Closed Fall Ball 2023 Candle-Lit Banquet

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Mentions: Elias Travers @Astra Norrick

Interacts with: @Winnie Harper & @Astra Norrick
Mention: @Renelle Dalton

OC Comment: I am sorry for anything seen as 'mean' OC, this is all IC and it can sometimes leak into the meta. I have 0 qualms with any of you, I'm just not a nice guy IC.

He was actually one foot and two inches taller than her. That was without his shoes, the thick soles added another two inches, not nearly what a girl gains from a pair of heels but boots offered more height than loafers. Not that he wore boots to enhance his freakish height even further, he saw his height as rather average, at least in comparison to the rest of his family. His vertically-challenged peers could just remain eye-level with his armpits for all he cared.

He was keeping an eye out for her, honestly expecting her dramatics to summon attention and the distraction he sorely needed. She stood out because she was a pastel princess in a sea of slinky dresses intended for girls a decade older. He steeled himself, regretting his lack of strawberry juice to hit the reset button. A childish notion truly, the ability to control a relationship by controlling the recollection of experiences. But the boy was not only privileged, he was arrogant. So he held his breath when she approached, but the verbal assault never happened. The scree that could shatter his fake glasses he forgot to put on.

“Hi Mattie~,” she announced as she clasped onto his arm, her cheek pressed against his noddle of a bicep. A look of confusion would briefly wash over his face. This was not how this interaction was supposed to go.

"Uh-- hey," he replied with an awkward hesitation. The insulting beverage glass still in hand. Astra Norrick was saturated by the beverage he had just thrown but Winnie did not seem to notice or even care. "I am sort of," he was going to say in the middle of something but it did not seem like that mattered in the least to her.

“Have you been avoiding little old me?”

"Of course. I mean... uh no!" A half-truth, a befuddled lie, he was not entirely certain. The girls would ultimately consolidate their interests in him. They really reinforced the notion of hive or pack mentality. At least he would not have to worry with more than a single unique thought between them as she/they played a lightning round of truth or dare.

"I am sort of engaged dear," not the romantic sort. He would attempt to shake her off to avoid the freshman assault, he might end up with a scuffed pantleg. His wand in the sleeve of his jacket, he would attempt to let the wand slip down the length of his forearm and land in the palm of his hand, the smooth wood slipping cleanly between his middle and index finger before he managed to grip the end of the wand's shaft. "But I would appreciate making out in some well-lit" definitely not dark, she was gorgeous tonight and he had been suffering a hell of a drought "corner in a few" he wanted to say minutes but there was a real good chance that it would be a lengthier metric of measurement.

"Epoximise" he would incant with a rather snide expression. Feet to floor, or rather sod. If she wanted to try and high kick the six-foot-two (six-foot-four in shoes) teen in the bladder, that was her prerogative, his visual trauma, her likely demise considering his girlfriend was standing right there. A shin kick would have been smarter considering her (likely) dwarfish height. He was not going to look, but he was going to scream "MY EYES!" Winnie did not need to know he did not see anything and would have enucleated himself first. "I already said I am not that sort of boy!"

Action: Attempt to cast Epoximise Astra. To clarify, I am casting this after she misses (likely) her kick attempt because I do not want her glued to me and if she does I am going to be stripping in the ball and none of us want that (except maybe Winnie). Rather, when she touches the ground, her friend, etc. she sticks to that. I want her to be living fly paper. Winnie, I hope you notice the spell I cast and do not get stuck to her. if not, the make-out session will need a raincheck.

Hannah felt anxious about the ball. She was going with Finnegan, her classmate and a fellow Quidditch player who was also a chaser. She picked out a nice dress, and surprisingly even put on a bit of makeup.

Once she got to the common room, she quickly found him. Hannah didn't actually know why she asked, but maybe this would be fun. The girl then approached him. "Hey! How are you?" she said, while smiling.

The girl remembered the adventure they had gone through and it made her see him, well differently... Whether it was in the halls or in the common rooms, or in class or even at practice, it made her feel moths, as she'd called them, on her stomach.

As they walked, they talked a bit, and it was, well, fun.. Once the pair arrived at the ball, she recognized a few people that were already there, however she didn't really talk to them as they were with their dates or other friends.

Then the boy spoke about White, of course, Howard White. A seventh year and the Hufflepuff Quidditch captain. "Mhm" she let out, looking at his table. Obviously, she knew who he was. Well, she knew who most people were, especially the Quidditch captains. Not only because of Quidditch, but because she watched most games and she was a member of the Hogwarts Headliner. She didn't know how she felt towards him, well admiration, surely, fear, maybe, awe, not much of it.

To her surprise, the boy said something about trying to learn Hufflepuff's tactics. "Alright." He took her by the hand and dragged her in front of him. Perhaps, this would lower the odds of her being stuck dancing, something she did not want to do at all.

Finnegan started talking, and then Howard did. Hannah grinned, and then nodded, taking mental notes. Then, he started talking to the girl besides him, and he did introduce her to them. Hannah knew her of course. Bloom Silverton, broom racer. "Hi! Yes, both of us. We're second years. she spoke, before the boy could. "It's nice to meet you as well."

After the pair discussed something, which wasn't to the girl's interest, she asked her and the boy if they wanted to go dance with them. Hannah gave Finnegan a look, that clearly stated that she did not want to go, but she would let him respond the question.

Mentions: @Mathias Pride, @Winnie Harper, @Astra Norrick, @Renelle Dalton, @Aaron Jones, and @Howard White
Interacts with: @Opeila Winters, Ruby (played by @Delainie Silverwing) and Elias Travers (played by @Astra Norrick)

He entered at a bad time. in time to see Opeila and Aaron kiss. Some romantic prelude, a public display of affection and intention. He hated it, but for anyone that knew his history in Hogwarts, they would know that this was on brand for the teen. He swallowed the gall he felt burning the back of his throat, steeled his gaze and stiffened his posture. A pleasantry and then he would move on. He had to make small talk here and there so his objective would go unnoticed and unassailed, be it with her or with someone else.

He muttered his statement. A platitude that held the weight of a heart of stone, but carried the social value of a gust of wind. His eyes scanned the ball, he did not see Avery but he still saw Howard. One opportunity was better than none.

As Vladimir walked away, Opeila would not let him get far. "Wait- excuse me, Athanatos?"

It felt like he was poked in the small of his back with a sharp stick. "Yeah," he confirmed but he did not make eye contact. He was stiff, his face betraying only a sense of intense discomfort as he continued to scan the crowd. He would see his cousin, Mathias Pride, wearing the most garish suit money could buy ruining some girl's night. Even at the best point in their relationship, his relationship with Pride was strained. Mathias had to do what he was told and there was a clear pecking order. Only, Pride refused to acknowledge his place. He could not stand the fact that his younger brother would one day be his superior. That he was never going to be more than his mother was - a desperate socialite and sycophant, holding his position by virtue of his breeding and his amicable face. Shit he complained out of the corner of his mouth. What was he going on about and did he just point his rat finger in his direction. What the hell was his cousin's problem? Did he really think that he would be able to sick a few toddlers on him?

"Hey- Sorry, I just- If you have time, I would like to talk with you sometime soon. Please"

"Yeah," he replied almost absent-mindedly. "Have a night good." He shook his head, "good night." Was that right? Still did not feel right. He smiled apologetically, turning his head in his direction. It looked like him, just older, thinner. A slight smile that failed to meet his eyes.

He continued to make his way towards Howard White.

Howard White was earning a small gaggle of interested students beyond his date. It was starting to appear as if it was a hopeless endeavor to seek out the dhampir in the midst of the ball even if it promised him the greatest safety net. Indeed, he was being more cautious. With an annoyed sigh, he pondered how he could part the sea of interested students. He wondered if Howard was just well-liked, if it was his Quidditch Star status or something else and if whatever it was, if it was nefarious. Prying away one, such as his date would have been troublesome enough but as others also began to address him, he would conclude silently that it was a lost cause.

He was going to have to employ the assistance of others without their knowing.

His best bet was to make use of one of the random underclassmen at the ball. He really did not know any of them and they just looked so darn young to him now. He would rest his gaze on a young girl performing ASL with another student (this was determined with a random roll, feel free to ignore me if you are not open to interaction). Did he understand ASL? No, not really. In fact, the the UK they use BSL. Not that Vladimir knew either. He just saw strange gesticulations he would not understand but could logically infer was some sort of communication.

He would approach the duo, a plan being developed on the fly. What sort of interest could a seventh year have in a pair of kids? "Hey, you two," he hesitated. He needed to come up with something. Some sort of distraction that was not too obvious, not too chaotic but altered the course of discourse. "I could not help but notice that something funny has been going on here," he claimed. It was a lie. "Those older students over there," he gestured vaguely in the direction of Howard White, his date as well as the younger gentleman that was conversing with him. "Does it look like they are being watched?" They were, just not by anyone besides Vladimir, but the suggestion makes innocent glances by others appear as more than they are.

"Balls are known for being disastrous," he confided. A truth. "I don't know what is going to happen, but we should warn them." By we, he meant them. "Without being noticed or causing too much drama," probably too large an ask if these two are anything like their peers. he just wanted to mitigate the attention that he would be placing on himself. If he had to, he would, but he was going for the subtle approach to start.

He was far too great a stand out. Broad in the shoulders, his features seemed sickly if not gaunt. He tried to obfuscate some of the 'change' he had underwent over the past year with freshly cut hair, a smart suit intended for winter months in dark blues and silver to mute the contrast between his pallid flesh and the clothes he had donned. Anything to emulate the illusion of life and warmth, of normalcy. Was it an illusion? No, he was fine. He was cured. They fixed him. They saved him. He was fine.

Interacting: @Opeila Winters
Mentioning: @Vladimir Athanatos

"Thanks," Aaron grinned when she complimented his scent, silently thanking the upperclassman from the dorm. He chuckled when she pushed his joke to twenty seconds, nodding in agreement. Tonight was starting out pretty well all things considered, and he was glad she was also enthusiastic to get into the swing of things. They'd both need to keep up their spirits considering their history of previous balls, neither of them seeming to have a perfect experience of one. Maybe tonight would change that. Aaron was optimistic.

But apparently all it took for the Hufflepuff's effervescent smile to falter was the appearance of an unfamiliar guy addressing Opeila.

Aaron had no idea who the guy was, but the way he addressed the Slytherin at his side suggested they were quite familiar with each other. Miss Winters? What an odd way to address her. An awkwardness settled over Aaron from being pretty much ignored during their exchange - not that it was a long exchange at all, merely a few seconds of greeting - but it was probably the guy's demeanor that was throwing Aaron off. He had never seen this guy before - probably an upperclassmen - but who was he to Opeila? And why hadn't Opeila introduced Aaron? Instead she walked away from the Hufflepuff with a quick apology, apparently wanting more words with the guy.

Aaron merely nodded and stayed where he was, though his brown eyes followed them and he couldn't help overhearing her. Athanatos, she called him. Opeila fumbled over her words as she asked if they could talk later. Aaron shifted his weight from one foot to the other, the feeling of awkwardness growing. Why did she have such a mysterious air about her during this exchange? But Athanatos, whoever he was, didn't seem super interested in the conversation at hand. Definitely not as interested as Aaron was. He walked off after agreeing, prompting Aaron to take that as a sign he could rejoin Opeila.

"All right?" he asked, only stepping up beside her once Athanatos had disappeared into the crowd. The Hufflepuff once again reached out and placed a hand on the small of her back. "Friend of yours?" he asked, though the dismissive nature the guy had after his initial approach had somewhat settled Aaron's underlying feeling of jealousy (not that he recognized it as jealousy). Aaron's smile was restored when he did catch Opeila's eye again, and the mysterious Athanatos would soon be gone from his mind if she didn't offer a lengthy explanation.

"Wanna grab some food, or hit the dance floor?" The hand on her back moved to her arm instead, sliding down and interlocking their fingers in a handhold. He'd lead the way in whichever direction she answered, to the food tables or to the dance floor itself.

TL;DR: feeling awkward about Opeila's exchange with Vlad, but hoping they can continue on to the banquet stuff
Action: N/A
Stats: STA: 10 | EVA: 9 | STR: 14 | WIS: 6 | ARCP: 3 | ACC: 15
Inventory: Wand, Broom (Moontrimmer)
Abilities: Martial Artist | Muggle Condition | CALMING PRESENCE (allies when in range: Opeila Winters, Jack Warren, Dealla Prince, Eun-ji Lee Hunt) | Beast Master | LOVELY CREATURE

Oct. 6th, 2023

Stephen knew well when he was to meet EmmaLee at the Great Lake, but the boy was not feeling himself at all. His nerves had him feeling like he had been walking an electrified tightrope all day and all of last night really. It all started after their trip to the Astronomy Tower.

Stephen was a very smart fellow, but his smarts failed him when it came to girls. It had taken him a while to figure out what the heck he was doing and feeling with EmmaLee, and his genius self finally felt he had a handle on it. Better late than never, he supposed.

As he looked himself over in the mirror, he smiled wanly. He was grateful not to be dressing up in a costume for a Ball for the first time in a year. He was in a simple dark blue suit and pale blue shirt. The only excitement to his ensemble came from a mottled tangerine tie sporting a geometric design reminiscent of rectangular lanterns. It played nicely with the theme. He had hand polished his black shoes to the point they were nearly mirrors. Magic could have done it, but it kept him in his deep thoughts throughout the day.

Brushing through his hair, he randomly thought about Jamie and Louca and then even Miles. This year had been hard to connect with Jamie and Louca, but he was kind of sort of moving in the direction of friendship, for lack of a better word, with Miles. He shook all of that off though. He knew they all came to mind because they were all there when EmmaLee was first there. It all kept tumbling around in his mind, but enough was enough.

He grabbed the wrapped box and put it in his interior jacket pocket. He smiled deeply and rushed out of his cabin to meet her. He walked fast and then he ran to burn nervous energy, but also to make up some time. Looking down at his watch he noted he was not really late, but he did not want to leave EmmaLee there wondering where he was, or worse, if he was coming.

As he rounded the tree-lined bend, he saw her immediately. He slowed himself and scourgified the shoes back to reflective mirrors. A quick hand through his hair and he was good to go. He made his way over to her, smiling widely.

"Wow, EmmaLee - you look absolutely beautiful. Here," and he reached for her hand and raised it to twirl her around, "I want to see the full effect," and he cast an appreciative glance to her hair and to her dress and to the stars trimming her skirt. That detail in particular caught his eye and he wondered if it was a purposeful addition to her dress or a happy accident, and that thought alone made him feel that bundle of nerves kick up again while a slight perspiration dewed up his forehead.

When she had completed her full 360° and gracefully came to stop before him, he, without even thinking, almost whispered, "And a star danced."

Keeping hold of her hand, he looked from her and to the hustle and bustle around them. Music was playing, food was keeping warmed on long tables, hanging lanterns and candles were everywhere, and oh, yeah. There was already Hogwarts hijinks at play. He sighed a little heavily at that, but turned back to EmmaLee, his eyes sparkling.

The night is yours. Where would you like to begin?

------- ----------- -------

@EmmaLee LeDames

Reducio

OOC: The writers for EmmaLee and Stephen have given each other permission to godmod their characters.

Blue in English, Red in Korean

Eun-ji was about done exploring the first area, when she felt a pair of arms wrapping around her waist. Truth be told, her first instinct was to punch the owner of said arms. Thankfully, her brain was faster than her fist and she forced herself to remain motionless. She didn't want to make a scene. Still, if it wasn't just a fleeting moment, she might not have been able to stay so calm. Physical affection was not something she was used to even when she was ready for it so surprise attack like this were incredibly bad for her heart.

Not wasting another moment, the witch finally turned around to see her "attacker"
only to find a familiar face staring back. “You!...” She always tended to switch into her mother tongue when she was genuinely angry or shocked. Honestly, how was he able to find her EVERY time?! Did he put some kind of tracking device on her? “What do you think you are doing?” It took a huge amount of effort to regain her composure but she managed. However, to her utter horror the boy didn’t stop at hugging and immediately proceeded to grab her hand. Eun-ji didn’t even want to comment on the nonsense he was spouting. Yes, they were kind of matching, which she found ridiculous but it was just an accident. She didn’t believe in fate. Especially not when it came to love. Match made in heaven...in what universe?

The Ravenclaw swiftly freed her hand from Hiro’s grip. “Didn’t I tell you before that I’m not looking for a date? You seem to have plenty other friends, surely you can find someone else to hang out with.” She said with a slight frown on her face. “Besides, I’m not planning on sticking around. I’m checking out the lanterns and then going back. So just…leave me alone?”

Would he though? The Japanese student seemed to have nerves of steel. Eun-ji couldn’t remember meeting anyone with the same amount of persistence. Sure, Sam was pretty persistent but definitely not to this extent. No. It was better not to wait for answer. She was pretty sure he was not going to give up so easily so she could only attempt to slip away quickly. And so turning away, the raven haired girl swiftly started walking towards the second area. She was really hoping to get a chance to craft a lantern in peace though she wasn’t too optimistic. Worst case scenario, she could just ignore him, right? RIGHT?

Action: Moving to the boat area and trying to shake Hiro off :-D
Stats: STA: 9 ✦ EVA: 10 ✦ STR: 4 ✦ WIS: 12 ✦ ARC: 11 ✦ ACC: 13
Abilities: Healing Sage I & II ✦ Perfectionist ✦ Death Defiance ✦ Spell Spread
Mentioning: @Kim Sato as Hiro Bakugo

Open / Closed
For interactions

Hogwarts balls didn’t mean much if you’ve been through so many for the past 5 years. It was almost always the usual stuff. Every single one was at least in some way, out to ruin his night. Still that never particularly discouraged him from going. At first it was daunting to come without a date, but from prior experience- turns out Hanako didn’t need a date to have fun at a ball.

Not when there were endless options of eye candy he could choose from for the night.

Okay, perhaps not endless. As usual, it seemed there was more of a swarm of 1st and 2nd years. A bunch of toddlers taller than their usual height, basically. And unless one of them seemed particularly entertaining, Hanako was for sure going to stick to a more attractive group of people. Whomever manages to catch his eyes, they were tonights target. His luck wasn’t the best in the beginning. He saw a cat (Figara), gross. Staying away from that area. Regardless, he arrived late and it seemed he missed out on some fun.

He then tried to perhaps find a familiar face, his eyes immediately attracted to someone who looked more ready for spring, than the season of fall. The soft spring like attire was a good choice, regardless. Spring was the superior season after all. But it was less of the dress, and more about the person who wore it that attracted his eye. With a usual charming grin, he confidently walked towards someone he knew to be a source of good entertainment.

“ Glade, ” Hanako greeted smoothie, giving her a brief nod and a twinkle of mischief in his brown eyes. “ My, don’t you look rather stunning tonight. I particularly like what you’ve done with your hair. A flower crown hm?” she noted with a teasing tone. “ Interesting choice for a fall ball. Tell me the truth, Glade. You were trying to catch my attention, weren’t you?~”

Well, honestly he would be more surprised if she did do exactly that. But that was the nature of their relationship. He would simply be himself, and by some miracle- she wouldn’t hate him. Even when he kissed her own crush just to make a point. A person of intriguing patience. One with an unrequited love Hanako couldn’t help but feel sympathetic for. And he showed it in the most unusual ways. Like joking-flirting with her despite having a good guess that she might have someone else as a date. Or at the very least, someone her own heart couldn’t let go off.

EᑎᑕY :	ᗩᗷIᒪITIEᔕ
ᑭOᔕT TᖇᗩᑕK (*)******	{ ᴮˡⁱⁿᵈᵛⁱˢⁱᵒⁿ } { ᴾᵉʳᶠᵉᶜᵗⁱᵒⁿⁱˢᵗ } { ᴾᵃʳˢᵉˡᵐᵒᵘᵗʰ }}

∫ S t a m i n a : 10 • S t r e n g t h : 3 • A r c a n e : 13
∫ A c c u r a c y : 12 • E v a s i o n : 6 • W i s d o m : 10

Reducio

Story Progression
* ( * )

Action: Bothering @Bailey Glade

Bailey waiting for someone to notice her, say something to her, kept her eyes wandering. Looking for a potential friend, a potential dance partner. totally not looking for kim... don't look for kim Bailey thought. tonight was a night for her, a night to not worry about Kim or what he was - or wasnt - doing.
Sighing bailey caught herself and pasted a slightly false smile onto her face. Her smile quickly became genuine when @EmmaLee LeDames sat down next to her, her light French accent filling bailey's ears. Turning to the second year duelist bailey smiled and replied "hello EmmaLee!!! yes they have, the ball is gorgeous - the ball planners have put so much thought into everything like they usually do!!!"
taking a bite of the food on her plate bailey again cast her eyes around the room. Turning back to EmmaLee bailey asked "are you waiting on a date, or a friend?"
Soon a boy came up to EmmaLee and bailey smiled. ahhh she does have a date! Her heart happy, bailey returned to snacking on her food and looking around the room.
A minute later she saw a familar face making his way over to her. She smiled to herself, knowing that there was no way to predict what Hana would say. He was unpredictable in every definition of the word and bailey loved that - 99% of the time at least. just not when he's snogging kim... bailey cast that thought out of her mind as she wiped her lips.
Hana greeted her by her last name and a nod, a familiar twinkle in his eyes. Smiling Bailey blushed as hana flattered and flirted with her.
Her wit as quick as ever Bailey couldn't resist standing to give Hana a curtsey. "hana - of course it was for you. Who else would i be dressed up for?"
A twinkle in Bailey's blue eyes dared Hana to say exactly what they were both thinking - or who she was almost positive he was thinking of too.
"and i do prefer the spring colors.... fall is lovely, but i love spring. i think im a bit more of a spring person, not as much of a fall person. And.." drawing out her and bailey looked Hana up and down. "you do look good as well~!"
Bailey smiled at hana, inwardly thankful that she had him as a friend. Their friendship was a particularly odd one, but Bailey couldn't stop herself from liking Hana. He was someone she thought most people understood, and a person she was drawn to, someone who could take her mind off of other things. She at least enjoyed joke flirting with him, and loved the dynamic of their friendship.

Roleplaying as Nate Hawthorn from Ilvermorny

Date: 6th October Time: 7pm Location: The Great Lake

Mentions: Reducio @Amber Frost Hart @Reyna Evergreen

languages English: #056303 French: #073ad5 Thoughts: italics

★ ☆ ✦ ✩ ✫ ✬ ✭ ✮ ✯

Nate jumped as Amber tapped him on the shoulder. She was wearing a beautiful red ballgown, cute red heels and, as Nate turned to look at her, he saw her gorgeous makeup that complimented her eyes perfectly. He turned and smiled at her, glad he was not entering the ball alone. "I'm good, thanks. I love your dress! You look stunning! Let's go into the..." Nate's sentence trailed off as he looked into the ball for the first time. The decoration was marvellous, but it didn't do anything to deter the crowds of people that had already entered. There were so many people. Too many people. Nate could feel his hands begin to shake and his heart beat faster. What if they all hated him? What if he tripped and fell? What if... He shouldn't think like that. He wouldn't think like that. He needed to get over this stupid fear. Why was he so scared to meet new people? The only place he had had the confidence to make new friends was on the Quidditch Pitch. If only he could bring that confidence here. Nate shook his head slightly, as if attempting to dispel his anxieties. He had said he would be more confident tonight, and confident he shall be. Or at least he'd try. Nate turned to Amber. "Let's go into the ball."

★ ☆ ✦ ✩ ✫ ✬ ✭ ✮ ✯

★ ☆ ✦ ✩ ✫ ✬ ✭ ✮ ✯ ✮ ✭ ✬ ✫ ✩ ✦ ☆ ★