Werewolf Appreciation Night OPEN

august 9th, 2025		saturday
wc: 700		dhampir | terrible presence
interacting with: @Emily Shephard		mentioning: @Colin McCoire @Tesla Stone

disoriented, i play hide-and-seek,
the melancholy of losing my way and intermingling

A werewolf appreciation night?

Scout wasn't opposed to the idea, it was actually a very cute thing for Emily and Tesla to set up! She wasn't sure if she'd be exactly thrilled if there was a 'dhampir appreciation night', but for once, it was nice to focus on another type of nonhuman. Besides, she didn't know a whole lot about them, save for what Tesla had told her a few months back. She wasn't like Emily, and had no interest in exploring different types of nonhumans- especially not the breed she was stuck with.

She didn't feel entirely out of place, mostly because to everyone else, she was just like Emily. A human who was just curious about werewolves, and wanted to appreciate and explore their culture. This was fine, Scout thought, because she'd been playing that part for the better half of the last two years. She really was only 'fanged' Scout around Emily, and her parents. The secret would live and die with her (and a few others, like Tes), so long as everything went to plan in her entire life.

Her entrance is befitting. Completely and totally late, hollering out a 'thanks!' to her dad as she stumbles into Tesla's home. She hadn't really given him her plans, just a 'drop me off here, pick me up then', before sitting in the backseat of his car and completely zoning out. As she started getting older, started getting more friends, her mum was really starting to ask the question of 'should we be more strict about her going out?'- which was of course shut down immediately by her dad. 'Do you know how long we've waited for her to do something like this? To go and surround herself with people that like her?'

"Sorry I'm late!" She called, only pausing for a moment to slip off her sneakers before properly entering the home. Scout doesn't stop again, immediately jumping next to Emily and squeezing her Hufflebuddy as tight as possible. She recognized quite a few people in the room- Tesla, of course, and Liam and... Colin. A twinge of confusion scattered Scout's brain, but she quelled the question of 'why in the world is he here?' with 'probably just to support Emily and Tesla', the same reason Scout was. She didn't even want to entertain the thought that either Colin or Liam were there for a different reason.

She wasn't entirely sure if her stomach could handle that thought. God... the alternative being that...- no, Scout wasn't going to think anything negatively tonight. Today was going to be a good day, she had decided that just this second- tonight was going to be a good night, and she was absolutely not going to compare herself to stupid Colin McCoire. Because that's all he was, some stupid boy.

"Are you excited?" She murmured quietly to Emily, listening to Tesla and some others talk. "I am! Do you think werewolves are soft like dogs? I think actual wolves have pretty rough fur, right? Tonight must be an Emi dream come true...!"

You can share whatever you want, but a name, your school or house, and maybe a fun fact about yourself would be great!

Yikes, if only Scout could tell the real truth... she tries to think about a fact about herself, and isn't able to settle on one. Jeez... what even is a fact about her that would be fun? Maybe it was the crippling teenage angst she had been dealing with for the past few months, but things really hadn't been super happy. In fact, she'd argue that this was probably the unhappiest she'd been since elementary school, but it was fine- today was going to be a good day.

Today was going to be a good day.

"Hi! I'm Scoutie!" Her voice is cheery, and it doesn't really feel like she has to force it... must be from Emily's magical presence! "Um... 'kay, I'm a Gryffindor, I'm a third year, and I'm not a werewolf, I'm just here to support all my friends! I don't think I have a fun fact... 'cept that I'm happy to be here!"

August 9th 2025
Speech: #cfa120
Thoughts: Italics
@Tesla Stone - @Colin McCoire - @Scout Fu-Hai

Emily had the giddiest look on her face when the McCoire twins came back over once they greeted Tesla. Despite there never being a single doubt that Colin wouldn't show for an event such as this, it still made Emily beam knowing that he was right there in front of her. Something about him made her feel safe and needed whenever he'd appear and tonight was no different, except for the fact that Colin might need her this time.

"Auntie" chuckled when Colin introduced himself. "What a gentleman...!"

"Um. I'm Colin! Is it okay if I call ye Auntie too, or...?"


"Auntie is fine! Or you can call me Nora. But please, no 'miss'," "Auntie" jested. "My, my... It's true then. You and-- Liam, I take it? You're both the spitting image of each other!" She ruffled the hairs of both the McCoire boys. "A pleasure to meet both of you".

"Auntie" then gave full attention to Colin, bestowing him a radiant smile, one of care and gratitude. "I've heard a few tales about you, Colin. All I can say now is... Thank you. Thank you for looking after Emily whilst she's been at Hogwarts".

She looked behind her where Emily was zooming away to greet Scout once she saw her best friend pull up to the entrance. Satisfied that Emily was distracted, "Auntie" spoke to Colin in a low, calm voice. "As selfish of me to ask this, I must ask that you keep up whatever it is you do that makes her smile. I'm not Emily's biological mother nor aunt by any means. When it comes down to it, I'm just the maid hired by her father for which Emily gave me the nickname. I love her dearly however, like she truly is my own child and all I want is the best for her". She rubbed Colin's shoulder, her gentle expression unwavering. "She speaks fondly of you... Which is enough for me to trust that you'll continue to be by her side... Right?"

Meanwhile, Emily launched herself and latched onto Scout as soon as she was close enough to embrace her, holding onto her Gryffindor gal like a koala. "Oh Scoutie, you made it! I'm so excited, but nervous at the same time... Months of planning and now it's finally happening, human and lycanthrope cohabitation! Now that you've asked... I'm not sure. Maybe they're fluffy! Or maybe they're lean and... Human-like... Heh, makes sense I guess...!"

Tesla had commenced introductions which then spread to everyone else across the room, Scout and Colin included once "Auntie" was finally done with him. When she ran through her checklist of supplies and back-up plans for the night ahead, Emily stood forward after Scout announced herself, tipping forward into a formal bow as she addressed kindly to the rest of the room.

"I'm Emily! And as I'm sure a lot of you have pieced together now that I've said it, I'm the same Emily that's helping out with this little gathering! I'm not a werewolf but I don't approve of how little society do to help them out, between the pressures of procuring wolfsbane after higher education and just the overall judgement they face on a day to day basis. I want to be able to establish common ground between humans and werewolves. With everyone's help here tonight, both werewolf students and human students alike, I think we can achieve that!"

_{Word Count: 571}

Stats: Stamina: 8 | Evasion: 7 | Strength: 7 | Wisdom: 9 | Arcane Power: 8 | Accuracy: 8
Abilities: Non-Human Enthusiast |Cat's Grace

Harvey nodded with a smile as he was ushered into the living, politely denying the snacks that he was offered for now. To those that had addressed him he would give his greetings and listen closely to what they had to say. Others were quickly gathering and this was what he had been looking forward to as people began to make introductions and offer a bit about themselves. Harvey was not the most social of creatures. He often preferred smaller settings as he felt it was easier to get to know someone in a more intimate situation. Not to mention that a lot of people (Colin!) were very much too loud for his liking, but he did not let any of that sour his mood. Harvey was here to learn firsthand about a particular set of people and he was not going to waste that opportunity.

Then came his turn to speak. He chose to stand from his seat as it would somewhat help him look not quite so short. "Hello, I'm Harvey Barrows. I'll be starting my second year at Hogwarts and I'm from house Slytherin. I would like to echo what Emily here has said and agree that I don't care for how magical beings and half breeds are treated by some in our community. Especially those that hold power in the ministry. You see, I am part-goblin and while many might not look to me as a threat, I feel like I can sympathize with the werewolf population as it was only a few years back that people like us were even allowed to pursue our magical education. Not only do I believe this to be wrong, but I believe that it is our potential that they are truly afraid of. This leads me to my first question if I may? I've done some reading and I wanted to ask if it was true that werewolves retain certain skills while in their human form? Such as a heightened sense of smell and better eye sight?" Harvey's little speech was certainly practiced and perhaps sounded that way too, but his interest was genuine.

Colin smiled broadly as Emily and her Auntie chatted with him and Liam. His nose told him that a couple other kids had arrived. He gave a quick glance towards Liam, but he didn't seem perturbed at all. His nose wrinkled briefly as Emmi turned away and ran towards the newcomers. Colin didn't need to glance over towards the newcomers. He knew one of them. Too well.

Yeugh! he thought. The week before turning was bad enough with all its discomforts and emoti0nal swings. But to have to endure the night with that screechy voiced Gryffindorque banshee that Emily hung out with? Honestly! What was there about Scout Fu-Hai that Emily saw in her? Ever since they had first run into each other last year, the girl had been nothing but a miserable old hag. Colin often wondered about her. Scout. With Emily, she seemed very sweet, and even Colin had to admit she seemed like a really good friend to his Emily.

Auntie's voice diminished in Colin's mind as his eyes wandered after Emily. It was occasionally punctuated by Scout's screeching. Ew. Maybe she was a banshee? Did they even allow those into Hogwarts? Hags, yes. Did hags screech and carry on though? "Ow!" he cried. Liam jabbed his ribs sharply! He bapped the back of Colin's head smartly. Colin focused again on Auntie. A mirthful smile played about her eyes.

Oh! Right! Auntie! He'd completely forgotten about where he was whenever Emmi was around!

"Sorry, miss --- I mean! Auntie!" Colin blushed. He really needed to work on Emily adjacent attention span strengthening! Liam kicked his leg, trying his best to hold in his laughter. Colin shoved his twin affectionately. "ShutitLiam," he grumbled under his breath.

"... A pleasure to meet both of you," she was saying. Colin smiled shyly when she said that she'd heard a lot about him and Liam. His heart thumped. Emily must have spilled the tea! He wondered what it was she could have said to her Auntie! But the woman didn't seem upset or anything. On the contrary! She continued by actually asking him to continue! "As selfish of me to ask this, I must ask that you keep up whatever it is you do that makes her smile," she said. Colin glanced at Liam to see if he'd heard the same thing. Whoa. Auntie actually approved of him? Colin blushed deeply. Liam smirked.

Colin felt vaguely aware that this was one of those moments in his life that would be permanently etched into his heart. He loved Emily, that much he knew. But he couldn't quite put words to what it was he was doing to make the girl so happy. He was just being Colin! He did wonder though: did Emily actually feel the same?

Colin's eyes defocussed.

Time and place slipped away, and Colin felt himself translated to that other place. The dark Sun overhead was bright behind the scudding clouds as they raced across the sky. Colin knew this place well, and his heart raced! His long legs carried him in graceful leaps and strides along the flat stones. The stiff breeze was on his face and it tousselled his hair. It was the same as the dark world he often traversed in his dreams and in his seeing; yet it was the other side of it. Not oppressive. Not foreboding. Not spirit quelling. No, here was a world of beauty and wholesomeness. It was, like its moebian twin, a gateway. He had never crossed the threshold of the portal, but he was aware of its existence. There, beyond the gardens his bare feet carried him through. The cool grass and soft earth a welcome change from the hard, smooth rounded stone. The sound and scent of the sea filled his mind, as did the knowledge of what he would find at his destination! Colin sped over the grassy tussocks and through the folded land that descended down towards the stony cliffs beyond.

He paused, his breathing deep. There!

His keen eyes found her!

Her long cloak was tugged by the sea breeze, and her long brown hair flowed in the sea fresh wind. Colin's heart soared! Silently he made his way down to where she stood on the cliff. The distance was short and he was there in a mere moment of time. He made no sound at all until the very last second. He slipped his hand into hers and held it tight. He stood close by her side.

"My Eyes of Sky," Colin said, smiling.

Colin blinked. Auntie didn't miss a beat. Liam, of course, noticed Colin's brief excursion into the other place and knew what it meant. He gently nudged Colin back into the ordinary world. Auntie was talking a bit about her place in Emmi's family. "I'm not Emily's biological mother nor aunt by any means. When it comes down to it, I'm just the maid hired by her father for which Emily gave me the nickname."

Colin's eyes widened. He turned towards Liam. Liam turned towards Colin, eyes just as wide as his twin's! Colin knew instantly that Liam was thinking the same thing! Of course, brilliant minds think alike! But this --- this was --- "Whoa!" they said in unison! Colin could not fathom it! It was totally true, the theory they'd developped about Muggles!

Wait.

Colin's brain screeched to a halt.

Wait.

Was Auntie Nora even a Muggle? Colin wasn't sure. He'd managed to wrap his mind around the fact that Emmi's parents were Muggles and not actually in the garden landscaping business. Mind you, it took a lot of convincing and explaining on Emily's part! And Colin still had his doubts. But --- Auntie Nora --- surely she couldn't be a Muggle! Here she was stood, standing in a magical estate, with kids who would shortly transform into what Muggles thought of as horrific baby snatching and people devouring monsters!

Colin locked eyes with Liam again, as Auntie continued. Surely she had to be magical! "I love her dearly however, like she truly is my own child and all I want is the best for her," she said.

Colin nodded, his mind wandering from Muggledom back to his Eyes of Sky. Colin sighed. "Ah," he said softly; "I love Emmi too..." His eyes strayed back towards Emmi, who was practically being strangled by Scout. Yeugh. Odd how, according to Auntie Nora, Emmi was so happy with him, and also happy with Scout's friendship. He turned back to what Auntie was saying. She rubbed his shoulder affectionately and Colin smiled more broadly.

"Which is enough for me to trust that you'll continue to be by her side... Right?" she asked.

Colin's heart skipped a beat! He stood a little taller, actually proud that Emmi's aunt thought of him so highly! "Oh! Of course Auntie Nora!" He sighed. "I'll always stand by Emmi's side!" Colin could practically feel her hand in his as they stood on the high cliff overlooking the sea. "I've got Emmi's back and I'll never stop looking out for her!" Colin beamed.

"Til death do you part..." Liam muttered.

Colin's eyes widened!

His face turned red as any apple!

He wanted to give Liam a swift kick, but his twin was laughing and running away! Colin was torn! He turned and tore off after his twin! He called over his shoulder: "That's a promise, Auntie Nora!!! LIAM MCCOIRE!! YOU GET BACK HERE THIS INSTANT!"

@Emily Shephard | @Tesla Stone | @Scout Fu-Hai

August 9th 2025
Speech: #cfa120
Thoughts: Italics
@Tesla Stone - @Colin McCoire - @Scout Fu-Hai

With the introductions near enough out of the way and the preparations for nightfall complete, Emily found herself getting restless. While she wouldn't dare assume any overbearing optimism from her werewolf allies, especially those who might loathe their monthly transformations, Emily herself was eager to bear witness to the whole full moon ritual werewolves under went. Or, if she were to be more honest, to see the transformation of at least one choice individual she had in mind.

Speak of the devil, Emily heard Colin pounding along the ground as he chased after Liam, hollering his heart out . Emily shook her head, eyes rolling in amusement. Colin was always chasing something. His brother. Her. She could've sworn she had seen him chase a mouse one time too! Auntie had the look on her face that Emily was very familiar with - the one where everyone realised that upon getting to know Colin, even if only a minute, they would see that he was completely starkers.

"Auntie" came back over when Colin ran off, standing with Scout and Emily. "He's got quite the spark in him..."

"Yup".

"Very... Affectionate, too".

"Yup".

"Auntie" tapped her chin and smiled. "He seems very comfortable around you".

Emily shrugged casually. "I suppose. Then again, he's Colin. With his energy and attitude, the entire school practically loves him. He's easy to talk to. Funny. And sweet". She giggled when she saw Colin leap at Liam and wrestle him to the ground. "And unbelievably bonkers!" She grinned half-teasingly when she felt the brooding, sour expression from Scout. The mention of Colin's name was enough to tick her best friend off these days.

"And yet..." The guardian played a mischievous tap of a finger along Emily's shoulder. "He grinds to a halt just at the sheer mention of you".

It was then that Emily gave "Auntie" the confused 'Eh?' look. "Meaning...?"

"Auntie" shook her head. "Oh nothing! Nothing at all! I just think it's lovely that you have a friend like him. A bit like wee Scout. Both of them think the world of you, it seems".

"Nowhere near as much as I think of them," Emily said fondly. No one loved anyone else more than the Huffie Snuggler herself. Everyday, the little garden in her heart thrummed with life. Every flower in her chest was thanks to them. Every thought of Scout and Colin made her garden thrive and her beat faster. They made her feel needed. Wanted. They made her feel alive.

Emily felt tingly and smiled thoughtfully as she looked towards her two closest buddies; Colin jabbing a foot in Liam's side and Scout moodily watching over them. God, she loved them so much!

"Don't suppose we can invite them over for winter break after the new academic term starts?"

"I doubt there'd be a problem," "Auntie" answered sweetly. "Even with you and Matthew home, the house is still painfully quiet. I think it could do with a bit of excitement these days".

"Put those two in a room together and I guarantee they'll somehow end up setting the place on fire!" Emily laughed. If ever 'Chaos' had a practical definition, it would be Scout and Colin combined. Even still, that would be the most excitement Emily's home would've seen in years.

With the sky getting darker, Emily checked a pocket watch she packed for the overnight stay. Gasping quietly at the time, she excused herself from "Auntie" and went over to Tesla, whispering in her ear, "Tes, my friend. It's almost time. We should probably think about getting you and the others ready soon..."

She glanced back at Colin. He, among others who've decided to turn up for this little gathering, would be starting to sprout fur and claws very soon. The thought of him going through something scarily fascinating made Emily's gut tighten.

She went up to Colin when he was finally done brotherly pommelling poor Liam. Despite the confidence she had in Colin to manage his own transformation, she couldn't help but worry about him all the same. On paper, contorting yourself into another body under the full moon sounded just as frightening as it must've been painful.

"Colin. I just want to say..." Her mouth moved but she struggled to finish the sentence. There was so much she wanted to say to the precious boy standing before her, in all his shaggy, lanky glory in the limited time they now had left before he would lose his boy shape.

"Good luck". "We'll still be friends". Say something!

"...It'll be okay".

She smiled at him, gently knocking his fingers with her own before going back to join "Auntie" and Scout, the former making her way towards Emily. Glancing back, she could see Colin going off in the other direction.

"Where's Colin off to?" "Auntie" asked. "He's not coming down here with us?"

Emily kept her eyes on Colin from afar. "He has to get ready..."

"For what, pet? For...?"

Emily handed "Auntie" the pocket watch before gesturing to the rapidly setting sun. It all suddenly clicked and "Auntie's" face softened. "He's..."

Emily quickly ushered "Auntie" away from Scout, her voice low. "Don't think anything ill of Colin, Auntie. He's a great friend! As sweet as a teddy bear! And he won't hurt anyone, I promise...! But please don't make a fuss. Colin won't say anything, but I can tell he's a bit anxious about tonight. I don't even think he's told Scoutie yet..."

Emily searched "Auntie" for reassurance. On a night like tonight, the last thing she didn't need was "Auntie" of all people to not give a werewolf friend her blessing.

"Auntie" suddenly smirked. "I get first dibs on wolf cuddles".

Emily flung her arms around her guardian, squeezing her in a tight embrace. "You're going to have to fight me for Colin cuddles...!"

_{Word Count: 973}

Stats: Stamina: 8 | Evasion: 7 | Strength: 7 | Wisdom: 9 | Arcane Power: 8 | Accuracy: 8
Abilities: Non-Human Enthusiast |Cat's Grace

"AAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!! Gerroff me Cail!" Liam squeaked as Colin managed to tackle his twin to the soft grass. At last they rolled to a stop, Colin on top, Liam laughing! He made a kissing noise before shoving Colin off and pinning him to the ground! "Ye had that look in yer eyes, Cail! You know! Staring off into some other place!"

"I did not, Liam!" Colin retorted.

"Of course ye did, lad! It's gotten worse all summer! For example! Don't ye remember on the train ride?"

"I--- Nothing happened on the train!"

"Psh! Nothing happened ye say? You were staring! Right through Aoife! She asked what was wrong with you, and ye didn't answer, and I had to jab your ribs, and you startled and said 'Emmi that's a swooping evil!'"

"I-- That--- That sounds reasonable?" Colin wondered. He didn't have any particular recollection of saying that. What he did remember was being attacked on their wedding day by swooping evils and having to drag Emily away! Oof! "Anyway! What was I supposed to do Liam? They were attacking her!"

Liam smirked and leaned in closer. "So! Ye gonna do it, Cail? Like we talked about? It's almost time ye know," he said softly. Colin nodded. Liam smiled and asked: "No hesitation, right? Just like ye practiced last month?" Colin nodded again. Tonight was probably the most important full moon in Colin's life. He'd practiced with AngelFyre last month. Just to see if he could do it. It was one of those things that, when thought about, seemed really difficult; but once begun, it felt more natural.

The boys got up and huddled arm in arm for a moment, quietly whispering. Colin's eyes strayed over towards where Emily, Auntie Nora, Tes, and that dratted Scout were talking. Emily drew her watch from her pocket and checked the time. Colin knew exactly what she would see on its face. It was very nearly time now. The boys headed over towards the group. Emily separated and ran up to Colin. She just stood there for a moment, as if unsure quite what to say. Liam nudged Colin. Colin gave Liam a sharp side glance. At last she spoke. "It'll be okay."

"Right! I'm off, Cail!" Liam said, leaving Colin alone with Emily.

She gently knocked his fingers with hers, and Colin smiled. It would be okay. He wondered if she knew? It would really be okay if Emily agreed to what Colin was going to ask. Colin's breathing quickened. It was now or never! Ask quick and be done with it lad! "Emmi!" he whispered urgently. He took her hand in his briefly. It was warm and strong. "Emmi! Come with me!" He nodded towards a place away from the house and away from where the lycanthropic kids were now heading. The whole point of last month was practice for tonight. To share the transformation with a loved one. To share this moment of utter vulnerability with Emily Shephard. He turned back to Emily. His pled with her. "When ye can, lass. Come with me!"

Colin turned and, releasing the girl's hand, loped gracefully over towards the secluded corner of the garden.

@Emily Shephard | @Tesla Stone | @Scout Fu-Hai

august 9th, 2025		saturday
wc: 700		dhampir | terrible presence
interacting with: @Emily Shephard		mentioning: @Colin McCoire @Tesla Stone

disoriented, i play hide-and-seek,
the melancholy of losing my way and intermingling

You're joking.

Well now- this, this was going to be impossible to brush off. Scout could gaslight her way into ignoring the obvious- she had become obscenely good at it-, she could brush off the truth, replacing it with a different one in her mind. But this? A terrible feeling was building in her heart, dropping ferociously into her stomach while her brain pieced together the thought she had been avoiding this whole night, maybe even her whole life:

Colin McCoire was, in the most truest fact, not human.

No, arguably, he was just as much of a monster as Scout was. Hell, maybe even more. Scout had control over her dhampirism, at least to some extent. She could put on fake tanner, keep her nails trimmed, wear fake teeth... hell, she could just never let her fangs out. She had kept it a pretty tight-lipped secret for the past 13 years, maybe the day would come where she could even fool herself.

But lycanthropy was different. There was no hiding it from others, much less yourself. Scout could hear Tesla's voice in the back of her mind, talking about the preparation, the pain, the everything. Scout thought she had it rough, but there was... well, the comparation of vampirism and lycanthropy was awfully hypocritical for her to make.

Hypocritical was kind of how Scout was feeling right this second, the burning feeling of shame and embarrassment etching itself onto her cheeks, and then her entire face. Her cold hands instinctively went up to protect her face, unfortunately not doing much to ease the red fire of her poor skin.

Once she knew Colin was (mostly) out of earshot, Scout yanked Emi's arm, eyes wide. "Colin is a werewolf!?" She hissed out. She was trying to keep her voice down, but when had 'Scout' and 'quiet' ever been in the same sentence? "You're kidding me, right? That stupid, howling maniac is actually a werewolf? Emily...!" Scout had almost asked why Emily had never told her, but even she knew that was a stupid question. Emily was a good friend, and an even better secret-keeper. And though Scout had never really worried about Emily telling anyone else her secret, this at least reinforced her trust.

That burning feeling of shame settled back into her face, and each second she dwelled on the thought of stupid Colin actually... not being so stupid, it amplified. His happy-go-lucky attitude, that stupid, bright personality of his, Scout had been able to blame it all on him being so perfectly human, so normal. She could never be that happy young girl she once was again, because she was not a human girl- she could never be like Colin because he was supposed to be normal. But he wasn't! He was even less normal than Scout was, so what stupid excuse could she have now?

Of course, Colin was so perfect, maybe that was why Emily gravitated towards him. Even despite his stupid flaws, despite the fact that he was a werewolf, he was so happy and- why couldn't Scout be like that? Why could she be more human and still less than him? She sucked out a short breath, talk about a horrible revelation to have on such a nice night...!

But with this revelation came another thought, one that, at the very least, Scout could do something about tonight. Nervously, she approached Auntie Nora, trying to make the look on her face not so apparent. "Auntie, I was just wondering... do you think me and Colin are good friends to Emily? Like... despite the difference between me and him... you know, him being a... yeah, that." Somehow, it felt like Auntie Nora was going to be able to give her at least some semblance of an answer that was going to help Scout get through the night, she always felt like a 'cool' adult in comparison to Scout's parents, kind of the same way Scout felt about Eba.

Looking off to where Colin had disappeared off to, Scout let out a sigh. Colin... ugh!

August 9th 2025
Speech: #cfa120
Thoughts: Italics
@Tesla Stone - @Colin McCoire - @Scout Fu-Hai

Emily squeezed her guardian tight. She knew she would understand, even if there was still much of it that neither of them didn't at the same time. At the very least, "Auntie" was willing to observe what would happen and then decide from there, the same as Emily, who began drumming her fingers along her thighs in anticipation.

"Oh Auntie... I'm so excited I'm starting to get nervous... Or maybe I'm so nervous that I'm mistaking it for excitement. Am I just excitably nervous? Nervously excited?? Or--"

"Pet". "Auntie" cut the Huffie off with a gentle scold. "I know you feel strongly about these very unique individuals and have been anxious to do something to help them. That string of sympathy is something that is beyond any inheritance I've ever seen, as well as something that I think they and Colin must be very thankful to see considering everything they go through". She traced Emily's cheek with a soothing palm of her hand. "Those knots in your tummy and that tightness in your chest are just your body's ways of saying you care about this event and by extension, them".

"Auntie" looked off to where Colin was at before returning attention back to Emily, warmth ever present on her face. "Remember, pet. There's more than one way to tell someone or something how they feel. And in some cases, lips aren't enough to convey everything we want to say".

Emily massaged the centre of her chest with two careful fingers, applying pressure to where she was starting to feel the most tension from her nerves. She nodded. "Yeah... That make sense. Weird body responses and constrictions... Merely a sign of nervousness but ultimately well-worth excitement!"

Scout then suddenly popped up between them out of nowhere.

"Colin is a werewolf!?"

"Ah-!" Emily frantically tried to shush Scout, responding with a harsher than intended whisper. "Don't just go blurting it out loud, Scoutie!"

Not that it'll matter when half of these people are going to see him as the dang wolf anyway!

Emily was never sure where Colin stood on secrecy when it came to his Larry Talbot lifestyle. She figured he only told her about his lycanthropy was because he had complete trust in her. Although, that didn't clear up whether or not he was one to spill his secret all willy-nilly. Knowing the state of affairs with werewolves these days, he more than likely didn't. Regardless, of course Emily would keep his secret. As far as she was concerned when in the presence of werewolves, she was on wolf territory. What they'd say, goes.

"I had a feeling Colin hadn't told you yet. Don't freak out..."

Easier said than done, most likely.

"You know something, Scoutie... I think Colin could do with your help," Emily thought aloud, suddenly. "I know you were worried once before about sharing your dhampirism with others. Especially Zyair. Yes, Colin's a werewolf, but even someone with his special hidden side can be just as scared of admitting that to others". Emily beamed at Scout, her words doused in confidence. "You'll help him out and support him, right Scoutie? The same way your folks and I do with your special heritage! I know Colin acts high and mighty, but even he needs a few pillars of light in his life. Let's be his lifeline together! And I know for a fact hed be forever grateful for it".

And right on cue, Colin came back over with an all too familiar mischievous look in his eyes.

"When ye can, lass. Come with me!"

Emily blinked as she watched Colin scamper away. He always was a bit bizarre, though never the less entertaining when Colin fed her curiosity. A few beats passed and after looking at "Auntie" and Scout, Emily quietly tagged behind Colin.

"Auntie" came over and lightly ruffled Scout's hair. "It's still a bit of a shock for me too. Emily's best friend is part vampire while another one dear to her is a werewolf. Next, she'll be telling me one of her roommates in the Hufflepuff dorms is a mermaid".

She spun Scout around until she was facing her. "One thing I've come to appreciate the most is that you and Colin are a part of Emily's life. You two are unequivocally by her side without even needing me to count on it. Every time she talks about either of you, or are by her side, it's nothing but ear-to-ear smiles from Emily. She loves you both dearly because you two are so different. Colin makes her laugh out loud in ways even I've never heard her laugh before, and you give her the companionship, loyalty and courage she's always wished for".

"Auntie" held Scout close. "I know you and Colin don't really see eye to eye on a lot of things, but if Emily is the one person you two can settle bets with, then I say let Emily show both of you the beauty that brings you all together".

_{Word Count: 837}

Stats: Stamina: 8 | Evasion: 7 | Strength: 7 | Wisdom: 9 | Arcane Power: 8 | Accuracy: 8
Abilities: Non-Human Enthusiast |Cat's Grace

With the start of introductions, a circle begins to form in the living room, with all of the students attending getting to know each other.

The introductions begin with one of the werewolves, a declaration both brave and shy by @Keith Moore, the newest wolf among them.

Next come the introductions of @Scout Fu-Hai, the secret Dhampir, and @Emily Shephard, the co-organizer of the event and werewolf enthusiast, despite her human nature.

@Harvey Barrows, a fellow half-creature in the form of a part goblin, shared his nature and his experience being part of what the wizarding world might consider "other", finishing with questions about the abilities of werewolves. This was answered happily by Rosa, with an eager nod, "Why yes, they do keep a better sense of smell! They can even find people they are familiar with using that ability. As for sight, in human form they have no changes. They do get more graceful and harder to detect though, when they're trying to sneak around!"

The last introduction from the full humans of the group, @Lillian McMason put down her book and crawled closer to share her name and her interest in the gathering. Rosa gave her a comforting grin, glad the shy girl had joined the group fully. "It's a pleasure to have you, young lady!"

@Colin McCoire broke off from the group, inviting Emily to go share his shift together outside, leaving his brother Liam to rejoin the group. They hadn't introduced themselves as wolves, but would be joining the group in their furry forms soon enough.

The sun finally dips below the horizon, and the moon begins to rise in earnest. Rosa had tracked the departure of Colin into the garden, and ushered the rest of the wolves into the changing room for privacy.

Here's the description for the werewolves per the site- "Werewolves appear in the form of a wolf but there are distinctions between them and regular wolves such as a shorter snout, more human-like eyes, [and] the tufted tail."
Werewolves can now go and shift "off-screen" or in a non-graphic way, and then rejoin the group in their fluffy forms!

This is the end of the "moderated" posts- I'll now just be joining back in as a normal participant! Feel free to roleplay interacting with Margaret, Tes's werewolf mom, in whatever way you'd like while she's in wolf form. She's fair game to godmod, as long as she is depicted as kind and patient. I won't regulate when the night is over and everyone turns back to humans- so feel free to have your character go to sleep and have a blurb of them leaving in the morning whenever you've had your fill of fluffy times

Date and Time: August 9th, 2025 Moonrise

Tes grinned as one-by-one her friends and guests all introduced themselves. She gave Keith and Harvey both eager thumbs up, proud they had both introduced themselves as half-creatures as well. She understood Scout's unwillingness to share her own nature but hoped that experiences like this would change her mind in the future. She waved happily at Lillian, glad that the younger girl had moved to join the circle fully.

"Thanks everyone for introducing yourselves! I'm so happy you all made it!" she exclaimed, rounding back up the group as both Emily and her mum reminded the group that the moon was quickly on its way, "Now, for the reason you all came! We're going to go become wolves with our normal human minds, and then come back out to greet everyone! While I'm in wolf form, everyone has permission to pat my head if they'd like. She gave enthusiastic jazz hands, grinning with excitement as she stood up from her spot and offered a hand up to Keith, now that Colin's comforting presence had left him with no one to hide behind.

In the changing room, she quickly took some ibuprofen to prevent any post-transformation aches and pains, offering it to the other wolves with an explanation of its purpose. Her momma was still in there reading, and she waved, finishing her page before ducking behind a curtain to complete her shift, while Tes did the same. It wasn't pleasant by any means, but Tes was going on four years of lycanthropy, so she found herself soon padding out of the room with her momma by her side with little difficulty.

Both took the form of a large golden colored wolf, although Margaret was much larger than Tes, and without the lanky limbs of young age. Their fur wasn't as soft as a dog's but was smoother than a true wolf's, as they had the benefit of brushes and shampoo. Margaret settled on a large cushion by Rosa's feet, quietly resting her head on her paws and closing her eyes, letting out a long sigh as Rosa began scratching behind her wife's canine ears. Much less elegantly, Tes immediately bee-lined over to the quieter members of the circle, sitting directly between @Harvey Burrows and @Lillian McMason, grinning a canine grin and thumping her tail on the ground, looking between the two of them excitedly.

⭑☾☀☽⭑
Interacting with:@Keith Moore @Colin McCoire @Minnie Duke/@Lucy Hills @Emily Shephard @Meyra Lancaster @Olivia Williams @Rafal Devereux @Harvey Barrows @Ava Winchect @Pamela Graham Wordcount:900+ Color=#7D6608
❁❀ Tesla "Tes" Stone❀❁ Hufflepuff ^꧁Optimism is not ignorance^꧂
Stats: Stamina: 7 | Evasion: 6 | Strength: 12 | Wisdom: 4 | ArcPower: 4 | Accuracy: 9
Abilities: Werewolf and Broken Broomshaft
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