History Excursion Part 2 PV Closed

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ALPHEUS exited his area of the tent, stretching in the suit, as some bones cracked. Within the personal space, through the tent flap, could be seen several objects all lined up on a table. One was the portkey used to arrive at the current location, so discerning individuals could probably guess what the other things were, too.

"Sorry about the wait, wiz-kids," Alpheus said as he looked around, smiling. He glanced to Violet. "Had to prepare some final touches on the last portkey, but it's all set now and we are ready to venture out toward knowledge!"

With a motion of his hand, the Professor rallied the students to follow, and began leaving the tent with the group in tow. By now, most had changed or gotten ready, and it was time to start walking toward the ancient site of the cave city. It was a lovely piece of - supposed - Muggle history, and Alpheus couldn't wait to show the students the neat surprise hidden within...

"Shouldn't be a long walk, only about an hour. Let's go!"

Later; Midday

The group crested the final portion of the walk, and were greeted with the parking area for Muggle automobobles. Dozens of tourist Muggles wandered around, all taking in the grand city in the hillside, with numerous people on various walking levels. It was a literal honeycomb of hallways, doors and windows, with balconies that overlooked the mountain ranges and nearby river.

"So, I guess it's time for some history, huh?" Alpheus said, looking back to the students. "According to Muggles, Vardzia is a cave monastery site in southern Georgia, excavated from the slopes of the Erusheti Mountain on the left bank of the Kura River, thirty kilometres from Aspindza."

The Professor pointed in the direction of the mentioned city, as well as the river below. He continued, leading the group toward the entrance of the cave city.

"The supposed period of construction was the second half of the twelfth century, but it was actually a lot earlier, but the Muggles don't know that. The caves stretch along the cliff for some five hundred meters and are about nineteen levels up. Each level is connected by stairs, passageways and a literal maze of walkways... so if you can avoid getting too far away, that'd be great!

At the entrance, Alpheus handed over some Muggle money to the donation box, winking at the kids. He didn't really know what the papery notes indicated, or their worth, but for those who knew there were several hundred dollar notes in the mix.

"The site was largely abandoned after the Ottoman takeover in the sixteenth century. And now, it's been made into a Muggle state heritage reserve, with the extended area of Vardzia-Khertvisi being considered for the Muggle World Heritage List... so that's nice. I hope they approve it."

Once inside, there were numerous paths that led in different directions. Alpheus motioned to the one straight ahead, trying to look at everyone in turn.

"We'll be headed to the third level, all the way to the back, but feel free to explore a small distance away... if you get lost, please avoid panic and certain wooden object use. No red sparks here. Instead, find the nearest stairs and wait. I will be doing head checks on every level, so you won't be too far away."

"So. Let's head on in, and have a look! When we've had a chance to explore, I'll show you all... something special, which Muggles aren't aware of about this site."

With a grin, Alpheus motioned excitedly and entered one of the tunnels, happy to be showing some students a rare and ancient site...

Reducio

Note: This is a scene change and we are now later in the day - around midday. We are now surrounded by Muggles and magic use is not recommended. Feel free to break off into groups, and when it's time to move to the something special, Alf will gather you all (if you're not near him).

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[font=Times New Roman]The muggle world was a world that was strange to Isabella. Although she had lived her entire life within a muggle community, it was still uncharted territory to her. She had grown up around ball functions, school reunions of her mothers or in the confines of the Notting Hill home. The muggle world was unknown and unexplored territory to her. And the unknown could be dangerous. While she covered it well, and gave off the impression as if this bored her somewhat, the blind exploration of the muggle world scared her deep down.

The speaking of her partner startled her, as if she’d forgotten she was there as well. “An ad-adventure? In the caves? Are you sure it’s safe? ” She couldn’t keep the slight note of doubt out of her words as she spoke to her Ravenclaw partner. She opened her mouth to hint on her doubts, but before she could say anymore, she was grabbed by the hand and pulled off behind Amanda.

‘I guess we’re going over here then?’ The Slytherin didn’t entirely mind being taken through the muggle world hand in hand with her new friend. She had done it enough times to others to care anymore.

It was like some of the confidence from the Ravenclaw somehow transferred into her body through their touching hands. As they moved on it turned from being pulled, to walking together. When they stopped it a smile had etched itself onto her face, and she had to admit that she was at least excited to explore this small snippet of the muggle world. While the task may of been daunting and scary on her own, it seemed like it would be fun with a friend by her side. “No, I don’t really have anywhere around here I’d like to go.” She said with a nervous laugh. “I was hoping you’d know what we could do. I’m kinda new to all this muggle stuff. I never really got out into the muggle world in my childhood.”

Her last two sentences weren’t entirely true. Up until her seventh birthday, she had been visiting the muggle world almost every day with her muggle father. But as much as she tried, she could barely remember anything about the times they had spent together. Instead of feeling the guilt of admitting that she had forgotten what she sorely wanted to remember, she told herself that the memories had been lost in the grieving of her father. She had made up excuse after excuse as to why she could simply not remember the memories she loved the most. And all for what? To try and dodge the guilt of forgetting her father so easily? The excuses didn’t work of course, the guilt still came.

Tucking her long hair behind her ear, she pushed her thoughts to the back of her mind to focus one what was happening in ‘the now’ as her aunt would say. Who knew, maybe she’d actually have fun exploring this unknown muggle territory. [/font]