Originally Posted by MsMorgan

Mariel sighed in exasperation. She was wrong in thinking that finding a quiet-looking partner would enable her to work undisturbed. While thankfully Star did not engage her in idle "let's-get-to-know-each-other" chatter, she was far from quiet.

Mariel snickered to herself. "Yes, nature does provide freely, however, you're working with the professor's personal stores, not some public domain. Not that I much care, but I doubt he would approve of your taking advantage, as you so eloquently put it. My concern or not, I'm just making an observation." She shrugged softly to herself. Mariel really didn't care if the girl took anything, but that information may later prove useful.

Mariel shot up an eyebrow as she looked at Star appraisingly. "So far paying attention has proved to be difficult with all the derisive remarks you keep throwing about. I prefer to work in silence. That is why I didn't chose someone who was obviously making mindless chatter as my partner. You appeared to be a dedicated student. So if that will be all..." Mariel turned back to her work to find a package of tissues and swept them off her parchment with a flick of her hand. She briefly closed her eyes and sighed in annoyance. "Thank you for your concern, but I'm fine with using what the professor has provided." Mariel laughed inwardly. This girl was increasingly irritating, true, but at least she wasn't boring as the dreadfully dull term had started out to be.