Closed An Overture to Survival OPEN

Interactions ❯❯ @Astra Norrick | @ | @
Mentions ❯❯ @Rebecca Lark | @Evelynn Decipio | @Pericles Dralt | @Ulysses Drake| @Emily Shephard

❂《 ⌜ May 23, 2024 ▎ --:-- ⌟

▛▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔

Tension was looming in the air among the students gathered there, especially around the young Ravenclaw girl that Evelynn just called Becca. This wasn't exactly the way she wanted to discover her name though but it was better than not knowing it at all. Where was the conversation going? What had caused all of this? She doesn't know yet but her hostility is clear and that is towards her cousin, Astra Norrick.

Blade, Finnegan, the rumors, the stabbing incident during the last spring ball. That was the reason from what she can conclude, basing it on things that she's hearing. Becca was blaming Astra for it which made Raizel frown. While she wasn't present during the actual stabbing as it apparently happened while they were all busy doing other things, Raizel refuses to believe that Astra did it. She couldn't have done it. Whoever tried to put the blame on her was wrong.

The Gryffindor remained where she is for now, continuing to observe. Her eyes briefly fell to the other girl who spoke up, someone that she doesn't recognize but her full attention was more on Astra, Becca, and Evelynn. The Ravenclaw girl… she was keen on blaming it on the First Year Slytherin and as much as she likes her, this is something that she won't tolerate, especially the next actions she took despite others telling her that it wasn't Astra.

Wand drawn in a swift motion, most likely Becca had her hands on it the whole time. Raizel wasn't the type of person who would just stand by and watch someone get hurt in front of her. People can hate her for quickly jumping into using spells but it's the only way they could defend themselves and surely, Evelynn won't be lecturing her on that right now if she did use one to protect her cousin. Luckily, there was no need for her to draw her own wand and to tell the truth, she was relieved not to do so, especially against Becca. No, not like this.

Becca's wand was snatched in an instant by a figure that came from above. An eagle. It swooped and it grabbed, dropping the wand onto Evelynn's wand as if it was her pet. She wouldn't doubt it if it was indeed hers though. It landed on her shoulders after all, its one eye was… eye catching. That's one incident prevented at least, she's thankful for that. “Astra.” Raizel called out as she stepped closer, finally joining in but it was more so to check up on her cousin and perhaps to be ready to lend a helping hand in this situation.

▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▟

⌜ An Overture to Survival ⌟ | ⌜ WC: 441/200 ⌟
««««« Dialogue | #800000

INVENTORY

Outfit Reducio

Items Reducio Enchanted Satchel Wand Potions: See Inventory

STATS AND ABILITIES STA: 6 | EVA: 7 | STR: 3 | WIS: 8 | ARC: 8 | ACC: 8 Prod. Charms | Perfectionist (crit fail chance -1) EFFECTS NONE

Action *Insert thumbs up here*

Abilities Seer 1 | Fearless | Prophecy

Action Quietly observing and discerning Interacting: @Emily Shephard @Evelynn Decipio

Though Evelynn Decipio had been nothing but a pillar of propriety as AngelFyre approached and was politely invited to speak, she could not completely quell the feeling that she had stumbled into a private meeting. She very quickly thought to beg off after relieving herself of the burden she had been carrying and struggling with for too long, but that incessant clawing in the back of her mind sprang to life and dug in, beginning the familiar work of shredding her psyche much like a cat might a sofa if no scratching post had been provided. Is that what this was? Is that who Evelynn Decipio was? A scratching post? How insulted would she be if she were to know that her elegant, poised self had just been compared to something as mundane and utilitarian as a scratching post? Even so, AngelFyre had to admit that it was not an altogether bad metaphor in the moment. They did help to keep the nails sharp and trimmed. Was that not part of the reason for this meeting; to sharpen their skills?

Emily’s voice broke through the garrison of her own thoughts, and she turned her attention towards her. The first year was incredibly sweet and caring and too adventurous for her own good. No, not too adventurous; too naïve. AngelFyre had felt a kinship and a protectiveness rise up in her since meeting Emily, and listening to her now only heightened that feeling. She was grateful when Evelynn told Emily, essentially, she needed to be able to take care of herself before she would be truly any real help to others. It was a topic of conversation AngelFyre had already determined to have with Emily. Maybe now that message would pierce heartwood, when the time came, after also having been reinforced by Evelynn. Emily, she had discovered, had quite a stubborn streak. “Thank you, Emily,” was all she said in the moment, but her appreciation for the kindness coming her way cloaked her like a comforting hug.

Then Evelynn addressed her. She knew that in having bared some of her thoughts, she had met someone with at least some similar concerns. She felt it from grey eyes while she spoke. She could see it in subtle body language while she spoke. And it was confirmed in acknowledgement after she spoke. It was a start, but what was next? When was the next? AngelFyre suddenly felt like she had been slowly drowning and a life preserver had just been tossed her way, but it had been cast just barely out of reach. Once she knew it was there, it was rather difficult to not want to grasp it right now… or sooner rather than later… or most accurately… five minutes earlier.

And then the most interesting things transpired in rapid succession. As Emily was speaking, Evelynn was there, but not. Her gaze fixed for less than a minute, on nothing in her immediate vicinity, and AngelFyre felt she had seen something that looked similar when Colin would have his trances. But no. This was altogether different. When Evelynn came to and approached the girl she referred to as Becca, AngelFyre had the distinct feeling that the continuation of an oddly contemporaneous conversation, or conversations, of sorts was taking place that she, at least, had not been party to.

The subject matter of Evelynn’s revelation was no less riveting to AngelFyre in the moment, even if she did not know the people involved, but what did most fascinate her was how Evelynn had come to her conclusion. She was not a Seer, at least she did not have the standard characteristics of one. Her eyes had not clouded over in a milky white, and unless she dyed her hair, she was probably old enough that her hair would have at least begun to turn white if she were a Seer. No, there was something else afoot here, and it was quite intriguing.

But then the command, “Don’t!” was barked out, and the beginning of an incantation was heard. Without even thinking twice about it, AngelFyre’s wrist reflexively snapped, releasing her wand from its holster and into her palm as she scanned for the danger. Hundreds of hours of dueling practice had not been a waste, it would seem. She was armed, but only playing defense rather than offense.

Thankfully, and surprisingly, a gray eagle swooped in at just the right moment and effortlessly seized the wand from the hand of the girl called Becca. When the raptor landed on Evelynn’s shoulder, after dropping the wand into her hand, AngelFyre knew she was looking at an Animagus, but she was not at all aware of who it could be until the bird turned its head to peer at the brunette. The single eye gave it away.

Although this meeting had been called for one purpose, it was evident that something much larger, and more personal, was unfolding right now. Perhaps this incident would weave itself into the reason they had all come or maybe it would not. All AngelFyre knew in the moment was that she would be still and quiet and use her two ears more than her one mouth unless, or until, it felt helpful to do otherwise.

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

@Evelynn Decipio @Emily Shephard

Sudden Outbursts with @Evelynn Decipio, @AngelFyre McCubbin

Mentioning @Astra Norrick, @Rebecca Lark, @Pericles Dralt

Speech: #cfa120
Thoughts: Italics

After feeling like she was dominating over the discussion for some time, Emily decided to pipe back down. She said her piece and hopefully using guidance from her peers, Evelynn and AngelFyre in particular, she could learn to branch past her level of naivety. With the way the group discussion was going and all she had heard so far, she was becoming more and more focused to live up to the same morals and discipline as they had, especially now that she had just talked a big game of uniting humanity with the more dangerous forces of nature. No pressure, right?

She could feel the weight literally lift off of AngelFyre beside her. Carrying the burden of such a memory will have no doubt kept her tethered all this time so to sense her spirit uplifted was reassuring. Of course closure was still a long road trip away but to get it off her chest was definitely a good start. Emily shared the relief she was feeling, glad that she wasn't submerging herself in silent agony anymore. One down, but there was no doubt a lot more people that were still looking for that same release AngelFyre just had. Particularly her friend in question, whom has without a doubt suffered the most. Emily shamelessly smiled at her fellow Hufflepuff, happy she could provide a little bit of comfort to her. She felt as if she was already slowly repaying the debt she owed her for being so cool and kind - not just to Emily but in general. Emily would always have her back. She already anticipated the answer but she hoped AngelFyre knew that all the same.

Emily's focus then shifted back to the remaining tension that lingered among the rest of the group. One sneaking glance at Rebecca and Emily felt a hair on her arm stand up anxiously. She did not look happy. Not at all. Though Emily also couldn't let the fact that Evelynn still seemed to remain calm and composed go past her either. Dang, she had incredible self control. Well, it was either that or she somehow caught on to what was going on. Emily stood there, albeit feeling a bit stupid for not being helpful for Rebecca as she was with AngelFyre, but one can only do so much. In that moment Evelynn proved to be the one Rebecca needed the most. With a single yet powerful gaze Evelynn seemed to know everything she was going through - both empathetically but also strangely literally as well, though Emily couldn't really say what made her think that.

All of a sudden everything escalated far beyond Emily could process. Rebecca had her wand drawn as her contempt festered, all her rage directed to the Slytherin girl. AngelFyre was quick to draw her own. Completely thrown off by it all, Emily fumbled a little as she reached for her wand inside her cloak, following AngelFyre's example though with a much more worried stance. Emily was in no shape or form a fighter - not yet at least until Hogwarts could make one out of her. Hell, she was the sort of person who would apologise to tables and chairs after bumping into them!

Rebecca was on the syllable of uttering a spell. Emily had her eyes shut tight with her hand gripping her wand, too harshly to the point where her hand was shaking. She was not at all ready for violence. Was it all really going to go down? Right now? Really?!

Then in yet another twist, an eagle swooped in and took off with her wand, clutching it tight in its taloned grip. It swerved and glided towards Evelynn where it perched on her shoulder, dropping the wand neatly into her open hand. Emily looked on in amazement. Even Rebecca seemed surprised at what just happened. That was one sophisticatedly trained bird... Almost human. How peculiar.

As soon as the dust cleared Emily slowly put her wand away. Shocked but still equally amazed, she couldn't help the words that fell quietly out of her mouth. "What just happened...?"

_{Word Count: 721}

Stats: Stamina: 7|Evasion: 6|Strength: 6|Wisdom: 8|Arcane Power: 7|Accuracy: 6
Abilities: Non-Human Enthusiast |Cat's Grace

DISCLAIMER
I would like to apologize for how long it has taken to reply to this thread, especially with the potential of how significant its content could be on character development and, thus, character behaviour in threads taking place more recently in the timeline. With the arrival of summer camp, I have been prioritizing those and moderated threads, and it has taken me a while to be able to get through the mountain of posts that had arrived in quick succession. I hope to be able to reply more swiftly in this thread again going forward.

⋖ 23/May/2024 @ late afternoon | OUTFIT | ENGLISH [#715380] | FRENCH [#b654a9] ⋗
INTERACTIONS @Rebecca Lark @Emily Shephard @Astra Norrick | MENTIONING @Ulysses Drake @AngelFyre McCubbin @Pericles Dralt @Raizel Voltrouz
───•─•────────────────────────────────────•─•───

It's remarkable how easily a situation can get out of hand at the best of times. Add half a dozen magically-inclined children with immature self-regulatory mechanisms, trigger happy conditioning of violent sports, and raw emotions from the misinterpretation of a highly traumatic situation, and three existed the prime ingredients for a volatile explosion. Evelynn knew both from intuition and personal experience that young students had a propensity to cast now and question later; and that the only way to avoid unnecessary spell slinging was to tread carefully. Even then, all the care and foresight is not always enough.

What a shame that was, as it meant that Emily's words would go largely unheeded. To find a student so filled with optimism and such a positive outlook on life at Hogwarts was like finding a blossoming tulip in December. It just didn't happen. Sure, there were those who were more resilient, more plastic, than others and who managed to maintain a semblance of normal day-to-day routine and a hopeful look towards the future, but slanted, fed first through a filter of sobering trauma. Somehow, Emily had not yet been tainted, and her attempt to redirect the meeting towards a more goal-oriented acquisition of understanding and defensive knowledge would actually have been favourably looked upon were it not for the tumbling of actions that happened next.

"People are going to fail you, time and time again," the young Drake had insisted.

Hands still upon Miss Lark's shoulders, Evelynn's relief that she had not pulled away was dulled somewhat by his sentiment. Brows furrowed almost imperceptibly, her gaze falling upon him, looking for...something...behind those eyes. The way he had said it struck a cord more keenly than she would have liked, and she couldn't help but wonder what disappointments he had endured. His was a voice that sounded as isolated as she had felt, as though he were ready to sever his association with the social world and strike out alone, trusting only in his own strength. That was a problem. That sort of darkness attracted Darkness.

A pause of thoughtful silence followed. For as many of them that were gathered there in that clearing, it wouldn't have been too far of a stretch to believe they would have been able to hear the falling of a leaf. Attentions were rapt. If only the professors could command this kind of focus in class. Evelynn couldn't see where Miss Lark's gaze had settled, but she could feel it. The tension in the young girl's shoulders was palpable, the emotion raw just beneath the surface as she cut in, "And there aren't any ways to make something look like something else? With magic?"

"There are," Evelynn had replied, her voice soft, but unhindered. "But not at the level of competence she is presently able to wield."

"How am I supposed to just- to just believe that?"

"The decision to trust in the word of another is not an easy one to make. But, regardless of which way it falls, it is a decision that you will have to make."

"She rushed him, for no reason. Astra, why did you tackle him?"

This time, Evelynn did not speak, as it was not her question to answer. Her gaze lifted to Astra, though she didn't miss the movement of Miss Lark wiping angrily at her tears. How she could relate. And how brave the girl was to stand there with that vulnerability on full display without a sign of turning tail to run or hide. The same could not be said of her counterpart.

"I thought he was trying to hurt Finnegan, and he did," Astra had said in a controlled tone that spoke to a maturity well beyond her years. She trembled like a leaf, giving the impression that a particularly frightening squirrel in this moment might be enough to send her scampering back to the castle. Yet stood steadfast against vehement accusation. "I- he felt like trouble and bad things and I wanted- I wanted to do something good."

"I can't- I can't let it go because of some- because the puncture wound is- is wrong, or something. I can't. I trusted Astra, and she used that to get close. She tricked me. And if she didn't do it, then-"

Evelynn had parted her lips, prepared to provide an explanation. She hadn't previously seen what had happened, but she had heard various rumors, some more farfetched than others. The vision with which she had recently been granted, however, supported what she'd already suspected. Perhaps it was in poor form to mistrust someone because of their family name, but no Athanatos would ever have the benefit of the doubt for the lioness. There had been too many mishaps. Too many situations where something bad had transpired within their proximity. Gideon had already drawn Evelynn's suspicion simply due to his association with Vladimir; and after seeing what Miss Norrick had seen, there was no longer any doubt in her mind. He could not be trusted. She would have told Miss Lark as much, and intended to if Miss Norrick had not cut her off in protest.

"I didn't trick you! I wouldn't trick you! I liked you, Bex. I wanted to help your friend. Athanatos, Athanatos is the one that stabbed Finn and he tricked you and you're falling for it!"

"If Astra didn't do it, then that means I could'nt've done anything. What am I supposed to do next time it happens?"

The next time it happens. It was a valid question, and spoke to the point of why Evelynn had agreed to hold this gathering in the first place. While an incident like what the two girls argued over should have been considered a freak occurrence, something that only happens once in a blue moon, and certainly never again in one's lifetime, the reality wasn't nearly so comforting. Fear permeated the question, the looming shadow of chaos rending its claws through the feeble fibers of Miss Lark's sense of security. The stabbing was enough to make anyone question their safety, to wonder if something like this would happen again.

But Evelynn didn't realize the eaglet's terror ran so much deeper than that. She didn't know that Pericles had set her down to discuss the horrific history of the school functions. She wasn't aware that Miss Lark had been versed on the many infiltrations and circumstances of mass destruction. She couldn't have accounted for the fact that her imagination had been saturated with unimaginable second-hand trauma without the reassurance and supplemental information to explain the whys of the whats; to provide what consolation--however meager it may have been--that the tragedies were not an act of randomness and could be predicted and prepared for, at least to some degree. That she didn't have to feel completely helpless.

Nor would Evelynn come to learn of these nuances. Not yet, anyway. In fact, she wouldn't catch much of anything as, much like it had only minutes before, her grasp on the present slipped. She could feel it coming, the creeping encroachment of a black fog sapping first at the peripheries of her vision until it had fully taken hold. Hands tensed, the grip upon the young beater's shoulders tightening slightly. Though it was not so much as to cause pain, it could very well have been interpreted as a tactile reaction to the girl whipping out her wand and pointing it between Astra's eyes. But the Gryffindor didn't see it. Her focus had slipped, eyes taking on a glassy sort of far-off and unblinking stare.

It wasn't Astra that she saw standing before her, but rather Mister Connor, wielding his wand with a ferocity she hadn't before witnessed. "Incendio!" His voice was slurred and nasally, and for a moment, she thought that the spell would fail as a result, but a second later, flames of blue and red burst into existence from the tip of his wand. They raged towards her with a deafening roar and wave of heat that left her momentarily breathless, an anger that she had felt at her core balking as terror took hold. Though they did not move from their perch upon Miss Lark's shoulders, Evelynn saw and felt her hands scrabbling at her clothing, a singular fear of burning propelling the survival impulse. A deafening howl filled her ears, echoed in her head, coming from her, only.. it wasn't her voice. It was deeper, but not. Slanted. The voice of a younger boy.

"DON'T!"

The shout ripped through the fragile curtain of reality, the commanding boom of a voice yanking Evelynn back into the moment like a crack of thunder. Rapid blinking ensued, mind wheeling to reorient herself, to remind herself what had been transpiring before her lapse, just as a small but vindictive voice immediately below her started to incant.

"Incen—"

A spur of motion broke out from many places all at once. Subconscious reflex bid Evelynn to dart one of her hands over Becca's mouth, cutting off the incantation before it could be completed. Who needed magical counter-spells when a manual interjection was faster and even more effective. Magic wasn't always the answer, a lesson of which a certain lioness-on-the-outskirts might take stock. Simultaneously, AngelFyre's wrist had reflexively snapped to release her wand from its holder into her hand; while her younger shadow had done the same, though not quite with as much grace or conviction. Moreover, Evelynn's field of vision was briefly obstructed by a flurry of white and feathers as the keen-eyed Eagle blurred into the frame, snatching Becca's wand right from her grip and into that of the lioness. The powerful backbeat of its wings managed to prevent the great avian from careening right into the pair, though the wind stirred by its wings buffeted hair and cloth alike.

A momentary pause seemed to follow the explosion of reactions. As the Eagle circled around, Evelynn's eyes directed down to the wand that had been dropped into her waiting palms. Fingers turned it over delicately, her gaze appraising. How familiar it felt. Walnut wood and even just about the same length...

"You're pissed that Astra stabbed Finnegan and retaliated in the most cowardly way, trying to burn someone alive." That same discordant timbre spoken by Mister Drake shot across the gathering to strike at the vulnerable heart of the situation in which they all currently found themselves.

Lips crimped, though Evelynn remained silent as he spoke. A brief glance, a subtle and fleeting momentary surprise hinting upon her features, was cast up to the Eagle as it alighted her shoulder before redirecting towards the back of Miss Lark's head and Mister Drake across from her.

"I'm out of here, Astra. All this isn't gonna help you at all," the boy concluded, concreting the desire to hold a conversation with him if ever he would allow. He turned to leave, and Evelynn was not going to be one to stop him. The situation now was a delicate one, poised on the edge of a blade. One misstep and it could all fall to ruin, relationships ruined and bridges burned, the concept of trust and hope left in tatters for several. Or it could serve as a trust fall, an opportunity to demonstrate that moments of fragility and vulnerability could be rewarded, by building the understanding that there could be those who could and would catch the fallen if only given the opportunity—the irony of this philosophy lost on the lioness.

"Astra." Miss Voltrouz stepped in from the outskirts, concern evident in the tone of her voice as she approached Astra. An internal smile briefly let itself be felt watching the extension of that support. Sometimes, it only took a singular call to reason to initiate a chain of actions that could mean everything to an individual. Evelynn was glad to see that, hopefully, Miss Norrick would not quite feel so alone. The fifth-year watched as the girl in question stared at her hands, then her wand, then looked up to catch the gray of a steadfast anchor. When she expressed her thanks, the returning nod was subtle enough that it could have been imagined. "Keep treading water," the senior urged quietly, only now in the moment making the connection between the girl and a voice she had once heard. "We cannot always act in time, but you are not useless. It does get better."

"What just happened...?" Tension had gathered thick as molasses, yet sweetness arose with the innocence of a simple question.

"Something that likely ought to have been broached some time ago instead of having been allowed to fester." A disappointed, but understanding frown hinted at Evelynn's lips then, eyes pulling from Emily to look between Miss Norrick and Miss Lark. Things had boiled over, but that didn't mean they were yet out of hot water. Nothing had been resolved. Resentments had only just been revealed. The wound had been lanced, but it still needed to be debrided. "And something that ought not be repeated."

Steps would cautiously care the lioness (and the Eagle upon her shoulder) around the young eaglette's form to face her. "Ever." Fingers resumed the rolling of the wand that was so similar to her own. Her tone was calm, but earnest; firm, but absent of anger. "Fire is one of the—if not the—most painful experience you can inflict upon another being. It is, without question, torture. It should NEVER be employed carelessly or in anger. Unfortunately, it is one of the first spells you learn here at Hogwarts. But lessons and the exercising of empathy and self-control should precede it." She extended the wand, handle first, towards Rebecca, but she would not relinquish it until she had received some sort of positive acknowledgement. If none came, the wand would be withdrawn and tucked away out of sight.

"For those who do not understand," Evelynn stepped off to address the others who had, until now, been watching on in relative silence, absorbing the the fallout of trauma that the recent ball had inflicted upon the two girls at the gathering's center. "The recent ball saw several confrontations. There were a number of injuries, but two students that were grievously wounded." Her jaw tensed, smoothing after a breath. "The one in question has been a topic of many rumours. The victim was a very close friend of Miss Lark, and my dorm mate." Eyes flicked towards Becca with the lattermost detail. She wasn't the only one that had been hurting secondary to Mister Connor's injury. But Evelynn had not attempted to incinerate anyone. Yet. "As the attack was covert, given the uncertainty and varying stories, Miss Norrick has been painted—wrongfully—as one of the suspects. But we are human. We search for reason, explanation, the whys of something. We piece together our limited perceptions and experiences and devise a conclusion that best eases our guilt and feelings of inadequacy. It is much easier to blame someone else than to have to sit in uncertainty and fear when no charges have been levied or conclusive evidence brought forth. We crave justice. I suspect that is what Miss Lark was trying to achieve."

"Unfortunately, as much as I would like to be able to say otherwise, this is not an uncommon occurrence. Hogwarts events are well known for things going wrong in one way or another. There have been many injuries over the years. But our curricula has not adapted to the reality that we face while residing here. We are instructed on the ways of lighting fires and levitating objects, mending items and unlocking doors, to curse someone with bogies and various impractical transformations. We are taught how to get into trouble, but not how to get out of it. Or how to even recognize it when it is standing immediately before us." Evelynn flourished a hand as though to point out an invisible specter before her. "But we should be.

"There have been attacks at balls by part-giants, swarms of mosps, encounters with the unliving, plots to captivate unsuspecting students and turn them into parasitic hosts." Should she have tempered her tongue and refrained from sharing some of the darker realities? Perhaps. But she was tired, and the approach she'd always used before did not seem to be working. "There have been hags and dhampir and grindilows. Living dolls have attempted to assassinate the living counterpart upon which they were based. The very shadows have come alive to swarm like spiders and assail the unsuspecting. The forest itself has come alive, students injured and battered by the trees. I have even come across a trapped room filled to capacity with bottles that if knocked and broken would swamp the lower levels of the castle with mustard gas. Hogwarts is not a place to be underestimated, and its rules exist for good reason. Adhering to them, however, is not always enough. A basic understanding in self-defense, how to apply what you learn, how to properly prepare for a given situation, how to look, how to listen, and how to identify various beings would do you well if you are going to survive the seven years of education at this institution."

"This..." Evelynn motioned with an open palm towards Miss Norrick and Miss Lark. "This is only a small part of everything that has transpired. And the greatest weapon that anyone can wield against you is uncertainty and chaos."

A Dark Realisation with @Evelynn Decipio, @AngelFyre McCubbin
Mentioning @Astra Norrick, @Rebecca Lark, @Pericles Dralt, @Scout Fu-Hai
Speech: ~cfa120
Thoughts: Italics
OOC Notes: It was worth the wait, Evelynn!

Emily shakily put her wand away. That went... Surprisingly smoothly? As far as life or death situations went that is. It was far from an ideal event to witness, let alone get actively involved in. None of it at all seemed to phase Miss Evelynn; she continued to command the situation like a true lioness, instinct beckoning her to stop Rebecca from making a horrible mistake just as the spell was about to leave her lips aided by the remarkable interference of the eagle atop her shoulder. If AngelFyre's words were anything to go by, Evelynn had just stopped the Ravenclaw girl from adding on to the tragedies Emily was unknowingly blind towards.

It was then that Emily was compelled to listen to what Evelynn had to say next, a speech which would change everything Emily knew about Hogwarts and what she was striving to achieve. Evelynn's tone was law as evident by her far-reaching tone and gaze. Painful words began reverberating off every corner of Emily's recall as she absorbed the lioness's story.

Victim. Attack. Reality. Plots. Assassinate! Now that was a word that made Emily whimper.

So was it really all too good to be true then? To learn magic for it to fail in humanity's time of need? In her time of need? Emily's the one that's probably the most passionate person she knows so far that wants to see the forces of nature - no matter how dark they are - unite in peace with humanity. But if students are becoming violent and turning on each other like this, as Rebecca had almost demonstrated... Emily didn't even want to finish that thought. She was hyping her goal up to a challenging level as it is. To dismiss it as an "impossible feat" would be heart-breaking. It was upsetting enough that magical creatures have been life-threatening in the past as both AngelFyre and now Evelynn have clarified.

Evelynn's judgement hung heavy in the air, leaving plenty of time for Emily to digest for herself. With everything she had been hearing, a loose tear swept down her cheek too fast for Emily to catch. She managed to compose herself with a mixed exhale and a quick shake of her head, though AngelFyre would've caught onto her if she were to catch her with a side-eye. AngelFyre had seen Emily cry before after all.

"If I may..." Emily cleared her throat before emotion could shut her down. She really needed to choose her words carefully. After everything Evelynn had spilled there was hardly anything left for Emily to add to the conversation that would make it meaningful. But Emily knew there was something she had to say to take the edge off everything that had just happened at the very least, as dictated by the heart she had to carry everyone in it.

Another breath and she continued.

"If I might direct everybody's attention to something..." She guided a pointed finger to the sky. "In a few hours, twilight will be upon us. As everyone knows, twilight is when the sun and moon meet each other before one overshadows the other. Light and dark. The only time where both sides are equal. The Forest metres away from us is meant to be an abyss while we bathe in the light. But what if we could unite both together? Both sides could meet like our neighbours the sun and the moon!"

She circled the group slowly as she continued to plea passionately. "I want to see us call our dark counterparts our friends... I want to shake hands with a vampire, or exchange greetings with the undead, or perhaps have a civil discussion with why hags despise us so... Heck, I'm friends with a student here that's... Special." She refused to disclose Scout's name. So perhaps it is possible... But it won't be if we attack each other in this way!"

Another sigh. "Everybody here has experienced hurt I won't feel until it happens to me. The most I'll ever compare in this moment is being frightened by my own shadow in a very dark place." Emily's hand ghosted the cloak in her bag. "We are under the sun... But we will burn with it if we continue seeing each other as enemies! Defence Against the Dark Arts... Does that translate to Defence Against our Classmates too?"

Emily made eye contact with the Forest ahead of her. "I'm fascinated by the dark. I love magical creatures. Magical beings. But how can we eradicate the dark aura that inhabits these so-called "monsters" if we don't listen? Those creatures must hurt in some ways too. There must be a difference between "intent" and "instinct" right? But we barely seem to listen to each other as it is...! We must stop fighting each other. We must find peace amongst ourselves so we could then maybe... Just maybe... Befriend the creatures that lie just on the other side of those trees."

She turned to Rebecca and Evelynn. "So people like your friend won't get hurt." She turned to AngelFyre. "And your friend."

She thought fondly of Scout. "And my friend."

_{Word Count: 906}

Stats: Stamina: 7|Evasion: 6|Strength: 6|Wisdom: 8|Arcane Power: 7|Accuracy: 6
Abilities: Non-Human Enthusiast |Cat's Grace

Banner made by Ulysses Drake

⋄ May 23rd, 2024 | Grounds ⋄
⋄ Interactions: @Evelynn Decipio, @Pericles Dralt, @Ulysses Drake, @Astra Norrick, @Emily Shephard, and @Raizel Voltrouz | Mentions: @Finnegan Connor and @Dorion Anderson⋄

𝓣hirty years from now, perhaps she'll be grateful. Perhaps she'll have a home with a garden, 2.5 cats, and enough room to fly that she'll never feel stifled, never feel as shackled and strangled as she did in this moment. Perhaps she'll be tending to the tomatoes one day, learning to cultivate life instead of destroy it, and perhaps she'll think back to this moment in which she had people older and wiser than her - if only by four years, a cavernous divide at age twelve, but a hardly a drop in the bucket after a life well lived - who cared about her enough to look out for her, enough to stop her from making a mistake that she wouldn't ever be able to take back.

Like most lessons worth a damn, though, it wouldn't come without time, and sweat, and gore, if it ever came at all. It was hard to find any fragments of gratitude in the depths of herself, and if Evelynn was expecting a thank you for interceding on her behalf, she'd be left wanting. No sooner had the second syllable left her lips than had Evelynn reached forward, covering the Ravenclaw's mouth with her hand. There was a surprising strength in her hands belying their delicate, manicured appearance. It was not malice that steered her but rather animal instinct, and when Evelynn took hold of her, Bex opened her mouth in a final Hail Mary and bit down.

Evelynn, like any rational woman who'd just been bit by an apoplectic twelve-year-old, immediately pulled her hand away, allowing Bex to take two shaky steps back in retreat from her. In the interim, the older girl had somehow traded Bex's teeth for her wand, as well given quarter to said wand's delivery-bird, a beautiful grey and white eagle that had made itself at home on her right shoulder. Just- of course Evelynn had an eagle that she could- command to steal wands? Apparently? It was as infuriating as it was impressive, and it was getting hard to believe that Evelynn could be scared of anything at all.

Evelynn's eagle was a lovely thing, elegant, poised, and somehow almost regal in its bearing. She was miffed to see, though, that, if eagles were capable of giving disappointed looks, then she was certainly on the receiving end of one. Its head was tilted to the right, staring at her with an expression of stark disapproval that felt, somehow, jarringly familiar. She realized suddenly, mid-staring contest with this bird, that it appeared to be injured. She took a step towards it - and, subsequently, Evelynn, as her anger gave ground to her curiosity - and started to ask, "What's wrong with its-" before the bird turned its head to look at her fully, allowing her to see the full scope of its impairment. Where once a proverbial bird's eye must have sat in its socket was now a smooth, metal ball, cold and unseeing.

The head tilt. The disapproving gaze. The prosthetic eye. The high-key dick move of stealing her wand. A few months ago, a golden retriever had tried to ride a broom, and fundamentally changed her understanding of magic. She'd seen this film before.

She reached her hand out towards the creature. "Pericles?" She asked quietly.

Whatever the bird's reaction would be, Ulysses unexpected vitriol would slide a hook into her attention and yank.

" You're pissed that Astra stabbed Finnegan and retaliated in the most cowardly way, trying to burn someone alive."

She reeled back, her bellicose temper more than happy to lock onto a new target. "And who asked you, exactly? Where were you when everyone was bleeding out on the grass? Maybe I'm a coward, but at least I'm doing something. From where I'm standing, you've been useless." If her teary-eyed mania did anything to lessen the force of her words, at least the Slytherin boy had the tact not to say so. Or, perhaps he just didn't care.

Ulysses' departure was disappointing, if only because it would have been nice to have someone to scream at. It had been a bitter sting to see him so readily take Astra's side when she'd once thought him to be a kindred spirit, and his dismissive attitude was kindling on an already roaring flame. Coupled with Raizel's obvious allegiance to the redhead, having pulled her own wand out to defend her, and Evelynn's clear, unfailing belief in Astra's innocence, Bex was left feeling hopelessly, ineffably alone. Like a cornered animal, she was ready to lash out at anything that moved.

"Keep treading water. We cannot always act in time, but you are not useless. It does get better."

Words not meant for her, but ones that were noxious and clawing all the same. That was the problem, wasn't it? When, exactly, was it meant to get better? Seven years of the same tragedies on repeat, and if anything ha gotten better in the interim, then they must have forgotten to owl her about it. They were little more than children set adrift in a tempest and expected to swim to shore.

"What just happened...?" "Something that likely ought to have been broached some time ago instead of having been allowed to fester. And something that ought not be repeated. Ever."

The words stung, as they were meant to, and Bex felt herself shrinking back as Evelynn and her Perimagus turned to face her. She watched, uneasily, as the Gryffindor considered Bex's wand, rolling it to and fro in the hand that - not so long ago, and perhaps maybe still - bore the accusatory imprint of Rebecca's own teeth. There was poetry in there, somewhere. Bite the hand that feeds, indeed.

She certainly couldn't say that she had any particular fondness for her wand. Their alliance this past year had been an uneasy one at best, to the extent that Bex had performed a comically scarce sum of magic since she'd arrived here in September. Most days, it was easy to forget she had a wand at all. Evelynn's possession of it should not have made her feel much of anything at all; Bex with a wand and Bex without a wand were not too terribly dissimilar. Yet there was a certain- well. Not quite fear. Discomfort, or perhaps almost a longing. She couldn't have articulated to you the feeling, as it hardly even felt like her own, but she wanted her wand back with an ache that felt almost physical. Or, perhaps more accurately, her wand wanted to be back.

"Fire is one of the—if not the—most painful experience you can inflict upon another being. It is, without question, torture. It should NEVER be employed carelessly or in anger. Unfortunately, it is one of the first spells you learn here at Hogwarts. But lessons and the exercising of empathy and self-control should precede it."

Okay, well. Bex could hardly see how that was her fault. She was a very busy girl, after all. Quidditch, Headliner, every club with an open sign-up sheet. She didn't have time to personally institute an ethics curriculum at Hogwarts. Also, that sounded really boring.

The longer her wand was gone, though, the worse she felt, and so when the older girl extended it out towards her, she hesitated but a moment before nodding in acquiescence - I will not attempt homicide-lite again, at least for today - before extending her own hand forwards to grab it.

"For those who do not understand," Evelynn started, turning away from Bex and allowing her to finally take a breath uninhibited, "The recent ball saw several confrontations. There were a number of injuries, but two students that were grievously wounded." True on the surface, perhaps, but it felt woefully lacking in substance. Bex once again found her eyes turned back towards Astra, who looked far smaller huddled up close to Raizel than Bex was willing to admit. Enemies they may be, but she was also the only other person in this clearing who potentially understood the mix of rage and hopelessness that she felt in regards to that night.

"It is much easier to blame someone else than to have to sit in uncertainty and fear when no charges have been levied or conclusive evidence brought forth. We crave justice. I suspect that is what Miss Lark was trying to achieve." Some truths aren't easily swallowed when first encountered. This was one of those. She would disregard Evelynn's words in the here and now, furiously rejecting any notion of her own anxiety-ridden blind spots, but the older girl's words would build a nest inside her and settle down into her grey matter, waiting. In time, she would soften.

Evelynn's explanations of the Ghosts of Hogwarts' Balls Past were familiar to her from her late-night debrief with Pericles, but no less demoralizing for it. Regret suddenly tore a hole into her anger in a way nothing else had been able to since she'd first laid eyes on Astra Norrick today. She'd come here to give herself a fighting chance of living past thirteen, and instead, she'd gone and made a mess of everything.

Horror of all horrors, she found herself agreeing with Astra's assessment of Emily's proclamation.

"I hope you do get to shake hands with a vampire." She said to Emily, though her tone implied that she very much wasn't hoping that at all, "But in the meantime, I'll be doing my best not to die. And to not let my friends die because I can't cast a spell to help them when it matters." Hands shaking, she shoved them in her pockets, wand once again hidden from view. An anti-climatic end to a fight that she never should have picked in the first place.

"He was hugging his friend, you know. Finnegan was, when he got stabbed. Peace and love is great and all, but it won't protect you. Intent and instinct don't matter if you're dead either way."

Inventory: Beater's bat, antidote to uncommon poisons, ever-bashing boomerang

OOC note: I am very sorry to Emily in particular. Please know I mean no ill-will ooc, but my character is not in a good headspace to critically engage with Emily's suggestion. She is twelve, and a jerk.

@Astra Norrick | @Raizel Voltrouz | @Ulysses Drake | @Rebecca Lark | @Evelynn Decipio | @Emily Shephard

┏		┓
	From the vantage of Eve's shoulder, the eagle twisted its head one way then the other, an alert eye sweeping the faces gathered. Raizel called out to Astra and moved closer as the accused pleaded her case. Most students could empathize with that desperate need to do something good. Most formed fierce connections to their classmates, and fought ardently to protect them. Becca seemed to be suffering from the same internal struggle, for even as she shadowed Astra in blame, it was rooted in the grief of not being able to do anything about the violence that transpired. About next time. The paranoia these events inspired was pervasive. Staff had tried to avoid throwing a dance years ago, and the students organized one in secret. There was evidently no stopping the cyclical devastation. They knew it was coming whether they went or not, so why not attend again, and again, hoping to do something about the inevitable tragedy? To do good? They didn't realize they were united in grief. This academy was populated by children who chastised themselves for matters beyond their control, a truth even Pericles wasn't exempt from. As Eve bore him towards Becca, the eagle's presence softened. It ceased its glowering and tucked its wings against its side. With the attack intercepted, he switched to sizing Bex up as she did the same to him, concerned by what he'd seen and heard. "What's wrong with its-" Ouch. Rude. It gave a reproachful clack of the beak that was as fake as Peri's pouts, and when she reached for it, the bird craned its neck to meet her fingertips with a reassuring bump. "Pericles?" He roused his feathers at the sound of his name, slowly puffing up like a puffskein before giving them a good shake. It wasn't easy to soothe someone without words, but frankly, he was content with watching Eve manage her crowd. He trusted her to work through the retreating Ulysses' claim that the gathering was fruitless. It also felt infinitesimally less stressful being a bird than a sixteen-year-old wizard. The instructor seemed to trust Astra's blame on Athanatos. a name marked by grim context. He was in no position to disagree, only watching on as the wand he'd snatched was passed back to its rightful owner. Eve artfully went on to discuss how students were taught how to get into trouble, but not how to get out of it, and aptly announced that the greatest weapon anyone could wield against them was uncertainty and chaos. The bird surmised she made as fine an orator as she did a perch, bobbing with whatever gesticulations accompanied her words. When Emily contributed a passionate speech about bridging the gap with "special" students, declaring her desire to bond with darker beings in particular, it rotated its head a full one-eighty degrees to consider her upside-down. A good use of its fourteen cervical vertebrae- that's twice as many as humans! Her words were well meaning, albeit not well met. To debate the intentions versus instincts of a hag seemed misguided. He happened to know a vampire beyond handshakes, and that vampire had been highly realistic about the danger of its instincts. Said vampire had even left its human wife and child for a year to try and master them, only to return and confess control would never be a certainty. He didn't advocate for blind discrimination, nor blind acceptance. The point of this meet seemed to be sowing awareness, and he could think of few intents more valuable. "He was hugging his friend, you know. Finnegan was, when he got stabbed." A pupil flared in interest. The bird could do nothing with that tidbit, but the boy would store it away for another day. It felt important. "How will you justify Pericles' eye, stabbed out by the very human Warren?" Hearing his name earned a milder head-tilt from the eagle. He contributed an unhelpful crooning noise near Eve's ear, urging her to share what they knew like her own personal Muninn. There was more to that story, and it was relevant to why they were all here.
┗		┛

Action: bird.

Interactions ❯❯ @Rebecca Lark | @Astra Norrick | @Evelynn Decipio | @Pericles Dralt | @Emily Shephard
Mentions ❯❯ @ | @ | @ | @

❂《 ⌜ May 23, 2024 ▎ --:-- ⌟

▛▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔

There is a lot going on around right now or at least, a lot between Astra and Becca. Their exchange of words and the prevented exchange of spells thanks to Evelynn's quick thinking and that of the swooping eagle that came out of nowhere. A lot of things that Raizel doesn't understand for she was just someone who had stumbled upon this meeting that she was probably not meant to be a part of yet Fate led her here. The only thing she knows is that this is about the last ball, the stabbing incident and that Becca is blaming Astra for it.

Her mind won't change about that. She believes that her cousin didn't do it. It's why she's here, by her side, ready to be of support as she tries to find out what exactly is going on. Her attention is soon caught by Miss Decipio's voice, questions perhaps finally getting answered. She confirmed that it was indeed about the recent ball, an incident that she had been unaware of despite being there herself.

"The recent ball saw several confrontations. There were a number of injuries, but two students that were grievously wounded.”

What was she doing during those times? When people were getting hurt and much worse, people that she knows and cares about were involved? Right, she was dealing with something trivial like the side effect of a drink that was spiked by some prankster who probably doesn't have anything good to do. So while she was dealing with that, people were in a more serious situation. No evidence of the true culprit behind the said stabbing incident so her cousin, Astra Norrick, became the prime suspect for some reason despite others being there. That’s kind of unfair and Becca sure thinks she is indeed the one to blame for this. Good thing others don't think so.

Hogwarts' darkness was what came next. The danger, the life threatening situations, the trauma inducing events. Raizel wasn't unaware of these, she had gotten a glimpse of it with how dangerous a Hogwarts event can be, how it couldn't remain uneventful and how it couldn't go without putting the lives of its students on the line. But those experiences of hers… that Gingerbread man coming alive and hedges grabbing and dragging her… they seem nothing compared to what Evelynn just spoke off, perhaps ones that she could call the true darkness lurking in those shadows. She had barely scratched the surface of it and there's more to come as they go through all their years at this wizarding school.

The next time that it happens.

That’s right, it could happen again, there’s no doubt about that. These happenings had somewhat become a tradition with the students somehow forced to fight them in order to protect themselves, to protect their friends. Sure enough, more people would get hurt, more tragedies, more victims. It could happen to her next or worse, to her friends. Miss Decipio is right, a way to defend themselves, to prepare for the danger that’s to come, they need those if they’d want to survive.

Astra’s outburst had caught her attention, her gaze quickly following to where she was facing. One of the people there had just finished their speech about how these ‘dark counterparts’ could be called as friends. It came off as a naive way of thinking. “I'd rather not take any chances if you asked me.” Raizel uttered, finding herself agreeing with her cousin. Not everyone is willing to hold hands and dance around like they are the bestest friends ever, especially creatures whose first instincts are to cause harm more than peace. There are just creatures that are meant to exist only in the dark no matter how much you try and not being cautious in handling them will just lead to your downfall.

“I too, would rather try my best not to die if I plan on finishing my studies here.” Hopefully, that would be the case, that she would reach graduation. Who knows, she could disappear in the future, perhaps perish in the most ugly way considering how weak she is. She was a failure as a duellist, leaving the team even. How could she survive? Well, she sure hopes that the way to become stronger that she had been seeking for would be found. Maybe this is that chance really. Isn't that why Miss Decipio was here in the first place? And why she hasn't left despite her slight annoyance towards her? It was so she could see what she has that could help their chance of survival.

▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▟

⌜ An Overture to Survival ⌟ | ⌜ WC: 683/200 ⌟
««««« Dialogue | #800000

INVENTORY

Outfit Reducio

Items Reducio Enchanted Satchel Wand Potions: See Inventory

STATS AND ABILITIES STA: 6 | EVA: 7 | STR: 3 | WIS: 8 | ARC: 8 | ACC: 8 Prod. Charms | Perfectionist (crit fail chance -1) EFFECTS NONE

Action That took too long to write. I'm sorry if it's terrible