IV. Snowman [Thursday 6th, Evening]

10:40:06 Xarissa So, why is it, that we set our clocks back to have more sunlight in the morning, when next to no one is awake, rather than in the evening, when people are off work and school, and are looking to do something? It's just another one of those stupid things that people do because they believe it makes society easier. In the fading light, Xarissa stood outside, having changed out of her school uniform, seeing as classes were over. On her toes, in gently heeled boots, her purple gloved hands were busy doing what she intended to do yesterday. Build a snowperson. Childish or not, she was going to do it. Blonde locks lay in gentle curls, resting on the bold black of her jacket, pressed down and contained with a hat that sported a pom. She had to keep stopping, to tie her jacket a little tighter, accenting her tiny waist as she did, before getting up on her toes once more, to continue. So far, so good on avoiding trouble, right? It was long since forgotten, at least to the ocean-eyed wolf. "...Eyes." She tsked, as she dropped down onto her feet, to look at the snowman that was taller than she was. Hands on her hips, the pixie of a girl glimpsed around, then clicked her tongue. Beginning to wander, unsure where the hell she was going to find this poor mans eyes, and even a mouth, her eyes kept down towards the ground. Hopefully others were watching where they were going, for Xarissa, definitely was not. Rubbing her hands together, she gathered them against her mouth, blowing into them, before dragging her white and black striped scarf upwards, to cover the lower portion of her chilled face. She was ready to go inside any minute now, get out of this cold. Going in before finishing her 'masterpiece' though, was yet to become an option. On luck, she'd kneel, picking up a single rock that just happened to be peeking out of the snow. Ok, one down...so, he could see out of one eye, couldn't talk, and couldn't smell. This poor snow person. It was not having the best of times yet. Maybe she should find it some arms, too...and eliminate the fact that it had no limbs, either.

10:57:24 Maebh puffed along like a steam engine, exhaling large clouds of hot breath before she ran through them. With a strong stride and rhythmic bounce, Mae ran along a path that was throughout the grounds. Of course she stayed in the open and within sight. She hadn’t really gained much along the lines of fighting techniques. Just a good punch and grappling was thrown back and forth between the nurse and her brothers when she was younger. Six brothers – you’d think she’d know better how to fight – but not really; they looked after her since she was the baby of the seven children. The pathway she ran had been used frequently, as the snow was densely packed beneath her feet. She wore dark grey and purple running shoes, white spandex pants, and a light, moisture-wicking jacket. Of course her ears, neck, and hands were covered, but she got too warm on runs and didn’t wear much in order to keep herself cool. She was easy to spot, her vivid red hair was pulled back into a pony tail and swayed back and forth as she ran. With thin, limber legs, Mae moved almost silently and lightly as a deer. As she came around a grove of some trees, striking blonde hair in a black coat caught her attention as Xarissa was collecting body parts for the large snowman that the woman also noticed. She stopped, pacing in a small oval, and lifted her hands to the sides of her mouth to shout, “Hey! You need any help?” She gave a bright smile and waved. While she was stopped, she easily lifted her foot behind her and pulled it backwards and up far behind her back. The stretch released some of the heat from her muscles as well as tightness, refreshing her body some.<e>

11:05:41 Xarissa Kicking some snow aside, she thinned her lips, and once again, knelt down. Balancing on her toes, she leaned on her knees as she poked through the snow. Producing a few more rocks, she bounced up, and with a light jog, she went over towards her snow person. Shoving the rocks into her pocket, she examined it. Two rocks for the eyes, and five for the mouth. Almost there. How was she going to get the stereotypical carrot for the nose though? She'd snuck into the kitchen before, she could do it again. Add to her list of potential things to get in trouble for. It was all if she was found out, though, right? Signing her name though wasn't the way to avoid it. Being in a self-disliking mood really didn't do wonders. That was ok though, today was another story. She still had things on her mind that needed to be, wanted to be, discussed. Beginning to jog out a second time, with a swish of angel blonde, she came to a stop when she was hollared at. Sharp eyes peered around, the focused on the femme who'd hollared. "Help, oh, uh..." She looked back towards her fat snowman, standing out quite prominantly on the vast yard. "Sure!" The tiny doll returned after some studying, as she went sift for a few more rocks. "He's missing some arms and a nose...I've been finding rocks." He needed buttons down the front, too! Xarissa was getting some wild ideas for this guy...Oh, and some pine for a scarf! Yes, yes...he was going to be one snazzy snowman.

11:23:59 Maebh didn’t mind the cold snow against her ankles and shins, her heart had been pounding and her skin felt like fire beneath her clothes. She was cooling down, though and by the time she reached Xarissa, her skin was cooler and dry. Mae had taken her time moving through the snow. Trying to run through it had proven tricky a few days prior, and left her covered in snow and soaked by the time she finished her run. “Well I’ve got an idea for the nose, but I think it’ll involve digging as well.” Mae found a few cedar pines grouped together and knelt at the ground around them, pushing handfuls of snow to the side. As she moved through the cold snow and dirt, she spotted some cones. There had been a perfect pine cone, long and with a narrow and fat end. “This should be perfect.” While she had been digging, she found about a dozen golfball-sized rocks that could be used for a smile. She put a foot flat on the ground and now knelt on her left knee before pushing herself up again. As she walked back to Xar, she inspected the items she collected, and held them out when she reached the monster of a snowman. “What do you think of these?” She looked up from her hands at Xarissa with clear seafoam eyes, an inquisitive look on her face. This was exciting. Mae hadn’t done anything this innocent and childlike in a long time. Life had become all about business. Fun hadn’t been a part of her life for years, maybe over a decade – a major reason why she looked forward to the Yule Ball so much. “This young man will be quite handsome when we’re done with him.” Those eyes shifted up to the head of the snowman and she smiled brightly, a light chuckle slipping past her lips.

11:33:50 [Dietrich`] It was quiet in the library tonight, the long tables and high chairs void of students. Dietrich clicked off his reading lamp and rubbed his burning eyes. The large volume he was busy with was already a quarter of the way through, but he still had a long way to go before he completed it. These private studies took up most of his time, to the point where he did only what was absolutely necessary to keep the library chugging along at acceptable levels of adequacy. Not the best librarian, this was true, but better than none. Closing the book, Dietrich stood and stretched, chasing the cramps from his limbs that were the result of spending the last ten or so hours perched on the uncomfortable old desk chair. It didn’t look like he’d have company anytime soon, so perhaps it was safe to slip away for an hour or so and get some much needed fresh air. Slipping a key from his pocket to lock his desk drawers as he’d gotten into the habit of doing since Monday, he left the Library and closed the door behind him. His first destination was the Crux faculty dorms, where he changed into some more suitable clothing and picked up his towel before heading for the outdoors. It was as he was making his way down the steps that he spotted the big old snowman in the courtyard, and the two women clustered around it. “That is quite the big snowman.” Dietrich commented as he neared, slipping his hands into the pockets of his cargo’s to shield them from the chill. “Must have taken a while.” Dressed only in a black compression shirt and his usual worn pair of olive drabs with a towel of all things hung around his neck, he must’ve looked quite out of place stepping out into the icy winter evening.

11:35:56 Xarissa "Oh?" She thought of what that possibly could be, and the first thing that popped up in her mind was a root, however...the ground was much too cold to go digging for roots. There was no way you were going to catch her doing that, gloves or not. Her little purple gloves were already wet from rolling the snow, and packing, shaving and perfecting the snowman she was suppose to build with friends. Her evening had been quiet, and she needed something to do. She felt caged indoors, and so, outside was where she went. Going for a run might have been nice, but not long after she'd gotten out there, she started packing snow, at first just in her hands to feel the cold, then...well, one thing lead to another, and there was the expressionless, limbless man. With a few more rocks in her pocket by the time that Maebh had picked up the pine cone, she grinned, the rosy cheeked student obviously approving, and having not thought of them. "That'll do perfectly," she chirped, as she jogged back over to the snowman, and went fishing in her pocket, to stand on her toes and wriggle rocks in for his eyes. Looking down to the rocks, she'd pull the ones in her pockets out, and nodded. "These ones can be for the buttons, then." She'd move out of the way, to allow the nurse room to plant on the nose and smile. "He'll be stunning. With arms, and a scarf, all the snow ladies will be just melting to get a date with him." Bad pun, right? While she waited for the face to be completed, she'd offer up her name. Xarissa wasn't familiar with the infirmary, though, she knew who took after it, and with so many students, she didn't expect to be known, as she hardly needed to visit. The only time she would have been seen was to get her lashes bandaged up. "I'm Xarissa, by the way." Though, her voice tapered out a little, when she caught the librarian approaching. Uh oh! Act calm. "I've been out here since before the light started dimming." How long ago was that? "...So, since the end of the last class." She'd worked right through supper. Oops. Or, into supper. One of the two.




11:53:49 [Trix] Bounds of energy filled Trix this early evening - it was as if someone had turned up her energy reservoir to high and the girl was utterly filled with powerful resonance. Her steps as she headed outside were light. Her walk airy, hips swaying as booted feet covered the ground with expert style and finesse. Wearing her navy coat, complete with crest, with white mittens and a matching white wool hat that covered the top of her head, leaving the rest of the luscious blond strands to curl over her shoulders and around her face, she cut that surprising figure of a fae. Enchantment revealed by in how she moved and provocative guise with the look deep within her gaze. Surveying the immediate outdoors, she prided herself on her action of the morning. Letting loose and flying as she had from the Library Tower. It had exhilarated her to no end and all the emotional pull of items dragging her down over the last few weeks were simply gone. The flight had been rewarding, life saving even as the young femme trickled through the courtyard catching sight of the snowman and several people around the burly white figure. Immediately thinking of Xarissa’s words just earlier that morning, Trix made her way toward the group, hips swaying in a bountiful manner, alluring in her motions yet completely innocent in her all wiles, unaware of the festive personality the sprung forth through her pores. Enchantment in how she progressed, she soon bridged the distance between the group, stepping through with a bounding step as she announced her presence. “Hello!” Her voice music, fluid in the simple word as azure blue hues peered toward Xarissa with a warm smile playing upon her lips, then toward the Nurse whom Trix hadn’t met for Trix was rarely ill and had rarely been injured in her years at Hex, before finally landing on Mr. Vostok. Cheeks dusted rose, she nodded toward the male who was dressed casually, her face etched with slight concern as she questioned the man. “Aren’t you cold?” Eyes noting the towel, she wondered just what the male was up to. She said nothing to him of the Vodka or just how close she’d come to taking a sip -- she was ashamed it went that far, the action itself being a secret that will go to the grave.

11:53:54 Maebh was thrilled at the young woman’s approval of her contribution. Her smile brightened so that her lips curled back into a full smile. Whenever Xarissa made her joke, Mae laughed lightly. “They absolutely will. Maybe I’ve got a date for the Ball!” She jokingly threw her arm around as much of the snowman as she could. Then, she heard the librarians voice and let go of the inanimate friend she was making. Mae felt quite silly. Her throat cleared out of slight embarrassment and she raised a brow at what Xarissa said regarding remaining calm. Mae turned and faced Dietrich, smiling again. “He’s magnificent.” Her chin lefted and she gazed up at the snowmans face again. “She’s the artist, though. I just jumped in with the finishing touches.” Feeling silly again at the fact she was behaving like this without introducing herself to him. “I’m Maebh (pronounced “Mave”).” She didn’t recognize his face, but she hadn’t spent much time in the library, either. Once she told him her name she turned to Xarissa and gave her a nod in introduction as well. “Would you like to join us?” Her hands began to get chilly and she was holding them together now. The towel around his neck did indeed raise some questions in her mind but didn’t dare to ask. There were many surprisingly things going on here that asking questions was more out of the ordinary than what they were being asked about. She simply continued to clench her hands together, occasionally blowing warm breath into them. With a thoughtful sigh, she turned again to look back at the snowman, wondering what the student had planned for a scarf. Indeed, it would be smashing.<e>

12:12:07 Dietrich` ’s breath fogged in the air in front of him as he laughed. He’d caught the tail-end of Xarissa’s snowman comments directed at Maebh, and the bit of snowman fraternization. “Oh yes, indeed.” Dietrich agreed readily. “But I am thinking he might be having little bit of trouble hugging you back.” Grinning, he stuck out his hand to her as per Russian hospitality and shook it firmly. “Dietrich. Dietrich Vostok. You are…nurse, right? I was there Monday, but I do not recall seeing your captivating face there. I am certain I would have remembered.” The man grinned raffishly and stuck his hand back into his pocket, hunching up his shoulders against the cold a bit. “Do not know what I would have done without that Ringers IV. Your department is most accommodating.” Join them? Dietrich tilted his head and cast his gaze out across the darkening grounds with a ‘hmm’. “I do not know… I was actually planning on-- Miss Ellery?” He turned in surprise when he heard Trix’s greeting, eyes widening when he caught sight of her almost provocative approach. “Wow, you look…” Enchanting? Mesmerizing? God, snap out of it Dietrich. What are you thinking? “Different. What has put you in such glowing mood this fine night?” He gave her a welcoming smile and stepped aside so she could join the little impromptu gathering. “Little bit.” He admitted to Trix’s question, stamping his feet to get a bit of warmth into his legs.

12:16:37 Xarissa "Well, if you can carry him inside, and keep him from melting, I'm sure he'll make a wonderful date. The problem is though, he has no legs. I suppose he could glide..." Leaning back, she looked down at the biggest ball of the snowman, which, coincidently, had no legs. Maybe they could mount him on snowshoes, and he could...well, if he has no feet, how does that idea make? Chuckling as the sturdy snowman was hugged, she'd then add, "And, if you don't mind getting a little frosty. Just don't be too upset when he becomes a puddle on the ground." Pulling out the rocks, she'd begin pushing them into the snow, giving the man some buttons to at least make the illusion he was wearing some sort of clothing. "I'll be going to get him some arms soon, them she can have a sticky hug." Xarissa stated, in a somewhat distracted manner. Brushing off the compliments on her snowman, she shook her head, rosy cheeks depthening the slightest bit. "He wouldn't have been complete without your idea for his nose. I didn't know what I was going to do." Ok, so, she did, but, Maebh's idea was much more soundproof, and wouldn't rot like a carrot would. If she was lucky, the snowman would turn to ice, and stay there for the season. "You should join us, maybe you can produce a hat for this poor sod. I'm Xarissa, by the way..." 'Cause, chances are, there was no name to face there. Her name was put on a few books, as she often borrowed, and a note, but that was it. She usually was in a rush to get, and get out of there. Quietly, she glanced towards Trix as she came in, and she found herself reminded of the previous day. How she felt...pushed away, after she'd tried to lend her hand so to speak. The figurative light in the were flickered softly, and rather than speak outloud, she gave the other a nod, then turned her eyes back towards the snowman, her fingers smoothing over the already perfected snow. "...gonna find some arms." There was more to the sentance, but it was murmured, as she The element of light that was the snow made things not quite to dark in the area they stood. Her eyes transfixed upon the snowman momentarily, she caught sight and wind of Xarissa’s words and tone. Though Trix wasn’t aware why or what had happened. However, her mood was simply too good to just switch at the change of a hat. Trix had been awakened in a number of ways, having come close to stepping beyond a boundary she’d placed upon her self she was in fact, more happy with who she was and what she was than she had been for a long time. It was a relief to her to feel her shoulders light of burden - light of worries that had beckoned her before. ‘”I’ll help you Xarissa”, for certain the Earth Mage in her could find some decent twigs and something far fitting for a scarf. Though before she trundled of after the young wolf, the charming presence of her nature turned back toward Mr. Vostok, the blush still remaining on her cheeks as he commented upon her. She didn’t notice or catch the look within his eyes, so innocent of such things - after all, why would he feel anything for her? As far as Trix knew - she was the one with the teacher / student crush. “Lets just say I had a revelation of sorts.” She grinned impishly as her eyes retained their fixed gaze upon the teacher. “Or.. An awakening. I did something amazing this morning. I should have done a long time ago and I think I just really woke up to who I am.” The riddle of words were given. She trusted Dietrich, the two having spent a lot of time together in the Library since his arrival. She was close to him in the way a student could be and even so far considered him a friend within that boundary. Not to mention the crush she had upon him - it was purely fantasy based, but it was there all the same. “I’m going to help Xarissa, I’ll be back in a few!” With the same boundless energy, the enchanting female offered the male a sly wink before turning toward Mae adding a smile toward the Nurse, before trouncing of toward the woods. “Xarissa wait..” She called, soon approaching the girl, catching up as best she could. “Let me help. I’m sure we can find something perfect for your snowman. After all, a little magic can really go along way, if you let me help you..”

12:36:34 Maebh Raised her brows and closed her eyes tightly as she remembered something about hearing his name before. Perhaps in the dining hall? She blushed some at his complimenet, and Mae bit the side of her lower lip and nodded, feeling silly. “Yes, Mr. Vostok. I’ve heard that name here and there. But it is much more of a reward to finally greet the man that goes with it. I’ve had it in my plans to visit the library.” Her attention quickly turned to the approaching student and she smiled. “Evening!” Mae’s mood was quite delightful, either from the run or enjoying sometime outside helping with the snowman. She nodded to Xar before she left to get some more appendages for the snowy creature. As the two students left the nurse and the other teacher, Mae’s stomach began to knot in nervousness. Why was she acting so sheepish? She hadn’t really interacted too frequently with the others, so perhaps that was it. Her profession warranted that she interacted with many people on a daily basis, but her personal life didn’t mirror her job at all. She could be two different people between the two. With a loss of what else to say to him, she stood back from the snowman and said, “I’m not too sure how that little girl created something so big.” Funny thing is, Mae wasn’t very tall at all, either. She only stood at about 5’3”. The nurse propped her hands on her hips and shifted her weight back and forth. A chill went down the back of her neck and caused her to drop her ponytail and let her hair down for some extra warmth. “Any thoughts? Adjustments?” The woman looked back to him with minty green eyes and an inquisitive grin. <e>

12:40:43 Mila had woken, Monday morning on the pool table – even marking it a little with a tiny bit of drool, but she was hoping no one noticed. It was odd to find one's self with no memory of the night before, waking on a pool table in a cave rather than their bed and lets not forget, that she was clad in only her underwear. It was confusing. What was worse, was breaking her hangover virginity. With an ache in her head, a desert in her mouth and a nauseating feeling Monday had not been the best of days. Lucky for her she had woken in time to dart back to Hex and live through the torture of a school day. It was Thursday now, and with the girl often disappearing with other friends and keeping herself busy in more obscure corners of the castle, she had gone the majority of the week with slim to no interaction with the seniors that had observed Mila finally falling from grace. That wasn't to say she ignored them or acted rudely, but was simply clever enough to come into contact with the few as little humanly possible. Snow booted feet plodded along the serene white grounds, shapely legs covered in leggings rather than her uniform for it was not necessary to remain dressed so after classes were finished – and while most did anyway, in cold months like this, Mila preferred to change. A form fitting sweater dress clung to the hour glass curve of her slim body, and her hair hung freely as it was often allowed to do. Her simple little stroll could be blamed on a search for another or a task she had intended to do, but the whimsical little Miss was easily distracted by the creation of a snowman at the hands of Trix and Xarissa. Infectious as ever, she could not keep the smile from her face as she swayed on over, a hop in her limber step. “Ha that's amazing! Hey Trix and.. Xarissa, right? ” Mila knew just about everyone but those in years below were often regarded as bare acquaintances whilst she had thieved the majority of the senior class as her friend. As for Dietrich, her head canted some and she greeted him with a sweet purr, “Hello Rus- Er, Mr Vostok.” The girl had not arrived to clean the bathing pools since Sunday, easily presuming their deal no longer stood.

12:51:58 [Dietrich`] Hold on a moment. Xarissa as in… The name struck a chord of familiarity but before the answer could leap to mind, Trix was distracting him with conversation again. He’d spent a fair bit of time in the fae’s company over the last two months considering how often she haunted the library, but he’d never seen the shy, quiet girl quite like this. Was it a hold-over from Sunday that had warped his perception, or had she always been this, and he’d never seen it? It was a troubling sensation considering recent events, and he wasn’t entirely sure how to handle it. Had he realized she was fae, (had it ever come up in conversation?) he would perhaps have been more prepared to deal with the sudden surfacing of her racial charm. A charm which she had left quite hidden up to now. Dietrich shook his head and watched the two girls go, his gaze meeting Maebh’s with raised brows. “A revelation. I’ll say. I have never seen her like that before…” He rubbed the back of his neck and just shook his head again. That must have been some revelation, to cause a dramatic change like that. Before he could say any more to the red-headed nurse, his ears pricked with recognition of a familiar voice. Mila. He gripped the towel around his neck and turned with a frown. “Miss Vienne. Aren’t you a rare sight.” The tone was just a bit snappish, as Dietrich had in fact spent two mornings waiting down in the basement levels for her, but ended up not having enough time to go hunt for the girl. “If I had not been so busy re-arranging shelves turned around by some prankster who thought making more work for me would be funny, I might have missed you for your morning duties. You have not forgotten about them, have you?” So he was giving her a chance to save face, if only a very small one. The expression in his eyes suggested that it was an offer she better take whilst he was still lenient enough to offer it.

12:53:48 Xarissa She returned the nod to Maebh, feeling bad for becoming so abruptly rude. The nurse didn't deserve it, much like Giselle hadn't those nights ago. Her name was addressed, and, she rolled her shoulder. "Yea. Xarissa." Another person who didn't deserve the cold shoulder, but had it delivered upon them, regardless. People could marvel at her snowman all they wanted, but, her spirit for it was waning. Disappearing much like her vibrant mood, as pretty became sour. The only bright thing now, she could pick out, was she'd gotten away with her little prank in the library, and there was no issue with her being so kind as to lend books that weren't hers to lend. "I don't need help," her words could have been lost to a whisper, or the scarf she kept tucked up near her paled out lips. She could wear them blue, and have not a worry. Wet hands rest deep in her pockets, her shoulders hunched upwards, as if to protect her from an invisible wind, as she tapered into the dark woods. Just some fallen branches, that's all she needed, and some young ones full of pine needles to arrange it about his neck in the way one would put together a wreath. Maybe she'd leave her wet gloves on the end of the sticks for him. It didn't take long to find one stick, though, when she went to pick it up and found it nearly the same size as her, Xarissa set it back down, looking rather stunned. Standing on the branch, she'd grab and end, and pulled. Repeating this twice, she'd look at the 'arms.' There. They were a good size, and relatively even. When she was caught up to, she glanced up, pausing her her step towards a pine. "...Trust me, I don't need help." As much as she tried to keep her words stable, there was an ache in them. Clenching her hands around the dead branches, she'd examine the tree infront of her. She felt bad, picking branches off of it, but, it'd be fine. It had plenty. Sharp little snaps of wood came, as she plucked some off, settling them into the crook of her arm, back turned. Why was she even bothering to finish the thing now?

13:03:55 Trix stood at the edge of the Forest, listening to Xarissa who was refusing her help. She could of course notice the tone, but Trix wasn’t one to push something. There was something wrong with Xarissa but out here, in the cold Trix felt it better to talk to her alone at some point to find out what the problem may be. “Okay then..” Prompted the young Fae before she turned around, letting the young prickly Wolf be for now. “But if you need to talk or anything.. I’m here for you”. She ensured the younger woman before bounding back toward the Snowman and the group that had gathered. “Hey Mila!” She commented in a bright voice, her eyes landing on the exotic figure before her. She had no idea of what had happened in The Meth Lab, or that even Dietrich had been there. Trix may have felt very different while standing there if she had. Especially with the crush she had upon the Librarian God. “How’s it going?” She quipped toward the dark haired female before turning back toward the Snowman, her eyes shining with the light of the s now, her elusive charm seeping from her pores. Indeed she was in a good mood, and yet, a part of the light within her, that Fae enchantment hadn’t been tapped in to until now. Trix had been caught in doing things the same way for so long, she’d not taken notice of how she had changed over the years. Not to mention, Jeremy’s added companionship had given her a small boost of confidence, despite the fact she believed he cared for her like a sister. It was someone close to her and his words, his actions had brought out a side in Trix that had been neglected for some time. “We should build an entire family of snowmen..” She quipped eying Dietrich as he spoke toward Mila, uncertain what it was about. But one the conversation was done, the fae would motion around light of step toward the Librarian, reaching upward once behind him to pull the towel from around his neck. Holding it in her hand, she smiled playfully. “Were you planning on swimming in the icy lake?” Trix questioned curiously, her gaze shifting momentarily toward Mae, then back toward the Forest to see where Xarissa was.

13:04:09 Erinn had filled her days and nights with academics, reading, writing, even painting after she woke up Monday morning with a pounding in her head and complete recollection of everything that had happened Sunday night. She had shifted back to a milder version of herself, the milder more introverted part of her came out to play but even with that sort of mellow feeling to her, she still was getting cabin fever. She needed to get outside, to breathe fresh air again and so she found herself headed out for the grounds, a pair of jeans and black boots, a long sleeved shirt under her coat and mittens on her hands. Her hair spilled over her shoulders and down her back and soon her cheeks were a soft rose color from the cold as she walked out along the snow and saw a group up ahead. She'd caught sight of Mila and remembered back to Sunday night, she shook that thought away for now, a small smile on her lips just the same. A familiar face was always nice to see, even if it wasn't too familiar, she saw the snowman that was being worked on and smirked, she hadn't really made one in what seemed like ages, but her gaze shifted back to Mila as she enared the girl, she looked to Dietrich briefly but that soft smile didn't falter, it was like nothing had happened. "Hey Mila, long time no see.." she said to her and smiled slightly more as she neared the group. She stood next to Mila in front of Dietrich "Hey Mr. Vostock" she offered, though that smile hadn't faltered and she seemed to act like nothing had happened, oh how different it was inside. She could feel that curiosity and anticipation as if they were back in the Lab all over again, but she pushed it aside as she almost smirked, a nod was given to the redhead he spoke with before her attention was back to Mila, the corner of her lips twitched slightly, fingers fidgetted in her mittens as she stood there with them

13:11:30 Xarissa She was there for her? She didn't even give her a chance to get her words out, and Trix was running off! She stared after her, then shook her head, "...Some here for me, huh?" She did indeed speak, loud enough that the fae could catch the words. Too desperate to get back, she guessed. It didn't take a rocket scientist to see the way she acted towards the librarian. Branches in hand, she took a deep breath, and trudged out from the forest. She had a snowman to finish. With her lip in her teeth, she slid through the poeple there, standing on her toes, in order to jab the branches in for the snowmans arms. After that was, where her artisticness came out. Slowly, around the snowmans neck began a wreath of pine branches, looking rather scarce at first, but the more she added, the fuller it looked, adding a splash of colour to the otherwise colourless man. Once she was done, she rearranged a few more, then dropped down onto the flats of her feet, sucking in another cold breath. Eyes did scan those that were there, but her lips remained stilled. At least, until she looked at the snowman a second time. "...How's he look?" The question was addressed to the lot of them. Aside from the perfect target to knock over now, he was quite the snowman. It was a wonder that something as tiny as Xarissa had been able to build it, or even get his head up on his shoulders. Rolling her tongue in her mouth, she pried off her gloves, and shoved them into her pocket, wrapping her arms around her slight body in a most insecure way. Stand there awkwardly, or go warm up. Choices, choices.

13:17:52 Mila smiled sheepishly between the nurse and librarian, whom she had seemed to be left with. Awkward. Apparently the punishment she had believed herself now exempt from was still underway – clearly getting down to her panties in front of Vostok would not mend their issues. “Are you implying I'm unique an-.” Her sassy deflection was cut off by his snappish behaviour and she was biting against the lower of her decadent, cherry-stained lips. “Um.. no. I was there, but you werent.” Ah yes, lie Mila! Mila you're so good at lying. Really, she wasn't. Sidelong glances elsewhere and the wavering tone of her voice seemed to paint the skies with the truth. “Of course I haven't. Tomorrow.. promise.” Her heart sank. Spending her Friday and weekend mornings scrubbing bathing pools was not a task she relished, but maybe the eye-candy would go shirtless again and she would find entertainment in that? Fingertips toyed with the ends of her sleek, sable hair and then she was turning those smoke eyes from the redhead to Erinn who had approached. Her cheeks colored prettily. “Oh, yeah. Hey!” A little shaky at first, but Mila soon caught up her usual bubbly attitude and was smiling with the effervescent glow that came naturally to her. Deciding to taunt the librarian a little, the brunette swayed on over to Erinn and bumped the equally petite girl with one hip. A slender arm slipped about the small of her back and she was taunting him with a daring cant of her head, exotic eyes honing in on his own. Now her purring voice was all hidden teasing, laced with implications. “Our study session on Sunday was really helpful. Are you going to help us with our studies again, Mr Vostok?” Then Trix was upon them in a most... un-Trix manner. Since when had that girl had the bal- Mila ushered the unkind thought away but raised a brow in wonder and exchanged a look with the younger girl beside her.

13:35:32 Dietrich` ’s brow twitched, his expression hardening at Mila’s response. Offer a hand and lose a fucking arm. “Tomorrow. See that you are there.” He affirmed, simply leaving it there. He wasn’t in the mind for effort. Then suddenly he twisted, and caught the end of his towel just as it left his neck, quirking a brow at Trix as he came to face her. Since when was she this playful, or forward? “As matter of fact, yes, I was.” His tone was a bit evasive, despite his direct answer, casting a sideways glance at the girls now surrounding him and the curious absence of the red-headed nurse. You’d think someone like that would have more difficulty disappearing without being noticed. “Bit of exercise and fresh air whilst library is nice and quiet.” And free of mischievous vodka-thieving students, he replied. “Oh, hello O’Driskle.” He greeted Erinn with a casual nod, showing no indication that he was more familiar with her. Wow, what an unfortunate surname. Turning his head back to Trix he tugged at the towel end he still held. “Can I have it back now? I would be liking for getting going before I freeze in place.” But Mila apparently wasn’t done playing, and Dietrich cast her a placid look. “I have no idea what you are talking about, Miss Vienne. I was not around on Sunday.” Well, two could play that game, and Dietrich was pretty damn good at lying. There wasn’t a single tell in his tone, posture or expression when he said it. Maybe he even believed it himself! Tugging again at his towel if Trix hadn’t released it before then, he slung it back over his shoulders and would begin stalking off out of the courtyard. He was dressed too lightly to stand still for too long.

13:41:25 Trix had taken Xarissa word’s of not needing help at face value. The female hadn’t required her help, so Trix had left. It was a simple understanding of what had been spoken. Though she had heard Xarissa’s words when she’d bounded back toward the group, and it only confused her more. Trix was unaware of anything she’d done that Monday. She hadn’t purposely left Xarissa alone, she had merely gone to spend time to herself and others had been around. She wasn’t aware that Xar would be left alone in the process, or that it would be affecting the younger girl now. Her head canted as Erinn arrived and Trix offered the woman a wave, though as Mila and Errin were confronting Dietrich, she held onto the towel for a moment, suddenly feeling very shy yet again. She struggled to try and overcome the wallflower sensation that Trix had always had. It was a concentrated effort for the delightful fae to push those thoughts away of not being good enough. Of not fitting into a crowd. Trix wasn’t going to let those feelings dictate her life anymore. It was however a struggle. It was obvious - even the undercurrents that something was going on, and as Dietrich tugged on the towel, she indeed let it go. While not relieving her features of a smile, inwardly she felt suddenly out of place. Out of time. Things also seemed exceptionally awkward with Mr. Vostok. A feeling Trix had never gotten around him before. Though her attention shifted back toward Xarissa. “I think he looks great, Xar..” She would say offering a compliment to the snowman. “Really well do..” As Trix smiled, but even Xar was being cold toward her. Inwardly perplexed, she motioned closer to the girl, seeing Mila and Erinn were immediately next to each other. “Is something wrong, Xar?” She questioned with concern etched upon her features, the smile dropping for the moment. “Will you tell me what’s wrong?” In a near whisper so the others couldn’t quite hear.

13:42:47 Erinn could see the way Mila's cheeks colored a little and it made her smile a little more, but soon she was bubbly and bright and felt her bump her hip with her own, she laughed softly with her and wrapped and arm aroun her waist as well as she stood there with her and saw the daring look on her face and listened to her as she spoke of their study session on Sunday, she smirked slightly to what she said about it being helpful, a quick flash across her eyes said it all as she smirked a bit at him, but she didn't say more about it as she waited to see what he would say to Mila about helping them with their studies again. She was curious about him, wanted to know more, did he regret that night? Did he regret kissing her as he had? She tried to see if he did, watched him but she knew he couldn't say in the moment either way, not with others around especially. Did she regret it? Yes. Why? Because it was over and she wanted more. He'd ruined her in a sense, she wanted more because she knew she wasn't going to find that with the boys around here, he was a Man. When he denied knowing what Mila was talking about, she smiled softly, " Perhaps you didn't, do you think you could help me with something? " she would ask him after he mentioned freezing in place, " Of course, not out here in the snow, but inside where it's warmer" she would ask him, she shivered slightly as she offered a bit of a smile to him. "I am working on writing something, thought you might be able to help me find a few books for inspiration.." she would say, it was actually true, she was writing and could use some inspiration and thought he could help her with that. A nod and wave had been given to Trix and a smile for Xar's snowman, she had said it looked nice, but her attention was on Dietrich now, seeing if he would deny her.

13:53:55 Xarissa With little response to her precious hardwork, she found herself disliking the snowbeast more, and more. It was one of those days. Or, rather, it was becoming one of those days. Slowly, it seemed. Don't you just love, when one trip starts a whole downwards spiral? That's all it took, and she was going south. Drawing cold air through her teeth, she'd stare again at the snowman, and gave it a little tap with her foot. Solid enough now, that it hardly took a dent, she grit her teeth in distain. Shoving her hands back into her pockets, she'd glance towards the doors, debating heading inside. Going to read. She was in the clear, after all. The library was a safe place, again. Beginning to wander, she'd pause, turning in the snow with a slight crunch. "Yea...Maybe he'll make someone a great date." Such as the nurse. Try as she might, her voice was still quite flat. It was funny, seeing Xarissa like a piece of cardboard once more, trying to seap into the cracks, trying to wash away like water. Running her tongue against her bottom lip, she offered a shrug at first. Who'd hear, really? The others were off and distracted, so..."Just feeling..." She pursed her lips, unsure how to word things, as she whispered her words, ducking her chin down into the scarf. "...Like a back up?" That was maybe the best way to describe it. "Or like I'm trying to chase friendship." There. That was a better way to put it out there. It made more sense, in her opinion.

13:54:55 Mila nodded her assent with a mischievous little smile. “It's a date.” Confident was a quality this girl had always had, but she had never been quite so bold. Clearly the events of Sunday had changed her, and she found herself wanting to taunt and tempt all the more, risking more than she should. “Yes, do you think you could help?” Mila was nodding earnestly, either simply assisting Erinn's endeavour or inviting herself along. It could be wondered whether the clever brunette wished to get beneath his skin and provoke him until he lost his temper publicly, or was the curious cat striking again and wishing to spectate or involve herself once more? Almost appearing as though it were rehearsed she exchanged a glance again, and recited the latest lure. “Yes. Where it's warmer.” Her earlier rapt attention on the snowman had all but disappeared – a credit the typical, easily distracted behaviour that came with being Mila. Those striking crystalline orbs had found something more interesting to look upon, and the way her gaze roamed his form and slipped occasionally to Erinn made her intentions fairly plain. At least to those, who were present in the lab.

14:03:25 Dietrich` had a very good poker face. He also had an even better lying face, the very essence of pmild confusion. If there was an aura of tension, it probably wasn’t from him. Other than being cold and impatient to get on with his plans, he showed no sign whatsoever of discomfort around the two girls. He was just his usual stony self. But he did notice the slight change in Trix’s behavior, her more familiar self being re-asserted in the face of the two pretty popular girls. It was expected of course, for Trix wasn’t their ‘crowd’, and she’d be keenly aware that she didn’t fit in even despite her sudden metamorphosis. The girl was still finding herself, as all young people had to do at some time or another. She’d find which place she wanted to be hers in time. But Dietrich didn’t intend to linger, even if he wouldn’t mind some of the girl’s usual quiet conversation tonight after dinner. He was making his way away from the group when Erinn’s question halted him. He breathed out through his nose and half-turned to look back at her and Mila. “Can it wait, Miss O’Driskle? I really was intending to get some exercise done while I still had chance…” A perfectly expected response. She WAS a student asking him to set aside his own plans in favour of her. “Maybe after dinner.” He said, and waved a hand, turning to once again walk away. Maybe THIS time they’d let him go?

14:07:32 [Trix] The others were off taunting Mr. Vostok - not that Trix didn’t notice. Indeed she did and felt like once again, exotic appeal was far more interesting than her blond natural guise. But then again, Trix was no where near as confident as Mila and Erinn, regardless of the changes going on inside. On occasion she’d catch a stolen look toward Dietrich but that was all before she turned her true attention upon Xarissa. “What do you mean, chasing a friendship? Like a backup? With me?” Trix felt like a sudden kick to the gut and her good mood caved in on itself as more uncertainty crept in. No one ever, didn’t like Trix. And it was never in her personality to hurt another soul. The Fae was always so delicate around others, and the words for Xarissa jarred her momentarily. “Did I do something wrong?” She paused to mull over situations, but honestly couldn’t think of something that would cause Xarissa to be so sullen. “I’m sorry you feel that way. I truly am. And if I’ve done or said anything. I apologize from the bottom of my heart.” Her gaze lingered on the younger girl, Trix wondering if it was the year difference that was making Xarissa feel this way. “I have lots of acquaintances, Xarissa. I know a lot of people for whom I help study, tutor and the like in School. I have very few friends. In fact, I can count the number of friends I have on one hand. Let alone two fingers.. “ She was referring to Mr. Vostok and of course Jeremy. “Others I know could be close, including you. We’ve just met and it takes me a while to learn to trust someone. But I’d like to consider us on the way to making friends. I hope you understand that..”

14:09:13 Erinn listened to Mila and almost wanted to laugh as the girl seemed to be trying to help along and chime in with support. God love her, she was a sweetheart and it made her smile a bit more. She had a feeling he would deny her, wouldn't want to risk being alone with her or in the Meth Lab with her again where things could possibly escalate to where they had on Sunday night. She squeezed Mila a little closer for a moment to show her appreciation but watched as Dietrich paused as he was leaving, she saw the half turn, not even a full turn, as he asked if it could wait since he wanted to get in some exercise while he still had a chance. She met his gaze, her head canted to the side slightly and she heard him say Maybe after Dinner. "Maybe, if you think you are up for it." she would say to him with a slight smirk, that challenging nature could be heard him her voice, it was subtle btu she knew he'd pick it up and see it in her eyes before she turned to Mila before he walked away, seeming to dismiss him instead of the other way around. She offered a grin to Mila, "So, love, what's the plan? Are we just going to stand out here and freeze our arses off or actually do something? Maybe grab some dinner?" she would question her, not sure what to do but she was shivering from standing in place too long. She glanced over her shoulder to Dietrich as he was walking away, watched him for a moment before her blue gaze rested on Mila once more.

14:17:29 Mila could barely keep the obvious grin from finding her lips, but she managed to calm it to a mere smirk. Though he offered no outward response she knew beneath the skin their game had struck him. The girl fell into the slight squeeze Erinn offered and pressed a hand to her lips to quiet any laughter that dared rise as the librarian met their challenge. Now playing at consideration the girl wondered aloud, “Hmm. Freeze our arses off.. and starve, or get some dinner? Sound's like you'll be needing the energy later.” Mila winked playfully and stepped, never releasing her hold as she led Erinn back toward the castle, “Dinner it is.”

14:18:44 Xarissa How was she suppose to explain all that? She didn't know. She'd let Trix get her words out, as she scuffed the ground, patting it down, solidifying the snow, making it slippery beneath her feet as she packed it down. "Maybe, I'm just pulling a stupid." She murmured, and dug the boot of her toe inwards. "It's fine, it's my fault." Her arms crossed, closing inwards. "I'm just sensitive." None of these were the words she wanted to spout. Silence ensued, no doubt. Xarissa was sensitive when it came to friends, she either attached easily, or was resistant. She was timid of letting people in, with good reason. "It's nothing to do with the fact, ugh...I don't know how to explain this, it's going to sound pety either way. I feel like I'm intruding. Each time I've been around you and Kyran, you two are always...running off on your own. The game of tag? It was wrong of me to assume I was involved, or to attempt to involve myself, then the other day, the both of you went and ran off. See where I'm going with this? I feel like I'm chasing friendship. I could go as far as to offer to say you lend your ear, then run back, and when I do return, it looks like you returned to flirt." She said it as softly, as gently as she could. "It's pety. I'll stop getting in the way." It seemed to only happen with guys. She was fine when August was there. Rattling her brain, "I'd like to consider that too, but I don't want to get in your way." She needed something to do with her hands. In the end, she resulted in twirling her thumbs. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't let my own issues bother me like that."

14:21:56 Dietrich` merely frowned in puzzlement and then shook his head, turning and leaving them behind. Having given no indication that he’d picked up on any hidden meaning, he looked exactly like someone would look had an unfamiliar girl said that to her teacher. Completely out of context, it made no sense. The girl would either be there after dinner, or she wouldn’t. There was no maybe about it. Once out of the circle of light cast by the high windows of the castle looking down on the courtyard, Dietrich would ease into a languid lope, picking up the pace as his muscles started warming up. It was custom for a hot steam bath to be taken before the icy dip, but there was no such thing anywhere out here given consideration that this was boring old Britain, so the man had to resort to other methods of building up a good sweat. A strenuous jog was just the thing. Before long, his dark silhouette against the snow would disappear into the woods, where there was some hilly terrain to be had.

14:28:14 Erinn shook her head at Mila as she grinned adn could feel the girl tense up as she almost laughed. She saw the puzzled frown offered by Dietrich and had to wonder if he was just doing it for the benefit of the other students around, if he was intentionally playing dumb with her because he was planning to talk to her and put them in place later or if he was truly puzzled. She didn't get to think about it long though as she turned her attention back on Mila and she laughed with her now as they were mostly on their own as Xar and Trix were doing their thing. She grinned at her and blushed, "I doubt it.. " she would say to the comment about her needing the energy later, she wished but had a feeling things weren't going to quite pan out like she hoped. Wishful thinking and all. She started to walk with her and kept her hold on Mila as well as she walked with her and they headed towards the castle. "Good because all of a sudden I am starving!" she would say to her and smile, "So, haven't seen you around much.. What have you been up to?" she would ask her as they walked back inside and headed for dinner, she was already thinking up what she wanted to eat and it was making her pickup her pace just a little more, though tried to stay focused on Mila and the food they'd soon be eating, her thoughts kept drifting back to Dietrich, wondering.

14:30:56 Trix wasn’t sure what to say. The fact was, Kryan and Trix had been friends far longer than Xarissa, he was her lab partner and it only made sense that the two would hang out from time to time of be close. Trix had just met Xarissa on the whole, still didn’t know the girl well enough. It was the same with Mr. Vostok. He was the other person Trix could say she trusted to some relative degree, and she’d been close to him for some time over the weeks since he’d been to the school. It was all perfectly natural for Trix to want to be around friends she knew more than others, or was comfortable with. Her gaze lingered upon Xar for the moment as she tried to find the words. It pained the fae to know someone was hurting because of her. Whatever good mood she’d been in was dashed, thoughts of her changing of becoming who she truly was, netted due to the way Xarissa had described Trix. “I’m sorry..” Is all she could say. There was no reason to offer excuses. Things were as they were. Regardless of the reasons behind Trix’s actions, the other girl still felt bad and left out. Trix was all to aware how that felt. It hurt to truly believe she’d done that to someone else. “I am very sorry you feel that way, Xar. You just have to give me time to be more comfortable around you as a friend. Its.. Just how I am. Its not your fault or anything at all, so please don’t blame yourself.” She paused for a moment, not knowing what else to say, feeling as if a giant beast had squished her down as if she was some tiny bug, leaving her left to try and struggle away while she could. “I have to go. I need to get something from my room. I’ll see you around though.. Okay?” Without so much as another glimpse or look toward the other girls who were already moving of, Trix made her way back toward the school, her walk turning into a run as she tried to stop tears from welling up within her. Her precious day. Her seize the moment had ended up disastrous thus far.

14:38:59 Xarissa She wasn't trying to be a downer, but...you know, it ached, to be invited along, then left behind. It ached to be spending time with someone, then have them suddenly run off on you. It was one of those things that were hard to come to terms with. She'd get over it though. Talking about things always helped. "It's fine, you don't have to apologize. It's my fault for wanting to try to make friends, and getting my tail in a crick when they decide that they're going to run off on me." She then sighed, and shook her head, "I'm sorry, it's not fair. I should have kept it to myself. It's not right for me to act like that. I'm just...my heads in a ball of cotton, I guess." She felt miserable, her stomach knotting up. Miserable for thinking that it actually was something to be worried about. It wasn't her fault that she was trying, and trying at the wrong times. Obviously, boys were more important, right? "Seeya...I'm sorry." She said once more, then looked to her snowman. Pulling out her gloves, she'd mount them on either end of the snowman stick arms, "There." Now all he needed was some holly in his scarf, and he'd be set to go.