Orr wasn't sure how she felt now that she had accidentally given Erin an excuse to leave her. But maybe it was all for the best after all. She didn't want to come between two friends.

Listening at Harvey's idea. Orr actually liked the sound of that and smiled at him, "I think that is a great idea. Thank you, Harvey is it?"

Orr felt like she had been punched in the stomach. Enya didn't know her so what right did she have to say those things to her? It wasn't Orr's fault if she was upset.

So uncharacteristically for her, she turned to Enya and said in a cold voice, "I'm sorry but YOU don't get to talk to me that way. Erin was being nice and trying to have fun with two," she glanced at Harvey, "well three of her friends. IF you don't want to spend time with all of us-- that is your business but don't make the rest of us feel bad about it."

Orr turned back to Harvey, "If that offer still stands, I would like to take you up on it." To Erin, she gave a sad smile, "I am sorry that it turned out this way." What else could she say?

Alistaire Firth was on his way up to the castle. He was hoping to run into Leo, but if not, then it couldn't hurt to be seen by another certain someone who lived on the route from his hut to the front doors. The groundskeeper nervously ran his hands through his hair. Stop it, Ali. You're being dumb.

Then he heard angry voices. Were they in the corridor? That's what it sounded like. Eh, kids. They need to learn to sort things out. I won't interfere. Not, that is, unless wands came out. He veered into the courtyard so he wouldn't walk right by them but could still keep tabs on what was happening.

After grabbing some lunch she head back out onto the grounds. It wasn't that she couldn't get this carving stuff done inside but out here was nicer, more fresh air and all that. She hurried, she would be done in no time and be able to sit by the lake for a while before dinner. One day she WOULD see that giant squid.

When she felt she'd walked far enough she stop and rested the book down so she could get a better look. It was back to carving.

The next in the text would be...

Kenaz! Right! And this one...was...for spiritual understanding, initiation, the harnessing of power, and guardianship. Sure. Going by what the text said here because she obviously didn't know these answers herself. "Itaglio kenaz kenaz kenaz." So far, her wand made it seem like she was getting nowhere but she'd get to it eventually.

She turned to the next page to continue. Next one, Gebo--she created something with this rune last yeeear!!! Ah the memories. Propitiation; removal of a curse (or karmic debt) through a sacrifice which brings with it right intention and action. A sign under which gifts can be made to the gods. Eeeep! It got rid of bad karma!! Think of all the puffers she could be mean to with this wand!!!! "Itaglio gebo gebo gebo." Definitely good to have.

Ahem but she had to focus and the next was...Wunjo. That was one of their riddles in the maze. She remembered. Gaining the favor or untapped power of superiors, whether mortal or immortal; obtaining promotion or passing tests. Heh, she liked this one too. "Itaglio wunjo wunjo wunjo."

She was making good time with this. Next up, Hagalaz--heeeeey, this was one of the riddles too! Merlin, THIS one had been difficult! This is a rune of meditation and the council of silence, and aids consideration, decision, and meditation. It is also useful for overcoming aspects of our lower nature, including prankishness or bad habits. She wasn't so sure she wanted this one...but it had to be carved anyway. SIGH. "Itaglio hagalaz hagalaz hagalaz."

This was a lot of wand work when she thought about it. How many more did she have left anyway? Nauthiz was next?...Never heard of it. For all forms of success and all types of achievement. GOOD ENOUGH!!!

"Itaglio naudhiz naudhiz naudhiz."

She had almost forgotten that she had a branch to tend. Luckily, she heard someone talk about it in the common room and remembered the assignment. Phew! It would've been a total bummer if she had forgotten after having written a song and sang it and all that. Not to mention cutting her hand while yanking the branch. And then there's the fact that it was the long-terms' assignment so she had to do it.

Ditching whatever homework she was struggling through, Cassia headed out with and went for the branch which she had to smooth. The snake headed out and went towards the courtyard. Though on the corridor she sat cross-legged and retrieved the branch as well as the branch.

She rolled her sleeves up and started working on the surface of the branch. The snake could tell the difference and that the surface was indeed becoming smoother. Her hands weren't that expert but it was better than earlier.

And to be honest, this was better than writing essays. Way better. So she wasn't complaining.