Event The Fall Ball (Masquerade)

Sarah was hesitant to let it drop, having spent enough time watching people to know when they weren’t being entirely honest. But no doubt whatever had so negatively affected Paisley was personal and she didn’t want to share - at least not right now - which Sarah could accept. Still, she offered her a smile, one she hoped said the words she didn’t say - I’m here if you’re not alright.

She was certain she knew what the girl was about to ask when she cut herself off. She’d not meant to stumble when she’d spoken about Albert, it didn’t happen nearly as often as it had a few years ago. Her father had made sure of that, scolding her every time she forgot, or simply didn’t want to believe, that her mother and brother weren’t coming home again. She knew better now, knew that fumbling with tenses only got her pitiful looks and uncomfortable faces. But at the thought of spinning around a dance floor, so similar to the one she was on tonight, with Albert’s hands grasping at hers, she’d let herself slip back into the past.

Part of her wished Paisley hadn’t caught it. Then she’d not have to explain the fire and the pain and the loss. There weren’t many here at Hogwarts who knew about her brother, other than the odd professor who’d taught him, or rather put up with him and his mischievous ways. Few of the students knew, other than some of the older years. Though perhaps it was time for her to share her story with a few.

“You’re upset. Why?” The question was simple, and at its core, so was the answer. My mother and brother are dead. She was certain that wouldn’t go down well, and an image of her father’s scowl at the idea of her talking about death at a party made her rethink.

Paisley hadn’t shown her anything that suggested she couldn’t be trusted. She’d been eager to help the first day they’d met, fiercely passionate when that Gryffindor boy had insulted muggles, she’d adamantly defended house elves, and she’d even agreed to coming with her to this ball. Had Sarah been the jealous type, she might hold such an emotion to the girl; but instead, she just found herself trusting her. The revelation was surprising. The last time she’d trusted someone was a long time ago. But the hesitance in her voice, the kindness in her eyes, and the way the girls continued dancing round the ballroom, seemed to be enough.

Sarah’s eyes glanced sidewards, catching sight of the ballroom door. I could run, leave now and avoid this. The thought came to her, the closed off part of her brain screaming at her to do it. But it passed, and her eyes quickly drew back to Paisley. But I don’t want to run, she thought, smiling inwardly as the decision was made.

“I’m not upset. Not really. It’s more like-” She started, letting her tongue run across her lip when she realised her mouth had become dry. The saving grace being that the music was loud enough that she doubted anyone could hear her words. “I guess this all reminds me of him, but it doesn’t make me sad. They’re happy memories, so it’s all sort of bittersweet,” She found herself struggling to find the words she wanted. There was so much to say, so much history, and trying to explain it to someone who knew none of it was difficult. Especially in the middle of a ballroom. “He used to tell me of the parties they threw at Hogwarts, and I was always so sure he exaggerated the brilliance of them. I guess I was wrong about that,” She glanced around, offering a light chuckle as she took in the room. Brilliant didn’t seem enough to describe it. “He’d just got back from Hogwarts, telling stories of the Christmas Ball he’d been too. Everyone was happy, even my father was smiling for once. But there was an accident the day after Christmas, and my mother and Albert didn’t make it.” As she finished, it felt as though a weight had been taken from her shoulders, something she’d been holding onto for years. Someone knew. And though the timing was strange and she’d had no time to even think about what she would say, she felt free of a burden she didn’t know she’d held.

She looked at Paisley hesitantly, unsure whether the girl had actually wanted to know any of this. Perhaps the correct response was to say she was fine, that she wasn’t upset, and then continue dancing how they had been before. But it was out now, and despite the morbidity of her words, she hoped more than anything that she hadn’t just ruined Paisley’s night. “I’m sorry, here probably wasn’t the place for that,” She rushed out, laughing nervously as she tried to read the girl’s thoughts. She was right, here definitely wasn't the time for that. But she couldn't turn back now.

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Interactions: @Thomas Baines. Elias Weare? Callie Jensen? Valerie Baines? (feel free to ignore Jayden, if you want - if so, then Jayden is open to more interactions)

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Open to Interactions
Roleplaying as: Paisley Brown
Interacting with: @Sarah Lightwood
Action: Reassuring/being unsure

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As Sarah explained what had happened with her brother and mother, she imagined the little person hacking away at the wall missing once and turning around in a circle with the momentum of their swing. Epic fail! Look what you got yourself into now, Brown. Tough time fixing this! Gosh, you haven't spoken to someone this deeply since Allie. Let's just hope you don't both end in tears this time. The announcer-type voice in her head seemed to laugh at her, but she silenced it quickly. Listening to the voices inside her head was no good right now. That was the last thing she needed.

Her expression was showing that of great sorrow and sincere sadness for Sarah, and she let the silence settle for a few moments. “I’m sorry, here probably wasn’t the place for that,” Sarah said quickly, but Paisley shook her head, refusing to listen to her apology.

"It doesn't matter if it was or not. Timing is never right, but if we sit around and wait for it to be we'll waste away. The good thing is you said it." she spoke firmly, realizing the look of hesitation on the young Slytherin's face mirrored her own. She thought she knew what to do in this situation. For a few beats there was silence, then she spoke again. "I'm-" she broke off, looking down to the ground. Her neck fell into the old, worn out position of doubt and hesitation. What if I don't want to be like that anymore? with that thought fresh in her mind, she looked up, staring into Sarah's eyes with fiery determination. Peering into the Slytherin's eyes was like looking into a cracked mirror. No matter how hard you tried, you couldn't focus on one part, one emotion exactly. She thought she could hear her heart shatter as she spoke.

"Oh Sarah," the Gryffindor's voice came out in barely a whisper, which was a little quieter than she meant. Her lips were parted to say more, but she dropped the idea of saying anything. Instead she whisked Sarah into a hug on the edge of the dance floor, where she paused for a few moments. The hug was tight but not suffocating, as she knew when to stop squeezing before someone lost all their oxygen. When she pulled out of it her hand was still in Sarah's, and she offered a reassuring squeeze. "Don't feel bad about this, please. I'm-" she took a deep breath. "I'm always ready to listen, at the ball or not."

♞♞♞

Interactions: @Lana Monet| Enzo Delcroix @Akari Kato

Jay laughed and raised their eyebrows in amusement as the none-other Lana Monet approached them, she had been wearing an over sized trench coat at a Masquerade. Thinking back to the day in London, this wasn't all too surprising just rather amusing. I'd say rather over-dressed,"they joked, it was a bit hard to tell if they were joking or not, Jay would rarely make jokes just mostly sarcastic remarks. I guess today is a different day. They then thought of Monets arranged date, they forgot what his name was supposed to be but that didn't matter since they were going to 'steal' her away later on.

Coincidentally, Jay saw Monets arranged date approach them both. Just as Monet replied to him in an sarcastic manner Jay couldn't help but to give a childish giggle. Gee, today they were in a rather playful mood. The names Jay Victoria by the way,"they introduced themself to him.

"Oh gee, you two aren't ten year olds being forced to be dates, i'm pretty sure it isn't going to be the end of the world,"Jay commented, tapping the hem of their rapier in slight annoyance. Were people really that afraid to break rules? Or perhaps this guy had a liking to Monet, now that would be interesting.

"Well anyways, why don't you be a good date and let me have the first dance with this pretty lady,"they exaggeratingly said in a voice that was supposed to be an impression of Zorro, at the same time holding out their hand to her. Obviously, they weren't just going to have one dance with her, they were planning to save her from this situation.

Semi-open to Interactions (owl first)
Mentioning @Martyna Romero, @Elizabeth Isaacs as herself & Emile LeDoux

Of course. Why did Starlee think she would be safe from Elizabeth by casually sitting at one of the tables? Well... she certainly wasn't. Not only that... but Liz was simply stunning. What other eleven-year-old could pull off a dress like that one? The way it gracefully hung off her shoulders was just... simply mesmerizing. It was now that Starlee began to feel a little out of place with her cute little embroidered dress... as well as her lack of a mask... and lopsided makeup... She really should have just gone back to her dorm....

"Well well well. If it isn't my good friend Starpee! How are you tonight? Where is Mad Marty? ..." Liz began to continue on with her spiel of taunts directed at both Starlee and Tina, however, Starlee stopped listening when she noticed a small boy in a fabulous bright pink suit peeking out from behind Liz. 'Wow... he sure was cute.' She wondered why in the world a cute guy like him would be hanging around Liz... but she quickly realized that he seemed to not want to be with her, as when she turned around after ending her little taunts, he seemed to run off in the opposite direction. 'Smart boy to get away from that snake...' she thought as she then tried to remember what Liz had said to her. Something about a Pee-stain on her face? She hoped nobody around them had heard... ugh.

'WAIT... that... that cute boy... heard the whole thing.......' Her face flushed with terror as she realized this and she slammed her head down on the table hoping that this night would get better.

Action: Still at the table, but head has now been slammed down onto it.

Interacting with @Elisabeth Erner as Rosa Swann
Mentioning @Elizabeth Isaacs as Emile LeDoux & @Caelan Stewart as Verena Marigold
Mentioning for Future Plot Purposes, @Allie Lewis as Jacqueline Levant
Semi-open to Interactions (owl first)
Bolded Text: French | Regular Text: English | Color: #BF4040

Today was finally the day. His second most anticipated event of the Beauxbaton trip to Hogwarts, the Masquerade Ball. Florian had his outfit ready to go, a smooth velvet jacket with a black tie, suit and slacks, and a wondrous pirate-like mask. He was still a kid after all, and his playfulness showed through in that mask. However, he was quite a gentleman in many ways. He was raised to be quite chivalrous and, as such, he knew he would need a lovely date to the ball. That meant, of course, his first choice was the beautiful Rosa Swann. Not only was she from a great family, but she was quite lovely. Ever since she had said yes, he simply couldn't wait to show off his dancing skills and show her a good time.

However, there were other people on his mind. That pathetic little Emile LeDoux was sure to be there, no doubt with his Irish cousin. He didn't know much about the girl, but if she was anything like Emile... well... It was certainly time to break out the bullying taunts he had freshly prepared in his pocket. Rosa also seemed to like toying with the boy as well, getting him to cater to her every whim, so it was simply another reason he and Rosa were a match made in heaven. He would have to try and find him later during the ball. He was also excited to see when Verena Marigold would arrive, as then Florian would begin to appear as the ladies man he always pictured himself as. He couldn't seem to remember if the girl had a date or not... 'Well, let's just hope that's a no.'

However, now it was time to make their fashionably late entrance. Both Florian and Rosa reached the doors to the ballroom, where they could hear the chatter and music going on inside. "Before we go in, I must say, you look stunning Rosa." He then offered out his arm for her to take, and she graciously placed her hand in the nook of his arm. 'Time to really make an entrance.' They opened the doors and confidently walked into the ballroom. After a brief survey of the ballroom crowd, he chose to continue to walk her toward a table and offered her a seat. "Would you like something to drink before we dance, mademoiselle?"

Permission to Godmod Rosa walking in with Florian granted.
Action: Florian and Rosa enter the Masquerade Ball.

Hanako's Morifying Outfit:

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[font=PT Sans]“ Sorry~?” But whatever for~?” He asked innocently with a hint of mischief gleaming in his eyes. This was the first time bumping into someone didn’t make him want to transfigure their head into a pumpkin. Yet, it looked like the stranger didn’t need any transfiguration with her hilarious costume. His face looked kind as he listened to her rambles about not looking at her, but that was just the arrogance he was building up in his head.

So, she didn’t plan for her costume? This just got much more entertaining than he hoped for. Perhaps, if Dee were to somehow sense he was causing slight trouble, he could hide behind the false guise of being considerate. A little wardrobe malfunction? One enough to make her look like she’s be ready to crawl in a big hole if there was one? Of course, he would help.

“ Hmm~? Now, why on earth would I do that? You’re rather eye-catching, stranger~. Lady luck has brightened my day once again” It felt so good to use his old tone again. That one where it’s sounds either sarcastic or gentle, depending on how close someone is listening and what they choose to believe more. Nevertheless, his smiling face never faded as he did the exact opposite of what the girl told him to do and leaned in closer to her face, feigning a quizzical look before leaning away.

“ You seem to be missing something, little moon.... Darn~ What could it be~?” In a dramatic manner, he tapped his chin and looked deep in thought before snapping his fingers with a grin.“ Ah! I got it! “

Rather excitedly, he pulled out the thick fold in his pocket and unraveled it to reveal his ultra-secret weapon. The one that could either help or make them feel internal emotional pain. The greatest creation of his- the savior of awkward situations- the one and only-
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[font=PT Sans] Paper Bag Chan

“ Now you truly do fit in this ball.~” in a swift motion, he held paper bag chan over the girl’s head and now had covered her whole face. While he loved to keep his cool during situations like this- there is something about seeing a big round moon with an unnerving paper bag over it just made him lost it. Trying desperately hard and failing to conceal his chuckles, he continued “ Now, you’re one with the masquerade party. Annnnnddd you can still go to class on the next school day~. Aren’t you glad you bumped into an angel like me~? “ he mischievously hummed as if he just saved her whole wardrobe malfunction. For a second, he really did forget about that dratted ghost cat earlier.

“ Now before you somehow mingle without bumping into anyone on your way..how about you inquire me a bit on your costume choice~ Very festive on a Halloween night like this for sure. Quite gleaming, anyways. Brilliant!” He affectionately patted the top of Paper Bag Chan, which was now basically her whole head. “ So do tell ~ I’m awfully curious~” he pleaded in a playful tone.

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[font=PT Sans]Closed / Open for Interactions[/font]

[font=PT Sans]Action: - -[/font]

[font=PT Sans]Mentioning : @Martyna Romero [/font]

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Abilities = Perfectionist + Parseltongue

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「Stamina = 5 」「 Strength = 3 」「A.Power = 8 」「Accuracy = 9」 「Evasion = 6」 「Wisdom = 4 」

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Roleplaying| Santario Martin
Interacting|No one
Mentioning| The Room, Quinn Healy, Nico Shymane
Open to Interactions

In truth Callie had been far too wrapped up in saying hello to Thomas and rambling about banana's that she entirely breezed past the Ilvermorny girl. It wasn't until Callie scooped another handful of jellybeans down her throat that she entirely registered the stranger's presence. "Ah, sorry! I didn't even notice you there! I'm so sorry, that was so rude of me!" Callie exclaimed rather suddenly whilst rubbing the back of her neck awkwardly. "I'm Callie! Nice to meet you! Sorry about that, I get wrapped up in things a lot." She let out a brief chuckle in the hopes that the girl wouldn't be too offended. Thankfully Thomas and Elias started speaking and saved Callie from burying herself even further under her own awkwardness.

"Wait..that's Eli?" Callie suddenly exclaimed whilst attempting to straighten out her glasses in order to properly see the boy. "Hey Eli! Sorry, it's hard to see beneath this darn mask! I still say I should've went as a banana instead but Thomas wasn't having it! Party pooper." She stuck out a tongue at Thomas to tease the boy before moving closer to Elias to double check it was the boy she loved to annoy so much. For added reassurance Callie even went as far to pull back his mask gently and let it go immediately upon realising it was in fact Elias. "Yup! That's you for sure! Dumb nose and all!" Callie let out a bright laugh and settled beside Thomas' lefthand side, a habit she'd accquired from spending so much time duelling alongside the boy.

"Wait is that Valerie?" Callie opted not to properly inspect the girl and instead gave her a friendly wave. "What made you be Elias' date? Self hatred? Pity? Did he bribe you with sweets? Oooh! What about blackmail?" Callie made sure to shoot Elias a teasing glance to make sure he knew she wasn't being entirely serious. Perhaps Thomas and Elias' constant bickering was starting to have an influence on Callie afterall. "Jellybean anyone?" Callie offered despite not wanting anyone to take anything from the bowl she'd taken custody of. Having to be polite was such a bore sometimes.

Open to Interactions!
Interacting with @Quinn Healy and @Nico Shymane

Amidst all the glitz and glamour of this gothic affair, Breana knew better than to let her guard down. She made that mistake once, being such a naive and innocent child. Her experience is still limited, of course, but at least she has a good enough head on her shoulders to know what to do. At least, when it comes to preparing for the ball. As always, with how limited she is in her choice of dress, she opted into redesigning using the old fabrics of her last dress. This time, however, she won't catch herself stumbling into a flight of stairs. No, the girl created a rather dashing looking suit, fit for a witch like herself. It was teal, with beautiful magenta lace trimmings along the suit blazer and the sleeves. her undershirt a simple black button-up, and pulling it all together with an almost noble-like cape, that has a sort of teal to blue ombre effect on it. Her mask also complementing the outfit well, as she fashioned it similar to a sugar skull, in honor of Dia de los Muertos.

She was as battle-ready as she could ever be for a ball, her wand tucked in safely by her waist, hidden under her cape. Some would say she was proud of what she put together. Though, unlike the last ball, she did not have anyone to accompany her with. As much as she'd be delighted to have someone as brilliant as her friend Pericles, she rather not have him worry for her again, since he might also be overseeing the ball. Not only that, but there's also the bad blood between her and Xailah, and that's the last thing Breana would want to deal with again. She wasn't too upset with her choice. Considering what she had to deal with over the summer, she wasn't keen on putting on a fake smile as of right now. And so, with one good clean tug to adjust her blazer, she was ready to enter the ball.

Breana looked up at the grandiose door in front of her. she could hear the mumbled sounds of the students and the music echoing from it. For a moment, the little girl stepped back. Cold feet is a cruel mistress, yet Breana knew better than to let her consume her thoughts. She took a deep breathed and exhaled. With a quick push through the double doors, The girl makes her daring entrance. There she stood, in the middle of the doorway as she looked over at the crowd. Of course, no one took that much notice, maybe a few craning necks here and there, but none of important note for now. With bated breath, she threw her cape with a grand wae of her arm. Breana created not only a loud whoosh of air but also a sort of flowing effect as she entered deeper into the ballroom.

Being the complete opposite of how a student should be in this ball, she gave a perplexed expression, almost a scowl as she weaved her way through. After a few minutes, her face relaxed as she saw a familiar face... Well, more like familiar height. It was Quinn Healy, and of course, it was hard to miss the freckled lad. And... is that Nico? Breana remembered her in a rather deep conversation she had with her back in the Stands... It's good to know she's in great company now. "Oh, hope I ain't interrupting anything, you two. If I am, I can just waddle along somewhere else..." She teased, hoping to get their attention.

Ball Outfit:

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Paisley’s words struck a chord inside of her. She was right about timing. She doubted there was ever a right time to tell someone what she’d just admitted. And had Sarah had any time to think about it - to actually consider telling Paisley - she no doubt have chickened out of it. Sarah was often rash, making spur of the moment decisions which often got her into trouble. It was this impulsiveness that had led her to snapping at a first year Slytherin who had questioned her loyalty to the house when helping a muggle-born. It was this impulsiveness which made her storm out of the manor on the last day before school started, red-faced and angry after yet another argument with her father. And it was this impulsiveness that had allowed her words to come out so easily.

Sarah felt her stomach clench as she watched Paisley’s gaze fall downwards. Great, I really have ruined this, she thought bitterly. I should have just kept my mouth shut. Stupid. What was I thinking talking abou-, her sporadic thoughts were cut off as fervent eyes met hers. She didn’t know what they meant. She tried to read the girl’s emotions and knew Paisley was doing the same thing, both trying to get a read. She eventually gaze up trying.

“Oh Sarah.” She couldn’t stop herself from cringing slightly at the pity in her friend’s voice. That was one of the main reasons why she always kept her cards so close to her chest. She hated being pitied, hated looking weak. She’d always been a confident child, more outgoing than most, but the loss of her family had made it harder to put herself out there. When coming to Hogwarts, she’d been determined to bring back her confidence, and even if it was sometimes an act, it stopped people from seeing weaknesses.

She’d have apologised again for her macabre thoughts, entirely not befitting the earlier feel of the night. Oh, how she longer to go back to the giggling and twirling they’d been doing before. Though she couldn’t bring herself to completely regret it, and Paisley’s next words were reassuring. Perhaps opening up to the Gryffindor was a real option now. “Thank you,” She said, with a genuine smile. She really did appreciate this girl to no end. She hoped she found it in herself to tell her more one day.

“Now,” She said after a few moments, tone brightening to try and lighten the mood once more. “It’s your turn to tell me about your life at home,” She smiled, genuine curiosity flooding her. She hoped the girl would have something less morbid to say than Sarah had. But who knew really. She knew very little about Paisley and was desperate to know more. And desperate to change the subject, a part of her mind supplied. She chased it away, assuring herself that that was not the case. Definitely not. She even nearly believed herself.

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