4 Oct 2020, 17:19
History Lesson
Of the many acquaintances that Flash was quick to reconnect with, Sylvain had been one of them. They had found each other on the Hogwarts Express already, and it didn’t take long to continue to see one another in the library. Now that they were becoming closer, they sought each other out for company when they were both in the area. It had been that way since nearly the beginning of their Hogwarts career. Something was different that day, though, as Sylvain had asked Flash to accompany himself outside their usual haunt. As for why he was asked, Flash did not inquire, as he was always quick to accept whenever asked anything, more so if it came from a good friend.Backdated: September 26, 2020
The traipse however led down to the Great Lake, Flash insisting on grabbing a big coat for warmth before their scheduled meeting outside the courtyard and subsequent walk down the way. At that time of year, the great body of water and steep hills of the area made for wet and cold weather in the autumn. It had already been evident, it seemed to rain a bit almost every day, and one’s fingers froze even when tucked into pockets. He could easily admit he preferred warmer weather, basking in the warm glow of the sun, but it wasn’t going to stop his morning walks, or his willingness to go along to help Syl with whatever he needed.
Bundled up, he waited for Syl to arrive, the lake dark and misty in the near distance. The sun was out, but staggered clouds gave it no time to heat the ground. It was nearly miserable, but once the sun did shine through, there were moments that the smell of the changing leaves floated in the air and it was actually quite enchanting. And even though he had to take time out of his busy schedule, Flash didn't really mind at all. He liked the feeling of being wanted, of being called on specifically, rather than someone else. It was some kind of affirmation, that he had been thought of. That alone could have warmed him in the coldest night.
Last edited by Flash Holmwood on 3 Dec 2020, 18:58, edited 2 times in total.
For we dreamed a lot//And we schemed a lot//And we tried to sing of love before the stage fell apart
Sta: 9 ★Eva: 5 ★Str: 7 ★Wis: 15 ★AP: 3 ★Acc: 15
4 Oct 2020, 18:40
History Lesson
Hexcode= #3c78d8
It felt like it was only yesterday Syl had asked Flash to accompany him to the lake on an excursion for components. Having not really explained himself, Sylvain was feeling lonely on his most recent trip to the lakeside and thought Flash might be good company. Like a good boy, Flash was always respectful and kind hearted, so it was no surprise when the overly helpful Slytherin agreed before knowing all the details of his request. As always it was best to reach out when you felt like you needed a friend, and a true friend was there when you needed them to be, Sylvain had come seeking his help and he had been there for him.
There were a few components that were on his list of missing ingredients, and though none of them were in the lake save for one, part of the reason Sylvain wanted to venture to the lake was in hopes that enough gillyweed would be near the edge for him to gather some. If not, then perhaps some might wash up on the sand. It was worth checking the bounty of nature every so often if you wanted to gather the best ingredients for the cheapest cost. By now the wistful lad's experiments had extended into the muggle world as well, so he was on the lookout for ingredients twice as often when he was home at Hogwarts.
The nippy weather had little effect on the wizard who'd been born in the midst of a winter storm off the coast of Scotland. Sylvain was dressed in sweats beneath his wool jacket and adorned with muck boots as he made his way to the courtyard to meet with Demetrius Flash. If it rained, he had his wand, though Flash would probably be the one to have the Pluvia Velo charm in a pinch, being the white knight he was. So really all Sylvain needed his wand for was the diffindo charm and a jar for any specimens he needed to sort out later. Still, he took his trowel with him.
Finding his chosen companion for the evening, Sylvain spotted the broodingly handsome boy in his plaid coat. The eagle's sense of pride took a small dip, feeling underdressed in sweats and a raincoat, but approached his friend at ease, calmed by the warmness behind his thoughtful eyes. Holding the trowel in one hand like a murder weapon, and the jar in the other, Sylvain reached forward to give Flash a big squeeze. "Thanks for agreeing to do this, any questions before we go?"
"Things are never so bad they can't be made worse." -Elim Garak
5 Oct 2020, 17:53
History Lesson
When Sylvain approached, Flash smiled and nodded his way, though his conspicuous equipment had an immediate air of mystery. Was he… gardening? Why would one need a jar for… well, Syl returned his baleful smile, though Flash’s had turned more twisted in sheepish confusion as Syl drew closer.
Graciously, Syl seemed to acknowledge the oddity and ask whether Flash needed clarification. Retrieving his smile back from where it fell, Flash nodded again.
”Yes, I ought to inquire about what exactly we’re doing.” Flash looked him up and down, though he assumed it would be innocent. ”I hope I wasn’t supposed to bring my own equipment.”
Regardless of Syl’s answer, the two of them would start their journey heading down the path to the lake. The stifled air had collected into a thick fog, which they disappeared into the further they went. It did somewhat remind him of a few of the mystery novels he read, what with an entreaty to go to a secluded location when visibility is low.
If, for instance, a hag had disguised herself as Syl in this moment, Flash would have been willfully walking to his death with a smile on his face. He hoped at the very least that a hag couldn’t perfectly match someone’s personality as well as looks. As long as there was that weakness, he should be able to tell who was who. That is, of the people he knew well.
”Also, why is it… that you asked me along, if I may ask?” If he was being honest with himself, that was the question more towards the forefront of his mind.
@Sylvain Indarys
Graciously, Syl seemed to acknowledge the oddity and ask whether Flash needed clarification. Retrieving his smile back from where it fell, Flash nodded again.
”Yes, I ought to inquire about what exactly we’re doing.” Flash looked him up and down, though he assumed it would be innocent. ”I hope I wasn’t supposed to bring my own equipment.”
Regardless of Syl’s answer, the two of them would start their journey heading down the path to the lake. The stifled air had collected into a thick fog, which they disappeared into the further they went. It did somewhat remind him of a few of the mystery novels he read, what with an entreaty to go to a secluded location when visibility is low.
If, for instance, a hag had disguised herself as Syl in this moment, Flash would have been willfully walking to his death with a smile on his face. He hoped at the very least that a hag couldn’t perfectly match someone’s personality as well as looks. As long as there was that weakness, he should be able to tell who was who. That is, of the people he knew well.
”Also, why is it… that you asked me along, if I may ask?” If he was being honest with himself, that was the question more towards the forefront of his mind.
@Sylvain Indarys
For we dreamed a lot//And we schemed a lot//And we tried to sing of love before the stage fell apart
Sta: 9 ★Eva: 5 ★Str: 7 ★Wis: 15 ★AP: 3 ★Acc: 15
12 Oct 2020, 03:23
History Lesson
Hexcode= #3c78d8
"No, you didn't have to bring anything." Sylvain said as the pair made their way out of the courtyard and towards the lake. The odd rubber squeaking noise coming from his boots accompanied his every step, and would go seemingly unnoticed to the sheepish scholar. "You're plenty enough for me."
There was quite a bit of silence as the pair walked, though it was neither uncomfortable nor comforting, but more of the calm neutral that Sylvain had come to expect from his time spent with the soft-spoken angel that was his friend.
After minutes of walking Flash sought to understand why Sylvain asked him along, to which Sylvain had a few words of confidence, but also a few of feeling. "You make me feel good," he said in no short terms, though he was incapable of really pinning down the exact reasons why. "Maybe its the comfortable silence, or your preparedness to help me?" He would shrug to indicate he knew little other than how he felt.
He would look to the sky, the only evidence of the sun being that warm glow from behind the thick and wooly fog that curled in the cold autumn air. "You're my friend, and I'd rather gather my components with a friend." Sylvain was instantly curious as to what Flash thought he was agreeing to when he asked him to meet him in the courtyard. "What did you think we'd be doing?"
Mentions @Flash Holmwood
"Things are never so bad they can't be made worse." -Elim Garak
13 Oct 2020, 14:13
History Lesson
It seemed Flash had done exactly as he was meant to, and that Syl had only ever intended to ask him along for company. That was just as well, since that was the foundation of their friendship to begin with. They didn’t need any more explanation than that, Flash was well aware of the benefit of having people around. This year even more than last, he didn’t even want to spend a single moment away from others, lest he become inundated with thoughts and feelings he was trying to run away from. While normally he would have felt as though he had intentionally set himself up to be pleasurable company to others, Sylvain was a bit of a different case. He had never originally intended to convince Syl to be his friend, it had just sort of happened. Perhaps then, it meant a lot more that he had still somehow managed to ‘be enough’.
Sylvain continued the explanation, the simple answer being the true one. Flash made him feel good, his silence was comfortable. That wouldn’t come as a surprise to the boy who spent every effort to be amenable and easy to get along with, though it didn’t make it any less nice to hear. It seemed, in short, that Sylvain wanted company for the afternoon and chose him. Flash adored being chosen, a large smile growing in the mask of the fog.
And at last, the mention of the task at hand. Gathering components could mean a few things, but Flash knew a thing or two about his companion already by that point. He was fascinated by potions, read and re-read massive tomes on them in the library all the time. Certainly he was going around Hogwarts grounds to gather what he could from the wild. Commendable, as there was no need to pay someone else to do something you were perfectly capable of doing yourself. In that instance, one could also be a bit more picky, and get something fresher. Flash admired people who were ready to get their hands dirty to follow their passion… as it were.
”I suppose I hadn’t thought about it much at all…” Flash’s words trailed off, realizing they were nearing the lake, though it was difficult to get his bearing. ”I trust you, so I figured no matter what it was, I would be glad to help. I presume you would do the same for me.”
As they could start to hear the nearing sounds of water lapping against the rocky shore, their pace slowed down. Smells of fish and algae replaced the long forgotten warmth of the Great Hall they had left from.
”Do you collect components here often? I can’t say I have much knowledge about the local flora.” A small chuckle escaped him, noting his gap in knowledge. ”Not that I haven’t belligerently picked wild flowers anyway, I paid dearly for that.”
@Sylvain Indarys
Sylvain continued the explanation, the simple answer being the true one. Flash made him feel good, his silence was comfortable. That wouldn’t come as a surprise to the boy who spent every effort to be amenable and easy to get along with, though it didn’t make it any less nice to hear. It seemed, in short, that Sylvain wanted company for the afternoon and chose him. Flash adored being chosen, a large smile growing in the mask of the fog.
And at last, the mention of the task at hand. Gathering components could mean a few things, but Flash knew a thing or two about his companion already by that point. He was fascinated by potions, read and re-read massive tomes on them in the library all the time. Certainly he was going around Hogwarts grounds to gather what he could from the wild. Commendable, as there was no need to pay someone else to do something you were perfectly capable of doing yourself. In that instance, one could also be a bit more picky, and get something fresher. Flash admired people who were ready to get their hands dirty to follow their passion… as it were.
”I suppose I hadn’t thought about it much at all…” Flash’s words trailed off, realizing they were nearing the lake, though it was difficult to get his bearing. ”I trust you, so I figured no matter what it was, I would be glad to help. I presume you would do the same for me.”
As they could start to hear the nearing sounds of water lapping against the rocky shore, their pace slowed down. Smells of fish and algae replaced the long forgotten warmth of the Great Hall they had left from.
”Do you collect components here often? I can’t say I have much knowledge about the local flora.” A small chuckle escaped him, noting his gap in knowledge. ”Not that I haven’t belligerently picked wild flowers anyway, I paid dearly for that.”
@Sylvain Indarys
For we dreamed a lot//And we schemed a lot//And we tried to sing of love before the stage fell apart
Sta: 9 ★Eva: 5 ★Str: 7 ★Wis: 15 ★AP: 3 ★Acc: 15
25 Oct 2020, 20:27
History Lesson
Hexcode= #507091
Curious as to what he had meant by "paid for that," Sylvain held onto the thought as he answered Flash's questions and made his own point.
"I do try to make a habit out of keeping fresh ingredients, but it's important to make sure you don't irresponsibly overharvest as well." Sylvain motioned to a patch of flowers where a student had clearly cut them, perhaps with a knife, their wand, or a rock. "These will never grow back now," Sylvain said pensively while kneeling down into the dirt. In short order, Sylvain pulled a few seeds from his bag and planted them near the root structure of the dead flowers. "Its of the utmost importance to replace anything you take from nature whenever possible." He would turn his head to Flash to acknowledge that his words made sense with a smile.
Regardless, the lad stood and peered out onto the lake. Spotting a small bundle of kelp-like growth mere feet from the water's edge, Sylvain was tempted to wade out and retrieve the bundle. If he did, it might be gillyweed. Such a plant, even stored for a few months, would give him the ability to finally explore the waters surrounding his home in Inverie. "Hold the thought Flash," the lad said unexplainedly wading to nearly his knees in the water of the lake. "I think I see some gillyweed just within reach of shore. I'd be a fool not to grab it while we're here."
Mentions @Flash Holmwood
"Things are never so bad they can't be made worse." -Elim Garak
3 Nov 2020, 14:01
History Lesson
At the water’s edge, there was an extra bite of cold carried off the wind that graced the mirror-like surface of the water. It nipped at Flash’s nose, making him wish he had thought to bring a scarf along as well. It wouldn’t be long before nearly every excursion outside would need a full set of protective, warm clothing. He was listening quietly to Sylvain’s words, huddling his arms up close to himself and smiling. Practical and responsible, things that Flash valued as well. Flash was fond of Ravenclaw and its values, having been told more than once that he belonged in the house himself. Of course, those who said that only knew what he let them know about him. It was the things he didn’t express that made it clear that he belonged in Slytherin. When Sylvain turned back, Flash nodded in full agreement.
”The plants are lucky to have such a thoughtful harvester.” Flash’s mouth curled into a cheeky smile, though he was hardly making fun. On the contrary, he found himself having to resist laughing at how cute and sweet Sylvain was without even seeming to try.
Flash’s smile dropped, however, when Sylvain mentioned wading into the murky black depths. That wasn’t cute at all, that was extremely dangerous. He began to take a few steps before Flash lept into action, walking forward to hold Sylvain back by his arm.
”Hold on!” Flash’s voice was suddenly commanding. ”You’d be more of a fool to go into that lake.”
While the tone may have seemed like one of chastisement, Flash’s face reflected genuine worry. Perhaps Sylvain didn’t realize just how dangerous it was, somehow. Flash might have been biased in his knowledge by nature of the fact that he lived and slept inside that cold, dark lake.
”It will be freezing, and not to mention that horrible squid that lives there. Gillyweed can’t be worth risking your health… or your life for, can it?” Flash tugged lightly on Sylvain’s arm, hoping to pull him away from the edge.
@Sylvain Indarys
”The plants are lucky to have such a thoughtful harvester.” Flash’s mouth curled into a cheeky smile, though he was hardly making fun. On the contrary, he found himself having to resist laughing at how cute and sweet Sylvain was without even seeming to try.
Flash’s smile dropped, however, when Sylvain mentioned wading into the murky black depths. That wasn’t cute at all, that was extremely dangerous. He began to take a few steps before Flash lept into action, walking forward to hold Sylvain back by his arm.
”Hold on!” Flash’s voice was suddenly commanding. ”You’d be more of a fool to go into that lake.”
While the tone may have seemed like one of chastisement, Flash’s face reflected genuine worry. Perhaps Sylvain didn’t realize just how dangerous it was, somehow. Flash might have been biased in his knowledge by nature of the fact that he lived and slept inside that cold, dark lake.
”It will be freezing, and not to mention that horrible squid that lives there. Gillyweed can’t be worth risking your health… or your life for, can it?” Flash tugged lightly on Sylvain’s arm, hoping to pull him away from the edge.
@Sylvain Indarys
For we dreamed a lot//And we schemed a lot//And we tried to sing of love before the stage fell apart
Sta: 9 ★Eva: 5 ★Str: 7 ★Wis: 15 ★AP: 3 ★Acc: 15
3 Nov 2020, 16:09
History Lesson
Hexcode= #507091
Shocked by the sudden spike in his friend's voice as his grasp squeezed his arm a bit too tight, Sylvain turned around wide-eyed to ogle Flash. Having recognized concern for his well being in Flash's voice and hearing those same worries in his own head before, it was not difficult for the wistful lad to draw two and two together. Though he would hardly be inclined to stop just because something was a bit more dangerous than it was safe. Sylvain felt as though this could hardly be the danger Flash thought it was. "Look there," he said defiantly, pointing only a few feet from the shoreline. "A bit of the stuff within wading distance. I won't go deeper than my boots even." As he had taken the first step into the water, a plume of muddy clay would cloud cover the muck beneath him, obscuring vision even further. There certainly was no way of telling what lie in the depths below and ahead, except that which he needed most desperately. Answers to his questions, gillyweed being that which would illuminate the truth hidden in the dark depths near Inverness.
The bit of kelp, as it was kelp unbeknownst to both, swayed with the ebb and flow of the water. Its features were barely distinguishable amidst the Great Lake's many other sprouts, algae and flora. "I swear its gillyweed, and I need it if I want to explore the waters around my home in Inverness." His face scrunched up for a moment, disgusted at the feelings that had been forced upon him as he turned his face to Flash yet again. The only part of him that lay submerged were his toes, yet he couldn't help but feel as though Flash thought him adrift at sea for his first step to have caused such worry to become apparent in his features. Carefully, Sylvain chose words he hoped would relieve him of Flash's concerns, "No fool would ever listen to caution, but if I took your advice right now I'd be an even bigger fool. One who gave up on his dreams." Caring as it might have been, there was palpable tension now. It had been set in stone when Flash uttered that initial command to stop. Perhaps it was the way he grabbed Sylvain's arm, or maybe it was the way Flash's words felt like chastisement after the initial wave of worry and panic had subsided. Ultimately, it upset Sylvain greatly to be discouraged from what he thought was his purpose.
"Let me go Flash." He said in a flat tone whilst tugging his arm loose. The lad's eyes betraying the pain his friend had inflicted upon him without needing to say it aloud. "I have questions, and I must seek the answers."
Mentions @
"Things are never so bad they can't be made worse." -Elim Garak
3 Nov 2020, 18:09
History Lesson
Flash’s face softened slightly as Sylvain fought against him. Why doesn’t he just do as I say? There was always a mild, selfish twinge of frustration when he wasn’t obeyed. After all, he was right, wasn’t he? He was yelling for the right reasons, right? Clearly there was something else going on, Sylvain wasn’t so thrifty as to abandon all logic. Then again, Flash had to admit that the more time he spent with him, the less it seemed the eagle chose his path based on logic alone, but instead found that he often abandoned logic to chase his heart. Perhaps neither of them were very stereotypical of their respective houses.
”Excuses…” Flash muttered as Syl proclaimed the safety of his travails. The two squirmed around, neither seeming to want to back down from their point-of-view.
Then, Sylvain said something strange. Explore the waters of his home? While any young adventurous spirit may have found some joy in embarking on an undersea adventure, Sylvain didn’t seem to be fighting for the right to play. He said ‘need’, and was cross with Flash for stopping him. Then… ‘his dreams’? There was clearly missing information here.
”What?” Rather than form a coherent sentence, Flash was dumbfounded. What Syl was saying wasn’t the logical conclusion to the argument they were having, it was a full-blown mystery. What on earth was he talking about?
When Sylvain bid him to let go, he did. If he was missing part of the puzzle, perhaps he was being the foolish one. He wasn’t going to presume he was right when he clearly didn’t know everything. Flash couldn’t find ground to insist upon when he didn’t even know where he was standing.
”What do you mean your dreams, and the waters around your home? What questions?” Flash’s voice was quieter and lighter now, there was nothing that intrigued him like a mystery. ”It sounds important to you, but… I don’t understand…”
@Sylvain Indarys
”Excuses…” Flash muttered as Syl proclaimed the safety of his travails. The two squirmed around, neither seeming to want to back down from their point-of-view.
Then, Sylvain said something strange. Explore the waters of his home? While any young adventurous spirit may have found some joy in embarking on an undersea adventure, Sylvain didn’t seem to be fighting for the right to play. He said ‘need’, and was cross with Flash for stopping him. Then… ‘his dreams’? There was clearly missing information here.
”What?” Rather than form a coherent sentence, Flash was dumbfounded. What Syl was saying wasn’t the logical conclusion to the argument they were having, it was a full-blown mystery. What on earth was he talking about?
When Sylvain bid him to let go, he did. If he was missing part of the puzzle, perhaps he was being the foolish one. He wasn’t going to presume he was right when he clearly didn’t know everything. Flash couldn’t find ground to insist upon when he didn’t even know where he was standing.
”What do you mean your dreams, and the waters around your home? What questions?” Flash’s voice was quieter and lighter now, there was nothing that intrigued him like a mystery. ”It sounds important to you, but… I don’t understand…”
@Sylvain Indarys
For we dreamed a lot//And we schemed a lot//And we tried to sing of love before the stage fell apart
Sta: 9 ★Eva: 5 ★Str: 7 ★Wis: 15 ★AP: 3 ★Acc: 15
4 Nov 2020, 14:10
History Lesson
Hexcode= #507091
"Thanks," Sylvain said as he rubbed his arm where Flash's worried nanny grip had most certainly left a bruise. The source of his pain gone, Sylvain's features quickly softened again. "It's hard to explain." Sylvain said softly with a bit of guilt and a twinge of uncertainty. "That is, I'm not sure I know exactly what it is I'm looking for." His mouth would make a screwed up smile, lips pursed tight as they twisted to one corner of his face. He was sad that he didn't know where to start, and melancholic that he didn't understand how to start looking. Believing that gillyweed was his only shot in the dark made it so that Flash's intervention felt like the dashing of his hopes rather than friendly and cautionary advice.
"I have this dream, that I'm home near Inverness and I fall into the water and just..." his voice trailing as he looked to Flash for reassurance that he was still trying to understand him. That his words weren't striking the dumbfounded jock like bricks splashing into a swimming pool. "I just can't help but shake the feeling that there are answers to questions I don't know how to ask hidden beneath the water." He choked up for a minute, waiting for his tears to dry so he could explain himself a little further. He didn't mention the drowning feeling, or the beautiful singing voice in haunting his memories. These were things he hadn't proved to be real enough yet.
"I, haven't told anyone all of it before, so I suppose I owe you some kind of explanation but..." It was hard to admit it, so he swallowed the lump in his throat and spat it out like it plagued him. It was a genuine mystery, one Sylvain had no idea how to ask for help with, and one that had no obvious lead. "But I don't know my birth parents. All I know is that Rosie says they found me on the shore one morning. It was like I'd washed up from the ocean and..." His voice trailed again as he felt his story had become less believable. Like if he didn't have proof of it, it was somehow more made up than it was real. But oh, was it real. "And I just need to see for myself that nothing is out there."
He would look to Flash again, eyes pleading for understanding and acceptance. "You understand me right?"
Mentions @
"Things are never so bad they can't be made worse." -Elim Garak