Event Blossom Ball - Underworld

The invitations had been everywhere. Every week or so, Piper would be buried in fresh papers advertising the upcoming Blossom Ball, finding them on the table while she was attempting to eat, in the owlrey, and around the Slytherin common room. Some were much creepier than others...the themes of the Blossom Ball as shown were not extremely blossom-y. Worse yet, whispers of rumors flickered about, upper years discussing the previous Blossom Ball. Vicious hags had apparently been involved.

In any case, some students were more enthusiastic than others about this brand new event. Many girls Piper had eavesdropped on happened to overhear chattered quite a bit about their dresses, as well as who would be asking who as dates. A bit pretentious for eleven-year olds, Piper thought disdainfully. Her concern was much more with the terrible luck that seemed to come with the Blossom Ball - or any party, now that she thought. The Halloween Masquerade had resulted in disaster - in both fashion and events - for Piper, at least. Assistance from the staff had been nonexistent.

Now, however, was the time to attend a ball once again. Despite the general difficulty that came with associating with others, Piper had to come. Its theme was Greek Mythology, and if anything would pique the young Slytherin's interest, it would be that. She knew an uncomfortable amount of random Greek information due to a school project taken too far at home.

After much furious consultation with her mother via owl, Piper was able to arrange a stunning blue dress with gold designs on the torso. This time, she made absolute certain that she would be mobile in her outfit, unlike last October. Within the dress (which had pockets!) was concealed Piper's wand. Gone were the impossible heels, and on went the golden gladiator shoes. A simple but elegant bun had been woven with Piper's light hair. She couldn't possibly be overdressed tonight.

Furthermore, Piper had reached a scientific conclusion based off of last party. It was fortunate that she had worn a mask before, but now she was going to be exactly who she had tried to hide a few months ago. Her insecurity had created a self-fulfilling prophecy, virtually ensuring Piper's social demise. This time, she would be her truly great self and try a new tactic that her mother suggested - faking confidence. Through this, Piper would hope to get back on her feet and rise to good standings once again. She would also survey those present at the ball and attempt to form connections with the ones she perceived as competent enough to be friendly with her.

Nervously fiddling with the skirt of her dress, Piper walked towards the courtyard, following the steady stream of students. Her stomach felt rather filled with lead; a familiar feeling that was simply indicative of her discomfort. No indeed, Piper would persevere and step right into this challenge. Mere feelings were to be disregarded. Slowly, she glanced about, taking in her surroundings. The Underworld, this first stop, was dimly lit. Although the breeze smelled slightly damp and outdoorsy, the mood of this location was much darker; students were even whispering. Perhaps this was where the creepier theme of the invitations was referencing.

Suddenly, as a certain set of directions came to the entrants, Piper's glorified fantasies evaporated from her mind. The Hero Trials. The trials that would consist of an audience. The trials which had a prize. The trials which had a winner. Competitive chills raced up and down Piper's spine as she imagined herself as the Queen™ of the Blossom Ball. What better way would there be to gain prestige amongst her peers? Trials may even contain spellcasting, which was Piper's very specialty. So long as she wouldn't be required to brew a potion, in Piper's unreliable opinion she had a decent shot.

I actually have a chance.

All thoughts of exploration abandoned, the first-year wasted no time in walking out the way she came in search of the liberating trials.

Moderation:

Action: Entering the Underworld, leaving to trials until next mod
Interaction Status: CLOSED (going to trials)
Stats: Stamina: 6 | Evasion: 5 | Strength: 4 | Wisdom: 8 | ArcPower: 6 | Accuracy: 6 ||
Post Tracker: X

Mentioning/Interacting: @Gabriella Haworth, @Tory Williamson
Outfit, Shoes
Languages: English, German, Japanese
Action: 'Chatting' in the Underworld, trying to get to the Trial of Hades

Originally, she had planned to wear a formal something, maybe a dress shirt and pants and a tie and a vest or something. Like most of her other plans, Suzuki ditched it last minute. Who cared, right? Plus- it wasn't like anyone could see her in the pitch-black darkness of the Hades Trial, so why bother.

She had just arrived at the 'Underworld' after a hurried study session, eyes half-open, hair untidy, tired as hell. Oh, well. You get what you get- take it or leave it. Suzuki was well aware of how out of place she looked in the mass of flowing dresses, formal tuxes, and all that sort of nonsense. She didn't care though- anybody wearing those monstrosities would have a heck of a time getting through the trials.

As she was trying to avoid stepping on other's dresses, Suzuki watched as a particular girl came into view. It was the maniacal laughing, ink-spilling Williamson, wearing a green-coloured dress, who looked like she was casually chatting with some friend.

As she neared, however, Suzuki could tell that Williamson was actually poking fun at an enemy.

" Hey, Williamson," Suzuki said, poking Williamson in the back. She turned to the other girl.

" Nice dress. Watch out, though- it may be your last." This sentence was directed to the girl Williamson was shooting phrases at [Gabriella Haworth], and it might actually be true. Williamson's nemesis' dress was quite long- the perfect length for tripping.

Probably not, though. Suzuki was half sure that there'd be people on 'save duty', to rescue the stranded and half insane. There'd be quite a few people to rescue, Suzuki thought, on account of the horrors that lurked in the different Trials.

[font=big caslon]─────── ❀ ───────

[font=big caslon]As iNPC Ophélie Moore Outfit: [x] Open to Interactions

[font=big caslon]French: #664F6F English: #190047 Russian: #351664

[font=big caslon]Ophélie graciously accepts the punch, a smile gracing their face before their lips shape around the cup's rim. It tastes... pungent, like nothing they've ever drunk before. But not too bad.

"Hello, Samantha! My name is Ophélie, but you can call me Ophé." They show her their bracelet. "They/them, like it says here. My mother got this for me. Just making sure you know since some people assume I'm a girl from all the dresses I wear!" Another sip. They wipe a few cool drops of moisture from their hand onto their dress, but it doesn't soak in very well.

"Are you from Hogwarts?" It's a simple query ─ and from Samantha's accent and choice language, a likely yes ─ but small talk is important to begin friendships. Although it is tempting to ask for all of the details on the girl immediately, they do not want to scare her off. Not so soon into their conversation!

"I'm from Beauxbatons," they supply quickly, wiping a few droplets of the drink off their lips with the back of their hand. "But I speak English fine, so don't worry." After a moment of quietly listening and responding or standing in silence, you can decide, it occurs to them to make a comment on her attire. "You look quite beautiful. I love the Greek chiton. Is there a god or goddess in particular that you are emulating? I'm Persephone, or I'm trying to be, although I haven't really done her justice what with the devastating lack of flowers on this dress." A tinkly laugh escapes them. "My mother sent me this, in my defense. I didn't choose it. That's not to say I don't like it, but I certainly might have added a more floral touch. It's why I'm in love with your flower crown!"

Not long after, the two are approached by another figure: a girl similar to Samantha in hair, skin tone, and accent. Maybe they are related? As she draws closer they realize that she is sporting a rather extravagant, almost spooky deer mask. No matter the case, Ophé is delighted to be joined by another student, and offers their most genuine smile. "Oooh, Calypso. That's a beautiful name. Please join us. Yep, my pronouns!"

Interacting: @Calypso Starling | @Samantha Salwis
Mentioning: No one

Action: Drinking punch
sta 7 | eva 7 | str 6 | wis 5 | acc 5 | arc 5 ─ Calming Presence in effect

[font=big caslon]─────── ❀ ───────

Interacting With | N/A
Mentioning | @Henry Knight as Charles Alluring | @Lucia Fox as Cassie Heather | @Scarlett Aden | @Akari Kato

Drew had a blast at the last ball. He had stayed late into the night dancing with his date, Akari Kato. He hadn't seemed to have been able to find her this time around, but this visit had been a little more chaotic than the last one. He had kept an eye out for her, but they hadn't bumped into each other again. Drew had been hanging around his friend, Charles Alluring, and a few of Charles' friends too at the arrival, and he was hoping to meet them tonight, and if not, some other people to party with. After all, this was a ball, and it only happened twice a year, so Drew was mighty prepared to take advantage of his second ball he was attending. He was going to party with friends and have a good time.

As Drew came into the area for the ball- or, where the ball started, really- which was in the Courtyard of Hogwarts castle. It was dark and broody around here, and he squinted in the darkness at first as his eyes adjusted and his pupils expanded. He eyed the drinks and the food, remembering what had happened last time he had tried one of those at a Hogwarts Ball. He had started talking- babbling, really- about anything and everything. He was pretty sure that Donald Trump and Joe Biden had been thrown into the mix, as well as his first time riding a bike, and that time when a two-year-old ran up to him, convinced he was his brother. He hoped his friends didn't remember that too sharply. He didn't care that much, but if it was to come up in conversation, he didn't want to be judged on the way he had been given a big sloppy kiss by a tiny stranger. So he didn't try any of the drinks or food quite yet.

He had heard about the ball's theme and had almost worn a toga, but that was before his friend Charles had suggested that they wear matching jumpsuits, like his friend Cassie and her friend Scarlett, both of which Drew had met in the Great Hall when they arrived at Hogwarts for the visit. Drew scanned around the courtyard and decided that Charles wasn't here yet, so he supposed he would wait for him here in the Underworld, along with his other friends- Cassie, Scarlett, Iris, and possibly even Werner, who had been a little detached back at the Great Hall. Charles sure was popular, wasn't he?

The Wampus wasn't the first one here, but he certainly wasn't the last. He doubted Charles was here already, and he doubted he would be anywhere else than here in the Underworld, so he made his decision.

So now he waited, eyeing the food and drink as if considering it.

For Moderation
More Information about Drew is here
Action: Entering the Underworld, waiting for Charlie

Charles was excited. The blonde was walking briskly through the corridors of the Scottish school to the ball to meet up with his friends and have what he thinks will be a great night.

The blonde was wearing a green, camouflage jumpsuit that matched Drew's. He remembered how Cassie and her friend; Scarlett would be wesring matching jumpsuits that night so he thought it would be a good idea if him and Drew did the same. After a trip to diagon alley and there you have it, matching jumpsuits that wasn't half bad.

The blonde would enter the ball same, seeing the rather dark and gloomy setting and decorations. It didn't really scream fun to the young teen, more like ominous or rather creepy but still he would make the most of it. Charles was determined to have the best time with his friends that night.

Instantly he would start looking for his friends, eyes peering around for Cassie wondering where the girl was at and for her red head, a little bit annoying friend as well. The blonde also kept a eye out for Werner, just in case he should I as well and for Iris both were his friends after all.

After a bit, Charles spotted one. Drew! And in his matching jumpsuit, the blonde figured Cassie would find him at least he hoped as he would approach his Ilvermorny friend.

The young teen would slap his friends shoulder in a playful way before wrapping one arm around Drew's shoulders as he spoke "Hello Drew," before he would drift his eyes around searching for Cassie as he continued " interesting ball this is compared to the last one right? I didn't think Hogwarts students could be dark or ominous," the blond would give his friend a genuine half smile as he couldn't wait for Cassie's reaction when she saw their matching jumpsuits.

"Do you see Cass or her red head friend yet Drew," Charles would ask as he kept his arm around his friend but went back to looking for the rest of their friend group. Only to continue to look as he spoke " What can you imagine they would say about our jumpsuits? I wonder what theirs look like and whose is better," the blonde wild give his friend a half smile and squeeze his shoulders a bit before going back to looking for the two girls.

Action: Entering the underworld, Meeting Drew, waiting for Cassie

───────────── OPEN TO INTERACTIONS Interacting with:@Violet Carrington Anastasia Prokovdine Mentioning:@Aurora Ranvier Rodion Macaroni The kissing boys with added punching girl Aurora Ranvier as her scary self ─────────────

───────────── Luka Volkov Koldovstoretz 1st year The golden wolf Russian / English ─────────────

───────────── At night, in any places that you are stars up there always complain for not being able to outshine the light that radiates from within you. -Reza Rusandi- ─────────────

Reducio

Outfit

Luka grinned brightly at Ana, nodding his head at her compliments. "Thank you! You really like it?" He asked, adjusting his hat. "I thought maybe is too much?” He was glad that she liked his outfit even though it wasn’t very Greek. He really hadn’t brought anything that fit the theme of Ancient Greece with him and it had seemed a bit silly to bother his parents with something like that. He followed as Ana moved toward the punchbowl at his suggestion, thinking that she was very graceful. She was probably a wonderful dancer. He couldn’t wait to dance, that was the part of the Ball he was most looking forward to.

He picked up one of the glasses and filled it with punch, looking around the courtyard once more. Surely this wasn’t the only area? There was no dance floor here and the music was quiet, more soothing than anything. It was nice and all but not really what he imagined a ball to be. Besides which, there really wasn’t much space and it was starting to grow crowded. As he glanced around he noticed three things. The first was that the kissing had turned into punching. The second was that there was a path guarded by a scary looking girl who was yelling at the kissing boys and the punching girl. The third was that Rodion had arrived with a pretty girl he did not recognize. She must be from one of the other schools. “Ana, look, Rodion found a girl to bring to the ball.” He said to her in a quiet voice. “Do you want to say hi? She looks like a nice girl. Or we could try that path over there.” He pointed to the dark path that led away from the Courtyard.

Reducio

Calming Presence Allies - Koldovstoretz Students

Interacting with: @Elena Jangleton and @Gia Adelard

The evening had finally come for the infamous blossom ball Adlai had heard ever so much about during her past two years at Hogwarts. She was nervous due to her past not-so-grand experiences with them. However, she was also excited because this time she would be attending a ball with a friend.

Smoothing out the dress she had picked out just moments ago with her dear friend Elena, with whom she would be attending the ball with, she made her way out of the Hufflepuff common room and began to skim through the crowd of people that was assembling before it. Friends and couples all finding one another. Elena had said she would meet her outside and she did not disappoint. "Elena! Over here!" she called before hiking up the skirt of her dress and squeezing her way through others.

"You look stunning!" she marveled at her friends appearance. It wasn't everyday that Adlai was able to see Elena dressed up, well, Adlai had never seen Elena dressed up before making this a lovely first. With a smile Adlai extended her head towards Elena, so that she may fix her hijab for her, probably becoming a bit messy from making her way to her friend. "Thank you." she said.

Following close behind Elena, it wasn't long before the duo entered the courtyard which was already beginning to fill with students and swell with chatter, music, and laughter.
It was gorgeous, every bit of it. "I'll be okay where ever you are." she told Elena.

She then watched a young girl, who she did not recognize, approach Elena and give her a wave of which Adlai returned with a smile. The girls pleasantries were short and swift and thus after Adlai answered Elena's question. "It's not my first ball, I've been to the winter balls of course but they...didn't exactly leave a good first impression on me with the fire and all. Besides then I didn't really have anyone to go with so I'd mainly just stick to the side lines."

Mentioning Lover's quarell

Interacting with @Selim Faust

Open for Interaction

There would be a large “POW” in bold yellow surrounded by some red star-like line if it was a comic scene. The night was still young, but some decided to put on a fight already. Aurora stood there, staring wide-eyed at the love triangle couple with her slightly agape mouth. “Oh well, guess I was too late, huh?” Better not interfere to a lover’s quarrel. Being the underworld bouncer apparently was not her jam.

Before she could go back to her dull spot and forcing people to enter the Orpheus trial, a rather peculiar form caught her attention. Something, or maybe someone in a bunny costume that looks like stolen from a horror movie set, just casually wandered around blended with the shadow. Was it a costume or was it real? She knew nothing about Greek mythology outside of those mentioned as the name of the trials, but surely, a scary bunny was not a part of it. Was it?

With her stealth mode on, Aurora tried to approach the bunny, while one of her hand grabbed a little spray bottle labelled with ‘creep repellant spray’ from her purse. With a speed slower than 1km/hour, it took some times for her to finally reached her destination. She looked like those muggle movie cops with less professionalism, but instead of a gun, it was a pepper spray on her hands. “H-hey there, giant rabbit monster demon” With a shaky hand and slightly sweaty face even though the underworld was quite cold, she continued, “Don’t even try to get closer you- evil carrot eater!” and followed by three sprays of pepper water right on the rabbit’s face

Outfit

Reducio

Inside her purse : Wand, a chocolate bar, pepper spray, inhaler

For Moderation :
Stamina - 4 | Evasion - 7 | Strength - 5 | Wisdom - 8 | ArcPower - 4 | Accuracy - 7
Terrible Presence
Action : Spraying the bunny monster with pepper spray

[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6]

INTERACTING WITH: @Marshal Mozor

MENTIONING: n/a

OPEN TO INTERACTION

Candles and lighter. Five tapered candles found themselves inserted into a burlap bag. After last year when the hovering candles were put out and a darkness fell over the pitch, it wasn't unreasonable to think that having a few candles on hand might be a good idea. Check.

Wizard tight. That followed in after them, causing a dull jangle as the hard wax implements jostled against each other. With 101 uses for duct tape, and this being the magical world's likely equivalent, who knows if it might come in handy. Bind a foe. Keep a keener first year from early martyrdom. Tape a bag full of supplies up and out of obvious way. Plenty of uses. Check.

Omnioculars. Those followed in quickly after. She recalled the frustration of the last few occasions of trying to look everywhere all at once and having the sneaking suspicion that certain actions had unfolded without quite being able to make them out. Perhaps these could help her catch a glimpse of suspicious activity. Especially if she could replay the scenes for a second look. Check.

Dungbombs. Carefully stored in ziploc bags from home so as to eliminate any premature smell, these were tucked carefully into a crease so as not to break the seal. Perhaps an unexpected collection to make it into the fold, their usefulness couldn’t be overlooked. If it came down to trying to clear students from a potentially dangerous situation, these could prove to be rather effective. Check.

Empty ink well and a couple other sturdy vials. These had been wrapped in handerchiefs before being store in her pack. They were empty. All of them. A recent descent into the dungeons had led Evelynn to collect a strand of blonde hair into a glass bottle that had conveniently been supplied from the ground at the time. If opportunity allowed, there was a certain blonde whose head she wanted to pluck. She had suspicions. How exactly she planned to test that the two fibers were from the same crown… well… those details were yet to be determined. Regardless, she needed a sturdy storage vessel, and a few extras in case of other collectibles seemed as good a plan as any. Check.

Locksmith's knife. Although it was highly doubtful that this would ever be needed, this wouldn’t be the first time that an object of interest might come under scrutiny. Last year, it was dufflebags filled with mysterious clinking glass. At Hallowe'en, it was a rather murderous doll. There would be little surprise if certain students began to lock up their belongings to deter obnoxiously thieving peers. And a doll could hardly stand to be severed into tiny pieces. Curiosity or destruction, such a knife could very well come in handy. This was slid into a sheathe strapped to a thigh hidden beneath the flowing fabric of a gray shift. Check.

And finally. Sherbet lemons. The crinkle of a wrapper heralded a mouth-watering citrus aroma as it wafted from the condensed sugar rush right before the pellet slipped between painted lips into the waiting maw. The rest were deposited into a pocket in the dress. One could always afford to have nice breath after all. And if it came with a little sugary pick-me-up, all the better. Check.

With one last sweeping inspection to determine if anything else ought to join the gathered oddities, the bag's flap was closed and buckled shut before it was slung onto a shoulder. A knitted throw blanket shifted underneath as it dragged across the bed and swung free to hang at the side of the standing figure. And with that, she turned to peer across the room at a standing mirror in the corner. An odd silhouette stared back. Of average height, the athletic figure was draped with a loosely fitted grey gown that flowed straight, hanging to the floor to veil the brown leather riding boots beneath. Definition of any curvature provided only by brown ropes that wrapped and knotted around the torso. Auburn hair had been curled and pulled into a haphazard updo with wisps that dusted bared shoulders and framed a face painted to give the appearance of a doe. To complete the ensemble, a crown of dusty rose peonies secured a pair of golden antlers.

Today, the Gryffindor quidditch co-captain had transformed herself into a representation of the Ceryneian Hind.

Why? Luck, perhaps. Shear will to survive. Or perhaps simply because it seemed to be unlikely to be repeated by other attendees. Fleet of foot and swift of stride, the ceryneian hind was a creature in greek mythology that bore the resemblance of a female deer with dappled hide and great golden antlers. Said to be sacred to the goddess Artemis, it featured a role in Hercules' trials. While some traditions say Hercules slew it to present to Artemis, Evelynn preferred those where he ran it down and captured it, presenting it to Eurystheus, only to have it escape. To her, the hind represented grace and a will to survive. Two things she hoped to embody tonight.

With a careful scrutiny of her attire, and one final check to make sure her wand was safely stowed away in its sheathe hidden within the inner inseam of her boot, she grabbed her Silver Arrow—another tool that had served useful during the last Blossom Ball—and headed from her dorm to descend the stairs to the common room below.

* * *

The sight that met her at the bottom nearly left her gawking with mixed amusement and surprise. In truth, it might not have been quite so terrible. There was a certain amount of class to the simple design of the white toga and what looked almost like a draped royal blue tabard, all secured with a thick golden cinch. Unfortunately, the material looked rather cheap and the accessories—which included a Burger King looking crown and an undersized trident—were more yellow than gold, and gave the whole ensemble the appearance that it had been plucked straight from last year's discount Hallowe'en aisle at some local Spend & Save. The worst part about the entire thing was the mop that was undoubtedly supposed to pass for a beard strapped oh-so-carefully in place upon a face that was far too young and rounded to support it.

Two things could be deduced. (1) Clearly Mozor hadn't any fashion sense whats-o-ever and would hitherforth relinquish all rights of dressing himself for special occasions; and (2) he was keen to participate in the theme and held no shame or consideration as to what anyone thought.

"Er.." His comment to her own appearance effectively snapped her from her judgment and set her cheeks aflame. She was instantly grateful for the layers of costume makeup that would hide that from his view. "…thank you," she replied, a contrite smile pulling at the corners of her lips. Compliments weren't something that she heard often; except from her mother, and that hardly counted. Unpracticed in accepting them, she wasn't really sure what to say. So instead of allowing that to fester into anything inconveniently awkward, she jumped right into it. "Before we go, we need to talk."

And so Evelynn provided her second rendition of every sort of magical doom she anticipated might fall upon them at the Blossom Ball and how to avoid them—including details of past years' events, a basic rundown of those threats that were still at large (cue: magic mask and glove, August and Finley VanCleaf, hags, spiders, living darkness, mosps, living death dolls, etc.), and an inventory of those items she had thought to bring.

"You have your wand, of course?" she queried with a tilt of her head at the end of it all. Of course he did. What self-respecting wizard didn't carry their wand on them at all times? But to alleviate her own worry and to make sure that he would have some means to protect himself and also to cast for help, she had to double-check. When affirmation had been provided and her mind soothed at least for the moment, she replied, "Well… then I suppose we had better be off. Perhaps there might even be some fun to be had."

* * *

The ball was already well and fully underway by the time that Marshal and Evelynn arrived on scene. That didn't surprise her in the least. She could hardly take it all in. As soon as they exited through the great oak doors of the castle's entrance and out into the courtyard, antlers swivelled back and forth with a persistently shifting gaze as she tried to take it all in.

She felt at home. Quite unexpectedly, the music playing here was somber, quiet, and not at all dissimilar to what she might play within the confines of her own room at home. Although a gentle breeze played at light fabric of her dress, causing it to dance and flit around her ankles, it proved not at all effective to vanquish the dense air that seemed to hang within the stone columns. A pressure clung to the atmosphere. One that left the hairs on the back of Evelynn's neck standing on end. One corner of the courtyard in particular caught her attention. Black as pitch but for the sapphire flames that danced and lured, it stood out against the rest of the dimly lit area. The polished wood in her hand provided some comfort, and as she stood alongside Marshal, she was glad for the preparations she had made.

Not left to ponder its peculiarity long, the voice of her companion summoned her thoughts and commanded her attention, revelation of the trials following as she relinquished it to him.

"Well...I wasn't actually sure there would be," she intoned, quirking a brow. "But that last invitation had said "The gods welcome all worthy to take a chance and prove themselves as heroes". How else would we prove ourselves but in some sort of test? It was Hercules' trials—" She gestured to her own attire. "—that led me to wonder if maybe we might face our own."

Still, the lure of trials and challenges sparked a hunger in her eyes. Given her frequent use of ciphers to communicate with certain individuals, and the frequency with which various codes and hidden messages had been found around the castle since her start at Hogwarts, the invitations had instantly captured her interest. Each successive one had been solved with increasing speed, her eagerness to uncover more of what was to come only multiplying with every hint exposed.

"Depressed?" Evelynn blinked, echoing Marshal's thoughts in a skeptical whisper. "No, I don't think so.." she answered, panning her gaze back around to consider the decor anew. Chatter and conversation melded and melted, a backdrop of whitenoise against the overarching music. It was difficult to make out any one particular person in the din. Faces and costumes blurred together. It was like sitting in a coffee shop with her mother when they would sit silently in each other's company, absorbing the muted atmosphere. In public. But alone in their own, mindful world.

"Content," she decided after a moment's thought. At least, that was how the mood would have left her feeling if the occasion hadn't been tainted by its predecessors. "And yes," she continued, sliding a bright-eyed smirk back onto her partner at the suggestion to tackle the trials. "We most definitely must."

She couldn't help but scoff in amusement as he bowed and effectively indisposed himself to servitude. With an amused roll of her eyes, she swapped her broom to the bag-side hand. "Come on," she suggested, sliding her now free hand to cup under his near elbow. Curiosity flamed within her, alighting her face with more life than any of the dim nearby light sources could have mustered. Lips split into a grin. "You'll be fine," she assured him, coaxing him along towards the trials if he didn't immediately step to her pace.

ACTION: Arriving from the Entrance Hall—Heading to investigate the trials