Faerietale Endings - Grounds

Interaction: @Aurelia Notresvace
Mention: @Bloom Silverton

Howard quickly cocked his head to the side as the rustle of feathers and a flap of wings announced the entrance of a beautiful Eurasian Eagle owl. He thought the markings on it looked familiar, but there would be no need to further identify it before Aurelia shifted form. The change brought no change of expression upon the Dhampir's face as he had now grown used to animals shifting into humans and vice versa. Just a part of life at this wondrous and crazy castle.

Howard wiped away the tears that stained his face crimson as he looked her over. Aurelia radiated elegance as she often did, especially at formal events, but her presence often left him feeling confused. He had always respected her in a way. As a talented spell crafter and just a remarkable person really, yet their history together was always shrouded by darkness in one form or another. Howard knew she feared him. A fact that made him feel even more miserable about himself, but what could he do about it? She had pushed all that aside over the summer break to help him reconnect with family and he had nothing in return to offer. So, if there was some reason for her approach now, he would consider whatever that might be.

"Hello, Aurelia." The last of his emotion would leave the greeting a bit shaky, but with a clearing of his throat he would shake it away for now. "Yeah. I was just thinking that." Her statement was not what Howard expected. He would have thought she needed something or wanted a favor, but just sharing the thought with someone else felt too good to pass up, so why question it. Howard watched with a bit of jealousy as she approached the full grown unicorn. Something he most likely would never be able to do, but even something so majestic couldn't distract him from the surprise he felt at her next question.

Had Aurelia just asked him how he had been? Like, just because? Like, maybe she actually cared? "Umm...shit really." The truth was evident upon his face, why try to deny it. There was also this sense of openness he felt with her. They had been through things way heavier than heartache. What point was there in not sharing. "Think I messed things up with Bloom." Wait, did Aurelia know they were together. "We're dating. Or...I hope we still are." Howard's shoulders slumped under the weight of it. "What about you?" It felt wrong not to ask.

Some moments later his head would cock to the side again, this time in the other direction as his nose tilted in the air and sniffed. Her scent had hit his sensitive nose before she could be seen. Howard would look around for Bloom, but who knows if she would approach him. Would she still be angry? Or just hurt? Both? Howard yearned for just a moment to look upon her again. What he wouldn't give for a chance to explain himself. Even if she decided to hate him forever he had to at least let her know he was sorry. That every moment since their departure had been racked with guilt and sorrow. Should he just run to her as every fiber of his being ached to do? Or should he give her space and wait for her to make the first move? Merlin be damned! Teenaged life was impossible! His eyes shot back to Aurelia. "I think she's coming this way."

Sure enough his nose would not let him down. Moments later Bloom would come into his line of sight as she approached where the unicorns were housed. Howard's crimson eyes would lock with hers as they both stared at each other for a little too long. If she looked closely, she would see his cheeks stained by bloody tears and his gaze would convey so much more. His eyes were pained as he looked at her, yet there was somehow a note of adoration as well. Bloom looked so beautiful and she set his heart ablaze. Regardless of what had happened between them it had done nothing to diminish the love Howard felt for her. As she finally broke her gaze and turned away, he knew that he would not let this night slip away without trying to make amends. If she could no longer love him back, Howard's heart would fully break, but he would at least try and salvage the friendship he held so dear.

"Aurelia, I have to speak with her. I'll catch back up with you. Or just hang out nearby or something." Howard motioned to the sky before shifting away. Perhaps it was rude to dismiss the Gryffindor after she had gone out of her way to approach him in such a friendly manner, but who can stand in the way of love!

"Bloom!" Howard's voice was perhaps too loud, but he really didn't care. "Please. Can I speak with you?" He would let his long legs bridge the gap between the, though he would stop a bit short as to not overwhelm her.

@Howard White & @Aurelia Notresvace

Bloom was petting the little creature in her hands when her trance was broken by the sound of her name. She looked up and saw Howard coming towards her. Bloom kept her composure although her heart was racing. She missed him, but she also had mixed emotions about him at the moment. She did not know which to choose, but she did have one fear: the unknown of what to expect. Did he want to talk because he wanted to officially break up with her, or did he want to rekindle their relationship? It was completely a mystery to Bloom.

He had come as close as for comfort and Bloom looked at what had been her Damphir. She wasn't able to see from afar but she could see now evidence of dried blood on his face that seemed to have streamed down from his eyes. Had he been crying?

"Um.. Sure," she said uncertain. What was it that he wanted to talk about? Maybe it was how she ruined the night. Or maybe he just wanted to know about her scratch. Bloom still had it. The last thing she wanted to do was to get him in trouble by going to the Hospital Wing to heal it. She went through a natural heal. It had left a small scar on the underside of her thigh.

Bloom placed the creature in her hands back into the crate. She then walked slowly away from the pets and others in the petting zoo, but still in the general vicinity, hoping Howard would follow her. When she turned around, however, she was met with a quite large owl that landed on her shoulder. Bloom winced at the claws of the creature that quickly dug into her skin to make its landing.

Bloom's eyes widened. What just happened? Why did an owl land on her? Was it a part of the petting zoo or was it someone's owl? So many questions rattled her brain, however, if Howard knew her, her facial expressions would share the questions she was thinking. Bloom could not help but to laugh at the randomness of it all.

"Why is there an owl on me?" she whispered, thinking the owl would know English and fly away if questioned. Bloom shrugged her other shoulder and looked at Howard. "If now isn't a good time, then I understand," she said, realizing that perhaps a serious conversation with an owl on her shoulder would be a little silly to talk about something important. But Bloom was curious of what he wanted to bring up.

Bloom could sense the owl was friendly and not like the adult unicorn in the petting zoo. The owl was cooing and Bloom could not help but to reach for the animal and stroke its feathers gently. it was soft. She had never gotten the opportunity to have her own pet because they were so expensive. The fact that she spent money on a dress like what she was wearing was special and was not taken for granted.

Bloom didn't want the conversation to end between them though. Even if there might not be enough focus as, again, there was a large owl on her shoulder, she slowly reached one arm to her other, holding her elbow and looked down to the ground.

"Howard, it's my fault. I'm sorry," she said, taking the blame. She truly believed that it was her fault and only her own. She felt selfish for not giving in to her hormones to him, she felt like she deserved the scratch on her leg and even more, she felt that it was ultimately her fault that they disconnected from each other for a week. It was her. Bloom did what she said she would never do: run from a situation. And yet, she did. Twice in one night. Bloom's eyes began to tear up as she was looking down at the ground. She slowly moved her chocolate eyes to his and looked back down, unable to look at him.

ACTION: No mod action

STATS: Stamina - 10| Evasion - 10| Strength - 10| Wisdom - 11| ArcPower - 10 | Accuracy - 11
ABILITIES: Lovely Creature & Muggle Condition

@Bloom Silverton | @Aurelia Notresvace

It would seem that Aurelia knew of his relationship with Bloom, or at least had guessed based off of her comment. Who would have believed that she and Howard would have joined together in a peaceful moment to discuss their relationships? Someone witness! Her straightforward questioning may have take some by surprise, but Howard knew her well enough to just know that was part of her personality. Take it or leave it really and in this moment, he would take it. "I went too far." The Dhampir mumbled a bit, but loud enough for Aurelia to hear. It felt good in a way to speak it aloud with someone else. Like confessing a sin to a priest. A funny mental image, but best saved for another time. "I thought she was...ya know...ready." The implication was there and he assumed Aurelia mature enough to pick up on it. "When she rejected me...I got upset. Typical me really. I yanked my hand away from her and accidentally cut her on one of my claws. Haven't spoken to her since, but I gotta do something to get her back." Howard finished with almost a plead to his tone.

His brow would raise slightly as Aurelia offered up relationship concerns of her own. He couldn't help but to be a bit curious. Who was she dating? Howard had never seen her being intimate with anyone, not that he was a likely candidate for her to share with. Yet in that moment the scent of his own love would immediately pull him away. The thought would have to be explored later or another time. She pleaded for a moment, but Howard would stop for nothing.

Howard rushed to Bloom, quickly closing the gap between them, but left room for her to feel comfortable. Their eyes would meet and for a moment they would exchange expressions riddled with uncertainty. She was both anxious and fearful of what he might say and the same emotions flooded him. Would she break it off there and then? Would she lash out at him for his actions? Or did she too have a hole in her heart that only their union could fill? Regardless of what was to come, Howard would not let this night go by without trying to rekindle some form of relationship with Bloom. However, as soon as he opened his mouth to speak, a rather familiar looking owl would land upon his beloved's shoulder.

It would seem odd considering the heaviness between them, but Howard couldn't help but share a laugh with her. Just to see her smile was enough to make him feel weak in the knees, but unfortunately for him he knew this wasn't as random as she believed it to be. "Um. I dunno why this owl has intruded." Howard said with a nervous chuckle. "Perhaps it could give us a moments privacy." He was tempted to shoo Owleia away as his crimson eyes locked with her golden. Though he did not want to make any quick motions with his claws towards either one of them. The Bloom would suggest that maybe the timing was not right. "No, please. Hear me out." Howard almost begged.

Regardless of what Owleia did, the Dhampir prepared to make his apology. It was time to make this right, but before he could get the words out, Bloom took the blame. Howard expression would change to one of almost shock. How on earth could she blame herself for what had happened between them. It was he who had been out of line! It was he who had gone too far! "Bloom, no." It was not a command, but it carried weight. "It was my fault. I was trying to show you how I felt about you. I should have just told you, but I thought maybe you'd be ready too. I shouldn't have pushed you so far without talking about it and when you pushed me away...I just felt it was because you didn't feel the same for me. I was so stupid about it, Bloom." Her eyes would fall as he spoke. Tears spilled down her cheeks as she struggled to look at him. Howard would reach into his jacket and retrieve a pocket square, one colored to match her beautiful dress. He remembered how excited she had been when she ordered it and he had down his best to match it. The fabric choice was meant to be a surprise when they entered the ball together. A small gesture to let all others know that he belonged to her. Hopefully he still did. "Here." Howard offered it to her so she could dry her eyes. "Please don't cry."

Howard awaited her response with every moment feeling like hours. Would any of his words change how she felt? He would do anything to get back in her good grace. Yet as he waited an odd sensation would strike him just behind the eyes. He began to blink quickly as a strange pressure began to build, but Howard would let nothing distract him. Not yet anyways...

Action: No mod action.
Stats: STA - 11 | EVA - 12 | STR - 15 | WIS - 1 | ARCP - 0 | ACC - 18
Abilities: Fangs, Claw & Bite | Martial Artist | Unsettling Aura | Blindvision | Keen Smell | Terrible Presence

Her mood lifted with the discovery that there was more to do on the grounds. Lucky had never really been good at parties. She was better at interacting with people in doses. She had planned to impress with her style and cool attitude but all she really wanted to do was leave the ball. And so she did. She tipped her way down the path, walking without regard for the mud splattering her golden-hued flats. The further she walked, the more she saw. Other people, even professors. And animals. Her pace quickened as she became eager. The music and cheerful conversation from the ball faded into the noises of the evening, the animals, and other students also making their way to the grounds.

Instead of immediately grabbing a pair of gloves and indulging in her desire to touch the interesting animals, Lucky quietly watched each of them. She didn't push, didn't rush. She was quiet...and almost inspecting of the things that interested her. This went on for quite a while. Instead of making conversation, she was content to simply see. She made her way from the animals, wandering over to see a group of people simply waiting in line. Some of them were paired up, some stood alone like she did. Instead of asking what they were all waiting for, Lucky stood around with them as well. She tasted some of the treats, unbothered by the fact that it was like Pumpkin City there. It was a comforting smell and taste for her -- she could see her father walking through leaves, crunching them with a grin. The anxiousness left her body as she allowed herself to think about her family as she quietly waited in line.

Reducio

WORD COUNT: 286
ACTIONS: lucky arrives at the petting zoo & carriage ride, keeps to herself, and silently waiting for a carriage ride
STATS: ST • 9 | EV • 8 | STR • 6‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ | WI • 7 | AR • 7 | AC • 8
ABILITIES: the muggle condition, evasive manuvers, & sixth sense

ʀᴏʟᴇᴘʟᴀʏɪɴɢ ᴀꜱ ɴᴘᴄ ꜱᴀʀᴀ ᴋᴏʜᴀɴᴀ ꜰʀᴏᴍ ᴍᴀʜᴏᴜᴋᴏᴛᴏʀᴏ

EᑎᑕY :	ᗩᗷIᒪITIEᔕ
ᑭOᔕT TᖇᗩᑕK *(*)****	{ ᶠᵉᵃʳˡᵉˢˢ } { ᴸᵒᵛᵉˡʸ ᶜʳᵉᵃᵗᵘʳᵉ } { ᵀᵉʳʳⁱᵇˡᵉ ᴾʳᵉˢᵉⁿᶜᵉ } { ᴱᵛᵃˢⁱᵛᵉ ᴹᵉⁿᵘᵉᵛᵉʳˢ}

Reducio

The kind of look that would’ve looked simple if not for him being hot as hell. ( Lovely Creature Ability ). It’s a mere long thick jacket in dark red colours, matched with a shirt with a pair of black pants. Nothing else has been made to add to his appearance, except for the gloves that cover his frosty hands. In addition to that, a black scarf is hung on his shoulders and wrapped themselves around his neck. Looks like someone is easily cold.

English
Japanese

He sucked in a breath of excitement. Which frankly looked like he was going to burn the place down. As most of his reactions looked when he was feeling intense emotions. The curse of having a resting gangster face. The animal sculptures??? And don’t even get him started on the carriages. Straight out of a cinderella movie. Albeit a bit more comfortable looking. Curious about how they were going to be pulled, he was once again amazed by the magical world. As a muggleborn, it was a never ending discovery for him. Perhaps they’ll levitate, or teleport. One could never really tell. Nevertheless, his face looked ready to beat someone up. (translation: he is extremely excited)

First task of the event was to wear gloves, easy enough. He was already wearing one. Autumn temperatures made him hesitant to replace them with new ones. He did it anyway. Following orders was one of his many talents.

Overall, he had enjoyed all of the pens he visited. Though, he had lingered far longer around the kneazles than any of the other animals available. They were the first animals that were the target of his affection, as well as the last one. He had made sure to pay attention to all of them! From Bonnie, and Rumptions. Though he loved all the cats, and certainly had a wondrous time playing and cuddling them, he had to admit one caught his eye the most.

Reducio

He had an extremely soft spot for all cats, but the personalities he was mainly drawn to were always the noisy tsundere ones. The hilarity of their act for one reason or another, but still be the ones who loved attention the most. And Sara loved to give attention. Unfortunately, it was their same personality that intimidates people in not getting close to them. When in Sara’s humble opinion, they probably needed more pats and hugs. It was an amusing personality, and Sara’s mind began to wonder on if he’l ever have the pleasure of meeting a human with a similar personality. ( ooc : NO NEVER NOPE HANA WOULD MAKE HIM CRY NO WAY ) “ Gahhhhh you’re so cuuuuteeeeeeee everyone in here is soo cuuuteeeeeee “ he cooed with a gruff tone, containing his excitement. And the urge not to crumble them in a bone crushing hug.

Next it was the pumpkin carriage now. Alas, the cold was starting to get to him. Gloves and scarves seemed to prove to be a weak shield against the weather. It pricked his skin through his clothes, and he walked towards the table of beverages. His first choice of course, was the temptingly warm mug of pumpkin spice. After gently blowing the light steam coming from it, he slowly drank it with ease. A satisfied ‘ ahh’ leaving his lips as he took breaks from sipping the drink. “ That feels better…” he muttered. Suddenly, he could feel his hands again, and it was easier to smile.

Probably better if no one saw that. Regardless he was eager to start the carriage ride. While he was eager to stay with the available kneazles, but he couldn’t hog up too much of their time.

Mentions
n/a

Interacting [Open / Close]
n/a

Actions
Groupless and awaiting pumpking carriage & drinking pumpkin spice while he waits

@Howard White

Although the bird had meant no harm, she could feel the weight on her shoulder. She took her other hand and gently touched the feet of the bird, hopeful that it would jump onto her hand and she can lure it to the nearby table to rest. While it was cute on her shoulder, she was unable to really focus as much as she would like with a huge bird latching to her skin.

After listening to his words, Bloom couldn't help but the look at Howard. He had given her a pocket cloth to wipe her tears, but slowly they were lessening. What did he say? To show her what? Should have said what? Did he really love her? No, but it was just to get with her. It had to be. It's what boys do, right? And Howard, aside from being a Damphir, was still a boy. Bloom looked back down and played with her fingers, thinking about how to word the way she felt without using the three words themselves.

"I wasn't ready. I wanted to be, but I couldn't. I couldn't think of what you'd think of me and I wasn't sure what it meant for us if we did it... What would happen if we did it," Bloom expressed, still looking down at her fingers, unable to give eye contact. "But it's my fault because for me to stop showed you that I didn't care about you, even though I do. Howard... I would give myself to you in a heartbeat. I'm just scared. What if you don't respect me anymore and you move on to someone else?" Her eyes teared up some more. It was something her mom would tell Bloom and her sisters when it came to relationships. Her mother was the type of person to "save it for marriage" and would scare her daughters that men would leave them if they had gone that extra step. Claire didn't care for it, Bella was too young, but Bloom seemed to take it to heart.

Bloom had finally looked up to Howard. She looked at him lovingly with her warm chocolate eyes. She wanted for anything in the world just to be with him again, but there was still a rift that they had to work through. One that she waited to hear a response from. As she stared at him, she couldn't help but to change her eyes from looking lovingly to worried. Was something wrong with his eyes? They looked a tad bit bigger than usual. "Howard... Do your eyes feel different?" she asked, wondering. Maybe it was just her, but she couldn't help but to stare and wonder if it was getting bigger or if it was just a figment of her imagination.

ACTION: No mod action

STATS: Stamina - 10| Evasion - 10| Strength - 10| Wisdom - 11| ArcPower - 10 | Accuracy - 11
ABILITIES: Lovely Creature & Muggle Condition

@Bloom Silverton

Howard continued to blink quickly as he listened to Bloom. What an idiot he had been to jump to conclusions. Of course he respected that she wasn't ready to go further physically and if he had taken but a moment to talk with her he could have realized this had nothing to do with how she felt about him. Yet he had let his emotions get the best of him once again. They were always so strong and immediate. The sense of rejection had been so intense! Would it always be this way? Howard shook the thought from his mind. Now wasn't the time to spiral into self doubt. He had to make this right with her.

"Bloom, I'm so sorry." Howard began in response to her, but it would seem that she was filled with doubt as well. Typical teenagers really. They often felt like they were so mature and ready for adult life, yet self doubt and miscommunication was threatening to tear them apart. For Howard he would fear that his love was not reciprocated and for Bloom she feared that Howard's intentions were merely for physical gratification. If only they would just open their damned mouths and speak their truths! Like...right now. Do it Howard you silly git!

"Bloom, no." Howard was now pressing on the sides of his eyes as if the pressure would somehow keep them from expanding. He just needed a moment more before they popped out of his head. "I'm not moving on to anyone. Ever." A bold statement, but here in this moment you would never be able to tell him otherwise. "I would wait for you...forever." Another valiant comment. Though it felt true. Howard would wait, she could take all the time she needed. As long as she was by his side, he did not care how long it took. "Listen. The only reason I tried moving forward with you was because I thought it was the best way to show you that I...you know...that I...I love you."

He had done it! Finally he had built up the courage to say the most important three words of his young life. The feeling that gripped his chest was nearly as overwhelming as the one in his face! An intense pressure behind Howard's eyes made him gasp. It didn't really hurt, but it was the sensation that was shocking as his eyes finally bulged out of his head. Not to mention it made his vision go a little blurry. He must have looked like one of those old muggle cartoons that eyes go wild when they fall in love with a beautiful girl. A comic scene for sure if he had not just laid out the most important truth! Howard White was in love with Bloom Silverton! Let the world hear it! Yet her comment on his eyes perhaps could no longer be ignored. "What the hell!" Howard muttered under his breath, but the moment almost seemed to freeze in time as he awaited her response.

Action: No Mod action
Stats: STA - 11 | EVA - 12 | STR - 15 | WIS - 1 | ARC - 0 | ACC - 18
Abilities: Fangs, Claw & Bite | Martial Artist | Unsettling Aura | Blind Vision | Keen Smell | Terrible Presence