Start of Summer Scavenger Hunt PV SHC Finished

─────────────────── ROUND 1! ──────────────────────────

────────────────────────── Team Blue: @May Moonstar @Mars T'ien @Bridget Collins @Autumn Ivy @Alan Vanes Team Red: @Ariana Walker @Adonis Thorn @Taylor Natalie Rogers-Freeman @Sapphire Riddle @ Evelynn Decipio Next Modding: As soon as someone figures out the next clue ──────────────────

The Entrance
Katrina smiled happily as the majority of the group came in. It seemed there were a few that were late, but Katrina was going to try her best to make sure those would get into the game as soon as they arrived. There was a wide range of emotions on the faces of the newcomers, excitement, apprehension, determination, it seemed everyone was at least a bit looking forward to the hunt.

Katrina was relieved that the students interacted with each other quite a bit. A bit of a mischievous smile creeping up as she realized that she had unknowingly separated a few friends. Only more incentive for everyone to try their hardest.

A boy Katrina had seen around a bit, Alan Vanes, greeted Katrina. "Excited?" She called out with a wide smile before getting down to the rules.

As everyone split into the two teams, Katrina couldn't help but nod. There were a few people that seemed to recognize each other, but there weren't any best friends in groups or mortal enemies either. If all went to plan, this would stay a happy, friendly competition. It was exciting as the teams got down to the riddles, she was thankful that they didn't seem as easy as last time. It was her goal after all.

Team Red
Ariana, the girl Katrina had handed the clue, read the riddle out to her team. She seemed to be a bit confused as to what the riddle meant. Perhaps it was the Quidditch Pitch? Thankfully, Evelynn-- a girl Katrina only knew from the sign-ups-- came to the rescue with the certainty that it was the Greenhouses. With no further objections, the group started off.

Adonis further cemented the idea of a musical piece with his suggestion of a woodwind instrument. He started off the brainstorming well, Katrina had made the point that they should get to know each other.

Sapphire spoke up to Adonis' comment with the revelation that she could play the flute. Had they found their artist of music? If they had, where would they get their instrument? But nonetheless, the group started off, one step closer to their next clue.

When the group reached the Greenhouses, they would find that there seemed to be a little something different. Taped to the glass side of the Greenhouse was a small Red flag, a small note under it saying 'Bring all flags with you'. There was a large chest with a keyhole on the front. On top of the box was a flute, silver and pristine. Perhaps Evelynn would notice the sound of a quiet jingling coming from Katrina's pocket as she quietly followed the group. How were they going to get that the key to the next round?

Team Blue
May read out the clue and came to the instant conclusion that the place to go next was the Great Lake. The rest of May's team seemed to be pretty quiet. Thankfully, Mars broke the ice with a question of anyone in their group was an artist. Hopefully her team could catch up to Red Team.

Autumn mentioned that she could act and sing and draw pretty well. However it was the silent one of the group that may have an easier time with the next clue.

As the group reached the Great Lake, they would spot a bright blue flag on a log by the water. On a slip of paper below it were the words 'Bring all flags with you'. Beside the flag would be a large flat rock. The only writing media would be a piece of charcoal. Written on the bottom edge of the rock would be the words 'Your next clue is easy, that is true. Sketch this lake and you will get your clue.' This would be an odd request coming from a rock, but no one would notice the fact that there was someone following them who had the clue to the next round. However that person would only hand them the clue if they could guess what the drawn image was from afar.

Hidden Clues
Unbeknownst to the hunters, there were hidden clues scattered all over the grounds. As the groups started off to their destinations, a few may spot something hidden in the grass or under a rock or in a tree.

On her way to the Greenhouse Evelynn would spot a glint of gold in the grass several feet from the path. Perhaps it was her Quidditch training or simply luck, but she had found a hidden clue. If she went to investigate the item, she would find a golden token actually just a cardboard circle spray-painted gold, but still cool, right?. The little item would sit loosely in the palm of her hand. Maybe it was just a whim, but she would have the feeling that she should keep it, and maybe keep it a secret?

Although Mars was deep in thought. However, they weren't so concentrated to not notice a slip of gold nestled between two low-hanging branches on a tree just to the side of the path. If they decided to check it out, they would see that it was a golden token, also small enough to fit in a closed fist. Was this also part of the hunt? Or had they simply spotted something random? Nonetheless, they had a feeling that they should bring it along, and perhaps not bring it up either.

While Sapphire was trailing a bit behind her group, she would spot something a bit odd on the path. It seemed to be a large rock simply placed on the side of the path. If she would go to nudge it out of the way, she would find a golden token under it. What was this? If she went to pick it up, she would find that it was pretty light, not actual gold. The thought to keep it quiet about it would cross her mind. It might not even be part of the hunt after all.

OOC Info

Ever since the pride month, Alan had done some research as his ears had caught a few words that he actually was not familiar with. Seeing Mars again, he remembered them from the ambush that had been planned on the charms classroom, an event he had been more or less dragged into by being at the wrong place during the wrong time. Or perhaps it had been the perfect time, since it turned out to be a lot of fun being able to interact with what was probably his favorite professor. Vernatis had helped him through a lot during the time he was on staff and he appreciated every minute of it. Yet it was also quite amusing to make his career a little more troublesome.

Alan would glance at them, after they asked whether any of team blue was an artist and truthfully Alan could only shake his head. His pieces of art were hardly worth being called art. Sometimes he was lucky if whatever he was drawing was identifiable even by himself. As another girl spoke up, the one he actually did not know, he tilted his head ever so slightly viewing their group as he waited whether someone else had the talent he wished he had. Half of him just wanted to walk over to the Hufflepuff common room and drag @Jake Morris out to help them with the next clue, because Alan knew the kid was quite talented in the artistic realm. Of course he meant that jokingly, but it could have been the fastest approach to their dilemma.

Alan's pace quickened as they got closer to the great lake with Tiger being right behind him. He loved this place, this area and liked to spend time here. He was fast to notice the rock and the piece of charcoal. Squatting down he would read what was written on the paper, as his gaze trailed over to the lake. "Well, someone has t-to draw it, th-the Lake I mean. It definitely shouldn't be me if you want to advance," he said wit a chuckle, as he pushed himself off the ground again to face the team. "So who is th-the lucky one?"

SAPPHIRE WAS BOTH VERY PERCEPTIVE AND NOT PERCEPTIVE AT THE SAME TIME. If she was distracted by something, chances were she wouldn't notice something else. If she wasn't particularly looking for something, she would probably notice it, like a grammatical error in the middle of an essay. If she was looking for it, she would either catch one glimpse then lose sight or not see it at all. So she supposed it was lucky that she wasn't looking for the golden token that she'd found while looking out across the grass.

Intrigued, she wandered over to the token. With her thumb and middle finger, she plucked it from the grass and held it up to her face. The weight implied that it wasn't really gold, and closer examination confirmed that. It seemed to have been spray painted, though she didn't give herself time to decipher what the material was.

She bounded back over to the group, reaching them right as they arrived at the greenhouses. She ignored the red flag, instead her attention going to the flute and box. She wandered over to it, almost seeming as if she were in a trance to the outward eye. In reality, she was examining it. It was large, with a keyhole in the front and a flute on the top of it. It was silver, really nice. she picked it up carefully, eyes trailing over the surface. She glanced back at the rest of her group, hesitantly. "I'll... I'll play it," she said, voice not very loud.

Then she put the mouthpiece to her lips, recalling the notes she was to play. G G D D E E D.

They flowed out, sharp and clear, into the space. She was a bit more relaxed here, surrounded by the green, and she found it easier to play. When she finished playing, she set down the flute. She would examine what it had done (if anything). Wonder what that does...?

@Mars T'ien | @Alan Vanes | @Autumn Ivy | @May Moonstar

"It's Bridget," she offered, accepting Mars' outstretched hand. As their group made their way to the Great Lake, the Ravenclaw asked if any of them were an artist. She liked this one. Smart. Asked the right questions.

They'd made it to the water. Bridget's eyes were immediately drawn to a square of fabric in brilliant blue, impossible to miss against the surrounding greens and browns and grays. Reading the notice, she picked up the flag. Someone had to grab it, and, well, since Alan hadn't yet, why not? Seeing the smooth stone next to it, she folded the flag and stuffed it in her pocket. It looked like she might just need her hands free for this clue.

One of the girls she didn't know was clearly artistic, so it could be her. Alan was ruled out, since he helpfully joked that he wouldn't be much help in advancing on this clue. They couldn't all be artists, anyways. Mars hadn't said whether or not they possessed any drawing skills, and neither had the girl who'd read the clue. Well then. "Um. I'm pretty good with sketching. And I put that on my application for the club. Where she asked for skills. Did any of you put artistic or can draw or something on your applications? That's the only way she could really know everyone's skill set. So... if you all don't mind, I'll give it a try." Unless anyone objected, Bridget would crouch down, picking up the piece of charcoal in her dominant left hand.

She could do this. Sketching was her thing. Granted, she hadn't touched her sketchbook in months, but you didn't lose all your skill that fast, especially when art was a natural talent. Plus, this was just a simple sketch. The instructions weren't asking for some complicated, perfect drawing of the lake with shading and everything. Blowing a few stray hairs out of her eyes, Bridget studied the lake in front of her. That was the first thing to do before putting charcoal to rock; you had to know what you were drawing. And then... she started. It was a little messy--charcoal wasn't exactly her first choice of medium--but you could tell it was a lake, at least, with a few trees around the edges. A few minutes later, she would set down the charcoal. "Done." Now what?

Action | Unless stopped, sketching the Great Lake on the rock

To Evelynn's relief, her suggestions were met with nothing but approval. One of her team mates, Thorn, if she could recall correctly having met him during an errand some time ago, even went so far as to suggest that it should likely be played with a flute of sorts. That drew a small grin from Evelynn. Really, she quite agreed, and the amusement came with the fact that it only served to concrete that Zelda-like notion. Honestly, if they went there and found themselves an ocarina laying conspicuously around, she doubted she'd be able to contain herself from laughing.

"Mn.." Evelynn hummed, forcing away her amusement. "Not me, either," she replied, glancing around to the others to see if the notion of a flute sparked familiarity in any of them.

As they had been conversing, an unfamiliar girl with nearly white hair and bright blue eyes approached. Evelynn marvelled at her for a moment. Her colouration was so unusual. It was difficult not to stare for a moment. Never before had she seen someone her age with such starkly white hair. Nor had she had the chance to really desensitise to it as she had never seen the girl before. The girl's quietly fluid speech, like a babbling brook by moonlight, reminded her that they were in the middle of a puzzle. One that was time sensitive.

"Are you?" she echoed, a delayed response to the revelation that she was able to play the flute. "Well that's rather convenient, then, isn't it?" she smiled, turning back around as they all seemed keen enough to take the suggestion to head towards the greenhouses. "I'm Decipio, by the way," she offered to those with whom she was not yet acquainted. "Evelynn Decipio. Who are you?" (Mostly addressing Sapphire and Taylor)

Along the way, a glint of gold caught her eye. No doubt due to the fact that she'd grown almost innately attuned to finding the snitch against every foreseeable background of weather, structure, and ground, Evelynn's attention snatched to it in a second. Naturally, she wasn't actually expecting a snitch or anything, but the thought of finding a galleon dropped on the ground was equally enticing. Given that she was hoping to purchase an owl this summer in order to actually keep in contact with her connections over the summer, she slyly angled herself over to it to investigate. Crouching with the impression of needing to check the laces on her boots, she took a closer look. To her disappointment, it wasn't a galleon at all, but rather a painted piece of.. Cardboard maybe? Or something? Odd, nonetheless. It almost looked like play money. Curiosity seizing her, she pocketed it and caught up again with the rest.

Three things jumped out at Evelynn the moment they got within eye shot of the greenhouses, and pride washed through her. Her assessment had been spot on. While the box with the flute atop it drew her curiosity the most, she deferred to the silver-haired witch and instead went to inspect the flag taped to the glass. While the tune of notes played out crystal and clear, the redhead plied the accessory from its place of purchase.

"Hopefully that does the trick.." Evelynn commented on her return, eyeing Katrina curiously as though expecting confirmation that they had done what they were supposed to do. Admittedly, her gaze did dip to the girl's pockets in anticipation, half expecting her to procure them some means to open the box. She hadn't spotted any key lying around, but had heard a little jingle from her direction that had vaguely reminded her of the sound keys made on a ring. "And apparently we're supposed to be keeping these with us," she added, giving the flag a little wave.

[font=century gothic]INTERACTING WITH @Katrina Walker, @Ariana Walker, @Adonis Thorn, @Sapphire Riddle and @Taylor Natalie Rogers-Freeman[/font]

─────────────────── ROUND 2!──────────────────────────

────────────────────────── Team Blue: @May Moonstar @Mars T'ien @Bridget Collins @Autumn Ivy @Alan Vanes Team Red: @Ariana Walker @Adonis Thorn @Taylor Natalie Rogers-Freeman @Sapphire Riddle @ Evelynn Decipio Next Modding: As soon as everyone posts ──────────────────

Team Red
As soon as the Red team approached the Greenhouses, Sapphire appeared from their midst, seemingly drawn to the flute. As she approached the instrument, one could see that she knew what to do. The girl turned to the group, offering to play it. As the pristine notes pierced the air it felt more magical than anything Katrina had experienced. It was a muggle nursery song, but the way Sapphire played it, it could easily be the melody of a symphony.

Katrina stayed hidden behind the group, it was simply easier not to be noticed. She wanted this whole thing to feel magical after all. “Alohomora,” She murmured, waving her wand in the backwards ‘S’ shape. The second-year remembered from class that the spell had no color when cast, which was why she had decided to do it this way. No one would see or hear her and the chest would open-- seemingly by magic.

The lock (thankfully) clicked open, revealing the inside of the chest. The only thing in the large container was a simple slip of paper. Perhaps a letdown, perhaps comedic. It was up to the beholder.

Team Blue
Alan Vanes was one of the first to spot the blue flag. He and Tiger looked over the rock, Alan admitting that he didn’t have the right talents for the next thing. It was up to someone else. At this comment, Bridget spoke up, stating that she had put ‘artistic’ as one of the traits on her application. It was a good point, one that would help them later on with their other clues.

Bridget picked up the piece of charcoal, hesitating a moment as if seizing up an opponent. With a glance at the lake behind her, she began. Long broad strokes that turned a normal looking rock into a lake masterpiece—or as close to a masterpiece that one could with a bit of charcoal. She put her art medium down and announced that she was finished, now it was time to see what happens.

Aurelia Notrésvace walked out silently from behind a tree as if summoned. She paused for a minute to take in the scenery of the lake before turning her head down to examine the art. The third-year nodded and extended a closed fist to Bridget. She dropped a slip of paper into Bridget’s hand with a nod of impress before turning on her heel and walking (seemingly) back to the castle. However, she wasn’t returning quite yet, she was actually staying just out of sight to make sure the team stayed in check, but the hunters wouldn’t know that.

Hidden Clues
The first bit of the hunt had flown by, three people had discovered one of the hidden clues. Thankfully, all had gone to plan and the hidden clues had stayed a secret. It was most fun when no one knew to look for a glint of gold.

However, after the groups were at their destinations, no one seemed to come across any more hidden clues. At least, for now.

Team Blue Clue: Reducio So you made it to the next clue, A round of applause to your group and you, Where would you pitch up a tent? A hint: place has a green, earthy scent, Look for the flag of blue, It will lead you to your next clue,

How does this work? Reducio OOC Info Rolls= May: 2 | Mars: 9 | Bridget: 15 | Autumn: 6 | Alan: 2 | Ariana: 15 | Adonis: 9 | Sapphire: 17 | Evelynn: 12 | Katrina: 20

Team Red Clue: Reducio Sólo hay uno que puede leer esto. La siguiente pista se encuentra donde se enrollan las canicas

Rather than any sort of key withdrawn from her pocket, it seemed the game's organiser would pull forth a wand. In silence, Evelynn watched her red-headed upperclassman hang back and cast towards the chest. Although the incantation had been uttered quietly enough that she hadn't quite been able to make out the words, the click of the lock was enough of a tell-tale sign to suggest that she had magically unlocked the container. That had been enough for the young Gryffindor. Eager to see what lay within, she sauntered over to the chest to lift the lid. Where she might have expected some sort of great reveal, some treasure or prize large enough to warrant a chest as big as it was, the only thing inside that she could see was a small piece of paper. Naturally, there was no hesitation in snatching that up from the wooden base.

"Solo hay uno kuh pue.. pweed.. pweh-dé? Leer esto... la siguienté peesta seh enquentra dond se.. sé.. enrollan las canica.." Evelynn stumbled through the pronunciation of the note, R's rolled at the back of her throat reminiscent of her now more obvious Francophone accent, reading it out loud as best as she was able.

One thing was clear. This was not meant for her, but she did at least recognise enough of it to understand what it meant. Well.. what it meant for her, rather. She spoke French, not Spanish, and although the two could occasionally overlap in some areas and were similar enough that she could recognise which language it was, she was in no way able to actually understand what was written. Not enough, anyway.

"I'm fairly sure this is in Spanish," she reported, turning to the rest of the group and rising to her feet while holding up the clue for the others to be able to see it. "Is there someone here who speaks Spanish?" She flicked the clue back over in her direction to take another look at it, eyes clocking to a few key words. "Uno... One.." It sounded like une. "Que (pronounced like 'Kuh').. is that like the French que? Like 'that'? One that?" She wondered, partly to herself, but also glancing up to the rest. "Leer.. sounds like lire, to read. One that reads? Only one of us that can read this?"

Once again, she pinched the piece of paper between her fore and middle finger, holding it out before her with some idle flicks as though urging someone — anyone — who knew what they were doing to take it from her.

"It also said pee-sta, which sounds like the French piste or 'track'... But that's really all I'm able to determine..."

Storm-grey eyes roamed the others present, hoping at least one of them would be able to relieve her from the clue. Although, admittedly, she did feel a touch annoyed. As much as they had been made well aware that they would be required to work together and rely on each other's skills, it was rather disempowering, this. To not be able to assist really in any way at all without having to rely on someone else. Having been raised to be as independent as she had been, it was a concept with which she wasn't at all familiar. One that didn't really sit well with her. But she tried to be a good sport about it and remain positive for the sake of the contest.

[font=century gothic]INTERACTING WITH @Ariana Walker, @Adonis Thorn, @Sapphire Riddle and @Taylor Natalie Rogers-Freeman[/font]

⇺🂡⇻

SAPPHIRE HAD INTRODUCED HERSELF SIMPLY TO EVELYNN, responding with her name before continuing on her way. When Evelynn had difficulty pronouncing the words on the paper, she glanced over her shoulder. She recognized the words. They were in a familiar language, though it wasn't her 1st. "Solo hay uno que puede leer esto. La siguiente pista es donde ruedan las canicas," she said, pronunciations clear, "which translates to "There is only one who can read this. The next track is where the marbles roll". We can assume that the one who can read it is me, since I know the language."

She glanced at Evelynn, who'd gotten the track part right without knowing the language. "You're right with track." She paused, wracking her brain. "Said "track" could be referring to the path, though I can't yet make sense of "where the marbles roll"." She began pacing. "Anyone else got any ideas on that?" she asked, throwing a glance at her team mates. She halted her movements.

I mean, it could have to do with the outdoor clubs, since there could be one to do with marbles, but that doesn't feel right. Could it be a metaphor, referring to something else, like trees or hills? She held back a groan of frustration. She hated being clueless.

Interacting with r e d t e a m

⇺🂡⇻

The team approached the greenhouses and Sapphire skillfully played the flute, the notes ringing out crisp and clear through the air. Ariana rather thought it was a shame the melody was so short, the notes had been played so beautifully, it was calming to listen to. The flute-girl was certainly talented in the musical aspect. Ariana would have to talk to her some time, for she herself did play piano and guitar, as well as singing. Music was certainly a passion of hers.

Murmurs of incarnation were subtle, yet it seemed the spell was fully functional, as a click of the lock was heard and Ariana moved forward, peering into the chest. It seemed empty aside from a piece of paper that was promptly snatched up by Evelynn.

"I'm fairly sure this is in Spanish, Solo hay uno kuh pue.. pweed.. pweh-dé? Leer esto... la siguienté peesta seh enquentra dond se.. sé.. enrollan las canica.."

A small gasp escaped the beaters lips, followed by a laugh as she stepped forwards to take the note from her teammate. Ariana was pretty sure she was the only one here who spoke the language, coming from hispanic heritage- well she was bound too. “Im fluent in spanish!” She smiled, taking the piece of paper and running her eyes over the words. It seemed her heritage had come in useful after all, the language was her first and she had no trouble deciphering the note, green orbs running over the letters swiftly.

“Sólo hay uno que puede leer esto. La siguiente pista se encuentra donde se enrollan las cani-”

She stopped midway through, it seemed another girl had no trouble in decoding the words either. Ariana blinked, offering a slightly surprised smile to her she furrowed her eyebrows in interest. “Do you speak spanish too?”

Turning round to the rest of her group she beamed and said, a little louder so that the rest of them could hear;

“‘The next track is where the marbles roll’." She repeated. "Thats the clue. Anyone have any ideas?” Well her brain had certainly decided to say goodbye for the day, for Ariana had never felt more stupid in her life. Marbles, marbl- “WAIT!” A shout of realization, maybe a little too startling and loud, for she lowered her voice hastily, looking up, “The outdoor club area! People play gobstones there right?”

Having grown up in the wizarding word, she was definitely familiar with this particular game. It resembled the muggle game ‘marbles’ the only principal difference being that every time a point is conceded, the winning stone would squirt a foul-smelling liquid into the loser's face. It was fun to play, Ariana had done so before, many times. It seemed only fitting that this was what the clue meant. “Anyone have any objections?” She hardly waited for an answer before strolling off, her impulsive attire showing as she folded up the note in her hand, tucking it into her pocket.

Interacting with: @Evelynn Decipio , @Adonis Thorn @Sapphire Riddle and @Taylor Natalie Rogers-Freeman

A faint blush coloured Evelynn's ears with the titter of laughter that peeled out with her attempts to — no doubt incorrectly — pronounce the foreign language. A hand reached up to reflexively comb through her loose tresses, subtly adjusting the ginger curtain to hang as a veil over the evidence of embarrassment. There had been no objection as Walker took the note from her urgent fingers. It had come as a bit of a surprise, however, as not one, but rather two individuals began to read out the clue in fluid perfection.

"If I had to guess.." Evelynn commented, gaze darting between the two fluent speakers, "This one was probably actually meant for Walker." She suggested, nudging her chin in the direction of the Gryffindor beater. "Since you—" she had glanced back to Riddle as she continued, "—were the only one of us who could play the flute."

Quiet descended as the clue was interpreted, however, Evelynn giving herself only a brief mental pat on the back for having correctly interpreted at least part of the clue with her knowledge of the Spanish cousin. A moment later and both her pride and embarrassment were forgotten as the new riddle filled her thoughts. ‘The next track is where the marbles roll’. Literal? Or metaphor? It could be either, really. She'd been trying to puzzle out if she'd seen any sort of marble door that opened by rolling to the side, or any other marble structure that it could be referring to when Walker spoke up.

"I think you might be right," she nodded. The literal interpretation certainly had come to mind, accompanied by visions of children squatting in a circle playing with the little spherical polished stones. "There is a Gobstones Club," she added, and glanced back over her shoulder. She had never really given the game, nor the Club, much of a chance, but she recalled having seen it listed when she was first trying to find extracurriculars to fill her time. "It's nearly on the other side of the grounds, though. It certainly wouldn't hurt to go take a look. If nothing else, then we'll eliminate an option."

"It's a bit of a ways, though. We might want to run."

Action: If no objections, takes off in a sprint towards the Outdoors Club Area, eyes peeled along the way for more of the gold disks.

[font=century gothic]INTERACTING WITH @Ariana Walker, @Adonis Thorn, @Sapphire Riddle and @Taylor Natalie Rogers-Freeman[/font]