((We are also pretending that Sidney and the ice mage were never on the dock...))

  Sybil smiled at all of them; the hysterical water mage, the concerned earth mage, the almost antisocial ice mage, the proud fire mage, and the shy wind mage. They were a good group, she thought. There were subtle bonds forming among them already, and it did her good to see them. These five were powerful, some of the most powerful mages-in-training she had ever had the privillage to instruct. Something in her relaxed at the notion. "Welcome, children. Welcome home! I will give a brief introduction before I take you all to the central building and introduce you to the rest of the Magi and the other students."

  Sara clenched tightly when she felt Amy take her hand, sharing a smile with her new friends. Even though the other two girls were sisters, she had a feeling that they would all be the best of friends. Looking back at the othe two members of their group, she hoped that they would allow her to be their friend as well. She turned her attention back to Magi Sybil, who was speaking again.

  "The College of Mages was founded over two hundred years ago, as you all know. This campus is made up of seven buildings, one for each element and one central building where general classes are held. The Central Building also houses the cafeteria, gym, clothing and toiletries shop, stationary shop, and a pet shop, which we all visit soon." Sybil smiled warmly at the two girls who already had pet. "And don't worry, you will find many strange and exciting creatures there.There are several other shops as well. Each of you will have a choice of shops to find employment in, so that you may earn your own money while you are here.

  Besides the Central Building, there are the Fire, Water, Earth, Wind, Ice, and Electric Buildings. These are where Elemental Classes will be held and where you will board. The dorms are element specific. Only a mage of that element will be able to grant access to them. Now, if you will follow me, we will go the Central Building."

  Sybil led the way down a long, cobblestone path, bordered on either side by a park like area which she informed them was called the Green. Soon, the Central Building loomed before them, large as a two story mall and made of natural stone and reflective glass. The front wall was divided into six panels, each with the symbol of one of the elements emblazoned on it, and each element was represented in some aspect of the construction. Sybil led them inside and to the gym, which was on the ground floor. "Welcome, mages-in-training! Come, take a seat! We Magi will introduce ourselves." Sybil pointed out seats in front of a stage and indicated that the new ones should join the students already seated. Then she moved to stand with the other Magi, smiling happily.

Sid rolled his eyes, having heard all this before, and eyed the new batch of students with a smile. On the stage Salem smiled to Sybill, nodding and rising. With his fair skin and  shaggy white-blone hair, the magi looked like the stereotypical Ice Mage, with little of the distant personality that plagued his group. His address to the mic was warm and bright, his smile all-encompassing.

"I would like to welcome and congratulate the new students. I am Magi Salem, and I have been charged with the care and learning of the up and coming Ice Mages. I see that one of the students will be with me, but I hope that all ofyou will come to respect all of the magi on stage and regard us with a certain amount of affection. After all, here we are family." With that and a nod he returned to his seat, picking out Krov with his pitch dark eyes.

Krov watched everyone follow that Magi called Sybil and saw Sylvia sit down, and a empty spot beside her. He sighed to himself, Why do you keep following her? She's going to think you're a stocker if you do. The thoughts kept going through his mind over and over, but eventually he sighed once more and quietly went over to Sylvia and sat down.

He saw the ice magi's eyes staring at him and he suddenly looked down not wanting to look at anyone or thing.

Amy of course had been following the others the whole time and she plopped down in her seat, startling her sea snake into coming out
"Shhhh." she whispered to it and looked up at the magi on stage, then at the other mages sitting in the chairs. Wow, she thought, we're just one big family over here aren't we?

[sorry for lameness, I can't think of anything else to put down]