The Weeping Shore 2025 Fall Ball

Interacting with: @Violence Bloodthorn

Mentioning: @Azzure Solace

Action: Leaving the dance

Stats:
Sta: 5 | Eva: 8 | Str: 1 | Wis: 8 | Arc: 8 | Acc: 10

Abilities in effect: Fearless and Impartial

⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅
Date: 10/04/25| Outfit: Here | CC: #1f5cc6 | Words: 423 | Graphic by Damien Dragonclaw
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Landon grinned as Zach explained his mom sent him the ensemble that Zach was wearing to the ball. "Your mom seems really nice," he observed. "My parents don't get very excited about the balls, but they are pretty academic types. Not that your mom isn't academic, of course, but my parents... well, mainly my dad. He's very logical and less emotional. But that's okay too!" he said, rambling a little. He felt a little awkward and nervous here, but he didn't really know why. He had been just fine around Zach in the past.

Landon smiled happily as Zach complimented his outfit. "I know it's not elaborate or fun like everyone else's, but it's not too flashy, like me," he said. But he did see that Zach's outfit was better than his own. Landon hadn't really paid much attention to the theme of the ball this year. Nor had he really, the last time he came. He only hoped that this time would be more peaceful and fun than the last time he went to a ball.

Landon frowned when he saw Zach squinting. "You could have worn your glasses, you know," he said. "It wouldn't ruin the look, in my opinion," he added. He felt bad that Zach couldn't see clearly. "I'm not surprised about the location either, but you would think they would learn from their mistakes," he joked.

When Zach said they would have to be careful, Landon nodded. "Maybe we stay away from the edges near the water?" he suggested. He didn't want to fall in and have a repeat of his last ball experience.

Landon looked at Zach when the music shifted and Zach asked him if he danced. He chuckled as he saw Zach moving to the music and he closed his eyes for a moment, just letting himself feel the music. "I do dance. I don't know if it's like... the right way to do it, but my little sister loves dancing and I learned some dances for her," he admitted, his cheeks flushing a little. Not that many people would admit to learning to dance just to make their younger sibling happy.

"Umm... I'm open to leading or following, really," he said. "I am afraid to lead because what if I don't know the proper footwork?" he explained. He didn't want to embarrass himself, but he also wanted to dance too.

"Maybe you lead this time, and once I get the hang of it again, we can switch?" he suggested. "If that's okay with you?"

𝔉airchild’s autumn ball dress had not been its predicted orange and warm tones, as the girl was often found wearing it even on casual occasions. Instead, it was in shades ranging from baby to icy blue, a strapless gown hand-picked yet again by her delightful mother, who insisted on re-routing towards colours that monochromed against the dark blue of the Great Lake, yet shimmered under the glow of the waning crescent.

The bodice of her dress was fitted and adorned with intricate silver floral embroidery, dotted with sequin detailing. The skirt itself had been layered, rather meticulously, with ruffles, creating a soft, voluminous effect that caressed her thighs with each step. Within the box that the dress had been delivered in were additional accessories, including, but not limited to, a delicate white laced choker featuring central floral and gem embellishment. This Ruth scratched absentmindedly as Pamela’s unusually cold hand clamped tight against her own, half acknowledging the potential of gaining rashes the day after, and so she should probably stop–yet the itch was overwhelming. Alongside the exasperating realisation that her best friend refused to allow Ruth even a few more minutes to get Sol a treat. Poor little (he wasn’t really little anymore, really) guy had hefted the blasted box all the way from Bath without much of a rest (the Hufflepuff presumed), and he most certainly deserved a little cuddling.

Pamela had other plans. Insisting hadn’t worked, so the other Hufflepuff–draped in her own silk that swayed to the tilt of her hips–had resorted to physical force. Countless whinings and beggings and grumblings hadn’t stopped her at all. Albeit frustrating, Ruth supposed that was necessary, considering the amount of time she had taken to dress really nicely.

She fixed the butterfly pins in her hair, wavy dark curls loose and cascading on her shoulders from hours of having been bunched into a braid. Under the luminescent light, her hair accessories, completed with several white and blue accents, flickered and danced, resulting in an entrancing, illusory movement. “I suppose it’s only fair that we do, now that we’re here.” Ruth sighed. Though it was barely the truth, she felt overdressed and vulnerable. Spring ball’s choice of outfit had been a better fit for her in terms of comfort and modesty. Tonight, she felt like a princess. Caterpillars squirmed in her belly.

No, this cannot be. What was wrong with her? Ruth turned to Pamela. She shouldn’t let her friend down. “Well, I’m assuming you would like a dance?” She grinned. “I swear I won’t step on your shoes. I’ll probably trip in these first.” The Hufflepuff gestured down at the layers of blue fabric sliding past her knees down to her heels. “Ha, jokes.” Maybe.

Where Pam had been dragging her friend during the duration of their arrival, the tables had been turned as Ruth proceeded to tug the other down to the shore, where both had spotted Joseph floating upon the water. It was such a clever detail, having platforms on the water, under the impression of an illusion. Ruth had to admit that the ball had indeed been meticulously planned–especially the decorations. Standing under the string of fairlights and pearls, Ruth could perfectly make out the glint in her best friend’s ocean eyes.

“Milady,” She crowed, curtseying. From her peripheral vision, a bulge of red flashed out of Joseph’s pocket, and she noticed with a start that it was none other than Astra. The urge to bolt over and coo was bubbling, but he was seemingly occupied by a girl whose crimson cheeks blazed under the warm lights.

Ruth extended a delicate hand towards Pamela with a sweet smile, if not for the mischievous twitch in her right oral commissure. "Madame Pam, will I have the pleasure of dancing with you?" The effect she had been going for was deja vu, though it had been a while since the last ball, and several things had happened since then. But if it was successful, she could only hope that Palm Sugar took it well.

CAT'S GRACE EVASIVE MANEUVERS

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𝐒𝐭𝐚: 𝟔 |𝐄𝐯𝐚: 𝟏𝟎 | 𝐒𝐭𝐫: 𝟒 | 𝐖𝐢𝐬: 𝟗 | 𝐀𝐫𝐜: 𝟒 | 𝐀𝐜𝐜: 𝟖

Action: Dancing with the very grand @Pamela Graham | Mention: @Joseph Sims, @Astra the Rock

Outfit:

Reducio

Joseph's eyes twinkled with fascination. Students streamed onto the platform, their elegant robes and gowns swirling in the candlelight.

Chatter rose, drowning out the ball's low, ominous music. Joseph let his shoulders drop, feeling the sudden shift in the mood. 

He spotted some familiar faces.

Pam. And Ruth.

Both effortlessly elegant as they stumbled forward, whispering about gowns or dinosaurs or whatever they fancied jabbering about. Inseparable besties, Joseph thought, breaking into a grin. He'd make sure to catch up to them later - if he managed to survive the evening with Lindsey, that is.

That was a rather big ‘if’.

Fiddling with the edge of his tricorne, Joseph tore his gaze from the girls, resting instead on a familiar white-haired figure. A faint blush warmed his cheeks. Azzure. The one he'd unceremoniously body-slammed in the corridors, causing his 845th social catastrophe that week. The joys of being a walking disaster. She sat alone, looking like her dinner had been snatched from her by a cheeky gremlin. Not that he could blame her. Dinner was terribly important.

Still bearing his lazy smirk, Joseph glanced back to Lindsey, patting his pet rock, Astra’s neatly embroidered pirate hat. Maybe the ball wouldn’t be half as bad as he thought it would be.

He cleared his throat dramatically. “Aye, a dance, you say?” he muttered gruffly, trying to unleash his inner Captain Joseph, if it even existed. If only he’d brought along a cardboard cutlass with him for some bonus pirate swag. And an eye-patch. And a pirate hook. And a bushy black beard. Arrrr, curse him luck. His brain only ever seemed to cooperate when he didn’t need it to.

“Mind if we bring Astra along?” Joseph asked, nodding towards the fluffy parrot-rock cuddled against his chest. “Can’t just leave my parrot here squawking ‘pieces of eight!’ at random passer-bys,” he joked, nuzzling Astra’s scarlet feathers. He wasn’t leaving her. Not ever, not anytime soon. 

Though he’d empty his purse if it meant she’d finally talk back to him. He’d spent countless nights coaxing Astra to finally open up. Each time he'd been met with silence. Like she didn't understand him. Maybe she needed to know she could truly trust Joseph first.

No, not Joseph. Captain Joseph.

“So… what are we waiting for?” he asked, flashing the Hufflepuff girl a soft smile. He offered his hand, suddenly noticing the way his rough collar rubbed against his skin. Somehow he was starting to miss the comfort of a voluminous chicken dress. Not that that mattered. He was a pirate now. And Pirates never complained. 

“Go on,” he urged, sucking in a deep breath. “Whisk me away.”

Action: Preparing to dance with @Lindsey Bliss and @Astra the rock.

Mentioning: @Pamela Graham @Ruth Fairchild @Azzure Solace

Stamina 8 | Evasion 3 | Strength 5 | Wisdom 6 | Arcane Power 6 | Accuracy 7

Owl for interactions! :>

〚 •• ✎ •• 〛

| Date: Autumn Ball, 10/04/25 | Word count: 598 | Outfit: Something like this
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For a brief second after Lucille reached him, Fred froze. He hadn’t really thought ahead to what he was supposed to do once she got close. Should he wave again? Shake her hand? Maybe hug her? The thought alone made him shift awkwardly in place. His hands hovered uncertainly in front of him for a brief moment before he made a quick decision and shoved both into his pockets. Safer that way. At least his hands would be doing something. He managed to keep his eyes on her, though, his grin never faltering.

When Lucille gestured toward her outfit, Fred’s gaze followed, curious. His smile widened as he heard her. “Seriously?” he said, pretending to sound offended but failing miserably, amusement slipping through his voice. “I could’ve sworn I looked like a proper pirate, or at least a sailor.” The playful tone and the laugh that followed made it clear he was joking. “But you definitely won this one. Your outfit’s amazing. Really.”

He didn’t know much about clothes, or what counted as “amazing” beyond what looked cool, but he meant what he said. The way her dress shimmered when she moved really did make her look like the coolest girl around. On the other hand, he had to agree with Lucille. Fred hadn’t really put much thought into the ball’s theme and, going against his mother’s wishes, she had sent him some robes for the occasion, far too stiff for his liking, he chose clothes from his own wardrobe, ones he’d feel more comfortable in.

With all the chatter and music around, Fred had to pay extra attention to catch every word Lucille said. He leaned forward a little without realizing it, reading her expression and her lips. When she mentioned she’d just reached the dance floor, and his earlier comment about his friends seemed to dim her expression ever so slightly, he spoke quickly, pulling one hand out of his pocket. “Oh, yeah, me too! I mean... Uh, I also just got here. My friends probably haven’t even noticed I’m gone yet.” He said it casually, or tried to, hoping it sounded natural.

Then Lucille’s comment about preferring the shipwreck caught him completely off guard, and he burst into laughter. The contrast between her words and her light tone was too good. Maybe she was joking. Maybe not. Either way, Fred couldn’t help it, she made him laugh easily.

But before he could reply, Lucille’s hand suddenly gripped his arm. His laughter stopped mid-breath, his head snapping down in surprise. She was testing the floor, tapping it with her boot, as if half expecting to fall through. Fred didn’t move away, if anything, he looked quietly amused. When she looked back up, cheeks tinged pinkish, and apologized, he just shook his head lightly.

“It’s fine,” he said, his voice still full of warmth. “I don’t think we’re about to sink. For a second, though, I thought you were about to pull me into a dance.” His grin returned, quick and bright. He nodded toward the center of the dance floor, where pairs were spinning under the silver lights. “Tell you what, if we both jump around out there and it doesn’t collapse, we’ll know it’s safe. Want to test it?” He started walking calmly toward the middle of the platform, still looking at her, a crooked smile tugging at his mouth and a glint of mischief flickering in his eyes. An invitation to follow in his steps and come dance with him, yes, but also a small, friendly challenge, something typical of a boy his age.

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| Interacting with: @Lucille Rosenhart |
| Action: None | Abilities and Stats: In my signature below |

The Ball at the Lake

"A soft golden glow dances gently on the still surface of the lake,
a magical ball resting quietly beneath the twilight sky."

The warmth of the light contrasts with the cool blue water,
casting ripples that shimmer like scattered stars.

Action: About to dance with @Joseph Sims and then he trips.|Does have permission is Godmode Jose and he has permission to godmode lindsey| Owl for interactions|

Zach could only nod. The more he knew about Landon. He imagined the boy lived with a strict family. "My mom likes to dress me up with fancy things," he giggled. "And I have a little brother and 2 little sisters. They're cute but chaotic." He imagined the little gremlins at home making chaos in the house.

The boy flinched when Landon mentioned his glasses. "Well..." He didn't know what to answer. "Maybe next ball. After we survive this one, of course," he threw a big grin towards the Hufflepuff.

"Well... The Great Lake is majestic. I wouldn't be surprised if we used this place again for many events." He once again looked around. "As long as we're careful. And... We're a fourth year now," he hit Landon's arm lightly. "We can defend ourselves in case anything happens." He also nodded when Landon suggested that they should avoid the edges.

"So you understand the basics," he nodded. "I used to have a course. My mom put me in a ballroom dancing class so I know standard dances and some of the Latin dances. And sure, I can lead. We can take turns," he smiled. "Let's go to the dance floor!" He went to the centre with little jumps of excitement.

And once on the dance floor, far from the edges as Landon requested, Zach turned his back to face the Hufflepuff. "Waltz is like a ship on the sea. We glide and sway," he said while trying to contain his excitement for dancing, but he couldn't.

He prepared his stance. His left hand was up, ready to hold Landon's left hand, while his right hand couldn't wait to be placed on his partner's shoulder blade. "Shall we start?"

Before she walked through the strange entrance, the girl had no idea where it would lead her to, but she was not disappointed. Instead of the authentic ship with the bustling atmosphere, she now found herself in a completely different world. Though, if one wanted to come here, they shouldn't be scared of lakes. One look down and it feels like walking on water. In each of the corners stood elegant pillars, decorated with shells, pearls, algae and fabrics. All in all, together with the moon-lit lighting and the delicate music, this was the most calming setting Milica could imagine for a ball.

At the feet of the pillars, tables were found which offered refreshments. She was still holding the drink she took with her from the ship, but she didn't exactly feel like dancing, so she made her way over to one of the corners. Strangely, there were some people she hadn't seen before. Perhaps she didn't pay too close attention at all to the people entering, or perhaps they entered before her, hence why she didn't see them walk in.

The dance floor wasn't very crowded yet. Most people were probably still dining in the other area, which she understood. She herself had come here on an empty stomach. While she was planning on eating something before, these plans were ruined by her walking off after one rude comment. Thankfully, Milica now calmed down a bit thanks to the delicate music as well as the less congested atmosphere. Thinking back on the situation, perhaps she overreacted a little. The boy didn't sound like he meant it in a rude way, did he? She wasn't entirely sure, but was she possibly the one who committed a faux pas?

No, that seemed impossible. If anything, her reaction was to be expected. The mysterious boy, with whom she was accidentally matching outfits, should've just kept it to himself. What did he think, that she would speak with him or something?

Instead of being angry, she was now left in a nervous state of mind. Unsure whether she did something wrong, or actually something right. There was no reason to keep thinking about it. Still, she couldn't get it out of her head. Perhaps some distraction would suit her well.

Filled with determination, she put down her drink and took a few steps towards the middle of the dance floor. Her steps were careful: even though she knew she was walking on a platform, she still felt like she could fall into the water any minute. Swimming wouldn't be a problem for her, as her body was quite strong, but she probably wouldn't even want to resurface out of embarrassment.

She made her way past a few people when she suddenly got second thoughts. Why was she making her way onto the dance floor? If there was one thing she disliked, it's being in the spotlight. And well.. if she were to stand in the middle of the dance floor, everyone would be watching her. She could feel some eyes on her already.

After taking a sharp turn, wishing to walk back to the corner, her fear grew even more. She hadn't realized that she had walked such a distance. Besides, suddenly walking back now would make her look even weirder. She suddenly wished she was back at home, where she could pretend to get a text and have to turn around accordingly. No, there were no excuses now. She would have to do the walk of shame back to safety.

The entire way back, Milica kept her head down, not meeting anyone's eyes. She felt scared, embarrassed, and didn't know what to do. If anyone were to look at her, her face held her usual fake mask of boredom, like she didn't want to be here. No fear could be read on her face, just pretend confidence. Deep within her, she desperately hoped somebody could save her, but until then, she would keep a watchful eye on all that was happening around her.

Action: Keeping a watchful eye on things happening around her

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Information Interactions: @Blaize Valerian Stats: sta ◦ 4 | eva ◦ 7 | str ◦ 8 | wis ◦ 2 | arc ◦ 1 | acc ◦ 8 Abilities: Dhampir (year 1) Notes: none

date 04/10/25

word count 526

outfit ⁺₊ ☀︎ ⁺₊

speech #8C2626

mentions @Frederick Buckley

notes sorry for the slightly poorer quality ;-;

He seemed to have noticed the slight shift in her expression, hastily adding on to his words, assuring her that he could stay a while. Lucille was a little surprised; it had only been a fleeting moment, but then again, she did not often mask her expression. Her heart remained constantly on her sleeve, and so she did not think much of his insightful observation.

Lucille felt Fred freeze when she grabbed his arm and, for a moment, she was worried she had startled him. But, when she met his eyes again, there was only amusement in them, not confusion. He brushed off the act, and Lucille was grateful for it, the slight embarrassment she felt quickly fading. Instead, he offered a dance. The words caused quite a noticeable reaction in Lucille; her eyes sparkled and her grin widened, the usual bubbly excitement that seemed to perpetually reside within her returning. She loved to dance, loved any expressive activity in fact. And so, when Fred began to walk towards the center of the floor, she wasted no time in following him.

"It's funny. You didn't strike me as much of a dancer, but I am glad you brought it up. This is the sort of thing I love." The energetic tone her voice usually had returned as she kept pace with him, but there was a noticeable restlessness about her, like a rocket ready to launch. And launch she did.

A little frustrated at his idle pace, Lucille grabbed his arm and pulled, speeding the pair of them up and dragging him to the dance floor. "Come on," she said a little forcefully, but her eyes seemed to light up even more. This was clearly the section of the night where she expected to enjoy herself most. Once again, she was glad she had dressed so comfortably; her clothes didn't hinder her movement in any way.

As the pair finally reached the dance floor, Lucille stopped abruptly, as if someone had slammed her brakes. She paused for a second, before turning around to face him. The chaotic energy she had only a few seconds ago seemed to dissipate, leaving only a calm, relaxed atmosphere. There was a soft smile upon her face, eyes sparkling with warmth. For a second, she adjusted her skirt, even though it didn't need much of that in the first place. Then, she extended her hand to him. "Shall we?" she asked, her voice overtly dramatic.

The discomfort of being on water had completely gone, as her mind was now distracted. All around them students danced to their heart's content, and Lucille felt completely at ease. The atmosphere itself felt relaxed and humorous, with countless students helping and encouraging their partners to dance. That sight alone made the experience all the more endearing for Lucille. She was not a good dancer, by any means, but that had never stopped her before. For dance was nothing but expression, and Lucille was certainly expressive. The dance floor made even the water feel inviting, and, despite the bright lights and chaotic students all around her, Lucille, for one, felt comfortable and cozy, filled with warmth.

MOD POST THREE
the music halts for a second, chants are heard and the lights goes out

Waves gently crashed against the shore as more and more thrill-seeking souls took step on the platforms, still casting a wary eye towards the ground. Rightfully so, as silhouettes lured beneath the surface, slicing through the water restlessly, relentlessly. A step was easily misplaced, as a lilac captain (@joseph sims) promptly proved by crashing against his partner in a slightly un-gentlemen-like way — understandably so, given his attire, though one would argue a true pirate would know how to keep both feet on the deck —, who luckily caught him in time, thus avoiding an unpleasant visit of the depths lurking just below their feet.

Setting aside this unfortunate incident, the night unfolded itself rather pleasantly. Fireflies flickered around the edge of the lake, casting distorted shadows on the troubled waters. Laughter and a dining ambiance could be faintly heard from the ship, candles slowly melting down to the barrels supporting their weight, wax dripping down in lovely sculptures. Romance even brewed in the crisp air of october, a shy, tender kiss being exchanged in the midst of a waltz (@dennis tumberton). Drinks were enjoyed by those remaining at the borders, not daring joining the merry crowd of twirling dancers.

One however, like seized by a sudden access of temerity, set down her glass and took a few steps towards the center of the dance floor. As though moved by an imaginary force, she reached the center, figure standing still amongst the moving crowd before retreating to where she had come from, the frenzy that had woven itself through her veins evaporated (@milica vranekova). Might it be- ?

The gramophone sputtered, sound choking on itself, halting for a few seconds. In this short timelapse of utter silence, chants were heard. Delightful tunes rising from beneath the surface, echoes like heaven itself has been bestowed upon your person, notes so sweet you only want to inch closer, closer and still closer, not caring wether the waves soak your feet or that your lungs are strangely filling with wate- The music resumed, lovely as ever, and if one blinked a few times it would be like nothing had happened.

And then the lights went out.

A total eclipse, candles blown off by a mysterious wind, string lights shutting down — the entire scene was bathed in darkness, lit only by the steady glow of the moon hoovering above their heads. And then light sparked again, platforms once again lit by warm candlelight and flickering stars hanging in-between the pillars. It had not lasted long, a few seconds perhaps, yet those were enough for the atmosphere to change, and the laughter-like sound rising from the waves did nothing to help. The night was only starting.

WELCOME TO THE WEEPING SHORE.

OOC INFORMATION ;
1. To participate, you must be indexed. If you are not indexed yet, please apply here.
2. Moderation will occur every week.
3. Your character is allowed one moderated action per round. Please specify your moderated action somewhere OOC in your post. 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, The Lost Pearl (dining area) and The Drowned Palace (escape game). IC speaking, your character would enter through The Lost Pearl to reach The Weeping Shore. You are not required to post in The Lost Pearl to access The Weeping Shore. The location of The Drowned Palace, as well as an additional clue to the treasure hunt, are hidden in The Lost Pearl. Your character doesn't need either to access or play the game, these are options adding to the atmosphere.
6. You can enter directly either 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. Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer, beware of the bewitching siren's chant, but most importantly, enjoy !