Event Blossom Ball - Spring Festival

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Reducio

Interacting with @Scarlett Aden
Open to interactions

Hair ~ Shoes ~ Flower Crown ~ Dress

So far the ball had been great. Yes, some weird things happend, Vivian had been acting crazy, Samantha had helped two first years get married and other students had been fighting. The best word to describe the ball would be chaos.

The young girl though to herself, how many new friends had she already made? Well, friends, the brunette called almost everybody a friend, so the real question was, how many new people had she met. In the beginning she had been talking to a students from a other school and Calyspo, but then she had to save Vivian from embarrassing herself. Samantha had never returned to them like she said she would. She hope they were having a great ball and would look out for them. Who else? Yes, Simon and Haley. Well, Samantha had already know Simon a bit, but this was the first time they met. So she still counted him, so four people already. And Aldor, Vivian's friend, who she was standing next to now. So that would be 5, not bad, not bad. But still, Samantha wanted to meet more people.

Maybe she could leave Vivian and Aldor to get a drink? And then try to talk with some more people? However that wasn't necessary, because somebody had decided to come to Samantha. The young girl felt somebody laying an arm around her shoulder. Who was it? She turned around to see a red haired girl, who she hadn't met before. The girl seemed older than Samantha and was wearing a white jumpsuit.

The red head started to talk to Sam, without even saying hi. Samantha was a tad confused, had they met before? Sam had a great memory, but couldn't remember having talked to the other girl before. She was sure she would have remembered the girl, especially the red curly hair. So why did this stranger acted like they were friends? The girl acted like it was the most normal thing to place your arm around a strangers shoulder.

After the girl was done with her first speech, or whatever it was, Samantha smiled. "Hello" It was all she could say before the ginger started talking again.

It wasn't that Samantha hated being touched, it was just that she found it weird that the older girl had randomly placed her arm around her. Samantha was slightly uncomfortable, and looked at the ground. Why had the second year picked her to talk to? Samantha was sure that there were others the girl already knew better.

Instead of freeing herself from Scarletts arm Samantha listened to the other girl's words. She recognized them. She had heard or read them somewhere before, but where?

SHE LOVED HER? Wait, what? What was the girl talking about? She loved Samantha? They barely knew each other! Samantha grabbed the hand that was on her shoulder and placed it of of her shoulder. She let go of the hand of the girl and turned so that she was standing in front of the red head. "Love? What do you mean?" Samantha looked back into the brown eyes with a confused look in her own eyes.

Finally Samantha knew where she had heard the words before. They were from Shakespeare! Samantha grinned, she was proud she recognized the words. The girl who had been quoting Shakespeares was now bowing, looking for praise. "You know Shakespeares very well!" Samantha was impressed, but still confused to what the other girl was doing and why....

Why had the ginger some to her? Just to quote Shakespeares? Just to talk about love? Maybe it was a dare? That would explain it, it would make the most sense. "So who set you up to this? It is a dare right?" Samantha was confident she had figured it out.

The only thing the small girl still wanted to know was, why her? Out of all the students here? The one who doesn't believe in love? Quite ironic actually, the one who doesn't want to have to do anything with love has to listen to quotes about it. Whenever Samantha had a question she asked it eager to learn. So that's what she did. "Why me? Out of all these people? Why did you pick me?"

Reducio

(Free) action: Talking and listeening to Scarlett
Stats: Sta 6 | Eva 7 | Str 2 | Wis 7 | Arc 7 | Acc 6

Interacting with @Vladimir Athanatos , @Opeilia Winters, @Erin Ryan and @Kazuo Shimada

While the pile of bodies began to slowly disperse, Percy began to think the worst of it was over. Although, that hope wouldn't last long. Out of nowhere juice splattered over his suit, drenching him in the sticky substance "You've got to be kidding me..." he growled under his breath, anger beginning to seep through his calm presence that had lasted up until this point. Gray was about to open his mouth and give them another piece of his mind, but a simple spell but his mind at ease.

Opeilia yet again gave him a helping hand by drying off the liquid that covered him. In response, he gave her a thankful nod and slowly started crawling himself away from the people above him. Shooting a gaze in front of him he watched on as Vlad and Quinn dragged the enraged Erin away from the ball. It was not what he wished, but it wasn't like they were going to listen to him anyway. While on the floor he tried to gain Vlads attention, yet all that was on death ears. He gave himself a mental note to talk to Vlad and Erin at a later date... he still wasn't finished with them yet.

Beside him, a figure stood loomed over and offered a hand. He didn't look awfully familiar, but he had seen him wondering the castle on a few odd occasions. Gray hesitated at first, yet the urge to finally get up was deafening "You don't need to apologise... and no I'm- I'm fine for now" he said through gritted teeth as a hand instantly went to his throbbing back "Luckily I was the only to come out hurt from that confrontation. I didn't fancy another all out war like the last few balls" he remarked as he looks over to Winters, an individual who he wished to have a word with soon "Well if you'd excuse me I'd better clean up the rest of this mess. See you around..." he said calmly with a pat on his shoulder before turning and heading to the girl that talked the most sense.

"I wasn't expecting anything from you," he said beside her while slowly taking off his suit, revealing a clean, smart top underneath. Thankfully the letter inside his pocket escaped without a scrape, an item that was the only thing he cared about. He made sure to took it in deep inside his pocket before folding the damp suit over his arm "None the less, I'd like to thank you for actually talking sense and listening compared to most"

Outfit:

Dan was a mix of frustrated, disappointed, and aggravated. This was going to be HIS win, and would make up for the fact that he didnt have a date to the ball. And Pericles, that little ringworm had the GALL to take it from him?!
It was ALL the Orpheus trial's fault. He didnt have a date, and the sound of Ozzy being there was a tremendously low blow. Dan called bullshit of the highest order on that.

He decided he was going to walk right up to Pericles and punch him right in his cheating nose. That would certainly teach him to-

All of a sudden, Dan was filled with overwhelming maniacal joy. He was literally unable to feel any emotion. Or at least he THOUGHT he was unable to... he wasn't able to try.

He had the biggest smile on his face, and started spinning in circles, arms out, and vocalizing for no reason, other than he wanted to.

Then, he remembered he had to deal with Pericles. So he ran right up to him.

"Hey Peri! You totally stole the win from me! Good job! Have fun, ya jammy boy, ye!"

Using his thumb and index finger, Dan tweaked Pericles' nose. Not enough to hurt, though. Dan then made a loud honking sound, and joyfully ran away giggling.

Interacting with @Pericles Dralt
Actions: Being filled with utter euphoria, and honking Peri's nose.

Flash let out a single internal laugh when Thomas matched him with another drink of his own. How was it that he continually found himself in the company of people who encouraged his bad behavior? When he thought about his time with Dmitri, Falentra, and now Thomas, it had definitely been him who tagged along, even initiated. Perhaps it was a veer into the opposite direction, a childish part of him that wanted to spit on the pretenses of formality and appearances. The need to be clean and perfect had caused him such immense pain, and somehow he convinced himself that self-destruction was revenge. Not that he would be in the right mindset to introspect with such nuance. In the moment, he just found the absurdity of his situation funny.

Thomas had trudged forward with purpose, something so clear that it pierced the veil of fogginess overcoming Flash's brain. There was no doubt that he had decided beforehand what he wanted, there was no delay to his actions to give room for second guessing. That suited Flash, that meant whatever it was would be very telling. To the end of what would be the end to niceties, he'd give a terse answer. 'My truth', he'd say, revealing nothing. That could mean anything, a championship class in vagueness.

Speaking to Marion had been his mission after all, and he cheekily assured Flash that it would be fun. Flash's frown would, against his wishes, fight to remain. Don't make me smile, you menace! He'd be the judge of that. Though admittedly, he hadn't thought to ask who would be having all the fun.

After some unhappy back-and-forths between the tense gathering, Marion and Thomas got on to what amounted to bickering. Flash hadn't been privy to every conversation they had, but he knew Thomas had a penchant for pestering her at every opportunity. Flash hated that Thomas' quips came off as clever. Even if he was running afoul of convention, Flash still didn't want to hurt anyone. Even if the burns were delightfully searing, and downright witty. The alcohol was surely a contributor to this morbid enchantment he was feeling. At his last remark about being fascinated with Marion, he gave him a jocular shove to hide his smirking face from Varellion and Marion.

"Stop that." He'd admonish, with an attempt at an aghast tone.

When everyone's attention returned to the fight in the room with Vladimir and Erin, it seemed the altercation had ended with Vladimir dragging Erin off. There was something else as well-- somehow, at some point, Ruka had started making out with Mattias Pride. Flash was at first bewildered, partly thinking he must have been too drunk to see straight, but it lasted quite long enough to realize it was real. It was a bit shocking, to say the least. Flash could be caught staring, his brow pinched in utter confusion, and perhaps a tinge of despair. Vlad carting off a screaming Erin was definitely concerning. More absurdity, why not.

Well, thankfully or not, Marion's voice would draw him back into the present conversation, which needed his intervention. She asked him to make Thomas leave, a statement that had Thomas' eyes trained on him like a hawk. Flash returned the look, eyes squinting in clear disdain for being used, yet somehow not approaching malice. The hesitation was enough to apparently grate on Marion's patience. She stepped forward, laying out her many grievances. About him being a stalker, how she doesn't like him, how he won't leave her alone. While he couldn't confirm everything she said, there was certainly truth inherent in how much glee he took in harassing her. Mentioning Victor, using other people as middle men to get what he wanted... whatever that was. His truth, or whatever.

"Say no more." Flash followed, holding up a calming hand like the picture of a saint. Though his lack of surprise at Thomas being labeled a hag's errand boy could be telling, he found the remark harmless. Flash himself had made sure that it was a popular rumor. Had to keep the populace safe, after all. "I apologize for his behavior. I didn't know I was going to be spending the evening restraining him, but I suppose that's my curse."

With that, he'd move to stand between the two. If 'hostility' really were to happen, he would be the stop gap. There was a good reason people felt at ease when he was around. He wasn't afraid to take command of a situation and de-escalate, even if it mean putting his own body on the line. Both Thomas and Varellion had already tested him on this and seen the proof. He'd be turned to Thomas, his back to Marion, his hands on his hips.

"Look, there's a whole parade for errand boys over there. Even your best friend has joined them. Surely they're off to the hags at this very moment." Arguable whether making light of the situation or revealing his intimate knowledge of the happenings around school was a good idea, but it seemed funny in his head. The alcohol was getting absorbed by his system before he really realized it. "Off we go."

He definitely remembered that night that Thomas had doubled over in pain, clutching that lovely mark. It was Madame Jensen and Santario who followed with him to another location, no one else. Erin was screaming that night too, even louder than her current screeching. Not that Flash particularly wanted to get involved in the drama of the week, but slinging shade at irritated women was not, in fact, his idea of a good time. Varellion seemed more than happy to spend his time with her, and she seemed just as enthused.

If he didn't want to go, Flash wouldn't remain nearly so accommodating. Either Thomas would turn around, or Flash would square up. If he did move on though, Flash would follow. Thomas' insistence that he had any interest in Marion would not be reflected in his actions.

He might have been a bit wobbly on his feet, but Yefim was eventually able to get back up on his feet. This wasn't the worst hit he ever took by far, but he spewed a laundry list of curses in Russian as he went. Even with all the work he put into being fit, his corporeal body had such limitations, it really prevented him from having a good time. He longed for the day when he could move beyond the flesh into a greater form, like in a video game. He could see it in his mind's eye, lots of sharp horns and claws made out of iron and poison. Or wait, titanium. Which was stronger? The stronger one.

He was momentarily distracted by some skinny nerds getting called up to be crowned by the resident mega nerd who oversaw one of the trails. It figured, they didn't know talent when they saw it, and there was never a chance they would admit Durmstrang was better than Hogwarts. The school that just let giants, dhampir, and half bloods runs around like a freakish zoo. How lucky they were that some loser decided to mess with him, or he would have probably snatched the crown right off on of those nerdlings' heads and propped it on his far more deserving cranium.

Their luck would last the evening, good for them and their history of cheating and being the worst. They would have their time to see the folly of their ways. One thing at a time, he needed to focus on rescuing his meathead in distress.

Kazuo lingered by his seat after his duties had been discharged, watching the other students silently. With the crowning out of the way, there was really nothing left for him to do except enjoy the Ball with the rest of the students. With the dramatic exit of Erin and her escort, the Spring Festival was practically a normal dance with the remaining students happy to engage in the normal behaviours of kids; chatting and laughing and dancing and eating.

His gaze shifted to Dee briefly and a soft sigh escaped his lips. Their original plan for the evening had been quite thoroughly disrupted but even in the wake of the calm, he was beginning to question if it would happen at all. Ileen still hadn't appeared and, if he was being honest with himself, the other mess held far more interest to him at the moment than the irritation he could cause Ileen. Whatever was going on with Erin or Vlad or Matt… really all of the above… held far more interest to him. It was exactly the sort of thing he had been trying to chase over the year, only to find scraps of knowledge, tiny bits of information that were too vague, too rumour-twisted to make a proper picture.

Kazuo looked over at Jack and frowned. Jack who had tried to help Erin. Jack who professed not to care about people, all the while throwing himself in harm's way for them. And Ruka, who wanted nothing more than to keep Jack safe, running right after him. They confused him with their contradictory actions. Watching others behave in contradictory ways usually amused him but with those two there was a level of frustration to it. He should have been amused by the entire play but instead he felt unsatisfied and he didn't understand why.

Another sigh, deeper this time. He moved to where Jack was, reaching out to tug on Jack's tail lightly. "Think we should follow?" He asked with a grin. Less a question and more a prompting to action. Logically he knew it was probably a terrible idea but he needed to understand and he doubted Jack would want to leave it alone either. He turned and headed toward the Underworld, assuming Jack would follow.

───────────── Interacting: @Jack Burnett Mentioning: Action: Moving to the Underworld ─────────────

──────────────── Stats Stamina 5 Evasion 7 Strength 5 Wisdom 6 Arcane Power 6 Accuracy 6 ────────────────

───────────── Abilities Perfectionist You have a reduced critical failure chance range by 1. In addition, you can counter up to 1 point of additional critical failure chances caused by abilities or spells (not potions). ─────────────

speech #bf0040
action being confused as the amortentia effects fade
abilities prodigal charms leaner, fearless
stats stamina 7 | evasion 6 | accuracy 8 | strength 6 | wisdom 6 | arcane power 9
@Lucia Fox @Henry Knight @Samantha Salwis

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[font=times new roman]S[/font]carlett was growing gradually more nervous as time went on and her goddess remained quiet. Did her soulmate not like her recital? It was impossible! It was unthinkable! She had seen their fate in the stars. The two of them were meant to be. Her love would propose, Scarlett would accept giddily and then they would get married on the beach with all of her friends and then they would move into a beach mansion with ten goldfish, three dogs, two cats, two parrots and a rabbit called Jane. They would adopt eight kids called Jeremy, Geremy, Heremy, Keremy, Sheremy, Peremy, Weremy and Sea-Anemone who would bring them joy for the rest of their lives as they grew old together and told their grandchildren about the time they met at a Hogwarts ball and-

Love? What do you mean? The words drove a shard of ice through Scarlett's heart and her face contorted into an expression of physical pain. This couldn't be. Did her goddess - did her goddess not love her back? Was her goddess refusing her dreams of her future ten goldfish, three dogs, two cats, two parrots, Jane the rabbit, Jeremy, Geremy, Heremy, Keremy, Sheremy, Peremy, Weremy and Sea-Anemone? No. Scarlett steeled herself. She had to believe in their love. She had to. After all, people in the movies didn't give up on their soulmate at the first sight of doubt, did they?

"Methinks thou art confused, dearest love," re-assured Scarlett, her arm still on her goddess's shoulder. Consent? What was that? "I quoted, for where thou art, there is the world itself, and where thou art not, desolation. I love you more than words can wield the matter, dearer than eyesight, space and liberty."

You know Shakespeare very well! Scarlett could've jumped for joy, leaping around the festival yelling her goddess's praises to heaven and earth. But no - she had to keep composed! Many a lover had been scared away by an overly-enthusiastic courtier. Scarlett simply bowed. "My greatest thanks, my darling."

So who set you up to this? It is a dare right? Scarlett gaped. Why was her love not understanding? It was the doubt, it had to be. This happened all the time in romantic movies, but the problem was always miraculously solved in the end. She had to believe. "Assured, thy love, there was no prior form of plan-"

But she was cut off. Why me? Out of all these people? Why did you pick me? Scarlett practically leaped at the opportunity to confess and show her undying love through some more eloquent descriptions of her goddess's being.

"Because, fair divinity," said Scarlett eagerly. "Thine eyes are that of the southern sea - gentle, peaceful and so vividly blue that it likens to when the sun strikes its crystal waters on a clear day. Yet still, thine eyes are unwavering in the face of adversity! A storm shall brew yet thine eyes will hold! Stubbornly, stubbornly cerulean, even when a hurricane burns within thee. And what a fiery aura emits from thy divine being! Thine fine and fiery emittance can - can-"

Scarlett faltered. She shook her head. She realised that her arm was around a stranger's neck? What? She didn't recall that. The last thing she recalled was - was drinking the punch. Scarlett groaned and slapped her face, the kindling of red-hot anger sparking inside her. So there was Amortentia in all of the drinks, as far as she could tell. Scarlett's jaw worked in frustration as her fists clenched, and she was ready to storm right over there and dropkick that Outfit-Stealer, dance-criticiser and pathetic, egocentrical ball-organiser right in his stupid face-

But first.

"Tell me," said Scarlett, a sliver of anxiety creeping into her words. She withdrew her arm from the stranger's neck. "What exactly did I do?"

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Reducio

Interacting with @Scarlett Aden
Open to interactions

Hair ~ Shoes ~ Flower Crown ~ Dress

"Not a lot confuses me, but you do." What Samantha meant to say was, the red head freaked her out. Sam could not understand what Scarlett was doing and that confuse her. But the brunette didn't explaine that, thinking it would speak for itself. Not realizing that to somebody who is despeatly in love it might sounds like a confession, that she loved the other person so much it confused her.

Love again, why couldn't this girl stop talking about love. When the girl first came to her the ginger had seemed nice, but now Samantha had changed her mind. In the blue eyes of the girl you could see a little flair of panic. She had no idea what she had to do. How could she tell the madly in love girl that she didn't want to have to do anything to do anything with her, without hurting her feelings.

But when the girl said I love you Samantha didn't think about being carefull with Scarlett's feelings. The small girl just wanted to be as clear as possible, she did not want any love. "You don't love me, you can't love me, we don't even know eachother, you don't even know my name, as I don't know yours, so no, there is no way you love me. I just helped two people get married, why does everybody think they love somebody? I don't believe in love and I will not for at least 10 more years. Maybe then I am old and dumb enough to believe in love, but now still am smart. I think with my mind, not with my heart." Samantha rolled her eyes, what was it with this ball. If ever ball was like this she will never go to one again, to much 'love' for the young girl.

After Samantha had listen to Scarlett's words, she had recognized that it was from Shakespeare. Thinking that it was a dare the girl had calmed down, there would be no reason to be angry if it was just a dare. Scarlett assured her that there was no prior from of plan, but Samantha didn't really listen. She just wanted to know why her.

Well, she defiantly got her answer, a very detailed answer that made her head turn as red as a tomato. Apearanlty the time she had spend on her appearance tonight had done something good. So far she had already received 3 compliments, but this one was by far the best.

The older student did really seemed to like her, maybe it wasn't a dare. Maybe Samantha wasn't being fooled. But what would that mean? Was it a good thing? Nobody had ever liked Samantha before, at least what she had known of, and she was flattered. But really she still didn't believe in love and that would never change, according to Sam. She tried to come up with a plan to let the girl down slowly, but that wasn't necessary.

One second ago the girl had seemed madly in love, but now something had changed. "Tell me, what exactly did I do?"

Samantha was shocked, "What do you mean? What exactly did you do? You mean, you don't remember quoting Shakespeare's, complimenting me and confessing your undying love? Because if you don't you have an awfull memory, that was 5 minutes ago. Not even, it probably were 2, if not les!" Somehow Samantha was pissed, at first she wanted this to be a prank, but now she wasn't so sure. She had felt special when the girl had come to her and only her. It felt weird, she didn't believe in love, but still, she was sad that Scarlett didn't 'love' her anymore. She felt like somebody had given her candy and just as she was about to eat it, they had taken it away.

Reducio

Actions: Crushing Scarlett's dream of their future ten goldfish, three dogs, two cats, two parrots, Jane the rabbit, Jeremy, Geremy, Heremy, Keremy, Sheremy, Peremy, Weremy and Sea-Anemone and feeling betrayed when Scarlett isn't under effect of Amortentia anymore.
Stats: Sta 6 | Eva 7 | Str 2 | Wis 7 | Arc 7 | Acc 6

Her questions would have to go unanswered for the time being (or maybe she just didn't hear the answer given). Which was a shame because she really wanted to know what was so funny about those two young men. They didn't look goofy in any particular way, and she hadn't seen them doing anything strange; so she couldn't imagine why Meenauh had been smiling at either of them. Perhaps the younger girl only found humor in their arrival. That was a fair possibility. Xailah was having trouble focusing. Between the confused buzzing of her thoughts, and angry shouting from nearby; the metamorph was undeniably inattentive towards most of what her friend had to say. It wasn't that she didn't care. It was more so the fact that she couldn't- not in that moment. Not with anxiety on the rise. Not with Vladmir manhandling that brutish blonde.

Yes, she spied the last few moments of their fight. She had been drifting between their scuffle, and another (arguably less worrisome one) nearby; while indulging in brief chitchat. It would have been impossible for Meenauh to hold the metamorphs attention long enough for the fighting (and her interest in it) to pass. Erin was trying to walk away by the looks of things, as was Vladimir- only, he wasn't wandering off to do his own thing. Xailah turned to Meenauh, head cocked to one side in troubled contemplation. Something about that whole picture just wasn't right. She didn't do much pondering, or ask for further opinion on the situation. With her mind seemingly made up, she broke from the side of the flower-clad maiden. "Excuse me for a moment-" She pardoned herself; and gave her friend a slightly apologetic look. She couldn't stand back and watch Vladimir stalk after Ryan. Something had to be done. So, she decided that the best course of action was to follow after. Maybe if enough people caught on, and started following too, they could start a conga line.

Her intentions were good, but they would never get to be played out. With a call to attention from one of the students overseeing the ball, she would be blown off course quickly. She would never catch up to Erin and Vladimir, and the handful of students trailing after. Where they went, and the events that would follow their departure (if there were to be events), became nothing more than another mystery. Another lost chance. Such a shame. Especially when she failed to come to the realization that the dispute between Erin and the others, was nearly identical to a memory from her past. A memory involving her experience, and the role she played, at the 2019 Blossom Ball. When the gaggle was out of sight, they were rendered out of mind. Not really, but for the sake of consistency and storytelling, let's say that they were. Thus, Xailah did not persue them.

It was just one distracting thing after the other tonight, or so it seemed. Now caught within a small crowd of party-goers- and looking a little concerned- she could only further study what was going on around her. She did a brief scan of her surroundings. Her feline eyes flicked this way and that, fluttering curiously beneath thick lashes. In her peripheral, she caught sight of a stark speck of white. The person donning the pale ensemble, was immediately recognized and approached. It was Pericles- who by the way, was probably the only person who could wear an entire outfit consisting only of white and shades of blue; and not look like they were trying to sell you car insurance from Progressive. It was impressive really. Xailah swiveled quickly; bootheel twisting and digging into the grass below.

She had been concerned for the boy for a good few hours. How long had she been at the party? And she was just seeing him now? Where had he been? In a few more minutes, she would find out exactly what he had been up to all this time. Xailahs voice was firm, nearly accusatory. It demanded attention. "You." A slender finger jutted forward; the gold metal that capped the tip in a sharp curve, acted as a spotlight, pinpointing her target. Oh, he was in trouble now. Well, not actually. "I thought I would find you here eventually," and then in a more welcoming tone, she addressed the small girl nearby (that is, if the girl had followed, and was present), "you've brought a little one with you." Her lips broke into a tight smile; one that revealed no teeth, only spread over the pearlies. It was friendly. She waved at the child.

During the greetings, Xailah was distracted yet again- this time by a voice- the same voice who had asked for everyones attention, before. Three names were called, three which the metamorph knew well. Among them, was her own. What was this? Trial results? Kazuo had her full attention. Xailah had not played to win, so hearing that she was one of three successors was a shock. A pleasant shock- it might have summoned some suspicion of the whole thing being an elaborate joke- but she had hopes that was not the case. A glance was shot towards Pericles. So that was what he had been doing? Playing in the trials? Why, but of course! What else was a young man to do at a ball? The cub was in a small state of disbelief- not over his participation, but over a near perfect conclusion. "That is us?-" She asked, perhaps for clarification; for her tone sounded uncertain. Had they meant someone else? Some other unfortunate soul named Xailah? A different Pericles? A Dealla? All three names were fairly uncommon. Other than her friend, the only other Pericles that Xailah knew was the lads namesake- some old Greek who had died from the plague, or something like that. No, the announcer had not gotten the names wrong. Pericles, Dealla, and Xailah were the king and queens of the ball. The silly tiles only officiated this. They were admittedly, nice things to have though. Gave bragging rights. The lioness looked to her ally, eyes alight with a bright spark. She was going to have to ask him about his trial experience. "That is us!"

In her mother tongue, she parroted each title that had been bestowed. "Königin?*¹" and then, "König?*²" Both words were spoken, as if the little German was testing how they felt on her palate. Did she like them? Well enough, she supposed. Her head tilted in curious fashion; the red flowers, which adorned her hair, shifted in unison- their spindly, crimson styles wagging in sync with a singular strand of hair, that had evaded captured by hairpin and spray. A playfully snark curl was taking place on her face. "No, this does not mean that will address you as 'Your Highness'". Twisting on her heel, she would turn to face Kazuo, and begin making her way towards him. She had a crown to collect.

Interacts with: @Marion Davenport, , @Thomas Lestrange, @Flash Holmwood

Alexander's outfit

(Based on Claude from Fire emblem, edited by Aida Mòrsgor-Ama Ellwood)

(Just some nice background music for Alexander)

In any encounter, information was key. But in social interactions Alexander observed that two pieces of information were especially important.
What was a person doing, and why were they doing it. This could then be the key to discerning further information from any target that you have. So what did he observe ?

Subject: Thomas Lestrange
Actions undertaken:
- Aggressive social introduction, ignoring request to leave by Mary
- Mentioning ongoing incident with Vladimir
- Implied familiarity with [Self]
- Attempted to introduce Flash Holmwood to Mary
- Verbal Harassment of Mary
- Is attempting to make physical contact with Self
- Continuously refers to past incident

(Possible) reasons why Actions were undertaken:
- Efforts are made to intimidate [Self] and Mary
- Seeks to expand his influence and make an example ?
- Seeks information from Mary ?
- Wishes to prevent Self from interfering?
- Wishes to agitate Self ?

Subject: Marion Davenport (Mary)
Actions undertaken:
- Signs of physical discomfort at the presence of Thomas Lestrange
- Requested Thomas Lestrange to leave
- Verbally shows agitation at the actions of Thomas Lestrange
- Accuses Thomas Lestrange of being a 'creepy stalker' and 'hag's errand boy'

(Possible) reasons why Actions were undertaken:
-Genuine discomfort (Most likely partially true) ?
- Deflect attention away from self to Lestrange ?
- Plotting with Lestrange to create fake agitation. In order to make Self protect Marion. Plot from Lestrange and Mary to gain information/influence on self ?
- Other plot between Marion & Lestrange to some unknown end

Subject: Flash Holmwood
Actions undertaken:
-Attempt to de-escelate the situation
- Shows signs of physical embarrassment at actions of Thomas Lestrange
- Being polite

(Possible) reasons why Actions were undertaken:
- Genuine embarrassment and desire to do good (possible, likeliness unknown)
- Playing 'good cop'
- Engaged in an elaborate plot together with Lestrange and Marion

The first and immediate decision on what to do, was dealing with Mr. Lestrange who was physically moving quite close. His hand moving to Alex's shoulder. There were only two real options, to either pull away or to stand there. To move away would be a sign of weakness, or at least of diagreement. Something that would break the veneer of politeness.

So Alexander did not move when Thomas's hand appeared, focusing his attention on not blinking when his hand touched Alexander's shoulder. Instead, Alexander would look Lestrange in the eye and raise his right eyebrow. But not giving any visible sign.

“A pity you couldn’t join us the last time we spoke.”

"Mhm perhaps, or perhaps not"

Alexander then glanced at Marion as she rapidly responded to the verbal quotes of Lestrange. Mainly seeming to be quite offended, levelling accusations. Meanwhile Holmwood made an effort to try and remove Lestrange from the situation.

So what is it that he should do?
What he wanted most of all was information, that was the whole basis of his relationship with Marion. Alexander suspected that if Marion got more agitated due to Lestrange she would perhaps reveal more information. That is if this whole encounter wasn't just a setup to frame Lestrange and Mary as being hostile to each other. All in service of some greater plot.

The theory that they were working on this for a greater plot seemed unlikely. At the very least it seemed overly complicated. But one should never underestimate Slytherins and the byzantine plots they can come up with to achieve their goals. So he should at least consider the possibility of one big elaborate plot.

In any case, he needed to curry favour with Marion in the long term. The best way to do that would be to continue acting like a knight in shining armour. Yet hope that Lestrange did not actually leave. So it had to be a kind of balancing act, keep up the image of chivalry but not get Lestrange to actually leave.

Mhm, this was going to be hard but it was worth a try.
Thus Alexander spoke towards Mr. Thomas Lestrange
" Mr. Lestrange, my companion has made her wishes clear. She prefers to not be in your presence, and your own companion wishes to take his leave as well. If it is entertainment or drama you want I am sure that there are ample sources of it spread around the ball."

Action: Interacting with Marion & Thomas Lestrange

Stats:

Reducio

Stamina: 7
Evasion: 9
Strength: 3
Wisdom: 8
Arc Power: 6
Accuracy: 8
Total: 41
(+1 from duel win)

Abilities:

Reducio

Monster Hunter Non-Human Enthusiast
• If a player successfully casts a spell at a part-Human opponent, they get +1 Accuracy if they attack and +1 Evasion if they're being attacked. This doesn't give any IC knowledge of the opponent's race or talent unless found out in advance or revealed during the duel.

Evasive Maneuvers:
• When a spell was successfully cast at a player with Evasive Manoeuvres, a 1d10 roll is performed prior to Accuracy vs Evasion roll to determine whether the spell will be auto-dodged (roll 10). The Accuracy vs Evasion roll will not be needed in case of success.
• The auto-dodge chance can stack only to 20% from any number of sources and in this case 9 or 10 would be considered a success.

Post tracker: [1] [Error, anomaly detected. Shutting down.][3] [4]