Venetia wants to say something to Rowan that might help but no ideas came. She blows a gum bubble that gives a loud pop. As she licks up the mess around her mouth, she senses someone close. It is probably some other student heading to the dorm. She gives Rowan a quick glance noticing tear streaks on her friend's cheeks. Rowan would not say anything about what happened. The guilt seems to be too much. It would be so nice to see Rowan smile. A memory came to mind, "I almost forgot! I saw a package on your bed while I was leaving for class." Rowan just gave a nod, no smile or any hint of excitement. A twig snaps. Both girls stop. "High Elf, if that's you, I swear that I will blast you in the face!" No response. "Come out, whoever you are."

A tall boy would step away from a tree. His appearance changed from a tree to a Faun. His hooves causing leaves to crackle with his steps. His face blushes with embarrassment, "I hope you don't blast me, Venetia. I am just practicing my stealth." He gave Rowan a quick glance of concern, "She is still sick?"

Venetia rolls her eyes while giving her gum a smack, "Mynx! I should have known. You shouldn't be sneaking around and spying on me. One of these days, you might get hurt." She sighs slightly as she gives Rowan a glance, "She is. I spoke to a healer but there's no way to get rid of whatever is wrong. The healer said that guilt is eating her up."

Mynx shakes his head, "What could you possibly have done to deserve this, Rowan? You should talk about it." He steps closer to try to wipe the tears away from her face. Rowan steps back.

"Just leave me alone. Both of you. I don't want your pity or help. Besides, what can a Shifter or Elemental do for me? Nothing." Rowan steps hurriedly away.

Venetia bites hard on her gum, anger building up enough that her skin vibrates with shimmering light. "I know who's responsible for this. That new guy, the High Elf. He knows exactly what is going on."

Mynx knows who she is referring to. "Just don't do anything you'll regret." After a few seconds he states, "It really is difficult to be friends with someone that doesn't want any."

Venetia nods, "True, but she really needs a friend. She refuses to eat or sleep. Something horrible happened to her. I wish she would just talk with someone. Why do I have to get the strange roommate?"

Mynx chuckles, "Just give her time. She is bound to find someone to help open her up. I will try to find out more information on that High Elf." Mynx steps away, his appearance changes to a raven. He sees Venetia leaving, so he lifts himself into the air. He circles the school until he spots Coltian being scolded by a teacher. Mynx lowers himself onto a branch to get a better view. From This vantage point, he can see but not hear. His appearance changes to a mouse. He quickly runs toward Coltian. He only gets close enough to hear the conversation.

Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

"Not even twenty four hours of being released from the infirmary, you get into several confrontations with your peers. One being Rowan. Banishment was not enough for you, then?" After a brief pause, "Look at me when I speak to you." After another pause, "So be it. You are suspended from classes. You are going to the stocks for a period of seven days."

Coltian shrugged, "Do you actually believe that putting me into the stocks is a good idea, considering my father is on the Elven Counsel?"

Mynx heard a scuffle but couldn't see from so low on the ground. An older voice spoke now, "Your father will not intervene on your behalf. You brought shame to your family. You have no honor." Another scuffle is happening with the area clearing. Mynx knows it is risky but shifts his appearance to a fox. He begins following the trail until the holding cell building comes into view. Mynx lowered himself to the ground as much as possible. He watches as men place shackles on Coltian's wrists and ankles. Chains are connected to the shackles then Coltian is lifted up. He struggles against the restraints only to have the chains pull harder. The men walk away, leaving Coltian suspended in the afternoon sun. The way is clear, Mynx shifts to his Faun self. He steps cautiously towards Coltian. "I have questions for you. If you answer them, I can get you down from there."

Coltian stares down at Mynx then scoffs, "How do you plan on getting me down, Faun? You can't even reach my ankles." He watches as Mynx begins to walk away, "Wait! If you are able to get me down, I will answer your questions."

Mynx turns toward Coltian, "How do you know Rowan?" Coltian lowered his head while closing his eyes. Mynx crosses his arms in front of his chest, "How do you know her?"

Coltian opens his eyes then begins to speak in an angry tone, "I am so sick of being harassed about that Death Faery! You really want to know?" He stopped speaking to spit on the ground next to Mynx, "I threw one egg at her. Just a single egg! Then, she tried to kill everyone in the school. I am the one being punished. My best friend was sent to the hospital while I have no way of checking on him. Do you know why? Because I am the one to get banished. As extra punishment, they sent that rotten soul here to torture me some more!" Coltian lowers his head again, "I am not answering your questions."

Mynx just stares at the Elf, confused. Parts to the story are missing. "Well, if that's all, good luck. I will come by tomorrow to see if you are still alive." Mynx shifts to a buzzard, lifting himself into the air. Coltian would try to call Mynx back but there were answers to get from Rowan.