6 Feb 2022, 20:15
Waking Up Reality
January 1st | @Miles Thatcher
The Banquet could have gone a lot worse, at least in Opeila's opinion. It was still not the sort of party she enjoyed, but there had been fine moments for sure. She had been allowed to stay up until after the fireworks, but soon the families with younger children had left and Opeila had been sent to bed. Only one family had stayed over night, the Thatchers. Miles had been sitting next to her at the table yesterday and proved not to be the most terribly company either.
The young Slytherin was not woken up early as usual, in fact, the whole family Virtanen was sleeping in for new year, but there was no need either- Opeila was an early bird, she always had been and being the only person awake seemed like a gift. For the first time since she had arrived in Finland, Opeila could go on a jog, something Hilja Virtanen found too wild and inappropriate for someone in her position, whatever position that may be.
While jogging usually made the young girl feel free and awake, it made her feel empty today and quickly she felt worn out. Opeila stopped when she reached the stables and went inside. Although the Virtanens would never let her ride one of the horses, she did like it inside the stabled. She liked the smell and the noise, not to mention that horses were great listeners. All of them enjoyed being petted so much that Opeila thought that they had to be craving love and lacked much of it. Poor animals.
Today she didn't talk to the horses. Today she sat down on a hay bale and watched the horses eat, embraced the emptiness inside her that was neither good or bad. Three days ago she had been full of rage against the world, two days ago she had cried her eyes out and spent almost the whole day in her room and yesterday... Yesterday she had done all she could to play the good host. Her social energy was gone, she couldn't do it much longer.
Her father, her poor, poor father. If only she could find him, if only... They wouldn't let her. They had asked, no, demanded that everything went the way they wanted, the way it would benefit the Virtanen family. And Lysander, that weak boy, had nodded and obeyed his parents in their medieval demands. As if he wouldn't look for his father if there was a chance that he was still alive! As if any of them wouldn't! No, it was because Nicholas Seilun was a muggle. He wasn't worth the effort to them.
Sighing, Opeila buried her face in her hands. How did she even get into this mess? Where had she gone wrong? It couldn't be that she had no control over this situation, that none of this was because of her own stupidity, right?
A glance on her watch made the young girl jump off the bale. The Virtanens would be up soon, if they weren't already, and Opeila would better be back before that. As fast as she could she dashed out of the stables, over the grounds, back to the manor.
Opeila got lucky. She even had time to wash herself and make herself presentable before breakfast and that was what she did. It was a strange feeling to have guests in the manor, usually it was just the four of them and a few house elves. The waiters were gone, so this morning it was also the house elves who would serve them.
Another difference was that the family assembled in the salon instead of the dining room together with their guests, Opeila could hear them talking as she walked down the stairs. Lysander's voice sounded oddly hesitant, yet too quiet to make out the words.
Opeila knew she shouldn't, it was terrible manners to do so, but yet she found herself approaching quietly and pressing her ear against the salon door.
"Too young now." That was Lady Virtanen. "We should wait for at least another year. How old is your son again, twelve? Thirteen? Opeila is older than him and" The dark haired woman paused and sighed, "A... wildcat at best. She hardly has the selfcontrol to handle such an announcement appropriately." Opeila frowned in confusion and turned her head to press her other ear against the wood, hoping she'd be able to hear better.
Opeila's heart dropped for a second when she spotted the figure on the stairs, but then she realized that it was Miles. Slowly she lifted a finger and held it against her lips, an unmistakable request to be quiet. With the same hand she beckoned him to come closer. This was surely not meant to be for either of their ears, but that was only more reason to find it out, wasn't it?
@Simon Kincaid
Last edited by Opeila Winters on 2 Apr 2022, 14:53, edited 3 times in total.
6 Feb 2022, 21:51
Waking Up Reality
Arriving with @Opeila Winters
Miles was SUPPOSED to be downstairs already but sometimes what Miles was supposed to do and what Miles ended up doing were two different things and that was where one of the main issues the Thatchers had with their son. He had slept in a little and surely couldn't come down looking half asleep or with his hair out of place, or Merlin forbid not have the proper attire on. Presentability first, mind the pureblood standards and social norms second. No need for adding in one's personality or thoughts.
When he got within the hallway to the salon, he saw Opeila Winters positioned with her ear pressed up against the door and her curiosity made him smile a little. Surely this was quite the wrong thing to do but her secret was safe with him as it was only he and her in the small space. He approached quietly and didn't say a word, not so much as a whispered word, as he met her near the door. He took came to press his ear to it, hoping to figure out information as he looked to Opeila questioningly.
There was a pause in their conversation and for a moment Miles worried that maybe he made some sort of noise when pressing himself against the door but no, all seemed well. At least, until he started listening.
Were they talking about what he thought they were talking about? Planning it already? Miles pulled away from the door and shook his head. No, this wasn't happening. His parents couldn't even be starting to think of such things.
Last edited by Simon Kincaid on 6 Apr 2022, 02:06, edited 2 times in total.
Be kind to one another. (*iNPC is Miles Thatcher)
6 Feb 2022, 22:25
Waking Up Reality
@Miles Thatcher
Miles didn't seem to be bothered by Opeila's eavesdropping, thank goodness. Even more, he joined her in doing so. Good, if one of them got in trouble, the other would too.
Hilja continued the conversation and suddenly Opeila felt nervous. They hadn't... Had they? "Jarno and I are suggesting that we give it some more time. A year, maybe two, so both of them are a little more mature than they are now. Especially for Opeila, who is new to this way of life, a betrothal would be a bit much at the moment." Opeila's smile froze on her face. Her gaze met Miles', the green eyes a mirror of the shock she felt.
Opeila stood entirely still, her head still pressed against the wood of the door. That was a bad, bad joke.
It felt like a knot formed inside her stomach and part of her wanted to grab the handle, push the door open and curse the four adults in the room, who dared to make decisions that would change and define her life over her head just like that. They had no right. If Opeila only imagined what her dad would say...
But her dad wasn't here, was he? Only those adults, whom she depended on, and who didn't think it necessary to get her approval before deciding her fate.
@Simon Kincaid
Last edited by Opeila Winters on 7 Apr 2022, 00:36, edited 1 time in total.
7 Feb 2022, 20:45
Waking Up Reality
Feeling numb with @Opeila Winters
Miles sat there, wondering what sort of announcement would concern the both of them. They both went to different schools and if it was a matter of one of their school's visiting the other, well that had already been done and been announced through the schools itself. Essentially, they were just two children from two pureblooded families.
The smile.
The smile seemed to say it all from Lady Virtanen even before she even exchanged glances with his own parents. They weren't serious. They couldn't be!
Miles heard the words that were being said but it was like time stopped.
A surprise. That's how the girl next to him put it. What else could it be? Complete amazement? Being startled? Shock?
"It is our hopes that this wedding is one of the most memorable that wizarding society has seen in centuries, dear," Miles's mother spoke up, a smile as big as Lady Virtanen's across her face. "An extravaganza in the making!" For once, Miles saw something other than criticism from his mother, he saw excitement.
"Old world traditions need to be reinstated," Miles's father agreed, vocalizing his support on the matter. Miles knew that his opinion didn't matter, so he didn't state it. He just nodded softly, acknowledging that his parents had spoken to him. He too couldn't bring himself to glance over to the girl beside him - his fiance.
The announcement was made and now the family's house elves were bringing in plates full of an elaborate breakfast for all to share in celebration!
Be kind to one another. (*iNPC is Miles Thatcher)
7 Feb 2022, 22:53
Waking Up Reality
Feeling frustrated with @Miles Thatcher.
Opeila heard her own heart pounding inside her chest, almost as loudly as the adults deciding over her future. Hers and Miles'. That apparently were now meant to be the same.
Miles had not said a word so far. Was he as shocked as her? She couldn't imagine that the Virtanens would force her to marry yet, at 13. Was that even legal? Opeila doubted it. Anyway, they had said that they wanted to wait. So when? At 16? When she was not quite an adult yet but, well... no child either?
This breakfast they were meant to have in a few minutes was extraordinary, even for the Virtanen's standards, but considering the circumstances, no surprise to Opeila. She didn't feel hungry anymore. She didn't feel like talking and pretending that she didn't know anything. In fact, Opeila felt a bit sick. All she could do right now was not to make a fuss, not to start crying, polite conversation was not on the list.
"This is a frickin' joke!", she finally hissed, as quietly as she could in her indignance. Opeila backed away from the door, only sent a short look to Miles, then ran away to the entrance hall. The decorations were already gone, everything was slowly going back to normal. Or would have, had they not just turned everything upside down again.
Betrothed. To Miles Thatcher. So when would it be made public? Next year? When they were... both mature enough in Lady Virtanen's eyes? Opeila realized, to her own surprise, that she was annoyed with Miles, angry almost. She had done everything to let the Virtanens know that she had no interest in marrying, so... so it had to come from his side, didn't it? He gave them the idea. His parents were so enthusiastic about it too.
@Simon Kincaid
Last edited by Opeila Winters on 7 Apr 2022, 00:42, edited 1 time in total.
11 Feb 2022, 15:38
Waking Up Reality
Taking this outdoors with Opeila Winters
These people were absolutely crazy! Miles wanted to scream at them right then and there but he knew he'd have some kind of repercussion for it later, like maybe they'd take away quidditch back at Ilvermorny for him or something. His parents expected perfect behavior from him all the time and certainly now wasn't the time to do something so immature.
When it was suggested that Opeila show Miles around he was relieved that he could get away from these controlling individuals for a moment and stood up, even before she mentioned a few options. "The Stables. It would be lovely to get some fresh air," he replied and his mother shot him a look as if to behave. To say such a thing almost implied that the air was stifling in there and well, it was - or maybe it was the others that occupied it.
The two would exit the parlor area and head outdoors where the morning sun was already rising in the sky. Miles diverted his attention to his surroundings, as the evening before it was dark when they arrived at the estate. There was a brilliant garden laid out and tall thriving trees around.
He then turned his blue eyes her way. He wondered if she was ready to scream internally too. "The nerve of some people," he muttered finally once they were enough away from the home that he didn't feel he had to worry about anyone else hearing him. Still, he was pretty sure his parents were busy chattering away with the hosts on this matter, paying them no mind.
Be kind to one another. (*iNPC is Miles Thatcher)
22 Mar 2022, 18:29
Waking Up Reality
Refusing to face @Miles Thatcher
For the first time Opeila felt like being defiant in front of the Virtanens. They had intimidated her in the past, were too unfamiliar to be anything but polite in the same way she would be to any stranger, but never had they made the young Slytherin feel as powerless as she did now. Never had they made bigger decision on her behalf and never against her consent. Opeila had actually grown to respect them, like them almost. Give them a chance.
Now she felt naive.
Naive about thinking that those people would put Opeila's free choice before their own benefit if using her would improve things for them. She had allowed herself to believe that now, that she had left the Winter family and moved to the Virtanens, she wouldn't be a pawn in some medieval game, but that was exactly what she seemed to be now.
Opeila wanted to yell, stomp on the floor and call them all out for being suppressors, but what good would it do her? She was against a majority here, not to mention that she had been saved by the Virtanens. There was nothing she could do right now.
Opeila ran down outside and down to the stables without looking back. Was Miles followin? The mere thought made her run even faster. She had been quite fine with him at the party, but now... It was probably not even his fault, especially judging by his reaction he had nothing to do with this, but she just couldn't feel anything positive for him at the moment.
"I can't talk to you right now. Sorry, I just... I just can't.", Opeila almost snapped in his direction, slowing down when her lungs started to sting. She couldn't even look at him.
When reaching the stables, Opeila opened the door without looking back and went inside. She was walking past Lysander's horse, which she usually enjoyed talking to and went right to the back of the stable, to the five guest horses. It was silly, he wouldn't even know nor care, but Opeila wanted to punish Lysander.
She stopped in front of a black horse and gently reached out to pet it between the ears.
@Simon Kincaid
24 Apr 2022, 14:53
Waking Up Reality
Frustration with Opeila Winters
She couldn't talk to him? Miles watched her as she went over to the horse and felt rather offended by that. It wasn't like HE was the one speaking the things they heard about. What he wanted to do was go up to her and snap at her. Did she think that he was enjoying this? Did she think he wanted this?
But no, He was still at her home and this was her stable and the girl could go off and be with her horse and to her thoughts if she wanted. He sighed.
Before they had even come to this function he knew he felt something wrong about it. How could his parents even be thinking of this sort of thing already? The boy barely could muster up a simple sentence when talking to a girl he liked. And Opeila? Maybe she was alright but it wasn't like he knew her.
Miles glanced back to the manor and wanted to storm in there and yell at them too but that certainly wouldn't do any good at all. No, he was stuck. Stuck like most of his life. Stuck with his parents at some boring conference or book signing, stuck with his own thoughts when they were off making their discoveries, stuck with his grandmother when they didn't bring him along.
Walking a little closer to where she was, he was about to tell her he'd be outside but no, he wouldn't bother. He stuck his hands into his pockets and walked out from the stable. He might have been outside in the fresh air but he still felt suffocated.
Be kind to one another. (*iNPC is Miles Thatcher)
11 Jul 2022, 00:43
Waking Up Reality
Being angry with @Miles Thatcher
Opeila was being unfair. She was projecting feelings on the person who likely deserved them the least, who could maybe use someone on his side just as much as she did, but she couldn't help it. The anger easily buried the little spark of guilt inside her and stopped her from even thinking about taking back what she had just said.
It felt good to direct her anger at something, or someone and right now, Miles Thatcher was the only one around who could serve as a target. Even if she talked to the Virtanens, she was quite sure that they had no interest in her anger. Why would they? Opeila had been placed before their door for them to raise and take care of and to them that meant securing her future in a way. This way. It was something Opeila was not familiar with, in the muggle world she had grown up with a lot of freedom, but here it didn't matter.
All she had left was to follow the orders and wishes of her new guardians and be grateful for their care. And it wasn't like she wasn't cared for well, but the young girl felt immensely frustrated at the power that was taken away from her. The choice.
The two teenagers would not be in the stables undisturbed for long, the adults had been waiting for them to come to breakfast after all. When a houseelf arrived at the stables to pick them up, Opeila would walk past Miles, unwilling to even look at him.
Opeila is leaving the thread.
@Simon Kincaid
11 Jul 2022, 03:42
Waking Up Reality
@Opeila Winters isn't the only one done with this
For one of the first times in his life, Miles Thatcher was outdoors but couldn't appreciate it. There were some beautiful and exotic flowers in the Virtanens' garden and yet he just glanced at them without taking in their splendor. His anger in the moment just wouldn't allow him to find any bit of good in the situation he had found himself in.
What were they thinking? Miles was probably a decade and a half away before even thinking of something like marriage and here they were discussing it. Plus, he didn't care about outdated pureblooded traditions - this was something that would be HIS say and when HE wanted it. He'd refuse. There was no way he was going to be some product of a prearranged marriage and especially not to HER.
She seemed grumpy and opinionated and ungrateful and closed off and just all things negative. Her house elf came to retrieve them, saying that their presence was requested once again and she just walked by him, as if he didn't even exist. Classy.
Miles thought about trying to sneak back through the floo network to home early and avoid the breakfast all together but that wouldn't have been one of his best ideas. Instead, he forced himself back inside with the foolish lot - every single one of them.
Miles has also left the thread.
Be kind to one another. (*iNPC is Miles Thatcher)