29 Apr 2022, 19:36
Wheelchair Dance Practice
January
"Again!" Shiawase's voice rang out. She took a deep breath. "One, two!" She wheeled forward as she counted. "Three, four! She wheeled backward. "Five, six!" She raised her right arm, then her left. "Seven, eight!" She tried to do a quick turn in her wheelchair. But she was far too slow. She muttered something under her breath. She needed to be faster. Stronger. Almost wasn't good enough.
"Again!"
This was for a ball. Being able to twirl in her wheelchair with power and speed, as well as accuracy, were all very important. It was the most crucial of all of her dance steps to nail. . . . So why couldn't she nail it?
"Seven, eight!" She tried for the twirl again, but still wasn't able to get it fast enough.
Third time was the charm, she figured, as she tried again. Nope, too weak. Maybe she'll get it the fourth time?
. . . Maybe the fifth?
The more she tried, the more frustrated she became. It was enough. She couldn't keep this up with her frustration boiling over. So she forced herself to take a break. Breathing deeply and drinking her water, she pondered her predicament. There was a different model of wheelchair she could use specifically for dancing, but it wasn't something she'd use day-to-day, so it wasn't worth it to her. Especially since she could walk some, and dance some without a wheelchair before . . .
She shook her head. Okay, so if she couldn't get her hands on that kind of wheelchair, what else could she do? Maybe she didn't need a wheelchair made for dancing - maybe she just needed a really good dance partner. Or even some music to practice to would be a good start. She finished drinking her water and took a big, deep breath. It was pointless to wish for things she didn't have. She could make do.
"Again!"
@Simon Kincaid
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Stamina: 10 | Evasion: 1 | Strength: 13 | Wisdom: 10 | ArcPower: 8 | Accuracy: 8
30 Apr 2022, 19:23
Wheelchair Dance Practice
Coming upon @Shiawase Mamori
Simon was just in the Library where he had every intention on focusing on his History of Magic essay. He got about half written before inspiration slowly seemed to fade away and he began drifting his thoughts elsewhere. They came to a place that his thoughts so often came to and that was to music. There was one particular piece of work that he had been working on for some time now and he was quite proud of it. It was nearly perfected, but there were some parts that droned on a little too long and he was hoping that some sort of variation would come to him - the perfect part and the perfect time.
At one point, he had even placed his History of Magic essay and research materials away and pulled out his trusty music notebook and gone over a few different choices in his head. He wouldn't fully know how they sounded with the rest of the piece until he tried them out, so that notebook soon too was packed up and he headed from the Ground Floor up to the Fourth Floor of the castle to the Rehearsal Room. There he would find a piano, awaiting for someone to give it attention.
When he got there, there wasn't any music playing so he quickly opened the heavy wooden door, expecting the room to be empty but was surprised to find that it was not. There was a girl in there, moving around the center of the area in a wheelchair. "Hello," he greeted her, so not to startle her. "My apologies. I did not mean to interrupt."
Be kind to one another. (*iNPC is Miles Thatcher)
4 May 2022, 18:08
Wheelchair Dance Practice
When Simon walked in, she was mid-failed turn, and just as she was about to let out another frustrated growl at being too slow again, she heard a voice. "Hello." She turned toward him.
"You're not interrupting anything, so there's no need to apologize. I'm just failing to dance," Shiawase said with a sigh. Then, an idea occurred to her. "I'm Shiawase Mamori, by the way. I'd shake your hand but since I've been working out, my hands are a bit sweaty. I hope a nod of acknowledgement will do instead?" She looked him in the eye and nodded with a gentle smile.
"What's your name? Are you, by any chance, here to practice dancing as well? We may be able to help each other in that case. When it comes to ballroom dancing, practicing dancing with a partner is far superior to practicing on your own. Though if not, then I could clear out for you. I've probably accomplished all I can today on my own. Unless you would like me to stay? Is there something I can do for you? Perhaps we could still both help each other. At least then I would feel like I've accomplished something."
@Simon Kincaid
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Stamina: 10 | Evasion: 1 | Strength: 13 | Wisdom: 10 | ArcPower: 8 | Accuracy: 8
14 May 2022, 20:45
Wheelchair Dance Practice
Eager to meet Lady@Shiawase Mamori
Simon would have done a sweaty handshake but he appreciated how the girl was being thoughtful and gave her a smile and a nod back as he introduced himself. "Simon. Simon Kincaid. I was actually here to play the piano but I could work on some dancing. I know some basic muggle dances that my aunt taught me and then before the Ball I was in here and learned a couple new ones from a Ravenclaw girl. I could be your partner if you should so request one." He then presented her with a bow as if she was royalty and making a royal request of him and he was nothing but her servant.
"Tell me what you wish of me, m'lady," he said as he went to place his bag down at the piano bench and then made his way back toward the middle of the large Rehearsal Room where Shiawase was. The portraits on the wall watched with interest. They knew Simon well and enjoyed their time when he was there, but then again, they were encouraging and uplifting and enjoyed anyone that came within the room to attempt a form of the visual or audio arts. It was just one of many reasons why he loved that room so much.
Be kind to one another. (*iNPC is Miles Thatcher)
19 May 2022, 03:34
Wheelchair Dance Practice
"Pleasure to meet you, Simon," Shiawase said. "You know. I know a little something about playing the piano. I took lessons when I was much younger. I had to drop them, though. In any case, I love music, and I know how to read it. So, maybe after dance practice, you could play something for me? I'm not any good at playing, myself, but I am good at listening! I don't suppose there's some sort of music class here at Hogwarts, is there? Because I think I should like to pick up an instrument again and try to play next year if there's a way to. I'd love to try playing something, like a cello! Those things sound so good!"
She cleared her throat. "Sorry, went off on a tangent, there. Anyway, those are some solid credentials!" And as she was about to tell him she'd like it if he'd be her partner, he bowed. And called her m'lady. And Shaiwase couldn't help but laugh.
"Why, how chivalrous of you, but there's no need to be so formal!" She laughed some more and bowed the best she could from her wheelchair. "My lord!" She winked. "I would have curtsied if I could. Oh, well. It's fine if you want to be formal, and I will be formal back. Just, you know, it would feel weird." She chuckled once more.
"Anyway, your credentials are impressive, Lord Kincaid. I would be honored if you would be my dance partner." She gave him another bow and proceeded to lift her arms, getting ready to grab his so they could begin their practice. She noticed the portraits on the wall watching with interest and suddenly felt self-conscious. Had they been watching this whole time and she was just so engrossed in what she was doing, she didn't notice? That's quite an embarrassing thought . . . .
@Simon Kincaid
Avatar made by me.
Stamina: 10 | Evasion: 1 | Strength: 13 | Wisdom: 10 | ArcPower: 8 | Accuracy: 8
23 May 2022, 13:10
Wheelchair Dance Practice
Getting ready to dance with @Shiawase Mamori
"I'd love to play something. I could do a piece I'm working on and you could tell me what you think of it," he said as she asked if he could play something on the piano when they were done. "Hogwarts doesn't have any sort of music program, it's one of the school's only downfalls," Simon said sadly. "But I know guitar and if that's something you'd like to learn I can try and give you lessons. I bet you'd pick up pretty quickly." Granted, reading guitar tabs was a little different but no, if she was musically inclined than she would get the hang of it with no problem.
"Here, let's get some music in this place," He said as he walked over to his bag that he had set down and pulled out a wizarding radio. Simon moved the dial over to a specific place where they were always playing classical music of some sort. It was great study music and would also be great dancing music. He placed it on the piano bench, pointed toward the middle of the room where the two of them would be.
"I wouldn't want anyone to feel weird around me," he admitted honestly. Hell, he was even a dhampir but he didn't want anyone to feel weird around him. No, He was truly just Simon Kincaid and there was no need for formality. "I'd love to be your partner. Are we doing a specific dance? Although, I must admit, if we're going to get so close and hot and heavy, I don't even know your name yet...." he flashed her a smile. Yes, he meant close and hot and heavy all connected to dancing, but he knew it could sound differently as well.
Be kind to one another. (*iNPC is Miles Thatcher)
2 Jul 2022, 06:28
Wheelchair Dance Practice
"Oh? Really?" Shiawase asked, her eyes shining. "I would love to hear it! I'll give you honest feedback and then when your song becomes a hit in this world, however that happens, I'll be able to say, 'I helped write this piece!'" She laughed and clapped delightedly, then cleared her throat. "I mean, I'll help however I can no matter whether I get credit, of course! You happened upon the right person! I understand how music structure works, even though I can't really play it." She winked.
And then Simon talked about playing guitar, to which Shiawase pursed her lips and tilted her head to the side. "Hmmm. I'll think about it! I hadn't really considered picking up the guitar before. Maybe I can become some sort of famous rock star." She cracked a smile. "But, to be honest, even if I wanted to, I'm not sure I'd have time between all my school work and other obligations. I'm still trying to find my footing here, you know? Oh! I got it!" She snapped her fingers. "Next year! We can meet back here, a week into the beginning of next school year, and then we can both mutually decide if we have time for lessons! And if we do, great! And if we don't, we'll be able to catch up, at least. And, maybe you'll have more music you want me to listen to then!" She winked.
And then Simon turned on the radio, and she started lightly slapping her leg, trying to get a feel for the beat. She nodded to herself when she thought she got it. "Yes, this will do nicely! Thank you! I'm sure I'll get the hang of my moves now that I know how they will actually be timed!"
As he commented he wouldn't want anyone to feel weird around him, she cracked a smile. "Nor would I! So, you know, if I do anything that makes you feel weird or uncomfortable, I'd like it if you'd let me know. I don't have a spell to read minds yet, you know." She winked. "I wasn't doing anything specific yet. I was just trying to do basic movements, which would be staples in any dance, such as a twirl, moving my arms fluidly and gracefully, tipping my wheelchair, that sort of thing. But if you think it'd help to do something specific, just say so! I know how to do most dances . . . in theory. But doing them in a wheelchair is pretty radically different, you know. I still need time to get the hang of it!"
And then . . . he mentioned getting close . . . and hot . . . and heavy. Shiawase blushed deeply from embarrassment and averted her gaze. Did . . . did he . . . know what he just did? He probably didn't know. She should tell him. Oh, boooyyyy. This was going to be awkward. She cleared her throat and tried to look at him, though she couldn't bring herself to look into his eyes.
"Er, w-well, um . . . that . . . phrasing. It's . . . uh. I know, you meant it in the context of dancing, but uhhh. It doesn't mean . . . that? So you should, maybe . . . er . . . not . . . use those words? To describe it?" Her words came out in an uncharacteristic squeak. She felt like she'd melt through the floor in her embarrassment. Whenever Shiawase heard a phrase unfamiliar to her, she looked it up, and so she knew what a lot of inappropriate phrases actually meant. She prided herself on her knowledge of most things . . . but not on these particular ones. It would probably be best to not dwell on this. And change the subject. Fortunately, he said he didn't even know her name. And Shiawase could use that to jump back in!
"A-anyway!" Gah! Her voice was still squeaky. She cleared her throat and made herself try to meet Simon's gaze. "I could swear I told you my name when you walked in! It's always the first thing I do when I see a new person! But, well, whatever the case, whether I didn't say it or I did say it but you missed it or forgot about it, you don't know it right now, so! I'm Shiawase Mamori! Er . . . Pleasure to introduce myself to you, Simon! Hmmm. Ordinarily, I'd say, 'I don't want to cover your hand in sweat, so I'll refrain from shaking it' after a workout, but as we'll be dance partners, our hands meeting will be inevitable, so!" She held out her hand, offering a handshake. "I don't see the harm in shaking hands now!"
@Simon Kincaid
Avatar made by me.
Stamina: 10 | Evasion: 1 | Strength: 13 | Wisdom: 10 | ArcPower: 8 | Accuracy: 8
28 Aug 2022, 20:54
Wheelchair Dance Practice
A new school year for he and @Shiawase Mamori
"Right, right, Shiawase," he said again, realizing that yes, now that he thought about it he had heard it earlier. He felt rather silly, both about that and her thoughts on what he was saying earlier and he glanced down to her hand, avoiding her gaze for the moment because he too felt rather foolish. No, he meant dancing! Simon was a forward guy but he wasn't THAT sort of forward!
"Alright," he said as he presented her with a handshake. And with that, the two decided to get started.
***********
The train ride to Hogwarts was on September 1st as it was each year and on this particular year, that fell on a Thursday. He took that day to take in the sorting ceremony for new students, have the welcome back feast, and to get settled into his dormitory. Once that was done, come Friday, he would seek out some of his friends that he had already made at Hogwarts and hope to catch up with them on how their Summers had gone. There was one friend he remembered meeting briefly in the Rehearsal Room toward the end of the school year and he remembered her proposition about meeting a week into the new year.
He wouldn't do it on a Monday, as that would be when they both were getting reacquainted with professors and classes, but come Wednesday he sent her an owl.
Meet me tomorrow, Thursday, September 8th, in the Rehearsal Room. I'm eager to hear how your Summer went!
- Simon Kincaid
Be kind to one another. (*iNPC is Miles Thatcher)
21 Oct 2022, 22:13
Wheelchair Dance Practice
Thursday, September 8th,
Shiawase wheeled herself to the Rehearsal Room and waited for Simon Kincaid as per the owl he'd sent. She was positively buzzing. Was there anything better than the start of a new school year? And a new school year meant a new opportunity to go to the balls she had missed out on in her first year. She'd need to redouble her practicing efforts! And she was ready to ask Simon if he'd help her again. After catching up on summer activities of course! She hadn't really done anything interesting . . . she'd wanted to go to summer camp but realized she missed her family too much so she mostly stayed home. She read books and cooked most of the summer. It was certainly exciting to her, buuut. Maybe not so exciting to someone else.
She felt self-conscious all of a sudden.
Shiawase shook her head to clear it. It was fine. At her old school, the one she was in before Hogwarts, everyone had boring summers. But what if . . . they didn't here? What if everyone else's summers at Hogwarts were filled with excitement, adventure, and whimsy?
Okay, calm down. You're being silly. Why would their summers be different just because they're magical? We can't even use magic outside of school, anyway, so there's nothing to worry about. You're not weird. Okay, you are weird, but not for that reason!
She chuckled to herself. She was right, of course. There was nothing to worry about. Even if her staying home was unusual among those who practice magic, well, she was already unusual for a number of other reasons. Big deal if she added one more thing to the tally.
When Simon entered the room, she would give him a big smile.
"Greetings, Lord Kincaid!" she'd say with a laugh and an exaggerated bow. "How was your summer?"
@Simon Kincaid
Avatar made by me.
Stamina: 10 | Evasion: 1 | Strength: 13 | Wisdom: 10 | ArcPower: 8 | Accuracy: 8
1 Jan 2023, 15:02
Wheelchair Dance Practice
Now tell me about your Summer, @Shiawase Mamori
"Ooh, I've made Lord status?" he said as he glanced around as if there should be some sort of lackey next to him to do his bidding or something. "I mean.... Greetings and pleasure, Lady Mamori," he got into character to follow suit from her expression. He too lowered his head to a bow and then looked up, smiling as he came to meet her.
It was good to see her again and he hoped that their friendship could be strengthened with this school year. So many times it seemed that friends got caught up in their individual lives that they no longer made time for some things that were important to them all along and he didn't want that to happen. He hoped to keep the strong friendships he had and strengthen the ones he was forming. Shiawase seemed like she could be one of the best of friends.
"My Summer was nice. I got to catch up with my Aunt Maggie and my muggle friends, get reconnected with Church, just do.....regular things I can't do here like use my phone and Google and Apple Music. Took in some museums and wrote some music and read some books. AngelFyre did come to visit for a few days at the beginning. I finally met up with my father but that didn't go quite as expected.... But all in all it was a nice Summer. Tell me about yours."
No, she didn't need to worry. Simon saw the delight in just conversations with his aunt or late night football/soccer games with his friends One didn't need fancy vacations or anything like that to enjoy themselves and Simon had also not gone to Hogwarts' Summer Camp.
Be kind to one another. (*iNPC is Miles Thatcher)