Blotts, Birds, and Beginnings
coded and banner by: Marigold Wesley
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word count: 563 —— mention: @Noirin Polkinghorn —— location: Flourish and Blotts —— date: 08 / 2026 ——
ooc note: my wifi finally got fixed after days of anger... sorry for the late reply lol
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word count: 563 —— mention: @Noirin Polkinghorn —— location: Flourish and Blotts —— date: 08 / 2026 ——
ooc note: my wifi finally got fixed after days of anger... sorry for the late reply lol
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| ————— | The little girl with hair the color of a fallen nut from a tree can only stare right in front, too dumbfounded by what was happening with them. All she could say was that Noirin does what she wants and if she wants it, she'll get it no matter what. It felt amazing, watching her bargain like that with the man, but all that quiet wonder turned into a complete baffled confusion upon hearing the question she asked of her. How much don't you say? Sufficed to say, it was something that no one would randomly ask on someone they just met, so Mari can only blink her hazel eyes as her mind practically process what Noirin asked of her. If she'd be honest, it's not a bad question— just odd and a bit unexpected that felt like it just suddenly slipped past the usual pleasantries being exchanged and landed into this new zone wherein it's much deeper in a sense, asking for an answer that she haven't really tried putting words into before. Maybe that's why her hand tightened around the thick encyclopedia nestled right against her chest as her lips pursed in a motion that seemed like she was pondering on what to say and what to not say. The thoughtful silence stayed for a few minutes before she finally whispered, "A lot." It was a vulnerable admission, yet she can't help but to let out a small, sheepish smile to form on the corner of her lips. "I think... I think I spend more time thinking about... um, you know—about what I could possibly say... rather than... actually saying it." The trail over her statement was silent, yet anyone can feel the embarrassment beneath it. “Maybe because I… I feel worried about asking too much… or saying something wrong.” It was a valid fear, at least in Mari’s opinion. After all, who would want to burden a stranger they just met and spout just random bouts of everything one would say out loud. It will weird out the stranger and would cast a wrong impression which is something that the little nature enthusiast doesn’t want to happen. She was already branded weird by other kids and isolation is her only salvation. At least now, since she’s entering this new world of magic, she wanted to have a bit good impression to others. She wanted to at least fit in for once. Marigold tried to push away the melancholy out of her mind as she looked outside the windows. Seeing how the golden light seeped right through the glass panel and painting the rows of books in that warm amber while the pink and purple hues and streaks blanketed over the sky above the alley. The dusk felt so beautiful that she momentarily forgot about how peculiar she seemed against the muggle kids in their small town. She wondered if they’re seeing the same sky she was staring at. “What about you?” she couldn’t help but ask. “You… you don’t seem to say very much either.” It was by no means a jab but merely just an observation, something she had noticed from the very beginning. But she felt conscious as if the question’s intended meaning sound wrong and felt like a challenge—a reply that seemed to win the exchange instead of just curiosity. “S-Sorry, I didn’t mean—um, d-don’t mind it.” |
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interactions | dialogues ; thoughts
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stamina 5 | evasion 4 | strength 4 | wisdom 6 | accuracy 7 | arcane power 8
ABILITY——ABILITY——ABILITY——ABILITY——ABILITY——ABILITY——ABILITY
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stamina 5 | evasion 4 | strength 4 | wisdom 6 | accuracy 7 | arcane power 8
ABILITY——ABILITY——ABILITY——ABILITY——ABILITY——ABILITY——ABILITY
Blotts, Birds, and Beginnings
Rin let Mari sort her thoughts as she let her own gaze leave the sky and stare forward still through the window. Still no sign of her aunties, and should they take much longer the lights within the shop would make it difficult to see past her own reflection. Had it stayed open this long the last time she had been here? Surely the hours were posted somewhere blatantly obvious. Before she could turn her head she was unusually compelled to give an answer immediately. "You didn't mean it or you don't mean it anymore? What I don't say is usually because I'm not listening or believe it should go without saying. It's something I'm.... supposed to be working on.
She didn't know why it bothered her so. It wasn't as if she could have anywhere to be until she was collected. What did others call this? A touched nerve? "My father thinks that changing your mind out loud shows you're adaptable. I don't think that applies to you today, but maybe someday it could." It very much didn't apply to her either despite her father's shared thoughts having been originally intended for her. For someone who strived for efficiency her own words were frustratingly not that. Ah, perhaps that's why the sour feeling was persisting. Just then was when her reflection began to apparate in the window. "Conversations have too many interruptions as it is, even more when you interrupt yourself." She did that a lot and knew how just how much of a paradox it was. Whenever she let herself speak naturally the flow of her words came out anything but natural.
It didn't affect her negatively, but something about watching it seemingly do so to someone else was uncomfortable. Why couldn't Mari just be fine with it? This was becoming too personal too fast. Should she allow herself to fixate or back off? It was exhausting being so thoughtful. Social perfectionism in general was an extreme waste of energy. You shouldn't have to have every detail of every interaction planned out to enjoy someone's company. Or maybe that was just her? She hoped such social perfectionism wasn't common because it sounded exhausting. Unbeknownst to the girl with ebony bedhead, her breathing had become shallow as if she were asleep. She wasn't aware of it yet, but her happy place was chasing a tangent as much as it was digging for mysteries.
She didn't know why it bothered her so. It wasn't as if she could have anywhere to be until she was collected. What did others call this? A touched nerve? "My father thinks that changing your mind out loud shows you're adaptable. I don't think that applies to you today, but maybe someday it could." It very much didn't apply to her either despite her father's shared thoughts having been originally intended for her. For someone who strived for efficiency her own words were frustratingly not that. Ah, perhaps that's why the sour feeling was persisting. Just then was when her reflection began to apparate in the window. "Conversations have too many interruptions as it is, even more when you interrupt yourself." She did that a lot and knew how just how much of a paradox it was. Whenever she let herself speak naturally the flow of her words came out anything but natural.
It didn't affect her negatively, but something about watching it seemingly do so to someone else was uncomfortable. Why couldn't Mari just be fine with it? This was becoming too personal too fast. Should she allow herself to fixate or back off? It was exhausting being so thoughtful. Social perfectionism in general was an extreme waste of energy. You shouldn't have to have every detail of every interaction planned out to enjoy someone's company. Or maybe that was just her? She hoped such social perfectionism wasn't common because it sounded exhausting. Unbeknownst to the girl with ebony bedhead, her breathing had become shallow as if she were asleep. She wasn't aware of it yet, but her happy place was chasing a tangent as much as it was digging for mysteries.
Blotts, Birds, and Beginnings
coded and banner by: Marigold Wesley
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word count: 495 —— mention: @Noirin Polkinghorn —— location: Flourish and Blotts —— date: 08 / 2026 ——
ooc note: I'm super late, super late... apologies for the wait
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word count: 495 —— mention: @Noirin Polkinghorn —— location: Flourish and Blotts —— date: 08 / 2026 ——
ooc note: I'm super late, super late... apologies for the wait
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| ————— | Marigold had long experienced hearing sharp tones from other kids her age, but she hadn't expected it from the girl in front of her. It was as if the bookworm's random, innocent question hit something tender beneath the surface that made the girl in front of her to sound guarded immediately. But that's not what I meant... she thought hesitantly, her hand faintly tightened its hold on the encyclopedia in her arms as a knot settled in her stomach. I have to apologize! "T-That's not... what I meant," she whispered apologetically, shaking her head hastily. "I... I mean, I know... how hard to explain things most of the times. I-I'm not—I'm not trying to make it sound like you're... doing something wrong." Her teeth nibbled gently at her lower lip as embarrassment coursed over the edges of her face. She can only lower her head for a moment before looking up to meet the girl's gaze again. "I... I'm sorry. I... really didn't mean to... offend you. I... It's just an observation." It wasn't new for Marigold to fumble around like this or have words turn on her mid-sentence, yet hearing Rin's words plainly spoken like that made her gulp in silence. An odd twinge bloom in her chest, as if someone had quietly pointed out her flaw that she can't even put into words herself. And the thought just settled right in her mind. Maybe Rin was right. Mari had believed herself to be adaptable kid that can find comfort among isolation, or thrive around strangers despite having an invisible wall separating her away from supposed peers. But it was one thing... and finding the right words in the middle of a conversation was another matter. And on top of that, she second-guess herself more before any sentence could even leave her lips. And somehow, the realization stung. Not because it was pointed in a cruel way. It might've been sharp and direct that would offend anyone who heard it, but it felt fitting— and right on the money. Maybe that's why she's always alone... because her constant pauses and hesitant backtracking makes speaking with her rather exhausting. "I'm... really sorry..." she quietly apologized once more. "I really... didn't mean to offend you." She pursed her lips and looked the ebony haired girl with a hesitant stare, unable to figure out how to continue or finish the conversation without saying something that might end up sounding rude or offending to the girl further. "I... I appreciate your words. I'll... try to apply it to myself some..." her voice trailed as her hazel eyes locked over past the girl's shoulder and saw her parents' figures right outside the store. They were looking around, probably searching for her presence. "I—I think I have to go... my parents are outside already..." she flashed a small smile, genuine one despite the hesitance and the awkward turn of their conversation, before placing the encyclopedia back to the shelf nearby. |
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interactions | dialogues ; thoughts
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stamina 5 | evasion 4 | strength 4 | wisdom 6 | accuracy 7 | arcane power 8
PRODIGAL HERBOLOGY LEARNER——ABILITY——ABILITY——ABILITY——ABILITY——ABILITY——ABILITY
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stamina 5 | evasion 4 | strength 4 | wisdom 6 | accuracy 7 | arcane power 8
PRODIGAL HERBOLOGY LEARNER——ABILITY——ABILITY——ABILITY——ABILITY——ABILITY——ABILITY