When it came time to disembark, Lori was frightened. She'd been numb until now, not really thinking about what lay ahead. It had been a long time since she had ever really felt anything. But ever since she'd boarded the GEBURAH, it was like she'd begun to thaw. And now, she was afraid. It felt wonderful. As Chloe led them out of the boat and onto the shore, she took a deep breath of the cool, salty air.

Lori and Dennis stepped gingerly on the rocky beach, sharp pebbles biting at their bare feet. Behind them, Chloe allowed herself a grin. Some of the Instructors and a few select Seniors had assembled to look over the new students. Even The Eldest was there, shrouded in the usual white hooded robe. Chloe was delighted to see Mary Elizabeth, one of her own Seniors, among them. She looked so adorable in her plaid skirt and blazer… she'd missed the girl more than she cared to admit. She caught her eye, and that was all the encouragement she needed.

"Headmistress Chloe!" Dennis and Lori hastily stepped out of the way as the young woman in what looked like a Catholic schoolgirl's uniform dashed past them. Chloe took her into a warm but somewhat restrained embrace. "Oh Headmistress Chloe, I've missed you so!"

Chloe wasn't able to resist stroking her beloved pupil's hair. "Yes, dear, I know," she murmured. "But I've other students to see to right now. Be a good girl, and I'm sure I'll be able to fit you in for a tutoring session later this evening."

Mary Elizabeth stepped back obediently. Not even a hint of a pout… Chloe was so proud of her! Barely a Senior, and such admirable self-control. "Yes, Headmistress Chloe."

Both of the new students were cautiously looking over the assembled Instructors. Lori was almost able to mask it, but Dennis gawked openly. They'd seen Gideon's rough claiming of Mason…. What was in store for them?

"Lori," Chloe said, "Lady Anael will be overseeing your early training."

Lori was unable to mask her anxiousness as she waited to see who Lady Anael might be. The woman who stepped forward was a tall, lush-bodied redhead with the serene face of a Boticelli Madonna and eyes as green as the soft fabric of her gown. A lithe little brunette clad in the merest wisp of gauze, held her train.

Anael cupped Lori's chin with a soft, warm hand and put her other arm protectively around the girl's trembling shoulders. "Shhh, child," she said, gently. "Lady Anael's going to take good care of you."

Everyone glanced up at a sudden commotion. A clattering of hoofbeats, and voices whooping and shrilling wordlessly. Even the Seniors seemed startled, and Dennis practically jumped. Anael wrapped her cloak around Lori. Chloe raised an eyebrow in irritation as Lord Keir rode into sight, surrounded by several of his Seniors, all laughing and shrieking

Dennis was stunned into immobility as the laughing-eyed savage rode past, grabbing him and slinging him facedown across the horse's withers. His band of rag-draped sycophants let out a wild, approving cheer. Was this what he had gotten himself into? He shut his eyes tightly. Staring at the rough earth moving beneath him was just too disorienting. So, when the horse stopped, rearing and squealing, it was completely unexpected.

"For shame, Lord Keir. Our own Headmistress Chloe has entrusted this one's care to me. Let your Wild Hunt seek other prey." The voice sounded female, close to his ear. Dennis almost opened his eyes then, but nerves got the better of him.

"Ah, but Asenath," came the voice of… Lord Keir?… rumbling against his back. "He's such a tasty morsel." He grabbed Dennis by the scruff of the neck and lifted his face up to his own. "Open your eyes. Open your eyes, and look at me."

Afraid of what might happen if he didn't, Dennis opened his eyes. Lord Keir was so close, their noses almost touched. His eyes were an odd, almost yellow color.

"You're Asenath's now," he said, in a tone so quiet one could almost ignore the underlying ferocity. "But the Hunt isn't through with you yet." He shoved him roughly to the ground.