Basil watched as Anna stepped back, holding out the rock for her. When she asked if it was far enough, she nodded. After a moment, the rock crumbled in her hand. Basil grinned, clearly proud of herself. She started playing with the spate pieces of rock in Anna's hand, allowing them to float around before they returned to the rock form and dropped back into her hand. When Ms. Matila walked over they were all a little quite. When no one said anything Basil nodded, "I've managed to break apart a little rock... Over time, I'll be able to break bigger rocks... Breaking earth just under the surface could cause a landslide... Then it is just a matter of controlling the pieces," the pebbles flew out of Anna's hand and around her before dropping into Basil's, as rock once more, "To avoid hitting yourself or your guardian."
~
Gunner kept looking at her as she introduced herself. He stood tall, his eyes only flickering to the Royal giggling around her for a moment, before focusing on her again. He'd read her file on the jog over to the classroom and decided that he wasn't going to let her get rid of him like she did the last. He assumed it was all a little game to her, not understanding how much it meant to the rest of them.

She turned back around, tapping her finger nails on the desk, and told him to get on with his guardian shit. He almost smirked at her before he walked over to the wall and leant against it. He believed she didn't understand exactly how much she needed him to do that shit. He'd probably let her find out if it didn't reflect badly on himself.
~
Rae looked at the girl who approached him asking if he was who he was. He merely gave her a smirk and a nod. He said nothing more however, instead returning to his fire. There were a few snickers around him before the girl walked away from him. He laughed a little as well, running his hand through his hair. It was always fun when he got a girl to 'protect' him.

He leaned back in his chair, his feet on the desk in front of him, playing with fire.
~
Selena laughed a little at his comment and shook her head, "No, no. Gold is much better than black."

She pursed her lips when he asked the same of her, "Porpora," Her eyebrows knitted together as she tried to think of the translation, "Um... Viola..." She smiled, happy that she managed to find the word, "Purple."

She looked at him, "It must be strange... Seeing those things. How people feel about each other... Or are just feeling in general..." She giggled, "You should be a terapista."

She closed her eyes, searching for another question. She let her head bounce back and forth between her hands as she did. She smiled and opened her eyes again, "What would be your favourite day?"

Anna smiled back at Basil who was clearly proud of herself and then as Ms. Matila came over she moved to the wall like the other Guardians and spotted Kseniya moving away from Rae. Before she took her Guardian stance she waved at her with a small smile, showing that she wasn't still angry. Broken bones happened in practice, she just tended to get touchy when it was a friend... She'd have been the same way had it been Serena who'd broken Niya's leg... She'd explain that later. For now though she listened to Basil explain her earth wielding and considered what she could do to help Basil train... a royal who was willing and seemingly eager to actually learn to help her Guardian was rare.

As Anna caught Rae smirking at Niya she rolled her eyes, he hadn't changed much. Though, knowing Niya she'd be able to handle him just fine. She seemed the stern type when it came to Guardian work, she doubted she'd let Rae mess with her too much. She let her eyes scan the room and they fell on Gunner who looked so serious already... Her lips quirked with slight amusement before the bell finally rang. "Almost bed time... weird vampire time tables..."

Right now would be their free time before cerfew, some of the Moroi would be attending defense classes with Belikov which their Dhampir Guardians would attend with them and help them with so that all the Moroi could learn one on one. It was an interesting concept really. She wondered how many Moroi had actually signed up for the class and glanced at Basil, "Where to? Do you mind if I stop by the defense class if you aren't in it... I need to drop off a friend's papers on her ward." She knew Seb had planned to take the defense classes again this year.

~*~

As Serena struggled for the word Sebastian chuckled again, the shakes calming down finally. "It is sometimes... and nah. I can barely handle my own issues much less other people's."

As she asked her next question he considered, "Mmm... Favorite day or time of?" He shrugged and just answered both, "Probably... sundays. It's when we get to relax instead of taking classes, it gives me time with Anna and Gunner." He considered, "As for time... I like early morning. The dew is still on the ground and the sun isn't bright enough to sting yet but it's pleasant..."

He heard the bell and grimaced, "Been down here that long have we? I need to apologize to Ms. Matila... maybe make up some time. I need to head to defense class too though... Hmm... I'll have to meet her tomorrow I suppose." He frowned... He actually liked his teacher and she'd been honestly trying to help him by bringing Sonya Karp here to the Academy to train him. He felt like he owed her.

"Anyway, you should come. Anna will be there because she knows that's where I'm headed and she'll want to check in on me to make sure I'm okay after healing you... She'll want to see you too, she probably has your papers for your Ward."

~*~

Aleksander smiled, "Well, I should probably see her at the defense class for the Moroi, like you said... They'll be coming any moment."

He began pulling out the tables into the center of the room... Some held stones, others held bowls of water, another had candles. His goal was to help the Moroi mix what they were learning in Trishia's class with what he would teach them here. Honestly, it was part of the reason he'd invited Trishia... if they worked together they could help make the class more focused on things Moroi were good at and mix physical defense with magical attacks and make everything more effective. He hoped she would come.

~*~

Anya sensed the other strigoi and tensed, he was closer than she'd realized and he was older than her which usually meant stronger. She frowned, she hadn't meant to wander so close but she'd seen Anna and Gunner helping another Dhampir girl towards the infirmary and had been distracted by her annoyance. They were HERS... She bared fangs, her red eyes flashing. She had a choice, leave now that the other Strigoi had shown up or risk an encounter by remaining and maybe catch another glimpse of Sebastian... HER Sebastian. No little Dhampir would change that... again she hissed... stalking along the parameter of the wards. If she'd had a way in she still wouldn't be able to take them, not with so many Guardians nearby... She reminded herself to be patient, sooner or later they'd come outside the Wards...

Still, she couldn't bring herself to leave... her possessive anger rooting her to the spot despite the threat of an older and more powerful Strigoi.

(Gabby)

It was easier playing Royal than anything else. All that one needed to do was to have one snuddy bone in their body and they could pull it off. That Gunner guy had actually seemed pretty nice, but she couldn't let anything show around her friends. It seemed like he was busy with his project of guarding her anyway. Up until the bell rang she had kept practicing guiding a paper to a certain spot with as few air currents as possible.

With her first class over she had study hall next, where she needed to catch up on her fashion design for class, one she'd been assigned for the summer. So after she excited Mr. Matila's classroom she started on her way to the right, biting her bottom lip in contemplation.

---

(Kseniya)

With her first few glances she'd been able to tell the type of Royal Rae was. It was rather funny that his face looked so nice but his insides were probably so black. As she made eye contact with Anna her stomach tightened for a hard moment before she relaxed. Apparently she either hadn't heard or wasn't worried about what she'd done to Serena. That was good...she didn't know what she would feel if she'd lost all of her friends on the first day. Like they'd been trained they had all taken positions that would give them all a vantage point in the room while keeping them close to their own Moroi. There were about four other novices in the room besides them.

Some how, it had already been an hour since training had started and the bell rang. She had no idea where Rae's next class was, but that was fine, so long as she didn't have to help him with his homework.

---

(Trishia)

The novices all looked so stern, she almost felt bad for them. Then she remembered that this whole year determined who they'd spend their lives around. With a shrug she moved on to the other groups after watching Basil with her earth element. While she was watching she blinked. "Wow Miss Basil....you must have been working all summer to get that much control. When you can you should try piercing the earth through different objects of different widths. If you can hurt the Strigoi even a little that would be amazingly helpful to your Guardian." Trishia nodded and smiled. "I'm sure that you'll pass this class with flying co-" The bell cut through the word "colors" before she could get it out.

She never held her students over so when they decided to leave she went behind her desk and grabbed her work out bag. She usually kept it under her desk if she had free time to run.

Following some of her students toward the training rooms, Trishia thought of Alek and laughed. He was a wonderful person to learn from...knowing his background, and from just seeing his own personality. It took all of three minutes to get to the training rooms, where she was surprised see Alek pulling tables out of another room. She dropped her bag and smiled. "Would you like some help Guardian Belikov?"

---

(Ashton.)

Not feeling like fighting for that night, Ashton shook his head. He could smell the younger Strigoi close by, but she was nothing to him and so he carried on without another thought of her. If she wanted to look she could.

Basil smiled at Ms. Matila as she praised her on her control. She shrugged, control had always come naturally to her, even in their elementary years. However, she also played with her magic all through the summer, maybe that was why she managed to build it up so quickly. She nodded to Ms. Matila when the bell cut her off, telling her she got what she had been trying to say.

Her attention was then drawn by Anna, who was asking to stop by the defense classes to drop off some papers. She nodded, "Of course. I wanted to get into that class... but my parents refused. Saying if I was being forced to learn attack magic they weren't going to let me choose defense," She pursed her lips and shrugged, "No biggie I guess," She hopped of the desk she'd been sitting on, "Well, let's go see if you can find your friend."
~
Serena listened as he explained to her what his favourite time and day was. She nodded, "So, you like human morning."

She glanced toward the curtain when the bell rang. She looked back at Sebastian and nodded, "I do not think she will have much of a problem. I mean, you did end up using Spirit and healing my ankle. They would not teach you compulsion I am sure. That would probably be a big one that they do teach you."

She stood when he suggested that they go to the defense class. She held out her hand to help him out of bed, "You get to ask a question now."
~
Gunner followed behind Gabby as she left the class. He kept a few steps behind so that he could give her some space up also close enough that he could quickly jump into action if needed.

He merely glanced at Rae before looking back to Gabby. Teachers hardly attacked on the first day and they looked far less put together than Rae did. Although, he couldn't help but raise an eyebrow when he called him the Incredible Hulk. He'd have to Anna that one, she'd like it.
~
Rae walked out of the class, not even checking if the Russian girl was following her. He stuffed his hands into his pocket and just wandered. He didn't have a class after this, not having taken the defense class. Guardians were supposed to defend him, and he could just light them up if they got to close, so what did it matter. He spotted Gabby walking to where ever it was she was going and picked up his pace only slightly.

He walked passed the Rock and wrapped an arm around Gabby's shoulders, "Why so serious? You're starting to look like the Incredible Hulk here."

Anna smiled her thanks, "Awesome... it won't take long."

When Basil informed her she'd wanted to take the defense classes but her parents had denied her she sighed, "And unfortunately that's what makes our job more difficult than it needs to be...No offense. Most of the time it's one of us against several Strigoi and they're already stronger and faster than us. I don't mind watching over my ward, that's the Guardian's job, but if the Moroi I was guarding knew basic defense and could combine that with attack magic... Well, we'd make for a hell of a team. I don't think the Strigoi would know what hit them and the death rates of both Guardians and Moroi would go way down...." She grimaced, "Eh... sorry. I'm talking too much."

She wandered down the hall, seeming casual but always keeping a watchful eye over Basil who she kept close by and in her line of sight always... There were very few moroi inside the training class and she didn't see any royals, aside from Sebastian who would no doubt be there momentarily.

She took up her Guardian stance by the door as she waited, "If you ever decide you want to break a few rules I could teach you in private, I'm way supportive of any Moroi who wants to lear... Especially a royal. The senior year Guardians were going to be helping to train their Moroi wards anyway."

"Oh.. there he is. Seb!"

~*~

Sebastian chuckled, the mood had all but faded away by now and he was feeling relatively normal again. As she mentioned compulsion he grimaced, "Unfortunately, it's about the only way to use Spirit as an attack unless I learn how to stake a Strigoi... which I doubt any teacher will willingly teach me. Though, it would be worth it to see my father so pissed. I can hear him now, 'You are a royal, not a low life Dhampir, learn your place."

He rolled his eyes and then accepted her help up and off of the bed, messing her hair up playfully but careful not to expose her neck... he knew how scared she was to have whatever she was hiding under there exposed... and he was pretty sure he knew what it was. The thought made him angry and sad for her all at the same time. Too bad he couldn't heal scars... "Hmm... what is your favorite food?"

As they finally reached training class he heard Anna yell for him and glanced about, spotting her Guarding a pretty blonde he recognized as Basil. He headed over, "So if you didn't get me, I am guessing Gunner did? I'll have to give him hell about being late."

Anna rubbed the back of her neck nervously, "Actually... Gunner got Gabby."

She passed Serena her paper, "Well, at least you already know your Guardian... and I like her." She winked at Serena, hoping things wouldn't be awkward.

Sebastian arched a brow, "This is a first... I guess they wanted to see if anyone else could tolerate my charming personality."

Anna scoffed, "More like they think it'll be good for us to train with someone we don't know back to front."

Seb feigned hurt, "I'll have you know I'm a mystery wrapped in an enigma and sprinkled with a little bit of intrigue..." He glanced at Serena, "Are you alright with this? You know I can be... crazy... but you haven't seen the worst of it yet. Hopefully, you won't get to." He grimaced thinking about Anya's sister and the Moroi boy he'd made maim himself. "It's... not pretty."

Anna glanced at Basil and then gave the two a slight smile, "I have to escort m'lady to wherever it is she needs to be next. She did me a favor by coming down here, now I best get gone."

She turned to Basil, "Where to Madame?" Anna was naturally playful and talkative, she hoped she didn't get on Basil's nerves.

~*~

Aleksander glanced up as Ms. Matila entered and smiled, "Ah... you did decide to come." He brushed his hands off on his pants and shook his head, "I think they're spaced out alright now... It is good you came. I had a request of you, it came to me when we were talking in the cafeteria."

"What do you think of helping me teach the defense classes? I think mixing the attack magic and physical defense would be extremely useful and exciting for the students. They can use their elements to strengthen their defenses and I think it will help keep them interested. Unfortunately, I don't know enough of how Moroi magic works to be able to teach such a thing myself."

He smiled again, "That's why I need you... Oh, Sonya Karp came to see me... She said you had something to ask but forgot what it was."

(Gabby)

As an arm shot out over her shoulders she jumped and looked up to see Rae's face. It was so funny that he actually sought her out, and not the other way around. "Hey there lover boy. And I'm not serious, just thinking." She shrugged and swept her hand the the side, blowing a gust of wind at Rae's head to mess up his hair. "Are there not enough underclassmen fawning over you this year? You have to seek me out?" It was one big tease, making her laugh a little under her breath. Everyone knew Rae's reputation, but Gabby seemed to be the only one who could stand to be around him without wetting herself. At least for the Moroi. Her classroom was on the other side of the Cafeteria, so she cut through there, watching one of the custodians mop. She wanted to wave a be friendly, but instead she just walked by, eyes clear and focused on the door at the other end of the hall.

Study hall was held in a large room, one side had computers the other had the teachers desk and personal space, with the middle being a normal desk area. There were already a few Moroi here, none of them royal, and Gabby gave a little sigh of relief. The only one she had to worry about was Rae. She took her regular seat in around the middle, where she'd been the year before, before she stretched and smiled. This was her time of day to just relax, maybe read a book.

---

(Kseniya)

With Rae catching up to a Moroi she didn't know, Niya took close guard. She stood beside Gabby, maybe a little bit behind, so that she was not seeing but could still interfere. It was funny, not being able to tell from body language if someone like a person or not. Gabby had just been giving off relaxed signals as she'd walked alone, but when Rae had joined her she'd straightened and gone stiff, but was still laughing and joking. It was strange ,but Niya had learned not to ask about peoples personal lives a long time ago. It seemed like Rae didn't have anywhere else to go, so they all just followed Gabby.

Once in the class room Niya leaned back again the door, post waiting to see where everyone would be sitting.

---

(Trishia)

Trishia blinked and noticed that each table had an Element on it. She smiled more to herself than to Alek, but then her smiled did turn to him. "This is honestly amazing. And of course I decided to come, why wouldn't I?" She stuck out her tongue and laughed before running a hand through her dark hair. "It's going to be odd at first, the fire users should progress quickly, while the air users will have a little harder time. Oh and....we should move the fire table a little further away than that." She started towards it, pushing it further back in the room.

At the mention of Sonya she smiled. "Oh yes, I sent her to ask if you'd mind teaching Sebastian, the spirit user whose a senior, how to ....well....stake a strigoi." She gave a little smile, trying to diffuse any bad situation that was about to erupt. "I know the he is a hardened person, and that he'll be able to take what you can give him...as long as he's in the right mind.

Serena flinched a little when he mussed up her hair but relaxed a moment later, realizing he was going about it in a way not to push it off her neck. That was awfully nice of him. She followed him to his class and smiled as he asked about her favourite food, "Semifreddo. It is an Italian dessert. Kind of like a... um... ice cream cake. I think that is what I will miss most about Italia. No one does food like us."

She looked over to Anna when she heard her call Sebastian's name. She smiled at her and took the file from her, although had an idea of whose name she would find. Sure enough, Sebastian Lazar was written on the file and she smiled. She looked at him when he asked if she was alright with it. She nodded as she started to look through his file, "Of course. If I cannot handle you at your worst. I do not deserve to see you at your best," She closed the file and grinned, "And with the help of this, I get to see into your head."

She laughed a little before placing it off to the side and waved to Anna as she left, "Do you know what these classes are like?"
~
Basil waited as Anna spoke to her friends before she turned back around and walked over to her. She laughed a little, "Madame means Mrs. I'm not married, I'd be Mademoiselle," she laughed again at herself, "How's that for an impromptu French lesson."

She looked around and shrugged, "I don't actually have a class. I have free time... But maybe... I'll take you up on that offer of you teaching me in private... If it is still on the table of course!"
~
Rae chuckled, "I saw you walking and figured I would come see if you were doing anything interesting," He sighed as they walked into study hall, "I see however, that you are most definitely not."

He sat on the desk that she sat at and smiled, "Maybe I will go and find myself some upperclass ladies... Better than sticking around here."

He pushed himself off the desk and looked at her, "Unless you can, of course, make it seem like a good idea to stick around."

Aleks laughed, "Yes... I would not want the flame users to catch anything inappropriate on fire."

As she asked about Sebastian he frowned momentarily, considering... The boy had attended his defense classes since sophomore year and he had a feeling it had something to do with Anya's disappearance. He also knew that with the power of Spirit flowing through him there weren't many ways he could use that for attack, not without making himself more of a liability than a help. He also knew how much the Lazars would disapprove but had always believed in one making one's own choices. Finally, he nodded.

"If he wishes to learn... I will teach him." He glanced around and spotted Sebastian, "I should ask him... but first..."

He shouted orders to the class, basic instructions on how to position one's self to block attacks and the student Guardian's performed those attacks slowly on their Moroi and the Moroi practiced blocking, gradually speeding up until the movements were realistically paced.

~*~

"Hmm... Mine is Tiramisu."

For a moment the words she used in response to his warning shook him, it was almost exactly the same thing that Anya had told him so long ago. To avoid her seeing the mix of emotions that suddenly played across his face, even though she seemed intent on his file, he looked away and pretended to be distracted by the tables that Aleksander had set up.

He smiled back at her as she continued, "Yes well, maybe that's not such a good thing. I could have all sorts of terrible crazy insane people things going on up there... You never know," he joked.

"As far as what the classes are like... Well, it's the student Guardian's coaching one on one with their wards. For the beginners it's basic defense, second year it's learning which attacks to dodge and which to block... breaking out of certain holds, for people like me who have been coming three years it's actual counters, ways to distract the Strigoi without getting in the way of your guardian, and learning which bones are the easiest to break to gain time if you absolutely have to get that close and have that opening... which is doubtful but it's nice of them to teach us just in case..."

He wondered if there was anything about Anya in his file. Their semi-relationship hadn't really been much of a secret. Her parents had thoroughly disapproved, his reputation wasn't something they wanted tainting hers... not that he blamed them. Her loss had caused his parents to put him in isolation for days to keep him from harming someone... or himself. He'd gone pretty far off the deep end, almost completely lost himself in all that darkness in his spirit, and in the end it had only been Anna and Gunner who had pulled him through. That would be an awkward topic of conversation...

He heard Guardian Belikov shouting instructions and glanced over at Serena, "Well... we should start. Usually I run through practice with either Anna or Gunner, this will be a change."

He took up stance and was about to start when he heard Belikov again, "Sebastian..."

Seb nodded, "Guardian Belikov."

Aleks nodded to Serena as well before continuing, "Ms. Matila has brought it to my attention that there aren't many ways a Spirit user can use their element to attack in a successful manner..."

Seb grimaced, "No there isn't... Not without doing more harm than good."

"She has suggested I teach you to stake Strigoi... if you have the opportunity it could mean returning a Strigoi to it's rightful state. I am not saying you may have this opportunity, it is dangerous to even try-"

Determination was already flaring in Sebastian's eyes, "I want to learn."

"Are you sure?"

"I am."

Aleks frowned, "Sebastian, you are aware that even if you learn this you may never find or even have the chance to use this on Anya if she has become Strigoi?"

Sebastian grimaced but was undeterred, "Yes."

"Very well... Serena, how would you like to coach Sebastian in this?"

~*~

Anna laughed at her own mistake, "Learn something new every day."

She smiled at Basil, "Alright, well... we should find somewhere private where we won't be seen so that no one says anything to the wrong person... That way it doesn't get back to your parents."

She thought a moment then nodded, "Follow me..."

She guided Basil out of training class and into the woods along the parameter of the Wards near the lake, "This should be far enough out of the way." She considered a moment, Basil hadn't taken any classes before so she'd have to start small...

"Alright, we'll run through some basic attacks and blocks. I'll go slow and show you exactly where your feet need to be... first though... always keep your hands up. It allows you to block your face and makes your blocking quicker when you're already standing ready." She took hold of Basil's wrists and showed her where her hands would be most effectively positioned.

"Then, you'll need to brace yourself because most Strigoi are exceptionally strong and just a back hand could knock you off your feet if you aren't prepared and braced for it." She used her own feet to push Basil's foot where it needed to be, "This will usually keep you from getting completely blown away, but the more you brace the harder their attack will hit so if they have a weapon the better bet is to dodge and run."

The lesson went on and all the while Anya watched from the shadows outside the wards...

(Gabby)

Rae had found his charming side for the day apparently, she wondered if he'd have any left for other girls once he left. His novice was still by the door, looking angry for some reason..or maybe that was just her face. Before she could think anything else of it Rae was talking again. She just shook her head and smiled.

"I highly doubt you want to stay for what I have in mind. Aren't you allergic to books or something?" She waved the book she'd taken out of her bag for emphasis. He was probably going to bolt any moment, probably to go find a girl who also had free time.

---

(Trishia)

With a nod she scooted the fire table as far from the others as possible. Alek didn't seem fazed by her question, but he did take a moment before going to ask Sebastian if he would like to train that way. Of course he had to get the class started, there was so little time. With no guardian to train with Trish just went through the motions herself, finding that she looked slightly ridiculous, but she did not want to be out of the swing of things. Unlike most Moroi she had some muscle on her, since she was used to running, so her kicks looked like they would at least cause a sting.

She tried not to think of the students around her and just kept swinging and punching with as much direction as she could ....at air. Oddly, while she did this, she was thinking up ways the students could use their elements. A punch or a kick enhanced with fire would leave a hell of a burn.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Serena nodded got into position as well, if he was countering, she was going to have to punch at him. The thought of that hurt her head a little, they didn't attack Moroi. However, before she could manage to wrap her head around it, Guardian Belikov was asking Sebastian if he wanted to learn to stake a Strigoi. Her eyes widened, she had heard of a couple Moroi staking Strigoi and one Moroi staking a Moroi, a queen Moroi even. She was still slightly amazed that a teacher was offering this to a student. She was a little lost in the conversation, their English spoken to quickly and Belikov's voice masked with an accent that she was struggling to understand. They mentioned Anya and Strigoi... Serena could only assume the worst. From Sebastian's look, she decided not to ask about her, not now at least. The conversation got turned to her then. She, luckily, did understand what Alek was asking. She nodded, "Si, Guardiano Belikov."

When he walked away, Serena quickly retrieved a practice stake. There was a heaviness in the air that put Serena on edge slightly. She took Sebastian's wrist and placed the stake in his hand. She took his other hand and placed it at the end, "You like Tiramisu. Have you ever had real Tiramisu? From Italia?"
~
Rae held up his hands when she waved the book in front of him, "Woah, woah, do you want to close up my throat or something?"

He chuckled and looked around the room, "Well, if you come to your senses and realize you want to something other than school work, come find me."

He stuffed his hands into his pockets and walked out of the room. He didn't really know where to go or what to do. Finally, he turned to face the Novice, "Kseniya, right? Where is your accent from? You clearly aren't from anywhere near Montana."
~
Gunner gave Niya a nod when he saw he before he returned his attention to his assignment. She was flirting, if he was going to have to sit through Gabby flirting with a bunch of guys, he was pretty sure his ears were going to bleed. He leaned back against the wall and inspected the room. This was going to be a long year, he was sure of it.
~
Basil followed Anna into the forest. When they reached a spot that Anna deemed far enough away, she nodded, "I don't think anyone is really wandering out this far during any point of the day anymore... The whole Strigoi attack... Kind of freaked the Moroi out. Parents drilling into their children's heads to stay away from the wards, keep near the school. Blah, blah, blah."

She let Anna move her around as necessary to get into the correct positioning. When she explained everything, Basil nodded in understanding, "Well... Run as long as it doesn't inconvenience the Guardian... Of course."

Sebastian turned back to Serena and smiled slightly once more at the change of subject, grateful that she didn't ask too many questions about what had just went on. "No, I haven't unfortunately... but if you know where to get some..."

As she handed him the practice stake he looked momentarily lost. Even with all his defense training it still felt odd to hold a weapon...for attacking... lethal close range attacking at that. He suddenly understood what Aleksander had meant, even if he managed to get close enough to a Strigoi to use the stake he'd more than likely be killed before he could ever effectively do it. That meant that even if he found Anya she'd probably kill or change him before he'd be able to change her back... Unless maybe Anna and Gunner were with him to help him do it but he wasn't sure they'd be behind him on it. He let out a breath, clearing his mind and listened to Serena's guidance.

~*~

Anna shook her head, "Actually, if it comes down to letting your Guardian die and escaping or staying and dying as well... You should run. It's a Guardian's job to put their life on the line, if you risked yours and got killed trying to help us it would defeat the purpose. That's why we aren't teaching you to attack except with magic which is from far away... What we teach you is purely for defense, to help us keep you alive or buy you time to escape. It's never an inconvenience to a serious Guardian to protect her ward."

Basil was a good student and a quick learner. For a long time Anna ran Basil through basic blocks to common attacks and showed her different ways to dodge those same attacks, "Always dodge if you have the time, if you don't then block... Taking the force of the blow is going to slow you down too, so like I said... Dodge if you can."

Anna suddenly felt odd, like someone was watching her... The hair on the back of her neck stood on end. She told herself it was nothing but she decided that she'd shown Basil enough for the day. "We should head back... It's almost curfew. Since today was just our introduction to each other they won't be doing the over night tests... That'll come later. So, I'll meet you in the morning for breakfast... Will you be going to the Feeders first or the lunchroom?"

She guided Basil back towards the school and the Moroi dorms, wondering if she'd run into Gunner.

(Gabby&Kseniya)

Gabby just shook her head as Rae exited the room. He was always a funny sort and she loved to tease him. With a deep breath she opened her book and started to read, enjoying the fantasy world of the author.

Niya turned to follow her charge out of the room, chewing on her bottom lip before she blinked and looked at Rae. He was actually talking to her. "Oh, yes....Kseniya...Niya is fine though...And I'm from Russia, Siberia to be more specific. I got here earlier today." The young novice blinked for a moment, feeling a slight dryness in her eyes, before she shrugged. "Is your friend not coming along?" Niya let her eyes slide back to the room they'd exited, an indifferent look plain on her face.

---

(Trishia)

With a sigh she stopped her self practicing, going over to the fire table. Unlike most Moroi she could get her fames to reach astonishing temperatures. Of course she hadn't tested the limits of such abilities, but it worked for most things as a blue flame.

The candles would go down far too quickly if she used her blue flames, so when she waved her fingers to the side a bright orange flame erupted from all three. Just after they caught she put them out, nodding again before she sighed. She turned her hips to the side before she strode over to Aleks. "Hey, would you like me to start rotating the different elements out? Or are you wanting to do all of them at once?"

Serena smirked, "In Siena, my nonna makes the best desserts. But I am... um.... bias," She shook her head a little, "Here in America... Well, I cannot say. I just got off the plane this morning."

When she was certain that his hands were in the right place, she released them, "I am sorry... If my English is not very good... I did not think I would be teaching" She rose a hand to her chest and pointed to just left of the centre, "The cuore... The heart... is protected by the... the... sterno and costola... I... I do not know the English," She blushed slightly but continued, "They are bone and they are there to protect. So you have to be... precise. Easiest way to go... is through the..." She blushed again, "Costola."

She took hold of the end of the stake and guided it to her ribs, "From here you would aim up and use both hands," She smile, "We, of course, are not going to be stabbing me."

She looked around and spotted the dummies that they used in practice and quickly grabbed one and brought it over to Sebastian. She patted its shoulder and smiled, "This we will be... But you need to work on strength. Like I said the costola and sterno are bone they will be hard to get through. Staking is not easy unless you know what you are doing. It also needs an opening to the chest that trained Dhampirs turned, know how to not give. Just... try and get through the bone for now. We see how much work you truly need."

And so, they went on like that until class wore down to an end. Sebastian had done well but he hadn't reached the heart at all. Every once in a while, Serena would stop him and show him herself, slowing her motions, talking through different ways trying not to repeat herself. She was glad when it ended though, she hadn't spoken much before, so she wasn't aware how broken her English was. When they finished, she was putting the dummy away and looked at Sebastian, "I am sorry... It would have been easier for you to learn from An-na or Gunner..."
~
Rae chuckled a little, "Sibera isn't much more specific. "

When she asked about Gabby he shook her head, "Nope," He wasn't bothered by it any. They weren't anything, he didn't want them to be anything, "She is studying or something."

He turned away again and started walking aimlessly around the campus, "So... Is it cold in Siberia? I only been to Russia once... and that was Moscow with my parents during the summer. It wasn't that bad... but I figure winter is a different story."
~
Gunner sighed, he truly did not know what was worse, listening to her flirt Rae all day or watching her read. He could probably sit down as well and read without a problem but he really didn't want someone like Stan to see him and think that he was being lazy. Not to mention, he might not end up with Sebastian, this could be what he does for the rest of his life. Standing two feet behind someone watching them read. Even if he did become Sebastian Guardian. He'd be far guard, Anna didn't look as threatening, her being near guard just made more sense.
~
Basil walked with her and pursed her lips about where she would be in the morning, "Probably at the feeders. I find it better to go in the morning... Even if there is a bigger line. But don't worry about it, I can come find you. You got to eat too, after all."

She smiled and soon they reached her dorm house. She turned to look at Anna, "So, I didn't get a Novice last year... When are you guys off the clock?" She pondered something for a moment, "Oh, there is also a bunch of us, Dhampirs and Moroi, in the forest tonight... Kind of where we were this afternoon. A whole, start of the year get together. You should come... Oh and dress nice, not that you don't but you guys don't get a lot of reasons to dress hot for the boys."

The day wore on and with the party coming up Anna stared nervously into her closet. She had one dress... one single dress that Anya had talked her into getting a long time ago. She had never worn it, but it had made Anya happy to get it for her... Anna would never have bought something like that willingly. It had costed way too much and wasn't her typical down to earth style. She shook her head, no way would it fit her anymore right? I mean... she'd filled out quite a bit but then... she had never tried it on and hadn't known what size dress she'd wear. She bit her lip and took a deep breath before pulling it out of the closet.

Anna had invited Kseniya after Basil had convinced her to come and she'd told Seb that she was going... which meant he'd promptly said he was going also and he invited Serena so she could get to know her classmates better... He had also been the one to inform Gunner about the party, though he doubted he'd go, he'd let him know Anna was going too though so maybe he'd feel left out if he DIDN'T join. Anna didn't know that though... What she did know was that she was going to feel ridiculous in a dress.

She struggled with herself in the mirror for some time, avoiding coming out of the bathroom for fear Niya had come back and would see her so flustered. After several tries she finally got her thick wavy hair to fall in a sophisticated ponytail down her back. As far as makeup went she'd avoided wearing much, just enough eyeliner and smokey eyeshadow to make her eyes stand out, mascara to help make her lashes look longer and more delicate, and a sheer lipgloss that made her lips look fuller and shiny. She pulled at the hem of the dress uncomfortably for a moment before giving up and looking at herself in the full length mirror.

The dress was royal blue and clung to her curves... It was tied at the back of the neck, the two pieces crisscrossed over the chest to cover the breasts and showed off a small diamond of belly and all of her back. It barely came to the ends of her middle fingers as she stood and the black open toed pumps that mercifully had no real heel just a rise, had crisscrossing straps that came to just above her ankle... All in all she looked ... well... stunning... especially when you added the silver and diamond necklace and dewdrop shaped dangly matching earrings that Anya had gotten her for her birthday. She'd honestly never thought she'd wear it.

She rubbed her palms on her dress and stepped out of the bathroom wondering if Niya had taken her up on her offer and was already there or not... She barely noticed as she made her way into the woods where the others were. Lights consisted of campfires and lamps and candles... a recipe for a forest fire if they weren't careful though they were near the lake and there weren't really any decorations unless you counted the people. The clothes were amazing. Anna found a tree that looked companionable enough and leaned against it with a sigh as she looked around nervously for Basil, Niya, Serena, Sebastian... anyone really that she knew...

She finally spotted Seb and wasn't surprised to see that he wasn't dressed up at all. He was in new, clean clothes but they were his usual thing and he looked unconcerned with whether or not anyone cared... Typical Seb.

Rae hadn't been horrible, he'd mostly kept to himself and his friends, but Niya still felt funny guarding him all the same. He wasn't the same a Mina, though no one was, and after spending the day as someone else's shadow, Niya felt hopeless. She rubbed her hands up and down her arms slightly as she made her way across the quad, looking to the forest for the party. Of course there were other students heading towards the same place, so she just followed them.

Anna had told her about the party early enough that she had been able to put together an outfit that would be party appropriate. The shirt was cropped just below her bra, the black fabric tickling her soft skin that rested on top of her twitching muscles. Her last class had been a Guardian class, meaning she'd been working out, and so she looked unbelievably fit. Her blue skinny jeans caught just at her waist, her many belts sitting heavily on her hips. The shoes she'd worn were boots, the heals bringing her up four inches.

The party had started only a few minutes before Niya had gotten there, a few people were milling around with one of the students playing music in between two trees. Her arms went to her middle, each hand grasping an elbow, to cover up her stomach. It was odd to wear something so revealing, though it did feel kind of fun. She walked to where the DJ kid was, leaning against a tree near him. She kept watch for her friends. That was until she saw Anna, who she waved at as she ran over, not wanting to be alone any more.

Serena stood in her room, thankful that she had no roommate as she covered her scar with foundation. It wasn't something she had the time to do everyday, neither was makeup but she managed to do a pretty simple job of that. She sighed, why was she even going to this thing. Sebastian had invited her and she guess he had a pretty good excuse for her going. Although, the typical way she met her fellow students was as they were trying to throw each other around. She shook her head, none of that tonight. She blended the foundation and when she was certain you could no longer see the scars, she turned away from the mirror.

She walked over to her closet and grabbed one of the few dresses her mother had forced her to bring. Per essere bella, cara, her mother had said. It was the only time her mother had actually paid attention to the fact that Serena was leaving and not planning on coming back. As much as she hated her mother, she loved her to. So, she packed the dresses, despite never believing she'd have to wear them. She pulled on the dress and ran her hands along the skirt that flowed down from her waist to mid thigh. The neckline sat at her collar bone, making her feel a bit more confident about her hidden scars. The dresses small sleeves covered her shoulders and little else. As simple as the style was the design was less so, golden flowers danced along the off white undertone. She pulled on a simple pair of beige heels and allowed her hair to flow around her shoulders. As confident she was that the makeup covered her scars, she was not going to risk it.

She made her way to the party and felt a little awkward. She didn't know how she looked to those around her and a little uncomfortable in a dress to begin with. She spotted Niya as she ran and a moment later spot Anna, who she was running to. She let out a little sigh and made her way over to them.
~
Basil was there dancing away with a bottle in her hand. She pulled lightly as her strapless sweetheart dress, despite the fact that it wasn't going anywhere. The white top of the dress became black as it reached the middle of her rib cage. The lower half also clung to her other than a thin layer of fabric that hung over it reaching her mid thigh in the front and flowing lower in the back.

She was happily dancing with Rae, who wore a sports jacket and slacks. She laughed and handed him the bottle, which he quickly took a large gulp of before the alcohol burned his throat, causing him to grimace for a moment before handing the bottle back for Basil to do the same.
~
Gunner walked through the forest with a great sigh. He wasn't fully sure why he was going. Maybe, it was because he had spent the last two months alone without friends and he wasn't going to sit in his room because he didn't want to go to a party. Or maybe it was because so many Moroi were partying by the ward and it didn't make him feel comfortable. All the same, he came. He wore black pants and a black button down, only dressing up slightly for the occasion. He wasn't exactly sure how one was supposed to dress up for these things. When he got there though, it seemed as though there was a varying opinion of the dress code.

Anna spotted Niya racing towards her and grinned, "Woah horsey... I wasn't sure you'd come but I'm glad you did. At least I'm not the only one who gets to feel awkward in fancy clothes, though I think I like your approach better. You could still fight in that."

It wasn't long till she spotted Serena too and it seemed Seb had noticed them as well because he was headed over. He wore a pair of faded blue jeans, a black button down tuxedo vest which he left open, and a white dress shirt only half tucked in underneath that. It was a typical thing for Seb to wear any time because he liked making things that should look classy look messy. His hair was still looking slightly messy, Anna honestly didn't know if he purposely styled it that way or it was from his hands constantly being in it. He slipped his hands into his pockets and smiled at the three girls, "Is this my company tonight... I am a lucky man."

Anna laughed and grabbed his fedora off his head and put it on hers, pulling it low to shield her eyes. "Yeah you are..."

She looked at Serena's gown as she handed Seb back his hat, "You look fantastic..." It was true, she looked so innocent in the face that she almost looked like an angel in that dress. Obviously Seb had noticed to because he realized he was staring and cleared his throat, a playful smile curving his mouth, "And here I thought I'd never get to see my three serious Dhampirs dress up..." He kissed the back of Serena's hand with a flourish of a bow before straightening. "I'm glad you decided to come, it's not good to be holed up alone, I should know... Who talked you into coming Anna, you never said and you almost never come to parties unless it's to guard at them."

Anna shrugged, "My ward did... Basil Tarus? She asked me to come."

She was still semi surprised but she tried to accept that maybe all royal moroi weren't... well... the way usual royals were. She'd met Seb sure but Seb was an unusual case and Anya had been too. Seb didn't know Anya was the one who'd gotten her the dress and jewelry, thank the gods.

"How was your day guarding Rae Niya," Sebastian was asking. "Anna has avoided getting him like the plague, I was wondering if he was really that complicated of a ward so far."

Anna stuck her tongue out at Seb and turned to Serena, "I feel so... weird. I'm used to wearing things I can fight in at a moments notice and... well..." She gave a sheepish smile as she gestured to her dress.

She caught sight of Gunner headed into the glow of the lights from the party and suddenly felt completely ridiculous and sort of like a cat trying to be a dog. Not to mention overly exposed, she crossed her arms over her exposed midriff and bit at her lip. She caught herself tugging at a strand of hair that had escaped the pony-tail and hung in her face before she quickly released it and excused herself nervously from the others. If Gunner went anywhere it would be to the happy little group and Anna felt too embarrassed over her wardrobe choice to face him right now. Sebastian seemed to notice her anxiety immediately, probably watching her aura, and looked around for the source. He spotted Gunner and looked back at Anna, almost a little sadly.

She was quick to reassure him because he looked so concerned about her, "I'm fine Seb, stop worrying about me... I just feel kind of like... I don't know... a kid... playing at dress up. I should have just worn a nice pair of jeans and a tank top or something..."

He put both hands on her shoulders and kissed her cheek in a brotherly fashion, whispering into her ear. "You look beautiful Anna, anyone who doesn't notice is blind."

She was briefly taken aback by the intensity in Seb's eyes when he pulled away before he smiled and gave her cheek a light pat. She took a breath, feeling somewhat better. "I'm gonna... grab a drink."

She walked off probably long before Gunner actually caught a glance at her, he was looking around like he was scanning the wards for potential threats... but that was Gunner for you. She didn't really know why she suddenly felt so reluctant to talk to Gunner, he was her bestie after all. They could joke about how ridiculous she looked together... but for some reason the idea of Gunner pointing out that she looked ridiculous as a Guardian in a dress like this made her feel... kinda sick, sad, and anxious all at once. What the hell was going on with her tonight?

She went to the table the others had sat up and filled a plastic cup with punch and took a sip... and coughed. Yeah... definitely spiked. One and done, she was NOT getting drunk or even tipsy tonight... and she planned to sip it so slowly she wouldn't even get buzzed. The dress and jewelry was enough playing at someone else for the night... she didn't need to get herself smashed while she was at it.

She looked up, spotting Basil with Rae and waved at the Moroi in a happy greeting. She actually was happy to see her... Who knew she'd find another royal she got along with.

~*~

Sebastian watched Anna go just as Gunner was getting closer and sighed. Her aura had been going crazy with so many different colors, all tinged with gold, that he'd known exactly who he'd see when he'd look over his shoulder. Sooner or later she was going to have to face the way she felt and actually acknowledge it... Then, she'd have to figure out how to handle knowing she was feeling a little too fond for her bestie to just be besties anymore... He was worried for her how Gunner would take it when it finally came down to it and a little worried how Gunner would take Anna looking like THAT tonight. He could already tell that the usual jokes that he and Anna made would probably hurt Anna's feelings tonight... Her aura had seemed... unusually vulnerable.

He turned his attention to Gunner and waved him over, in case he hadn't seen them yet. "Hey, look who I found," he noted as he indicated Niya and Serena. "I didn't think I'd see YOU here tonight either... indeed it is a night of miracles," he teased.

He put a companionable arm around both Niya and Serena's shoulders though he pulled Serena slightly against him in a companionable half hug for a brief moment.

Serena reached the two girls and gave a small wave as greetings. She felt slightly uncomfortable standing there in a dress, even if it was just for a party. She was about to compliment the two girls when Sebastian reached them. She laughed as considered himself lucky and Anna stole his hat, concurring. A moment later, the girl handed the hat back and turned to her, telling her she looked fantastic. She could help but blush. She smiled, “Grazie. You two look… Sfarzoso.”

She looked at Sebastian when he cleared his throat. She laughed a little and joked, “Do you like?”

Her voice trailed off a little, hardly noticeable, when Sebastian took hold of her hand and kissed her fingers. She smiled and shook her head, she wasn’t fully sure what it meant in American culture. After all, kissing cheeks was a very common greeting back in Italy. However, due to the flourish Sebastian did it with, she felt there was little to think about.

There was a small conversation between Sebastian and Niya before Anna turned to her. She giggled a little and nodded, “I did not go to many parties like this at Santa Catherina’s.”

Anna seemed to catch a glimpse of something over her shoulder and was lost from their conversation. After a moment, she looked at Sebastian, reassuring him and there was a sudden change in the conversation. Serena felt like she was missing something…. She looked over her shoulder as Anna excused herself and tried to figure out who it was that had gotten Anna so flustered.

Gunner showed up shortly after, his hands in his pockets. He nodded to Sebastian but seemed a little distracted as he looked around the crowd and merely gave a wave to the two girls. When he made the joke about it being a night of miracles due to his presence, Gunner laughed and made a face, “Very funny. Surprising after two months of no one, I want to hang out with my friends. Even if that means… being here.”

Serena laughed a little at the comment and felt Sebastian’s arm wrap around her shoulders. She looked up at him to find him doing the same to Niya. She laughed again, “You are a very touchy person, Sebastian.”

Gunner nodded, “Ain’t that the truth…” He looked around the crowd again before looking at Sebastian, “I thought you said Anna was going to be here. I only came because you said how all of you were going to be here.”

Serena smiled, “She is. She just went to grab a drink.”

Gunner looked slightly disappointed by the information, “Damn… I was hoping I could leave.”
~
Basil turned around and saw Anna. She grinned at the other girl and waved before walking over to her, “You came!” She laughed, “I honestly wasn’t expecting that… You and your friends…. Seem really serious. Good to see you loosening up a little,” She looked Anna over, taking in the girl’s dress and accessories, “My, my. Whoever you dressed up for is very lucky.”

She giggled and took another swig from the bottle she held, “Now, grab someone and dance, girly.”

She turned away again, still grinning and went back to the larger group of people who were dancing in less than proper fashion.

It seemed everyone had turned out for the party. Serena came over to join them, just before Sebastian. Niya sighed slightly, rubbing her arms with her hands as she watched them interact before her attention was drawn to the dance area. Rae was having a good time with someone, it seemed, and knowing him it would end in a blatant sexual adventure. There was something funny in the way he was moving, Niya thought he'd probably been drinking since before the party started. Seb's question distracted her for a moment, "Oh...he wasn't horrible. Just a womanizer." She shrugged her shoulders and listened to the other carry on the conversation.

Anna seemed to be the most uncomfortable at the party, simply because she was dressed up. Niya couldn't help but feel bad for her, though her face didn't exactly show it. And when she said that she was going for a drink, out of the blue, Niya nodded and patted her arm. "I will be over in a moment." She then looked up at Sebastian as he placed an arm around her and Serena, blinking in surprise. It was strange, but this was more of a friendly jester to her, which made her sort of happy.

Gunner had finally showed up to the crowd and made their little circle complete, speaking to them all for a moment. Niya just laughed at his torment over being at the party, but admired his loyalty to his friend. That being said she shook her head and slipped out from under Sebastian's arm. "Going for a drink, be back in a moment." Since she was wearing unusually high heals her hips swayed from side to side as she walked, showing off the curves she'd meant to with the outfit. She brushed passed Rae and Basil, spotting the girl Rae had been with earlier as well, she thought her name was Gabby, before she found herself at the drink table. She grabbed one of the spiked cup and tossed it back, liking the little tickle it sent down her back. If anyone wanted to drink, they needed to find Niya, she was a master at drinking the hard liquors. Once she had another drink she walked to where she could see Anna, putting her back against a tree beside her. "Hello Anna." Her smile was a little crooked.

---

Gabby felt so out of the loop, everyone else had either a date or just a dance partner. This was bringing her mood down, even though she was dancing and drinking like the rest of the crowd. Rae was there at least. A shining spot of indifference that she could find stable footing on. As she danced closer she also noticed Basil, someone she didn't see often, and she smiled as she came up behind her. It was obvious that the other girl had been drinking, so it would be hilarious if she poked her in the sides and started to tickle her. Unless of course she puked, in which case Rae's face would be even funnier.

So she did just that. Her hands came up from her sides just as she was about to pass Basil, and she started to tickle her mercilessly.

Anna smiled as Basil came over, she'd obviously been drinking but she seemed just as nice as she had earlier... friendly even. She hugged Basil back and blushed, "Well, I had it hanging in my closet for the past few years and never wore it so..." As Basil told her to have fun and then sauntered off to go and dance with Rae Anna laughed a little. She saw Gabby go over right before she turned away, considering going back to the group... she didn't really HAVE anyone to dance with.

She jumped a little when she heard Niya's voice and she smiled, "Hey there Niya..." She took another sip of her drink and grimaced before coughing with a laugh. Whatever this was spiked with was strong, "Can you tell I don't really drink... that was pretty impressive though." She sighed, if she was going to get through this party she needed to loosen up so, taking a page from Niya's book, she shotgunned the drink and then grimaced sticking her tongue out with another cough. "Alright... I'm going to have fun tonight and that's the end of it... and you are too."

She grabbed the other girl by the wrist and gave a friendly tug, pulling her towards the others who were dancing. "Yoooouuu are going to dance with me."

She didn't give the other female much choice, they were there and they needed some fun and Niya seemed outgoing enough to dance with her even if they both felt a little awkward being there. She spotted Serena, Seb, and Gunner all together and gave Seb a wink as he was looking her way. Dammit... she was GOING to have fun.

~*~

Sebastian smiled at Gunner, "You need to have some fun... She's less than comfortable with the situation either... or her wardrobe choice, not practical enough for her. Who knows how long she's been setting on that dress. It's not something she would have bought for herself so Anya..." He stumbled on his words a moment and then went on holding his smile," Anya must have gotten it for her."

He looked at Serena when she called him touchy, "I can't help it... I have an affectionate nature," he teased brightening back up as though it had never happened. He hugged her loosely again, "I'll have to ask you to dance... later though on a slower song, more appropriate... Else I might hurt myself. Some of that looks painful..."

He blinked as he seemed to notice something, "Huh... Never thought I'd see THAT." He whistled as he watched Anna and Niya dance, "Who knew Anna could dance?" He pouted, "I didn't know Anna could dance." He looked at Serena who obviously would have had no clue but he joked with her anyway, "Did you know Anna could dance?"

From her aura she was still nervous, anxious... but she seemed to genuinely be enjoying herself which was good. Anna never loosened up like this and he suspected part of it was due to the spiked punch but the other part had been determination to forget about how she'd felt when she'd seen Gunner... it had confused her and made her feel insecure. Now she was trying to prove she was fine, that her reaction had been nothing but party jitters. He sighed and then turned to Gunner, "I don't suppose YOU are going to dance..." Seb batted his lashes, "I could dance with you." He was teasing Gunner, it was always fun to tease Gunner.

The song was ending and Anna had danced closer to Basil and had been doing what had looked like introducing Niya who she was smiling at and apparently thanking for the dance before she turned to head back to them.

~*~

Anna had danced closer to Basil who was being tickled by Gabby she smiled at the two girls and nodded politely (surprisingly) to Rae... after all he was Niya's ward. "Basil, this is Niya Rae's Guardian and Niya this is Basil Tarus, my ward, and Gabby, Gunner's Ward."

She turned to Niya, "Thanks for dancing with me..." She looked over at Basil, "And thanks for convincing me to come... I don't usually loosen up for things like this."

She nodded back towards the group, "We should go back to the others for a minute, I'm not used to dancing like that and my feet are killing me." She tugged off the fancy shoes and then straightened, nodding politely to the Moroi. "I'll be back to dance again Basil, try not to get too smashed or you'll have a killer hang over tomorrow." She headed back to the others and spotted Gunner and this time felt just fine when she looked at him. See, she told herself, he's still your bestie... nothing has changed.

She paused when she reached them, "Hello again." She glanced over at Gunner and tucked a loose hair behind her ear, "Hey Gunner, I'm glad you came." She gave him a light punch to his shoulder.

"Don't drink too much of the punch," she warned as she let go. "You'd be a light weight and then Niya, Serena, and I would have to drag you back to the dorms," she teased.