18 Sep 2020, 20:33
Modest Moment
Even though things hadn’t been exactly simple for Flash, he was still living his day to day life mostly the same. A few things had changed, some for the better, some worse, but his routine was still the same as when he had left. Leave the common room the moment curfew ended, and go on a jog. Come back, shower, eat, go to class, eat, study, research, eat, socialize, sleep. He made sure to keep his ear to the ground for what was going on with anyone of interest, writing important letters, and agreeing on meetings. On that particular Friday, however, he was feeling gloomy and despondent. It was still only the first month back, and he didn’t want to end up sliding into bad habits that might cause another burn out like last year. Now he knew that occasionally he needed to relax, or he would go insane.
Because of that, Flash nabbed one of his books that he brought along with him to school, one with particularly uplifting and romantic poetry. He thought it would do him well to dwell on hope and love, rather than the crushing burden he saddled himself with. He was still trying to figure out what was going on behind the scenes, trying to understand the hag’s curse and who he could trust. No one had asked him to, but he still felt somehow responsible. He had resources, and he knew people, it would be irresponsible to simply look away and pretend nothing was happening. Pretend he couldn’t do anything.
But for the moment, he was reading poetry. Letting his mind get lost in the author’s colorful descriptions, he could instead delight in a clever turn of phrase, or poignant use of imagery. The one he took with him down to the courtyard was one he hadn’t read yet, but had been suggested to him by a scholar at one of the balls his family held. It wasn’t exactly easy to find. Flash always asked to go to as many bookstores as his well-travelled family went by, and he was indulged enough that he would spend the time seeking out rare editions and antiques.
Charles Harpur was one such antique author, having become a bit of a ‘holy grail’ of his for a short while, given that he was an Australian poet from the 1800s. His works were easy enough to find on the internet, but Flash preferred books. The act of taking a book outside was a longtime comfort to him, so the day he found the collection of sonnets was a particularly good one. He knew reading it would be sure to put him in a brilliant mood and allow him to forget his worries for a while. It was a marvel that he never seemed to make time to do things he actually enjoyed. Well, he was trying to change that.
That Friday it had rained early in the day, so the bright summer sun in the afternoon made the air a bit muggy. Still, dark clouds not yet full enough to leak gave occasional shade, enough for the breeze to give a satisfying coolness when it broke against the school. The world was temperate and shadowed as he sat down on one of the stone outcroppings that still had an archway over it. It was likely that there may still be a light sprinkling of rain yet, if he stayed out long enough. He hoped it might, the smell of rain had long since left the grounds, and he was hoping it might return. Though he had magical talent, he couldn’t control the weather. Not yet.
There didn’t seem to be anyone else sticking around, it was the start of the weekend so everyone was still getting used to their new classes, and catching up with their friends. Flash had thought about asking someone to join him, he hadn’t much liked spending time alone since summer. He didn’t have anyone in particular who might sit and read with him, beside perhaps Miss Claudia, but he hadn’t seen her anywhere yet. With the new curfew rules and the new students, Flash was a bit staggered by having so many new schedules and routines to learn. Where people were and when… anyway, it meant he was alone.
No rain, no company… he could always talk to a stranger, but he wasn’t sure what he would say. They would probably only bore him anyway, better to accept things as they were and try to enjoy the moment.
@Adlai Rod
Because of that, Flash nabbed one of his books that he brought along with him to school, one with particularly uplifting and romantic poetry. He thought it would do him well to dwell on hope and love, rather than the crushing burden he saddled himself with. He was still trying to figure out what was going on behind the scenes, trying to understand the hag’s curse and who he could trust. No one had asked him to, but he still felt somehow responsible. He had resources, and he knew people, it would be irresponsible to simply look away and pretend nothing was happening. Pretend he couldn’t do anything.
But for the moment, he was reading poetry. Letting his mind get lost in the author’s colorful descriptions, he could instead delight in a clever turn of phrase, or poignant use of imagery. The one he took with him down to the courtyard was one he hadn’t read yet, but had been suggested to him by a scholar at one of the balls his family held. It wasn’t exactly easy to find. Flash always asked to go to as many bookstores as his well-travelled family went by, and he was indulged enough that he would spend the time seeking out rare editions and antiques.
Charles Harpur was one such antique author, having become a bit of a ‘holy grail’ of his for a short while, given that he was an Australian poet from the 1800s. His works were easy enough to find on the internet, but Flash preferred books. The act of taking a book outside was a longtime comfort to him, so the day he found the collection of sonnets was a particularly good one. He knew reading it would be sure to put him in a brilliant mood and allow him to forget his worries for a while. It was a marvel that he never seemed to make time to do things he actually enjoyed. Well, he was trying to change that.
That Friday it had rained early in the day, so the bright summer sun in the afternoon made the air a bit muggy. Still, dark clouds not yet full enough to leak gave occasional shade, enough for the breeze to give a satisfying coolness when it broke against the school. The world was temperate and shadowed as he sat down on one of the stone outcroppings that still had an archway over it. It was likely that there may still be a light sprinkling of rain yet, if he stayed out long enough. He hoped it might, the smell of rain had long since left the grounds, and he was hoping it might return. Though he had magical talent, he couldn’t control the weather. Not yet.
There didn’t seem to be anyone else sticking around, it was the start of the weekend so everyone was still getting used to their new classes, and catching up with their friends. Flash had thought about asking someone to join him, he hadn’t much liked spending time alone since summer. He didn’t have anyone in particular who might sit and read with him, beside perhaps Miss Claudia, but he hadn’t seen her anywhere yet. With the new curfew rules and the new students, Flash was a bit staggered by having so many new schedules and routines to learn. Where people were and when… anyway, it meant he was alone.
No rain, no company… he could always talk to a stranger, but he wasn’t sure what he would say. They would probably only bore him anyway, better to accept things as they were and try to enjoy the moment.
@Adlai Rod
Last edited by Flash Holmwood on 12 Oct 2020, 19:05, edited 1 time in total.
For we dreamed a lot//And we schemed a lot//And we tried to sing of love before the stage fell apart
Sta: 9 ★Eva: 5 ★Str: 7 ★Wis: 15 ★AP: 3 ★Acc: 15
19 Sep 2020, 02:08
Modest Moment
Adlai had been trying to enjoy her second year at Hogwarts ever since she got onto the train. But something just wasn’t the same. Last year she eyes were too big for her head, she didn’t notice how very few friends she had and she didn’t notice until now that she didn’t keep in touch with anyone over the summer. Not even Elena.
Slowly everyone she had known had faded into new social groups. Groups she surely would never be apart of. They had moved on to greater things and wouldn’t be trifled with her unless they had to be. At least that’s what she thought.
After sitting in her dorm or in a classroom for a majority of the day Adlai decided it would be a good idea to go out to the court yard.
Tennis racket and ball in hand she made her way, only to see the back of a head of someone familiar.
“Flash?” She inquired as she inclined her head to see his face. “Flash is that you?”
She hasn’t seen him since they had gone down the chamber together. She didn’t recall having any classes with him, though then again she didn’t pay attention to who was in her classes, unless they were friends.
@Flash Holmwood
Adlai Winifred Rod
22 Sep 2020, 01:02
Modest Moment
It wasn’t long after cracking the book open and looking over the first few lines that he heard the sounds of a familiar voice nearby. He wasn’t exactly unused to hearing his name called out, though this one was not one that he had the pleasure of hearing often. Closing the cover and turning to look, he saw Adlai Rod. She seemed ready to partake in some sport-- Tennis. Was she planning to practice hitting the ball against the castle wall outside, or was she planning to meet someone?
”Miss Adlai. It’s good to see you.” His voice rang of surprise more than anything, but his expression quickly cooled into a warm smile. ”I hope you’re doing well.”
The last time they had met was not exactly ideal circumstances. Neither occasion was. In Astronomy class the year before he was always dead tired, in no mood to talk. A result of being made to stay up so far past the early bird’s bedtime. On the one occasion they were forced together, she was made to feel suspicious of him thanks to having just come off his lowest point.
Still, even though he had a bad reputation, she listened to him when he talked, and followed his advice. She was a smart person to not let others decide her own impression of someone, though still using informed caution. Even in her work during class, she seemed diligent and hard working. The truth was, Adlai was just the kind of person Flash liked to associate himself with, though he had no idea where he stood with her.
They simply didn’t see each other much. Now in the new year, it seemed they had no classes together, no major friends in common, and weren’t in the same house. What chance did they really have to get to know each other better? Well, what better time was there than the present, no less because of the loneliness he was feeling. Selfishly, he wanted to drag her away from her previous plans.
”I see you were in the middle of something.” Flash shifted his sitting position. They were the graceful movements of someone who had gone through great efforts to learn proper poise. ”Could I convince you to stay a while instead?”
@Adlai Rod
”Miss Adlai. It’s good to see you.” His voice rang of surprise more than anything, but his expression quickly cooled into a warm smile. ”I hope you’re doing well.”
The last time they had met was not exactly ideal circumstances. Neither occasion was. In Astronomy class the year before he was always dead tired, in no mood to talk. A result of being made to stay up so far past the early bird’s bedtime. On the one occasion they were forced together, she was made to feel suspicious of him thanks to having just come off his lowest point.
Still, even though he had a bad reputation, she listened to him when he talked, and followed his advice. She was a smart person to not let others decide her own impression of someone, though still using informed caution. Even in her work during class, she seemed diligent and hard working. The truth was, Adlai was just the kind of person Flash liked to associate himself with, though he had no idea where he stood with her.
They simply didn’t see each other much. Now in the new year, it seemed they had no classes together, no major friends in common, and weren’t in the same house. What chance did they really have to get to know each other better? Well, what better time was there than the present, no less because of the loneliness he was feeling. Selfishly, he wanted to drag her away from her previous plans.
”I see you were in the middle of something.” Flash shifted his sitting position. They were the graceful movements of someone who had gone through great efforts to learn proper poise. ”Could I convince you to stay a while instead?”
@Adlai Rod
For we dreamed a lot//And we schemed a lot//And we tried to sing of love before the stage fell apart
Sta: 9 ★Eva: 5 ★Str: 7 ★Wis: 15 ★AP: 3 ★Acc: 15
22 Sep 2020, 02:16
Modest Moment
“So it is you.” Adlai chimed as Flash turned his head to face her. She crossed her arms, her racket hanging loosely in her left hand.
She was glad to see a familiar face for once. So many new faces can make one uneasy. She had been feeling uneasy. Not only because of the unfamiliar faces around but because of the many questions that still whirled around her head form what had been revealed by her great aunt over the last few days of summer.
“Miss Adlai. It’s good to see you.” He said as a smile spread across his face. Adlai smiled back of course.
“I hope you’re doing well.”
“I’m doing as well as I can be, and there’s no need to call me Miss. I’m only thirteen after all.” She said with pride. For nine days she’s been an official teenager and then more she says it the more she likes the sound of it.
“I see your in the middle of something.” He said as he adjusted himself on the bench. He moves like a deer, graceful and elegant. Even somewhat dainty, but all the while he was charming. Adlai would have to admit that.
Though she didn’t notice it until now, since when she first met him he wasn’t in the best mood. She didn’t mind it though, and didn’t blame him either. Every one has their ups and downs. Even her, though she hated to admit it.
“Could I convince you to stay a while instead?”
“Well, lucky for you I don’t need much convincing.”
@F@Flash Holmwood revelio]
Last edited by Adlai Rod on 25 Sep 2020, 18:09, edited 1 time in total.
Adlai Winifred Rod
22 Sep 2020, 18:35
Modest Moment
"Alright. Adlai, then." Flash corrected himself.
Flash’s expression perked up even more when she agreed, the edges of his lips curling into a subtle, self-satisfied grin at the words she used. He couldn’t help but be pleased that she would drop whatever she was doing for him at a moment’s notice. Perhaps she was already unattached to her previous activity, but he wasn’t in the mood to think up alternatives to what he hoped was the truth. That he was worthwhile company.
Flash pat the spot beside him in a gesture to get her to sit down. It was a hard surface, but the spot was particularly nice for the shade it provided. There was ivy growing up the sides of the arches, still clinging on to life in the face of the soon approaching autumn.
”I really am lucky. I was just thinking about how I didn’t want to read alone.” Flash lifted the hand with the small book, his finger still just inside the cover holding his place. ”Tell me, do you have any interest in poetry?”
He wouldn't ask her about the specific author, of course, given his obscurity. Still, it was an entire art form. Even if she had no opinion at all, he was still interested to hear her thoughts.
@Adlai Rod
Flash’s expression perked up even more when she agreed, the edges of his lips curling into a subtle, self-satisfied grin at the words she used. He couldn’t help but be pleased that she would drop whatever she was doing for him at a moment’s notice. Perhaps she was already unattached to her previous activity, but he wasn’t in the mood to think up alternatives to what he hoped was the truth. That he was worthwhile company.
Flash pat the spot beside him in a gesture to get her to sit down. It was a hard surface, but the spot was particularly nice for the shade it provided. There was ivy growing up the sides of the arches, still clinging on to life in the face of the soon approaching autumn.
”I really am lucky. I was just thinking about how I didn’t want to read alone.” Flash lifted the hand with the small book, his finger still just inside the cover holding his place. ”Tell me, do you have any interest in poetry?”
He wouldn't ask her about the specific author, of course, given his obscurity. Still, it was an entire art form. Even if she had no opinion at all, he was still interested to hear her thoughts.
@Adlai Rod
Last edited by Flash Holmwood on 22 Sep 2020, 21:50, edited 1 time in total.
For we dreamed a lot//And we schemed a lot//And we tried to sing of love before the stage fell apart
Sta: 9 ★Eva: 5 ★Str: 7 ★Wis: 15 ★AP: 3 ★Acc: 15
22 Sep 2020, 20:13
Modest Moment
Adlai took a seat next to Flash, putting her tennis racket at the side of her feet, allowing the handle to prop up against the bench.
“Tell me, do you have any interest in poetry?”
Adlai pondered the question before answering.
“Depends on the type of poetry.” She said, fidgeting with the extra fabric of her hijab which rested on her shoulder.
Her mother used to recite some poetry to her when she was younger to help her fall asleep. It worked since the kind she recited was dreadfully boring. It was a found memory though.
If she remembered correctly it was a more of a political piece of poetry. She felt bad for her mother since she must have had to read it several times in order to remember it all. Then again her mother could have liked it, which only made Adlai feel even worse for her.
“I’m sure whatever you read though is much more interesting then what the school requires us to read.” She said, not sure if it sounded like a compliment or a complaint to Flash.
From what she gaged from him, Flash seemed to be a smart boy. He didn’t seem to have much trouble with his academics. On the other hand the only think Adlai was good at was Astronomy.
@Flash Holmwood
Adlai Winifred Rod
23 Sep 2020, 12:02
Modest Moment
Adlai joined him, seeming to be getting comfortable. Not a second after she sat down had Flash noticed the telltale pitter patter of light summer rain in the distance, so quiet as to almost be inaudible. Flash glanced outwards for a moment when Adlai answered his question, that petrichor he was hoping for filling the surrounding area.
"What a sensible answer." Flash looked back, another mirthful smile. "It's like music, right? You can't just say you like all music, there's always something that doesn't fit right. A matter of taste."
Flash liked sensible answers, though it didn't really tell him much about her. He found most of the times her answers were somewhat guarded, not quite revealing anything too personal. It reminded him of her outburst in the Chamber of Secrets, a rare insight into another side of her that wasn't so well put together. A part that was falling apart in silence, while outwardly everything looked proper. Much like himself.
"Well if you think poetry books are anything like textbooks, you must have had a horrible example. I can say this beats it for sure." Flash let a small chuckle escape, it was no comparison. Harpur's language was flowery and whimsical, almost childish in its gay depiction of reality. "Would you like me to read you a short passage? I wonder what you'd think of it."
@Adlai Rod
"What a sensible answer." Flash looked back, another mirthful smile. "It's like music, right? You can't just say you like all music, there's always something that doesn't fit right. A matter of taste."
Flash liked sensible answers, though it didn't really tell him much about her. He found most of the times her answers were somewhat guarded, not quite revealing anything too personal. It reminded him of her outburst in the Chamber of Secrets, a rare insight into another side of her that wasn't so well put together. A part that was falling apart in silence, while outwardly everything looked proper. Much like himself.
"Well if you think poetry books are anything like textbooks, you must have had a horrible example. I can say this beats it for sure." Flash let a small chuckle escape, it was no comparison. Harpur's language was flowery and whimsical, almost childish in its gay depiction of reality. "Would you like me to read you a short passage? I wonder what you'd think of it."
@Adlai Rod
For we dreamed a lot//And we schemed a lot//And we tried to sing of love before the stage fell apart
Sta: 9 ★Eva: 5 ★Str: 7 ★Wis: 15 ★AP: 3 ★Acc: 15
23 Sep 2020, 15:41
Modest Moment
“Would you like me to read you a short passage? I wonder what you’d think of it.”
“Please do, I’m very curious.” She said as she crossed her legs and looked at Flash with eagerness.
She hoped Flash had better taste in literature than her mother and the school. Most people shes met have. The stories they read being of hero’s going on a grandiose adventure or of people making life changing discoveries.
She herself though enjoyed reading stories of whimsical romances, though she knew in the back of her mind such things were not real. But she still hoped. She found her parents story of how they met and fell in love to be wonderful, no matter how sappy her father made it sound as a way to tease her mother.
She felt the same way about her grandparents, on both sides of the family, romantic stories. She doesn’t hear them as often though thus she only remembers bits and pieces. Which only makes hearing them again all the better.
Her younger sisters on the other hand hate it, or at least pretend too. Whenever the topic of love is brought up Dorothy and Johanna begin to cover their ears, with Dorothy occasional making gagging sounds for dramatic affect. They’ll learn to love, love at some point. At least Adlai hoped so.
@Flash Holmwood
Adlai Winifred Rod
24 Sep 2020, 16:35
Modest Moment
Flash smiled brightly at Adlai’s acceptance, the two now nestled in the nook of the courtyard together, with relative silence on all sides. Only the distant murmuring of students still in the Great Hall, muffled by the heavy wooden doors, as well as the running water from the nearby fountain. It would have been so lonely if no one had joined him. Instead, he got to feel the thrill of sharing something personal without having to feel embarrassed. If it was his own writing, he would have never been able to even muster the thought of sharing it, but he knew this was a talented author. He liked to think that hearing his words might broaden her appreciation of the art form.
It was still a selfish wish, despite his mind reminding him of all the other reasons he might have had for wanting to share. More than just having a pleasant afternoon, or showing off the scope of what poetry had to offer, he wanted Adlai to think of him fondly. Perhaps she would be impressed by his ability to seek out high quality rare poets, or laud him for providing a more delightful diversion than sport. He paged through the small book quietly, his heart thrumming with the excitement of getting to show off.
Of course, there was the chance that she would find it silly or pointless, but it was one he was willing to take. After all, she was certain to be caught up in his own excitement for the recitation. Finding the particular sonnet that he had found most evocative, he glanced up at her briefly to see that she was still rapt in attention before beginning. He spoke softly but clearly, with perfect diction. Reciting poetry was something his sister instructed him on to practice proper speech, so the words flowed easily.
@Adlai Rod
It was still a selfish wish, despite his mind reminding him of all the other reasons he might have had for wanting to share. More than just having a pleasant afternoon, or showing off the scope of what poetry had to offer, he wanted Adlai to think of him fondly. Perhaps she would be impressed by his ability to seek out high quality rare poets, or laud him for providing a more delightful diversion than sport. He paged through the small book quietly, his heart thrumming with the excitement of getting to show off.
Of course, there was the chance that she would find it silly or pointless, but it was one he was willing to take. After all, she was certain to be caught up in his own excitement for the recitation. Finding the particular sonnet that he had found most evocative, he glanced up at her briefly to see that she was still rapt in attention before beginning. He spoke softly but clearly, with perfect diction. Reciting poetry was something his sister instructed him on to practice proper speech, so the words flowed easily.
Flash looked up again to gauge her reaction, another sheepish grin on his face. Personally, he thought this sonnet was extremely engaging, but he couldn’t pretend to know Adlai well enough to know how she’d react. Hopefully, she might finally feel comfortable opening up again.Now sunny, as the noontide heavens, are
The eyes of my sweet friend, and now serene
And chastely shadowy in their maiden mien;
Or dream-power, sparkling like a brilliant star
Fills all their blue depths, taking me afar
To where, in the rich past, through song is seen
Some sovereign beauty, knighthood’s mystic queen,
Pluming with love the iron brows of war!
Bright eyes before, with subtle lightning glance
Have kindled all my being into one
Wild tumult; but a charm thus to enhance
My heart’s love-loyalty till now had none!
And can this witchery be the work of chance?
I know not—I but know my rest is gone.
@Adlai Rod
For we dreamed a lot//And we schemed a lot//And we tried to sing of love before the stage fell apart
Sta: 9 ★Eva: 5 ★Str: 7 ★Wis: 15 ★AP: 3 ★Acc: 15
25 Sep 2020, 18:22
Modest Moment
Adlai stared at the passage as Flash finished reading. Her almond shaped eyes can grow wide and tears blurred her vision. Tears...why did tears form in her eyes? She wasn’t sure. Perhaps she had read between the lines to much.
She knew that poetry was beautiful, and that it reached the hearts of many in its own philosophical ways that bend and break.
She sucked in a weak breathe that turned into a small sigh as she rubbed the tears from her eyes, which only made her face red. She then smiled and turned her attention up to flash before saying, “It was lovely.”
And as she looked at him, that same poem seemed to apply to his features. He looked so fragile to her, almost like a porcelain doll. Though she was sure if she told him that he’d get offended. Most boys don’t like it when others call them weak.
She had seen plenty examples of that in her neighborhood, when the kids would play in the street and then scramble for the side walk when a car would come busily speeding down the street. One boy had become so angry when a girl, not much younger than he had called him pretty.
The little girl wasn’t wrong though. The boy was pretty. Feminine words seemed to describe the boy better than any masculine word Adlai could think of. And it was very much so the same with Flash.
@Flash Holmwood
Adlai Winifred Rod