31 Jan 2021, 23:30
Elaine, Leonardo, & Marcus
Sunday 14th February 2021, 7PM
@Elaine Pendrast -- @Leonardo Chiadovini -- @Marcus IwasakiToday was a special day, a chance for a bit of romance or platonic love. It was an opportunity to have a little bit of fun and make room for love in your heart, whether that was a new blossoming relationship or to help grow an old one. Love was a powerful emotion, capable of achieving great things. This event was the push that was required to help those in need to make that first step, to find a bond that they could treasure for the years to come. Maybe people will find their childhood sweethearts here or build the foundation of a bond that only grows.
Perhaps that was too optimistic. Nonetheless, this was a way to escape from the drama and angst, a chance to just have a little bit of fun and have a cute date. And what better location to spend with someone than under the stars?
Entering the Astronomy Tower, students would see the familiar staircase decorated with floating paper hearts that gently spun around in the sky. Following the trail of hearts up the staircase, they would enter into the Astronomy classroom at the top of the tower. The entrance to the classroom had a large arch made from paper flower roses in different shades of pink and red around it.
Walking through the arch, people will be greeted by a very different decor than they were likely used to seeing at the astronomy tower. Heart garlands were draped on the edge of the tables and paper hearts floating in the room randomly. There was a sign on the side, saying "please take one". In smaller text, it also said, "You may take up to one of each if you would like".
By the sign, people would see three main options. The first was a vase of pink roses. If anyone looked carefully, they would notice that the thorns had been cut off from the stems. Taking out a rose, they would notice a small label attached to the stem. The second choice was little bags of sweets. A transparent bag holding a small variety of heart-shaped chocolates or sweets. There was ribbon around the bag that tied it shut and a blank label on each bag. The third choice was an eggless cupcake, with glitter icing on it that looked like a rose. On the cupcake case, there was a blank sticker label here too.
When someone took one of the items (or multiple), the blank labels would start to change immediately. They would see words start to form on them. It would give them a number. That was it. A number.
Looking up, they would likely spot a room full of picnic blankets scattered around the area. There was also a foil heart-shaped balloon that came in white, pink or red. They had a small weight on the bottom of the strings to prevent them from flying away. On either side of the balloon itself, they would see a number.
It was clear that they were supposed to go to the respective number to meet their blind date.
On finding their matching balloon, they would look down to see there were two cushions on top of the picnic blanket, with a hamper in the middle. The hamper itself contained a variety of snacks: biscuits, chocolates, scones, cream, jam and cake. There were also some small sandwiches, in case anyone wanted something a little heavier. For drinks, there was a small teapot of hot water that was magically kept hot in the hamper. They would find a small selection of teas, as well as hot chocolate powder in the hamper too - with sugar and milk. For those who preferred a cold drink, there was also water and juice available.
It was definitely on the colder side up in the tower. Being wrapped up in a coat and some gloves would probably be ideal. Hats and scarves would be a decent idea too. After all, the sun had set and it was the middle of winter. However, the sheer number of people around as well as the fireplaces helped to add a bit of warmth to it that prevented it from being freezing. People would not need to wear snow boats as it was not freezing by any means. However, it was definitely suggested that people dressed up warm for the evening.
Sitting down and looking up, they would see the beautiful starry night sky showering over them. Anyone who was good at Astronomy might be able to name some of what they see.
There is something about ambition, how it not only propels you but also defines you.
7 Feb 2021, 14:21
Elaine, Leonardo, & Marcus
Ah, Valentine's day. Marcus was glad he did not have a "sweetheart" that he needed to impress on a night like tonight. The poor unfortunate souls that had signed up for the Astronomy tower event would be blinded by a night of chocolate and hearts and roses, happy and oblivious to the doomed nature of their relationship. He supposed it was nice in theory. After all, he certainly wasn't going to be the one to tell them that such young love does not usually work out in the end. They would just have to experience it for themselves. Marcus was merely here to chaperone.
@Hjørdis Jensen had asked him to attend the event and chaperone in her place, as she had other plans for tonight. Plans he imagined Browne would likely be a part of, but Marcus hadn't asked for details. He had agreed because she was a friend, and it's not like he'd had other plans. Of course, he would've preferred to avoid the Valentine's event in its entirety, but perhaps chaperoning and people watching would prove to be good entertainment. Children did have a way of causing unnecessary drama.
As the Head of Ravenclaw climbed the stairs of the tower, it was notable that he was wearing a nice outfit - dress pants and an expensive navy blue sweater with a shawl collar that would protect him from the wind chill up on the tower. A hint of the white dress shirt beneath peeked out at the neck of his sweater, but he looked very cozy. He also had gloves on, protecting his hands from the element. He looked quite nice tonight, even though he had only chosen the outfit because it was warm.
The paper hearts decorating the stairwell were only a hint at what lay beyond. Upon actually entering the tower itself, Marcus found the place almost unrecognizable. So many roses and hearts and pink and red. The normally bare floors housed so many picnic blankets, and there were quite a few children already there and chattering. It was just as chaotic as he expected, but he still cringed slightly at the sight and the noise. This would likely be a long night.
Having only come in a staff capacity, Marcus almost missed the table and sign of instructions entirely, assuming it was only for the children. But on second thought, the chocolates looked nice and might help fuel him through the night. So, he took a bag of the chocolates - only one, as per the instructions - and began to walk around the room looking for any of the other adult chaperones. He actually saw a picnic blanket housing some other staff members. Did that mean the chaperones get a picnic setup as well? That would be nice, considering Marcus was actually quite peckish and the smells of the picnic basket food were more tempting than the decadent chocolate he held in his hands. He glanced at the bag of chocolates, tempted to put them back, and was surprised to find a number on them. A quick assessment of the room explained that the number was meant to lead him to one of the picnic blankets. Interesting. The blanket in question was currently empty, so he was not immediately drawn to go check it out.
Instead, he spent a moment more looking around for any fellow staff members who were just wandering. He spotted @Leonardo Chiadovini, the resident Astronomy professor. Marcus had not interfaced with the man aside from passing pleasantries, but he certainly did not think the guy was a big fan of Valentine's. Clearly, Marcus had been wrong given his agreement to hold the event in his tower. Rather than head straight to the blanket that he had been assigned, Marcus moved towards the Astronomy professor for a conversation.
"Good evening, Professor," the Head of Ravenclaw said in greeting, moving to stand near the Astronomy instructor. He instantly felt a chill down his spine. Odd. Marcus' instincts were screaming at him that the man stood before him was... off. The longer he stood in his presence, the stronger the feeling got. How interesting. "Kind of you to let the students use this space for the event," he commented, his amber eyes then roving over the other inhabitants of the tower.
@Hjørdis Jensen had asked him to attend the event and chaperone in her place, as she had other plans for tonight. Plans he imagined Browne would likely be a part of, but Marcus hadn't asked for details. He had agreed because she was a friend, and it's not like he'd had other plans. Of course, he would've preferred to avoid the Valentine's event in its entirety, but perhaps chaperoning and people watching would prove to be good entertainment. Children did have a way of causing unnecessary drama.
As the Head of Ravenclaw climbed the stairs of the tower, it was notable that he was wearing a nice outfit - dress pants and an expensive navy blue sweater with a shawl collar that would protect him from the wind chill up on the tower. A hint of the white dress shirt beneath peeked out at the neck of his sweater, but he looked very cozy. He also had gloves on, protecting his hands from the element. He looked quite nice tonight, even though he had only chosen the outfit because it was warm.
The paper hearts decorating the stairwell were only a hint at what lay beyond. Upon actually entering the tower itself, Marcus found the place almost unrecognizable. So many roses and hearts and pink and red. The normally bare floors housed so many picnic blankets, and there were quite a few children already there and chattering. It was just as chaotic as he expected, but he still cringed slightly at the sight and the noise. This would likely be a long night.
Having only come in a staff capacity, Marcus almost missed the table and sign of instructions entirely, assuming it was only for the children. But on second thought, the chocolates looked nice and might help fuel him through the night. So, he took a bag of the chocolates - only one, as per the instructions - and began to walk around the room looking for any of the other adult chaperones. He actually saw a picnic blanket housing some other staff members. Did that mean the chaperones get a picnic setup as well? That would be nice, considering Marcus was actually quite peckish and the smells of the picnic basket food were more tempting than the decadent chocolate he held in his hands. He glanced at the bag of chocolates, tempted to put them back, and was surprised to find a number on them. A quick assessment of the room explained that the number was meant to lead him to one of the picnic blankets. Interesting. The blanket in question was currently empty, so he was not immediately drawn to go check it out.
Instead, he spent a moment more looking around for any fellow staff members who were just wandering. He spotted @Leonardo Chiadovini, the resident Astronomy professor. Marcus had not interfaced with the man aside from passing pleasantries, but he certainly did not think the guy was a big fan of Valentine's. Clearly, Marcus had been wrong given his agreement to hold the event in his tower. Rather than head straight to the blanket that he had been assigned, Marcus moved towards the Astronomy professor for a conversation.
"Good evening, Professor," the Head of Ravenclaw said in greeting, moving to stand near the Astronomy instructor. He instantly felt a chill down his spine. Odd. Marcus' instincts were screaming at him that the man stood before him was... off. The longer he stood in his presence, the stronger the feeling got. How interesting. "Kind of you to let the students use this space for the event," he commented, his amber eyes then roving over the other inhabitants of the tower.
@Leonardo Chiadovini and @Elaine Pendrast
PC: Aaron Jones | iNPC: Madeleine Nakamura | Former staff account: Marcus Iwasaki
2nd Gen PC: Idalia della Torre
Best way to contact me? Discord or owl Idalia
9 Feb 2021, 13:25
Elaine, Leonardo, & Marcus
Terrible Presence in effect.
| Aura of Unease Present |How had he let himself be swindled into agreeing to this mawkish and love-starved endeavor? What in God’s name had caused him to think even for a moment that this was a good idea or even a good excuse for an idea?
Because his employer had requested it. That was why.
That was why he hadn’t been surprised when he received the letter carried by Macbeth, telling him to be formally attired and to report to the Astronomy Tower. Of course, by all things sacred and unholy alike he was to be at the Tower. It was ’his’ domain after all. Anything broken, anything moved, anything that could go wrong or would go wrong was his to be responsible for. He had no choice in the matter. His hands were tied to attend the Valentine’s party whether he liked it or not.
Being nocturnal as he was, Leonardo woke up just as the sun began to set, having donned his signature hooded opera cape and one of his typical outfits that he would under normal circumstances be wearing during his lectures. This would be no different than any other inconvenient night, save that he would have to interface not just a small fraction of the school population, but a vast majority of it; fellow co-workers included.
It was something that Leonardo was— unsurprisingly— not fond of.
With Macbeth on his shoulder, Leonardo made his way to the main tower. Being the professor of Astronomy, he was fortunate enough that he needed not see the pinks and reds which scattered the stairs leading to the classroom, since his quarters were already close by the classroom itself, but that did not stop the Seer’s disappointment from plummeting the second he beheld the gussied up version of the typically darkly decored domain of lecturing. Stormy eyes probed each change and gag-worthy altercation of his domain, and his hand curled more tightly about his cane sword as he held within him the broiling and cumulation of mixed disgust and pity for the once magnificent area.
With a deep breath, Leonardo pet Macbeth with his free right hand, sighing as he resigned himself to the infinite night which waited ahead. “Let us experience this shame swiftly and be through with it.” He whispered softly to his feathered owl. Macbeth, oblivious to his master’s feelings on the situation, only twittered happily as he fluttered thin and still-growing wings.
The shade of an Astronomy teacher wandered aimlessly throughout the proceedings, casting his shadow on happy couples and confused threesomes and foursomes before moving on just as swiftly. He cared not for the small, trivial gifts which had been set up near the entrance of the classroom; chocolates were far too sweet for him, having induced nausea ever since he was a young boy. The same went for the flowery cupcakes. The flowers were a curious one. Indeed, has they fit his outfit, Leonardo may have quietly taken one without a word, perhaps permitting a small bit of his romantic nature peek through, but alas, he decided against it, refraining in order to satisfy himself by watching everyone else collecting them.
Thus, he was unperturbed when the amber eyed Ravenclaw Head of House— Mister Iwasaki if Leonardo remembered correctly— approached and greeted the unsettling professor with a small screech owl on shoulder. Grey eyes flicked to amber, Leonardo’s mixed aggravation and tenseness in the moment fueling his shadowy aura, the only indication of a perturbed and terse individual creeping past his calm and composed visage.
”Mister Iwasaki.” Leonardo quietly murmured, offering a simple tip of his chin in acknowledgement of his superior. ”A pleasure.”
The lack of emotion in his voice, however, seemed to claim otherwise.
There was something unnatural about the Head of House, perhaps the gleam of the man’s eyes. Leonardo raised a dark brow as he continued to observe the face of the man, trying to determine what exactly the nature of the trait was. It did not bother the Seer, though. He had long ago learned that had was among the more terrifying individuals that he had come across. No other degree of supernatural fazed him. Perhaps if they did, Leonardo could have been more enlightened as to the nature of his current fellow.
Something about his ‘kindness’ in letting the school utilize his tower.
A humorless chuckle left him, the sort that induced a raise of the chin to laugh at the sky. How terribly ironic. ”Aha... yes. Well, our headmaster requested the area. Who am I to reject his wishes? Especially being as green-horned as I am, I cannot risk making a poor impression of myself.” The blunt truth. No inflection audibly present in the words of his sentences. ”I do not wish to be fired so quickly as I was hired.” He tipped his head as Macbeth attempted to cross the gap between the Astronomy professor and Mister Iwasaki, extending wings and fluttering excitedly as one taloned foot reached from one shoulder to another. Curiosity. Still a young creature.
Gracefully, Leonardo permitted his owl to dote on the newcomer. It wasn’t the first time Macbeth desired the love of another besides its master. It certainly would not be the last. Despite the situation, Leonardo could not help but notice the number upon the item Mister Iwasaki had picked up. Interesting... weren’t the numbers only for the students and the other participants of this event? Perhaps they held a different meaning for the teachers, as supervisors of the event. Perhaps a sort of partnership so that they could face off against any threat which came their way. Leonardo was not one to judge, and instead he glanced towards the roses, casting an Accio to summon a pink blossom to himself. ”I wouldn’t have thought that a few black roses among these would be so amiss.” He said, turning the thornless rose between his fingers. ”A reminder that true love comes to few. Reality that only the most fortunate receive someone that they can truly love and cherish; and one who loves and cherishes them in return.”
Half a mind to wilt the flower passed Leonardo’s thoughts... else alter the color of the blossom. But... no. Not this time. He would let the flower remain, perhaps press it for his entertainment at a later time. Freeing the tag from the stem, Leonardo absentmindedly noted the number, seeing a swirling ‘18’. He flashed the number to Iwasaki. ”Seems we are paired up.” Another arched brow. ”For whatever purpose. What encouraged you to participate in this event, for curiosity’s sake?”
Unfortunately, Leonardo had no way of knowing that his night was going to transform from bad to worse. He had no way of knowing that he would soon have a vendetta to settle as a result of the events which would quickly unfold as a result of receiving a number from the pink rose. His pale fingers traced soft petals as he closed his eyes, willing his mind to open— as he had been taught by his patriarch to do— in order to fully obtain for himself most chance possible to receive a vision. Perhaps a desire to receive guidance in the uncertain moment.Reducio@Elaine Pendrast & @Marcus Iwasaki
⟣𝙱𝚢 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚙𝚛𝚒𝚌𝚔𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚘𝚏 𝚖𝚢 𝚝𝚑𝚞𝚖𝚋𝚜, / 𝚂𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚠𝚒𝚌𝚔𝚎𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚠𝚊𝚢 𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚜⟢
8 Jun 2021, 16:16
Elaine, Leonardo, & Marcus
Well, it seemed Leonardo Chiadovini did not beat around the bush. He explained that the reason he allowed this event here was because the Headmaster requested it. It was a respectable reason in Marcus' eyes - making a good impression on your employer. However, he knew that Headmaster Lear wouldn't have fired the Astronomy professor over such a thing.
As Marcus contemplated his own start at this school and making good impressions, he caught the movement of a creature out the corner of his eye. He turned to see that the Astronomy professor's owl - a tiny, little thing that couldn't be more than a couple months old, or maybe even just a few weeks - was settling itself onto his shoulder. It was odd that the creature seemed unfazed by Marcus - he was usually rebuked by creatures until they were around him a lot and realized he wasn't out to harm them - but maybe this owl was growing to be braver, considering its owner also induced a chill down people's spines.
"What is its name?" the Head of Ravenclaw asked, hesitant to move and cause the owl to be startled. Instead, he had become rather still in his stance and looked forward again, letting the creature explore as it wanted. As long as it didn't use Marcus as a toilet, he didn't mind its presence.
He watched as Professor Chiadovini summoned one of the roses, perhaps as a decoration? Maybe he was getting into the mood of things after all. Instead, he vocalized his disdain for the pink, instead wishing there had been black roses. It seemed he knew a thing or two about flower meanings, and was an introspective person. It was something Marcus had expected, though, of someone whose profession was to study the cosmos. "I don't think children would have such an appreciation for the meaning," Marcus commented, his head tilting slightly when the owl on his shoulder moved slightly.
Marcus' amber eyes took in the number that the professor beside him showed. "So it seems," he agreed with the pairing assessment, briefly wondering if Nora had forgotten to tell him about chaperoning in twos. At the question of why he attended, Marcus' eyes lifted to meet those of his colleague. "Just taking the place of a colleague who couldn't make it tonight," he said simply. There was really no other reason, and he definitely wouldn't have attended of his own volition. "Not my favorite idea of how to spend a Sunday evening, but it's part of the job, right? Making sure these kids don't... explode or jinx each other after getting turned down," Marcus tried to find a bit of humor in the situation as his eyes returned to the rest of the room.
His eyes traveled to the empty picnic blanket with their number - eighteen - and he was reminded of being rather hungry. The chocolates he held weren't going to sate his desire for savory food, but he also didn't like the idea of sitting on the floor with the rest of the kids around. He knew there was another blanket with another group of staff in attendance, but it didn't make him any happier with the seating arrangements.
As Marcus contemplated his own start at this school and making good impressions, he caught the movement of a creature out the corner of his eye. He turned to see that the Astronomy professor's owl - a tiny, little thing that couldn't be more than a couple months old, or maybe even just a few weeks - was settling itself onto his shoulder. It was odd that the creature seemed unfazed by Marcus - he was usually rebuked by creatures until they were around him a lot and realized he wasn't out to harm them - but maybe this owl was growing to be braver, considering its owner also induced a chill down people's spines.
"What is its name?" the Head of Ravenclaw asked, hesitant to move and cause the owl to be startled. Instead, he had become rather still in his stance and looked forward again, letting the creature explore as it wanted. As long as it didn't use Marcus as a toilet, he didn't mind its presence.
He watched as Professor Chiadovini summoned one of the roses, perhaps as a decoration? Maybe he was getting into the mood of things after all. Instead, he vocalized his disdain for the pink, instead wishing there had been black roses. It seemed he knew a thing or two about flower meanings, and was an introspective person. It was something Marcus had expected, though, of someone whose profession was to study the cosmos. "I don't think children would have such an appreciation for the meaning," Marcus commented, his head tilting slightly when the owl on his shoulder moved slightly.
Marcus' amber eyes took in the number that the professor beside him showed. "So it seems," he agreed with the pairing assessment, briefly wondering if Nora had forgotten to tell him about chaperoning in twos. At the question of why he attended, Marcus' eyes lifted to meet those of his colleague. "Just taking the place of a colleague who couldn't make it tonight," he said simply. There was really no other reason, and he definitely wouldn't have attended of his own volition. "Not my favorite idea of how to spend a Sunday evening, but it's part of the job, right? Making sure these kids don't... explode or jinx each other after getting turned down," Marcus tried to find a bit of humor in the situation as his eyes returned to the rest of the room.
His eyes traveled to the empty picnic blanket with their number - eighteen - and he was reminded of being rather hungry. The chocolates he held weren't going to sate his desire for savory food, but he also didn't like the idea of sitting on the floor with the rest of the kids around. He knew there was another blanket with another group of staff in attendance, but it didn't make him any happier with the seating arrangements.
@Elaine Pendrast and @Leonardo Chiadovini
PC: Aaron Jones | iNPC: Madeleine Nakamura | Former staff account: Marcus Iwasaki
2nd Gen PC: Idalia della Torre
Best way to contact me? Discord or owl Idalia