Gala of Mysteries Fall Ball

LOCATION | Great Hall DATE | 19th October INTERACTING | Evpraksiya and Aodhan

888 | WORD COUNT x | OUTFIT whiplash. | SONG

Following her sudden encounter with the moping young girl, who's eyes had suddenly welled up almost spilling in liquid, Meiyu could immediately sense that the vixen had taken her comments much harsher than intended. The mere suggestion of mustering any form of courage to seek a dance at the gala evidently became too much for her, the lack of self care shown by the young girl in regard to her appearance — cascading around the ball with no makeup, confirmed Meiyu's suspicions that she had no desire to attract the lion she had once sought. The fable attempt at appearing proper with her softened tone, suggesting the lioness politely makes her departure from the encounter, had immediately betrayed her with the liquid now spilling from her eyes, she had made the girl cry. With her eyes fixated on the young one, Meiyu followed her motions, the perpetrator she had accused prior truly being the cause for her demise almost caused the lioness to break out in a slight smicker with amusement. Short-lived with the dramatic departure of the girl, the first victim of the night successfully falling into a trap which had not been difficult to set.

With silence falling amongst the trio irregard to the music prevalent in the hall, Meiyu had watched the angel — under the guise of the name Evpraksiya, delicately approach her side, as though the young girl had commit a great act of sin staging a necessary form of intervention. Their prior interactions as seat mates in class had given Meiyu enough insight on the angel, her motions demonstrating a strive of performative damage control, had any other student succumb to her charm, it would be evident that a misunderstanding was in order. This particular Slytherin, shared a common denominator with the lioness, somewhat an admiration for menace, further confirmed by the reminder shared. "How I do admire the watchful eyes, particularly from.. favourable onlookers." She commented almost playfully yet masked by her stern nature, her eyes searching for the boy and the cat by the wall, becoming irate with the introduction of another girl in the scene that played out. Irregardless, nothing would have Meiyu succumb to a similar outburst as the girl from earlier.

Conversations had shifted with Meiyu no longer being the primary target, being almost successful in their disregard with her eyes gawking at the scene and a feline involvement, the mention of Meiyu and bitch brought her back to the cascade, risking potential strain on her poor neck with how promptly she had turned back to them, almost misunderstanding Aodhan's remark. "Professionals being muggles, might I add." Once again, perhaps the odd boy's lack of wizarding cues had been the source of Meiyu's partial favouritism toward the fellow cub, she would much rather refer to that excuse than subject herself to the rumour that despite feeling a sense on estrangement for her fellow house, that was where her loyalties must lie.

Had her chosen victim of interest become available for a dangerous spew of venom between them, Meiyu may have invited Evpraksiya to join Aodhan and herself in a parade of mischief for the night, yet her increasing irritation and displeasure, arguably rage in the eyes of another, she showed no concern in enlightening her peers and subjecting another. Wasting her time with the child earlier had meant she had lost the opportunity to act on her pique, who had at this moment in time, succeeded once more in boiling her precious blood. Yet her internal monologue would never transcribe itself onto her rigid expression, the faux pleasantries the snake wished to convey seeking approval from the boy and potential onlookers had resulted in Meiyu's disinterest in the matter, maintaining firm eye contact with the poised angel as she continued to speak.

The pair did get along, sharing those common denominators had provided her with an insight into the foreign angel who blessed the castle, continuing her unyielding soliloquy based on distorted truth. "Perhaps if she had pondered less on seeking your earnest approval, the opportunity presented would have left us all in amusement." She began with her attempt at an apathetic tone, dully noting the two blondes making their own escapade out of the Great Hall, her brow raising as though to motion the angel of the departure, followed with a slight nod in the direction of the pair amidst their departure. Meiyu inched closer to the blonde doll blessed with porcelain features, directing the next chosen words for her ears only. "Or perhaps if you spared the soliloquy laced with faux etiquette, our next subject of the night may have equally succumb to a similar fortune." She whispered with her eyes fixated on the large door ahead that had begun to call for her.

Once pulling back, Meiyu graced the trio with the slightest curve of her lips, usually mistaken for a smile despite her irate mood. "With all said, I will take my leave. It has truly, been a pleasure." She spoke lightly, almost mimicking the almost pretentious polite tone exhibited earlier. The lioness had places to be, new subjects to torment, though this time, the pretense of competitiveness would be on her side, gracefully taking her delicate time to walk towards the large doors, removing herself from the Gala under the guise of instantaneous apathy.

@Pericles Dralt

Setting her first steps into this year's fall ball provided a dizzying, nauseating flashback to all the balls of Dee's past that had gone horrifyingly wrong. Most present were images of the most recent one - the blossom ball, which had ended with Dee fighting a giant centipede, and an unconscious ex-boyfriend she had likely damaged so permanently that he had never returned to school. Eyes closed for a moment, Dee took a deep breath, trying to rid herself of the rising urge to turn around and vomit into a corner, to convince the traitorous stinging in her eyes that this was not the time to cave under the pressure of things better left in her past.

Luckily, there was something firmly anchoring her to the present. A warm hand around hers, attached to someone not tainted by dark memories. Madhup had a ready smile and felt solid in a way that made the ghosts of her past seem flimsy and half-forgotten. The pink disaster he had turned his suit into when they'd met up earlier had made her laugh, and the admiration he so readily handed out whenever she performed the simplest of spells made her feel like she was glowing.

Less happy was the memory of his soot covered face a few days ago, when she'd been hurrying down the path to Hogsmeade, panic squeezing her chest after hearing about the explosion at the reception for the international schools, only to run across him halfway between the castle and the village, carrying roses and chocolate and a bloody griffin claw, and looking like he'd walked through literal hell to get them. Dee had wanted to hug and strangle him at the same time, because in what world was the ball the priority after what he'd just gone through? But then, she was quite rightfully the queen of avoiding difficult topics, and could hardly fault Madhup for doing the same. So the invitation had been accepted somewhere between tears of relief and laughter, and she'd resolved to at least provide ample distraction from the horrors he'd seen.

She happily leaned on Mad now, still not quite used to wearing heels, and breathed in the scent of food and spice in the air. The decoration was stunning, leaning fully into the theme, and the activites for the night sounded just as intriguing. Murder mysteries and puzzles to solve, Dee had been sold immediately, and she'd drag Madhup single-mindedly through the crowd to attend what had been termed the Haunted Halls... only to freeze on the way when she had to witness what was most likely the most horrifying event she had ever seen at any of her balls so far: @Mathias Pride proposing to @Winnie Harper.

Dee - and the entirety of the Circinus tent - were rather ill-disposed towards Matt and that particular relationship, and Dee's first instinct was to lunge across the space between them and strangle the little rat. With the additional inches from her heels, she should be able to reach his neck, after all. But she was all too aware of the spectators, and of Madhup next to her, and perhaps this was exactly why Mathias had chosen this time or place. She hadn't interacted with him in years, and didn't particularly care to appear on his radar... which didn't mean she wouldn't do all in her power to sabotage this engagement before it could go anywhere. She'd call in an emergency meeting with the Circinus gang - soon.

"It's not," she replied to Madhup's question, the words strained, her anger obvious, but would volunteer no further information unless questioned. Instead, she started walking again, her steps stiff and furious. Perhaps riddles and a little competition would distract her.

Action | Leaving towards the Haunted Halls.

Sta 7 | Eva 16 | Str 3 | Wis 15 | Arc 8 | Acc 20
Evasive Maneuvers | Charmer | Perfectionist | Spell Spread | Perfectionist II | Restricted Potions Section

Reducio

Charmer Allies | Madhup Hexum, Aly Salinger, Pericles Dralt, Evelynn Decipio, Winnie Harper

Inventory | Wand, Black Fire Potion x1, Essence of Dittany x1, Wit Sharpening Potion x1, Burn Healing Paste x1

October 19th, 2024	Great Hall
“English”	“Gaelic”

Alyss was becoming very content with her conversation. Nabi was listening, and didn’t seem bothered by her talking. It was common enough that others would grow bored of Alyss and her voice, usually prattling on about something they felt was unnecessary. Although they were correct in saying so, Alyss had always found herself to be uncomfortable with silence, often trying her best to fill it. While it was something Alyss had tried in the past to amend, it was too deeply embedded into who she was as a person, so therefore it was rarely effective.

“Please just call me Alyss, I don’t deserve any title of sorts!” She exclaimed at Nabi’s thanks, feeling slightly uncomfortable. She only ever called adults by “Miss” or “Mr” and for her entire childhood had simply addressed her peers by their names, never bothering with the polite dance of formalities. Alyss had never really spoken with people who had been raised remarkably differently than herself before Hogwarts, having grown up around those with similar lifestyles. While it had been an immense surprise upon arrival, she had gotten used to trying not to convey her surprise, frustration, or curiosity about others lives outwardly on her face.

Alyss perked up a little more at Nani’s mention of signing up for the murder mystery herself. “Really? Which group are you? She questioned, reaching into the pockets of her dress for her invitation. Oh, that was right! Her dress had pockets! “I nearly forgot to tell you! I’m so happy! My dress has pockets!” Alyss did a happy little dance as she showed off the pockets, sticking her hands into them and pulling out her invitation. “Sorry… Anyway, I’m in group four. And yourself?” She became aware of what could be seen as embarrassing behavior and straightened herself, blushing in embarrassment before getting back to the task at hand. She would be delighted if Nabi was in her group, but would understand if perhaps the other girl was not.

“Speaking of the murder mystery, I think it’s about time I leave for it! Would you like to walk with me?” Alyss offered, smiling at the girl dressed in black. She tilted her head up slightly to look Nabi in the eyes and tilted her head to the door to further illustrating her offer.

Reducio

Abilities:
Fearless

Stats & Trunk:
sta 6 • eva 6 • str 2 • wis 7 • arc 7 • acc 7
Trunk

Interactions: @Nabi Park
Interaction Status: Please owl for permission first!
Action: Leaving the ball for whispers, inviting Nabi to join her!

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The Dress:

𝙾𝚄𝚃𝙵𝙸𝚃: Reducio

│ │ │

▪ 𝙴𝙽𝙲𝚈 ▪ ▪ FELIX ▪ KOLBECK ▪ ▪ DURMSTRANG iNPC ▪ SIXTH YEAR ▪

│ │ │

𝙸𝙽𝚃𝙴𝚁𝙰𝙲𝚃𝙸𝙾𝙽𝚂: Reducio @Evelynn Decipio as Greta

"Greta..." He tried to interrupt her train of thought before she ended up derailing. It was heart wrenching to know someone as wonderful as her still suffered the weight of self-doubt.

His brows furrowing, he gave her hand a firm squeeze. "How could you be anything but wanted?" He shook his head in disbelief, wondering who the fuck had made Greta this unsure about their relationsh-erm, friendship, because he was going to knock their teeth in. "Listen, you and I both know I'm not the type of person to keep my thoughts to myself... If I didn't want to be here, if I didn't want to be dancing with you, I wouldn't have asked you."

After his speech, he gave her a twirl as if to prove his point. They were dancing, no if or buts about it. Felix couldn’t have imagined a world where dancing would make him feel alive but when his date pressed close to him, he could feel the steady rhythm of her heartbeat and it caused his own to race. He dared to hold her close, to brush his finger tips against the small of her back.

Somehow Greta believed the Swede was more than a mass of sharp edged insults and the brittle armour he wore to shield his soft inner core. Every step, every sway, every time he twirled her, he was drawn into her warmth, where his usual sarcasm and guardedness had no place. Her misplaced trust made him feel whole and fractured all at once.

A hand reached up to brush loose strands of hair behind her ear, and as his hand lingered he made the mistake of meeting her gaze. An ache settled into his chest and even he wasn’t in enough denial to mistake it for anything than what it was: a mixture of joy and longing. Because there she was; her twinkling eyes rivalling the brilliance of a midnight sky, and he just circled her like a satellite drawn to her gravity. He knew he didn’t deserve her, that he had no right to bask beneath the warmth of her radiance. So, he would be content to float in her orbit and catch a glimpse of the life he could have if only he were someone worthy.

The sudden shift in atmosphere sent him spiraling towards the grounds of harsh reality, and his eyes flickered down to where her hand gripped his shirt. Acting on instinct alone, he wrapped an arm around the Norwegian girl and pulled her against his chest, pulling his leather coat over her form. His casting hand was quick to retrieve his wand from his pocket as he watched the world above them reveal a dazzling display of the night sky.

By no means was Felix the type to read poetry; he wasn't a fucking dork. So, he had no idea how the poem ended, or what it even meant. "It's a poem, I think. He's saying, 'I said to my soul, be still and wait without hope or hope would be hope for the wrong thing; wait without love, for love would be love of the wrong thing; there is yet faith, but the faith and the love are all in the waiting.'" Something about waiting for love. Had they seen the proposal earlier and thought it would be funny to prank the pair? If that were the case he'd punch whoever was responsible for making Greta scared.

“It's okay; I won't let anything hurt you. It's probably something fucking stupid; you know how theatrical Hogwarts tends to be and Halloween is soon...” He wasn't certain who his words were aiming to calm down more, but if anyone or anything came close to Greta he was going to fling the first hex at them that came to mind.

"Can't let them know they've got us on edge, right?" He tried to cast a grin downwards, but could just barely see the outline of Greta's face poking out of his leather coat in the dim starlight. He leaned down until their foreheads touched, determined to help sooth her fears, "Do you want to keep dancing, or are you too nervous to be alone in the dark with me?" He teased.

Action: N/A.

Note: Thoughts Speech	Nabi's Dress: Reducio
The Great Hall 2024.10.19	Interaction Status: Closed; leaving for the Whispers of the Dark Interacting: @Alyss Gilmour Given permission to godmod Alyss at the end to leave the Great Hall.

Nabi raised an eyebrow as she heard Alyss say she deserved no title, Half-blood are you?, she had immediately conculded that Alyss was a half-blood. As a pureblood, she had been brought up the custom to always refer to somone in a formal manner. She did not have the slightest clue as to how muggles spoke, which only made her believe Alyss was a half-blood. Nabi noticed Alyss grow uncomfortable and she humed in response, "Although I do not see why you would think you do not deserve a title, I am speaking in a way that I was raised. I will take note of your request but I would not get my hopes up if I were you....Alyss".

Nabi had only remembered the group she was assigned to when her thoughts were interrupted by Alyss' gleeful remark on her dress. Why would a dress have pockets? there are clutch purses for a reason. She gave a small nod in awknowledgment, "That is wonderful...". Nabi raised an eyebrow in a slight amusement as she observed Alyss do a small dance, All that giddiness over pockets? odd..., she waited patiently for Alyss to finish. Deciding to disregard Alyss' embarrassed reaction, hm..group four as well huh?, Nabi hummed in thought, "I am also in group four...I suppose we could head there now, lead the way miss..."

Nabi calmly walks with Alyss out of the Great Hall,
Lets see how long you last, Miss Alyss...

Abilities: none
Stamina: 6 Evasion: 6 Strength: 5
Wisdom: 8 ArcPower: 5 Accuracy: 5

Actions: Exits the Great Hall with Alyss, heading towards the Whispers of the Dark
Items: Wand

⋅ Inspiration ⋅ Outfit ⋅

Mikael held his breath slightly as he stared at the entrance to the ball. A foreboding feeling washed over him, anointing him in a horrid way. He was uncertain why they continued to come back year after year here. Coming together and pretending to celebrate one another. As if they were not looking for a reason to stab the other in the back. He wished to bite the hand of his assailant, to feel the metallic tang to stain his tongue. Then they would at least be even. Mikael blinked slowly, uncertain why his mind had drifted so. His gaze looked down at the outfit that Valentin had helped him pick out. It seemed almost traditional between them. Mikael needed to be saved by Valentin. Needing the other to help him in ways Mikael could or would not be able to reciprocate. The climate here was indeed so warm, it was the one thing that always appeared to stand out to him. Far too accustomed to the cold winters of his home.

The ball was crowded, a small mental note that wormed its way to the front of his mind. He was not sure why some many people kept coming to these events. After everything that had happened at previous events. Though, maybe Hogwarts students were just dumber than the average witch or wizard? It seemed likely as he watched people walking around with big grins on their faces. What was he even doing here? It was a question that permeated his mind with doubt. He wanted to find Valentin. To stick onto the other to help ease his worries. Like a dog licking its wounds. To be near others so that he couldn’t be followed so that he couldn’t be watched. Mikael swallowed his mouth dry making it difficult.

As the boy moved into the ball his eyes danced across the different people. There were far more people than he had expected. His eyes flicked back and forth as he took in the different faces. His brows furrowed as his walking slowed slightly. Wait was that- Eyes growing frantic he could have sworn he saw a far too familiar side profile. Black hair that was too perfect to be real. Pale skin. Icy blue eyes that seemed to engulf someone in the coldest waters. “Jak-“ he stumbled out. Mikael blinked and a different boy had taken his place looking toward him as if he had grown another head. He had been mistaken.

Mikael would walk by the other without any word. Brushing past to find Valentin. He needed to find Valentin. As the boy walked in the corner of his eye, he could have sworn he could see Jakob. Hiding amongst the crowded faces, as they all laughed. His sight felt like it was distorting making it difficult to see as he whipped around. Trying to find the boy that seemed to haunt him. When had he last been able to go out without the fear of being watched? When had he last slept without worrying that he’d wake up no longer alone? It seemed too long. Far too long. His throat hurt and a painful look crossed his features. Mikael barely noticed the fact that he was walking quicker now.

The boy’s eyes widened as his light came into view. A breath he had not realized he was holding escaped his mouth in a deep sigh as he moved to close the distance between them. Coming up behind the boy, Mikael would grab the boy’s wrist with his own. No care was placed into whether or not he’d scare the white-haired boy. Eyes wide like a spooked animal. His lips slightly parted as he stared at the other. Working his jaw as he attempted to speak.

“Valentin..” he started before his words died in his throat. “I think I am being watched.” He said quietly. The words escaping his throat felt hollow. It felt weird to finally say it after all this time. It felt like he was finally admitting to himself that something was happening. Mikael’s brows furrowed up in pain as he stared at the other boy down with an unnerving look.

| Stamina 13 | Evasion 12 | Strength 14 | Wisdom 8 | Arcane Power 9 | Accuracy 11 |

Lovely Creature - Terrible Presence - Perfectionist - Fearless - Statistically Relevant - Attacker Awareness

Items: Essence of Demiguise - Locksmith's Knife

Open to Interactions
Interacting with: @Aida Mòrsgor-Ama Ellwood [Valentin Schnell]

october nineteenth|outfit	english|french
interacting|@Aurélie Duval @Ophelia Northwell mentioning |	calming presence, keen eyes |219.200

A Welsh boy stood with a French girl. To Peter, it felt like someone had interred for Aurélie to say yes. Or did Aurélie actually like the tall, Welsh boy whom’s favorite animal was a dove, and he goes to a French school while he has a completely different nationality? That Peter did not know. All he knew he wss with a girl who’s personality and just herself brought Peter right into her circle of close friends. He was happy, after spending the last year with a sense of happiness or even the slightest twinge of envy of not being that one nationality that he would kill to be.


Then Aurélie announced about the murder mystery game. Oh shit! I forgot completely about that. Who was I again? Peter thought, as his role finally came back to him. Oh, right. He answered, “Alright, we better be moving.” He taped his wrist, pretending to look and touch a imagery watch. Teasing the small French girl, “We better get a move on. I don’t know who your role is but if your the murderer, then they can’t start without you.” He didn’t know wheater Aurélie was or wasn’t the murderer but it never hurt to tease. Did it? Ever? Shaking it off, he walked off with Aurélie, his eyes on hers.

MODERATION ROUND 2

Important: if you have a moderated action that has not been rolled for, please contact me or Eugenia Karageorgiadi in your latest convenience so it can be edited.

Reducio

Colin's wisdom (DC 11)
Wisdom DC: d20[12+11] = 23 > 11, successful
Duration: d3[3], two round

It seemed as if a transparent ceiling was not the only incorporation of nature the room would see tonight. Through the fog, one particularly eager white-haired Slytherin @Colin McCoire would twirl his wand clockwise towards the mist. It was as if he had channeled Aelous himself as the Snake sent a well-placed gale through his wand. Wind jolted through the area upon his strong-willed incantation of Ventus, parting the fog in front of him and sending it into the faces of those at his side. The tempest would continue to swirl across the room even as the fog grew heavier, dispelling it till it had left a clear centre area devoid of the fog some may refer to as pesky.

But the spell was not done with the gathering. As it came around its second time, several decorations on the tables would be knocked over, glass bottles shattering as antique vases spilt out their wilted flowers. Students within vicinity may find their hair blown onto their face or the cool breeze slipping into their clothing and chilling them. The cut out patterns of bats fluttered in the wind as well, sending the show of light into a frenzy, the music changing as it harnessed its tempo.

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Reducio

FOODS	1930s	1940s	1950s	1960s
DECOR

OOC Information

Welcome to the Gala of Mysteries!
1. To participate, you must be indexed. If you are not indexed yet, please apply here.
2. Moderation will occur every week on Saturdays.
3. Your character is allowed one moderated action per round. Please specify your moderated action somewhere OOC in your post.

Reducio

Moderated actions are those actions that requires rolls like casting a spell on someone, physically fighting (like punching) with someone, surprising someone etc. Rolls are not needed for pre-decided or consented actions, like asking someone for a dance.

4. Please include your abilities and stats in your post.
5. There are two other threads in this event, Haunted Halls and Whispers of the Dark. You can directly enter the two threads without needing to post in this thread, but if you already have, please specify that you are leaving this thread for either one of the other two.
6. Please follow all usual HIO rules.
7. Enjoy the ball!