Event The Fall Ball (Masquerade)

Mod Posts
First | Second | Third | Fourth

For those who were dancing, eating, and spending time with their friends, the fights breaking out were nothing more than what they were-- someone elses' problem. A few students might be excited to see members of the orchestra getting up for the mid-night switch-over. They went off to take a break while a few more modern instruments were ushered in, such as guitars, mandolins, and drums. There was still light playing in-between, but the longer the night went on, the more it would be turning from an elegant ball to a late-night party. Not that the change wouldn't be somewhat subtle, the next music would still be mostly dramatic instrumental music, just a few more surprising elements.

It seemed the surprises never ended, given the shocking appearance of a spectral horse rider. Lots of students dutifully followed the ghost cat, others were unfazed. They followed the age-old mantra of 'dance 'til you drop' very seriously. As they should!

Whenever passion runs high, there will inevitably be a tiny bit of violence as well. Of course, @Erin Ryan likely would have started a fight no matter how much passion was in the air. She brought a date would could also hold his own in a fight, but was it destined to be the two of them versus the whole school? Most people didn't want to interfere, though it seemed the Slytherin dueling team felt some kind of obligation to break it up, perhaps because their co-captain was the first responder.


After blows were exchanged, something about @Nico Shymane changed. She was normally so sweet and soft-spoken, but one look at her now would leave one wondering how they had ever found such softness in her features to begin with. Never wanting to fight, yet always being a target, @Quinn Healy did his best to avoid destruction. Meanwhile, the painful convulsions in @Kyle DeRook's sides would start to ache. Nobody came to his rescue, in fact, it seemed more people were attacking him now!


Kyle was not having a great dance so far, Erin was likely about to get a fresh wave of guilt as she continued to absolutely destroy Quinn bit by bit as Kyle worked as an unintentional damage sponge. @Santario Martin was proving to be easily distracted, the sudden change in Nico made her second guess the attack she was clearly building up to casting. @Amara Dragamior was sooooo close to blinding Erin with the signature Veridian Vipers move, but instead got some smoke in her lungs from her fleeing dueling partner, @Henry Knight. In fact, a small cloud engulfed Erin, Quinn, Kyle as well, while Henry fled to the Hunt rather than sticking around. I'm sure Amara is going to be really happy about that. Team bonding.

There was more than one fight now, of course. @Vladimir Athanatos had lots of enemies, and he was expecting trouble at any moment. Perhaps his instincts weren't as good as he supposed, since his eyes were on the smooch-happy captain rather than the masquerade's host. Was he prepared for anything?


Vladimir apparently couldn't have been more surprised if he tried. Perhaps it was Flash's calm, friendly disposition, or the reflection off of Rafael's rippling muscles glinting in his eyes. Either way, the eagle was getting a knuckle sandwich.

That wasn't the only exciting activity, and I'm not talking about two Hufflepuffs' first kiss. There were some tiny terrors on the loose, though they had gone almost completely undiscovered. One had tangled with the wrong prefect, the one who threw it into a fire not too long ago. Now, it would find itself careening into her hand magically, a convenient sewing needle poised to bite.

Meenauh casts Summoning Charm on the Admirer [WDC 9]
Meenauh's cast: 1d20 [6] + 15 = 21 (success)
Admirer's attack auto-hits for a flat 25 damage
Is it a bleeding wound? 1 - yes, 2 - no
1d2 [2] (Wound is not bleeding)
Meenauh's health: 375/400

Roll to see if Meenauh can keep her grip
Meenauh's stamina: 1d20 [4] + 4 = 8 (failure)
Admirer's evasion: 1d20 [14] + 10 = 24 (success)

Thankfully, the prick wasn't as bad as it could have been, but the shock of pain made @Meenauh Silmataurea unable to keep the creature from wriggling out of her fingers. It was going to need more than a sewing needling if it wanted to murder Meenauh, though, but luckily, multiple students brought knives to the ball. As the students fled to the Hunt, the miniature creep would look for a weapon.

Admirer looks for a knife [WIS]
DC 25 (very hard)
1d20 [16] + 10 = 26 (success)

@Xailah Alptraum would be looking in the direction, but it wouldn't be as simple a task as it should have been, with so many students rushing out of the door to chase a kitty.

Xailah watches Meenauh get attacked [WIS]
Range of DCs: 15, 20, 25
1d20 [9] + 10 = 19 (moderate success)

Yes, something was certainly wrong! Meenauh was struggling with something, but what exactly it was would elude her. Something small flew into her hand, and just as quickly got dropped. Meenauh looks hurt! What is going on? Hilariously enough, @Zykeal Lane had seen Meenauh struggling as well, but decided it wasn't worth his time. He was currently devoted to flirting instead.

The other imp seemed to be having a lot more success with its chosen target. It wouldn't be long now, what with @Breana Oliveire willfully leaving her friends and allies behind. After all, they were getting into a big fight, there's no way was she walking into something far more dangerous.

Breana looks for her missing cloak [WIS]
DC 15 (moderate)
1d20 [2] + 10 = 12(failure)

Maybe there was too much going on, because the normally observant eagle was lost. She was looking for people wearing her garment, rather than in the one spot a tiny doppelganger could stow away.

Pursuer rolls to pull Breana under the table [STR vs STR]
I made this auto-succeed for Breana's last roll, but gave her the chance to struggle against the pull
Pursuer's pull: 1d20 [10] + 10 = 20 (failure)
Breana's resist: 1d20 [19] + 3 = 22 (success)

While Breana was minding her own business looking around the dance floor, she received a strong yank on her pant leg. Such a weird day! Even though it was strong, adrenaline kicked in and Breana rescued her leg from peril. Was it something underneath the table? If she looked around to see if anyone else saw that, the answer is no. It looks like there is no explanation for the odd occurrences happening around her.

@Lindsey Springhall (NPC Maximilien de Fostoncy) would want an extra look at the strange breaking windows, but no amount of stellar observational skills would grant him anything beyond what was evident when looking. The glass was clearly not broken, it was some ghostly illusion. With the violent storm raging outside, it would have been obvious if there was an opening. Such pretty windows, though. Hogwarts is such a beautiful place! I hope you're enjoying your visit!

@Autumn Ivy also felt something was up, and a few students were guessing that the hunt was merely a distraction. Certainly an interesting thought, as she scanned the room for anything at all out of place.

Autumn looks for suspicious activity [WIS]
DC range 15, 20, 25
1d20 [5] +7 = 12 (failure)

Even though it was a valiant effort, there was too much commotion in the moment, and it was hard to tell if any of it was important, or just teenagers being teenagers.

Actions this round
@Bridget Collins moved from the Costume Party to the Masquerade.
@Jack Burnett moved from the Costume Party to the Masquerade.
@Jake Morris moved from the Costume Party to the Masquerade.
@Lucia Fox checked out the Hunt and came back to the Masquerade.
@Ruka Burnett-Tân moved from the Costume Party to the Masquerade.

To the Hunt (closed November 7th)

[font=Monotype Corsiva]For your consideration[/font]

• There will be a mod post every Friday, meaning the next mod will be on November 13th.
• There are two parties going on simultaneously, the Masquerade in the Ballroom and the Costume Party in the Rehearsal Room. Both are on the fourth floor of Hogwarts, so travelling between the two does not take much time. For ease of moderation, please clearly denote when you are going from one to the other. During moderation, this takes a full action.
• For a limited time (until November 7th) students may go join a mysterious Hunt. Only one characters of yours (either your main or NPC) may participate.
• Because changing parties is considered an action, this means you can switch once a week, though that also means you won't be able to take another action until the next mod.
• Actions besides changing parties are any attempt to do something to someone else such as attack, investigate, cast any spell, or generally anything that has a chance to fail depending on your stats. Minor interactions that are agreed upon between two players are free to take as much as you like. If you're unsure whether your intended plan involves an action, you can feel free to message me for clarification. Please do not roll your own actions even if they are minor.

[font=Monotype Corsiva]Roleplaying as iNPC Enzo Delcroix
When speaking in English uses: This Colour
When in French uses: This colour plus Italics & Bold
Interacting with: @Lana Monet
Mentioning: N/A
~ Open to brief Interactions - But owl first (: ~
Outfit:[/font]

Reducio

The deep blue eyes that the French boy was adorned with flickered briefly. They had softened for a quick moment. Ever so slightly, and it didn't last long but it happened.
"Correct, I suppose first impressions don't have to mean everything" He responded.

There were bits and pieces of chaos all over different parts of the room but Enzo was unfazed. Probably these types of things would frustrate the typical person, but Enzo was the opposite, it didn't bother him in the least. The drama didn't concern him so for once he simply just ignored it...

Well up until the booming sound of thunder mixed with a strike of lighting erupted and echoed throughout the entire room.

Enzo halted. He stopped "dancing" and turned to see a ghost rider of some kind gallop into the room and break out into a riddle or something. Enzo's curiosity bloomed slightly as he listened to his little speech. A small voice at the back of his mind was nagging him to figure out what was all that about but he didn't pay much heed to it.

Once the room started buzzing with conversations again Enzo's gaze slowly returned to Lana.
"Odd" He murmured and then paused for a few seconds with an expression that appeared to be in thought.

"If you would like you can go and find that friend of yours. I am not going to tether you to me all night" He finally spoke up to her. He knew that she could very well leave if she wanted to but he nevertheless felt that he needed to tell her that.
Even though there was not even a hint of sweetness in his voice (because he would never allow for that) he had meant this as a good gesture. He didn't like this so-called "kind" side of him one bit. It made him feel extremely uneasy but his opinion on Lana was changing, he was starting to think she was actually... possibly... alright?

@Cade Darkbound
Romah felt tears well in her eyes at his response. She turned away from Cade to avoid his gaze. She didn't want him to notice her weakness. You know what...I should probably go. She picked up her skirts and ran out of the ballroom and into the hallway. She pressed her fists to her eyes to stop the tears from streaming down her face and ruining her mascara. Young couples walked through the hallway and snickered at her. She wanted to get up and punch them, kick them, HURT them but she couldn't bring herself to. She leaned against the wall and tried to forget what Cade had said. Boom, busted into the friend zone she imagined her sister saying. She pulled out her diary from her bag and opened to the first page she had written from Hogwarts and reread her work.

Dear Diary,
Today in the corridors I met this boy named Cade Darkbound. He is very nice and he seems like someone I can be very good friends with. I hope we can be good friends but secretly I like him. Like, LIKE like him. I wonder if he feel the same way? I honestly doubt it.

She chuckled. At least now she knew she was right.

The intention to ignore anything but the danger was so carved in stone in Meenauh's mind that she indeed didn't pay attention to anything else, but the source. No fighting in one corner (Should she stop it as a prefect? Where are professors?), no fighting into another corner. She didn't even see Xailah or hear her as the noise from the crowd would hinder her words from being heard. At the moment it was Meenauh and The Doll.

The signature spell was cast in some direction and she saw the doll whistling through the air towards her open hand. The doll animated in the air, rolling and instead of the soft cloth, Meenauh felt something piercing her hand.

"Ow!" she exclaimed and dropped the doll before getting a good grip over it. The doll fell and disappeared in the crowd, while Meenauh was in the sudden shock. The pain would quickly dissipate, but sort of mind concussion would still remain. The mind would process, the mind would search, but the duty was too strong. She continued to look for it. Now with her blood boiling as the mind concussion was wearing off. The time was escaping as fast as the ballroom was losing people.

"Accio doll" she exclaimed again, this time with a furious intention to punch it or cut it in half with a Diffindo or something. The spell was made for cloth by design, right?

Action: summon the doll again, now being more aware of what it can do.

Interacting with @Starlee Kennedy | Closed to further interactions
Mentioning @Cassandra Ironwoods & @Hanako Tone
HTML colour is 73781E
Post Tracker: [x] [x] [x] [x] [x] [x] [x] [x] [x]

The bad news was, Hanako wasn't taking the hint at all. He didn't move to interject and introduce himself when Tina was visibly clueless, perhaps out of spite but perhaps out of uselessness too. He really wasn't obliging with this whole 'being her date' thing. Thankfully, Starlee was too prideful to notice this, instead conveniently ignoring Tina's slight mishap so that she could share her thoughts on his 'fish-boy costume, her stare judgemental and derisive. Briefly, Tina felt a tad protective of poor Hanako (she had an awful costume too, and as a result felt a certain sense of kinship towards him), but this feeling soon went away. After all, Starlee wasn't wrong.

Tina's face dropped completely, however, when Starlee revealed that she too had a boy metaphorically hanging off her shoulder tonight; a boy that was important and popular enough to be off chatting to others. The Hufflepuff couldn't bring herself to hide the scowl that made its way onto her features, her eyes narrowing at the snake before her. She could make all sorts of scathing remarks about her now, but her ego wilted as her costume was bought to attention once again. There was no way anyone was going to take her bitter words seriously with the look she had going on, but she couldn't let Starlee win. No way.

"Who did your make up?" she said, no longer willing to take the subtle approach with this game of taunts they had going on. "They should get their wrist checked. And their eyes. It's very wonky. Ruins the whole lo0k you're meant to have going on, or whatever. Shame."

Luckily - or not so much, depending on how you viewed the situation - before Tina could destroy her crumbling friendship with the Slytherin any more, something very strange happened. Bursting dramatically into the Ballroom was a ghostly knight and his steed. Tina couldn't see what was happening all that clearly though the crowds, though the chain of upset reactions that came next her told the Hufflepuff that something wasn't right. The illusion of shattered windows and the suddenness of the rider's entrance resulted in an eruption of short screams, people clamouring to get away, but this was nothing compared to the horrifying words that came next.

"Time is running out!" Tina peered around. Running out? She was confused, slightly annoyed that she'd been interrupted, but also very intrigued by the stranger. "Something terrible is creeping about this castle, and if no one stops it, tragedy cannot be avoided." The reaction from this was one of worry. She glanced to Hanako, wondering if he might be more clued in to what was going on. "If no one steps up to face this challenge, we are all doomed." This was a rather bitter sentiment. Her heart pounded in her chest, panic flooding through her veins. Graceful apparition? Was that him, or someone else? "Follow the graceful apparition to find the riddle’s first piece - and if you need my help, call my full name."

What the hell was his name?

Tina was so distracted by the whole ordeal that she didn't even notice Cash coming over, laughing loudly at her costume and offering private words of advice to Starlee. If she had seen it, she would have been incredibly jealous. Instead, her eyes followed the swarm of masked students heading out of the ballroom, perhaps seeking an idea as to what was going on.

Okay. Mission Make Masquerade Miserable could wait, and so could Tina's supposed 'date'. She took one look back at Starlee before, without another word, following the others.

Action: Join The Hunt

Stamina 4 • Evasion 7 • Strength 3 • Wisdom 6 • Arcane Power 8 • Accuracy 7
Ability: The Muggle Condition

Reducio

outfit of the day~

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Stamina: 6 | Evasion: 6 | Strength: 4 | Wisdom: 7 | Arcane Power: 5 | Accuracy: 7
Seer | Binding Mark

Mentioning @Percival Rainwood

Percival truly had to have sensitive feet as Opeila was really not heavy. Due to the events in the last weeks and months- Actually the whole year really- eating and taking care of personal needs had not been very high up on the second years priority list. She had missed out on many meals and was probably even a little underweight.
"Sorry...", she murmured in his direction.

She took her hand off of Percival's shoulder, when a ghost rider loudly made his appearance. The fingers of her left hand stayed locked with Percival's, the tips of her right could feel the wand in the hidden pocket in the skirt of her dress. Other than looking pretty, the glitter served as amazing camouflage for pockets.
Her eyes narrowed a little at the ghost's words. Danger? Where they actually in danger? Opeila's paranoia was kicked back to life in a moment. They were doomed if they didn't fight? Would they make it out of this event alive?

Images of Victor's motionless body, blood on his hands. Her own blood on her hands. Jack kneeling next to the body, crying. Images that threatened to rip her heart open over and over again.
She shook her head, trying to push the memories of that day out of her head. Still, Opeila couldn't help but search the room with her eyes, the walls, the ceilings, if anything was creeping up on them while the ghost was still talking.
Quickly she spotted the glowing cat. For a second she squeezed Percival's hand a little more tightly and nodded in the animal's direction. "Look at that... Do you know what that is? I've never seen an animal like that.", she asked her boyfriend.

Her head turned to the ghost again when he started to talk of a riddle. So chances were, that this was actually a planned thing and no interruption by ghost intruders. "Sounds fun, don't you think?", she could only say, before the cat disappeared around a corner. "Our lead is escaping!" Thankful for her flat ballerinas and her light dress, she followed the strange cat, pulling Percival with her.

Leaving the Masquerade to join the Hunt

────────────────── ♖ ──────────────────

Interacting With: @Piérre Marchonné as Romeo Marchonne
Mentioning: Marion Davenport
Hex Color: #0080BF

─────────────────── • ───────────────────

"Leave bird love, yes? Dance?"

Dance? What? Romeo’s request, at first, would seem to befuddle for the young Norwegian amidst his state of acute observation, the words tearing the young man from his forlorn trance as eyes once trained on the beautiful blonde now attached themselves to his lovely companion. Romeo’s words, he supposed, had come as a bit of a surprise – it would take the duelist a moment to dismiss his own previous self-conscious train of thought, his mouth taking care to reiterate the words of his friend silently. Dance… with Romeo? Well, he reasoned with a humored look, it was quite the interesting offer, one he would waste not a moment more in accepting with an air of vigor. He would straighten up his posture, puffing his chest out comically as he regarded that of his classmate, a silly smile alight on his face. “Let us be off, then,” he spoke properly, fumbling grandly with his robes. He would then clap his hand into the outstretched one offered by his fellow student, his demeanor pleasant, as if he were absolutely delighted to be asked for a dance. He would not make any attempt to fight the pull of his friend as he was guided to the dance floor – there was really no need to contest the grip of the Broom Racer. He was, of course, not especially gifted in the strength arena.

Upon reaching the destination Romeo had so desired, Hanzo would promptly release the other’s hand, his smile only having grown as he repositioned his arms around his dance partner with a practiced sort of ease. Dance portraits, that was a neat coincidence – the images had caught the ex-Captain’s gaze, and for a moment, he would allow himself to be distracted by their lovely skills, dead to the world about him. Then, startling from his trance, “You know how to dance?” he would ask jestingly, his attention flitting back to Romeo. “Maybe you could teach me – I’m afraid I have two left feet.” A blatant lie, but one stated in good nature… it was very much possible Romeo hadn’t been taught how to dance. And, in the case that he had been, what danger was it, to make a game out of being taught? As long as it was all in good fun, right? Taking care to offer another warm ‘Hanzo’ look, he would roll his neck, picking up the front of his robes as if they were a ball gown and doing a curtsy as to humor his mate. “Shall I have this dance, then, my dear Romeo?” he would state in his soft voice, a snicker punctuating his request. “Going to sweep me off my feet?” He would remain unaware of the arrival of the ghost, the troublesome events of the ball to his back – would Romeo alert him? Would they be able to go through with their dance?

[font=segoe print]─────────Statistics─────────[/font]

STAM | 4 EVA | 10 STR | 3

WIS | 10 ARC | 4 ACC | 10

────────────────────────────── Nonhuman Enthusiast | +1 in all rolls against Parselmouth, Metamorphmagus, part-Veela, part-Giant, part-Goblin, Dhampir, Seer and Werewolves. This also applies to non-human event creatures/mobs. ────────────────────────────── Comprehend Languages | +10% Wisdom and you may choose one additional magical language that you learn [Parseltongue]. ──────────────────────────────

Action • Distracted, Asking Romeo for a Dance

Open to Interactions; Currently With his Twin, Marion & Hanzo
Mentioning: @Rafael D'Spacito as Hanzo & @Piérre Marchonné

Hanzo had been relatively quiet ever since I had offered the dance. Had it been because of the girl's presence? Yes, I was protective of my brother, if only because he's my blood and my responsibility to care for no matter what, but surely there was nothing so ominous about her that would cause my friend to feel concern for my... relatively capable twin. "H-Hanzo?" I shake his shoulder, gently trying to tug him away. "What's the matter, comrade?" I may not be as empathic as my brother, but I know when there is something wrong with someone I have had time to get to know. Introverted though I may be, I understand hesitation on an intimate level. My own life has been filled with hesitation and second thoughts. When have I ever jumped into anything without weighing my options?

Hanzo's hand caught my arm, and I return to the moment, finally permitting myself to forget about Piérre and the worries that came of my innately protective nature. Smiling for the second, but hopefully not the last time this night, I finally brought Hanzo the the spot, letting him take his fill of the portraits which hung around the area. I never grew tired of watching magical portraits, the simple joys of magic never failing to enthrall me.

Hahaha, Hanzo thought that I could dance? He thought that I could teach him the things that I didn't know? With a sidelong look, I chuckle half to myself and half to Hanzo. "I have no idea how to dance. I am the wrong person to be asking this." Despite myself, however, I take one of Hanzo's shoulders and with my other hand take one of his. "I'm going to give you a dance you'll never forget." Vowing this, I try to guide Hanzo in a semblance of a true dance.

It started out kind of plain. I was nervous, let there be no doubt. I didn't know how to dance, and in fact, that was more of my brother's domain... so, there was just quiet rocking, back and forth and back and forth. It was gentle, really, just quiet and peaceful. Just the crowd among us, ignoring the shouts and chattering of the rest of the crowd. I was just trying to think, to focus on not stepping on his feet, and not to trip over my own.

And then I turned red. I couldn't just be docile anymore. I had to act. Perhaps I am too strong for my own good, either that or Hanzo is just the perfect weight to guide, but without much effort, I begin to further the dance, adding twists to it and offering a few more flamboyant turns and twists. Still not enough to attract attention, but just enough to offer a thrill of movement and change. Finally, I spun Hanzo once, throwing him away from myself as he turned beneath my hand, and then, before he could lose his grip, I yanked him inward, hugging him tightly and steadying him after the fast-paced changes of momentum.

I hadn't felt anything in that moment: no fear, no shyness. It had just been the two of us dancing and expressing ourselves. Being shorter than him, my ear was against his chest, listening to his heartbeat, and listening to my own. Were they beating in time?

A sound of shattering glass shattered the illusion of peace as a chill filled the room. Pulling away from Hanzo and pushing him behind my stalwart form, I watched suspiciously as a ghostly horseman gallops into the center of the room, his stallion rearing and foaming. Is this a challenge? Is this an opponent I'm supposed to worry about. His presence brings a chill to the room, and my mind immediately begins to turn, trying to uncover the identity of the ghost. Certainly he must be native to Hogwarts? He looks medieval enough to belong to its ranks.

A recital of a poem, and once again, I begin to theorize the identity and the purpose, relaxing only a touch as I assess the situation. There was fear to be found. Fear across the face of a ghost? Unheard of. It must be some serious business if it scares a ghost. Follow the apparition?

A soft glow. A silvery cat, almost as if summoned by a Patronus charm. It appears to be some sort of tortoiseshell pattered creature, graceful and contemplative. The corridors? A threat? Certain doom?

Sounds like my cup of tea.

My gaze flicks to Hanzo. "Ghost claims danger." I try to roughly translate the phantom's words into Russian for him to understand the nature of the sudden appearance. "Sounds scary. Sounds interesting. I want to go and see." Taking a few steps, I nod towards the cat. whose glow has now faded into the Hogwarts corridors. "I know Hogwarts well. You will not be lost. You in?" I offer a lopsided grin, waving him along with me. "I'm going whether or not you do."

Ah yes, putting someone between a rock and a hard place. My favorite past time.

Before Hanzo can react, I dash out the door, following the glow and the dense crowd which pursues it. Sparing a glance back at my brother, fully occupied with the girl who sought his company, I cannot help but feel an unearthly tingle of giddiness, a spark not unlike what he always exudes. Perhaps there is something of my brother who will follow me in this endeavor.

Heading to "The Hunt" & encouraging Hanzo to Accompany

Statistics and Abilities
Stamina 7 | Strength 10 | Evasion 7
Wisdom 7 | Accuracy 10 | ArcPower 0

Obnoxiously Strong: +10% to any Strength Checks
Perfectionist: -1 Critical Failure Chance

Conditions:
- Under the Positive Effects of Piérre Marchonné's Calming Presence (10%Auto-Hit Rate)

Outfit:

Reducio

Mask


Outfit

Open to Interactions! Currently with Marion...
Mentioning: @Rafael D'Spacito as Hanzo & @Marion Davenport

Marion. What a pretty name. Not an exceptionally uncommon name in Italy, and, actually, a common one in France, which was also the origin of his own name, funny enough. He highly doubted, however, that she cared very much about that little trivia, and so Piérre focused solely on her words, meeting her crystal blue eyes. Those eyes that were almost exactly like his brother's, whereas his own were verdant and bright. He cared not for the oddity of the rose-scented perfume, or for the lack of response to his what he supposed to be a rather funny joke.

A huge Quidditch fan? Well, that was why Piérre himself had joined the sport in the first place. "Yeah, I mean, it feels awesome to be up in the clouds and feel the wind whipping by.
You feel so free, you know? I actually brought my broom, Luciana!" Piérre gently tugged on the belt around his shoulder, humming to himself as he listened to the organ music. There was a short interruption, a chill that pervaded the room, but Piérre forced himself to ignore the pit in his stomach, to focus solely on the girl who called for his company. Something about danger and something about mystery. Sounded like Romeo's kind of date.

Not for Piérre, though. He had had a little bit too much of a dramatic time this year, and so if he could do anything to ensure that he would not be too terribly traumatized. Hoping for a better year? A dance with the smaller boy? Younger by what Piérre perceived to be quite a bit, and yet with a smile never to disappoint, Piérre nodded happily. He was hoping for a better year too, a year of success and learning, where he would meet more friends and mature in his own good time. "Yeah! Absolutely Miss Marion!" He nodded, carefully poising himself in a receiving position to initiate a waltz should Marion like. His hands, small and soft, were pale and possessed thin, almost invisible scars upon the palms, the trophy of an aspiring seeker attempting to catch an errant snitch. "Sorry if I'm not the best dancer..." Piérre mentioned quietly, remembering his lack of partner dancing. "I usually dance really goofy, so this is kind of a new thing for me."

If his offer were accepted, Piérre would gently try to guide Marion through the steps of a waltz, ever careful not to step on her feet. "Y'know..." Piérre mused aloud, "I don't know which time was worse: Potter's or now. You hear so much, and yet... know so little. Do you know how that feels?" Piérre had no way of knowing what Marion did, but all he knew was what he knew, which was still more than what he wanted. Still, Marion would feel his hands tighten, albeit gently. A quiet, tingling aura would fill the air, a sense of urgency and calm alike. Perhaps it was empathy made tangible, but one thing was for sure, it was the people that Piérre was thinking of who felt this change. His brother, Rafael, Marion, his own sanity, and Hanzo, the stranger who reminded him of Rafael.

He just wanted the year to be a happy one, put aside the trauma and the stories. Just enjoy the night. Enjoy the night and enjoy those around him. Ignore the fighting, ignore the impending doom, just live in the moment. Only this moment, don't care what comes after...

Dancing with Marion & Trying to Cheer Her Up

Mod Note: Piérre has brought his Moontrimmer, Luciana
He chooses to place his +3s to Evasion (+13) and Stamina (6)
He also possesses a 10% Auto-dodge rate

Statistics and Abilities
Stamina 6 | Strength 3 | Evasion 13
Wisdom 10 | Accuracy 10 | ArcPower 5

Keen Eye: 25% Chance to Spot something Important
Calming Presence: 10% Auto-hit Rate. Allies: @Piérre Marchonné, Romeo Marchonné, Hanzo Fransson, @Rafael D'Spacito, & @Marion Davenport

I'm too lazy to actually do art in an hour's time, and I'm working on the costume still, so have this image reference of Piérre's badass Mister L cosplay...

Reducio

[quote]
Of course something had to go wrong, in was inevitable. Life isn't perfect, and it never will be no matter how hard people try to change that. There will always be something you wish your could change about yourself, your feelings, and your choices that you make. You also had your average school dance checklist. There had been secrets and giggles, all that was left now was hurt feelings. Paisley thought that they could leave the backstabbing off the list this time, because that happened to be her least favorite thing in the entire world. If you instill your trust into someone, to have it be denied as if it were nothing is hurtful.
Paisley was also very flawed. She wasn't hard to insult most of the time, unless she was in a very particular mood that she liked to call 'putting her shields up'. She did this only when she was with people who were snarky and rude, and she didn't expect to have to do this at the dance. Still, she was only 11, and when she felt as if she were being insulted, she often didn't look further than the surface.
When Sarah made the remark about having 2 friends, Paisley barely giggled. They were at the turning point in the conversation, when the final, almost fake sounding laugh is given before a new distraction takes control. This meant that the oddness of her laugh wouldn't be noticed (she hoped), as it sounded almost normal. But inside she felt b. She didn't know if she was angry, upset, or just plain hurt. Whatever she was feeling, it wasn't good, and she spoke up about it a few moments later. "I do have friends. More than 2." she said hesitantly. She didn't want to upset everyone, but she felt as if she needed to defend herself. She had, Allie, Sarah, and...that was it.
She didn't have very many friends. Why was this? Was it because of her jokes? Were they really that terrible, and that was the reason she only had 2 friends? Perhaps Sarah had been being honest when she said her jokes were bad, but she just didn't want to be rude about it. Wait, had she said that? It didn't matter, because Paisley thought she did. Oh gosh, what if Sarah thought it was weird that Paisley had removed her shoes? It was odd, she didn't see anyone else who had done it. She shifted uncomfortably on her bare feet. It was just then that she noticed something about the atmosphere had changed. It was...dangerous, as if nothing here were a joke anymore. She laughed to herself about it, but wasn't laughing for very much longer.

“Time is running out!

Something terrible is creeping about this castle, and if no one stops it, tragedy cannot be avoided.

If no one steps up to face this challenge, we are all doomed.

Follow the graceful apparition to find the riddle’s first piece - and if you need my help, call my full name.”

"What the-" Paisley shrieked, leaping backwards, almost knocking over Allie in the process. After uttering a quick apology to the Ravenclaw, she went to stand next to Sarah, peeking around to see if anyone was staring at her. Whatever she had been expecting to happen tonight, a ghost startling her by jumping out of a window was not one of them. "Who is that?" she muttered to Sarah, all feelings pushed aside as she looked at the ghost. Nothing about this was funny. When the ghost started to gallop out, sh felt a burning curiosity envelop her fear. That hadn't been just a prank, for everyone here looked just as confused as she felt. "Should we follow him?" she asked the both of them eagerly. Sarah nodded, but Allie looked hesitant. "You don't have to come, Allie. It's alright. We wouldn't want to pull you away from your date." said Paisley.
She took

Outfit:

"The raven watched the butterfly, only to be distracted by the snake and the blackbird. This time, who it allied with would come as a surprise to all."

Selim nodded to the fair butterfly until a noise caught his attention.



The raven's head snapped up, alert, it seems his target had found him. His eyes scanned the crowd, sharp, frosted gaze finally landing on Vladimir, who was dancing, typical. Once more, though, he was distracted by a ghostly rider who decided it was prudent to make its entrance over-dramatic. Its speech was just as dramatic. The fight that had broken out on the other end of the ballroom, dramatic.

Good lord, why did everything have to be dramatic here? it was, honestly, exhausting.

He looked back to the butterfly, head tilted, feigned frown hidden by an ivory beak. "I'm sorry to hear your friends aren't enjoying themselves. Though it's good that t least you are finding some 'positivity' in the experience." He smiled, it was hidden, much like his frown, but his icy orbs glistened.

"Good to see you as well, Athanatos." He tried to project the words mentally, though if it didn't work? Well, he supposed he'd have to talk to him later.

"The broom racing seems to be going well though, so good job on your part, Mademoiselle"

His eyes flickered back to Vladimir, just in time to see A familiar mop of hair, Flash Holmwood, deck his tea host harshly. His icy gaze narrowed, disapproval radiating off him.

"I apologise, Mademoiselle, but I must go deal with some... drama."

Bowing to the butterfly in a picture of perfect etiquette, the raven shoved through the crowd to his destination, with barely a glance at Vladimir, he turned his attention to flash, who looked lost in rage.

Being only taught how to deal with situations like this quickly and efficiently, the first thing that came to Selim's mind was, violent, to say the least. So, Selim struck out against his dormmate, shifting swiftly into a beginning stance, the raven lashed out and Holmwood with a harsh kick. Pivoting on his one leg, he spun, the attacking leg's heel grinding into around the small of Flash's back.

The use of, 'Martial Artist'.
Relevant Stats-
'Strength: 5'
'Accuracy: 10'.

Whether or not the attack worked, Selim would stand before Vladimir, Bone Raven mask glinting harshly in the candlelight, eyes a frigid blue, chopsticks bared. The tips of his choice weapon shone sharply, and he twirled them between his fingers aptly, having practiced with them for months to become this comfortable with the not-weapons.

His voice had slipped into the same chilling one he used for the better half of his first year. There was no emotion in it, it was as cold as his gaze was, and held all the seriousness of a soldier on a battlefield.

"Stand down, Holmwood, or I will retaliate."

Despite how detached it was, his voice would likely be recognizable, despite his defining yellow eyes having been hidden by ice.

Holmwood wasn't usually this reckless and improper, Selim had observed the dormmate enough to know this. Something had clouded the taller Slytherin's mind, and if Selim had to, he would beat that fog out of his skull until he realized that this wasn't the time, place, nor way to confront Athanatos.

They already had one fight breaking out in the ball, and he wondered how long it would take for the bloody professors to break it up. Until then, Selim would keep Vladimir company whilst also beating sense into his dormmate.

No, the raven wasn't skilled at de-escalating, but knocking a 12-year-old unconscious would do the trick if it came to that.

He owed Vladimir still for that tea.... and for stealing from him... and for killing his not-friend.

Long story short, he owed the Ravenclaw at least this.

It wasn't like he cared about whether or not Athanatos was actually evil, he seemed about as neutral as Selim was, at least that's what he gauged from the little chat they had in the summer before everything went to hell in a handbasket.

Troublesome indeed. He'd probably get enemies from this little stunt.

'What else is new?'

Closed to Interactions from anyone other those I'm Rping with.

Actions: Kicking sense into Flash [Marrial Artist Use].