Travel Companions and a Bunch of New Friends
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Goodness, was Taryn overwhelmed.
Hauling her trunk through the corridors of the Hogwarts Express, she began to lose hope she’d find Gloria here.
After their stay at the Leaky Cauldron, Taryn and her friend @Gloria Shell had parted ways earlier this morning. Gloria and her parents had left for King’s Cross by car, while Taryn had taken the Knight Bus together with her own parents and her sister.
To say it had been a bumpy ride would be an understatement. At one point, the bus had braked so abruptly, that Taryn had banged her head against the seat in front of her. There was a bruise on her forehead now, the skin swollen and a little red.
Once at King’s Cross, Taryn felt genuinely unwell. Her face was pale, and she said nothing as her father led the way to Platform 9¾. She barely registered the people around her, some talking to one another, some running to catch their train.
On the platform it wasn’t much better. Owls hooted at each other from their cages, and there was a loud chatter of parents saying goodbye to their children, and friends catching up with one another after the summer holiday.
Taryn looked around in search of Gloria, but didn’t spot her anywhere. It could be that her friend was on the train already. Or she wasn’t even here yet. Would it take longer to get here by car?
Her nerves were starting to act up as well now. She was going to Hogwarts. She wouldn’t be home for months, she wouldn’t see her sister and her parents for months. It made her feel incredibly lonely. If only she could find Gloria and share a compartment with her. She couldn’t imagine having to go up to strangers to ask them if she could join theirs. Not while she felt like this, not while she had a bruise on her forehead and was wearing muggle clothes she didn’t feel comfortable in.
Taryn walked up and down the platform, her gaze scanning the crowd for a certain girl with dirty blonde hair—or for Oak, the girl’s bengal cat—but was ultimately forced to conclude Gloria wasn’t here. She returned to her parents, and her father helped her hoist her trunk up the steps of a carriage somewhere near the beginning of the train.
She gave them all a firm hug. Her father first, then her mother, and finally her sister.
“I’m going to search for Gloria,” Taryn said to them as she pulled away.
Her mother went in for one more hug, placing a kiss on Taryn’s cheek.
“Are you going to be alright?” she murmured. Taryn nodded.
They all waved at her as she boarded the train and picked up her trunk, and she waved back at them. Then she took a deep breath, looked at them one last time, and turned to face the corridor of the train. She could do this. All would be better once she’d found Gloria.
She started walking.
It might have been a better idea to board the train a little more towards the back—if at least for Taryn’s peace of mind—as it was rather busy here in the first few carriages.
Almost all the compartments were already occupied, and students who had already found one were walking back and forth through the corridors to talk to their friends.
Taryn found it incredibly awkward to glance into the different compartments in search of Gloria, sometimes having other students look back at her questioningly.
She passed a group of older girls who were apparently in an argument about who had found a particular empty compartment first.
“Excuse me,” Taryn muttered as she tried to squeeze past them.
She started to feel like she might burst into tears at any moment. Her heavy trunk, the surrounding noise, and the muggle clothes she was wearing were beginning to take their toll. She felt awfully exposed in the thin fabric of her summer dress, feeling like she was wearing nothing but underwear. How could muggles dress like this?
As she passed another empty compartment, she halted and hesitated for a moment.
She truly did want to find Gloria, but the thought of having to go on was not appealing in the slightest. She had a chance here. She knew if she wouldn’t take this compartment now, someone else would. And what if she wouldn’t find Gloria? This truly was the better option.
Taryn pushed the door open and hoisted her trunk inside.
Refusing to move the heavy trunk any further, she left it in the middle of the compartment. Then she shut the door, and let herself fall into a seat next to the window. She hoped it was a forward-facing seat, as she felt like her motion sickness might act up a little more than usual after the bus ride she’d had this morning.
Finally, she allowed herself to exhale.
I'm going to be just fine, she told herself.
Hauling her trunk through the corridors of the Hogwarts Express, she began to lose hope she’d find Gloria here.
After their stay at the Leaky Cauldron, Taryn and her friend @Gloria Shell had parted ways earlier this morning. Gloria and her parents had left for King’s Cross by car, while Taryn had taken the Knight Bus together with her own parents and her sister.
To say it had been a bumpy ride would be an understatement. At one point, the bus had braked so abruptly, that Taryn had banged her head against the seat in front of her. There was a bruise on her forehead now, the skin swollen and a little red.
Once at King’s Cross, Taryn felt genuinely unwell. Her face was pale, and she said nothing as her father led the way to Platform 9¾. She barely registered the people around her, some talking to one another, some running to catch their train.
On the platform it wasn’t much better. Owls hooted at each other from their cages, and there was a loud chatter of parents saying goodbye to their children, and friends catching up with one another after the summer holiday.
Taryn looked around in search of Gloria, but didn’t spot her anywhere. It could be that her friend was on the train already. Or she wasn’t even here yet. Would it take longer to get here by car?
Her nerves were starting to act up as well now. She was going to Hogwarts. She wouldn’t be home for months, she wouldn’t see her sister and her parents for months. It made her feel incredibly lonely. If only she could find Gloria and share a compartment with her. She couldn’t imagine having to go up to strangers to ask them if she could join theirs. Not while she felt like this, not while she had a bruise on her forehead and was wearing muggle clothes she didn’t feel comfortable in.
Taryn walked up and down the platform, her gaze scanning the crowd for a certain girl with dirty blonde hair—or for Oak, the girl’s bengal cat—but was ultimately forced to conclude Gloria wasn’t here. She returned to her parents, and her father helped her hoist her trunk up the steps of a carriage somewhere near the beginning of the train.
She gave them all a firm hug. Her father first, then her mother, and finally her sister.
“I’m going to search for Gloria,” Taryn said to them as she pulled away.
Her mother went in for one more hug, placing a kiss on Taryn’s cheek.
“Are you going to be alright?” she murmured. Taryn nodded.
They all waved at her as she boarded the train and picked up her trunk, and she waved back at them. Then she took a deep breath, looked at them one last time, and turned to face the corridor of the train. She could do this. All would be better once she’d found Gloria.
She started walking.
It might have been a better idea to board the train a little more towards the back—if at least for Taryn’s peace of mind—as it was rather busy here in the first few carriages.
Almost all the compartments were already occupied, and students who had already found one were walking back and forth through the corridors to talk to their friends.
Taryn found it incredibly awkward to glance into the different compartments in search of Gloria, sometimes having other students look back at her questioningly.
She passed a group of older girls who were apparently in an argument about who had found a particular empty compartment first.
“Excuse me,” Taryn muttered as she tried to squeeze past them.
She started to feel like she might burst into tears at any moment. Her heavy trunk, the surrounding noise, and the muggle clothes she was wearing were beginning to take their toll. She felt awfully exposed in the thin fabric of her summer dress, feeling like she was wearing nothing but underwear. How could muggles dress like this?
As she passed another empty compartment, she halted and hesitated for a moment.
She truly did want to find Gloria, but the thought of having to go on was not appealing in the slightest. She had a chance here. She knew if she wouldn’t take this compartment now, someone else would. And what if she wouldn’t find Gloria? This truly was the better option.
Taryn pushed the door open and hoisted her trunk inside.
Refusing to move the heavy trunk any further, she left it in the middle of the compartment. Then she shut the door, and let herself fall into a seat next to the window. She hoped it was a forward-facing seat, as she felt like her motion sickness might act up a little more than usual after the bus ride she’d had this morning.
Finally, she allowed herself to exhale.
I'm going to be just fine, she told herself.
Encyclopedia | STA 4 | EVA 7 | STR 3 | WIS 9 | ARC 6 | ACC 6
Travel Companions and a Bunch of New Friends
HOGWARTS EXPRESS, 1 September 2026
Finally the day that Mary had been waiting for so long came, and it was time for her to get onto the Hogwarts Express. She had already said goodbye to her family, which were lost in the crowd of parents as she got onto the train, hoisting up her trunk with ease up the stairs.
Mary was never a morning person, and now, as she walked through the corridors of the train, her hair was still a mess from waking up from the loud sounds that surrounded her in the Leaky Cauldron bedrooms their family had been staying in. Her eyes were still puffy as she’d only gotten out of bed an hour ago from this very moment she stood in the narrow hallway of the train. Before getting to the King’s Cross station, her look was tied together with an unpleasant scowl, seemingly at the world for waking her up so “early”, but the second the family reached platform 9 and ¾ out of nowhere her expression brightened up, and she even gave her younger siblings each a brief hug, though they’d annoyed her on the ride to the station.
Now, she was almost skipping out of excitement, and if not for the unfamiliar feeling of muggle clothes on her she would’ve been on an absolute high.
Unlike many other first years that she observed to be quiet and reserved, due to her unsuccessful attempts at making a conversation with one on the train station beforehand, she was prepared to chatter away, about anything and everything — she was so excited she barely contained all the words of eagerness inside herself.
She simply knocked and entered the compartment that was nearest to her entrance. It was occupied by a lanky, seemingly frail girl, who looked awfully sick, because not only was her face pale as a white sheet of paper, but a big purple-ish bruise also defaced her forehead.
Alongside the sickly looking appearance of the unacquainted girl, Mary also noticed the confinement of the compartment, and the trunk, that she guessed was the other girl’s luggage, abandoned in the middle of the compartment floor.
“Hell of a steid you’ve got here. Not used to tidying-up?” she said, while hauling up her trunk onto the overhead racks that were, so far, empty. Then, without question, she turned around, took the other girl’s suitcase and effortlessly hauled it up as well.
“Hope ya don’t mind some help, but you’ve gotta admit this steid is cramped as hell even without yer trunk sprawled in the middle,” the girl said plopping down onto the seat in front of the stranger.
“You look like someone just landed a good batter to ya,” she said blatantly, staring at the girl with a slight quirk of a smile on her lips. “But, eh, I’ve seen worse. I’m Mary Littoreus. What’s yer name?” she spat out, in a laid-back, yet friendly tone, despite her words possibly coming off as harsh.
@Enora James @Joshua Roy @Taryn Atwood @Marigold Wesley
WC: 493
WC: 493
STA 5 | EVA 4 | STR 8 | WIS 7 | ARC 6 | ACC 5
Prodigal Flying Learner
Travel Companions and a Bunch of New Friends
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Taryn startled at the sound of the knock on the compartment door. She immediately sat up a little straighter.
A girl entered the compartment. She had messy, blonde hair and appeared to be somewhere around Taryn's age—probably a first year like her, or a second year, perhaps.
She was wearing muggle clothes—but that didn’t say much about her as a person. The Statute of Wizarding Secrecy required witches and wizards to adopt the muggle standard of dress when among muggles, so this girl could just as well be a wizard born for that matter, just like Taryn herself.
The still unacquainted girl commented on Taryn’s luggage in the middle of the compartment floor, while she effortlessly placed her own trunk onto the overhead racks. (Apparently she would be staying.)
Taryn mentally adjusted to the girl's Scottish English. She couldn’t quite tell where the girl was from, but it didn’t sound like she was from anywhere near to where Taryn lived. Probably a little further to the east of Scotland.
When the other student went to haul Taryn’s trunk onto the overhead racks as well, Taryn opened her mouth to protest, before deciding to refrain from doing so a split second later. It was not like she wanted to do it herself anyway. Besides, this girl was clearly more capable of handling the heavy trunk than she was.
She was a little ashamed of the first impression she had made by leaving it out on the floor. This was not how she wanted the other student to know her; as the girl who couldn't tidy up after herself.
The other girl sat down across from Taryn and introduced herself as Mary Littoreus. The name slipped Taryn’s mind only a moment later.
“I’m Taryn,” she replied when asked her name, “Taryn Atwood.”
She offered Mary a somewhat forced smile, just to be pleasant.
“Hey and, thanks, for helping me with my trunk,” she added.
Mary seemed nice. As long as she didn’t think Taryn was completely useless, spending the train ride with her wouldn’t be so bad.
A girl entered the compartment. She had messy, blonde hair and appeared to be somewhere around Taryn's age—probably a first year like her, or a second year, perhaps.
She was wearing muggle clothes—but that didn’t say much about her as a person. The Statute of Wizarding Secrecy required witches and wizards to adopt the muggle standard of dress when among muggles, so this girl could just as well be a wizard born for that matter, just like Taryn herself.
The still unacquainted girl commented on Taryn’s luggage in the middle of the compartment floor, while she effortlessly placed her own trunk onto the overhead racks. (Apparently she would be staying.)
Taryn mentally adjusted to the girl's Scottish English. She couldn’t quite tell where the girl was from, but it didn’t sound like she was from anywhere near to where Taryn lived. Probably a little further to the east of Scotland.
When the other student went to haul Taryn’s trunk onto the overhead racks as well, Taryn opened her mouth to protest, before deciding to refrain from doing so a split second later. It was not like she wanted to do it herself anyway. Besides, this girl was clearly more capable of handling the heavy trunk than she was.
She was a little ashamed of the first impression she had made by leaving it out on the floor. This was not how she wanted the other student to know her; as the girl who couldn't tidy up after herself.
The other girl sat down across from Taryn and introduced herself as Mary Littoreus. The name slipped Taryn’s mind only a moment later.
“I’m Taryn,” she replied when asked her name, “Taryn Atwood.”
She offered Mary a somewhat forced smile, just to be pleasant.
“Hey and, thanks, for helping me with my trunk,” she added.
Mary seemed nice. As long as she didn’t think Taryn was completely useless, spending the train ride with her wouldn’t be so bad.
@Enora James @Joshua Roy @Marigold Wesley
Encyclopedia | STA 4 | EVA 7 | STR 3 | WIS 9 | ARC 6 | ACC 6
Travel Companions and a Bunch of New Friends
coded and banner by: Marigold Wesley
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word count: 658 —— mention: @Taryn Atwood ; @Mary Cornelia Littoreus ; @Enora James ; @Joshua Roy —— location: Hogwarts Express —— date: 09 / 01 / 2026 —— ooc note: write your text here here and here.
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word count: 658 —— mention: @Taryn Atwood ; @Mary Cornelia Littoreus ; @Enora James ; @Joshua Roy —— location: Hogwarts Express —— date: 09 / 01 / 2026 —— ooc note: write your text here here and here.
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| ————— | Marigold dislikes farewell. There's just something in that moment that always makes her chest ache in a way that she never wished to experience. Maybe because it always felt like it was the finality of it all... that no matter how temporary the word 'goodbye' is, there's still that period of absence after that. A space that she doesn't want. Her hug lingered than usual that time, as if she was savoring the last minute of moment that she can have with her parents before she leaves for a year. Well, it's not like she won't come home on holidays, but still... months of their absence? It's too much for Marigold especially since they're part of her entire lived life. The moment she ran past through the platform, she can't even feel amazed at the sight of the scarlet automobile blowing smoke across the entire platform, whistle deafening in its loudness. All she felt was the gaping hole forming over her heart and the knots forming around her stomach as she pushed through the crowd, following fellow students entering the train. Seeing people around the platform shouldn't have made her felt alone, but as she tried to search for a compartment to stay with for the entire travel, she felt entirely alone. The atmosphere buzzed with this kind of excitement and she was the displaced person who can't go with the flow. Hazel eyes followed through each compartment, taking in the crowded place. Some were already filled with closed groups laughing about something she can't hear — and probably doesn't know if she can hear them out loud. Other compartment has already occupants who were already getting along together. And it made her hesitate each time she paused near the door. Perhaps next one? Or maybe the one after that? It was the thought that ran restlessly in her mind as she trudged further down the corridor. By the time she reached the end of another yet railway carriage, she was starting to feel a bit anxious. Maybe she was just being picky? But still! The train will depart soon... and she might end up standing in the middle of the corridor for the entire ride if she won't be able to find a compartment. Her feet halted as her attention got caught by another compartment. There are already voices drifting from inside but she can't really hear the conversation clearly since it was a bit muffled from the outside — though she's sure enough that it isn't that crowded enough for another person... or so she hopes. With a small gulp, her hand carefully reached for the compartment door, its handle feeling cold beneath her fingers, and slid the door open just enough to peek inside. There were two people inside, fortunately... but two strangers right in front of her? Marigold felt her confidence evaporated into thin air as heat crept into her skin, making her flushed right then and there. But she's already there... and retreating seem worse, not when she already opened the door. Her hand tightened at the handle as she mustered a small, uncertain smile. "Um..." it was a strong start...or at least, in her opinion, it was. "Uh, sorry... to bother. I... uh," her eyes glanced around the compartment for a brief moment. "I was just wondering if... the seat is taken?" Her voice hung awkwardly at the question, prompting her to add another, too quickly than what she had intended, which seemed to make it even worse. "I mean... can I join you two...?" Her eyes locked against the floor, as if she was too interested in there and not hiding her embarrassment in front of the two stranger students, as she stood by the doorway, quietly hoping that she could at least make acquaintance on the journey despite her nerves always acting up in making sure she'll have embarrassing time at each moment. Well, what's the worst that could happen? |
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interactions | dialogues ; thoughts
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stamina 5 | evasion 4 | strength 4 | wisdom 6 | accuracy 7 | arcane power 8
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stamina 5 | evasion 4 | strength 4 | wisdom 6 | accuracy 7 | arcane power 8
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Last edited by Marigold Wesley on 6 Jul 2026, 15:54, edited 1 time in total.
Travel Companions and a Bunch of New Friends
HOGWARTS EXPRESS, 1 September 2026
Mary immediately extended a hand out to Taryn as the other girl introduced herself. She did not take Taryn’s smile as forced at all, and smiled back at the girl with all her teeth showing.
“Crakin’ to meet ya, Taryn,” Mary spewed out freely and sat back in her seat.
She made herself comfortable, her legs stretched out, hands folded over her chest. Then she heard the girl’s commendment and looked back up at her, her eyebrows raised slightly, as at first sight she thought her unwilling-compartment-mate was spoiled and ungrateful, for leaving her trunk in the middle. But, if she says thank you, she must have more manners than Mary expected. Not that Mary herself had any manners at all, she just thought people should make themselves useful, especially as simply as putting their trunk up to not take up space.
“Pay it no mind. Though, if you order anything from the trolley, I hope to get compensation for my benevolence, or whatever,” she said sarcastically, trying to lighten the expression on Taryn’s face as it seemed quite too dull for the first year’s liking.
Then suddenly the door to the compartment opened and in the door stood another stranger, a girl whose eyes seemed to be frightened at the bare fact of seeing two people sitting in a compartment. The newcomer muttered barely coherent words, to which Mary immediately replied in an upbeat tone, as the only thing on her mind was: more new friends.
“Hiya! Of course ye can join, the more the merrier, am I right?” she chuckled slightly and shot up to her feet eyeing the girl’s luggage. “Need any help with that?”
@Enora James @Joshua Roy @Taryn Atwood @Marigold Wesley
WC: 278
WC: 278
STA 5 | EVA 4 | STR 8 | WIS 7 | ARC 6 | ACC 5
Prodigal Flying Learner
Travel Companions and a Bunch of New Friends
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A smile, a real one this time, tugged at the corners of Taryn’s mouth as Mary mentioned candy as compensation for her benevolence.
“I got money from my parents for the train ride,” she said. “I can totally buy you something later.”
She didn’t mind the idea of spending some of her pocket money to buy Mary something from the trolley. It would probably actually make her feel better about the situation with her trunk.
Taryn didn’t notice the compartment door opening at first. Only when the newcomer started talking, did she look up to see another girl standing in the compartment doorway. She seemed to be incredibly nervous. Which, in some peculiar way, was what made Taryn immediately want to be friends with her. It is easy to be drawn to those you relate to.
The girl asked if she could join Mary and Taryn in the compartment, and Mary got to her feet at once, offering to help the other student with her trunk.
Taryn couldn’t help but be amazed at the ease with which Mary socialised. She seemed so comfortable throughout it all. Taryn hoped she could be like that as well someday.
Today was not that day however. Unlike Mary, she stayed in her seat. But she did smile at the newcomer, giving a small wave in greeting.
“I got money from my parents for the train ride,” she said. “I can totally buy you something later.”
She didn’t mind the idea of spending some of her pocket money to buy Mary something from the trolley. It would probably actually make her feel better about the situation with her trunk.
Taryn didn’t notice the compartment door opening at first. Only when the newcomer started talking, did she look up to see another girl standing in the compartment doorway. She seemed to be incredibly nervous. Which, in some peculiar way, was what made Taryn immediately want to be friends with her. It is easy to be drawn to those you relate to.
The girl asked if she could join Mary and Taryn in the compartment, and Mary got to her feet at once, offering to help the other student with her trunk.
Taryn couldn’t help but be amazed at the ease with which Mary socialised. She seemed so comfortable throughout it all. Taryn hoped she could be like that as well someday.
Today was not that day however. Unlike Mary, she stayed in her seat. But she did smile at the newcomer, giving a small wave in greeting.
@Enora James @Joshua Roy
Encyclopedia | STA 4 | EVA 7 | STR 3 | WIS 9 | ARC 6 | ACC 6
Travel Companions and a Bunch of New Friends
ENORA JAMES
Enora had been lonely that day. She was leaving her only ever homeand going to hogwarts-A bunch of new kids and nerve racking places-great. To be honest with herself she was really just being sarcastic with herself because she was nervous. Nervous about so many things too! What would they thing about her whitish hair and her misty eyes- her mom had always called them "unique" but Enora wasn't sure about that. When she had moved to Copley and tryed out a park the children had run away screaming over how scary Enora looked. She was afraid that the kids at hogwarts doing the same-and then her getting expleled! She finially decided that she would wear sunglasses and a hoodie A perfect discuise! Enora borded the train- just to see that the ussualy normal hoodie just made her stand out like a sore thumb in this world.Enora, Walking back and forth throughout the train saw (to her horror) that there were no empty compartments. There was a compartment with what looked like two girls-who to be honest looked like compleate strangers,Another with about six people who all looked a lot older then Enora and who were dressed in strange robes., and the last one that stood out was a compartment of boys,all talking and laughing at her. As she saw them laughing Enora stumbled backwards-running into another girl who looked well who looked just like her. She tryed to talk to her but the girl just hurried past. Finelly Enora decided that she would ask if she could join the two,wait three girls in the compartment.They all look new too-just a lot more organized then me! Maybe I can find a courner to sit in-but I have to be brave and ask first Enora opened the door and spoke-her voice so soft and mellow that you could barely hear it- Umm, hello.can I sit here? i don't need much-just a courner to curl in or spot on the floor. I won't bother you at all or take much space-I just need a spot Please.
Enora had been lonely that day. She was leaving her only ever homeand going to hogwarts-A bunch of new kids and nerve racking places-great. To be honest with herself she was really just being sarcastic with herself because she was nervous. Nervous about so many things too! What would they thing about her whitish hair and her misty eyes- her mom had always called them "unique" but Enora wasn't sure about that. When she had moved to Copley and tryed out a park the children had run away screaming over how scary Enora looked. She was afraid that the kids at hogwarts doing the same-and then her getting expleled! She finially decided that she would wear sunglasses and a hoodie A perfect discuise! Enora borded the train- just to see that the ussualy normal hoodie just made her stand out like a sore thumb in this world.Enora, Walking back and forth throughout the train saw (to her horror) that there were no empty compartments. There was a compartment with what looked like two girls-who to be honest looked like compleate strangers,Another with about six people who all looked a lot older then Enora and who were dressed in strange robes., and the last one that stood out was a compartment of boys,all talking and laughing at her. As she saw them laughing Enora stumbled backwards-running into another girl who looked well who looked just like her. She tryed to talk to her but the girl just hurried past. Finelly Enora decided that she would ask if she could join the two,wait three girls in the compartment.They all look new too-just a lot more organized then me! Maybe I can find a courner to sit in-but I have to be brave and ask first Enora opened the door and spoke-her voice so soft and mellow that you could barely hear it- Umm, hello.can I sit here? i don't need much-just a courner to curl in or spot on the floor. I won't bother you at all or take much space-I just need a spot Please.
Reducio
WC 322. Interacting with Joshua Roy,Taryn Atwood,Mary Cornelia Letoreos,Marigold Wesley.
DELEATING ACCOUNT
Travel Companions and a Bunch of New Friends
coded and banner by: Marigold Wesley
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word count: 821 —— mention: @Taryn Atwood ; @Mary Cornelia Littoreus ; @Enora James ; @Joshua Roy —— location: Hogwarts Express —— date: 09 / 01 / 2026 —— ooc note: write your text here here and here.
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word count: 821 —— mention: @Taryn Atwood ; @Mary Cornelia Littoreus ; @Enora James ; @Joshua Roy —— location: Hogwarts Express —— date: 09 / 01 / 2026 —— ooc note: write your text here here and here.
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| ————— | The response that Marigold received caught her off guard for a short moment as she blinked by the compartment door. She was already preparing herself to hear a refusal or maybe an awkward silence. Instead, all she got was an enthusiastic greeting from the girl that made her blink thrice. Mari really doesn't understand 'the more, the merrier' statement because what's merry to a crowd? But how can she even refute something spoken with such bright, friendly smile? With a small, thankful smile, her shoulder lose its slight tense as she slid inside the compartment with her trunk. "T-Thank you," she said, voice meek and hesitant but grateful nonetheless. Her eyes finally darted towards the girl who spoke to her so easily and she looked entirely unlike anyone she had met thus far. Well, there was that pretty girl with freckles across her face that she met back then at the bookshop in Diagon Alley. But the woman has this golden hair that seems to shimmer against the light and that mesmerizing aura that shows unpretentious vibes especially with the way she dressed. The girl reminded Mari of other people back in her village who prefers sturdy boots rather than polished shoes and never mind getting their fingernails dirtied. Also, the confidence that the girl has was astounding enough that Mari admired. Her eyes glanced down at the cumbersome thing beside her the moment she heard the girl's jovial offer of help. "You don't have to..." she said shyly as she manage to haul her trunk with great difficulty because of her small visage. "I... I appreciate the offer, though." She flashed a timid smile. "Thank you... you're so nice," her eyes landed on the other occupant of the compartment. The other girl was seated by the window, looking entirely different from the first one. She was wearing a beautiful summer dress that seemed to have been stitched from sunshine and warm afternoon like her hair. But despite the smile and the light wave to her direction, the girl seemed pale that almost looked sickly in her mental assessment that would make anyone immediately ask about her well-being. She was close to inquiring about it with the way she parted her lips but she remembered herself almost too soon and shut it close. Maybe it's her normal complexion? Or maybe it's the dress? I can't make any assumptions about people I just met! She pushed the thought to the side, but still tucked it close enough so if the girl's really feeling sick, she can offer some help... if she accepted, that is. She sat on the seat near by the door, giving them a small, shy smile. "I'm... Marigold Wesley." She paused for a moment, as if thinking it was enough, but somehow it felt like it was lacking in a way so she hastily added, "N-Nice to meet you both..." It was strange... to strike a conversation with two complete strangers, but she knew that she had to at least speak to them after giving her a warm approach from the get-go and allowing her to sit with them in the compartment. "I... I've never been on a long train ride... or... well... to a magic school, too..." she awkwardly said as she smoothed out her long skirt absentmindedly. She didn't know why but somehow, she found herself blurting out her thoughts yet again like what she did back at the first stranger student she met on the Diagon Alley. "Actually, I've never really thought magic exists before." It might get her confused or judging stare all the same but even if she had somehow dive down deep into those textbooks, she knew that it won't much help her especially if she doesn't know how to really use magic. Feeling the stares, she scratched her nape, flushed cheeks showing her embarrassment and awkwardly looked away to the window, her hazel eyes meeting ones that resembles the meadows. With a hesitant smile, she gently spoke, "Are you feeling unwell? I... I mean, not to be rude but you just... look a bit pale?" She gulped and winced apologetically. Did that sound rude? "I mean, I... have peppermint sweets if you'd like one..." she offered politely. As her hand was ready to take her satchel, the door slid open once again and her hazel eyes stared at the girl with a flowing brown hair and eyes as hazel as Mari's, if not lighter, that seem to shine against the light, her voice as soft as the marshmallows her father stash for her Saturday night smores. "H-Hello," she greeted the girl back, flashing a small smile, trying her best to make it curve instead of a wince. The compartment was still wide enough with just three young girls. Asking a spot on the floor sounds a bit extreme even to Marigold... but well, she can somehow relate. "There are... plenty of space..." |
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interactions | dialogues ; thoughts
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stamina 5 | evasion 4 | strength 4 | wisdom 6 | accuracy 7 | arcane power 8
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stamina 5 | evasion 4 | strength 4 | wisdom 6 | accuracy 7 | arcane power 8
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Last edited by Marigold Wesley on 6 Jul 2026, 16:01, edited 1 time in total.
Travel Companions and a Bunch of New Friends
HOGWARTS EXPRESS, 1 September 2026
The girl in the door seemed to be taken aback by Mary’s demeanor, but not unlike any sensible person Mary didn’t notice it, and simply continued her excited adolescent antics.
Mary shrugged as the newcomer determinedly hauled her trunk up to the racks above head, and sat back into her seat watching as the girl settled in.
“Suit yourself,” she said, though there was no bite to her words.
“Nice to meet ya, I’m Mary!” she exclaimed when Marigold introduced herself.
“Never heard of magic? That’s certainly bizarre in my book. But… I suppose I'm the same way about muggle things,” Mary replied, with her brows furrowed as if pondering upon the idea of someone having no prior knowledge of magic.
Then Marigold turned to chat to Taryn, and Mary looked out the window, with an exaggerated sigh, that was just her being dramatic for not having anyone to talk to. As if going a minute without interaction was hell for her. And just then, as if someone heard her ridicule, the door to the compartment opened, once again.
This time Mary was unable surpass her seat mates at greeting the other young girl that now stood in the door. The girl’s face was just as frightened as the latter one’s, and she even volunteered to sit on the floor!
“What madness! On the floor?!” Mary exclaimed dramatically and patted the spot next to herself. “That’s unacceptable,” she said sarcastically, smiling a warm smile at the new girl.
“Go on, sit next to meh. What’s yer name?” she said in her usual practical and direct tone, turning to fully face the soft-spoken brunette.
@Enora James @Joshua Roy @Taryn Atwood @Marigold Wesley
WC: 273
WC: 273
STA 5 | EVA 4 | STR 8 | WIS 7 | ARC 6 | ACC 5
Prodigal Flying Learner
Travel Companions and a Bunch of New Friends
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Marigold Wesley. As the girl introduced herself, Taryn realised it might be wise to actually learn the names of her travel companions.
Marigold was a nice name. It reminded Taryn of the bright yellow flowers in her mother’s garden. Wasn’t the other girl named something similar as well? Taryn couldn’t quite recall.
Mary introduced herself to Marigold. Mary, that was it. Taryn would have to remember that.
“I’m Taryn Atwood,” she said. “Nice to meet you, Marigold.”
Anxiety overcame her as, for a split second, she wondered if she might have said the wrong name. No, she couldn’t have. Marigold, the flower, she had said the right name. Her mind was playing tricks on her, was all.
Marigold confided to the other girls that she hadn’t actually believed in magic before.
It was such a strange thing to hear. Taryn had been told before that most muggles didn’t believe in magic, but to actually hear someone say it about themselves… Taryn simply couldn’t imagine it. How could one not believe in something as ordinary… as magic? But then again, muggles didn’t really come across magic in their day-to-day lives, did they? Perhaps it did make sense then.
“Aye, same here, I guess,” Taryn agreed with Mary, when the latter said a lot of muggle things were surreal to her, just like how magic had been surreal to Marigold.
When Marigold asked her if she was feeling unwell, pointing out that she looked a bit pale, Taryn blinked in surprise, before embarrassment coloured her cheeks red. She hadn’t realised her nerves and the remaining nausea from the trip here had been visible on her face.
Well, at least her embarrassment helped her pale complexion.
And then there was the bruise. Would it have grown?
Taryn resisted the urge to reach out and touch it in order to check, and instead tried to find the right words to form an answer to Marigold’s question.
She shot Mary a somewhat bothered look at hearing her sigh.
“No, I’m fine, really,” she said, focusing her attention on the question again. “I just… I came here with the Knight Bus and, well…” She realised that Marigold, being muggle born, had probably never heard of the Knight bus. In turn, Taryn herself didn’t know that Marigold most likely didn’t even realise Taryn was referring to a magical means of transport. She was probably simply picturing a night bus instead.
“I mean, you of course don’t know—”
She didn’t get to finish her incoherent explanation, as it was at this moment the compartment door opened again.
Another girl stood in the doorway. The individual was wearing a pair of sunglasses and a hooded sweatshirt, so her hair and face were only partially visible.
A sweatshirt. Wasn’t that a bit too warm? It was only the first day of autumn, after all. Practically still summer.
The girl asked if she could join them in the compartment, volunteering to sit on the floor if necessary.
Taryn glanced at the three seats that had so far remained empty. Offering to sit on the floor seemed a little unnecessary. This girl acted like she was a beggar asking for scraps and not a student just like the rest of them.
It made Taryn wonder what had caused her to feel like she needed to do that in order to get accepted.
Perhaps the three of them would be able to help her find her self worth a bit.
Perhaps this train ride could be a turning point.
Marigold was a nice name. It reminded Taryn of the bright yellow flowers in her mother’s garden. Wasn’t the other girl named something similar as well? Taryn couldn’t quite recall.
Mary introduced herself to Marigold. Mary, that was it. Taryn would have to remember that.
“I’m Taryn Atwood,” she said. “Nice to meet you, Marigold.”
Anxiety overcame her as, for a split second, she wondered if she might have said the wrong name. No, she couldn’t have. Marigold, the flower, she had said the right name. Her mind was playing tricks on her, was all.
Marigold confided to the other girls that she hadn’t actually believed in magic before.
It was such a strange thing to hear. Taryn had been told before that most muggles didn’t believe in magic, but to actually hear someone say it about themselves… Taryn simply couldn’t imagine it. How could one not believe in something as ordinary… as magic? But then again, muggles didn’t really come across magic in their day-to-day lives, did they? Perhaps it did make sense then.
“Aye, same here, I guess,” Taryn agreed with Mary, when the latter said a lot of muggle things were surreal to her, just like how magic had been surreal to Marigold.
When Marigold asked her if she was feeling unwell, pointing out that she looked a bit pale, Taryn blinked in surprise, before embarrassment coloured her cheeks red. She hadn’t realised her nerves and the remaining nausea from the trip here had been visible on her face.
Well, at least her embarrassment helped her pale complexion.
And then there was the bruise. Would it have grown?
Taryn resisted the urge to reach out and touch it in order to check, and instead tried to find the right words to form an answer to Marigold’s question.
She shot Mary a somewhat bothered look at hearing her sigh.
“No, I’m fine, really,” she said, focusing her attention on the question again. “I just… I came here with the Knight Bus and, well…” She realised that Marigold, being muggle born, had probably never heard of the Knight bus. In turn, Taryn herself didn’t know that Marigold most likely didn’t even realise Taryn was referring to a magical means of transport. She was probably simply picturing a night bus instead.
“I mean, you of course don’t know—”
She didn’t get to finish her incoherent explanation, as it was at this moment the compartment door opened again.
Another girl stood in the doorway. The individual was wearing a pair of sunglasses and a hooded sweatshirt, so her hair and face were only partially visible.
A sweatshirt. Wasn’t that a bit too warm? It was only the first day of autumn, after all. Practically still summer.
The girl asked if she could join them in the compartment, volunteering to sit on the floor if necessary.
Taryn glanced at the three seats that had so far remained empty. Offering to sit on the floor seemed a little unnecessary. This girl acted like she was a beggar asking for scraps and not a student just like the rest of them.
It made Taryn wonder what had caused her to feel like she needed to do that in order to get accepted.
Perhaps the three of them would be able to help her find her self worth a bit.
Perhaps this train ride could be a turning point.
@Joshua Roy
Encyclopedia | STA 4 | EVA 7 | STR 3 | WIS 9 | ARC 6 | ACC 6