Fencing match #3 Summer Camp 2026

Jinxed. Ophelia wasn't really superstitious, but this one thing had found its way into her mind over the years. She'd heard from her parents that most people liked to tap on the wood or whatever when someone talked behind their back or such. That... was also done in her family and culture when someone complimented another person. Then they'd knock on wood to ward off the Evil Eye and prevent good fortune from turning into bad luck. Again, not something Ophelia entirely believed in, but it had turned into a habit, and she seemed to do it most of the time during competitions; well, not his competition. She remembered, before the previous round, she wanted to give this match her all. Believing that was the reason she was "jinxed", because she got a little too confident, she decided to leave that "superstitious"-mindset and focus on the fencing match.

Speaking of contests, Lia's frustration about getting hit again by Dido lunging at her only increased, and the raven had to remind herself why she was taking part in the first place. It wasn't because she wanted to win, although that had suddenly crossed her mind and decided to stay there for the previous rounds, it was because she wanted to have fun, maybe reliving memories. And she was certain maybe Dido also was there for the fun. Smiling at the Slytherin through her helmet, she patted her on the shoulder, "Good job!" she said, not sure if her voice was muffled due to the helmet or not. Fun. The word echoed in her head, making sure to relate to more things than just fencing.

location campgrounds date 04/08/2026 words 273

outfit protective gear english #545454 thoughts #6b0000

Notes Reducio 1) banner by the incredible Livia Machavariani 2) whoo!

Action Reducio As strategised

Stats/Abilities Reducio Stamina: 5 Evasion: 8 Strength: 5 Wisdom: 8 Arcane Power: 5 Accuracy: 9

Mentioning: Reducio @Ophelia Vanderbilt

Dido felt that she was at last getting the hang of the game just as she decided that it wasn’t quite as thrilling as she had hoped. For one thing, the helmets, clothes and gloves were incredibly warm and, with that mesh placed right in front of her eyes and chin, preventing her from yawning too widely, she was beginning to sense small quivers of claustrophobia kicking in. Moreover, it seemed that the best strategy (for it was what she had succeeded in and was now attempting again) just involved taking short steps forwards and repeatedly jabbing her foil towards the Gryffindor with minimal skill, technique or, most importantly, flourish.

Not that she was complaining too much though as, as the two girls performed this repeating lunging routine, the tip of Dido’s blade pushed past Ophelia’s defence and she could see the other girl’s side go red. That, at least, began to revitalise Dido’s enjoyment of the sport.

This time, Ophelia took the chance to be supportive and, in response to the girl’s kind words, Dido called back a quick “Thank you!” as they walked to either side before pausing at her end of the piste for a moment. She slipped a gloved finger behind her helmet for a second, just to feel as if she could let some more air in if she wanted to. In the bright, hot summer, fencing was nothing if not sweltering.