25 Sep 2021, 08:22
Inside the Zuheir Manor
For the most part of July, Hadrian had been staying at the Bezuidenhout Manor for some time, on the second week, the Zuheirs returned the favour by inviting her and the little brother to stay in their Manor in America. Of course, the Bezuidenhout would permit and for a week, Aurelia was in the manor. It was far more modernised than she expected, tech-savvy even, some stuff which Hadrian taught her how to operate. There weren't many visitors till now.
Surely, a daughter of an aristocratic family would have heard of the Vertinans. Most families which held on to the prestigious status often took much offence if one had not heard of their names. Perhaps she heard of the Vertinans once upon a time, perhaps not, all she knew is that the name did not ring even the quietest of bells. Nevertheless, play pretend was her best option to show some dignity. The last thing she wanted was to receive a frown from Z'Hara, her future mother-in-law.
Aurelia shrugged on a light sundress and made her way downstairs to the main hall with Hadrian and Heinrich, just in time before, the distinctive glow of a portkey appeared. The figure of four appeared. One, the girl, she knew, Opeila. Aurelia did know Opeila was part of the Vertinans. Aurelia would maintain her smile, a slight glimmer of recognition twinkling in her eyes. Then again, she was here to play along. "Hilja, Jarno. So glad to see you and your children. Lysander, Opeila. I trust you heard of my boy Hadrian and my daughter-in-law, Aurelia?" Z'Hara asked, with a curt smile on her lips.
"Why don't you children go upstairs, get to know each other. We've got a lot to talk about." She suggested. Hadrian would lead the way to the leisure room upstairs with Heinrich trailing behind. They would do so wordlessly. Once there, Aurelia finally speaks, "Make yourselves comfortable." She would then snap her finger, summoning the house-elf to set up some tea and refreshments for all of them. Heinrich heeds to her words, laying on a beanbag to engulf his backside. "So, what shall we do while the adults talk?" Hadrian asks, lounging on the couch beside Aurelia. A smirk, one she knew too well, tugs at the side of his lips.
"We will talk over some tea, of course, love." Aurelia said, giving Hadrian a glare. Behave.
Surely, a daughter of an aristocratic family would have heard of the Vertinans. Most families which held on to the prestigious status often took much offence if one had not heard of their names. Perhaps she heard of the Vertinans once upon a time, perhaps not, all she knew is that the name did not ring even the quietest of bells. Nevertheless, play pretend was her best option to show some dignity. The last thing she wanted was to receive a frown from Z'Hara, her future mother-in-law.
Aurelia shrugged on a light sundress and made her way downstairs to the main hall with Hadrian and Heinrich, just in time before, the distinctive glow of a portkey appeared. The figure of four appeared. One, the girl, she knew, Opeila. Aurelia did know Opeila was part of the Vertinans. Aurelia would maintain her smile, a slight glimmer of recognition twinkling in her eyes. Then again, she was here to play along. "Hilja, Jarno. So glad to see you and your children. Lysander, Opeila. I trust you heard of my boy Hadrian and my daughter-in-law, Aurelia?" Z'Hara asked, with a curt smile on her lips.
"Why don't you children go upstairs, get to know each other. We've got a lot to talk about." She suggested. Hadrian would lead the way to the leisure room upstairs with Heinrich trailing behind. They would do so wordlessly. Once there, Aurelia finally speaks, "Make yourselves comfortable." She would then snap her finger, summoning the house-elf to set up some tea and refreshments for all of them. Heinrich heeds to her words, laying on a beanbag to engulf his backside. "So, what shall we do while the adults talk?" Hadrian asks, lounging on the couch beside Aurelia. A smirk, one she knew too well, tugs at the side of his lips.
"We will talk over some tea, of course, love." Aurelia said, giving Hadrian a glare. Behave.
|
“One can never be too careful,” STM — 5 | EVA — 19 | STR — 5 | WSD — 12 | ARC — 5 | ACC — 9 |
Lovely Creature — Evasive Manoeuvres — Monster Hunter — Terrible Presence
31 Oct 2021, 22:16
Inside the Zuheir Manor
@Aurelia Notrésvace
So far, Opeila's summer vacations had been surprisingly fine. She had gotten back into the ways of life she had learned from the Winter family quicker than she thought she would and the fact that the Virtanens seemed to be a lot more patient with her definitely helped. The only thing she struggled with a lot was going outside, pretending as if all this was entirely normal to her in public. Something that was now expected of her at all times.
And after she had just survived the Beckett Summer Ball, she really didn't know if she was glad or not that they would go to visit people again, although this time it would only be one family and it wouldn't take long, at least if she was to believe Lysander's words. They were going to a place called Zuheir Manor, the Slytherin had been told, in America, and this ended up being the thing that got her excited again. She had never been to America, although her dad and her used to travel much in her vacations, she had never left Europe.
Though, Lysander had ended her excitement quickly. "We won't get to see much of the country. We'll travel there by portkey, stay in the manor for a few hours and then go back.", he had told her with an apologizing smile.
And that they did. On a Sunday, the Virtanens and Opeila met in the entrance hall of Virtanen Manor and assembled around a cup- was that a silver cup? And they just used it for traveling? What if it broke? Well, why was Opeila even asking, she knew that this family had money. And although they didn't waste things carelessly, every now and then Opeila could see that they had gotten used to having money, maybe even forgot that their way of living was an absolute privilege.
Opeila had only used a portkey once, when her father and her had fled from their house in Cambridge and he forced her to hold on to an old boot until it brought her somewhere else. The memory of that terrible day was a only a blur now, one that the young girl avoided to think about since, and so she was taken by surprise when it started. Within moments, their surroundings changed and suddenly they were no longer in their home in Finland. They were in a different entrance hall now and only Lysander discretely grabbing her left arm stopped her from losing her balance. "Thanks.", she whispered in his direction and let go of the cup.
Quickly she checked her hair and clothes, when a woman started to speak, greeted them. By name. They knew her? Well, it probably made sense that Lady Virtanen had let them know who they would bring into their house, but it still made her feel a little uncomfortable. Even more so when the woman introduced her son and daughter in law- she knew that girl. For a moment Opeila lost control of her face and stared at Aurelia with a look of shock in her eyes, but she caught herself again quickly. Not quick enough to undo what she had just done, which was making obvious that something wasn't right. "She is from my school.", she told Lysander quietly.
"Z'Hara" Opeila had never been so glad to hear Hilja Virtanen's silky voice, ending the weird moment she had just caused. She also noticed a little boy near Aurelia, who also looked vaguely familiar. He hadn't been introduced. "The pleasure is all ours, we are so grateful for your invitation." Hilja could be a cold, headstrong person, Opeila had seen that herself, but now, among others, it was hard to believe. Her smile was warm and kind and so was her voice. She looked at Aurelia and Hadrian and nodded. "Yes, we did. I believe Aurelia and Opeila visit the same school?"
Opeila side eyed Lysander. How had he let his mother know in that one moment? Or had Lady Virtanen heard her? Whatever.
Z'Hara suggested that the children went upstairs, which lifted a weight off of Opeila's chest. Neither Jarno or Hilja would now keep a close eye on her behavior anymore. "That sounds like a fantastic idea.", Lady Virtanen agreed with the other woman and sent a quick look to Lysander. When her stepbrother turned to go with them, his face was a perfect mask, but Opeila could sense the annoyance behind it.
The two of them got along, they did like each other, but Opeila knew that her presence in their lives had changed a lot for Lysander. He was 17 years old and his parents had accepted him as an adult without a problem, allowed him to participate in conversations with other adults and treated him as one as well. Now that Opeila was there, it was like he had a full time job, which was babysitting her. Opeila knew that he didn't complain because he understood why his parents did it, but she could see that it upset him.
The two were led to some kind of leisure room, with no one speaking a word. It was almost a little awkward and made Opeila tense, but she didn't dare to break the silence. She didn't need to, Aurelia did when they were all in the room. Both Lysander and Opeila sat down on a sofa, while Aurelia got a house elf to bring them tea.
Hadrian then asked the question that Opeila had asked herself since they had been sent away. What would they do while the adults talked?
"Talking over tea sounds like a great idea.", Lysander agreed with Aurelia, apparently he had decided to stop sulking. "So, Aurelia, you and Opeila both go to Hogwarts?" He looked from Opeila to Aurelia. "How do you know each other? Are you in the same house?"
18 May 2022, 16:51
Inside the Zuheir Manor
When in the manor, Hadrian was much more comfortable, exuding his better characteristics in more depth than anywhere else in public. Witnessing it in turn, grew on her, making her comfortable around him too. After all, they were to get married someday. But now away from the adults' view, Hadrian was getting a little too comfortable and setting a bad example for Heinrich who followed along, disregarding any efforts for posture and slumping on his chair. Aurelia, on the other hand, knew to be careful around other pureblood children. By default, she put on a front of etiquette set on autopilot.
Aurelia barely knew Opeila, aside from that they went to the same school. But now that they were here, it was a perfect opportunity for them to do so. One of her lovely smiles crossed her pretty visage at Lysander's response. She had to admit, that he had quite a handsome face. Resting her chin delicately on the back of her hand, she answered, "Yes. Of house Gryffindor, Fifth Year. Opeila is a Slytherin." Her words stood prominent with her accent, clearly not American.. "You?"
"I hate Hogwarts," Heinrich pipped up, earning a glare from his older sister. Of course, he wouldn't, having been bullied for the most part of the school year by dhampirs and older students. Not to mention, he was a lycantrope, the lower status of the pecking order. "That's the spirit. Ilvermorny for the win." Hadrian, again rubbing off some of his influence, encouraged the boy.
Exchanging wordless glances and glares which both of them heed to none, Aurelia then made herself a cup of tea. "So Lysander, have you gotten a betrothed arranged yet?" As nosey as a pureblood could be. But why wouldn't she be just a little curious with a handsome face like his? "Why, tired of me so soon already, Aurelia?" Hadrian joked lightly. One she didn't think was the very least proper in front of the company like these pureblood children. But that wouldn't hide the slight tinge of red arising to set on her cheeks. She would raise her cup to her lips, taking a sip of her tea, albeit, with every sense of awkwardness that Hadrian set her in, it was far from the first time.
"Aurelia and I are very chill. In case both of you are wondering, she's a little more apprehensive, naturally." Hadrian assured, speaking for Aurelia. Sure. "How about we do something fun, ay? I'd get the booze out and we'd play a game of truth- ow!" His spontaneity was quickly interrupted by a jab of Aurelia's own elbow.
Aurelia barely knew Opeila, aside from that they went to the same school. But now that they were here, it was a perfect opportunity for them to do so. One of her lovely smiles crossed her pretty visage at Lysander's response. She had to admit, that he had quite a handsome face. Resting her chin delicately on the back of her hand, she answered, "Yes. Of house Gryffindor, Fifth Year. Opeila is a Slytherin." Her words stood prominent with her accent, clearly not American.. "You?"
"I hate Hogwarts," Heinrich pipped up, earning a glare from his older sister. Of course, he wouldn't, having been bullied for the most part of the school year by dhampirs and older students. Not to mention, he was a lycantrope, the lower status of the pecking order. "That's the spirit. Ilvermorny for the win." Hadrian, again rubbing off some of his influence, encouraged the boy.
Exchanging wordless glances and glares which both of them heed to none, Aurelia then made herself a cup of tea. "So Lysander, have you gotten a betrothed arranged yet?" As nosey as a pureblood could be. But why wouldn't she be just a little curious with a handsome face like his? "Why, tired of me so soon already, Aurelia?" Hadrian joked lightly. One she didn't think was the very least proper in front of the company like these pureblood children. But that wouldn't hide the slight tinge of red arising to set on her cheeks. She would raise her cup to her lips, taking a sip of her tea, albeit, with every sense of awkwardness that Hadrian set her in, it was far from the first time.
"Aurelia and I are very chill. In case both of you are wondering, she's a little more apprehensive, naturally." Hadrian assured, speaking for Aurelia. Sure. "How about we do something fun, ay? I'd get the booze out and we'd play a game of truth- ow!" His spontaneity was quickly interrupted by a jab of Aurelia's own elbow.
|
“One can never be too careful,” STM — 5 | EVA — 19 | STR — 5 | WSD — 12 | ARC — 5 | ACC — 9 |
Lovely Creature — Evasive Manoeuvres — Monster Hunter — Terrible Presence
25 Jul 2022, 00:42
Inside the Zuheir Manor
@Aurelia Notresvace
Opeila looked at Aurelia who answered Lysander's question before she spoke up too. "Last summer camp we shared a tent and we also occasionally bumped into each other at school, that's all.", she added. Heinrich's claim that he hated Hogwarts surprised her. "Oh right, I remember you. Why is that?"
She heard Lysander chuckle next to her, when Hadrian also joined the conversation, praising Ilvermorny, which he and Heinrich apparently both visited now. "I hear fairly little about Ilvermorny in Durmstrang and I always wondered how strict they are there. Is it like Durmstrang? I don't think we have any muggleborns at all there, so perfectly suitable from my parents' point of view."
Maybe it was Opeila's growing up in a muggle environment where tolerance was one of the basics in education at home and school, that made her feel uncomfortable at the exclusive behavior of her adopted brother. Sometimes all she wanted was to ask why muggles were so very terrible but for one she would certainly get backlash for even saying such a thing, not to mention that the question itself made her feel like a child. So she shut up and kept her thoughts to herself.
When Aurelia asked if Lysander had gotten a betrothed arranged yet, Opeila turned her head to face him. That actually interested her too, she had never actually asked Lysander about it.
He shook his head with a smile. "Not necessary. There is a girl in my school who would be perfectly suitable. Only if I don't get things settled for sure in a bit my parents will interfere.", he explained.
That made Opeila think. So... if she managed to like a guy who happened to be pureblood... would that change anything?
Hadrian's suggestion made Lysander laugh. Right. You carry the consequences for Heinrich and Opeila drinking then? Cool!" Opeila couldn't hide an amused smile either. Wasn't he almost a kid as well?
3 Oct 2022, 10:47
Inside the Zuheir Manor
Opeila now direct her question to her younger brother, which Heinrich most often became more uneasy whenever the attention was put on him. "You do? Oh, uhm," He stuttered. Aurelia gave him a soft, encouraging smile. The reason the former hufflepuff harboured feelings against the school may be due to Aurelia's absence during the period. The weight on her shoulders had turned her away running, eventually finding her own temporarily solace whilst Heinrich struggled in such a new unfamiliar environment of a magical school. Endeavouring a journey through both a new school and a new lycantrophe at only 11, Aurelia felt quite guilty not being there to support him, but she was dealing with her own set of problems too. "Dhampirs... and bullies..." The boy admitted, almost blurting out the words.
Leaning backwards into his seat, Hadrian would put an end to the topic. "Well, you've got me now, Hein, nothing to worry 'bout." Indeed, Aurelia was quite grateful for Hadrian looking after her little brother, Hadrian was not always such a jerk, for some reason she'd have to put up with at times. But she was used to the way things were with him and the way he rarely took things seriously - she knew he was well capable if he did.
"Ah, parents. They can be overbearing at times." She muttered under her breath. Although some sentiments had changed over the years, she knew that they cared for her. "All the best on courting her. I'd say I envy you on getting a some freedom of your own in the matter to a degree. Hadrian and I... well, it took a while took work things out didn't it?" Exchanging a glance with the American plus a mustering of a curt smile.
"Yeah, you were - are a pain in the - ow!" Another nudge in the ribs cut him short. An exasperated roll of her eyes. "Can't believe I'm marrying him a few years to come right?" She said almost sarcastically.
Leaning backwards into his seat, Hadrian would put an end to the topic. "Well, you've got me now, Hein, nothing to worry 'bout." Indeed, Aurelia was quite grateful for Hadrian looking after her little brother, Hadrian was not always such a jerk, for some reason she'd have to put up with at times. But she was used to the way things were with him and the way he rarely took things seriously - she knew he was well capable if he did.
"Ah, parents. They can be overbearing at times." She muttered under her breath. Although some sentiments had changed over the years, she knew that they cared for her. "All the best on courting her. I'd say I envy you on getting a some freedom of your own in the matter to a degree. Hadrian and I... well, it took a while took work things out didn't it?" Exchanging a glance with the American plus a mustering of a curt smile.
"Yeah, you were - are a pain in the - ow!" Another nudge in the ribs cut him short. An exasperated roll of her eyes. "Can't believe I'm marrying him a few years to come right?" She said almost sarcastically.
|
“One can never be too careful,” STM — 5 | EVA — 19 | STR — 5 | WSD — 12 | ARC — 5 | ACC — 9 |
Lovely Creature — Evasive Manoeuvres — Monster Hunter — Terrible Presence
20 Mar 2023, 19:35
Inside the Zuheir Manor
@Aurelia Notresvace
When Opeila turned her attention to the younger boy, she had truly not expected him to react so... insecurely. Immediately she felt a little sorry for putting him on the spot like that. She really felt for him. Lord and Lady Virtanen liked to make her talk in front of strangers too sometimes, a real transparent attempt to show off the manners they had taught their adopted daughter. Opeila usually played along and showed her best side to avoid the drama. What was the point anyway?
The answer made her feel even worse. "These are valid reasons.", she would answer in an attempt to validate the kid while not showing what was going on inside her. Faint but never disappearing memories of a student wild with rage, clawing at Opeila's face while she stumbled away in an attempt to escape, the only spells in her mind useless as her wand had been taken away from her...
Opeila was relieved when Hadrian spoke up, comforting Heinrich.
Lysander seemed entirely unbothered by the interactions between the others, smiling he answered Aurelia. "Ah, for sure they can be, but mine try to give me as much freedom as they feel they can. They've always valued trust over control when it comes to family bonds." Opeila didn't miss the glance that went in her direction when Lysander finished but she ignored it. She had no interest in discussing his parents today.
A little more interested than she should have been, Opeila watched Aurelia and Hadrian bicker. Would this be Miles and her in a few years? Or would they be just as awkward as they were now? After all, she was no Aurelia and she was pretty sure that Miles was no Hadrian. And so far, Opeila had not made much of an effort to get along with the American.
"When will you be married, if I may ask?"