A short while later, Cien noticed movement ahead of them. Pulling his horse to a stop, he listened as the other soldiers behind him came to an instant...stop as well. He watched the movement take form. The man on the horse rode fast, as if the hounds of hell were chasing him. He rested his hand on the hilt of his sword, ready to pull it out if the man was an enemy. As he approached Cien relaxed. It was Lochlain. Cien felt his mouth curve into a small smile as he watched his trusted soldier come. His fingers hovered again and he picked a ruby in much the same diamond setting as the first ring. It was a beautiful rich ruby and the diamonds were marginally bigger but the overall size much the same as the first ring.Mark gazed at it. He took the original ring gently off her finger and put the ruby one on instead. He gazed at the ring and then at Victoria's eyes.She looked down at the ring. Then she took it off and placed both rings side by side. She put the sapphire back on and stared at. I'm not a teacher, just a student like you." Yeah but you are top of the top, and besides, Steve said you were a real gentleman and would always help a lady in distress," she grinned."He did, did he? Well, lucky for you that you caught me in a weak moment, so let's talk about when we can meet. I don't live on campus and I commute home each day. What about you?" I have a dorm room with a roommate. What do you suggest?" Let's meet in the library after class today. I'll try and get an idea of. " It wasa statement, not a question. Before Jason could respond, she continued."It's deliberate you know."Jason just dropped his mouth open in shock."Well, I'm not sure mind you, but I'm fairly sure that you have beenintroduced as female to the staff, and they have been given explicitinstructions to address you as female. Cass' way of helping you adapt." God, can't they leave me alone?" Nope, not her style. The longer you ignore it, the harder it will be toadjust. This won't be pleasant. But it.