The Enchanted Maze Spring Ball '23

Roleplaying as Ginyami Midorimori from Mahoutokoro
"English | Japanese"

One by one, new and colorful people began to join their group. And, one by one, Ginyami took in their individual personas, their costumes, their mannerisms, and their way of treating one another as well as their familiarity with each other. There was so much information to process that he stood frozen for a time, simply smiling and watching as he absorbed what he could about the newcomers.

First, Valentin introduced the young lady who accompanied him as 'Maila Laine of Durmstrang' who Ginyami noted was 'a skilled and passionate violinist'. He wondered if she and Valentin had met through their love of music and instrument-playing. As for his introduction, the Japanese teen found himself flattered by Valentin's description of him and couldn't help the broadening of his smile at the mention of his swimming as if it were a regular hobby of his. He supposed with how often he had had to do it lately around Valentin, it may as well have been. With a smile and a bow to Maila, Ginyami made her acquaintance. "Good evening to you, my lady. Please, the pleasure is all mine," he answered her greeting, her light Finnish accent contrasting with his soft Japanese one.

Next to enter the scene was dressed as more royalty if the tilted crown was anything to go off of. 'Slava', as he seemed to be called for short (and in all honestly, Ginyami wasn't sure that he could have pronounced his full name properly) was an evidently loud, flamboyant, and enthusiastic young man who greeted Valentin with unbridled joy and a small explosion of red glitter that covered anyone nearby, including Ginyami. According to what Valentin explained, Salva was another member of the Durmstrang Quidditch Team, though Ginyami did not know what position he played. Perhaps he could ask it of him at a later time.

Then there was Romeo who Ginyami liked to think he knew fairly well by this time; at least compared to the others. He was dressed like a Roman warrior and gave the Mahoutokoro boy a small nod of polite greeting. Ginyami couldn't help his smile broadening a bit when he returned the gesture, wondering what was going through that brawny brunet's head. He had his hands full with a shield and a lantern which provided them all with a bit of extra light. Valentin even commented on how Romeo 'shone with the very light of Apollo'. Then Romeo greeted Maila, who he must not have met before. Despite being from the same school as most if not all of the other students joining them, Maila seemed to be as new to the group as Ginyami was. Apparently, she hailed from Finland.

It was then that Valentin looked from Maila to Ginyami who turned his head to meet his gaze. He asked a question regarding cranes and their meaning in Ginyami's culture to which the noiret beamed. "They also suggest longevity in Japanese culture, as well as peace and fidelity. Their wings are also believed to provide protection," he explained. "But most of all, they are known as 'the bird of happiness.'" Speaking of happiness, he wondered what Valentin was feeling just then, surrounded by so many people who obviously admired and cared about him. Ginyami nodded when the albino teen commented on the variety of warriors, chuckling softly at the mention of responses to his challenge. But then yet a new being came into their midst; a beautiful red-headed young woman dressed in black with a pair of...were those Quidditch beater bats crossed on her back?

It was all Ginyami could do to blink and stare when the girl came over to Valentin, put her arm around his neck, and kissed him full on the mouth before calling him 'babe' and apologizing for keeping him waiting. The recipient of her affections appeared even more shocked than Ginyami felt. Who was this girl to just so casually walk up to Valentin and give him a kiss on the lips just like that while calling him 'babe'?

The seeker's eyes were wide as planets as they appeared to look to...Romeo? for potential explanation. The helpless confusion and plain panic on his face almost made Ginyami want to laugh. The poor youth! So when Valentin looked to him with pleading, furrowed eyebrows, he would find dark pools of mirth staring back at him and a hand lifted to the Japanese daimyō's mouth in order to hide his barely-suppressed amusement. He liked to think he knew Valentin well enough by now, at least, not to read too much into that kiss. It was obvious, after all, that it hadn't been his idea.

Ginyami couldn't help but wonder, however, at the lovely girl's intentions and the arm that found its way around Valentin's waist. Looking up from that waist to its owner's countenance, though, he started to worry for the white Turkish prince, whose expression became strange and strained. When Valentin slipped an arm around the newest addition to their group and introduced her to the others, Ginyami started to wonder if he was worrying for nothing. He would have to keep an eye on Valentin and see.

In the meantime, he made a mental note of the girl's name and catalogued what else he could learn of her as he reciprocated her offered high-five. Amina Petrovic, another Durmstrang student, a Quidditch Chaser, and a member of Valentin's Hexwizard team. And a...dear friend of Valentin's. Just how dear, though? And what was Valentin staring at? Why did his voice seem to fade?

By Romeo's words, he seemed to know Amina but also questioned her behavior and choice of address for Valentin. Slava, too, was behaving awkwardly as he shifted from foot to foot. So it wasn't just Ginyami who was puzzled by it, then; this wasn't a normal thing Amina did. Well, it certainly must not have been if Valentin's response was any indiciation. Romeo seemed to notice something wrong as well, because after speaking to Amina, he was quick to lend his lantern to Valentin's side, making a small joke as he did so.

As much as Ginyami wanted to inquire as to what was the matter, he thought that just then, perhaps it was best to leave Romeo and Valentin to themselves for a minute. Maybe Romeo would get to the bottom of things faster than he could. Or, if not, Valentin could at least take the time to recover from whatever ailed him without being over-crowded by those asking after his health. It wasn't as though there was a shortage of other interesting people to talk to converse with anyway.

The Japanese student was intrigued to note that Slava seemed to find it perhaps even harder to keep still than the speed-loving Valentin. His fingers played with his many rings and even when he stayed in one place, he was rocking on his heels. He seemed relieved and very excited once they were finally heading into the maze together. When Romeo fell in step beside Valentin, though, Slava fell into step beside Amina, commenting on her entrance and asking about 'what was up' with it; if he got a kiss too. Ginyami couldn't help listening in, curious. He had been about to ask Slava what position he played on the Quidditch team, but the conversation he had started eavesdropping on accidentally seemed more compelling. He, too, would have liked to know Amina's motivations for what she had done after all.

After a bit of playful acting, Amina revealed that she 'just wanted to prank Val a bit' and that she found kissing to be fun. Ginyami had to agree with her, there...but just kissing people casually as she had? He was shameless about a lot of things and flippant, too, but not about kissing. He wasn't sure he could have done what she had, even as a prank. No, especially as a prank. He couldn't help thinking it was both inconsiderate and impressive that she could do such a thing so thoughtlessly. His eyes darted to Valentin out the corner of his vision. Had he heard?

By the look on his face, he had. But instead of talking to Amina about it, he shook his head and continued on, chewing his lip as his white brows continued to furrow. "...Valya?" Ginyami whispered, but then thought better of it. Valentin had already been addressing Romeo anyway, talking to him about wall tricks and enchanted mazes. So Ginyami fell back a few steps. At least until a cry called out in the night with the words, 'DON'T HURT ME!'

Valentin turned around and Ginyami found his silver-amethyst eyes searching. Wondering if he was checking to make sure his entourage was fully assembled, the samurai stepped forward once more, making sure Valentin knew he was close by. "Yes...I do not think it is anyone in our party," he replied to the question about if they heard the voice. Nevertheless, Ginyami knew they were certain to investigate. That was just how Valentin was - and Romeo, if Ginyami was getting to know him well.

I don't suppose we could just chalk it up to being part of the night's festivities? he thought wryly as he walked up to Valentin's other side opposite Romeo and next to Maila. He heard Romeo command Valentin not to leave his side and a smirk upturned a corner of his mouth. He supposed he couldn't blame Romeo for being so protective, though; not after what they had discovered happened to Valentin the previous December.

"And why might it think he would be a favorable target over you?" Ginyami asked in a teasing manner, taking out his wand and holding it in the air above them. "Are you saying he looks weak? Lumos."

Glancing to the side, the Japanese boy checked to make sure both Maila and Valentin were next to him. Then he glanced behind to note the placement of Slava and Amina. They could pretty much take anything on with the six of them there...right?

Action: Using Lumos
Free Action(s): Listening and watching people in the group as they enter the maze
Interacting with: Valentin Schnell (@Aida Mòrsgor-Ama Ellwood), Maila Aurora Laine (@Beatrice Dupont), Vyacheslav Aleksandrovich Preobrazhensky (@Ruby Cazares), Romeo Giovanni Marchonné (@Piérre Marchonné), and Amina Petrovic (@Ileen Knight)

Open to Interactions

Post Tracker: [1], [2]

Reducio mentions and pings: @Bailey Glade fearless

Reducio Reducio ooc notes: stats: Stamina: 5 | Evasion: 6 | Strength: 6 | Wisdom: 7 | ArcPower: 5 | Accuracy: 6 Actions: Chatting, entering the maze.

21/4/23 • english • japanese • wc: 225

· ─────── · · ─────── ·

Botan was actually conversing with the girl. He was such a lucky guy. She was beautiful and needed a date into the ball. Botan was determined to become her ticket in. She started back with being polite, so he did the same. “Yes. It is a pleasure to meet you as well.” Botan replied, with his serious expression on. He began softening up my usually very hard expression a little bit. Botan wanted to just go into the maze already, but he had to take it slow. If he rushed Bailey she wouldn’t want to go.

Bailey responded to my question the way he wanted. Just then, She invited him. More of the Botan fireworks went of inside of him. He was overjoyed. “Yes!” He exclaimed. “I mean yes. I would love to accompany you into the maze.” I told her. Then, I stretched out my arm like I had seen my father do many times for my mother. It could be interpreted in two different ways. It could be for holding hands, but Botan did not expect it. He expected her to link arms and walk through the maze.

After that, Botan turned to Bailey. “Shall we enter the maze now?” He asked. “Oh, do you think it is an actual maze that we have to complete?” he asked her, in his solemn tone.

Botan has entered the maze.

Interacting with @Sabine Blumenthal | Mentioning @Mateo Sáez
ACTION: Leading Sabine to exit from maze and enter the banquet
Statistics
Stamina: 9 | Evasion: 20 | Strength: 6 | Wisdom: 7 | Arcane Power: 3 | Accuracy: 25

☆ 21st April 2023

☆ RPing as iNPC Estelle Hughes

☆ Outfit

As soon as Andy's hand came in contact with her back, she froze ever so slightly.

Estelle had a strict no touching rule, unless the occasional hand shakes and hugs from her mom. But other than that, no one was allowed to do as much as grab her wrist or pat her in encouragement. Estelle knew Andy didn't know this, but she couldn't help feeling slightly annoyed with him. The redhead took in a breath and smiled a little and the two trudged forward. Estelle wasn't going to get mad over a small pat on the back. She wasn't.

"So, Andy, don't have a date tonight?" Estelle asked the Thunderbird. She raised a hand instinctively to her neck and fiddled with her step-sisters necklace. She frowned ever so slightly, but masked the frown with a smile as she released the charm.

"I don't, I don't mind though. I think I would've just skipped the ball but my mom really wanted me to come. She sent me dozens of owls and I just never had the heart to answer them-" Estelle slapped a hand over her mouth. She didn't mean to talk so much. Too much information.
Rule one, she reminded herself in her head, shut up and he won't ask you questions.

So that's what Estelle did. She didn't speak a word after that simple slip. If Andy were to say anything, she'd simply clam up and he'd get the idea.

"Uhm," she said after a pause, "Lets go this way. It feels right."
"Lets go, shall we? Don't wanna get lost early."

○Sta 6○ ●Eva 7● ○Str 5○ ●Wis 8● ○Arc 4○ ●Acc 5● ~ ○Terrible Presence○		Action: talking with Andy and attempting to get through the maze

~Tags~
@Rita Su as iNPC Andy Menton

A a vision in gold stood before the entrance of the maze. It wasn't particularly on-theme, but the gown that June had gotten with her mother earlier in the month was now too precocious to June to not wear it. Besides, a gown was a gown, and surely she wouldn't be escorted out for not showing up in armor.

June was alone, but she was alright with that. While she surely was grateful for the friends she had made, and that she no longer felt such a presence of isolation in her life, moments of solitude were still precious to June. She was her own date to the ball, and she was perfectly happy with that.

As she wandered the maze, it felt nice to not be in a particular hurry. A group of sixth year girls ran past June, frantically attempting to find the exit. Couldn't they see there was plenty to enjoy right here? June paced, humming quietly to herself (although it should be noted that June is quite tone-deaf), feeling more at ease than she had in months.

And what were these? Large shrubs lined the side of the path June had just turned down. A sickly sweet aroma wafted towards her nose, something so overtly pleasant that it was almost nauseating. But the combination of scent and sight as June regarded the pink flowery pods urged her to draw closer.

Perhaps June should pay more attention in herbology.

Action: Entering and wandering the maze, taking a closer look at those peculiar bushes...

Open to interaction, but dm or owl me first please!

Andy was not very sure how the red-haired Wampus girl felt about that little pat on the back. Luckily, the other red-haired Wampus girl named Es did not seem to mind too much about that, as the redhead smiled a little and asked if he had a date tonight, then talked about how her mum used a lot of unanswered owls to kind of focus her to go to the party, before putting a hand on her mouth to stop herself from talking too much. "Maybe it was me who talked way too much at first and Es just wanted to go through the maze without too much chatting? Anyway, I think that makes much sense to me, we should find a way to go through the maze first. and those chats just distract us from doing that. Anyway, I need to find my cousin Daphne there and give the photo to her after all." The brown-haired Second Year Thunderbird broom racer thought before opening his mouth to reply to the redhead girl before him.

"Well, pretty sure you are the only one that can be considered as a ball date or ball partner, and I felt sorry for your mum sending those owls telling you to go to the ball." Andy finally opened his mouth to speak while constantly reminding himself not to speak too much to the redhead girl, "Anyway, enough talking, let`s go now. I have something to do at the ball, so I wanna get there as soon as possible." Andy then went to the direction then Es pointed to him, hoping to find a way out of the maze as soon as possible and not getting lose in this confusing enchanted maze, hopefully with her supposedly ball partner Es.
Interacting with: @Kayla Realma as Estelle
Slightly Mentioning: @Daphne Sapphirus

Action: Talking to Es and Trying to find a way out of the maze
Open to other interactions

Outfit:

Reducio

For as much of a crisis Amina’s kiss had cracked open within Valentin, surrounding himself with so many of his dearest was one of the ways to make the captain feel at his strongest – even if one of them was in fact his “attacker.” The humorous reactions of Romeo and Ginyami in particular formed a protective buffer, although “pureblood” Val hadn’t the foggiest about why he reminded Romeo of a… tribble? The athlete decided to ask his magizoologist friend, Aida, about it later, as the mystery was sure to keep him up at night until he understood. For now, though, warmth began filling Valentin up from the adorable struggle and sass.

So, too, came relief in the form of Romeo’s rejection of Amina’s suggestion that he was crushing on her. Perhaps Val’s perception of reality wasn’t borked after all. The beater’s self-deprecating sarcasm was also all too familiar, but Valentin could only shake his head with a smile. That the damn bachelor was so irresistible was actually a problem, as the seeker went to great lengths to shackle away his feelings on the matter since last October. Resolute that Romeo’s well-being, and that of the team, had to come first even if it meant pent-up truths, the frost captain wasn’t one to speak about his own problems without being asked about them. Never mind that it was easier to reserve the conversational space for prioritizing the needs of others. Didn’t his team need unbreakable resolve from their Frost Captain and champion? Surely people would continue trusting their ability to rely on him this way, maximizing the use of his strength for the good of all.

Why is it that simply walking next to Romeo always seems to help me think? wondered Valentin. Spinning his golden ring around and around on his right central finger as they walked, the captain considered if he should be concerned for their keeper next. Love could destroy just as surely as it could empower, Valya knew firsthand. I don’t have the right to interfere. Turning his gaze briefly to the lantern light flickering around the beveled edge of the legionnaire’s helmet, Valentin sighed. Amina could be right for Slava and I have to respect the humble limits of my understanding, even if it hurts him dearly. Then, after speaking about the maze for a bit, a whisper came from behind Valentin.

"...Valya?" Ginyami’s barely-audible voice turned the seeker’s head to look, only to see the Japanese boy think better of whatever he might have said, falling back a few steps instead. Still, it was enough to send Valentin’s mind spiralling.

"Amina and her antics, hm?" murmured Romeo with a fleeting glance at Valentin. "Are you alright? I know some people don't much like having their personal space invaded… If you didn't like it, let me know. I'll pull her aside and talk to her; as a co-captain and as your confidant. It's the least I can do, to be honest. "

There it is again. It’s like when he asked me how I was in January, after coming back from that nightmare in Germany. How long I have wished for this, but it’s hard to understand. Why now? None of my friends ask me such things. Why is he acting so differently…? It must be the trauma. Maybe he’s afraid, and maybe he’s right to be afraid. My life could be taken as swiftly as was my mother’s, and so could his. I’m so sorry, Romeo. I never meant to hurt you with my recklessness.

“Romushka, I… I don’t really understand what happened to you back at the manor, but I’m worried about you, too. I’m still on edge about people getting into your personal space, much more than mine. I’m never sure who is behind a familiar face anymore, since that murderer can so freely wear my father’s, and I get this irrational feeling that even someone like Amina could destroy you. My problem with what just happened is related, and it’s a little complicated, but I’ll try to explain…” Reaching out to tug Romeo’s bicep to move him away from an gnarled root sticking out of the path ahead, Valentin’s fingers lingered a split second longer than intended.

“When it comes to kissing, or bringing certain flowers up to my room, or a variety of little sentimental things… I wanted to hold some things in reserve for someone. You know I share so much with so many, but there are special things I don’t want just anyone to have. It makes me so mad that we almost lost your notebook and so on in Germany, since not just anyone should have those. What was stolen from me then, too, was meant for another. I wouldn’t care as much if it was just my stuff, but in my heart those things already belonged to someone else and so it feels like an attack on the one I love. The worst of it is that it’s all my fault. I was a fool. An absolute imbecile. It was my thoughtless, emotional rush that made me desperate enough to lose the wealth and love that I always wanted to save for… Look, I…”

I’m no different from Amina. I’m a hypocrite, no, worse. What have I done?

“That she took the right to that kiss away from the one who should really have it is hard enough, but to do so for a mere prank makes me feel like not just a plaything, but a child who can’t defend what belongs to the one I love most. I really haven’t protected those gifts, and it’s killing me inside. I can’t stand myself. I’m so mad. Even if the one who should have these things will never, ever take them from me, that’s whom they belong to. What the hell is wrong with me? It’s not even how impatient I’ve been, but I’ve just totally, utterly failed the most important… You almost fucking died again and I just can’t deal with it anymore. Ginyami could have drowned. What am I even doing? I can’t be trusted anymore… I…” Valentin’s voice trailed off, a wave of tears threatening to spill from his blazing heliotrope eyes as they turned upwards to blast a thousand wordless apologies into Romeo’s cerulean eyes.

“Romushka, I have gone so wrong. Even if I don’t deserve any of what I have, I’ve committed grave mistakes. I guess my father was right. He always said I was too emotional, like my mother…”

What an unforgivable fool I’ve been.

Spotting a cluster of blood-red flowers ahead, Valentin’s stomach whorled once more. After a time, the group came up close to the bright blossoms and Valya froze, hearing a desperate plea. Raising his hand to stop the party, Valentin turned around to look Ginyami in the eyes and check on the status of his other friends.

“Guys, did you hear that voice?” asked the seeker before turning his keen eyes to search for the source of the cry.

"Valentin," commanded Romeo’s warm baritone. "Do not leave my side." The beater's hand lowered onto the hilt of his peace-tied longsword as he began to move. "We don't know what its origins are, and I don't much feel like trying to deal with another doll creature again if I have to; especially if it thinks you're a favorable target over me."

“As you wish, Orsone.*”

Valentin moved in tandem as the pair of captains positioned back-to-back to maximize their effective radius. If Maila was nearby, Valya pulled her to his left side as he drew a wand into his scarred right hand. Ginyami also moved into position next to Maila, and Valentin nodded as they both confirmed the positioning of Slava and Amina as well. With a mere glance, Valya indicated to the dark-eyed herbalist that he wanted his help defending Maila if the situation began getting out of hand. In trusting Ginyami with that role, Valentin hoped to free himself to speed to anyone’s defense if need be, as he understood that with his speed and powers of observation, he was probably in the best position to stay versatile. Sensing Romeo’s position from behind and vice versa would also allow the pair to operate as a single unit.

"And why might it think he would be a favorable target over you?" quipped the dark-haired Mahoutokoro student. "Are you saying he looks weak? Lumos."

With the addition of Ginyami's wand-lighting charm, the group would surely have ample light in every direction as Valentin’s keen eyes scanned and as he listened closely for further hints as to the origin of the plea.

Statistics: STA 8 - EVA 15 - STR 3 - WIS 15 - ARC 1 - ACC 15
900/900 HP (Paragon of Health buff declared by Slava Preobrazhensky ally)
Abilities: Keen Eye - Charmer - Evasive Maneuvers - Fearless
Action: Keen-eyed boy still searches for the source of the words, “don’t hurt me!”
Free Actions: Beginning to express why he is plagued with regret
Location: In the hedge maze with his party
*Orsone: Italian augmentative, lit. “big bear”
Russian diminutives: Romushka: Romeo; Yamushka: Ginyami
Inventory: Silver Arrow, wand
Attire: Şehzade war general outfit including a light cloak, gold ring, amethyst ring on a silver chain tied to his belt, silver hoop earring, Turkish dagger (peace-tied with a sapphire-blue silk ribbon)

Open to interactions.

Post Tracker: 1, 2, 3, 4

@Beatrice Dupont (Maila), @Jack Burnett (Ginyami), @Ruby Cazares (Slava), @Piérre Marchonné (Romeo), @Ileen Knight (Amina)

Action: Enter the Maze

DATE ┊ April 21, 2023-----OUTFIT ┊ click here-----HAIR ┊ click here-----INTERACTIONS ┊ open-----
STATUS ┊ open-----WC ┊ 270/200-----ENGLISH ┊ "words"-----DUTCH ┊ "words"-----THOUGHTS ┊ "words"

-----Stormy had no idea how long he had been sitting there in a feeble position. He whimpered quietly to himself. "Hey Storm" he flinched at the voice "Al" Stormy rasped peering up at the boy. He watched as the boy knelt next to him "Can I give you a hug?" Alaric asked. Stormy practically latched on to him. He didn't want to be too affectionate in fear of souring the relationship again. Alaric said something he couldn't understand and then corrected himself “I mean, why are you sad?” Stormy sniffled "I got lost looking for you" he admitted "but then I thought I found you and then it just turned out to be a guy who looked kinda like you and I have been sitting here ever since" he babbled "I really don't wanna be in the maze anymore, it's beautiful but scary when your alone" he said matter-o-factly. Stormy was relieved that Alaric still cared enough about to ask how he was doing. I hadn't been the easiest of months and still had plenty of progress to make before things go back to the way they were. "Let's get out of here" he said wiping his tears and standing up practically dragging Alaric up with him. Stormy smiled and Klaus briefly before pulling out a small mirror and checked if his make up was still intact. When he confirmed it was he snapped the mirror shut and tossed back into his purse. "Onward, last one to the ball is a Muggleborn" he cheered grabbing Alaric's hand and pulling him along with him. Stormy was back to his cheerful self.

INVENTORY: A wand in his hand and a special stuffed animal his mother gave him now turned into a makeshift backpack
STATS:| 4 | STA | 5 | EVA | 4 | STR | 6 | WIS | 9 | ARC | 7 | ACC

Song for Post:

@Lucian Mornstern (Alaric) | @Fang Hui-Ying (Klaus)