Quidditch Stands || Secret Blossom Ball Event

entering from Quidditch Pitch/Main Ball

As Adam pulled himself up the last few stairs into the stands overlooking the wide pitch, he found that he'd nearly gotten used to the pain in his chest. The boy had figured out a few good tips for willing it away.

Number one: absolutely don't look down, no matter what. His shirt was still covered in blood and the wound remained unbandaged and far from pretty. Adam imagined that he looked like a character from a Muggle zombie movie, aside from the fact that he was, you know, still alive.

Number two: breathe carefully. He doubted that the creature's stingers had pierced his lungs, even though they'd certainly cut deep. Adam wouldn't have been able to make it all the way up here if the damage was really serious. Still, if he inhaled or exhaled too sharply, his chest would burn in protest, and he'd be forced to stop moving until it was under control again. It slowed him down way too much to work through. He'd developed a rhythm as he climbed the stairs that he tried to maintain as he got into the stands: in...out...in...

Number three: don't do anything stupid. That probably should've been the most important rule, but unfortunately, it was also the least realistic. Adam had been stupid just to come up here in the first place instead of getting back to the hospital wing where they could help him out. As he took in the scene in front of him, Adam realized that he hadn't escaped from hell after all. No, he'd just stumbled onto its balcony.

A cloud of smoke covered much of the stands, interrupted here and there by patches of clear air and glowing wandlight. For a moment, Adam was afraid that the fires from below had spread all the way up here already, but he couldn't hear the telltale crackling of flames. It must have been a magical smokescreen, cast to escape the group of winged beasts that were buzzing angrily through the air. Adam glared at them and his grip tightened on his wand instinctively. There weren't quite as many up here as there had been on the pitch -- as far as he could see, at least -- but the fact that they were here at all was a problem. How many of the bugs had descended upon their ball? How long was it going to take to get rid of them all?

Adam took a moment to steady himself before plunging into the smokescreen, trying not to crash into anything or anyone as he searched blindly for his Ravenclaw friend. There was no guarantee that Cecily Quinn was up here, but it made sense; she'd have surely found the most isolated place at the party within an hour. Adam winced as he realized how snarky he sounded, not intending to bring the girl down whatsoever. She liked her peace and quiet, and he couldn't blame her for that. He'd been the one to drag her to the ball, and now that peace and quiet had turned into fire and blood (for him, at least). He'd have to apologize. A lot. Frequently.

It didn't take long for the blond boy to realize that stumbling around was a fruitless effort. He wasn't going to find Cecily this way -- the only thing he might find was the edge of the stands, and god only knew if he'd survive a fall to the grassy pitch at this point in the evening. He hesitated to call out for her at risk of drawing the attention of one of the creatures instead, hoping to avoid their stingers entirely. Unfortunately, it was the boy's only option if he wanted to make any progress through the smoke. Holding his wand out in front of him warily, Adam shouted over the sounds of chaos and hoped that the universe would be nice to him just once more tonight. "Cecily! Cecily! Are you up here?!" Adam had a hard time believing that his voice had made it two feet past his lips. "Cecily!"

Something was bothering him. The buzzing sounds of the creatures from below permeated the air, but they were accompanied by a heavier noise. It was like a different type of beating wing: the kind that a giant bird might make as it flew through the air, or worse yet, a dragon. Could there possibly be a dragon up here? It didn't seem logical to Adam, but nothing about the evening really did, and the possibility frightened him even more. He started to lose his grip on his breathing pattern and felt his chest ache again. There was clearly a different type of threat in the stands, and although Adam really didn't want to find out what else was flying around, he knew he had to.

Failing to keep the trepidation out of his voice, Adam continued his plunge forward, keeping up the search call the entire time. "Cecily! Come on, where are you! Cecily!"

(Free) ACTION: Call out for Cecily, stumble through stands

STA: 12 | EVA: 4 | STR: 6 | WIS: 6 | ARC: 9 | ACC: 8
Calming Presence ~ Spell Spread ~ Prodigal Charms Learner

Stepping out of the smokescreen, Aida looked across the newly-wrought battlefield that was the quidditch pitch. Closer to the action now, she stared hollowly as the struggle raged on. Mosps and humans at war. It was the first time Aida had ever seen a human-beast conflict on this scale. A dark shiver ran up her spine as Aida got the impression this was only the beginning of her involvement in a long war that had started before she was born and would continue long after she died. She doubted her little life could make much of a meaningful impact on stopping the conflict, though it would not stop her from trying. Not yet anyway. Still, a haunting voice from somewhere echoed in her mind: you can’t be neutral on a moving train. Could she really remain in a gray area between human and beast, advocating for whichever side was the most just at any given moment? What kind of peace could she hope to bring when each side had their own radically different perspectives, and between which there would probably never be any communication other than violence? Yet, Alexander had crossed over the line, going from adversary to ally to the mosp in a blink of an eye. If there was any reason for hope, Aida thought it was because someone had the power to turn things around like that.

A little crack emerged in Aida’s icy gaze as her face formed a whisper of a smile. She looked over at Alexander, suddenly feeling a bit tired. More than anything, though, the young white witch was grateful. With a gentle voice, Aida whispered, "hey, we made it out of the smoke. Could you help me levitate this guy by the coat so that I don’t hurt him anymore by dragging him across the ground?” Maybe pulling around a mosp balloon on their way out would bring Alexander some cheer, too, thought Aida.

Mentions: @Alexander Varellion
Action: If Alexander casts the levitation charm on Mosp #4 (specifically its coat), proceed towards the exit somewhat more happily with a mosp balloon in tow. It would be pulled along via the lasso that is securing the coat that is wrapped around its body.

If Alexander does not cast or fails a cast of levitation charm on Mosp #4, proceed towards exit dragging mosp #4 anyway.

In either case, Aida will try to leave in order to go to Prof. Griffith’s door (which I assume still existed at the time of this event) in order to save Mosp #4’s life.

Character Stats:
Stamina✵ 5, Evasion✵ 5, Strength✵ 4, Wisdom✵ 8, Arcane Power✵ 9, Accuracy✵ 4
Ability: Blindvision
Hit Points: 429/500
Click here for a conceptualization of Aida's would-be Mosp Balloon.

Thread left unless apprehended.

The metamorph would watch her friend walk away. Meenauh had turned to leave the group, so she could join others that were fighting. Meenauh was a beacon of hope in this dreary moment- she was a shove that would push the metamorph into realizing, that this was not over yet. Xailah feared for those in the pitch. Being unable to completely see the fate that befell the party-goers, was quite frankly terrifying, and the feeling of helplessness was horrible. Deep down, she knew that the students in the pitch were going to be okay, but that helplessness would continue to linger. Previously, she had observed that the fire was rather small- and she knew how quickly flames could spread. But she also knew how quick people could be to extinguish a fire. In the past, she had observed that people were more willing to put out fires, rather than help their own. It was a sad and strange observation.

Xailah flinched away from Pericles touch, but eventually permitted him to touch her. Casual, physical contact wasn't something she was used to. So it was only natural for her to act upon instinct. She didn't want to be consoled, she didn't need to be consoled. She cared not for faux sympathy- what she thought was faux sympathy. She shook her head. She knew it wasn't going to be okay, and she was well aware that this situation couldn't be fixed. The damage had been done. This- whatever this was; was beyond repair. The only thing that they could do, was try their best at sweeping up the pieces.

"Okay- okay." She reluctantly agreed to take the broom. She didn't want the broom. But she wasn't going to argue with the boy again. Fighting with him had proven to be futile. She would sit there on the broom. Alone. The pale glow of the surrounding wand-light; resurrected the unnatural, iridescent sheen in her feline eyes. They were wandering- her eyes. She was watching everything fall apart around her. She listened- she wasn't sure who she was listening to, and she quite frankly did not care. It was more like she was hearing, without taking the time to fully register anything. "Physically? Anyone with an eye, and half a brain can see that I am ssstill breathing. Other than that? No. I am pretty far from okay." Her tone was distant. Mechanical. Hushed- and nearly inaudible. It didn't sound like her, because it wasn't her. Not really. Her mind didn't want to think of words or sentences- it was too busy registering its surroundings; so it pieced together phrases that it had heard over the years, until it formed a reasonable response.

Xailah would witness something strange emerge from the smoke in the stands. An angel donning the color of newly fallen snow- a child in white, leading something that was tightly bundled in a coat. A mosp. That child was trying to save one of the creatures. The metamorphs eyes, would drift away from the child that emerged from the smoke, just in time to witness Pericles run to follow Meenauh. Xailah would go to join them- she had to join them, but not just yet. While Meenauh and Xailah did not arrive together, they would be leaving together; the metamorph would make sure of that. The lioness would call out to her two friends. "Make quick work of them. They don't deserve to sssuffer. We don't understand them, and they don't understand us. We're no better than they are." The insects... they just wanted to live. She understood that now. The inability to communicate, had scared both insects and humans. And now both parties were suffering the consequences.

Her feline gaze would fall on the girl with the mosp, once again. She would watch her try to leave. If Aida and Alex are successful in exiting the stands: Xailah would depart from the company of the three witches that she had been left with, and turn her attention to a mosp (24) that was antagonizing two other girls. She would take the time to wrestle her wand out of her harness, before flying at the thing, and casting Immobulus. If Aida is unsuccessful: Xailah would fly over to the albino girl, and her friend, and dismount the broom. "You are trying to sssave it. Odd." She murmured, blantantly stating the obvious. She was trying to understand the act. Everyone else was trying to kill the creatures. Everyone except for the albino. "You two might need this more than I do." The lioness would push her broom towards the two. Xailah was giving them the chance to not only save themselves, but increase the chances of saving at least one of the insects as well- that was if they needed, or wanted that chance. "I hope it can continue living. If not... well, give it a new life." She nodded to the girl, and the boy; hoping that at least one of them knew what she was getting at. "If you are faced with the latter, you can freeze it. The lake is cold. It ssshould go to sleep. It won't feel a thing." Her lips pursed together into a thin line. "You're still sssaving it, if that its the option you are left with. It is a much kinder fate, than what its brothers, and sssisters will receive." That said, the lioness would turn on her heel, and find her way back to Meenauh and Pericles.

Xailah will cast Immobulus at mosp 24, but only if Aida's attempts to exit are successful.

If Aida is unsucessful, Xailah will give her broom to Aida.

-

interacting | @Dmitri Jones, @Cecily Quinn, @Adam Harringtom

mentioning | N/A

As the knives flew through the air, barely visible glints of patterned steel shining through the darkness, Cel squinted to see them sink into their mark. She winced at the violence a little, her heart momentarily going out to the insect, but, well, thoughts of sympathy quickly went away when you remembered that the thing was trying to actively murder you too. Such was the way of war.

So the blades sinking into the insect's exoskeleton was a victory to her. She smiled a little: only Cecily would manage to land a target like that shrouded in pitch black darkness and on such short notice, too. A shame that it hadn't managed to take out a wing, as the mosp was still uninjured enough to buzz around angrily—she almost wished it had died on the spot to shorten its misery—but quickly withdrew her concern as it made a beeline (eheheheh) for the Slytherin boy, this time much more conscious than the first time, and raked its stinger across its face.

Cel grimaced. This time her sympathies reached out much more quickly, but comfort would be less effective than, you know, an actual solution. She was a Ravenclaw, after all. "Man, you are one unlucky devil," she muttered as she pushed herself up to climb on the seat directly behind them. Seizing his arm with her free hand, she tugged him close enough to reach easily, then stood up in the seat and raised her wand above his head.

"Reparifors," she intoned carefully, focusing on the wound to his face—and the one from earlier, though she didn't know if she had enough energy in her to heal both completely. The faint shower of purple light reminded her of the darkness that they still lingered in, though, and she squinted ahead to the flickering of feathers, then to the still angrily buzzing mosp that had just retreated from its attack on Dmitri's face, then to Cecily with her last two knives.

"Hey," she said as she used his shoulder as leverage to hop off the seat, whether it was welcome or not, "we need light. How averse are your owls to Bluebell Flames?" And then she nodded at Cecily and the two knives still in her possession, making sure she heard.

But then she heard another voice, calling her friend's name. She whirled—and, well, the night didn't do wonders for long-distance vision, but it wasn't that long after all, and she was certain she remembered Cec saying something about going to find another friend. "Adam?" she called questioningly, blinking confusedly. Who'd come up here if they had the opportunity to get out? Then again, up here was probably better than the main dance floor, so that was understandable, especially if he didn't want to leave his friend to the giant insects. "We're over here! Are you okay?"

STAMINA 5
EVASION 8
STRENGTH 2
WISDOM 11
ARCPOWER 10

ACCURACY 9
ABILITIES Prodigial DADA and Perfectionist I

ACTION attempt to cast Reparifors on Dmitri.

-

A true warrior should have not only tactics on the tip of their wand, but also pockets full of strategies. One of the main rules is probably to not act in the hot-headed manner. What Meenauh betrayed was her own constant desire for safety. She had been maintaining that approach for quite a while and that probably was why she had been saved from all the previous horrors happening in the school.

Running around in darkness and hurting a creature in darkness was not a clever idea. Something Meenauh couldn't allow herself. There were plenty of other people around her to have not clever ideas, but she agreed with herself that she shouldn't have. But as they say, instant karma is the best. An angry buzz and a huge body of the beast turned in her direction and gained speed. The next moment her sheer reflexes did a wonderful job of not being hit. But that was just the ultimate luck. The next moment after that she remembered that she was already running as fast as she could — away from her chaser. She was throwing quick glances to check the distance between her and the creature, but suddenly out of nowhere, she heard Peri's voice shouting the Knockback Jinx incantation. She fell down on the ground as if diving low to avoid getting into the way of the spell. Praying for the spell to hit its intended target. If that spell would miss, she'd probably get stung. Not quite a pleasant experience if one would try to imagine. Especially when the provide of the service was a giant vampire mosp.

Lying on the ground was not a clever move either, because the mosp was moving and Meenauh wasn't. Quick maths (of whatever the brain could perform under the loads of stress) gave obvious results that the chance of being stung was much higher if the target of the mosp would be still. She rolled to the side, she had seconds, she faced the mosp, who was already almost directly on top of her. She prepared to roll away to either side based on wherever the mosp intended to land its attack.

Action: Dodge.

Interacting with @Ruby Cazares

The laugh that slipped past Margo’s lips edged on hysteria, just loud enough for Ruby to hear before it was swept into the night. Her hands gripped the girl’s coat so tightly that her fingers felt numb. Perhaps once they escaped the horror of the ball, she’d offer to iron out the creases. But that seemed far away in the realm of distant possibilities. For the moment she was more helpless than a newborn chick, and more scared than one too. The weight of her boots dangling in the air served as a constant reminder of the broomstick’s distance from the ground. It seemed to move as they flew, dark shapes rearranging in front of her eyes as she stared downwards. She knew it was her imagination playing tricks on her, of course, but it didn’t make the shadows of giant stingers go away. Her fear was an emotion that could not be reasoned with. Worse, even, than her guilt.

She was dead weight to Ruby on their broomstick. Ruby was in control. She always was and always had been. Margo used to despise her for it. But now it inspired her to take action, to help in some way or another.

”Lumos.” She said firmly, daring to remove her grip on Ruby to ignite her wand.

”So what’re we chasing next, wise chaser?” She successfully managed to keep the tremor out of her voice. ”I don’t think Quidditch is written in my future, but I do respect you for being so calm high above the ground.” Margo shuddered, averting her gaze skyward. The stars provided a nice anchor, an alternative to the ground beneath her feet. It was a landscape void of giant wasp-moths, a twinkling distraction from the chaos down below. Margo wrapped her arms around Ruby’s waist with a tremulous smile. They may not have shared a love of the sky, but they did share trust. And that was what friends were for.

Action: attempting lumos

Sorry for the terrible late night post

~ * ~

Interacting with: @Margo White
Mentioning: @Xailah Alptraum, @Pericles Dralt, @Breana Oliveire, @Meenauh Silmataurea, and @Saskia Nicholson

Ruby watched in dismay as she made out Xailah breaking down—at least that's what she assumed it was. Wasn't Xailah the strong one? Well, they were all strong in various ways, but Ruby had been mostly unconsciously looking to her for guidance. The older Gryffindor had seemed to experience things like this before, so Ruby figured she would be prepared and had turned to her. If Xailah wasn't able to deal with this… what now? Ruby was perfectly capable of handling herself and thinking independently, but it threw her off to see the third year like this. She wanted to do something to comfort her, but felt useless. Breana was likely embarrassed and uncomfortable—another person to comfort. Pericles seemed annoyed and hurt, and Margo was quieter than normal and afraid of flying.

Meenauh… Meenauh had handled the Mosp and come out of nowhere to protect her friend, Xailah, and then moved on to help others. She was being useful, unlike Ruby, who was just sitting up here on the broom. She mentally snarled at herself. Useless again. Another chaotic event where she could have helped others, but acted too late or delayed it in favour of speaking or thinking. Stop thinking and do something already. But most of the same people in her little group who had been helping were also struggling, weren't they? Emotions aren't worth it, after all. These people were hurt over friendships, over jealousy, over protecting people against the danger… Ruby didn't belong here anyway. She had no right to be involved in the messes and strengths of other people's friendships. She didn't deserve the company of these specific students, either.

It was Margo that distracted her from these thoughts, even if only for a moment. The Slytherin asked for the next move and Ruby scanned the area below them. She spotted a close friend of hers, Saskia, in danger. There. “Hey, you're not doing a bad job up here, either,” she pointed out, carefully reaching for one of Margo's hands and giving it a light squeeze. Putting her hand back on the shaft of the broom, she added, “Alright, over there is one of my friends, Saskia. We're going to try to help her. Keep that wand lit.” While friendship could be troublesome, it did feel nice to be alongside people. To be trusted and have the feeling of being supported. She flew down, keeping the movements smooth and controlled.

Sorry for what I'm about to attempt, little creature. She was sorry, she didn't like having to hurt a living creature like this, but it was hostile and attacking her friend, and from her point of view, that left her no choice. She couldn't think of a peaceful spell with which to remove the Mosp from the area, so she just hoped that she could make it quick. Taking a deep breath, she aimed at the Mosp, making the slashing motion while enunciating clearly. “Diffindo.” Please let Saskia be safe.

Action: Attempting to attack Mosp 24 with Diffindo
Free actions: Talking, flying the broom

~ * ~

Credit to the lovely Lark Flaer for the graphic.

Interacting with @Cecily Quinn @Celynne Gray

Dmitri watched dejectedly as the two daggers he levitated completely missed its target. He attributed it to the sudden darkness that surrounded them, but also knew it was his fault for being crap at aiming. Growling in frustration, he let the floating weapons go, not caring enough where they fell. It was frustrating! Nothing was going his way tonight!

Yes, he did cast a commendable twin burst of Bluebell Flames, and yes, he didtransfigure impressive owls that were now gigantic and equally majestic, yet they were useful at jack except being virtual meat shields! Now in his head berating himself for being the disappointment that he was, Dmitri failed to notice their target aiming its stingers at him.

It was only until he felt the sharp edge slice across his face did he acknowledge it.

And acknowledge it, he did.

With a guttural yell.

"WHAT THE SHIT?!" He raised a hand to his face and felt a viscous liquid (blood and venom) wetting his perfect, porcelain skin. "FRICKING FRICKBUG!" Already, the boy could feel the effects of the toxic secretions running through his veins.

His vision was darkening and there was a particular exhaustion creeping into his bones. Not able to help bending down with his hands on his knees, Dmitri panted, slowly starting to panic at what he was experiencing.

It was apparently a night of various sensations.

A while ago, the euphoric feeling of being a winged beast, and the next, a shaking, pained, pathetic excuse of a spellcaster named Dmitri Jones.

Quivering in both self-disdain, and agonizing pain, the Slytherin boy clenched his hand into fists.

Assuming Celynne's Reparifors succeeds:
He couldn't hit anything! It was Cecily that was doing all the heavy-lifting tonight. Aside from being mighty strong, she was actually quite the accurate attacker. None of his attempts at offense ever made impact, and Dmitri knew this. Amid his pain and confusion, Dmitri did acknowledge this weakness--and it might be his greatest strength.

He couldn't always be the star of the show, however much he so wanted it to be.

He was better off being smart on the sidelines.

Straightening up, albeit shakily, Dmitri closed his eyes, feeling for the owls' distant presence in his mind. I need your help. Aid me. He hoped his broadcasted plea was heard as he did not have the energy to control them at the present moment.

With a flick of his wand, Dmitri muttered Caeruleus Inflamarae, aiming to cast a large orb of stark blue light to summon it towards one of the owls' waiting claws--a portable lightbearer.

STATS AND ABILITIES

Reducio

ACTIONS
Attempt to cast Bluebell Flames, summoning them into one of the owl's claws [Spell Spread Inactive]

Moderation Post

@Meenauh Silmataurea had already injured an insect and avoided its retaliation. Hearing another join the fray behind her, she dropped down, taking immediate evasive manuevers. The Gryffindor would not be struck by stinger nor spell. Instead, @Pericles Dralt's Flipendo sailed overhead, battering the mosp with a thump that slapped its carapace loudly. The creature, having rounded about and headed back for its assailant, didn't even see the strike coming. Their combined efforts led to its demise. The thing was already bleeding from Meenauh's successful hit. A rather nasty spectacle would unfold: it struck the seats with such force, the wound split, causing bug innards to slosh out into the stands. The purple beastie lie still.

Mosp 2
• Mosp took 170 damage from Pericles' Flipendo and was vanquished.

Though the turmoil down in the pitch could churn any student's stomach, @Aida Mòrsgor-Ama Ellwood gathered her psychological strength and courage. She called out for @Alexander Varellion's aid, though help would arrive from an unexpected source. @Xailah Alptraum swept down into the stands, dismounting the school broom on which she rode. Having combated her traumas, the young Gryffindor girl forcibly fought herself into a state of instinct-based action. That instinct drove her to offer up her broom, ensuring Aida and Alexander had a speedy means of escape.

Mosp 4
• Mosp lost 260 HP total, alive but in a very bad way, remains bound.
• Xailah has transferred her broom to Aida and Alexander. Unless further spells are cast, a following attempt at escape would be considered an automatic success.

@Adam Harringtom, despite a worrisome wound and bloodied garb, was desperately trying to reunite with @Cecily Quinn. He called her name into the night, roaming the stands. The Ravenclaw lad may spy her in an interesting predicament: allied with @Celynne Gray and @Dmitri Jones, the witch had just thrown a dagger into a mosp. The creature was oozing a foul yellow substance from three knife-wounds, bleeding copiously into the stands. Its very last spark of spite had been spent when attacking the Slytherin boy. It wavered towards the group, bobbling along with a sputtering buzz, but ultimately fell down between the seats. Its terror was over. Though the venom was burning its way through Dmitri's face, Celynne's Reparifors provided rapid relief. The sting subsided, the cheek scratch sealed, relieving him of the injury without scar. Mind cleared, he was capable of casting Bluebell Flames. A searing jet of cobalt burst from his wand before folding in upon itself, then the ball drifted down. His two transfigured owls had continued to circle on auto-pilot; given his concentration upon the spell, along with the lack of strength to command his birds, they did not heed the complex plea to bear his Cold Fire.

Mosp 20
• Mosp took 75 bleeding damage and was vanquished.
• Dmitri healed 100 HP (547/600)

The battle which @Annie Morgan and @Saskia Nicholson waged would soon be joined by an unanticipated set of allies: @Ruby Cazares and @Margo White. Margo's nerves may have gotten the better of her: an attempted Lumos flickered along with her wavering confidence. Though the girl had her doubts, it was a keen idea: light was invaluable on a night like this. Ruby's Diffindo cast and struck true despite the darkness. The mosp, which had been bolstering itself for another attempted attack, was instead sliced by a spell. Magic severed spine, cutting through wings and carapace. Its bulbous body fell as flight appendages twirled in the air, detached and drifting. The mosp twitched twice before falling utterly still.

Mosp 24
• Mosp took 160 Diffindo damage and was vanquished.

First Mosp Dead (Took 411 damage)

Second Mosp Dead (Took 350 damage)

Third Mosp Dead (Smashed goblet)

Fourth Mosp Being dragged (Extinguished, bound)

Twentieth Mosp Dead (Took 310 damage)

Twenty-Fourth Mosp Dead (Took 320 damage)

(Mod 1: lights out) - (Mod 2: mosp faq) - (Mod 3: first strike)
(Mod 4: general chaos) (Mod 5: killing blows) (Mod 6: final countdown)

If your character is interacting with a mosp, leaving the Stands is written as an attempt.
Mosps are numbered by their arrival at the ball as a whole (counting all scenes)
Thanks to all who made a stand in the stands, it's been a pleasure modding for you
The next mod post will take place on 6/21

INTERACTS WITH: @Elena Jangleton

Lamik wasn't going to lie- the idea of outrunning a bunch of giant flying knife creature wasn't one that he was very eager to try out. The boy wasn't very athletic, and while he wasn't sure how fast Elena could run, he knew that he would be slowing her down. If the two did eventually decide to run and he realized that she was quicker then him the Gryffindor would immediately let go of her hand. Until that happened though it was better to hold on. The worst possible situation at the moment was for them to get split up. Alone, the two would probably have a far worse chance of getting out unscathed.

Luckily, it seemed that they wouldn't have to run after all. In a rather impressive series of events, every single buzzing flying knife was taken out in some way or another. Lamik quickly realized that Elena may not be able to see what was going on as clearly as he was, and so he decided to describe the scene just in case. "Um... well... I think we'll be ok now. They're all... dead. I think." It wasn't exactly an elegant explanation, but it got the job done.