30 Mar 2026, 22:18
Prequel Picnic: The Invitation
Veda was having a lovely day. It was spring, and the weather was finally matching the season. The sun sparkled over the castle and grounds, and the slight breeze made the weather just the perfect shade of warm but not hot. She had gotten an Outstanding grade on one of her assignments that she was really proud of, and even got a 'good job' from her professor.
Prequel Picnic: The Invitation | @Tala Wehabi
Basically skipping through the halls, Veda headed to the courtyard. She had stopped at the dorm to drop off her books, and out of the corner of her eye she saw her barely used picnic blanket. Making a spur of the moment decision, as she had no classes for the rest of the day, Veda grabbed it as well as a book, a drawing pad, and finally some butterbeer and candy she paid a fourth year to get for her. It was finally coming in useful, even if she wasn't technically allowed to.
Coming back from her thoughts, Veda arrived at the courtyard. It was close to the entrance to the grounds, where she planned on having her picnic. Her eyes scanned the enclosed area, and caught on someone familiar. It was Tala, who looked at least a little less sad than she had been when they first met.
Veda remembered the afternoon where they studied until her next class. Veda had done her best to cheer up the first year, cracking jokes where she could and helping Tala with her schoolwork. Now, the first year was in the courtyard, and she made the perfect candidate for a picnic buddy.
"Tala!" Veda said, smiling as she walked over. "How are you? I was just about to have a picnic on the grounds near the lake if you are interested in joining me!" she asked, rearranging the blanket and supplies in her hands while awaiting the girls answer. Gosh were they heavy.
330/200 Words
Last edited by Veda Lunar on 31 Mar 2026, 15:37, edited 2 times in total.
Veda | Lunar
Oak & Ivy
Oak & Ivy
31 Mar 2026, 04:29
Prequel Picnic: The Invitation
Interacting with @Veda Lunar
Yes, why thank you, Keefe. I would love to go out with you sometime.
Tala was lost in her thoughts, making fake scenarios with the characters of the her most recent read. This time it was Keefe, from Keeper of The Lost Cities series. He was her favorite character so far - who doesn't like the sarcastic-and-funny-to-hide-the-trauma character? - and if she was being honest - though she'd never admit it - she kind of had a tiny crush on him.
Most people would find this weird, talking to fictional characters, obsessing over them, but to Tala it was her way of coping with her ever present loneliness. And anyway, fictional characters were better than most real people. At least with them, you're not wondering if they really are your friend or just pretending, they don't have expectations you'll stay worried you couldn't meet, and most of all, you don't worry that they're going to leave you one day.
Looking around her, she noticed Veda coming out of the castle, which put a smile on her face. This now was a person who was as good as a fictional character. She bumped into Tala the other day, and that somehow led to Veda helping her with her homework. She didn't know it was even possible to enjoy studying as much as she did that afternoon. And Tala loved learning, so that was saying something.
Ever since then, Veda would always smile or wave at her whenever they ran into each other in the common room or on their way to class and Tala would smile back, making her feel less alone each time. They hadn't had time to sit with each other again though, because of all the school work, which is why the first year was surprised when Veda headed towards her and asked Tala to join her for a picnic near the lake.
"Yeah, sure! I'd love to!" Tala noticed that she didn't stutter or freeze around Veda anymore.
Seeing Veda struggling with the supplies she said, "Would you like me to help with all this? It looks delicious by the way." Already reaching out to take some of the load.
Yes, why thank you, Keefe. I would love to go out with you sometime.
Tala was lost in her thoughts, making fake scenarios with the characters of the her most recent read. This time it was Keefe, from Keeper of The Lost Cities series. He was her favorite character so far - who doesn't like the sarcastic-and-funny-to-hide-the-trauma character? - and if she was being honest - though she'd never admit it - she kind of had a tiny crush on him.
Most people would find this weird, talking to fictional characters, obsessing over them, but to Tala it was her way of coping with her ever present loneliness. And anyway, fictional characters were better than most real people. At least with them, you're not wondering if they really are your friend or just pretending, they don't have expectations you'll stay worried you couldn't meet, and most of all, you don't worry that they're going to leave you one day.
Looking around her, she noticed Veda coming out of the castle, which put a smile on her face. This now was a person who was as good as a fictional character. She bumped into Tala the other day, and that somehow led to Veda helping her with her homework. She didn't know it was even possible to enjoy studying as much as she did that afternoon. And Tala loved learning, so that was saying something.
Ever since then, Veda would always smile or wave at her whenever they ran into each other in the common room or on their way to class and Tala would smile back, making her feel less alone each time. They hadn't had time to sit with each other again though, because of all the school work, which is why the first year was surprised when Veda headed towards her and asked Tala to join her for a picnic near the lake.
"Yeah, sure! I'd love to!" Tala noticed that she didn't stutter or freeze around Veda anymore.
Seeing Veda struggling with the supplies she said, "Would you like me to help with all this? It looks delicious by the way." Already reaching out to take some of the load.
Me and you? We're like the 31st of December and the 1st of January. So close, yet a year apart.
31 Mar 2026, 15:33
Prequel Picnic: The Invitation
"That would be great, thank you!" Veda said, handing the food and drinks to Tala. She repositioned the picnic blanket to be under her arm, and rearranged the art supplies and book in her hands. Veda grinned at the thought of having Tala join her. She was glad she wouldn't be alone. Even if she didn't mind being by herself, some company was always nice.
Prequel Picnic: The Invitation | @Tala Wehabi
Veda noticed how comfortable the first year was with her now. She now made eye contact and stopped apologizing for every little thing that might not even be her fault. Veda knew Tala was warming up to her, from those cues and the lack of her slight stutter she got when talking to anyone else.
"Shall we?" Veda said, walking to the gate of the courtyard with Tala. She was still in a chipper mood, and for a split second she hoped she wasn't being too obnoxious. Veda quickly shoved that thought aside. 'We aren't starting that again,' she thought. Besides, Tala seemed like the kind of person to accept all moods, and she (hopefully) would never tell Veda to tone it down.
They exited through the gates and started walking to the lake.
205/200 Words
Veda | Lunar
Oak & Ivy
Oak & Ivy