Airen was strolling through the Silent Forest. He felt the need to walk wherever his feet took him, which could be anywhere. After walking aimlessly for what only felt like a few minutes, he suddenly found himself in the midst of the Silent Forest. He smiled softly at his path's choice in destination. His feet felt tired from the no doubt ten some odd miles he had trekked in his aimless wandering. Spotting a flattened tree stump, he made his way over and sat down on the natural seat.

Losing himself in his thoughts, he soon found himself thinking about the current situation in this country. He did not care for it at all. He was a halfblood himself, but people just assumed that because of his last name, he was a pureblood. He would let them believe this fact until the time was right to reveal his true heritage. He grimaced as he thought of those who he saw struggle due to something they couldn't control.

His train of thoughts continued until he felt slightly drowsy. He slid down onto the ground, and closed his eyes. Having resolved not to fall asleep, he simply let himself listen to the silence around him.

Rhian didn't know how long she'd been out in these woods. Long enough to watch the sunrise. And now, to watch the sunset. She didn't mind the sun in general, but if she stayed out all day in it, like today, her head hurt something fierce. It was the light, the strength of it. But that didn't matter. She'd slipped out of the vacation lodge that her mother had rented.

It was part of their yearly routine now. Since Rhian went to school at Hogwarts instead of Salem, her mother took the care to make sure they spent some time in England over the summer holidays. Since her mother was a witch as well, she saw no reason to move entirely, since Floo worked just as easily, but she had respected Rhian's choice, when she'd received both of her letters.

Now, years later, she wondered what would become of her. There were only two years left for her at the school, and after that...well, she had no idea what came after for her. For someone like her...

A scent crossed her path, one that was only slightly familiar. Closing her eyes and inhaling quietly, her mind brought up Hogwarts. Satisfied that it was at least somewhat familiar, she walked silently towards its source. Even if she hadn't been a small girl, her dexterity was heightened from her natural reflexes. It was the only reason she liked these woods in particular. She felt at home here.

Leaning around a large tree, she spotted a boy sitting by a broken tree trunk. His eyes were closed, as if sleeping, but she could here the beat of his heart. He was clearly awake and aware. Unsure of what to do, she bit her lip, monitoring.

Airen had been breathing in the natural smells and sounds of the forest. He had, through the years his father had spent teaching him combat, developed a kind of heightened battle reflex. This had in turn led to slightly above average hearing and vision. Even so, it came as a surprise to him when he perceived another human. At least, by the sound of their footsteps, they sounded human. Due to the softness of the footfalls, Airen guessed he was dealing with a young girl, probably in Hogwarts.

"Hello," he said, deciding to go with a simple approach to a conversation. He opened his eyes and turned his head to the new person. His hunch was correct. It was a girl, and a member of his house that he had passed by in the halls of Hogwarts a few times. He couldn't recall her name though.

"You're in Gryffindor, right?" he asked in what he hoped was a gentle voice.