his black hole of an existence, she'd helped him cope... He'd stopped drinking and everything had been... better... Then, she'd been gone and everything had come back 10 fold and the drinking had gotten worse than ever. Anna and Gunner had pulled him through that and he wouldn't wish that pain on anyone... but he remembered the good part and Gunner could use a little of that warmth in his life... He was too damn focused all the time and it came from a dark place, driven yes... but dark.

~*~

Anna smiled, "Ummm, you're probably talking about Guardian Belikov. He's pretty awesome as far as mentors go but yeah there is one or two others who speak Russian here also... There is Ms. Matila, she is the Moroi instructor for Russian and for magic." She took a seat on her bed and then laid back, stretching out comfortably, "There are probably a few Moroi who speak a little too."

As Niya asked her another question Anna nodded, "Yeah, I didn't start super young like most everyone else though. I didn't join Academy till the final two years of elementary school. It took a long time to catch up to everyone else, thankfully the majority of the actual combat classes didn't start till freshman year here..." She shook her head, "Nah, I don't stay. On breaks I go home... I have a family in one of the communes and they need me there when I'm not here. My friend Gunner, he stays here to train though. He's always kicking my ass in class when I first come back because of it too."

She wasn't sure what Niya would think of that, some Dhampirs looked down on Commune Born kids, seeing them as a product of Blood Whoring and taboo relationships. Anna had kicked quite a few asses over that particular assumption when she'd first came here but since then she'd learned to ignore it... mostly. She did have a bit of a temper after all.

~*~

Alex nodded, "It is alright, I tend to mostly keep to myself anyway but it is sometimes better to get to know others."

At her excitement over parties Alex chuckled, "Staff throw very few parties but I think the students more than make up for that. Still, if you get to know the others then perhaps you could talk them into these parties. I know I would be curious to see what kind of party the instructors would throw."

He followed her along and held the door open for her.

Gunner tensed slightly when Sebastian mentioned a so-called admirer. He shook his head a little when he told him life wasn't just about Strigoi. He looked at Sebastian, "It is. For me. This is my job, the thing I have to give my life to," He shrugged, "Simple as that."

He stuffed his hands into his pockets, "I don't have time for fun and girls... I won't in the future when I'm an actual Guardian... Besides, I'd just get distracted."

His own head went to think about Anya. He remembered when they found out what had happened. He had been furious. Sure, he didn't have any romantic inclination toward her but he hated that he might have been able to protect her... Or at least, get her out of there. He sighed, not wanting to stay on the train of thought. He looked at Sebastian before returning his eyes to walk in front of us, "So... Who's this supposed admirer?"
~
Serena went to her room and carefully set her things down. Her heart was pounding. So, he knew how she was feeling that didn't mean he knew everything... She started to rummage through her things before she found one of her small and lighter scarfs. Running over to the bathroom, she folded it carefully before tying it. It didn't cover all of her neck, just she felt safer with it on. Maybe Sebastian didn't know. Her hands were shaking wildly as she walked over to her things and started to put them away. If he knew... surely, he'd tell everyone. Then she'd be back where she was at St. Catherina's. Her hands tightened around the shirt she was in the midst of putting away. If someone found out... They might and try and take advantage of her, just like the Moroi back home did... Then in was pointless coming to America. She sat on her bed and sighed... Maybe she should avoid Sebastian. However, that would mean distancing herself from Anna and Gunner and they both seemed nice. She took a deep breath and returned to unpacking.

Sebastian scoffed and arched an eyebrow, "No, I don't think so. You'll hurt her and maybe it's hypocritical as hell but I don't feel like being the reason. I hurt enough people on my own, I'd rather not have any help in that area. Besides, it'll just distract you remember."

He shrugged, "If it makes you feel better, I doubt she'd ever tell you or even let on to it... even if she was aware of it... and I'm not sure she is."

He glanced at Gunner, "That's the downside to seeing these things, sometimes people are completely oblivious to how they feel especially in the early stages of feeling things like love or envy. I get to be the one to know first. The light show tells all, I just wish it would tell a little less."

~*~

In the darkness off the woods Anya wandered, her red tinged eyes following the pattern of shadows and moonlight on the ground till she paused at the small lake just outside of campus. Maybe if she could still see beauty, she'd find the way the stars reflecting off the still surface enchanting but as it was it was only... a pleasant diversion. She knew there were other Strigoi nearby, knew she'd have to be careful because they felt far older and far more powerful than she was, but she was willing to take the risk for now. She had three reasons to linger here and all three would make her more powerful when she drained and turned them.

She needed numbers... there was strength in numbers and Anya was done with being weak. She'd been weak in life but no longer... Besides, they shouldn't mind. She was granting them immortality and an escape from their pasts, she was granting them strength. They had protected her in life, why should it be any different now? All she had to do was pick them off one by one and they could all be together again... One big happy family.

Anya stepped out of the glow of moonlight and back into darkness, she didn't wish to linger any longer than was needed. So far, she had not been approached and she hoped if she kept her visits brief she never would be. Her fangs flashed as she grimaced, back to hiding...

Gunner threw his head back and groaned, "You're killing me here, Seb," He looked at his friend and laughed, "You say it and get me all curious and then refuse to actually let the cat out the bag. That is cruel. Besides, when have I actually hurt someone? Hm? Okay... not including Anna's pride."

He looked him over, the effects of spirit were clearing taking their toll on him. He couldn't help but hope that he or Anna were his ward this year. They at least knew when to make him lie down. They could see the signs that maybe not everyone could. He also knew that the two of them would knock him out if necessary. Of course, Gunner was against violence towards Moroi. Sure, they were fighting along side them but he had to have a pretty damn good reason to even think about laying a hand on them. Sebastian's spirit rampaging through his body was normally good enough a reason. He wrapped his arm around his friend, smirking, "What if I guess who it is? Because not knowing is going to distract. I'm going to start thinking every lass around this place likes me and then my head will get all big and you'll have to deal with that. Do you really want to deal with that, Sebastian?"

He was quiet for a moment then pursed his lips, "Do I feel the same? Like you said you can see it... even if we don't know... Am I the same when I'm around her?"
~
Serena curled up on her bed, her things all put away. Her hair was splayed on her pillow as she lay there. Her roommate hadn't arrived. She was starting to wonder if she actually had one. After everything that happened with the others, she was amazed that she managed to find her room. She practically ran out of there. Your aura is real grey you know that... usually means deep sorrow... she shuddered at the thought of how quickly the Moroi was able to point that out. Of course, she knew nothing about auras but she didn't like that he could read that much from them. She was starting to think how hard it was going to be to kept things secret.

Her hand slid under her scarf and ran her fingers over the multiple scars beneath. She was disgusting... Allowing a Moroi to feed off her, it was dirty. There was only one thing worse that she could do and that was allow them to during sex. She closed her eyes tightly, that was full Blood Whore territory. She ripped her hand out from under her scarf a stood. It didn't matter. None of it mattered. She wasn't going to let that happen ever again. No matter how much she craved it.... She took a deep breath and stood. She was driving herself crazy lying here alone. She needed to get out.

With that, she did and made a hasty exit out of her room.

Sebastian laughed, "You and Anna... you're both so pushy when you want to know something... and equally as annoying as the other."

He chuckled, "No, I don't think I could handle you being cocky when I already have to deal with Rae Costa all this year... He's my roommate, I think we're going to bond," he said sarcastically.

Sebastian paused in his stride, "You sure you want to know?"

Though judging by the look on Gunner's face the answer was yes. He sighed and ran a hand through his hair, "Of course you do..." He took a moment considering how he wanted to phrase this before he spoke.

"Well, sometimes I think you feel the same... and other times I think you purposely drown it out. You light up around her like she does you... sure... but not quite as brightly... and it's only a flicker... like you aren't sure you want to go there. I think you've felt like this a while where as she is only just noticing it..." He looked at Gunner, "It's still in the early stages though, you could maybe stop it if you tried... You're doing pretty well at it already. You probably just tell yourself you like her company and purposely ignore the fact that you don't feel as comfortable around anyone else-" He shook his head, his eyes refocusing, "Shit... I said to much. Damn alcohol..."

He opened his dorm door and gave Gunner a challenging look, "You figure out who I'm talking about you keep it to yourself... Like I said, she probably doesn't know yet and if you say I told you or start acting weird around her I swear I'll make you dream spiders are eating your face every night for the rest of the year."

With that he stepped into his room and closed the door between them... Maybe if it weren't for the fact that Gunner was probably used to Sebastian's moody behavior he'd have taken offense but as it was Gunner knew him well and so he probably also knew that Sebastian would never follow through with that kind of threat unless given one hell of a reason to and never against a friend. Either way, Sebastian put his face in his palm and groaned as he collapsed on the bed. Dammit he was a moron... He needed to learn to keep his mouth closed when Spirit was working his mind...

(Kseniya)

With so many people at the academy knowing at least some sort of Russian, Niya felt better about coming to live in the states. For so many months she'd believe that there would be a huge language block, but luckily she remembered most of her English. "Hm....I wonder if any other teachers speak it? I mean, guardians aren't really a big problem because fighting is what it is. Maybe there are more Moroi teachers that can talk to me." There was a happy buz in her stomach, making her giggle.

It was odd finding out that someone hadn't started at the academy until the last of primary school. Usually you started training around five in Russia, if not before near home, and went on from there. Saying that she was a commune kid had little effect on Niya simply because she'd been raised around mostly commune kids her whole life. "That will make me sad during break then." She gave a slight nod, "I will be staying here since ...well...the academies are my homes." She gave a bright smile. "Means I'll be able to do the kicking of you ass as well." She wiggled her eyebrows at the other girl, having lifted her head slightly, before she put it back down. "So this Gunner, he's good? Possibly the best in the class?" She laughed softly. "I will teach him why they call Russia the bear."

---

(Trishia)

Trish didn't know why but she gave a little pout. "Why don't you speak Russian more? Mr. Lantov and Mr. Spectic are both proficient in the language. I'm sure together we'd be able to ...well...keep your mouth working properly." It was an odd excuse to talk to him more but she was going to roll with it. "I mean, if you'd like to help teach my class from a native speakers point of view you could do that! Oh dear...that would be amazing." She'd almost nearly forgotten what he'd said about parties before she shook her head. "It almost seems foolish to think of pulling the staff together for a party when I know how busy everyone is...."

For a moment she bit her lip, looking at her feet, until she felt air conditioning hit her face. She hadn't realized that he'd opened the door until that moment and she blinked, a giant smile forming on her lips. "Thank you very much." She slipped into the door, not knowing if he'd follow her or not. "If you have something better to do you don't have to help me. Classes start today and I'm sure that you have techniques to finalize or ...something that you guys do." She didn't want him to go, he was so nice, but she knew he was a teacher and she was being selfish in holding him up.

The boys common room smelled like gym sweat, since it was still humid as hell outside, and she shook her head as the strong wiff buzzed her nose. "Oh joy,....teenage boy sweat..."

Anna laughed, "I dunno, he's pretty impressive... He turns all business the moment training starts up, it used to be hard to even get him to cut a smile while we were sparring."

It was true... When she and Gunner had first started sparring together he'd been like a machine. He'd been all skill and no personality at all, he hadn't laughed or talked while fighting and it had been kinda scary. However, in typical Anna fashion she'd been dead set that she was going to get him to laugh. At first her constant talking during their sparring had gotten on his nerves but in the end she'd broken him down a little at a time, she was determined like that.

"Oh and I think there are a few others, I'm just not sure who they are... They're mostly Moroi teachers. Dhampirs don't really learn too many languages... Maybe you could teach me some Russian?"

~*~

Aleksander frowned a little, "Sometimes after speaking in Russian it is hard to remember I'm speaking it at all... My English gets... mixed up. The majority of my Dhampir students do not understand Russian so it becomes difficult in class... confusing."

He chuckled, "Представьте себе давая студентам приказы они не понимают." (Imagine giving the students orders they cannot understand.)

As she stepped through the door he nodded, "I would love to help in any way I can whenever I have the time... and you are welcome."

As he followed after her he laughed again, "It is a very distinct smell..." He frowned, glancing at the clock on the wall. "I must go for now... Dinner begins soon and I am part of the watch."

He gave her a polite bow and offered her her things once more.

Gunner looked at Sebastian as he spoke, telling him about his own feelings. That was the weird thing about having a friend with Spirit, they always seemed to know, maybe not everything but some. He chuckled when he threatened spiders and shook his head, "Anna would kill you before she let you do that. I'd, of course, have to stop her. But I'd let her get a few hits in."

He turned from the closed door and hesitated, "Don't do anything Anna wouldn't let you do. Or I'm going to be the one she kills."

He then left the Moroi dorms and was back on the quad. He didn't really have anything to do. His room had been set up a few days ago. He could always go and see if his roommate was in... but he didn't really want to head back to the dorms. He started to wander aimlessly, thinking about what Seb had said. Someone he felt comfortable with, more comfortable than with anyone else. Someone that Sebastian was over protective of, willing to threaten spiders if he did anything about. His brain started to make connections but they didn't make sense. He was yanked out of his head when he ran into Serena. Despite him being a fair bit taller and larger, the girl easily held her ground. Maybe she wasn't as weak as he was thinking she was. She didn't look up at him, "Mi dispiace..."

Gunner continued to look at her. She looked... upset. He didn't need Sebastian around to see that this girl was dealing with some inner turmoil. He smiled at her, "Let me show you around."

She looked at him them, "Pardon?"

He grinned and took her hand, pulling her along, "I'm going to show you the school," he gave her a sad smile, "It'll keep you mind off... things," He hesitated, "Whatever it is... Doesn't matter to me. We all have our dark pasts. If you ever want to tell anyone... I'm sure Anna would love to listen."

Gunner was rewarded with a laugh. Serena looked at him as he started to pulled her along again, intent on showing her the school, "Do you always pass off things to Anna?"

Gunner looked back at her, "Only things that I know she can handle better than me," he chuckled, "That's why I'm showing you the school. I know this place like the back of my hand. And I'm pretty great at tours... when I want to be."

Serena laughed again. She seemed to be lightening up. Since he couldn't see auras, he wasn't sure if she was just putting on an act. He assumed that deep sorrow was something someone could get over with a few jokes and a tour.

(Kseniya)

Honestly while Gunner was being described all the Niya could think about was what her the people in her class used to say about her. She'd always been the one that shut down when training started, becoming more machanical than thinking. Every hit was instinct instead of a thought. "I believe I would like to meet this..."Gunner"..." The name came out gutteral, but clear.

With a swift motion she stood up, going over to her suitcase to get her Alyonka, a russian chocolate, before she ate a piece. The instant it intered her mouth she shivered and held out the bag to Anna. "These are the best chocolates ever, I believe, would you like one?" Her eyes were kind for the moment, before she was asked to teach the other girl Russian. She blushed brightly and bit the inside of her lip before shrugging. "I'm sure I could teach you something...at least how to hold a decent conversation." She didn't know where to start before she could probably find out how to teach someone a language. "I hope dinner is soon....we didn't get to eat on the plane."

---

(Trishia)

A laugh bubbled up again as he spoke, her mind finding it funny that he would forget he was speaking his native tongue. The same happened when she was speaking in English though, since she didn't really have to think of what she was saying, unlike when she spoke Russian. Again she laughed as he spoke of orders given during training, shaking her head. "I understand that sentiment. When I introduce myself tonight to my freshman class I will get blank stares and giggles." She blushed slightly. "I hope they learn something from me." The last statement was mostly to herself.

"Oh thank you, that would be amazing to have you! Oh I can't wait to plan it...hm...maybe in a few week...yes...it would be wonderful!"

With his glance at the clock she felt her stomach drop a little, excitment leaving her. She gave a nod as he said he was part of the watch. "Oh of course, I'm sorry to have kept you." She took her book and ducked her head slightly. "I hope that you are safe and that no dead come to darken your door. До скорой встречи! Год луцк!" She hurried on into the building, headed for the teacher lounge near the back of the common room.

Anna nodded, "Actually, the bell should be ringing soon... Oooh chocolate."

She took a piece and popped it into her mouth, "Mmmm... that's pretty good, thanks... and yeah... Gunner is pretty cool."

As she'd thought the bell for dinner went off and Anna smiled, "You're more than welcome to eat with me an my gang... It seems our little group is growing this year." She smiled fondly before getting up and heading to the door, "Come on, I'll show you the way to the lunch room."

As Anna wandered out to the hall and then towards the dining room she spotted Sebastian headed the same direction, albeit... reluctantly. She could tell that the effects of Spirit had probably lessened, he wasn't grimacing like he had earlier, but he still looked pretty grim. She could only guess he'd done something he regretted. She frowned and pointed at him for Kseniya to see, "That's Sebastian... just a second."

She went over to him and frowned at him, "You okay?"

He nodded, "Yeah, sure... Who is your friend?"

"That's Niya... she's my roomie. Niya this is Sebastian... Come on, lets go to dinner."

As they entered the lunchroom Anna looked around for Gunner and Serena before turning back to Niya and Sebastian, "Whenever the other two show up they'll set with us at the usual table. Let's grab some chow..."

Sebastian didn't actually need to eat food, there were the feeders... humans who volunteered to donate blood so to speak. When they left the Academy wiped their memory but they chose the program willingly. Still, he'd decided he needed to apologize to Serena and also... he didn't particularly usually enjoy 'dinner' with the other Moroi.

As the bell rang and Anna got her chocolate Niya followed her out of the dorms and into the cool evening air. Her eyes immediately dilated to allow more light intake before she processed the tall Moroi Anna motioned to. Sebastian was a nice name, she had to admit, and he seemed like the type of reckless person she would have to keep out of trouble. Niya stayed back as Anna told her to wait a moment, not wanting to interrupt the friends as they walked. When she was introduced she waved to the guy, giving an appropriate smile before she folded her arms behind her back.

Entering the cafeteria seemed like entering a cathedral, what with the vaulted ceilings and all. There were so many students everywhere, it all seemed rather inviting, until she saw the stars from some of the obviously older students. Her vision was quickly brought on to one of the guys who'd come over with her from Siberia, Illarion. He wasn't too bad of a looker, actually many girls loved his sandy hair and tan completion, but Niya could only see him as a friends. He greeted her in Russian and she did the same before she moved on, telling him that she'd speak to him later. It was always odd when he came at her like that, wanting her attention like no one else. Maybe it was because she didn't want to give him attention if she didn't have to...Either way she found her way to the lunch line, right behind Sebastion, before she started to fill her plate up. There was so many choices, though hardly any of them looked familiar. She chose a steak as her first meal, finding that it was something she could easily identify.

Gunner walked with Serena at a slow pace as they headed to the cafeteria. She seemed content with the slow pace and even though Gunner tended to be a fast walker, he didn't mind walking along with her at it. He noticed that she kept pulling at her hair, holding to it tightly if there was a gust of wind. Every once in a while, she'd adjust her scarf. He wondered what Sebastian had seen, what she was hiding, but he was most definitely going to invade her privacy and ask Sebastian. Nor was he going to ask her directly. They reached the doors to the cafeteria and smiled, "And here we are. If I know Anna, and I do, she'll have sprinted here the moment the bell ran."

Serena laughed slightly and the two of them walked into the dining hall. Almost immediately Serena spotted Anna. Although, the tip off had been Sebastian standing behind her and in front of another Dhampir that she didn't know. She pointed to them, "There."

Gunner saw them and nodded. Together they walked over to the two and their new friend. Gunner smiled, "Well, Howdy."

He stepped behind the new girl and Serena stood behind him. He looked to Anna, "What table are we going to claim this year?"

Anna spotted the others as they came over after she'd grabbed her food with Niya. Sebastian had picked up an apple even though he wasn't going to be eating it, he contented himself with tossing it in the air and catching it repetitively. As Gunner greeted them Anna grinned playfully, "What.. are you a cowboy now?" She glanced around at the tables and picked one by the far wall, "That one looks less... grungy than the others," she laughed.

Sebastian glanced at Serena and rubbed the back of his neck, feeling like an ass again. "Uh... Serena... can I talk to you?" He sighed, "I'm not going to back you into any corners or anything but I wanted to apologize and explain a few things..."

Anna frowned, "What did I miss... what did he do," she asked Gunner.

Sebastian mussed her hair, "Relax, it's between Serena and I."

She glanced at Serena, "Remember what I said about kicking his ass..." She glanced at Niya...

"Hey Niya... This is Gunner, the one I was telling you about. Gunner, this is Niya. She's one of the transfer students from Siberia."

~*~

Aleksander stood in the corner of the room watching the students milling about with a sigh. He caught himself thinking about Trishia and the sad look on her face when he'd left her. He felt bad that he'd had to take off on her and wondered if she had many other friends around campus. She seemed lonely.

He caught sight of Sebastian, a Moroi, in the lunch room and dismissed it. Sebastian spent a lot more time with Dhampirs than he did other Moroi and usually didn't cause trouble during the lunch times so he left him alone.