The Garden of Eden Spring Ball 2025

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Date: 04/14/25 | Time: Early Evening | [b | CC: #992627

sta 6 | eva 8| str 7| STATS | wis 7 | arc 5 | acc 7|
Abilities: Healing Sage, Charmer
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Siobhan tried to pay attention but she was more of a 'read it first, try it after' kind of person and Prat was moving them around the dance floor a little faster than she was used too. Even for such a boring dance. Was this how wizarding society danced? It was so... dull. Yet she plastered a polite smile on and pretended that this could do with a faster tempo. Despite the slowness of the music, Prat was doing a good job leading her around the dance floor and it was nice to dance with someone else for once. Usually she just whirled around a bonfire with some of her muggle neighbors whenever Solstice came around. The bonfire would be raging, the food and drink flowing, and the happiness and cheerfulness of all those who celebrated the days.

The Prat asked if she could do what he was teaching her. Go back and left? Right and forward? Wasn't he the leader? Why was she moving them now? That didn't seem like a good idea. In facts she could feel the dizziness starting to creep up on her because of the lack of depth perception in her eyes. She gave it a try for a few seconds but when Prat started coming in and out of focus which hurt the muscles around her eyes, she looked away- stopping them for a few moments.

"I can't- I can't. She grumbled as she let go of his hand and turned away. Partially out of embarrassment, partially because she needed something stationary to look at so that she could regulate the nausea that was creeping up on her. This was so stupid, yet another case in which her eyes were ruining something for her. He was going to ditch her if she couldn't get herself together.

He might as well. She wasn't very good company at the moment to anyone. She was falling into this self-centered embarrassed streak about herself, even though she tried to show that she was fine. But it wasn't fine. How could anything be fine? God it was so dumb and all she wanted to do was run back to her dorm room and cry.

These emotions were also driving Siobhan crazy. Maybe it was the grief, maybe it was the fact that she had lost a whole friendship over her eyes. And maybe it was just because someone was being nice to her and not pitying her like she had been doing to herself but she wasn't sure. Honestly, she wasn't sure of anything anymore.

She stepped away from Prat so he couldn't see her eyes. They stung with frustrated tears and she would not cry over this in public. This wasn't the time nor the place.
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Interacting with: @Lyanna Oak, @Joseph Sims I added you guys since we will have a group later! Feel free to interact with Av if you want to now! (please owl me for interactions!) Mentioning: N/A Date: 04/11/25

Word Count: 291

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Avery had heard her name. She knew a familiar voice had said it, but she hadn't realized who it was until a few seconds ago. It was her best friend. Lya. She waved back as her bestie left the garden to head towards the ball. She couldn't wait to see her and chat with her later. Though, she knew exactly what she had to tell her bestie before they left for spring break. She knew that the girl deserved to know the truth about what was going on with Avery. It wasn't fair to her that Avery was constantly pushing the topic away. She was going to tell her. Tomorrow. Otherwise, she would probably never tell the truth. She would just keep herself closed off. Again. Avery glanced at the food table. The snacks there were appetizing, but Avery knew better than to eat right away. She couldn't wait to get to the main ball, but she had promised Dylan they would meet up in the garden first. She just hoped he would arrive soon. She couldn't wait to find her friends and hopefully have the best night of her life, or, at least, the best night she could with her grandfather's life on the line. Suddenly, Avery glanced up. There he was. Her cousin. Dylan. His black hair slicked back instead of in its usual messy manner. His suit was neatly pressed and clean. Avery was shocked for a moment. The last time she had seen him was a few days ago when she nearly died from a troll attack. Avery smiled and walked over to him. Ready to see what the night would hold since she had her cousin by her side for the first times in many years.

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banner by Prat Pass | interacting as Archer Duncan

If the Garden of Eden existed, then Archer would be the Adam banished from the Arcadian utopia.

Once, in a world he could no longer remember, his life was the encyclopaedia definition of the phrase. Just as de Fostoncy had described they were the sprawling Misty Island fields, the fog that never dissipated yet the sheep that still grazed through it, the rainstorms that, although first terrifying, grew to be what he had loved most. The Isle of Skye and its seascape scenery were forever a home to return to, yet the now archaic mountain house was as good as the cobwebbed ruins they found it in without the bright spirit that had inhabited its halls. Never again could he bring himself to tread upon floors once loved without the sharp pangs of pain through his chest. And so he had been exiled, the angels pulling him out by his arms not the followers of a divine deity but the walls rising around his very own memory.

The only difference being Archer had never eaten the forbidden fruit. He had never been a sinner, did not remember a time in his young years when he had been so treacherous he deserved the fate, did not understand why the lightning bolt crudely altering his life had been struck on his tree. How he was meant to adhere to the coveted tales of love, compassion, goodwill, when none had been shown towards him in the cruel, twisted turnings of the world he would give anything to know. What Archer acknowledged for a certain truth though was that he had never done a thing wrong.

Now, however, he might as well be deemed the murderer of all murderers, because that God deemed just was as good as dead to him.

Though all too familiar with the theories of theology on paper, when Archer had turned hopeful eyes upwards towards the vast expanses of the sky he had not been praying for yet another apathetical response but that someday, after hours poured into holiness, he would become a believer himself. One day, perhaps only when he was on the Pearly Gates himself he would embrace the notion of the blissful afterlife, his soul spending the rest of its consciousness at peace, reunited with his mother, the august beams and columns but clouds as soft as fairy floss. But just as he had gathered from that enigma of a girl met on the very top of the academy, so close to the the wide blue yonder above, he was no atheist by pure choice.

Religion promised him, on some faraway day, all the pain would be worth something, but with the impatient fire of childhood, when, when was that day going to arrive at his doorstep?

Compelled back into the ignoble state of common bodily awareness, Archer shuffled along with the entering crowd as the garden opened before his eyes, its centrepiece a gazebo overlaid on a backdrop of hymns. Yet all the refinement were rendered dull in contrast to the myriad of overwhelming colours, couples entering hand in hand, friends laughing as the other quipped an inside joke, even the new Lepidoptera of spring left a bundle of eggs as their final gift to the earth. The tables of refreshments had no flavour sans those to taste them, the flowers no aroma with no one to smell them, even the candles would be as good as snuffed if they burnt away their wax in an empty room. Somedays, he too understood why God created Adam and Eve; if he were God, he could even envy them.

Never one to initiate company even prior to his social withdrawal, he was not enough of a masochist to torment himself within the labyrinths of conversation. Therefore lurking the shadows of the garden’s outskirts, uninterested in the arrays of food nor the dance cards he had waved away in declination, the trees casted shadows on his face as a bunch of grapes dangled perilously just above his now outgrown hair. If any stray attendee found it in their good graces to deem him an acceptable partner of an exchange, so be it, but it was a notion he found comfort in doubting.

Archer harboured no outspoken loquaciousness, but as always, he was observant.

Interacting with: @Lyanna Oak, @Joseph Sims Sorry about all the pinging. Just keeping track of everything. (please owl me for interactions!) Mentioning: N/A Date: 04/11/25

Word Count: 235

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Dylan was nervous. He had never been to a ball before that day. He always chose to avoid them since they weren't exactly his type of thing, but he couldn't say no when Avery asked him to come and meet her friends. He had missed his cousin dearly over the time that they were apart, so spending time with her and her friends would feel amazing. He couldn't wait to see what adventures would unfold that night. He sighed and was amazed by the beautiful scenery as he walked to the garden. This was supposed to be where he got his education, but, thanks to Avery's mother, plans had changed. Drastically. Dylan stood in awe at the sight of the garden. It was beautiful. Plants and flowers of all sorts were scattered around. The second he walked in, he realized Avery was already there and waiting for him. He approached her quickly. He was surprised to find that they were somewhat matching. He smiled to himself at this. Even though they had been apart for quite a few years, they still had similar minds. Just like when they were little. Though, Dylan's joy didn't last too long. He was worried about his cousin. Was she okay after the attack? Not just physically, but mentally? "Are you okay? How are you feeling?" He asked his cousin as he embraced her and gave her a big hug.

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April 11th 2025
Speech: Bold #257379
Thoughts: Bold Italics
With Cursa McCoire @Colin McCoire
Mentioning: Romeo Marchonné @Piérre Marchonné

Had another student not come over and obscured Casey's vision on the longsword that had him enamoured, he would never have been able to divert his attention elsewhere. At least, not for long. Casey only managed a few seconds before he was back to going, 'whoa.. Look at that sword'... Alas, staring at a stranger for how cool he was had come to and end and Casey was left in search of finding something else to do.

He pivoted and stuck his hands in his pockets as he observed the other patrons of the garden. A few conversations bounced about here and there as Casey wondered aimlessly around the place. His eyes caught a few pairs dancing while some others hung around, looking just as active as Casey was. Still, Casey could get used to this. He would take quiet and underwhelming over loud and chaotic any day of the week. For all Hogwarts had to offer, it still had a long way to go in convincing Casey that they could be fun without the shadow of imminent danger looming over them. Perhaps that was why a few of the guests here were looking a tad apprehensive. Mr. Wolf and his longsword certainly seemed that way. He reckoned that technically made two of them, with Casey checking his sides and over his shoulder in the off chance he caught something strange in the corner of his eye.

"OwoooOOooOoOOoooo!!"

Casey stiffened. "Oh biscuits..."

Sure enough, when he looked over his shoulder for the hundredth time, his intuition had proven true. A streak of white hair and pale skin zoomed incoming to the entrance, with a slightly smaller, prettier person in tow.

Casey was quick to hide behind a bush before Colin and Emily would spot him. He cursed under his breath. He didn't think they would've left the ball that quickly. And now hiding in a much smaller part of the whole event was going to make spying on them harder, what with the very limited hiding spots in this petite garden.

He examined himself and the bush he had ducked behind. Yeah, this wasn't working. Nowhere near enough shrubbery to hide his wavy locks and his slightly-oversized-for-his-own-good tailcoat.

Then he spotted Cursa. Perfect! He had enough height and hair to hide Casey easily.

Casey scrambled towards the redhead before slinking behind him. He looked at him awkwardly before hissing close to his ear. "Don't ask. Just stand there a minute--"

A beat passed and Casey stuck his head out from behind Cursa's back. Neither his goofball cousin nor the sweetie he'd been pining after appeared to be nearby. Casey puffed out a sigh of relief as he stepped out from behind Cursa. "Thanks for the quick cover, Red."

He fixed himself and only then did Casey realise that Cursa was on his own. Casey smirked and bumped Cursa's shoulder.

"No date as well, eh?"

_{Word Count: 461}

Action: Hiding... _Shh!

Stats: Stamina: 8 | Strength: 7 | Evasion: 7 | Wisdom: 6 | Arc Power: 6 | Accuracy: 7
Abilities: Fearless | Poison Resistance

ACTION: Festive dancing and flower crown making

INTERACTIONS: Currently with AngelFyre McCubbin, OPEN to additional interaction

Sta: 10 | Eva: 10 | Str: 10 | Wis: 10 | AP: 7 | Acc: 11
Relevant Abilities/Race:Dhampir - Fangs and Claws, Unsettling Aura TURNED OFF,
Healing Sage, Heightened Smell

Interacting with: @Lyanna Oak, @Joseph Sims I added you guys since we will have a group later! Feel free to interact with Av if you want to now! (please owl me for interactions!) Mentioning: N/A Date: 04/11/25

Word Count: 242

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Avery collapsed into Dylan's arms. It had been so long since she had actually had time to see him and talk to him. She was so happy that she was most likely going to spend the break with him in Wales. It would be just like old times. All Avery could hope was that her mother wouldn't find out. That would make everything worse. Once their hug had broken Avery said, "I'm fine. Really, I am. Colin fixed me right up!" Avery said. Though she knew Dylan would see right past her cheeriness and see how distressed she really was. He had always been good at that. They had both spent so much time together that nothing could be hidden from the other. They were inseparable. "The garden is beautiful, isn't it?" Avery asked as they walked around and viewed the plants. It was so peaceful. Somehting Avery greatly needed in her world. That's why she had told Dylan to meet here. Though, she knew they would have to meet up with the rest of her friends soon. That's why they were touring the garden now. "You ready to head back to the castle and meet my friends?" Avery asked. Hoping that he was ready to go and didn't want to stay much longer. She was eager to see her friends and also see what shenanigans they would get up to at the ball. This was going to be a fun night.

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Interacting with: @Lyanna Oak, @Joseph Sims Sorry about all the pinging. Just keeping track of everything. (please owl me for interactions!) Mentioning: N/A Date: 04/11/25

Word Count: 200

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Dylan saw right through Avery's mask. He knew her so well to the point that he knew she was hiding something. He wanted to pry, but he didn't because he knew Avery would tell him when she was ready. Especially if it was something heavy that was weighing down on her. All he could do was give her shoulder a quick squeeze. He nodded his head in agreement when Avery asked if he thought the garden was beautiful. It really was. "It is." Dylan watched the garden with Avery for a minute as they walked. He was amazed at how beautiful the garden really was. Whoever had designed the ball had chosen the perfect theme. Even though balls weren't usually Dylan's thing, he was loving this ball. It was very different to the Pureblood balls Dylan had gone to with his parents in America. "Yeah. Let's go meet your friends." He said as he followed Avery out of the garden and towards wherever the Great Hall was. Even though he had already been at Hogwarts for a few days, the castle was still confusing. He had no idea how Avery was able to navigate the maze of hallways and corridors.

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Hanging out with Boram

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Arno followed Boram's lead with a bemused smile, allowing her to pull him through the crowded Soiree. The vibrant colors of the ball faded behind them as they began making their way towards the garden. Arno's excitement with what he had just carried out with a hate potion was barely hidden on his face. Despite Boram's occasional grumbling about getting lost, Arno was beginning to enjoy himself on this trip. He felt a gentle tug on his arm as she stopped, his eyes scanning for the right path towards the gardens. Arno was now somewhat fluent in russian but still had kinks to iron out ,leading to him answering her in english while he simply shrugged. "I have no idea where's what, I'm just following you to god knows where."

Turning the corner, Arno was met with another of Boram's questions as she kept speaking half russian half English. If her aim was to successfully disorient the poor boy throughout this conversation, she was fairly exceeding his expectations so far. Feigning ignorance, Arno replied to Boram's question with a mischievous grin as he leaned further, his voice low in the crowded setting. "I'm afraid i have no idea what you're talking about. I've never been at a place this vibrant with hedges and flowers whatnot. I'm a little overwhelmed to remember what you're talking about right now."

His grip gave her a gentle squeeze, signaling how this was him teasing her and she wasn't supposed to take his words seriously as they walked towards their destination. He chuckled, his eyes darting towards the other attendees as he told her "You should forget whatever you asked about and merely relish in the mystery of it all." steering the conversation away from his actions about the great hall and towards a different topic entirely.

The cool evening breeze whispered through the leaves above them, carrying with it the faint sounds of distant laughter and music from the garden they had finally found this way into.
Arno awaited with baited breath as Boram let go of him and instead began navigating the sea of guests towards what looked like snacks and beverages. The soft glow of lights played across her features, casting shadows that only enhanced her appearance, before he knew it Boram had made significant area of the distance towards her destination. Arno wasn't the kind to drink or eat at these events, nor was he in good conscience about to let Boram take a bite from these food ingredients which had been kept out in the open for god knows how long.

With her quick graceful steps and perhaps half-minded attention, Arno noticed a collision waiting to happen. He was about to call out to her, warn her of the potential obstacle in her path, but the words barely left his throat before he saw her collide with someone. He cringed, expecting an embarrassing scene, but instead she recovered and apologized to the stranger. The tension is his chest eased a bit as she managed to avoid a major faux pas. "Everything alright?" he inquired with a hint of concern as his gaze flickered back to the adult she had managed to bump into.

"I don't think I want to drink or eat anything from this place for now. Let's just find a place to sit down and enjoy some fresh air."

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Closed for interactions;owl me

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Monday, 11th April; Grounds

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As Prat danced Siobhan around the dance floor, his heart swelled with a little pride at Sio's initial attempts to follow his lead. While these were fairly easy steps to follow, he was just happy at the idea of her being able to comprehend these unfamiliar movements.

Yet, as the music grew between the two of them, he could notice a sudden shift in her demeanor. The corners of her mouth began to droop and the questionably graceful flow of her movements grew more erratic than ever.

Concern etched it's way onto Prat's face as he noticed the sudden shift within Siobhan. Witnessing this stumbling figure did Prat realize perhaps the pace was too fast for her taste. In his hopes of introducing her to this idea of dance, he had failed to anticipate the troubles that might come with teaching, in addition he would not prize himself as a good tutor in any or all sense.

The warmth of her hands now grew clammy in his hand, as he found her gaze drifting away from his. Was she unwell? The joy of moment had transformed into a puzzle that seemed eager to scramble his brain and figure out an answer which would satiate his own self.

With their dance slowed to a halt, his eyes searched hers for an explanation. "Sio, are you okay?" he asked gently, his whispering gentle voice deafened by the music around them. The moment she let go of his hand, Prat could get a much better view of her distressed expression. A stark contrast to what felt like traces of delight across her face only a few moments ago.

He stepped back, giving her the space he deemed she needed in those moments of distress as she faced away from him. His own hand hovered in the air, unsure where to land now seeing it was no longer holding hers. "Let's get some fresh air" he offered with a tender voice. "The dance floor is getting a bit too crowded for me right now."

With a little nod Prat attempted to guide Siobhan through the swirling sea of guests as he proposed moving to a quieter corner of the garden. The music grew fainter with each step they took away from the dance floor until they reached a much quieter corner. Concern remained clouding his features as he looked at her for a response, his eyes searching for any signs of improvement within her. He really hoped she hadn't eaten or drank something from the garden, these balls were notorious for spiked food items and no one in their right mind would attempt to ever consume them. Were this the case for her, he might just have to consult one of the adults around them at this hour of the day.

"Is there anything you need? some water perhaps?"

To break the silence between them once again, Prat reached out to her once again with a gentle smile that didn't quite reach her vision, he lied. "I'm relieved we're out of there," he said, his voice a soft rumble. "The floor was getting a bit stuffy, and I could use some fresh air, Thank you." He paused, giving the girl a moment to absorb his words with all that she seemed to be going through. "This is much better, isn't it?" He hoped his lie would serve as a balm to her embarrassment, allowing her to compose herself without the weight of concern pressing down on her.

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@Siobhan McCartyXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXSiobhan