The Enchanted Maze Spring Ball '23

So this girl's name is Selena. Nice name. "My evening is going in a nice way, although it just started. What about your evening? What are you doing here in plants? Not to be rude, but who knows if there's no tricks here."

This could really sound rude though. I hope she didn't get sad on my words. After all she doesn't have to keep going, she can do whatever she wants. Selena was looking at some particular leaf when Linda came to her, what attracted her so much?

"You really liked this plant, didn't you? Can you tell me what attracted you so much?" It was just interesting to Linda what should be in a plant to be so interesting to make someone forget about ball and everything around. It must be something really special in it. Although Linda loves plants, and she already saw some nice plants, she didn't find any of them so attractive to make her decide to stay looking at them.

Linda was also wondering if she could get to know Selena more so maybe to continue going together. Also she still was thinking about Freya. Will she come or maybe she's already there.

"Do you like this particular plant or you like something else?" Strange question but Linda couldn't find a way to get rid of thinking about what is so special here, but she really wanted to stay friendly and keep conversation going. " You really look nice in this outfit."

Interaction with @Selena Barlowe
Action: talking to Selena

Outfit Image:

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"They do look very vague but they do point at something." Raizel told her when she noticed the pointy end of the signs, thinking that they are probably pointing at an exit or something. Might be stupid to trust signs in the maze for all they know, these signs were made to make them more lost than they are but with nothing else to follow aside from those, she will take the chance. "Alright, let's get going. I have a good feeling that we'll be out of here in no time. Man, I'm hungry." She told her with a grin on her face, feeling quite excited to get out of here and try the food. It was surprising that she could say all of those without any hint of shyness, being able to express what she is thinking which is so rare for the young Gryffindor. All her time at Hogwarts and after meeting others had probably helped her gain confidence in her communication skills although she knows she still gets shy.

"Yes, Mizkie is very young. He sometimes gets very annoying though but not like I hate it although we do get into small arguments but only for the simplest reasons like him wanting to take my stuff and I'm not letting him." Raizel continued, not minding sharing some of her family background at the moment while she is keeping an eye on the signs. She turned her head towards Mahlioz. "It's okay, I don't mind really and your sister could be here? That's great! You can both see each other, if you want to anyway."

While there are muggle plants mixed within the maze's verdant walls, the ones that sometimes stand out the most are those that are constantly moving and ready to attack. The world of Wizards and Witches is sure full of amazing things. I don't know really but it sure is amazing to see this. Maybe a spell to help grow the maze? Or even potions." Raizel shrugged. She too was curious about these plants and she'd like to have a closer look. While her mother did help her familiarize with some of the plants back in their home, most of the plants here were unfamiliar. Continuing along, the young Gryffindor paused on her track as something went past through the path before them. "Was that a deer?" She can't help but wonder out loud at the sudden sight of the creature. She wanted to take a closer look but it was gone. That was strange and adding more to the strangeness was that the maze seemed to have spoken when the wind brushed through the leaves. She looked over at Mahlioz and with her asking that question means that she isn't going crazy and hearing voices.

"Let's take our chances." There was a hint of excitement in those dark brown eyes of hers when she said that, that grin on her face only growing. One could probably call her reckless for trusting this playful maze without further information about it but, for her, that's just part of this thrilling adventure in the maze. Not to mention, there is this gut feeling that's telling her to trust it and for someone like her who relies mostly on her instincts, then she's willing to take chances. With that decided, she started leading through the path that the maze had told them.

Action: Leading through the maze and moving to the Royal Banquet

For Akihiko, this ball would be the first large social event of the year for him. He had a date and all, although it was more of a friends relationship. Maybe not even friends, given they had only met once. It had been in the library, Akihiko scrambling to both keep his grades up and find a date. It seemed everything was a competition in Akihiko’s family. A competition with his cousin. Who had the better grades. Who had the prettier date. Who had the higher standing friends. Akihiko often lived in the fear that he wasn’t good enough if he didn’t live up to his parents standards.

Akihiko was jerked from his thoughts when he saw his date coming towards him. He smiled, wait for her to get closer.

He was dressed smartly in a black suit, and his hair had been gelled in certain spots to keep rogue hairs down. He was wearing black dress shoes and white ankle socks. In his front pocket was a Mokeskin bag, a gift from his grandparents on his 10th birthday. The bag was bottomless despite its small appearance, and only he was able to get the items out. It was an expensive bag, and it was the only thing that had made it off the sinking ship from his arrival to Hogwarts with him. The bag was filled with numerous items, from coins to his prized wand.

"My lady, looking dazzling as ever." He said when she was close enough to hear. He flashed her a smile, holding out his arm for her to take.

Interactions are closed except for Mira Hawkins

Interactions @Cassie Jiang as Mira Hawkins

@Charlie Jacobsen as Botan Miura Mentions

english japanese chinese

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Invetory
Wand (back pocket)
Mokeskin bag (front pocket) containing…
3 dungbombs
1 exploding snap card deck
1 bag exploding bonbons
2 wizard cracker

As others, singles and in pairs, slowly spilled out of the hedge entrance around her, EmmaLee scanned the scene for any sign of Stephen. Funny how she had spent the last few days avoiding his tuft of friendly brown hair in the crowd and the gaze of his almost matching blue eyes, only to be searching so fervently for them both now. She knew him to be very punctual and definitely clever enough to navigate the maze with ease, so she was absolutely certain that he had arrived before her. Not that she wasn't clever or punctual but we digress.

She clutched the letter gently but firmly in both of her pale, slender hands, worrying the corners of the parchment envelope with her thumbs as she searched. Maybe she should take a few steps further in and look. This was quiet a big party and there were a lot of people here who were significantly taller than her blocking her view. She took a step forward and...

THERE!

Coming out of the crowd in a dashing suit of leather armor. EmmaLee giggled a little in mixture of relief that he was headed towards her, rather than away, and amusement at his choice of costume as he caught her eye and waved at her. The outfit definitely fit him and his personal character. She thought about how he probably looked in his blue prince's outfit at the Fall Ball and decided that both were probably equally fitting. He must have spotted her first and thank the Ladies that he didn't seem to be upset about not getting a return owl. The shorter girl waved back excitedly and smiled brightly as he drew closer and spoke.

"Good evening, Dear Stephen!" She said, taking a bit of her skirt in the same hand that held the letter and curtsying as he deftly kissed her other hand. A blush rose deep on the apples of her pale cheeks at the gesture as she righted herself and presented the letter to him. Stephen Shwartz, Ilvermorny School of Witchcraft and Wiazrdry, Wampus shown up at the both of them in bright blue handwriting that glittered in the candlelight and almost matched the shade of her dress for the evening. The little envelope had clearly been through a lot of traveling as it was quiet wrinkled and worn. Now also neatly pressed in the corners by her worrying thumbs.

"I am so sorry that I somehow could not get this letter to you. I tried to send it quiet a few times and something must have gotten in the way because every owl I sent came back to me with it instead of your reply. Then I was afraid that you would be upset with me for not replying to you so I kept being too nervous to confront you about the mix up when you finally arrived to Hogwarts." Her words spilled out of her mouth like a waterfall of nervousness and became more rapid and jumbled as she spoke and tried to explain the owls' misdelivering of her answer. It was as if she was afraid that if she stopped talking once she started, she would lose her nerve and run away again.

"So I would try to find you and explain and then just run away out of nervousness and that was very unfriend-like because I know that you are very understanding and I am sorry for being nervous about your response and possibly making you feel rejected again." She knew that this kind of nervousness was very unlike her but she found herself further afraid that Stephen would compare her to the rude girl from before. This fluttery feeling in her stomach at caring what someone thought of her was recently new and she continued to dislike it. It made her act weird and nervous and untrusting of people she considered her friends. She didn't like herself nervous.

"So... um... 'ere it is..." She said, letting go of her skirt and presenting the letter to him with both hands and a slight bow of her head, causing her snowy locks to spill over her thin shoulders and cover her still reddening face. "In short, if you still wish, I would very much enjoy monopolizing your time here at the Spring Ball." She spluttered out, looking back up at him and biting her bottom lip a little to keep herself from talking even further and ruining the moment.

He had every right to be upset. This was the second time that she knew of that he had had owl complications and misunderstandings with a girl about going to a ball and it would be understandable if he just wanted to enjoy it by himself now after all. Hopefully they could still hang out as single pringles if he wished and they could find Jamie, Luca, and Miles and have fun with them as well.

Stop, E. Her mind was wondering into untrusting thoughts again. Why was she so flustered about his possible disappointment in her? He would understand. Again, this was Stephen. Affable, polite, honest, Stephen. They would have a good laugh about it, curse the unreliable-at-times animal mail system, and have a great time. Maybe find the other Ilvermorny students and stumble upon some of EmmaLee's Hogwarts friends as well. This would be fine. Why would it not be fine?

Mentioning : @Rita Su as herself & Andy Menton, @Aurora Griffith Word Count : 232 Date : April 21st, 2023

Late afternoon, early evening : Time Greeting and trying to protect Aurora Griffith : Actions Flower Gown : Outfit

Writing as approved Durmstrang iNPC Vyacheslav Aleksandrovich Preobrazhensky
Interacting with: Valentin Schnell (@Aida Mòrsgor-Ama Ellwood), Maila Aurora Laine (@Beatrice Dupont), Ginyami Midorimori (@Jack Burnett), and Amina Petrovic (@Ileen Knight)
Mentioning: Johannes Sauer (@Astrea Soleil Neptune)
Open to interactions

The tacklehug was well-received, with the snowy-haired boy embracing him in return. It only served to increase Slava’s energy and joy, with him practically radiating it. Valentin complimented his eyeliner and Slava beamed—for his first time trying makeup to be well responded to by one of his closest friends meant a lot and provided him with encouragement to continue experimenting with it. Valentin continued by explaining Slava’s Quidditch experience and gave him a gentle squeeze, which Slava responded to with a soft, affectionate headbutt. “Awww, Valyaaaa. I am happy to return.”

When Valentin finished introducing Slava to the others, the girl that the younger boy had brought with him smiled at Slava and extended a hand to him—he shook it enthusiastically and grinned back at her. “It is a pleasure to meet you, Maila. As Valya said, you can call me Slava, and yes, I am a Durmstrang student.” In the meantime, Valentin had shrunk Slava’s crown slightly for him and he gave an experimental shake of the head. His friend asked if they would all go into the maze together, and Slava thought the idea that they might not foolish. The more the merrier, and the group was already naturally assembling. “Count me in.”

Romeo then joined the gathering of students and Slava offered him a wave and smile, although he stayed relatively quiet to allow the other boy to make his introductions. While Slava was never the most observant, he did see that Valentin seemed absolutely spellbound by Romeo and idly contemplated if he thought that the compliments and flowery language the Niffler used seemed a little extra than the normal amount he offered to his friends. Either way, they were undeniably close, and although he was awfully tempted to interrupt with a teasing “oooooh”, he was content with remaining out of the spotlight for a moment.

Still, he was quickly growing restless. Fancy clothes and pretty words were nice and all, but there was a maze ahead and fun to be had! Secrets lay within it, ready to be discovered, and the lack of movement was not something that he was good at handling. Pale fingers fidgeted with the rings that lay upon them, spinning them around as he rocked back and forth on the balls of his feet, quietly clicking his tongue as he waited for people to finish their conversations so something fun could happen.

A distraction would soon come in the form of a certain red-headed friend of his dressed as an assassin. It seemed she was on a mission, headed directly for Valentin. As for the purpose of that mission? Well, she threw an arm around the boy’s neck and kissed him before he could react. That wasn’t how Slava was used to seeing kisses play out—his parents shared many a gentle or playful kiss at home, and he had kissed people himself, but never was the recipient left looking so shocked. The “babe” Amina had addressed Valentin with caused some confusion, leaving Slava wondering if he had missed something, but he soon realized that it wouldn’t make sense for the two of them to be dating. For one, surely they would’ve told him—they were both close friends of his after all. Besides, it wouldn’t have left Valentin in such a state if this was normal or expected.

The awkwardness and tension became almost palpable and Slava shifted his weight from foot to foot, fidgeting uncomfortably. Amina complimented his eyeliner and he responded with a smile, “Thanks, Hanya did it.” His energy was slightly dimmed in an attempt to be sensitive to however Valentin was feeling—he was trying to work on his emotional awareness, even if it was still pretty poor. Thankfully, Romeo provided a distraction in the form of initiating entry to the maze. “Woooo!” he cheered in response to Romeo’s little speech. “Let’s go!”

Romeo found his way to Valentin’s side and Slava would fall into step beside Amina, trying to tug at her hand and pull her away to link arms with her if she let him. “That was… an interesting entrance you made,” he commented lightheartedly. “Although I know something that could improve your outfit.” He pulled out a small handful of the red glitter, holding it in cupped hands. “Would you like to do the honors or should I?” After a brief pause, he spoke again. “So what was up with that anyway? Do I get a kiss too?” he teased.

Statistics: STA 8 | EVA 9 | STR 13 | WIS 6 | ARC 5 | ACC 18
Abilities: Evasive Maneuvers I & II, Broken Broomshaft, Charmer (Allies: members of the Durmstrang Quidditch team and Maksim Preobrazhensky (if he joins), so opponents everyone else), Paragon of Health (Allies: Valentin Schnell and Amina Petrovic)
Action: N/A
Free Actions: Chatting with people, entering the maze itself.

Maze: 1 • 2 • 3 • 4
Banquet: 1

Banner made by Beatrice Dupont

"A valid question, Maya. Considering the events of the last few balls have not exactly played out in our favour, my concern was enough to warrant my presence tonight, but Galahad's presence alone is enough to draw any person with two eyes and a beating heart in." He was telling the truth, for the most part. He felt no reason to mention his concern about any possible loose ends that needed to be snipped. Though he would mention his general concern over the seemingly unendless series of unfortunate events that seemed to follow any Hogwarts event around like a curse.

"Dashing?" A grin curved its way across Orion's features, his sapphire blue eyes quickly became lost in the spring hues of those soulful hazel eyes. "An artist is nothing without his muse, dear Galahad. Would those traits not be a reflection of how you make me feel?"

Pushing himself back onto his feet, Orion drew the man into a hug, audience be damned. "I'm sorry it's taken so long." He hadn't meant to whisper, but his voice had turned soft as he spoke, well aware that he had avoided Galahad his first few days (perhaps weeks, Orion was terrible at keeping track of time) at Hogwarts. The guilt had suddenly hit him, weighing heavy on his chest. The truth was simple; he hadn't wanted Galahad to see him in the sorry state Tuesday's absence had left him in.

Pulling back from the hug, Orion's hand slid up Galahad's arm, reaching in to cup his cheek. His thumb gently brushed against his jawline. "We'll just have to make up for lost time, mon chérie my dear."

"Well, there's no sense in taking on the maze alone. Shall we stick together?" He asked, nodding towards Maya.

Action: Orion will enter the maze with Galahad if that is what Galahad decides. Otherwise he'll stay put.

Perfectionist | Evasive Maneuvers I & II
Calming Presence Allies: All professors (including HoHs) | Outfit: X

Rita was glad that both Roro and Daphne agreed to explore the maze together. 3 Hufflepuff friends working together, it must be a lot easier to explore the maze with two trustworthy friends than just wandering around the endless and confusing enchanted maze by the black-haired Second Year Hufflepuff beater herself. Additionally. Daphne told Rita an interesting story about how she and Roro first met. "It`s just amazing that Roro transformed from a timid little girl when she first met us and a bunch of other girls during the fall ball to someone whom can be seen everywhere and always reach out to others when they are in need, Roro really is an awesome girl!" Rita thought in excitement when the black-haired Second Year Hufflepuff beater thought of all of her countless encounters with her younger Hufflepuff housemate.

"Yeah, Roro is an amazing girl! I can see her almost everywhere and she also come to comfort me when I went through some stuff and cried hopelessly in the lavatory! Since you both agree to do so, let`s go into the maze right now!" Rita replied to the other two young Hufflepuff housemates in delightment with a bright smile on her face.

Suddenly, a fire came towards Roro`s side and Rita was a bit worried if her younger housemate would be hurt by the flame. Luckily, the nimble young Hufflepuff managed to dodge the flames before it could done any damage to the red-haired girl. Daphne offered to protect Roro, and Rita figured out that she should do the same.

"Oh, I don`t know there would be fires inside the enchanted maze, but glad you managed to evade those flames! Don`t worry, Roro, Daphne and I will try our best to protect you and ourselves from those possible dangers, and I believe three Hufflepuff friends are much better than one! Right, Daphne and Roro?" Rita continued to speak and she only hoped that no one and nothing would stop them from going through the maze and entering the bouquet, or even cause some damage to them since they are all wearing very awesome clothes for the ball that needed to be carefully perserved.
Interacting with: @Aurora Griffith @Daphne Sapphirus

Action: Exploring the maze and talking to Roro and Daphne
Open to Interactions

Agnus walked around the school. "Hmm, where is everyone?" I checked my calendar to see if I missed something. "Writing, writing, plant some seeds, get revenge on all that have wronged me, take a nap..." I stopped. Oh, in all of the things that have ever been holy, please let this day not be... "The Spring Ball." I groaned.

I opened my wardrobe. "Clothes to wear, which clothes to wear, perhaps this coat? No, slippers? No. I have not just woken up from a nap, that's after revenge. Suit! Yes!" I brought out my blackest suit, with a red tie and a collar, long sleeves, and an undershirt."At least I'll look good to the torture room."

I slipped through the empty halls of the building. "Wow," I wondered, "Did everybody go to the ball? This place is as empty as the space between a rats ears!" I headed to the grounds and came up to the ball. Couples everywhere! And so much people! How does anybody get around? "Er, hello?" I said. "Can anybody tell me what's going here?"

I walked through the ball, inspecting each and every person in eyesight. I'd never been one for entering a friendship blind. Well, he might be a good friend, but he's talking to someone else right now, so no. Maybe her? No, too stringy. "This is boring."I mumbled. "Oh, but look there! A maze! Looks cool." Hmm. Isn't that the Enchanted Maze? Coool. "But, my dad always said," I said to myself. "Never to enter a maze alone. So, I wonder who to go with?" I headed to the entrance.

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Heading into the maze with @Rhys Read

Azzy looked up at Rhys and stood quickly. "You look amazing Rhys!" Azzy said. Their heart racing in their chest. They weren't lying either. Rhys did look amazing in their dress, whereas Azzy had practically ruined a wedding dress for a more pagan like look. "I'm ready to head in when you are." They said, grabbing Rhys' hand. They were almost positive that nothing was going to go wrong today. After all, they'd come so far. And no way they were letting this go to hell and back again. Besides, they were sure nothing was going to go to hell. And if Rhys had invited Qrow to join them, well Azzy would just have to put up with the arsehole until it was over. After all, Azzy's patience had grown over the year, something not even they had expected. A small furry head popped it's head up by Azzy's shoulder. Mischief had hitchhiked on Azzy to go with them. Mischief made his way to Azzy's shoulders and laid down, almost like a furry scarf. "Don't mind him Rhys. He is a sneaky little furball. He means well though." they said, heading into the maze finally. Azzy was instantly uncomfortable with the surroundings.