She thinks you're flirting with her: HANGER-ON

She remains silent for a long time... for what felt like an eternity in current situation. You keep your hand stiff and still as you wait for her to grab it, instead reaching up to adjust her glasses before focusing on your face. You have to hold out for a few moments more, glancing around the side of her head to see that most of the upperclassmen were already on shore: the two Minerval girls already pulling out their wands for what you can only assume will be turning the ferry around, heart racing in anticipation. Come on, girl you think hurriedly, staring into her eyes as you try to **** the thought into her brain.

Eventually, her eyes widen in disbelief as her expression turns from one of surprise into a joyful smile. "Of course," she answer, still nervous as she finally rested her hand in yours, feeling warm as she took a step closer to you. "That's so kind of you. My name's Rebecca." You curl your hand lightly around hers, leading the pair of you forward with dignity as you take your place in the line of exiting students.

"Rebecca... what a lovely name. Godwyne Aberdean, pleased to meet you." You offer warmly, feeling her tighten her hold as you say that, taking another step towards the small stairway down. "I apologize if I startled you. It just wouldn't be proper to leave a lady without introducing myself." Her face blushes heavily, reaching down with her free hand to hold her skirt in place as the wind starts to pick up.

"Ab... Aberdean?" She stutters loudly, catching a few looks from the surrounding girls. "Like Anastasia Aberdean?" Your polite smile widens a bit, humored. Well, it seems she wasn't bluffing after all. Anastasia really does have a reputation... the trollop . You chuckle at the though, stepping in front of Rebecca for a moment as you head onto the shore first; placing a hand on Rebecca's hip as proper edict demanded for helping a lady dismount. It was more a **** of habit then anything else... ingrained after years of practice.

"Yes... she's my elder sister. Do you know her?" You ask with genuine curiosity, as your arm guides her as she hops down. You don't recognize her face, and it didn't sound like your sisters to hang out with somebody as stiff and "pedestrian" as this Leontis geek, but perhaps you'd just forgotten her?

"No no no... I'm not cool enough to ever get in with her clique," she confesses, holding a hand to chest as she steps down. A few of the other Leontes girls who were looking at you before start chattering amongst themselves. "At least, I didn't think I was. But, maybe... you'd introduce us sometime?" She says the last part extremely quickly.

"Of course..." I answer, figuring it couldn't hurt as you finally let go of her hand, letting out a sigh of relief as you've finally made your way through. "Well, it was lovely talking to you Rebecca, but I should probably be getting up to the Tower." She sighs back as you let go of her hand, starting to turn towards the castle just as the upperclassmen send the boat back a few meters.

"School rule! First years have to splash ashore!" You hear the raven haired Minerval bellows out into the lake: 4 first-years, one from each house, crowding the front of the ferry as it glides away. The path up to the castle complex is open, and you have no obligation to them but... seeing those confused and unfortunate faces, particularly that of your fellow Draconis Freshman... even if she looked like she belonged on a street corner somewhere. After all, you could still remember the warnings your father and grandfather gave you of the distrust that would come from the lesser houses. And besides... having somebody who'd be attending the same lectures as you in your debt could be quite handy.

Record Rebecca as a Hanger-On.

You have 0 XP.

Options are...

• Try to help the Draconis girl ashore. She looks light enough for Fetch to work... probably. Roll +CUNNING(+1) to CAST A SPELL.
• Head into the crowd and watch the other first-years slog ashore, then head up to the castle with the rest of the ferry passengers. Narrate, then set up a new scene.
• Take advantage of the momentum you have with Rebecca: ask her for a Favor in exchange for introducing her to your sister. Roll +AMBITION-1 (2d6+1) for Rebecca to grant you a FAVOR. On a 7-9, she agrees to the exchange (Rebecca owes you a FAVOR, either immediately ENCOUNTER Anastasia or you owe Rebecca a FAVOR: GOAL vs. Ambition, Introduce Rebecca to your sister). On a 10+ you may have Rebecca owe you an extra Favor or take +1 Forward.
• Other?