Refreshment Required open for Durmstrang

banner by Oonagh Brown || interacting as Hans Jenssen

Watching from the distance as Durmstrang chaser Amina Petrovic performed one of the dives Hans loved and had steadily mastered since his first encounter with the Quidditch captain, Hans had never been too well acquainted with the upperclassman except for a name and the striking fact that she seemed fun. That, in his humble opinion, was good enough of a judgement of her character. So, he joined her in the dive, flying down towards the ground so close he looked as if he was about to crash soon, before he shot upwards once more, bringing his broom as far up as it could stand, at an angle particularly egregious for any onlooker yet felt particularly fitting as the ends of his hair on his neck stood up in thrill. Now this, he was fairly sure, was proper broom riding, an entire bottle of adrenaline compared to the meagre shots Quidditch and racing offered. After all, what did he care for anything now that the end of school was finally nearing after an exhausting year.

After he a few more Hans would pull up next to the relaxing Amina for a break as he greeted her with a quick “привет hi” at her approving nod, him too jumping off the shaft of the Silver Arrow as he landed deftly on solid ground, slightly disoriented on earth after the swooping flight. Taking swigs from the canteen fastened at his hips the summer heat was beginning to settle in even in their isolated far-north paradise (or hellhole, depending on your perspective) as sweat trickled down his back. The sun was sweltering, and although he loved its beaming rays somedays it was admittedly an irksome distraction as he was forced to wipe at his forehead with his sleeve. First mistake, actually, why the hell did he think it would have been a good idea to dress in a tight, long-sleeved shirt and let alone one that was black? Even the familiar Scandinavian winds seemed not have reached them without his own work of sweeping through the clouds.

“Do you require some refreshment?”

“Hey!” Instinct meant his voice reacted faster than his acknowledgement. Suddenly, his respite seemed to have arrived in the form of another's water, namely, Amina’s, who had just been dowsing herself with the water — at least they were on the same ground. It hit him squarely on the chest as the liquid seeped into his shirt (not particularly water-repellent anymore when he needed it, huh?) He would have never expected it, especially considering how the population of Durmstrang valued their reputation, but evidently he was judging Amina for something she was clearly not. Which, undoubtably, was a good sign. Admittedly, it was refreshing too, so the Hans so well acquainted to water was not about to complain. “Why thank you.” He said at the splash, the phrase coming out sarcastic even if he did hold genuine meaning behind it.

And things seemed to have only gotten better from there as genius seemed to have struck the Quidditch player. A water balloon fight, what a simple, naïve, amusing idea. What a perfect idea. As Amina shouted into the air with a finger pointed at Hans he found the widest smile spreading across his face, feeling never so keen for anything else. “You’re a freaking genius Amina!” He exclaimed.

“Let’s go!”

Catching the bag in his arms familiar yet distant memories of similar summer events back in Berlin flooded his mind. The fun most commonly found in kids perhaps he should have been wholly surprised that a seventh year of all people was proposing it but much more him was gratified that the childish spirit which he had once tried so desperately to let loose of was being persevered. These simple, innocent pleasures were ones he know relished in and, in hindsight, should always have. Shaking nostalgia from past games he reminded himself that none of that would matter if he were to immerse himself in the present, so soon he too followed Amina as the two sprinted off towards the nearest lake, which Durmstrang certainly had no shortage of. Barely giving himself time to bend down and fill one up he stood again, and despite being underarmed at the moment, eager to begin their little “refreshment”.

As Amina was still filling up the water balloons, Hans decided to recruit more people into their fun — after all, there was little of a fight with just two. Wildly looking around him, he would aim his waving hand at any figure unfortunate enough to walk into their chaos, and without any thought of first seeking consent, would have looped them into the game as he fired his first-filled water balloon in their direction mercilessly.

Now that his summer plans were approaching faster than ever, what would be a better way to end the year than a water balloon fight?

Это конец This is the end

Well, more like the end of the school year, but Boram did always have a flair for the dramatics. She appeared spaced as she walked, her eyes distant. Her mind was already at her lovely home back in Russia, where the wind wooshed and the tall grass swayed with it. The howls of wolves and cries of the beautiful red foxes beneath the starry nights from her bedroom's balcony brought a wave of nostalgia, and a smile broke the otherwise stern face she wore, practically hearing the gentle sound of the lake between Russia and Finland.

A calmer scenery.

Home.

The sound of her footsteps and those of another synchronized as she seemed to return to her present.

They say every ending is a new beginning, a bit too optimistic for her taste but she could not deny the truth within the saying. Her smile remained while her gaze shifted beside her, the dark-haired boy she had quickly begun to consider as a good friend walked calmly. A thought made her smile grow, and she hummed softly to herself before looking away.

Perhaps her story's ending would not be a bad one...

The grounds of what some may consider an intimidating castle were peaceful. The breeze gently ran as if Stribog were wishing her a good vacation, brushing through her hair while she relaxed further. With a small exhale, she said calmly, "Я подумала... I was thinking..." her smile widened when she looked back at him, "Since school break is around the corner... I figured it would be nice if you got to visit my home..."

Did she remember that they would still have summer camp? No

Boram had been too lost remembering the tranquility that awaited her, she had forgotten that most of her summer would be spent with other students. She continued to look at him, her eyes wide as she grew excited with the idea of sharing something that brought her peace with someone she cared for. "I can ask my parents if you can come... with the permission of your mother, of course" she waited, watching how he seemed to contemplate her words.

When suddenly there was a sploosh.

A gasp was heard, though from whom may have been the mystery, as she blinked. She could feel sprinkles of a cool feeling on her arm, but that did not matter, for Arno had gotten the worst of it. The sight of a shocked and soaked Arno was enough to send her into a giggling fit, her eyes squinting as her smile was large, her hands moving to her stomach as she attempted to stop herself from laughing too much.
"....wait...
give me a moment...
whew....
pfft....
whew okie.... okie."

She wiped off a tear from her face as she began to calm down, her face mildly flushed from the laughter. "I'm sorry, Arnie..." She smiled at him as she reached out to him, "Are you alright?" Looking around to see where the attack had come from, she said softly, "What was that?... Did someone cast a spell?"

Her eyebrows furrowed as concern began to sink in.

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REFRESHMENT REQUIRED@Nabi Park@Ileen Knight@Archer Duncan

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The breeze felt lighter today,

Not as cold or quiet as the other days. It was in no way as warm as Castelo was but it's wasn't it's usual Durm self either. It drifted like a whisper past his ears, his hair and between the quiet steps of the two students who walked with no real sense of urgency between them. With the castle behind them, they threaded through the ground as the two fell into synced steps together.

Arno kept his hands in his pockets, not from discomfort but out of habit, his hand was still fidgeting with his wand inside. Fingers slightly brushing along the wooden weapon, a silent relief.

His eyes glanced sideways when Boram spoke, the Russian syllables falling softly from her lips. Arno saw in her voice a warmth that hadn't been their during their initial encounter, albeit reasonably so. When she had looked at him with guarded eyes and a stiff posture, but that had changed. But so had he, he supposed.

At the mention of her home, his eyes flickered back to her again. She seemed to be buzzing at the prospect of going back home. Arno could not picture himself in her shoes, he had never wondered about the idea of visiting back home. The prospect of leaving for home was not one he enjoyed. With his mother's strenuous schedule, such vacations usually meant him being left home in the care of staff. Arno did not enjoy their company despite their best attempts. After all, they were paid to waste their time with him, He however craved for someone willing to choose him.

The way Boram would speak of her home, it would sound like the kind of places stories were written about, not lived in. But he knew it was real, it must be if she's saying it. A place, Hers.

"I'd like that," Arno said quietly after a pause, his voice steady but a little reserved due to the unexpected offer. "You don't have to worry about my mother, she'll say yes. She's too busy to say no anyway."

Then, like always doubt edged in his words. He hesitated a little, gaze dropping to the gravel beneath their shoes. "You’re sure your parents won’t mind? I don’t want to be—"

SPLASH

Cold. Sharp. Sudden.

His world blinked into a blur of snow, freezing water and dripping hair clinging to his head as if betrayal itself.

For a full two seconds, Arno just stood there.

Dripping like a wet cat from an animation.

Silent.

Then a slow breath escaped through his nose, and with it, two softly spoken words:

"…aww fuck."

Somewhere to his side, Boram burst into laughter. Arno didn’t look at her, but his lips twitched. Just a little. Getting pelted with water was no laughing matter.

Arno rushed over to the direction of his unknown attacker and found a semi planned looking Water balloon fight. Taking one in hand, Arno looked at Boram, shouting "LOOK ALIVE" at her, before sending a Water balloon her way.

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Perfectionist and Terrible Presence

english | russian

Amina giggled at the reaction of her water-attack target (alias Hans) and waved her bottle in his direction. ”You’re very welcome. There is more where that came from!”
She already was feeling positive towards him, but she would be even more favourable when he acknowledged her wisdom for coming up with the idea of a water balloon fight. A true Durmstrang through and through: Always open to fun and chaos.
After they tried to fill up the balloons at the lake together, Amina grabbed a few more empty ones and looked for a tap, which really sped things up. And because she was already on her way, she made a small detour to get more attack options.

After she returned, everyone who joined in the fun could find lots of filled balloons, a stack of cups and several buckets of water.

Hans didn’t waste any time with chit chat and developed his own method of engaging people into the game. The young lad just grabbed one of the balloons he had filled up and threw it at a pair of students who were strolling over the lawn.
Impressed, Amina watched the projectile hit its mark, soaking the dark haired boy of the couple. ”Nice shot,” she praised him and winked at him, a rare praise for someone who wasn't on the Quidditch team. Then she grabbed two cups and filled them with water from one of the prepared tubs. With a wide grin, she stepped aside as the victim of Han's attack rushed over to arm himself as well.
And just when he was aiming for his girl companion, Amina would target the two boys next to her.
”Careful! Friendly fire!” With a quick lunge, she would aim each of the cups in her hand at one of them. The water didn't fly very far, but since they were still standing with her and the balloons, it might work. They were both already soaked anyway, so what was the big difference?
Her pale green eyes sparkled with delight. She was totally in her element.
Hopefully some other quidditch players would join the fun as well! The more, the merrier and then it would become a full blown battle. Part of her also wouldn’t say no to knocking Romeo off his broom with a well aimed balloon either.

Interacting | Hans (@Archer Duncan) | Boram (@Nabi Park) | Arno (@Prat Pass)
Feel free to godmode her recruiting you for the fun when she is filling up the balloons, on her way there or back

Action | trying to hit both Arno and Hans with water from the cups in her hand (each cup aims at one of the boys since they should be close next to her)

Ability | Muggle Condition (+3 accuracy roll on non-magical attacks and actions.) | Fearless (Fear effects such as a dhampir's aura, the ability terrible presence, a lycanothrope's intimidation or certain charms, potions and jinxes that would normally cause a fear effect do not work on you as you are immune to them.) | Foulplay (no rules, no cheating) | Lovely Creature (increases the Control DC of spells in duels and adventures by +2) | Evasive Maneuvers I & II (20% auto dodge chance)

Allies for LC | noone ~ everyone may admire her You can decide from an RP perspective how much the ability affects you

Stats | Sta:9 | Ev:20 | Str:8 | Wis:8 | Arc:2 | Acc:20

OOC NOTE: This is a partially moderated thread. Throwing or casting attempts will be rolled by me. Please state your stats and actions and specify if you have an ability that affects others and who your allies are.

Here is a short overview over the rules and how to state your action

General moderation rules

• please state your stats, abilities and actions in your post (everyone gets one action. Here are actions that would count as one full action: throwing a balloon, casting a spell, taking cover)
• if you want to make it easier on me, please also provide the effect of your ability
• you character will find buckets with water, buckets with water balloons and some cups
• takign a balloon is a free action. You can take as many as you want.
• intentional hurting people in this thread will lead to your exclusion from the event
• you don’t need to throw balloons if you are part of this thread, just have fun!
• there are no predefined teams, feel free to team up IC with others
• please describe how your character approaches the attempt. There are no rules as long as it is physically possible. I can come up with rolls for everything
• brooms are not allowed, but you might bring stuff to build yourself a defense fort!
• if you have any questions, send me an owl or DM me on discord
• Hans is co-moderator
• FYI - I will try to moderate every 1-2 weeks. (next moderation on the 31st of May)

Semyon stared. The noise of a gathering, a team of beings he was well familiar with now, as his gaze tracked their motion. His ears picked up on the theme of the gathering fairly easy, they were not making an attempt to hide the purpose. The purpose being enjoyment... entertainment.

The ghostling approached, delphiniums sticking from his hair as his body was clad in a flowy, loose fitting overall in a muted green and marguerite daisy prints across the cloth. He appeared scrawny, almost, as he was swallowed by the fabric. His arms sticking out from were the loose dungaree was held up by his shoulders. He smelled of herbs, grasses, flowers and fresh soil as he almost warily approached the gathering. He saw them play with colourful cups and squishy balls that must have been filled with the water that stood readily available.

His finger tips rubbed together in a soothing motion as he wandered into the small crowd, allowing to get swallowed up by it as he assumed he would not draw much attention. He knew all of the students who had already shown their presence, however there was no one known to him. Passing by a shrub he took hold of a leaf, tucked it of its little branch and began inspecting it and rolling it between his fingers as he stared through the whole procedure of what was happening around him.

He wondered if it was permissible for him to join into what he deducted was a game between team mates, between friends and for the students he went to school and sometimes to class with. He gently took a cup and dipped it into the bucket of water, the crisp water feeling soothing due to the weather, as the sun shone bright and warm. But then he stood waiting, staring at the cup of water as he stared at the other students who had already joined the fun.

Stats & Ability
Sta 5 | Eva 10 | Str 0 | Wis 10 | Arc 0 | Acc 10
Impartial

Action
?

MODERATION ROUND ONE

It didn’t take long for the two initiators to double their headcount. Hans (@Archer Duncan) himself integrated two third years, one of them already on the quidditch team and the other one aspiring. Although they both were participating in a sport that was extremely dangerous, it seemed at that moment in time they weren’t paying much attention to their surroundings for they were too busy flirting and daydreaming of home (at least Boram (@Nabi Park)).
The young Quidditch Beater (Arno (@Prat Pass)) apparently had his alert system turned off as well, not expecting an attack on such a nice and peaceful walk with his friend. Hans had other plans for them and his well aimed shot hit Arno directly on the head, soaking his hair and shirt.
While his companion suffered under a severe laugh attack at that sight, he himself stood there like a deer in front of the headlights - but only for a second. While his friend was looking around to figure out where the water had come from, he already was one step ahead of her. He was one step ahead of her. He had identified the source. The boy didn’t aim for revenge, but probably to get a good laugh himself - or it was revenge for being laughed at? Maybe the apology wasn’t enough? Or he simply wanted her to not feel excluded.

Arno aims at Boram
Arno Accuracy [10-1 (Hans’ Charmer)]: 4+9 = 13
Boram Evasion [7]: 8+7 = 15
→ Boram evades

His battle cry probably gave him away too early. The Durmstrang girl would see the balloon coming her way and with a quick sidestep, she barely avoided it. The balloon burst on the ground next to her and some of the water would splash onto her shoes and legs, leaving a small puddle where she was standing.

Whilst the underclassmen figured this out between them, Amina didn’t wait to take advantage of them being distracted with their other targets.
She recognised her team mate Arno and was delighted for the opportunity of a sneak attack. With a swift movement she aimed for him and her co-organizer from behind tried to splash water from her cups on them.

Amina aims at Arno and Hans
Main-Hand aims at Arno, Off-Hand at Hans
Main Hand Accuracy [20+3 (MC) -1 (Hans’ Charmer)]: 5+22 = 27
Off-Hand Accuracy [20+3 (MC) -1 (Hans’ Charmer) - 3 (Off-Hand Penalty)]: 4+19 = 23

Arno Evasion [10]: 12+10 = 22
→ Arno gets hit

Hans Evasion [10]: 4+10 = 14
→ Hans gets hit

Although Arno’s reflexes were back and he saw the attack coming from the corner of his eyes, he just wasn’t fast enough. The cold water would hit his left shoulderblade and drip down his side.
Hans was probably still standing there and admiring his first, really good throw, since he barely flinched when the attack came his way. His natural reflexes made him duck out of the way, but his feet stayed grounded and the water soaked his left leg.

The messy attacks had a big splash radius and the young boy (Semyon (@Oonagh Brown)), who just joined the group, a cup of water in his hands, would already get his money's worth. The deflected water from Hans and Arno rained on the second year, leaving big, cold dots on his shirt.

Hans (@Archer Duncan) | Boram (@Nabi Park) | Arno (@Prat Pass) | Semyon (@Oonagh Brown)

OOC NOTE: This is a partially moderated thread. Throwing or casting attempts will be rolled by me. Please state your stats and actions and specify if you have an ability that affects others and who your allies are.

Here is a short overview over the rules and how to state your action

General moderation rules

• please state your stats, abilities and actions in your post (everyone gets one action. Here are actions that would count as one full action: throwing a balloon, casting a spell, taking cover)
• if you want to make it easier on me, please also provide the effect of your ability
• you character will find buckets with water, buckets with water balloons and some cups
• takign a balloon is a free action. You can take as many as you want.
• intentional hurting people in this thread will lead to your exclusion from the event
• you don’t need to throw balloons if you are part of this thread, just have fun!
• there are no predefined teams, feel free to team up IC with others
• please describe how your character approaches the attempt. There are no rules as long as it is physically possible. I can come up with rolls for everything
• brooms are not allowed, but you might bring stuff to build yourself a defense fort!
• if you have any questions, send me an owl or DM me on discord
• Hans is co-moderator
• FYI - I will try to moderate every 1-2 weeks.

"I'd like that..."

Her smile grew, humming softly to herself as she gently tilted her head. Her dark red waves swaying with the wind as she patted his arm, "I will make sure to send my parents a letter then!" Boram's green eyes softened as she noticed his shyness, her excited smile softening into a more gentle one.

В день нашего знакомства... The day we met...

He had also gazed down. The quiet moment ended short when his words were interrupted by the water attack. Her giggles echoed before she eventually settled down, looking around for the culprit who had dared attack her poor, not-so-little Arnie. Her back was to him, unaware of the water balloon he held.

Until he called out.

"LOOK ALIVE!" Boram turned, her confused expression turning to shock like a deer in front of headlights. A voice was heard somewhere in the distance, before Boram reacted, "Careful! Friendly fire!"

She blinked and took a small step to the side.

Watching as the attempted attack hit the floor in a loud splat.

Looking up, her eyes locked onto his, unsure whether to laugh or retaliate. Her feet felt cold and she glanced back down, realizing her suede maroon-colored pumps were ruined by the now puddle of water. She swayed slightly, a small squish emitting from her shoes as the water joined the puddle beneath her. Boram blinked again. The wind placing a soft kiss on her cheek.

With a small sigh, she ran her hand through her hair, already thinking of a way to avenge her ruined shoes, when she saw another attack on him. A small laugh escaped her as she watched the water come from an older student. Boram's demeanor lightened slightly, running toward Arno as her shoes squeaked. "You are not getting away with this!"

She stuck out her tongue at him playfully while she ran past him to acquire water to attack him with. Boram was laughing at the thought, no longer caring that her shoes were wet. She huffed softly as she stopped infront of a bucket of water, her gaze falling on a rather quiet looking boy, she tilted her head smiling slightly, "Здравствуйте... Hello..."

A rare sight from her.

She had no time for formalities. Boram had a plan to execute against Arno, so instead she waved before pointing at the cup in his hands, "Откуда вы это взяли? Where did you get that?"

Boram looked around, her eyes stopping at a pile of colored squish balls. Not knowing what those were, she took one, laughing at the weird sensation as she squished it a bit.

"Что это? What's this?"

banner by Oonagh Brown || interacting as Hans Jenssen

Bam.

Accompanied by the encouragement of Amina, his brimming water balloon found its mark on none other than the good ol’ transfer student Arno Dorian, soaking him wet as water splashed on his shirt and everywhere around him, taking down Boram Borisova in the meantime. He laughed, not cruelly but he could be that kind of menace all day under the carefree, blazing sun. “Sorry!” He called out over at the boy with no tone that suggested anything even vaguely close to the word. Then, voice almost a whine, he urged with enthusiasm, “Come on, Arno, let's not be a bore!”

His eyes sparkled as the boy joined into the fun shouting at Boram to look alive when a water balloon threatened to turn her into the same doused figure of Arno. Two people. Now successfully recruited to the Durmstrangnian chaos. When the hype for magic had settled down Hans definitely had his doubts going into the Insititute, to be so far from his friends and amongst people whom he deemed just haughty heirs of old money pureblood families. Well, who knew haughty heirs could have fun too. This was the kind of boarding school experience he was promised, the kind of life all of them should have lived, and the only thing that could have made it even better right now was Nikolai by his side. And music, that too.

With a small smile that mused at the scene before him and a heart half in the present, half stuck in nostalgia of younger days, somehow times seemed as simple as they were before. He knew, he could do this all day.

Suddenly Hans saw a figure in the distance he thought he recognised. Curly brown hair, an otherworldly expression, the semblance of being caught between the real world and a ghostly one. He failed to pin the name — perhaps he had never known it, only that he was keeper on the Quidditch team and they shared one, far too uncanny interaction in the summertime, in that tent Valya had hosted under a pseudonym. His eyes narrowed, though he was unsurprised to find the wallflower of a boy hesitant to join into the fun. After all writing words on people’s palms was not exactly the best attack strategy.

A splatter greeted the distracted Hans on the back, and he whirled around to see Arno suffering the same fate on the malicious hands of Amina. A wicked grin spread across his lips, as he felt the wetness, yet again, seep into his clothes. He gave Amina a playfully vindictive look, ready to attack back again. He didn’t need some dramatic revelation to know he relished in it and not just the release from the summer heat. This was always who he was meant to be, and who every child was, careless, frolicking through the campus and life, without a worry in the world of anything from tests and expectations to explosions or murders. This childlike nonchalance was not a mask he was wearing today but came from the very heart. At the moment he could never have wanted a thing more.

He walked with the water dripping off his head, barely managing to slick back tousled hair as it stuck to his face, the now much longer cut falling into his eyes. Hans was vaguely aware of the wet footprints he left on the ground, vaguely aware of the black, burningly wet clothing that was threatening to suffocate his body, vaguely aware of the sun beating down on his back — this break, or refreshment as Amina had rightly called it, was more needed than ever and he was enjoying every second of it. Blinking the water out of his eyes he neared the lake and grabbed another water balloon, but not before first offhandedly sending a splash of water in Amina’s direction from cupped hands. “Take that!” He shouted, not particularly caring whether it landed or not as he got himself even wetter in the process.

“You guys celebrating the end of the year? Without telling me?”

As Hans heard another water balloon land, he turned with a grin to find Astrid entering their midst. Her voice a feint of sadness, her lips pulled into a hurt expression, he knew it was faked the second he saw but he played along with a sympathetic glance. He joined merrily into her laughter as the acted melancholy slipped away under the summer sun. Filling up another balloon with water he sealed the bottom tight with a knot and slung his arm back aiming at the blonde as a devilish smile crept up his face, eyes glistening with joy. No matter what their relationship now was after the distant Valentine’s, he was certain she would take a dose of fun any day. “I would never dream of that Astrid” he announced with faux apology, “But now you know don’t ya?”