Some roads are more dangerous than others

[Oryn Vance]

"Yes, very," Oryn said, telling the absolutely most convincing lie he'd ever told in his life. "She does seem like a nice girl."

In his head, Oryn immediately switched to spin-mode, trying to figure out how he was going to manage the situation with both girls being friends, apparently. This was difficult... but not unmanageable.

[mary]

"Yeah, I she might help me with my Ancient Runes. Heaven knows I need it. " Mary smiled and looked over to Oryn. He looked deep in thought.
"Are you okay, Oryn?"

[Oryn Vance]

"Hm? Oh, yes," he answered, smiling at her. "Just thinking about what to have for dinner," he answered. "Yes... we could probably all do our ancient runes work together. It might go faster that way."

[mary]

"You mean... you two actually discuss the subject while I try to follow along. Adding little tid-bits here and there?" Mary smiled, but it didn't reach her eyes. She had been unconsciously rubbing a spot on her wrist for the past few minutes. Her thumb concealed a scar that was so disturbing to her it still made Mary shudder.

[Oryn Vance]

"Oh, come on, I'm sure you can do it all as well as we can," he mused, chuckling. He glanced down, then frowned. "Are you all right?"

[mary]

Mary frowned and followed his eyes. She gulped and hastily hid her hand in her pocket.
"I-I-I'm fine. O-oryn. Really... I'm fine." She stuttered. Small tears were welling in her eyes and she reached up to brush them away.
"Anyways... um... I... don't know what to say."

[Oryn Vance]

Oryn stopped, then turned her toward him. "Strange," he said, "because you look like somethings bothering you. Really... what's wrong?"

[mary]

"It's just... memories from the past. Nothing... too important. I promise I would tell you if it was." Mary lied through her teeth. She smiled up at Oryn, trying to prove that she was alright and that nothing was wrong with her. She doubted he would believe her, hell, even she didn't believe herself.

[Oryn Vance]

"Unimportant things don't bother us," Oryn said, still studying her closely. "Really, Mary, what is it. Do you really think I would judge you over something that was bothering you so much?"

[mary]

"No, but that doesn't mean I won't judge myself. Others might judge me. It's just... I left Beauxbatons for a reason... and I never want to go back there again, even in memories." Mary sniffled. She supposed that she could tell him. There was nothing wrong with telling him, just the fact that it would bring her pain.

[Oryn Vance]

"You... don't need to tell me," Oryn said, considering the situation carefully. "But if I don't know what the problem is, I can't avoid doing something that will bring it to your mind," he pointed out, gently pulling her closer to him.

[mary]

"Fine," Mary sighed. "But I won't be happy about this." She rolled her eyes and leaned onto him.
"You see at Beauxbatons... I was dating a boy by the name of Aaron Mink. You know the type... kind of like you. Real manipulative, coy, stunning really. Well, we started dating and Madame Maxime decided to host a ball, like a Muggle Prom." Mary stopped, remembering the memory. She shuddered and looked at Oryn, almost begging him not to let her finish.

[Oryn Vance]

Oryn pressed a finger to her lips, halting the recollection. "I think that I can see where this is going," he said quietly. "And I think I understand." He pulled her into his arms, stroking her hair soothingly. "You don't need to say anymore, and I won't say anymore... except to say that I'm not that boy."

[mary]

Mary nodded and straightened up.
"This didn't happen. None of it. I don't need pesky little boys trying to get into my pants because you bragged. 'Kay?" Mary smiled cheekily and winked.
"Let's go! It's getting dark." she waved her arm around to show the sun setting.

[Oryn Vance]

"Mary, my dear, I never kiss and tell. Don't worry. Any boys who may try to get into your pants will be in spite of my silence and facing my wand," he said with a smile. He followed her along the path. "And I don't see the hurry, unless you're planning to try to get rid of me when we get to the castle," he added with a bit more of a grin.