3 Feb 2023, 06:19
Over the Hills
DATE ┊ 09/01/22 -----OUTFIT ┊ click here-----HAIR ┊ natural-----MENTIONS ┊ @Verthandi Muspell-----
STATUS ┊ open-----WC ┊ 1008/200-----ENGLISH ┊ "words"-----SWAHILI ┊ "words"-----THOUGHTS ┊ "words"
-----A sigh heaved quietly as her hazel eyes bore down the Hogwarts Express. A firm hand rested on her shoulder and Caoimhe could feel him squeeze lightly. She looked up at him with a somber expression, and in turn she could see her father Evander remained expressionless as he looked back down at her.
"Caoimhe, this is your destiny. You know you cannot attend school with the muggles, not anymore." His raspy voice would state firmly. Was that supposed to comfort her? Caoimhe's eyes drifted away from his gaze before looking around. They've had this talk many times during their trip to London that began a week prior. Her father was a ghost of his former self, an empty shell from his old life but he did open up about his past. Something that he rarely did and leaving Caoimhe curious as to why. Evander explained the in's and out's of Hogwarts, explored the grand sights of London, went over the separation of houses, the lore, discussing blood classes and it's importance in the wizarding world. Evander spoke highly of his family's legacy and blood purity, but seemed to ignore Caoimhe when she asked if she was 'pure' and why they don't visit his family. Odd.
Despite the day still being young, a deep weariness weighed down on Caoimhe's conscience. Ever since her Hogwarts letter of attendance was delivered, the young child had been counting down the days for the new term to start with a combination of excitement and dread. For her brother, Arron, whom already hopped on the express, they were experience - this would be Caoimhe's first year. Caoimhe was deeply rooted in the muggle culture and lifestyle due to not even being sure she was a witch until her discovery last year, so giving up this life Caoimhe once knew was a gift and a curse. Most of all, she'd miss her muggle friends that she grew up with.
Her eyes met several other students who were peering through windows - some waving to their families, others looking somber, and then seeing Arron who would be seen laughing with other wizards. Caoimhe wondered if he experienced her emotions his first year, but doubt seemed to answer her inquiry knowing that he fit right into this world.
"There's Arron. Your mother must be here somewhe-"
"My sweet! There you are!" Her distinct voice was heard seeming to interrupt her father midsentence which caused him to stir with annoyance. A few more words could be heard from her, but Caoimhe could not fully understand due to the hints of her Kenyan slang conquering her standard English accent as it often did when she was excited or angry. Soon she'd be seen rushing in with opened arms outreached intended to embrace Caoimhe, her two older brothers following behind her with smiles. It was not often her family would be seen at the same place or the same time since her parents' separation. Usually one could easily slice through the tension, but today it appeared her parents put their differences aside for Caoimhe.
Their separation was not clear to Caoimhe as neither parent truly talked down about one another. It was most likely for the best, but Caoimhe often grew curious and would seek answers from others. Her brothers each had their own opinions as did her distant relatives too, but they rarely shared their standings around the young Caoimhe. However for Arron, he made no attempt to conceal his distaste of Caoimhe nor how he blamed their father's separation on Caoimhe. Maeve Kyle, their mother, was quick to shut him down each and every time Arron decided to antagonize her. Throughout the years, this did become a rare occurrence as they aged. Their daily bantering transformed into distance, seldom speaking to one another despite living together.
Being in London with her dad for a week, away from Arron's gloomy presence, aided Caoimhe as she entered this new world with peace of mind and clarity. But the new knowledge that Evander fed her itched her curiosity like why Evander acted so shameful of her half-breed mother. Half-breeds and muggle-borns alike seemed to cause a distasteful reaction from him.
will finish this part later
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Caoimhe was almost too short to climb aboard the first steps of the Hogwarts Express, her two brothers giving her assistance up to the step. Caoimhe used her upper body strength to hoist herself up the a few of the steep ladders into the train. She turned quickly to her brothers and smiled, but the fear must have been evident on her face. Her eldest brother shook her hair up with one large hand while the second eldest leaned in and gave her a tight hug. "You'll be fine, sis," he spoke into her ear before stepping away.
"Send me a letter once you get housed," Evander called from afar, raising his hand in a quick wave. Her mother waved her hands recklessly in her direction before stopping to wipe her tears, obviously a whirlwind of emotion for her departure. Caoimhe's eyes grew watery at the sight of this, but quickly sent them a final wave before turning around and rushing forward. The faster she got away from them, the better Caoimhe would feel and get over this growing longing she felt.
Ahead of her were several closed-curtain seating compartments filled with several students of many ages. The volume was loud with conversations, laughter, and...did she hear crying? At least Caoimhe wasn't the only one.
She walked steadfast through several train-carts before finding an empty compartment towards the middle section of Hogwarts Express. She ducked her head under the curtain that hung low half-open, half-closed and took a seat. Caoimhe frantically felt around for her phone and headphones, but remembered these "muggle" devices weren't functional at Hogwarts. This train trip just became a lot more depressing.
Last edited by Caoimhe Kyle on 27 Apr 2023, 14:04, edited 5 times in total.
sta 5 • eva 9 • str 0 wis 9 • arc 5 • acc 9 | -- | " I have no issue with being called an insensitive witch, so long as I remain an efficient one, " Kee's ency | -- | Statistical Relevance | ability | ability ability | ability | ability |
3 Feb 2023, 17:13
Over the Hills
"Run lass, we are going to be late!"
Vera had been fussing all morning trying to decide which cloak to take with her. Aside from the clothes she would be wearing for school, her mother had given her a parting gift that would remind her of home. "I'm coming, mom!" She called. She rehearsed a list of things she needed to grab on her way out the door. "Cloak, boots, shawl..." Her eyes fell on the horse medallion on her night stand. She snatched it up and as she trotted down stairs, she threw it around her neck. "I'm here!" She announced as her mother stood tapping toes and fists on her hips. She ushered Vera into the old truck they drove. It was fancy, the old thing had been in the family for years. "Hurry, get in child, train leaves any minute!" Vera buckled in and her mother began the drive to the train station.
Upon arrival of the station, it was ten till. Vera's mother helped her get the trolley packed and trotted together to have the belongings loaded to the train. Then they paused at a door to the train and Vera looked into her mothers eyes, uneasiness settling in. "Here you are, dear." Her mother slipped a charm with one of their horses painted on it. "For good luck." she said. She hugged Vera tightly. There were many people rushing about. She missed the quiet of their farm already. "I'll write you every day." Vera said to her mothers ear. Her mothers grip tightened before she let go and turned Vera about and nudged her towards the train. "Off you go..." Vera approached the train and one of the older kids helped her along the steps. It felt too crowded where she was in the entrance. She felt so flustered she forgot to turn back and wave to her mom.
As kids were at windows waving goodbye, Vera trotted along the corridor and stumbled a bit. She tripped on her foot and spun about until she burst through one of the shrouds of seats and fell to her knees. She panicked and scrambled to the nearest seat. When she looked about, her eyes widened in surprise when she realized she wasn't alone. She dug in her pocket for her mothers good luck charm, a card painting of her favorite horse and clutched it to her check. "I...um..." She stumbled. "Hi."
Vera had been fussing all morning trying to decide which cloak to take with her. Aside from the clothes she would be wearing for school, her mother had given her a parting gift that would remind her of home. "I'm coming, mom!" She called. She rehearsed a list of things she needed to grab on her way out the door. "Cloak, boots, shawl..." Her eyes fell on the horse medallion on her night stand. She snatched it up and as she trotted down stairs, she threw it around her neck. "I'm here!" She announced as her mother stood tapping toes and fists on her hips. She ushered Vera into the old truck they drove. It was fancy, the old thing had been in the family for years. "Hurry, get in child, train leaves any minute!" Vera buckled in and her mother began the drive to the train station.
Upon arrival of the station, it was ten till. Vera's mother helped her get the trolley packed and trotted together to have the belongings loaded to the train. Then they paused at a door to the train and Vera looked into her mothers eyes, uneasiness settling in. "Here you are, dear." Her mother slipped a charm with one of their horses painted on it. "For good luck." she said. She hugged Vera tightly. There were many people rushing about. She missed the quiet of their farm already. "I'll write you every day." Vera said to her mothers ear. Her mothers grip tightened before she let go and turned Vera about and nudged her towards the train. "Off you go..." Vera approached the train and one of the older kids helped her along the steps. It felt too crowded where she was in the entrance. She felt so flustered she forgot to turn back and wave to her mom.
As kids were at windows waving goodbye, Vera trotted along the corridor and stumbled a bit. She tripped on her foot and spun about until she burst through one of the shrouds of seats and fell to her knees. She panicked and scrambled to the nearest seat. When she looked about, her eyes widened in surprise when she realized she wasn't alone. She dug in her pocket for her mothers good luck charm, a card painting of her favorite horse and clutched it to her check. "I...um..." She stumbled. "Hi."
3 Feb 2023, 19:59
Over the Hills
DATE ┊ 09/01/22 -----OUTFIT ┊ click here-----HAIR ┊ natural-----MENTIONS ┊ @Verthandi Muspell-----
STATUS ┊ open-----WC ┊ 220/200-----ENGLISH ┊ "words"-----SWAHILI ┊ "words"-----THOUGHTS ┊ "words"
-----Caoimhe looked out the window smiling somberly to her family one final time and gave a single wave, looking away when her eyes grew hot but turned back just in time to observe them fade into the distance as the train began to start its course. She looked down at her lap and sighed - she brought a medium carry-on that contained some “muggle” activities and snacks. Her father insisted on giving her some wares to purchase an assortment of magical snacks, but Caoimhe insisted on her own.
There was a randomly a clank of metal from the wheels and the rails, but there was a commotion ahead. Caoimhe leaned forward to peak outside of the curtain, but to her surprise landed a person. A girl her age. She composed herself then sat down before looking like a deer in headlights at Caoimhe’s presence.
The girl said hello almost casually despite the fall, and Caoimhe choked back a laugh.
“Oh my god, are you okay? I’m sorry I don’t mean to laugh,” and she meant it full heartedly. Caoimhe had a horrible habit of laughing at inappropriate times.
“Are you starting your first year too?” She had a slight inflection in her voice, hopefully that perhaps this girl could turn into a friend.
Last edited by Caoimhe Kyle on 12 Feb 2023, 09:41, edited 2 times in total.
sta 5 • eva 9 • str 0 wis 9 • arc 5 • acc 9 | -- | " I have no issue with being called an insensitive witch, so long as I remain an efficient one, " Kee's ency | -- | Statistical Relevance | ability | ability ability | ability | ability |
3 Feb 2023, 20:27
Over the Hills
Vera opened her mouth to respond, then looked back down at the charm, then back at the girl in front her as she laughed. "Aye, it's my first year." She responded in a small voice. She wanted to run, but what was the likelihood she would find an empty seat alone? She had seen so many kids. Slowly, she rested the charm in her lap, the horse visible, but Vera folded her hands over the image.
She laughed nervously. "Aye, I'm not not used to being around people me age. Sorry if I startled you, lass." She made herself more comfortable, the realization that her accent was so think began to settle in. "My name is Verthandi, Vera for short, if ya don't mind." She addressed herself. Her mother had taught her to be polite. "Yer not from Stirling, are ya?"
Vera had begun to feel self concious on how she dressed compared to this girl. Her boots and cloak might have made her out to be on the countryside. She hadn't met anyone from outside Sterling, other than the rumors of muggles. Vera hadn't done public schools, so her knowledge was far fetched. She figured she would remain quiet and keep assumptions to herself.
She laughed nervously. "Aye, I'm not not used to being around people me age. Sorry if I startled you, lass." She made herself more comfortable, the realization that her accent was so think began to settle in. "My name is Verthandi, Vera for short, if ya don't mind." She addressed herself. Her mother had taught her to be polite. "Yer not from Stirling, are ya?"
Vera had begun to feel self concious on how she dressed compared to this girl. Her boots and cloak might have made her out to be on the countryside. She hadn't met anyone from outside Sterling, other than the rumors of muggles. Vera hadn't done public schools, so her knowledge was far fetched. She figured she would remain quiet and keep assumptions to herself.
5 Feb 2023, 13:21
Over the Hills
DATE ┊ 09/01/22 -----OUTFIT ┊ click here-----HAIR ┊ natural-----MENTIONS ┊ @Verthandi Muspell-----
STATUS ┊ open-----WC ┊ 220/200-----ENGLISH ┊ "words"-----SWAHILI ┊ "words"-----THOUGHTS ┊ "words"
-----Caoimhe was excited when Vera confirmed her year meaning the two girls would have a better likelihood of seeing one another in classes, surely. Her accent was thick and bold yet beautiful, it boomed with life and charm. Caoimhe had never heard anything like it before except in movies, and it made her sit with awe at every word Vera spoke. Then her red hair and deep, deep emerald eyes, Caoimhe thought she could drown if she stared long enough. Caoimhe felt so ordinary sitting next to her.
The girl smiled before saying: "I'm Caoimhe (Kee'va). I'm from Kinsale, Ireland." she looked at the item Vera held tightly before returning her hazel gaze to meet Vera's. The girl's smile turned slightly serious when she spoke this time, hoping to make Vera feel a bit more comfortable and relaxed. Caoimhe could see the tightness of her hands and hoped that small talk might calm Vera's nerves.
"Nono, you didn't startle me, I'm happy to have company. I'd love to learn about Stirling...where's that at?" Caoimhe could guess but surely they'd all be wrong, and the girl didn't want to assume incorrectly. Assuming it'd be best if Vera told her story in her own words.
Last edited by Caoimhe Kyle on 12 Feb 2023, 09:41, edited 2 times in total.
sta 5 • eva 9 • str 0 wis 9 • arc 5 • acc 9 | -- | " I have no issue with being called an insensitive witch, so long as I remain an efficient one, " Kee's ency | -- | Statistical Relevance | ability | ability ability | ability | ability |
5 Feb 2023, 19:18
Over the Hills
Vera smiled nervously back at Caoihme. "Please to meet you." She said in a small voice again. She watched her eyes glance at the card in her hand. Vera tightened her grip as though Caoihme had meant to steal the card, but in truth she just wanted to curl up in her seat. She looked out the window to see if she could see anything interesting to help calm herself. Caoihme seemed to have a similar idea.
She hadn't been to Kinsale island but she knew much about Stirling. "Aye, it's a lot of open countryside. We tame horses and sell them by the pound." She showed her the charm in her lap, holding it up before her chest. "This here is my horse, Bairn. She is grown, but she acts like a baby, she does." She gave Cao a curious look. "Have you any pets where yer from?" Vera had considered the idea that this girl seemed nice, but she had faith that her charm would keep her safe. Thinking about her mom hurt, but she didn't want to cry here. The patience of the girl before her had gained Veras confidence a little, but even the smallest things could crush her hopes of not feeling entirely alone.
She hadn't been to Kinsale island but she knew much about Stirling. "Aye, it's a lot of open countryside. We tame horses and sell them by the pound." She showed her the charm in her lap, holding it up before her chest. "This here is my horse, Bairn. She is grown, but she acts like a baby, she does." She gave Cao a curious look. "Have you any pets where yer from?" Vera had considered the idea that this girl seemed nice, but she had faith that her charm would keep her safe. Thinking about her mom hurt, but she didn't want to cry here. The patience of the girl before her had gained Veras confidence a little, but even the smallest things could crush her hopes of not feeling entirely alone.
6 Feb 2023, 08:14
Over the Hills
DATE ┊ 09/01/22 -----OUTFIT ┊ click here-----HAIR ┊ natural-----MENTIONS ┊ @Verthandi Muspell-----
STATUS ┊ open-----WC ┊ 220/200-----ENGLISH ┊ "words"-----SWAHILI ┊ "words"-----THOUGHTS ┊ "words"
-----It was safe to say that Vera seemed to still be on edge, and Caoimhe understood this feeling as well but she applauded herself on her ability to hide it well. Luckily her father sent her away with an exhausting amount of knowledge, stories, and even gave her his year book of first year. To say she was prepared for the school year was an understatement, but the feeling of fright still weighed down on Caoimhe's conscience. Talking to Vera helped, though, especially when she also inquired about Caoimhe's life.
"Taming horses...wow, that's incredible," Caoimhe spoke leaning in to look at Vera's horse, Bairn. Caoimhe didn't know much about horses besides what she witnessed on muggle TV's Animal Planet or Discovery, but she knew it took a strong will and unshakeable patience to break a horse and train it. Then there were horses that were tougher than others that took even longer to get through.
"What kind of horse is he? How many hands? Height is measured by hands...right?" Caoimhe went off a on a limb, testing her knowledge learned from the television. Either she'd sound like she was somewhat familiar with horses or she'd sound like a total idiot.
"I have a dog, Sanka, he's a golden retriever mix with shepherd," Her eyes did grow hot thinking about her little San'san, chasing one another on the beach and how inseparable they were. "My mother named him, he was a gift to my brothers and I. But I think I won him over,"
sta 5 • eva 9 • str 0 wis 9 • arc 5 • acc 9 | -- | " I have no issue with being called an insensitive witch, so long as I remain an efficient one, " Kee's ency | -- | Statistical Relevance | ability | ability ability | ability | ability |
