"Aren't you worried about the teachers complaining about the noise?" asked Charlotte.
"No, it's alright" Tegryn cut in, "Musa's taught me a really cool soundproofing spell. We can have the music on as loud as we want, and no-one outside the room will hear a thing!"
"Oh, that's okay then." She turned to Musa and said quietly. "Say, I've been meaning to ask something... who's that guy over there?", pointing towards a familiar figure chatting with the other boys.
"Oh, that's Riven... and in case you're wondering, he IS single."
"Riven..." she said quietly, staring none-too-subtly in his direction.
"Charlotte? Charlotte!"
"Ooh, I think someone has a little crush!"
Charlotte blushed, then changed the subject with a none-too-subtle crunching of gears. The girls carried on chatting while Tegryn stifled a yawn.
"Are you alright dear?" asked Tune, putting a hand on his knee. "You seem rather tired."
"Oh, I'll be fine. I guess it's been a long day."
"Well just take it easy, okay? We wouldn't want you doing yourself harm - Musa worries so much about you."
"I know - she's a real sweetie" he said happily, resting his head on her thigh...
The party carried on uninterrupted, until a small whimpering noise could be heard above the music and chatter. It was Piff, who up until now was sound asleep nestled in Layla's arms. Now though, she was sniffling and straining to reach out for something.
"What is it Piff?" asked Layla. Piff looked towards Tegryn.
"Tegryn? Is he asleep?"
"Yes, it looks like it..." said Layla staring at his face, "But I don't think he's too happy."
She was right. His breathing was erratic and he could be heard murmuring something. Then, with no warning at all, he let out a blood-curdling yell at the top of his voice and sat bolt upright. His face was an expression of pure terror - his skin was pale, his eyes wide open, cold sweat trickling down his forehead.
"Teggy!" cried Musa trying to comfort him, "What happened?"