Kindle the Flames PV Errand closed

Jan 21st, 2021
private thread with @Lindsey Springhall @Rose Moon @Autumn Ivy

Haley had dressed as warmly as possible, her thickest sweater, her thickest jacket and her thickest scarf. But as soon as she walked through the large front door of the castle, the icy wind blew in her face and it felt like her body temperature immediately dropped a few degrees. She closed her eyes for a brief moment and paused for a moment before continuing to walk. The wind blew through her hair and she quickly pulled up the hood of her coat to better protect herself from the cold.
From a distance, Haley could quickly see the first icebergs and some students who were already clearing the ice as best they could. Haley quickened her pace to get closer to all the action and a grin spread across her face. As she passed several groups of students she kept hearing "Incendio!" and here and there Haley stopped to watch the groups succeed. "That looks great!", "Wow, you guys are already close!" she called out to one group or another and greeted the faces she knew.

Haley walked a few more feet until she saw a girl who was just melting the big block of ice by herself. She was doing a good job, no question, but alone would take quite a bit of time and Haley's path was heading straight for the girl. Haley was only a few feet away from her target and set about retrieving her wand from her cloak, going over the correct execution of the spell, and there she was, standing in front of the huge iceberg.

She turned her head to the right and grinned broadly and then directed her gaze back to the iceberg and with a quick flick of her wand she now also spoke "Incendio!" loud and clear, immediately a jet of red flames came and made sure that the hit spot on the giant iceberg started to melt. She now looked to her right again, "I thought you could use a little help." Haley said with a big smile and winked. Immediately Haley turned her attention back to the real target and for the next few minutes she said "Incendio!" more times than she ever had in her life.

The iceberg had melted quite a bit now, but was still quite large, and it quickly became clear that even with the two of them, it would take them a long time to do this, unless they came up with a brilliant idea or someone else rushed to help. Haley thought sharply, but she couldn't think of any way they could speed up the melting. She looked across the Courtyard for potential helpers but that attempt was also unsuccessful, until now.

"Maybe we should try melting from below at the same time." Murmured Haley as she continued to think, her gaze wandering over the Courtyard. "Maybe we can build some kind of bonfire around the iceberg and then continue to work our way down from the top." Haley suggested now. She wasn't sure how effective that would really be, but it would certainly help a little."We just need enough branches." She shrugged her shoulders. The principle was simple but the implementation was a bit difficult. Haley still hadn't been able to spot any usable wood nearby, and as she continued to scan the area with her gaze, she kept turning her eyes to the iceberg in front of her, making a quick motion with her wand and speaking, "Incendio!"

Her thoughts continued to circle around what she was going to do, and what Haley had completely forgotten about in her idea was the horrible weather. With the wind, the campfire would not last long, they would need a windbreak and now she was facing her next hurdle. She hadn't thought of that, but something would surely occur to the two of them.

WC: 650/600

Rose was bundled up, wearing thick clothes in every part of her body that would need insulation, except for her face. No matter how much her insecurities haunted her about being overweight, in reality, Rose was under average in terms of blubber, meaning she had less insulation than most. As cold as some other people were, Rose was freezing. As she came into the courtyard, she felt goosebumps rise on her skin, even in places she wasn't sure that goosebumps could rise. Rose shivered, putting her hands in her pockets to give them an extra layer of warmth. She was already wearing the gloves she had gotten from the Secret Santa about a month ago- Gryffindor patterned fingerless gloves that had been intended to make her wand movements fluid for dueling. She hoped that it would be the case, as she fingered her wand in her pocket.

She surveyed the scene. Okay, so apparently the goal was to make a fire. Make a fire that lasted in a windy, icy tundra packed with snow. The biting wind made Rose's cheeks and nose more of a blush color as her blood tried to warm up her chilly face. Groups of people were working together to make a fire, working toward the prize of hot chocolate and bragging rights, which made sense. Rose didn't think she would be able to do this alone, anyway. But who would she join? There were already groups of three or four, working together and already acquainted. She didn't want to join them- they had already established their group and didn't need a last-minute addition that probably wouldn't help much anyway. Rose noticed a pair of girls pointing their wands at an iceberg, trying to melt it. That would clear room for them to make a fire, which made sense to Rose after thinking about it a little bit.

"Maybe we should try melting from below at the same time." Rose overheard, as she approached them, hoping they would accept her help. They had already made significant progress, and Rose didn't want to be an unnecessary third wheel. Maybe she could help in their progress though?

She cleared her throat to snag the attention of the girls. "Got room for another person helping you guys?" she said, trying to inject confidence into the way she said it. Rose's voice was naturally gentle and tinted by an American accent, yet she was very clear as she spoke and every word could be understood perfectly. Her face revealed just a small portion of the worry she was trying to hide- the worry that she would be shooed away or snarled at. Maybe it was irrational, but it still hovered in Rose's mind, waiting to say "I told you so." She really hoped it would never get a chance, but she would be more relieved than most for them to say yes.

She recognized one of them- the older one. Her name was Lindsey. Rose had helped her wash her wild, happy kitty earlier in the year at a previous errand. Their quest had been mostly fulfilled, and their acquaintance was definitely a positive one, as Lindsey was a friendly and very kind person. This was almost relieving, as Rose was sure that someone couldn't change that drastically that fast. Hopefully, at least. They also had a few classes together so Rose was sure she was a second year.

The other girl was really pretty with red hair very similar to Rose's, yet she might have seemed a little younger than both Lindsey and Rose. She looked actually very similar to Rose.

Anyway, if they would accept her presence, and only if that, Rose would take her wand out and point it at the ice. "On three? One, two, three- Incendio!" Rose's flame would be a little stronger than each of the other girls, though it wasn't extremely noticeable to anyone except for Rose, who always had a keen eye for the little things. It seemed to be working, the other redhead's idea.

@Lindsey Springhall, @Haley Rose, @Rose Moon

Word Count: 707/600

English: #6B5076
Welsh: #9E8FB9
Uzbek: #874343

Autumn loved the cold.

No, she did not enjoy her glasses fogging up every time she exhaled.

No, she did not enjoy mild cases of frostbite.

No, she did not enjoy having to help heal her sister's less mild cases of frostbite, because damnit Naomi, they've talked about this.

But she loved the cold sensation on her skin whenever it came in contact with a falling snowflake. She loved building snowmen and seeing how creative she could get and how much she could scare the neighbourhood kids- and occasionally adults- with her designs. She loved teaming up with Naomi to destroy Cahira and Dove in snowball fights, and the many matches after the first, as Cahira refused defeat and demanded one rematch after another. She loved the taste of hot chocolate as she sat on the windowsill seat, watching the snow fall, and reading stories of both boldness and fear, humming to songs stubbornly stuck on her tongue.

Autumn also loved fire.

She loved that something so delicate and graceful could be a source of such threat and danger. Fire was temperamental. Fire was beautiful. Fire did not care, fire did not worry. Fire burned. It created and destroyed.

So, when she learnt that she could mix the too- and legally, too!- she did not hesitate before deciding to join. It could not be that hard. She liked the cold, and she liked fire. She was a pretty good spell-caster. What could go wrong?

As Autumn later figured out, not many things could actually go wrong. But on thing could. And it was a pretty important one thing. She could not create the fire. Normally, this would not be a problem. She would just need to cast incendio more, with a clear tone and correct pronunciation and wand movement. She could do that. So, that is what she did. She continued casting, and casting, and casting.

It turned out she could not do that.

Somehow, she, by herself, was unable to start the fire, the cold snuffing it out before Autumn could make it large enough, and it was not likely that others would join her. She had located herself away from most, and people seemed to be having fun in their own groups anyway. Slowly, people began finishing the task. Autumn was desperate. She would have to join a group if she wanted to finish this thing, as she had to do it fast.

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Lindsey Springhall. Turning and beginning to walk towards the girl, wand in hand, Autumn could also spot another girl, seemingly younger. A first year, most probably. As she approached hesitantly, wondering whether they actually needed the help, Rose Moon, the one from the potion cauldron accident, approached the group.

Once she finally arrived to the iceberg, and with it, the group, she came to the unfortunate realisation that she now had to talk.

"Hello," she spoke awkwardly.

She was not prepared for this, and her social battery was all out after the 6 minutes spent at breakfast making small talk with a fellow Hufflepuff, and pretending to enjoy it. Those 6 minutes had seemed like eternity, and they had filled her social interaction quota for the day. But if she spoke for a bit more, if she completed a full sentence, they would probably just end up casting in comfortable silence. Or, not silence, since she doubted any of them could cast silent spells. But there was alw- point was, it did not matter. She could do this.

Before she spoke, however, she realised that the three girls were casting downwards, to the bottom of an iceberg. It seemed that they were trying to start a fire beneath to melt the iceberg from the bottom.

"Could I help you three? I saw a bundle of sticks on the way here,"- she had not, in fact found a bundle of sticks here, but she was sure she could be able to find some sticks if she looked enough, and it would be important to look like she had a lot contribute to the group- "and it seems like you need some more of those. Is the iceberg supposed to help make the fire stronger? Because it does not seem to be helping. How about here," she gestured to an empty flat area about 2 metres from the iceberg, "where it's flat?"

That had been a lot more talking than she had originally wished to do.

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Interacting with @Haley Rose @Rose Moon @Autumn Ivy

She was busy flickering her wand and shoot flames at different directions, when someone cut in. It was a girl, someone who Lindsey hadn’t met before, and she volunteered to help. Taking a deep breath to overcome the cold, Lindsey grinned. Thank Merlin, what she needed now was exactly some help or some hot cocoa — so why would she turn this girl down?

“Than - thanks!” she breathed, a bit shivering in the cold. “Let’s do this…Incendio Duo!” she flickered the light brown wand for one last time, and watched the iceberg melting a little bit. “Agreed…” she muttered, as the girl suggested putting up a bonfire. Her chocolate brown eyes sparkled. A bonfire indeed sounded smart, and maybe it would be the right and best way to melt a huge iceberg down. Casting the fire making spell was totally okay, only, it was too slow. “But we need sticks, and I don’t know the Accio spell.” she smiled apologetically, as Lindsey really couldn’t see any branches in sight.

Someone joined them now. It was another girl, with fire like red hair and a bit American accent in her voice. Seeing this familiar face, Lindsey grinned. Some time ago — last term specifically — Rose had helped to clean Napoleon in a pet cleaning errand, along with Amara, Eyre and another one named Starlee. She didn’t know much about this girl, but she believed that Rose was nice. Offering a friendly nod to show Rose was now a member of the small group, she smiled. “Hi there - Rose, is it?” prudently she checked. Merlin, Lindsey didn’t want to get anyone’s name wrong. It would be embarrassing, she knew it.

Following Rose’s order, she casted. “Incendio!” although sincerely she wished to cast Incendio Duo, as it was stronger than the original one, she perceived that maybe the younger girl didn’t know it. Nodding at her idea of melting it from below, her wand pointed at the iceberg, when another one broke in. Almost immediately Lindsey recognized her. The one that Leonard tried to ask to the ball.

The feeling was…well, truly interesting. She still didn’t know why Leonard attempted to invite a random girl in the hallways. Maybe it was Marsh’s idea, as Marshal was always a master of inviting girls. Slightly chuckling at the thought, she took a good look at the newcomer. Dark hair, rather pale skin — somehow Lindsey had seen her somewhere. Hopefully this girl didn’t catch the glimpse of her when she was lurking out there…or, it would truly be embarrassing. Truly. Though still, what’s her name? Fellow Hufflepuff — Lindsey knew it. Her first name seemed starting with A…Autana? No, certainly not. She just couldn’t remember it. But whatever Miss A offered to get a bunch of sticks, which was kind of her.

“Thanks!” she answered pleasantly. Really, why would she turn down another’s help? At least everyone seemed nice here…nodding friendly at Autumn, she agreed. “Oh yeah, let’s get those sticks! And we could start a fire here — I’m sure it’s allowed. We could burn this iceberg from the below and eventually melting it.” looking around, she searched for the sticks. Turning around a bit disappointedly as she didn’t spot the ones Autumn were taking about, she smiled apologetically a bit.

“By the way, the name’s Lindsey. What about you guys?”

WC: 363+560=923/600 | Errand Completed!

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Jan 21st, 2021
private thread with @Lindsey Springhall @Rose Moon @Autumn Ivy

Lindsey remembered her name- which Rose saw as very nice of her, even though she didn't really consider that Rose had remembered Lindsey's name. It had taken Rose a couple of seconds at first, but she was sure that it was Lindsey. "Yeah, that's right. And you're Lindsey?" But she thought she would check with the blonde anyway, just in case she was off. Oh, how embarrassing would that be? Getting her name wrong. Rose didn't think Lindsey would care too much, but Rose would feel very disappointed in herself, even more so now that her fellow second-year had remembered Rose's own name.

Rose's first encounter with Autumn had not been pleasant. Not that her and Autumn had clashed, but they had both gotten detention for something they hadn't done- something they had been in the wrong place at the wrong time for. It had been back at the beginning of the year, and neither of the girls had been in any sort of a good mood at being caught by Professor Jensen, or by being sentenced to clean up. Autumn had said that if any of the other people present talked or mentioned her doing nice things it would "completely wreck my image and my view and understanding of my identity, character and temperament, perhaps sending me into a full breakdown which has the possibility to last for months." If she remembered correctly. Which Rose hadn't really understood in its entirety, but she had not told anyone anyway.

But no. This Autumn and the Autumn that had snapped at her coldly in the dungeons were different people. This Autumn was awkward and offered to help in a very kind and friendly tone. Rose wasn't sure if the Hufflepuff would remember their last encounter, but Rose was determined to give Autumn another chance at a first impression. She would be as friendly to her as she was to both Lindsey and the girl she had never met before.

When asked for her name, the lioness would supply it for the other three girls, "I'm Rose."

To be honest, Rose had no idea why they were setting the iceberg on fire, either. She would speak up. "That's a good suggestion," she nodded. Haley asked about any ideas on shielding the wind, and Rose couldn't help herself from sharing her plan of action. "Okay, I have an idea. What if we did down in the snow and build up some sides, creating a kind of hole in the snow so the wind doesn't put it out? And then we can put the sticks down and set that on fire with Incendio. Haley and I can work on the shelter while you guys go get some sticks?" she suggested to the other three girls. It had all come out before she could really choose to say it all, her taking charge with her idea and assigning jobs. Maybe it was just the cold, but her cheeks flushed as soon as she finished talking. Wow, way to boss the girls out. They just wanted to make a fire, not be told what to do. As to not be seen as obnoxious as she felt, Rose added, "We don't have to, though, it's just an idea."

Sorry for the late reply!

@Lindsey Springhall, @Haley Rose, @Rose Moon

Word Count: 1076/600

English: #6B5076
Welsh: #9E8FB9
Uzbek: #874343

She was sure they were allowed to start a fire? Of course they were allowed to set a fire! The whole point was to set a fire! The point was to set a fire, yeah. Was the point to start a fire? Oh, had Autumn gotten things mixed up? Had she zoned out when the errand was explained? This was unfortunate. But, no, she was sure. The task had to have been to set a fire, yes.

Right?

Still, Springhall seemed okay with Autumn picking up the sticks which she had definitely, totally, honestly, really-not-a-lie-ly, seen on her way to the group. She would get the sticks, and whatever happened would happen. Besides, participation would be enough. Not enough for hot cocoa, and not enough for Autumn's expectations for herself, but enough for... someone, probably.

As she zoned back into reality, see realised Springhall had introduced herself, and that the two others had done so too, in return. She realised she probably also needed to say something.

"Salutations. I'm Autumn."

The girl who had introduced herself as Haley came up with the suggestion of creating a shield, and Autumn had to admit that it was a good idea. She racked her brain for ways to shield the fire. Using their bodies would most probably be counterproductive. They needed sticks more for fuel. Maybe, if they came by with a large log or two, they could use that.

"A log, maybe," she suggested non-chalantly, shrugging lightly.

Following her quiet suggestion was one by Rose, and a good one at that. Autumn nodded in consideration and agreement, with only a single thing to add.

"I believe I heard Lindsey using Incendio Duo earlier? How about you stay here casting with her, and I go with... Haley, correct?"

Ok, sure, she was truthful about the Incendio Duo thing, but she also kind of wanted to avoid both Lindsey and Rose. Lindsey for rejecting her friend, and Rose for the whole of the potions incident, so avoid she would.

She nodded to Haley and began turning around to find some sticks; the quicker this was finished, the quicker she could get out of here again and enjoy the cold out on her own.

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Interacting with @Haley Rose @Rose Moon @Autumn Ivy

Haley. Rose. Autumn. All were beautiful names. It was rather surprising that students around Hogwarts all had gorgeous first names, which she thought was a patent for pureblood families. See how the Duke Springhall named his children…she meant his daughters, aka her great aunts. But himself was named David, which was intriguing. She couldn’t help chuckling a little bit thinking about that, but soon was drawn back by Rose’s suggestion.

“Well, then let’s divide our work. I agree with Rose, two people heading for sticks, and the other two working on shelter and casting some fire making spells before hand.” her eyes sparkled with delight, and glittered in the cold. The wind was strong, maybe even stronger than the one that knocked her off her broom temporarily when training with Cash. Lindsey was quite glad that she wasn’t on a broom now currently, or she was sure that she’d get knocked off again, which felt terrible.

She heard Autumn suggesting herself going for sticks while Lindsey remained. She didn’t know why exactly Autumn had suggested that, but maybe it was because that Autumn wanted to have a little physical train today. Maybe it was because the outside was cold, and standing here still wasn’t the best choice. Autumn seemed nice. Lindsey now began to somehow understand Autumn. Well, if a random boy in the hallways invited her to the dance, she might not accept as well. Especially when someone she’s interested in already invited her. But all in all, the one got rejected was Leonard. She pitied him a lot, and especially when Marshal was a victim too — she knew that it was the Gryffindor’s idea. She sighed a little bit. Well, um, okay…

“I don’t really mind —” she started, but Autumn had already darted off. Lindsey looked at her, and nodded silently. It seemed that Autumn didn’t really want to stay with her…but Lindsey understood this. It was awkward, probably too awkward, but Rose and Haley were clearly unaware of that. It was good. She blinked, and in silence, her fingers reached her wand again. “Then, maybe we could do some work together before they come back?” she addressed to Rose. “Incendio Duo!”

She felt rather satisfied seeing the iceberg melting a bit. Casting spells, especially fire making spells, was always fun. Let the awkwardness be away. Now, they were all fighters, fighting for the same goal. With a grin to Rose, she started again. “Well…I wonder if the levitation charm can remove the snow here?” she inquired the young lion. “Let’s try, maybe? Wingardium Leviosa!”

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