9 May 2020, 23:22
Inner Castle Walls
It was early morning and the sky's indigo backlit the black silhouettes of trees where the Forbidden Forest's edge met the Hogwarts grounds. Aida had never been to the Forbidden Forest, but she had always felt as if it were calling to her. Right now, when so much was wrong and confused in the albino Ravenclaw's life, Aida felt the call even stronger.
Aida was good with her hands from years of life on the ranch, and having found some rope lying in the field she decided on a little project for herself. Aida found an old wooden plank that was also abandoned and then whittled and carved out holes on either side with her ever-loyal pocket knife. Then, pushing strings of rope through the holes and securing them with strong knots that she had learned from animal husbandry, Aida constructed a swing. It was certainly no masterpiece since it was made from found materials, but it was very sturdy. Aida climbed one of the oak trees that grew in the grounds but near enough to the Forbidden Forest that it gave a good view of it. Tying the swing onto the little tree, Aida began to hum a song from satisfaction. After jumping down, she pulled on the rope and the plank to make sure it held strong and then gingerly climbed onto it. It held her weight as expected, so Aida felt a little happier. Soon she was rocking gently back and forth on the swing while looking out into the tangles of the Forbidden Forest.
The soothing motion of the swing and being near the dark forest filled Aida with a sense of comfort that she had not felt since she was back in her secret cave, out in the Highlands. Instinctively Aida felt a hopefulness as the day began to dawn, and so she began to sing to herself-- her favorite song this time, as she pulled out a giant white feather she had discovered near the CoMC stables. She had no idea what manner of creature it belonged to and really had no use for it other than to ignite her daydreams and curiosity. She ran her hands down the fuzzy shaft of the giant feather, filled with a sense of wonder. Imagine, she thought, a set of these things launching a beast high into the sky...
Now Aida's problems all seemed to melt away. It felt as if the answers to her heart's troubled questions would come to mind now. Filled with peace, she began to imagine all sorts of scenarios, both for mundane situations and for the fantastic and improbable. As her heart swelled, Aida felt most of all the need to be helpful. She wanted to heal the broken creatures of the world, free the ones trapped cruelly in cages, and protect the wild spaces the creatures needed in order to thrive. A soft breeze blew by and Aida calmly pulled her hair back out of her eyes. But what of those human creatures I care for? How am I ever to help them if I am always kept at a distance? Having been ostracized her whole life due to her albinism and rumors of a cursed parental lineage, she was about as accustomed as one could be to the social isolation that resulted from her awkward interactions with others. Yet, the more Aida sensed walls between the people she liked and herself, the more terrible she felt. More than ever, Aida did not like walls. No one wanted to get hurt and so walls were useful for people, and Aida knew all-too-well how much she could hurt someone when the wall was taken down. Not a day passed without her thinking of Manticore. Still, Aida felt as if the collective emotional walls of the people around her had made some bizarre inverted cage out of Aida's life when she just wished everyone could be free.
Open for interaction with anyone.
This thread was made especially for: @Dealla Prince
Last edited by Aida Mòrsgor-Ama Ellwood on 27 Jun 2020, 08:17, edited 2 times in total.
10 May 2020, 10:05
Inner Castle Walls
The spring morning air was crisp and cool as Dealla left the castle and wandered out onto the Grounds around the school. It was quiet, much quieter than she was used to, and there was still early morning fog rising above the Great Lake and curling around the tips of the trees of the Forbidden Forest.
Dee didn't quite know why she was out here, or even up already, instead of peacefully asleep in her dorm like the rest of the school, but somehow, she was glad that she was.
It was peaceful out here this early, the day still untouched, unbroken, and she breathed it all in with a sense of quiet wonder. She had always known that Hogwarts was beautiful, but right now, it seemed like something out of a fairy tale.
Thoroughly lost in thought, Dealla did not even register the white-haired girl when she first saw her. The stranger fit in perfectly well with the unreal feel of the morning, all white and ethereal and dream-like. She was sitting on... was that a swing? Dee hadn't known there was something like that around here.
Unconsciously, she had already started walking into the girl's direction, but then something gave her a pause. With a hesitation that was completely uncharacteristic for her, Dee stopped walking to watch her for a second, not sure if she was welcome to intrude on the peaceful atmosphere and quiet, but while she had been enjoying the rare solitude herself until just a moment ago, she suddenly wanted companionship, to greet the new day with another person. And maybe the other girl felt the same way?
Once she had gotten a bit closer, Dee realized she knew this girl. Of course she knew this girl, she could have figured that out earlier, her colouring was unusual enough. They had never talked, of course, but Dealla had seen her around classes and the Common Room - both of them were Ravenclaws.
From one second to the next, her hesitation had disappeared, and Dee headed down to the swing with an energetic bounce in her step. The early morning air really was refreshing, she should do this more often! It cleared her head, somehow.
"Hi!", she greeted even before she had quite reached the girl. Her voice rang clear in the quiet. "I saw you down here and thought you might enjoy some company?" She stopped with two meters' distance, bouncing on her toes, and smiled genuinely. "I'm Dee, by the way. Dealla, really, but please just call me Dee. I'm in Ravenclaw, too!"
Without waiting for a reply, Dee dropped down on the ground, not caring that the dew on the grass would most definitely get her robes wet. "Your hair looks super pretty in this light," she continued admiringly, eyes sparkling with energy. "It almost looks like a cloud, all white and glowing. It's nice out here this early, isn't it? Do you come out here often?"
Oh. She was doing that thing again - the one where her mouth just went on and on without giving the other person even a chance to reply. "Sorry," she said quietly, but the smile on her face had not moved an inch. "I talk a lot, don't I?"
@Aida Mòrsgor-Ama Ellwood
Last edited by Dealla Prince on 10 May 2020, 20:53, edited 1 time in total.
"One can never consent to creep when one feels an impulse to soar."
10 May 2020, 17:33
Inner Castle Walls
Ersa raced up the stairs from the dungeons, finally free...from homework, at least. She had finally caught up on there hours worth of it and needed to take a breather, even if her bookish instincts would rather her not. Transfiguration, Potions, and History of Magic were by far her favorite classes but they also required the most effort and time for her, where she rarely had anything else to do since she liked to dive deeper into almost everything she learned about.
But none of that hardly matter anymore, she was finished. When she felt the blast of warm air hit her when she doing open the door she couldn't help but grin, feeling like she was released from some prison. Regardless of the dungeons the Slytherins called home, the castle itself often made Ersa feel like she was incarcerated, her only job and source of her her studies. But these minute times when she could stretch her legs outside and breathe made it all even more worthwhile, when she could gaze at the Great Lake and the Forbidden Forest in all of their glory
With her hands on her hips Ersa walked along the grounds, a tiny smile playing on her lips. She wondered what she could do besides just look around. She hadn't brought anything besides her wand, which she had almost forgotten about. Ersa hardly used the thing outside of classes but it felt only natural to always have it on her, when she was allowed. She didn't plan on casting any spells or enchanting any potions so what else could she do?
She went on, lost in thought as she tried to conjure up some entertaining activity to do without having to go back inside. Ersa wished she had thought ahead but it was too late now; she hasn't brought food, friends, nor a book. She would have to find some other source of amusement.
As she tied her hair into a ponytail, Ersa began to hear voices nearby. She stopped for a moment to listen then wandered closer to the source, curious of why they sounded so close to the Forbidden Forest. In no time she found the perpetrators who were gathered near a...swing?
Ersa stood far off near a tree, invisible to the two girls happened to look right in her direction, trying to understand what she was seeing. There was much to figure out, though; it was simply to girls, one with very pale skin and hair rocking the swing back and forth, and the other a tiny girl who seemed to be talking the other girl's ear off.
She chewed on her lip, wondering if she should speak to them. From what it looked like they could be friends but they didn't seem like the normal pair. Either way, though, Ersa was really bored and wanted to do something besides make rounds around the castle like she was the groundskeeper and not a struggling student.
She silently made her way over, dressed in a deep green sweater than mimicked the umbrage of the foliage and a pair of jeans and worn black sneakers. Not the best for the weather but she didn't mind too much, especially since they were this close to the forest.
With her hands still on her hips, she nodded at the girls with a bemused expression. "Hullo...was that always there?" The swing looked newish and handcrafted but with magic who knew what the real story was anymore.
But none of that hardly matter anymore, she was finished. When she felt the blast of warm air hit her when she doing open the door she couldn't help but grin, feeling like she was released from some prison. Regardless of the dungeons the Slytherins called home, the castle itself often made Ersa feel like she was incarcerated, her only job and source of her her studies. But these minute times when she could stretch her legs outside and breathe made it all even more worthwhile, when she could gaze at the Great Lake and the Forbidden Forest in all of their glory
With her hands on her hips Ersa walked along the grounds, a tiny smile playing on her lips. She wondered what she could do besides just look around. She hadn't brought anything besides her wand, which she had almost forgotten about. Ersa hardly used the thing outside of classes but it felt only natural to always have it on her, when she was allowed. She didn't plan on casting any spells or enchanting any potions so what else could she do?
She went on, lost in thought as she tried to conjure up some entertaining activity to do without having to go back inside. Ersa wished she had thought ahead but it was too late now; she hasn't brought food, friends, nor a book. She would have to find some other source of amusement.
As she tied her hair into a ponytail, Ersa began to hear voices nearby. She stopped for a moment to listen then wandered closer to the source, curious of why they sounded so close to the Forbidden Forest. In no time she found the perpetrators who were gathered near a...swing?
Ersa stood far off near a tree, invisible to the two girls happened to look right in her direction, trying to understand what she was seeing. There was much to figure out, though; it was simply to girls, one with very pale skin and hair rocking the swing back and forth, and the other a tiny girl who seemed to be talking the other girl's ear off.
She chewed on her lip, wondering if she should speak to them. From what it looked like they could be friends but they didn't seem like the normal pair. Either way, though, Ersa was really bored and wanted to do something besides make rounds around the castle like she was the groundskeeper and not a struggling student.
She silently made her way over, dressed in a deep green sweater than mimicked the umbrage of the foliage and a pair of jeans and worn black sneakers. Not the best for the weather but she didn't mind too much, especially since they were this close to the forest.
With her hands still on her hips, she nodded at the girls with a bemused expression. "Hullo...was that always there?" The swing looked newish and handcrafted but with magic who knew what the real story was anymore.
Be afraid and do it anyway.
Part-Goblin || ACC 6 | ARC 5 | EVA 5 | STA 4 | STR 4 | WIS 6
10 May 2020, 22:01
Inner Castle Walls
Aida was listening to the early morning birdsong and the sound of the wind when she heard someone approaching. Turning to face her visitor while balancing on the swing was a little shaky but a little fun. She was not at all alarmed and as her eyes focused on the approaching Ravenclaw, Aida’s face slowly erupted in a brilliant smile reminiscent of the sun at daybreak.
As Aida listened to Dee’s greeting she observed her overall appearance and demeanor, sensing that Dealla was coming as a friend. Aida recognized Dealla from the usual Ravenclaw gatherings as well as from class since they were both in the same year. Dealla’s eyes were bright and she seemed quite pretty amidst the greenery and open air of the grounds. Soon Dealla was saying a lot of things in rapid succession and Aida grew excited. Aida was infamous for being a rapid speaker and for asking a hundred questions all at once, so Dealla was speaking as if in Aida’s native language. As Aida watched Dealla unceremoniously sit down on the grass she felt that they would get along well. Usually it was the people who were highly concerned with their cleanliness and social etiquette that grew alienated by Aida’s straight-forward backcountry mannerisms. Then as Dealla complimented Aida’s hair, the pale girl’s cheeks lit up a brilliant red. Had anyone ever complimented her before? There was one time at the ball someone complimented her handmade formal riding coat… but as for her actual features as an albino Aida had only ever heard fear or ambivalence. Growing up isolated in the Highlands, Aida had always been socially awkward, and to receive a compliment, and so suddenly, was unprecedented. As the heat in her cheeks died down Aida listened to Dealla’s apology, but Aida immediately started to wave her hand.
“Please, speak freely. Usually conversations are too slow-paced for my liking and it is refreshing to hear you talk this way.” Aida’s smile was gentle and kind, with her voice as smooth as pearls. “It’s nice to finally meet you, Dealla. Until now you have been like a ghost with an untold story in my life, but I hope you’ll tell me a little about yourself.” Unlike Aida’s usual manner of speaking where she immediately pelted someone with questions and follow-up questions, the pale girl had turned off the “heat-seeking missile” part of her as she opened up to anything Dealla might feel like talking about. If her past interactions at Hogwarts were any indication, this was a very good sign that Aida was liking the interaction so far. “I can be very direct, I hope you’re okay with that. I don’t really do well at small talk but I really do want to learn things about you, however mundane or important. Please. Perhaps tell me some things you love in life.” Aida stowed away the feather she had been playing with in order to give Dealla her full attention.
Then, a very quiet sound was heard behind Dealla. There was a Slytherin girl entering the scene, and she was looking at the swing. The newcomer put her hands on her hips and nodded bemusedly, asking about the swing’s origin.
“Why hello,” greeted Aida happily. When it rained it poured, she supposed. “It’s nice to meet you. I made this swing just today, would you like to try it out? Either of you? There is actually room for two, if you don’t mind sharing,” continued the white-haired girl, dismounting from the swing and indicating it with a gentle arm movement. “What is your name?” she asked the Slytherin girl. Aida did not remember ever seeing her before, but Aida had always had a soft spot for Slytherins and so was particularly intrigued. Realizing she had been rude not to introduce herself, Aida bowed to them both. "I am Aida Mòrsgor-Ama Ellwood, from the Highlands – around Glenfinnan, if you're familiar."
Mentions: @Dealla Prince, @Ersa Murtaugh
Aida’s color code: #351C75 (Persian Indigo)
11 May 2020, 18:21
Inner Castle Walls
Dee's smile turned brilliant in response to Aida's words. If her talking a mile a minute was something that Aida didn't just tolerate, but actually liked, the two would get along just fine. And if Aida talked just as much - well, Dealla did not mind listening every once in a while, either. The girl's manner of speaking was interesting, too - much more flowery than what Dealla was used to, but she found that she didn't mind. She would never judge someone just for being different.
There was just one small detail that turned Dee's smile into a mock-scowl. "It's Dee," she emphasized. "As much as I love my parents, I still don't understand why they felt it was a good idea to name me Dealla. But if you can just call me Dee, I think this might be start of an interesting friendship." Her eyes twinkled mischievously.
"Direct sounds perfect to me," she announced, her smile returning after she had cleared up that important issue. "I'm not a big fan of beating around the bush, either, and why talk in circles when you can go straight to the important parts, right?" Tilting her head to one side, Dee pondered over Aida's request. Things she loved in life? Truly loved? There weren't all that many, yet, Dealla was still a child, but she did not mind sharing them. "My parents," she replied. That first one was easy, there could not be another answer to that. "Research trips." Others might call her extended trips wherever her feet carried her, which sometimes involved climbing in places she definitely didn't belong, and on one memorable occasion had ended up with her and her friends stealing a boat, adventures, or mischief, or stupid nonsense, but for Dee it was a question of gaining knowledge she might be able to use later. "The sea - it's one of the only things I don't like about Hogwarts, that it's not by the sea, although the Great Lake is nice too. My cat." She shrugged. Other girls her age might have listed more material possessions, but Dee had always been a person who valued mental things over physical.
Curious now, she looked back up at Aida, about to return the question, but before she had gotten the words out, they were interrupted by the arrival of another girl.
Dee had not expected anyone to be outside this early in the morning, but obviously she was not as alone as she had thought.
"You made this swing yourself?" Dee exclaimed, jumping to her feet in excitement. "That's amazing! I was surprised because I'd never seen it, but I just assumed you found it, too. I'd love to try it, if that's okay. And I like your name, Aida! It suits you, it sounds magical." Turning around, she gifted the newcomer with another brilliant smile, all the brighter for the excitement in her face. "Hi, I'm Dee!" she greeted the girl with enthusiasm. "It's nice to meet you. Why are you up so early?"
@Aida Mòrsgor-Ama Ellwood
@Ersa Murtaugh
"One can never consent to creep when one feels an impulse to soar."
12 May 2020, 22:04
Inner Castle Walls
The girl, Aida, had an interesting way of speaking. It was smooth and flowing, nothing like the stutters and slurs that was common amongst her classmates. It complimented the girl's appearance, Ersa found. Aida looked like the human representation of a pearl, white, pale, and pretty but did she have the heart to match?
Ersa looked from her to the other brunette with wide blue eyes like hers. Except while Dee's eyes were full of light, mirroring a clear winter sky Ersa's reflected a dark pool of abyss, ever turning and twisting, waiting for something to pull down to join it.
"It’s nice to meet you," said Aida. “I made this swing just today, would you like to try it out? Either of you? There is actually room for two, if you don’t mind sharing,”
"Ersa, and I'll pass," she muttered tartly. No way was she going to ride a swing made by some random student at this school. There was too many strange and terrifying things going around already for to be that trustworthy, especially given how close they were to the Forest. Besides, Ersa wasn't the type to share anything, much less a seat.
Dee happily agreed to ride the swing, expressing her glee so profoundly that it was a almost irritating. But Ersa face remained expressionless as she eyed the swing and it's sturdiness.
The albino bowed at the two of them. "I am Aida Mòrsgor-Ama Ellwood, from the Highlands – around Glenfinnan, if you're familiar."
No, I'm not familiar, thought Ersa, not bothering to voice it. She wondered if she had ever been there as a young child though because it did sound vaguely familiar.
"Hi, I'm Dee!" greeted the brunette ever so fervently. Ersa managed to plaster a smile across her face as she nodded at her, but it quickly disappeared. "It's nice to meet you. Why are you up so early?"
"Homework," she replied before turning to Aida. "And what made you want to make dis? I'm sure there are many benches and other contraptions that would suit you...better." She squinted at the forest by them. "I suppose it would be your folly if a bear ahr lycan came for your throat, yeh?"
Ersa looked from her to the other brunette with wide blue eyes like hers. Except while Dee's eyes were full of light, mirroring a clear winter sky Ersa's reflected a dark pool of abyss, ever turning and twisting, waiting for something to pull down to join it.
"It’s nice to meet you," said Aida. “I made this swing just today, would you like to try it out? Either of you? There is actually room for two, if you don’t mind sharing,”
"Ersa, and I'll pass," she muttered tartly. No way was she going to ride a swing made by some random student at this school. There was too many strange and terrifying things going around already for to be that trustworthy, especially given how close they were to the Forest. Besides, Ersa wasn't the type to share anything, much less a seat.
Dee happily agreed to ride the swing, expressing her glee so profoundly that it was a almost irritating. But Ersa face remained expressionless as she eyed the swing and it's sturdiness.
The albino bowed at the two of them. "I am Aida Mòrsgor-Ama Ellwood, from the Highlands – around Glenfinnan, if you're familiar."
No, I'm not familiar, thought Ersa, not bothering to voice it. She wondered if she had ever been there as a young child though because it did sound vaguely familiar.
"Hi, I'm Dee!" greeted the brunette ever so fervently. Ersa managed to plaster a smile across her face as she nodded at her, but it quickly disappeared. "It's nice to meet you. Why are you up so early?"
"Homework," she replied before turning to Aida. "And what made you want to make dis? I'm sure there are many benches and other contraptions that would suit you...better." She squinted at the forest by them. "I suppose it would be your folly if a bear ahr lycan came for your throat, yeh?"
Be afraid and do it anyway.
Part-Goblin || ACC 6 | ARC 5 | EVA 5 | STA 4 | STR 4 | WIS 6
13 May 2020, 01:28
Inner Castle Walls
“Sorry, Dee,” said Aida with genuine regret. “I don’t understand how I missed that. It’s really unlike me. I guess I’ve just been so turned around lately that I’m losing it, ha ha...” Aida smiled weakly in a friendly way. “Would you believe it, I’ve never seen the sea? Or smelled it? If I were a bird… I would fly to the sea, and then all over. I guess I have been really isolated all this time…” she continued sadly. “The closest I’ve been is Loch Shiel, and as you know, lakes are really just lakes, no more and no less." Then as the topic shifted, Aida's mood completely changed like quicksilver. "Oh wait, you have a cat? What is it like?” The light returned to Aida’s eyes as it usually did when animals were brought up. “Wait, did you say research trips? That sounds fascinating. Please tell me all about those.” Aida seemed genuinely happy again. Her yearning for information was almost palpable.
Aida nodded when Dee asked about the swing and gestured to it as to invite Dee again to try it. If Dee were to get on the swing, she would find it to be a fairly normal (if rustic) and strongly-built swing with an uncommonly good view over the grounds and Forbidden Forest. The swing's pale rope and weathered silver wood tended to give out a good creak, but only so much as to gave the swing some personality without being too alarming. Its bench was maybe a little high to be comfortable getting onto, but once on, the incredible view it pointed towards was likely to make one forget its modest height. Aida blushed again on hearing her name complimented. She was really not used to hearing anything positive about herself and so was in something of a state of shock.
Then, turning to face Ersa, Aida examined the girl as she spoke. Cocking her head to the side, Aida got a distinct impression of darkness about the Slytherin. That was just fine, of course. It was Aida’s great pleasure to walk in dark places. Ersa’s curt replies did not put Aida off so much as they beckoned for a closer look. The pale girl smiled gently back at Ersa, wondering if she was suffering from some kind of pain, be it emotional or otherwise. If Ersa was here, walking the grounds rather than tucked away writing her homework, it could be that she needed friendship, and so Aida would try to give her some. “You’re right, there are many more things I could have made. Something more practical, like leather armor or a weapon for dangerous encounters. Or a healing potion. However, none of those things would heal my pain. You see, when I am on this swing, I feel I am high above, gazing down on the world. Sometimes I pretend I’m a bird, you know, like a falcon that can see everything from up there. One that can’t be reached by almost anything on the ground, but can come down when it is time to strike. Call it cowardice if you’d like, but I haven’t been faring well just letting the world get at me while inside the walls of its little rooms. This is as close to flying as I can come while not being magical.” Aida laughed darkly. It was as if the tone in Ersa’s voice was activating something in the albino girl. “As for the beasts, I wish they would come. If you could only know how much I wished for them to come.” Aida understood that she was revealing a lot about her personal life, and in a sense she was extremely vulnerable. However, she accepted the risk and let her true thoughts be laid bare.
Aida nodded when Dee asked about the swing and gestured to it as to invite Dee again to try it. If Dee were to get on the swing, she would find it to be a fairly normal (if rustic) and strongly-built swing with an uncommonly good view over the grounds and Forbidden Forest. The swing's pale rope and weathered silver wood tended to give out a good creak, but only so much as to gave the swing some personality without being too alarming. Its bench was maybe a little high to be comfortable getting onto, but once on, the incredible view it pointed towards was likely to make one forget its modest height. Aida blushed again on hearing her name complimented. She was really not used to hearing anything positive about herself and so was in something of a state of shock.
Then, turning to face Ersa, Aida examined the girl as she spoke. Cocking her head to the side, Aida got a distinct impression of darkness about the Slytherin. That was just fine, of course. It was Aida’s great pleasure to walk in dark places. Ersa’s curt replies did not put Aida off so much as they beckoned for a closer look. The pale girl smiled gently back at Ersa, wondering if she was suffering from some kind of pain, be it emotional or otherwise. If Ersa was here, walking the grounds rather than tucked away writing her homework, it could be that she needed friendship, and so Aida would try to give her some. “You’re right, there are many more things I could have made. Something more practical, like leather armor or a weapon for dangerous encounters. Or a healing potion. However, none of those things would heal my pain. You see, when I am on this swing, I feel I am high above, gazing down on the world. Sometimes I pretend I’m a bird, you know, like a falcon that can see everything from up there. One that can’t be reached by almost anything on the ground, but can come down when it is time to strike. Call it cowardice if you’d like, but I haven’t been faring well just letting the world get at me while inside the walls of its little rooms. This is as close to flying as I can come while not being magical.” Aida laughed darkly. It was as if the tone in Ersa’s voice was activating something in the albino girl. “As for the beasts, I wish they would come. If you could only know how much I wished for them to come.” Aida understood that she was revealing a lot about her personal life, and in a sense she was extremely vulnerable. However, she accepted the risk and let her true thoughts be laid bare.
14 May 2020, 19:30
Inner Castle Walls
"You have never been to the sea?" Dee paused in her action of climbing onto the swing, one knee already braced on the wooden board, to stare at Aida in a mixture of thinly veiled horror and pity. "You should! It's amazing, the waves, the smell, water as far as the eye can see. Lakes are nice but they're... kind of boring, you know? The sea changes all the time, it's never the same." Pushing herself up, she twisted around until she was sitting on it, feet dangling into the air. A breeze blew a few strands of brown hair into her face, but Dee didn't seem to notice.
"I do have a cat! His name is Theophilius, and I accidentally turned him blue when I was six years old. My parents left him that way." She grinned at the memory. "He's super chill, the most relaxed cat I have ever seen, but my parents insisted that I leave him in Whitehaven. He's already pretty old, so we didn't want him to have to leave his familiar environment. I miss him." Cocking her hair to the side in thought, she gave Aida a considering once-over. "You should come visit me in the summer! You can meet Theophilius and see the ocean. I promise it's worth it. And I'll take you on research trips."
Dee started to shift on the swing, leaning forth and back and swinging her legs along with the movement to gain momentum, while her eyes shifted to Ersa. "I'm sure you could come too," she offered sincerely. They'd only met a minute ago, and Ersa hadn't been particularly friendly, but Dee wasn't going to exclude her. Somehow, she doubted the girl would want to come, anyway. She didn't seem to be particularly fond of... fun things.
As she swung higher and enjoyed the feel of the wind blowing in her hair, Dealla suddenly understood Aida's thoughts about being a bird. It would be fantastic to be that free, to not be bound to the ground, to go wherever you wanted, and Dee was just thinking about how to put those feelings into words properly, when she finally caught the turn in the atmosphere surrounding the trio.
There seemed to be a shadow clinging to Ersa, and as Dee watched, she thought she could see it around Aida too, although the girl was so bright she almost appeared shrouded in light. It felt paradoxical, somehow.
Dee's swinging movements slowed and ceased, her lighthearted mood fleeing in face of Aida's words. They sent a sharp shiver down her spine.
In spite of how much she talked, Dealla was not particularly good at wording complex feelings, so for once, she was at a loss for what to say. She knew what she wanted to do, which was to distract Aida from whatever made her feel like that. She had seemed so happy and open just a minute ago, a sharp contrast to the darkness in her voice now, and for the first time since they had met, the smile faded from Dee's face.
"I'm pretty sure we're not in any danger here," she offered, finally. "There are protections on the Hogwarts Grounds. As long as we're not in the forest, nothing will happen." The words seemed terribly mundane and out of place to her.
"One can never consent to creep when one feels an impulse to soar."
14 May 2020, 21:26
Inner Castle Walls
Ersa wasn't sure why she had even bothered them at this point. Though she had been curious about the swing, it shouldn't have been enough to fuel her interaction but it did nevertheless. Now she knew that it was handmade by this eery girl, Aida, who set her off a little. First she had come off as something next to sweet and pure, her appearance aiding that fact, to someone who obviously shared the same darkness that Ersa carried but never dwelled much upon. It was definitely unsettling, especially because the other girl seemed bothered by it as well.
The way the albino looked at her was the worst part, as if she could see more than most people could. Ersa didn't like that feeling, not at all; she liked keeping inside things inside, which is why she seldom shared how she was feeling, even with people she felt she was close to. The way her eyes ran over her while she had spoken almost made her break her composure, but Ersa wasn't going to be phased by someone she'd only just met.
Since the girls seemed to want to talk about more delightful and fanciful things, Ersa felt like it would be best if she moved along. There was nothing for her here and she was starting to feel uncomfortable. She only meant to stay outside briefly anyways, not long enough to get bugs and leaves stuck in her hair.
Dealla spoke about visiting the ocean, which Ersa had seen more than enough times. Apparently Aida begged to differ which is why the brunette invited her along. When she tried to add the Slytherin she smiled curtly, meaning to decline but then she stopped herself. Why not? she thought. Well, I don't even know her... Ersa decided not to say anything, having not come to a decision.
Aida explained how the swing healed her in a way that other things couldn't, how flying through the air, without magic, made her feel more free, she guessed. Well, Ersa wasn't sure about all of that, at least concerning. She was good at suppressing thoughts that she didn't, at least ninety percent of the time. She had grown accustomed to focusing on things that didn't bother her as much, giving her energy to things that actually made her feel good, or at least not confined in chaos. Of course that's not how the Slytherin thought of it in her young mind, only thinking of as pretending such thoughts weren't actually hers when they came around, that they were the beckoning of some foul beast she had imagined when she was little. When she didn't know any better.
"Well, I dohn know about all of that," she said, stifling a yawn. "But pardon me for interruptin' your morning routine, only meant to be passin' by." With that she turned around and started heading back, glancing back once as she walked towards the castle.
The way the albino looked at her was the worst part, as if she could see more than most people could. Ersa didn't like that feeling, not at all; she liked keeping inside things inside, which is why she seldom shared how she was feeling, even with people she felt she was close to. The way her eyes ran over her while she had spoken almost made her break her composure, but Ersa wasn't going to be phased by someone she'd only just met.
Since the girls seemed to want to talk about more delightful and fanciful things, Ersa felt like it would be best if she moved along. There was nothing for her here and she was starting to feel uncomfortable. She only meant to stay outside briefly anyways, not long enough to get bugs and leaves stuck in her hair.
Dealla spoke about visiting the ocean, which Ersa had seen more than enough times. Apparently Aida begged to differ which is why the brunette invited her along. When she tried to add the Slytherin she smiled curtly, meaning to decline but then she stopped herself. Why not? she thought. Well, I don't even know her... Ersa decided not to say anything, having not come to a decision.
Aida explained how the swing healed her in a way that other things couldn't, how flying through the air, without magic, made her feel more free, she guessed. Well, Ersa wasn't sure about all of that, at least concerning. She was good at suppressing thoughts that she didn't, at least ninety percent of the time. She had grown accustomed to focusing on things that didn't bother her as much, giving her energy to things that actually made her feel good, or at least not confined in chaos. Of course that's not how the Slytherin thought of it in her young mind, only thinking of as pretending such thoughts weren't actually hers when they came around, that they were the beckoning of some foul beast she had imagined when she was little. When she didn't know any better.
"Well, I dohn know about all of that," she said, stifling a yawn. "But pardon me for interruptin' your morning routine, only meant to be passin' by." With that she turned around and started heading back, glancing back once as she walked towards the castle.
Be afraid and do it anyway.
Part-Goblin || ACC 6 | ARC 5 | EVA 5 | STA 4 | STR 4 | WIS 6
15 May 2020, 03:04
Inner Castle Walls
Aida smiled wryly back at her fellow Ravenclaw. “You make the sea sound fantastic. I have read about it in books and it seems really multifaceted... dynamic. I want to know how it smells, beyond descriptions by people. Oh, Dee, please take me with you. I want to meet your wonderful Theophilius – it sounds like his personality suits his name. I want to know the ocean. And research trips? I still don’t know exactly what those are like, but please, please take me with you.” Aida really did want to hear all about them, as well as to just go on them at the earliest opportunity.
Then, as Dee began to shuffle onto the swing Aida grinned – a big wild smile that wrinkled the corners of her violet eyes. Dee began to swing and was soon going higher and higher, much to the albino’s delight. For a moment as the wind blew through Dee’s hair, Aida caught the feeling that Dee could understand. She was beautiful, thought Aida, but she needed to reply to Ersa, who also deserved a real answer. Quickly the pale girl’s tone came to convey the smoothness of wet black ink as she spoke about self-healing, not being magical, and the forest beasts. From the corner of her eye, she saw Dee stop swinging and sensed Dee’s reaction while watching Ersa grow uncomfortable. Before long the Slytherin passed along one sentence to excuse herself before walking away.
Well, Aida had alienated yet another person, and surely it would not be the last. This was how the majority of people had acted around the albino for her entire life, so Aida was not upset by this rather standard behavior. She did wonder, however, what it was exactly that seemed to trigger the girl so badly. People in general had a wide assortment of reasons to be unnerved by Aida, sometimes occurring in combination, and without further clarification Aida would just have to let it go. She was the last person on Earth to try to keep someone where they did not want to be, but she would watch the Slytherin as she walked away. “Goodbye, Ersa." Certainly nothing about this morning had been routine for Aida, other than simply hovering around the edge of the grounds pensively.
Although Aida had darkened in response to Ersa’s demeanor, she now turned to Dee and felt warmth and light pouring back into herself. In the same mercurial way that she had transformed before Ersa, Aida reversed right back into a happy and optimistic state. It was as if an eclipse had passed through her, temporarily blackening the sun, only to open back up into the intense light of day. Indeed Aida had seemed almost glowing even during the darkest parts of the dialogue, not unlike an eclipse shrouded by the sun’s glowing halo.
Now, however, Aida was beaming again as she looked back at Dee, who had offered Ersa to come along with them, too. Aida liked that Dee had treated Ersa kindly, even if the Slytherin’s attitude came off as sharp.
“You are right about the wards, Dee. Nothing of consequence seems to come out of the woods. Every once in a while I see a shadow pass somewhere deep inside them, though I can never make out what it is.” Aida stretched her arms and arched her back. It was still pretty early in the day. “Here, what if I gave you a big starting push on that swing?” said Aida with a cocked head and a friendly tone. “What do you see from up there? And feel free to talk about anything you'd like, assuming you're still up for conversation.” If Dee elected to have Aida give her a push, Dee would gain above-average momentum and height at the start of her motion: the action would happen rather predictably.
Then, as Dee began to shuffle onto the swing Aida grinned – a big wild smile that wrinkled the corners of her violet eyes. Dee began to swing and was soon going higher and higher, much to the albino’s delight. For a moment as the wind blew through Dee’s hair, Aida caught the feeling that Dee could understand. She was beautiful, thought Aida, but she needed to reply to Ersa, who also deserved a real answer. Quickly the pale girl’s tone came to convey the smoothness of wet black ink as she spoke about self-healing, not being magical, and the forest beasts. From the corner of her eye, she saw Dee stop swinging and sensed Dee’s reaction while watching Ersa grow uncomfortable. Before long the Slytherin passed along one sentence to excuse herself before walking away.
Well, Aida had alienated yet another person, and surely it would not be the last. This was how the majority of people had acted around the albino for her entire life, so Aida was not upset by this rather standard behavior. She did wonder, however, what it was exactly that seemed to trigger the girl so badly. People in general had a wide assortment of reasons to be unnerved by Aida, sometimes occurring in combination, and without further clarification Aida would just have to let it go. She was the last person on Earth to try to keep someone where they did not want to be, but she would watch the Slytherin as she walked away. “Goodbye, Ersa." Certainly nothing about this morning had been routine for Aida, other than simply hovering around the edge of the grounds pensively.
Although Aida had darkened in response to Ersa’s demeanor, she now turned to Dee and felt warmth and light pouring back into herself. In the same mercurial way that she had transformed before Ersa, Aida reversed right back into a happy and optimistic state. It was as if an eclipse had passed through her, temporarily blackening the sun, only to open back up into the intense light of day. Indeed Aida had seemed almost glowing even during the darkest parts of the dialogue, not unlike an eclipse shrouded by the sun’s glowing halo.
Now, however, Aida was beaming again as she looked back at Dee, who had offered Ersa to come along with them, too. Aida liked that Dee had treated Ersa kindly, even if the Slytherin’s attitude came off as sharp.
“You are right about the wards, Dee. Nothing of consequence seems to come out of the woods. Every once in a while I see a shadow pass somewhere deep inside them, though I can never make out what it is.” Aida stretched her arms and arched her back. It was still pretty early in the day. “Here, what if I gave you a big starting push on that swing?” said Aida with a cocked head and a friendly tone. “What do you see from up there? And feel free to talk about anything you'd like, assuming you're still up for conversation.” If Dee elected to have Aida give her a push, Dee would gain above-average momentum and height at the start of her motion: the action would happen rather predictably.
Mentioning: @Ersa Murtaugh @Dealla Prince