Meeting at sunset (Ksenia/CLOSED]

[Ksenia Cornelia Calpurnia]

Ksenia crossed her arms over her chest, as though trying to protect herself from the memories which had been haunting her for years. Curiosity was usually not a bad thing, but the endless questions were starting to annoy her. She was looking somewhere above Anoushka's head, but her eyes only saw smoke and flames. When Ana stood up, Ksenia was forced to look away and focus her gaze on the girl.

There was something strange about the way her student was looking at her, as though the girl genuinely cared about her. It was silly, for she was neither her friend nor family member. "It is not important anymore." Ksenia tried to reassure her student, almost managing another smile. The way her light eyes widened, the way she was looking at her... Ksenia had to admit that nobody had ever looked at her like that. "There is no need for you to worry about me, Miss Gavronskii. Nothing is bothering me. I am fine." She said the last words as though she was trying to convince both Ana and herself that she was fine.

[Anoushka Drysi Gavronskii]

Ksenia was looking at her funny and Ana felt more awkward than ever. Nervously she shifted from one foot to the other, struggling to keep eye contact with her professor. When the brunette finally spoke, Anoushka's jaw dropped open. She was convinced that Ksenia was blatantly lying to her and that bothered the girl immensely. Petulantly she folded her arms over her chest and turned around, giving Ksenia her back.

"I don't believe that," she huffed upset.

Anoushka did not even know why she was reacting in such a manner but it hurt her that Ksenia did not trust her. True the two were merely professor and student, but still the young girl felt wronged. Deep down she could understand why Ksenia chose not to confide in her, but her young years and unruly hormones were tampering with her judgement.

[Ksenia Cornelia Calpurnia]

For some reason, Anoushka seemed to be just as upset as Ksenia was. The older witch couldn't see any reason for that, after all she wasn't tampering with the girl's worst memories. A small frown appeared on Ksenia's face at Ana's facial expression. There was absolutely no reason for the girl to react in such manner, but she did. However, the best was yet to come...

Now it was Ksenia's turn to widen her eyes and drop her jaw when the girl just turned away from her, pouting like a small child who hadn't been given candies or toys. The woman stood motionless for awhile, unable to say or do anything. She had never faced such insolence - the student had actually dared to turn her back on the professor and behave like a spoiled brat. It was shocking and outrageous, but at the same time Ana managed to leave Ksenia speechless and quite intrigued.

"You don't believe that?" Ksenia finally managed to ask, raising an eyebrow. "You don't believe that?" she repeated. "Miss Gavronskii, could you give me just one reason why I should explain myself to you?" her voice reached an annoyingly high pitch.

[Anoushka Drysi Gavronskii]

The silence hanging between them seemed to drag on forever. Anoushka was afraid to speak; she knew her words had been out of line and the last thing she wanted was to enrage Ksenia further. When her professor finally addressed her, Ana winced as if she had just stepped on hot coals. She did not have an answer to the question posed and as such she did not reply promptly. Anoushka started kicking at the ground, simultaneously unfolding her arms and letting them fall limply to her sides. Her shoulders hunched forwards and she looked even more upset than a few minutes before. Ana felt the urge to cry, however, she did not wish to make a fool out of herself in front of Ksenia. Instead she squared her shoulders and straightened her back but despite that action she did not turn to face the older woman. Ana knew that her eyes would betray her.

"I... because..."

Because I care, she had almost said.

In the end Ana finished her sentence with, "I worry... that's... that's all Madame."

She hung down her head and partially turned so as to view Ksenia from beneath her eyelashes.

"I don't like the thought of any harm coming to you..."

Ana gasped and then quickly covered her tracks by saying, "to my educators."

[Ksenia Cornelia Calpurnia]

Ksenia was standing behind the girl, her hands placed on her hips and her chest raising rapidly. The frown on her face deepened and her eyes were still focused on Ana, even though she still had her back turned on the professor. Ksenia took a few deep breaths in order to calm herself down a bit, but she was still quite upset. She was patiently waiting for Anoushka to say something or turn to her and apologise.

When Ana finally spoke, Ksenia was surprised that she didn't turn to look at her. However, it was understandable - she herself would probably find it difficult to look someone in the eye having acted so foolishly. The older witch didn't rush her student, she patiently waited for the girl to compose a decent sentence. Ksenia sighed before she answered. "I have already told you that there is no need for you to worry, Miss Gavronskii." The professor was serious, but not angry. Anoushka's next words made Ksenia raise her eyebrows and give her a questioning look. "I can assure you, Miss Gavronskii, that nothing will happen to me or any other colleague of mine." Ksenia remained silent for a brief moment, still looking strangely at the girl. Then she spoke again "That kind of behaviour would not usually be tolerated, Miss Gavronskii." Her voice returned to its usual mildly-irritating pitch and the woman was turning into her usual cold and stern self.

[Anoushka Drysi Gavronskii]

As Ksenia replied to her statements Anoushka stole quick glances at the older woman, hardly making out what the professor was actually saying. Shaking her head she willed herself to focus. To be honest Ana did not care what happened to her professors. Yes she would be sad but she would also get over it. However, if someone harmed Ksenia... well let's just say things would be more complicated and difficult to handle.

Knowing that her professor was expecting some sort of response Ana said submissively, "Yes Madame."

Up till that moment Ana had managed to remain relatively composed but that changed when Ksenia's tone took an angry edge. Her shoulders trembled and she looked up tentatively. She regretted her choice of words and hoped that her professor wouldn't remain angry at her for a long time. Shifting her position uncomfortably, Anoushka once again lowered her gaze.

"Please forgive me Madame. It won't happen again. Never. I promise," she begged.

She did not mind being punished, as long as Ksenia forgave her.

[Ksenia Cornelia Calpurnia]

The sun had set, leaving the two of them in the darkness. Ksenia pulled out her wand and lit it without saying a word. She was looking at Ana, who was silently casting quick glances in her direction. Ksenia sighed, waiting for a response from her student. It was a strange end to a strange day. The inky blue sky was filling with stars and the cold breeze reminded Ksenia how tired and cold she was. Anoushka's strange comment was still echoing in her ears. However, she would have enough time to dwell on it later.

Ana's answer was short and simple and it was all that Ksenia actually expected to hear. The girl raised her eyes looking quite disturbed by the tone of her professor's voice. Then Ksenia realised that she was too tired to be angry. She just nodded her head wearily. "I forgive you." she said. "And I know that it won't happen again." If an adult wizard had spoken to her like that, she would have cursed him. Another student would have been severely punished. When it came to Anoushka... well, she had taken Ksenia by surprise and turned out to be quite lucky. And even Ksenia Calpurnia could afford herself to be kind to a student... as long as it didn't occur too often. "I will not punish you, Miss Gavronskii, since you've promised that it wouldn't happen again."

[Anoushka Drysi Gavronskii]

Anoushka did not notice the sun disappear behind the horizon until Ksenia lit her wand. She squinted and instinctively shielded her eyes from the sudden light source, even though it was not bright enough to solicit it. Ksenia was always practical in what she did and this time, Ana was particularly grateful. Only the other day her room-mate had scared the blond with stories of dangerous creatures lurking inside the castle grounds. She had said they would attack anything and anyone after sunset. Anoushka had planned on leaving before it became too dark but the incident with Ksenia had altered her plans. She was so intent fearing the rumoured creatures that se almost missed her professor's words. Ksenia forgave her - that alone was enough to make her smile like a cheshire cat. Thank you! Thank you! she kept repeating. Ana composed herself and nodded solemnly, assuring Ksenia that she could trust her promise. Just then a loud noise drowned Anoushka's response. The girl's eyes widened from fear and she frantically turned towards the woods.

"What was that?" she asked as neutrally as possible.

[Ksenia Cornelia Calpurnia]

Ksenia nodded her head at Ana's words of thanks. The smile on her students face convinced her that she had done the right thing. As seconds passed, it was getting darker and darker. Professor Calpurnia didn't mind darkness, but she wasn't pleased with the idea of being outside the castle after dark. There were rumours, stories about creatures which inhabited the woods near the castle and attacked anyone stupid enough to cross their path. Both students and professors were telling similar stories, but Ksenia didn't believe them. It was nonsense, really. Pure, utter nonsense. However, it was easier to be skeptical when you were safe in a cosy armchair with a glass of firewhiskey in your hands. Now that she was out in the darkness, freezing in her fur coat, Ksenia realised that the stories might not be so foolish at all.

Anyway, Ana nodded her head to her professor thankfully and Ksenia was about to say something when a loud noise filled the air. The woman instinctively moved closer to the girl and raised her wand above her head, trying to cast light to a wider area. Her light eyes flew from one bush to another, her hand squeezing the wand as she held it up. "I... I don't know." Ksenia said, trying to stay calm, but she could feel her heart beating faster. She tried to be rational, so she suggested: "It might be the wind."

[Anoushka Drysi Gavronskii]

Ana was rooted to the ground and her senses were going into over-drive. Within seconds of hearing the noise, Ksenia had moved to stand protectively between Anoushka and the towering trees. The girl managed to tilt her head up; her blue orbs were met by Ksenia's flowing hair and although she could not see the woman's face, Ana felt a funny glow form inside of her.

She did not know how to explain it, however, she did know what had sparked it - Ksenia's action. Her trembling hand reached inside her pocket and Ana pulled out her wand. The tremors from her body were so hard that the wand seemed to be moving as if it had a soul of its own. Without thinking Ana stepped even closer to Ksenia and lightly clung onto her robe; mostly to catch her attention than anything else.

"Maybe we should go back inside," she whispered.

Loud screeching and stomping greeted her suggestion. Making herself as small as possible, Ana hid behind Ksenia. She was paralysed from fear and was hoping with all her heart that there were no Hippogriffs inhibiting the woods. Anoushka wanted to take on a more active role - she did not want Ksenia to have to deal with whatever monster was approaching them alone. She wanted to be brave.

[Ksenia Cornelia Calpurnia]

Ksenia stood in place, blinking rapidly towards the thick green wall created by grass, trees and bushes. Ana was standing behind her and she didn't have time to turn around and look at the girl. Something might attack them any moment. Ksenia narrowed her eyes, squinting into the darkness before them. How wonderful she thought to be eaten by some ghastly forest creature.

She was breathing heavily; she could feel her heart beating faster, her clothes fluttering around her ankles and her teeth biting on her lip to prevent herself from screaming. Ana was still behind her and she had to stay calm before her; if she were to be eaten by a beast, she could at least keep her dignity. Then she felt Anouska's hand on her robe - she was touching her, someone was touching her. Luckily, her panic squeal couldn't be heard because of the stronger sound coming from the woods. Well, if she had to choose, and if she really had to be touched by someone or something, she'd rather deal with one of her students, than with a hungry beast.

"Well... what are you waiting for?" her voice was trembling with panic and fear. There was no time for politeness and courtesy. "Go, run!" she waved her free hand towards the castle and made a step backward, gesturing to Ana that she should start running and Ksenia would follow her.

[Anoushka Drysi Gavronskii]

What are you waiting for? Go, run!

Anoushka had heard Ksenia, she had comprehended the meaning of her words and she also wanted to obey them... but she could not move. Her legs refused to cooperate with her mind - all she seemed capable of doing was tremble and cling onto her professors. If she had thought that hippogriffs were a nightmare, Anoushka was in for a nasty surprise.

Leaves and branches swayed violently as tree trunks scrunched and broke. Then from amidst the thick vegetation a Griffin appeared. Hippogriffs were rumoured to be the offsprings of Griffins and mare, gentler by nature and only violent if provoked. Griffins, on the other hand did not need a reason to attack... they just did with no hesitation or mercy.

She thought of her magical creatures professor; he would be proud to know that some of his teachings had been actually learnt. Ana stopped herself right there and reminded herself this was no time for petty thoughts. But it was her way to deal, her only escape from fear. The Griffin tilted its head and a beady eye, resembling that of an eagle, pierced through the two females.

The student screamed and stumbled backwards, indication that some sensation was returning to her limbs. Blindly she grasped for Ksenia's arm and gave a light tug. Her wand stood pert and idle while the fingers wrapped tight around the wooden implement turned whiter. She wrecked her brain for a spell that could halt a Griffin, but found none.

[Ksenia Cornelia Calpurnia]

Ksenia would have followed, had Anoushka started running, but the girl was standing just as numb and motionless as her professor. However, she wasn't going to yell at Ana or force her to move, she didn't have enough strength for that. She didn't have enough strength for standing, either, but she was somehow managing to keep her balance on her shaking legs. Why hadn't she remained in her office, huddled beneath a blanket, with a book in one hand and a glass of firewhiskey in the other?

The sound of leaves and branches cracking announced a newcomer and suddenly a large creature appeared before them. The giant eagle head was turned toward the two witches before it, two different pairs of legs were keeping the the creature standing on the ground, as though preparing for the attack. Ksenia gulped, widening her eyes in horror. She was a powerful witch, well-acquainted with various branches of magic, but unfortunately sadly uninformed when it came to magical creatures. However, even she could tell that it was a griffin standing before them. And griffins were, supposedly, very aggressive creatures. Good Lord...

Even though she had spent years in Durmstrang Institute, Ksenia didn't know that those creatures actually lived so near their school. It was very large, with sharp beak and strong wings - Ksenia highly doubted the effectiveness of a stunning spell against a Griffin. It could probably run much faster than the two of them, the bloody creature could even fly. So, they didn't stand a chance against it, if she didn't think of something.

Anoushka's scream pierced through the air and brought Ksenia back from her thoughts. Feeling Ana's hand on her robe, she made a few steps backwards, her eyes never leaving the creature. If they were lucky enough and if the creature wasn't hungry, they just might get away from it. They would just have to be very careful not to make any sudden movements. "Miss Gavronskii" Ksenia whispered, her lips barely moving. "Stand up... slowly" They could at least try to get away from the creature, but if it attacked, then she would cast every possible spell and curse she could think of on the beast. That should be more than enough, even for a griffin.

[Anoushka Drysi Gavronskii]

The Griffin stood motionless, eyeing the two humans with interest. It seemed undecided on how to act or so Anoushka tried to convince herself. Now that she was laying flat on the ground, Ana was scared to move a muscle. However, at the same time she did not want to be a sitting duck. Ksenia's words filled with her a fraction of courage and she did as told. Her eyes never left the Griffin. She noticed the creature tense up, ruffle its feathers and then all of a suddenly rear on its hind legs. Anoushka clasped a hand over her mouth in attempts to stifle another scream. The Griffin landed back on all fours and snorted loudly. Slowly he started to approach the females. Ana instantly felt overpowered by a cold sweat and a whimper escaped her lips. She was almost certain this was the end of the two of them. The creature started picking up speed. It was headed straight at them... and then it surprised those present by spreading its wings and taking flight. Within seconds he disappeared into the night sky. Ana felt her knees weaken; her legs gave way and for the third time that evening she found herself on the grass.

"Is it really gone?" she trembled.

OOC: Sorry for the wait (and for the crappy response)

[Ksenia Cornelia Calpurnia]

Ksenia managed to make another small step backwards. The beast was still staring at them, as though trying to decide which one of them to eat first. Ksenia found herself wondering if Griffins ate human flesh. She would ask their Magical Creatures professor first thing in the morning, if she survived of course. The witch stood motionless, too afraid to move or do anything. Her pride had abandoned her and she was shaking like a terrified child, successfully resisting the urge to scream or cry. The Griffin started to approach them and Ksenia had no idea what to do. Behind her, Ana let out a strange sound, a stifled scream and Ksenia only wanted to join her. The beast was coming towards them, going faster and faster... Ksenia raised her wand, her lips parted, forming the first sound of a curse... but the creature just spread its wings and flew away. Ksenia was still holding the wand in her hand when she turned, allowing her eyes to follow the Griffin's departure. When it was finally gone, she turned to Anoushka, looking less stern and arrogant than she usually did. "I think it's gone." she muttered; her voice and hands still shaking. "We should leave in case it comes back." Ksenia looked around. The Griffin was gone, but there were still many other creatures lurking in the darkness.

OOC: Don't worry I love your reply!