Snippet #2688659

Koda looked sullenly resigned, and while it was far from the enthusiastic response she might have liked, Mac had learned to accept that was the best she was likely to receive. At least for now, she assured herself quickly, relentlessly cheerful. Tonight would be a turning point Mac was sure, and she was determined to make certain he enjoyed himself. Then, the next time she dragged him along to explore some new cavern or crevice, maybe he’d even look forward to it. That was a pleasant thought.

Mac noticed the mouse before she saw Collin, who’d been pretty quiet in the corner so far. Koda didn’t seem to react to the small visitor, which was comforting in a way, as Mac might have been more than a little upset if an, albeit cute, rodent could get more of a response from him than she could. Crawling around in tunnels and other abandoned structures had mostly desensitized her to such creatures, so Mac’s indulgent glance at Collin’s familiar was pleasant, if a bit disinterested.

When their paper’s came floating back, Mac wasn’t the least bit surprised she hadn’t made it into the top five, though the fact she’d eked out a passing mark was a pleasant turn. Pity, or a great deal of amusement on Kang’s part, Mac suspected had to the most to do with it, as the young witch hadn’t taken the assignment the least bit seriously. While her reading of the cards were technically in line with the book, Mac had used them to make ridiculously absurd predictions that read more like jokes than actual glimpse into the future. The sight, as far a Mac was concerned, was something you had or you didn’t, and even then she was deeply skeptical. Prophecies had a tendency to be conveniently vague, and with parameters like that, you could twist anything to fit if you wanted it to badly enough.

Turning to Koda, Mac shrugged apologetically as she glimpsed his far superior mark, resolving to at least attempt to take today’s assignment a bit more seriously for his sake. Watching the tea set float to their table, Mac couldn’t help the bemused smile that twisted her lips as she realized she’d ironically predicted their lesson earlier in the morning. ‘Apparently I’ve got more of the gift than I thought!’

Mac accepted the poured cup with good cheer, her eyes glancing sideways at Collin, still without a group, nearby. “We’ve got an open spot.” She called over in clear invitation that was neither pushy, nor grudging. Collin was welcome to join if he needed a group, and if he had better prospects in mind, there would be no hard feelings. Mac suspected he’d accept though, as it was both convenient, and Collin seemed comfortable around Koda, which was nice to see. While Mac enjoyed the times she had the dark brooding boy all to herself, she liked the thought of expanding Koda’s social circle with friendly presences; she’d seen too many people act toward him in pointless cruelty over the years.



Toric barely glanced at his returned assignment, noting the passing mark, and using the parchment as a bookmark with an air of disgruntlement as he was forced to abandon his preferred text. He looked up as Max made his late entry and took a seat in the open space to his right, returning a quick nod in acknowledgment. Max was an alright sort, though they weren’t particularly close. Toric didn’t complain though, there were far worse options in this room he could be stuck with, and as it became apparent they were supposed to pair up into group of three, Toric scanned the room for an additional prospect with a grim stare.

Mac had already situated herself with Koda (of course), and it looked like she was ushering Collin over to be their third. Ramsey’s corner was out of the question, not that Toric thought they’d demean themselves to join his group anyway. Glancing at the Fawkes group just made him feel tired. Toric didn’t really have the energy or extroverted social skills to fit in there, but considering the size of the group, run off from there was probably their best bet.

Toric was contemplating calling out to one, Dom maybe, when he caught sight or Orchid. Always one to make an entrance, Toric proved a dutiful audience to her theatrics. His eyes were transfixed by the candy he knew without being told was strawberry as it passed between her lips, plumping them and leaving a glossy red stain. Toric had the sudden uncharacteristic urge to be bold, call out to Orchid and offer her a seat. Then she saddled up next to Helena, whose arms were already around Kieran, intent clear, and the moment passed. Toric might not have any gift of foresight, but he could see that group all but formed clear as day. Slumping back into his seat, mood soured considerably as he began denying to himself he’d had the urge to begin with as he pulled out his divination book. Max could worry about getting them a third, he’d likely have more luck regardless.