The Lost Pearl 2025 Fall Ball

location: Autumn Ball

date: Oct. 4th, 2025

speaking: 0042A9

thinking: 80A7FF

As the two sat at the table, Leo noticed once again this properness coming from Rosaline like when they had their picnic. She sat up straight in her chair, her posture practically perfect compared to others around. The more time they had been spending together, the more that Leo was starting to notice these little things that Rosa would do. He was usually good at noticing little details about people since he was usually pretty quiet and observed more than talked but he had noticed a lot about Rosaline in their short time together. He wondered what else he would end up learning about her as the continued spending more time together. At the same time he wondered why he was always noticing more stuff about Rosaline than other friends of his. With that thought in mind, he had looked down at his spoon and realized his eyes had changed to pink again. He suddenly felt embarrassed that his eyes had changed on their own again, and in front of Rosa again, it was becoming a strange routine of changing colors in front of her for some reason. He took a breath in and out to calm himself and focused on changing the color back to his usual dark brown eye color and once again tried to think of how to keep his eyes from changing on their own.

Leo listened as his date for the evening excitedly made guesses about the sailor and the ship itself. With a smile he nodded, “Those are definitely possibilities, from the looks of this place I would definitely believe it’s haunted for sure.” He responded as he looked around the room again at all the decor that filled the room. Her comment really made him wonder if it was and what secrets this ship held from its past.

His thoughts were interrupted by Rosaline speaking again, this time giving him an unexpected compliment. Such an out of the blue compliment made his stomach feel like there was butterflies floating around in there. His cheeks turning a light shade of pink once more and he knew his eyes would more than likely be following suit and changed to a light pink again. He cleared his throat, smiling but not able to look up at her directly while talking. “Thank you, you do too though, really.” He returned the compliment back to her, rubbing the back of his neck nervously.

As Rosaline explained her experience with rowing little boats across the lake at her grandparents house, Leo still couldn’t find the strength in him to look up to meet her eyes, choosing to listen and focus on taking sips of his water. “That’s interesting though, I have never been on a boat before so I was worried about what it would be like since I heard people get sick sometimes on board them.” He said as he gently placed the water glass back down.

He wished he hadn’t attempted to try the caviar but at the same time it was still a new experience he could write home about. In the end he was pleased to have at least entertain her with his reaction to it and was grateful for her passing over some shrimp. “Thank you, I probably should have started with food I actually liked.” Leo chuckled softly and ate some shrimp until they were brought the next course. Keeping with the theme of the evening, they were given a plate of some vegetables and grilled fish. “Well this I know I will at least enjoy more than the caviar.” He joked, cutting into the fish and taking a bite. As they ate Leo glanced towards the area that dancing was going on. At some point he knew they were probably going to join their fellow classmates in the dancing area and he would have to actually dance, something he was not particularly excited about and even more nervous about looking silly in front of Rosaline. He hoped that by the time they got over there that he would be able to work up the nerve to actually join in and not just on the side. “Are you enjoying the ball so far?” He asked her before taking another bite of the fish.

The air buzzed with an energetic hum as more students rolled in. But the energy seemed to have zapped into a violent, unwelcoming nature as the dark-haired girl's gaze snapped to Blaize. Holy Salazar she was intimidating up close when he was under the spotlight of her critique.

It took what felt like an eternity to gain any sort of semblance of her quick-witted quip to respond. It felt as though someone had made his tongue swell, an awkward rosy flush enhancing his pale features, making his geekiness stand out more. Well crap. He already knew first impressions weren't his thing. Why even try?

Based on her stature and flare of annoyance that spiked within her gaze, a mere shrug of his shoulders and a half-assed apology of "sorry" wouldn't cut it. But he did nothing wrong, no? Perhaps it was his tone. Valerian's were known for being blunt. It was the business side of things. But on the other side of business, sugar-coating some things like your personality helped generate loyalty and longevity of partners. Blaize blinked. Why the hell was he thinking about that during all of this? One month in school and he still couldn't push away the home life and the business that dauntingly awaited him post-graduation.

His attention shifted, to laughter around various parts of the boat and then down below to the dance floor. The boy's storm-cloud gaze landed upon a familiar pointed pair of ears. Just barely noticeable from the ridiculous coat.. invention the figure was wearing. Well if it wasn't @Harvey Burrows , his train acquaintance. He had half the mind to remove himself from this awkward situation and go enjoy his night. Alas, he didn't know where they stood since the Hogwarts Express was all about awkward greetings and pleasantries. A third year would hardly want to be hanging around a lowly first year like himself. Ah the hierarchy of which life wound itself around, even inside the castle it persisted. But something else warned him away. He was making.. small talk with a girl, or two. They seemed receptive, or maybe he was actually more social than Blaize took him for on the train.

Any matters, the red head turned back and saw the flutter of dark hair swish off into the distance to a different part of the ball. Ah... his entertainment and matching friend had bid him adieu silently. He didn't blame her, but also, the night was still young. And he had a small inkling that he should perhaps apologize for however his comment came out, which was apparently in the girl's eyes, very wrong. And so, the night dragged on.

Action: Leaving this section of the ball, going to make ammends
Mentions: @Milica Vranekova
Color = Talking
Italics = Thoughts

Landsey offers sweet things to the two girls to apologize for his clumsiness.

Previous post : I

Round Five Moderation - The Third Course

Once @Aly Salinger decided her dress was sufficiently ripped, offered a few small quips about grandmothers and insufferable dates (as well as leaving him guessing as to her actual intentions and actions many a time), she offered her new-found companion— privateer— a chance to dance with her marvellous self.

Nearer towards the entrance of the boat stood @Maurice Andrieux, looking for a certain Zophyr Qethnis, to seemingly no avail (so far). Left only with a lonesome state of mind and dread, however unfazed the young boy might have seemed, leaning against the railing as he was.

Further amid the crowd a coy part-goblin and his date were meeting up, both slightly annoyed or intrigued for different reasons, though neither particularly showing it as much as one more expressive might. Slightly pushy, if anything else, asking after her needs as if he did not care mostly, if not only, for appearances. (@Harvey Barrows, @Lilith Darcy)

Sitting down at a more sequestered table, @Lyanna Oak zoning in and out, coming back to the present when @Landsey Griffith Sterling came up to the table. While Lyanna was more worried about her new friend/acquaintance being immediately whisked away, Landesy, it seemed, just wanted to talk.

@Blaize Valerian had now taken to over-analyzing his comment to @Milica Vranekova, but he seemed a boy of action, going to apologize, perhaps? Or even make things worse, depending on how he chose to go about it.

After most everyone finished with their dinner, it disappeared just as the first course had, and there in its stead lied platters upon platters of fancifully decorated desserts. Always fitting with the theme of the pearl studded night, with the candle lit night casting shadows against the delicate treats. All manners of delicacies were displayed, some seemingly too beautifully crafted to ruin by truly enjoying them.

WELCOME TO The Lost Pearl.

OOC INFORMATION ;
1. To participate, you must be indexed. If you are not indexed yet, please apply here.
2. Moderation will occur every week, with the first few weeks describing the three courses. {One Every other week with a general moderation post in between, till the three courses are done, then we will just have the normal ones}
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 Weeping Shore (dance floor) 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 here 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 directly enter 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 !

fall ball 2025; interacting with @Lyanna Oak and @Landsey Griffith Sterling

Well, it was nice to finally put a name to a face. Vera beamed. "Landsey! That's right." She looked up and down at his outfit, which was quite a bit considering his height. The matching suit, the accessories, the coat. Even his hair, which usually sat roughly on his head—courtesy of his dual-toned curly hair—was pinned back by a shiny clip.

Vera hummed. "Well, you look very nice this evening."

The three of them finished their introductions. Then, Vera watched as Landsey left the table, coming back with a few things from the food tables. She could only watch with a slightly open mouth in the shape of an 'oh' as he handed a cupcake to her. It seemed like a coincidence that the cupcake matched her outfit, in a way. Pink frosting and pearls.

Vera looked up at him and smiled. "Thank you." Then, she took a bite.

"So," Vera began once she'd finished a bite, "Lyanna. How did you find your First year at Hogwarts? I find it's a bit... confusing, still. I'm not from a wizarding family, see."

It was the kind of question she wanted to ask her seniors. First, the Hufflepuff prefect (who was now her prefect!) on the train, Sage, told her to just enjoy the time and avoid the Slytherins. She hadn't run into many seniors since, but now was a good opportunity with a Second year. Sage was a Third year, so the range of perspectives was something Vera appeciated.

Once Lyanna finished, Vera nodded and turned to Landsey. "What about you?" She asked. "How are you finding our classes?"

Action: eating the cupcake that Landsey offered

The evening dragged on at a snail's pace, and Maurice could feel every second pressing cold anxiety into his gut. It was a million different things, the fear of rejection, the fear of looking stupid, the fear of being stood up, and, most importantly, the fear of being perceived at all. He all of a sudden felt very foolish, standing against the rail like some '80s punk, chewing his bottom lip to bleeding. He wondered if the bandana was too much, then quickly shook the thought away. If he was sure of anything, it was that the bandana was cool.

He twisted the bracelets on his wrist, looking out at the clusters of finely-dressed wizards, mingling and laughing and acting like normal people. Maurice knew he could act like a normal person, if only for one night. He knew he could. He would just have to laugh and smile and talk, but not so much that it was annoying, and not just about the things that interested him. He inhaled slowly.

"Hello there. You don't happen to be a certain Cygnus, do you?"

All the air left Maurice's lungs. He could barely find the room to exhale as he quickly looked over to lock eyes with the most ethereal human he had ever seen in his life. Hair the color of midnight stars, skin the color of smooth leather, eyes like twin comets. Maurice had lost his words. He stared for a few mystified seconds, before breaking into broken english.

"Er- Maurice, yes. Cygnus." He nodded vigorously to emphasize his point. "You are Zophyr."

Maurice felt his cheeks flush slightly at this last comment, and he swallowed thickly. He let out a startled laugh, feeling strange and tingly and very much perceived. It was a feeling he knew at once he would chase to the end of the earth, despite only feeling it in a brief rush. He opened his mouth, closed it, then switched back to French.

"You look wonderful. I never would have thought that..." Maurice had imagined Zophyr with a million different faces and expressions, but never like this. He was unimaginable. "I didn't bring my guitar."

NOW PLAYING The Fall Ball ft. @Zophyr Qethnis ───⋆⋅☆⋅⋆─── Outfit ⋆★⋆ Location Great Lake Date 4 October, 2025 coded by Lucille

Date 04/10/2025	@Caspian Villin Interactions
Speech #a88400	@N/A Mentions
WC 325 words	OOC

Nova, finally, walked into The Lost Pearl. She didn't realize how late she actually was to the Ball until she saw fancy desserts on all the tables. The deck creaked beneath her boots as she stepped onto the area, almost walking into a strange sailor. She sidestepped him at the last moment, and quickly took the welcoming card that he was offering. Glancing down at it, she skimmed through the words, snorting in amusement at his name.

Slowing down, her eyes darted around the area; portraits of pirates, unworldly sea creatures and indistinguishable figures under harsh waves covered a few walls. Off to the side, the railings were broken, and the deck had something eerie to it that Nova couldn't figure out. Looking back down at the greeting card she had been given, a strange scent of citrus entered her nostrils. She winced at the strong aroma, quickly putting it away in one of the many pockets she had.

Nova looked around for Caspian, unable to spot him among the sea of heads already there with their partners and friends. She recognized a few people here and there, whether from different events entirely or just from passing them in the halls. Her brows furrowed, and she concluded that even Caspian hadn't arrived yet. So much for being punctual. Deciding to just wait and explore a bit, she grabbed a small dessert that was decorated like the waves from the lake, popping it into her mouth.

A burst of flavor exploded in her mouth, and she grinned before picking up a few more and walking off towards the paintings again. She stopped in front of one with a man, scar covering his eye. His expression was stoic, in a way, and she felt something drawing her towards it. Trixie, hiding in one of the pockets of her outfit, popped out, a pirate hat on her head. She stared at the portrait with her, also in awe.

• Examining paintings with Trixie while waiting for her best friend! •

Stamina - 7 • Evasion - 7 • Strength - 7 • Wisdom - 7 • Arcane Power - 7 • Accuracy - 5
Evasive Maneuvers • Charmer

Reducio For Trixie :]

ᴛɪᴍᴇ |___ ɪɴᴛᴇʀᴀᴄᴛɪɴɢ | @Nova Astron Dialogue/Thoughts ┃ Speech - #007514 OUTFIT __________

ᴅᴀᴛᴇ | 04/10/2025

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ℭaspian had expected something extravagant — it was Hogwarts, after all — but this? This was… eerie. The moment his boots touched the creaking passerelle, he could taste the salt in the air and feel the damp chill clinging to his coat. His eyes flicked up toward the ship’s looming silhouette. The Lost Pearl loomed above the water, a skeletal silhouette bathed in moonlight, its masts broken and its sails nothing more than shreds of shadow.

He adjusted his cuffs, flicked a stray thread from his sleeve, and stepped aboard. The smell hit him first — old wood, salt, and faint citrus.

A sailor approached — or what looked like one — and Caspian’s brows furrowed at the glassy eyes and coral-encrusted sleeves. “Right,” he said softly, taking the welcome card the figure offered. “Charming crew you’ve got.” Caspian stepped past him.

His eyes skimmed the note, lips twitching when he reached the name. Captain Bartholomew Vane. Of course. He slipped the card underneath his belt. Why? He didn't know. He was weird like that. his coat and looked around. Floating candles and jars of bluebell flames bathed the deck in a ghostly shimmer, the light glinting off shattered glass and old ropes. It was beautiful, but it carried that uneasy of something ancient and restless.

His gaze swept across the tables — groups of laughing students — and then toward the far side of the ship.

And there she was — Nova — standing in front of a portrait with that air of curiosity. Her small creature, Trixie, her samll head peeking from one of Nova's pockets, dressed in a pirate hat that made him nearly laugh aloud.

He approached quietly, his boots scuffing against the wood as he came up behind her. "Boo!" he said flatly . A beat of silence followed, and the corner of his mouth curved faintly upward. “You know,” he began, voice low and edged with teasing, “most people come to the Fall Ball to dance, not to stare down creepy guys with scars.”

A faint smirk tugged at his lips, but there was warmth beneath the teasing. He eyed the half-eaten dessert in her hand. “I see you’ve already raided the food. Did you at least save me something?"
word count --> 376

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Lilith was half satisfied, half annoyed. She had seen his eyes lit up, but not enough so his expression would change. Lilith's goal was to make him lose his composure any way she could, but he was still showing perfect control over himself. Nevermind. The night was just starting anyway.

She gracefully extended her hand for him to kiss, letting a calculated smile bloom on her lips.
"You look quite good yourself.", she answered to his compliment.
Saying that he had no effect on her would be a lie. He looked very great in his outfit matching her dress, and his confident smile was more attractive that she cared to admit. When he touched her, she felt the familiar mix of attraction and repulsion that his presence always ignited in her. Since they had met, Lilith couldn't understang what exactly was drawing her to him, but she knew she couldn't stay away from him for long. Even now, as he seemed very satisfied that she saw him with another. Ignoring his smug look, she adjusted her curls, a gesture she knew affected him.

"Yeah, dancing sounds good," she replied nonchalantly.
Lilith loved dancing. Once on the floor, she could dance for hours without getting tired. Part of her pure-blood education when she was younger was taking dancing lessons. It was mostly ballroom dancing, but she always loved too feel the music in her, the freedon it offered her. She used to dream about the balls and parties she would go to once at Hogwarts and how she would dance until sunlight. So when Harvey proposed to dance, she felt a genuine smile grow on ger face. But of course, she had to make it look like she was doing him a favor.

"Unless you'd rather dance with your... friend over there ?"
She then added, her eyes falling haughtily on the veela standing a few meters away.