Elend listens partly to Professor Tindwyl as she gives an assignment on Ancient Runes. All he can focus on is this new transfer student he'll be meeting once this class is over.
She's a transfer from Ilvermorny according to the school gossip and according to his friend Allrianne, he has to meet her.
Sighing, he packs his books and stationery into his bag before vanishing it to his room. He won't be needing it.
He's seen the new girl from a distance.
She'd joined earlier in the day and Allrianne, being in the same house and also being a transfer, was assigned to show her around for the day. In between his two classes, she'd ambushed him and told him to meet her at the lake once class was over. The girl had been standing down the hall.
He leaves the castle and starts walking down to the lake. He can see them standing at the shore, their green robes billowing in the wind.
"Elend! Finally, we've been waiting for ages," Allrianne shouts as she quickly hugs him in greeting.
He grunts. "I had class. Not all of us got a day off to show a student around."
He turns to face the new girl and freezes.
She's shorter than him, her long black hair is down, framing her face. She has green eyes that meet his before quickly looking away.
Elend knows he's staring with his mouth open and from the smug look on Allrianne's face, she's noticed as well.
"Elend, this is Vin, my new roommate," she introduces as they shake hands, "Vin, this is Elend, a friend of mine. No, I had no idea what I was thinking befriending a Ravenclaw."
Elend had been stupidly blinking at Vin as he shook as her hand but he quickly snaps out of it to scowl at Allrianne.
"Hey!"
Vin giggles and he's sure his heart stops.
Allrianne rolls her eyes.
"Come on. I want to show her Hogsmeade and you're coming with us."
His first response is to tell her to sod off, she can't boss him around but then Vin looks at him questioningly and he finds himself nodding, "Okay."
"Oh come on. Li-," Allrianne stops. "Wait, really?"
He nods and turns his blushing face away from Allrianne's smirking one.
"Okay let's go. Headmaster Rashek only gave us two hours before we get back since it's a school day."
Allrianne starts walking ahead, leading them towards the school exit, leaving the two of them alone.
Elend's mind is simultaneously cursing and thanking her.
"She's," Vin starts.
"A lot," Elend completes, laughing. "I know. But you get used to her. She's a good friend."
He extends his hand. "After you."
She smiles. It's a bit shy and awkward as though she doesn't smile often but to Elend it's the most beautiful smile he's ever seen.