21 Apr 2023, 17:40
The Enchanted Maze

French | #a984d7 English | #9084e1
"Well, yes, but it didn't work out so nicely," Zendra admitted, a small smile gracing her lips."This maze likes to trick people, it seems." Contrary to her smile earlier, Zendra seemed to wince at her own words for a moment before regaining her smile and asking, "Want to try to find our way together?"Writing as Achille Lévesque-Auclair
see banner for outfit, abilities, and stats
Achille laughed easily, nodding. "Yes, I agree. Reminds me of Daedalus's labyrinth," He commented, then frowned a little. "Though, I would hope there's not a minotaur waiting around somewhere, waiting to jump out at any moment." It then occurred to Achille that Zendra could have not a single clue of what he was referencing, and his cheeks and the tips of his ears pinked slightly from embarrassment. "Sorry, Greek myth stuff. I forget that not everyone can be counted on to be as familiar with the different stories and tales." He admitted apologetically, before thinking of her earlier question. "And I'd be delighted to try to find the way with you," Achille gave a slightly formal bow, pausing as his gaze came level with Zendra's and offering her his hand. "Shall we?"
Growing up, Achille had been raised with the notion that manners were vital, especially in social settings. Additionally, he had always valued, if not formality, politeness. But this went deeper than simply being polite out of an obligation. Achille got the keen feeling that Zendra had an opposite experience than he had when it came to others taking note of appearance. For him, it felt like he could never escape the intrigued looks and glances of others everywhere he went. But he felt that, for Zendra, and looks and glances she might have drawn were motivated differently. There was a difference between having conventional (and rather, unfortunate) attractiveness paired with a hearing impairment rather than being on what Achille sensed would be the opposite end of that same spectrum.
It really was a pity, because Achille believed in finding beauty on the inside and through personality rather than basing everything on looks alone. Don't judge a book by its cover, he thought, thinking of a quote he'd heard in a movie. You might end up reading a really bad book.
Action: Agreeing to walk through the maze with Zendra
tags: @Nora De Carie
Open for Interactions
21 Apr 2023, 18:43
The Enchanted Maze

IJ.
After Colin got his buttons sorted out, he gave Clair a grin and checked out the Ravenclaw girl again. She really was very pretty! But the sounds of happy students entering and wandering the maze, the odors of food and foliage combined to nudge Colin in the direction of the Maze's entrance. "There's supposed to be a banquet and a knights tourney awaiting those who don't die in the Maze!" Colin hopped around a bit with excitement! "Come on! This looks fun!"
While they'd been chatting, Colin had been watching how the other boys entered the Maze with their girls. He reckoned that Clair probably wouldn't want to run too fast, what with her long dress on, but that did seem like a really fun way to enter. Mostly they seemed to either hold hands, which Colin thoroughly approved of, or else linked arms together. That looked rather awesome to the boy!
So without any further thought to the matter, Colin gave Clair a big smile, slipped his right arm into Clair's left and said: "Come on lassie! Let's go in!" Colin interlaced his fingers with Clair's own and charged into the Maze! "Wotcha! SlytherClaw coming through!" As the pair bounded into the maze, Colin saw several friends inside. But for now, it was enough that he was at Clair's side!

Interactions: @Clair FernandezAction: Entering the Ball with Clair! @Clark Baird | @Ashley MontezInventory: Wand (hawthorn wood with unicorn hair core); miscellaneous bits of this and that in his pockets (a key, a couple hag stones, a bit of cord, his pocket knife, some choco and sweets, the usual boy stuff.
Stamina: 6 | Evasion: 6 | Strength: 4 | Wisdom: 7 | Arcane Power: 6 | Accuracy: 6
Last edited by Colin McCoire on 2 Jun 2023, 04:39, edited 5 times in total.
Keep your mind in hell; and don't despair.
Cursa McCoire
Rigel McCoire
21 Apr 2023, 21:29
The Enchanted Maze
'Do not leave me alone!' Mira told him. Akihiko gave her a face of mock shock. "I would never! You’re my date, after all!" He didn’t slow down his pace, though. He didn’t want to be the last one there. He would piggy-back Mira if he had to, so long as he wasn’t the last one to make it to the maze. Imagine the irony of it, being late to his first social event of the year! It would probably be just as much of a shame as arriving to the ball without a date!
Mira and Akihiko had only met a few days ago in the library, and they were go as a sort of last minute fling. Last minute indeed. He had only known her a few days, but he found her amusing from their few interactions. Funny. Maybe a little shy, but it was clear she had a crush on him, so that explained it.
It was great. He had a date, and his cousin didn’t to his knowledge. Even better, his date was high standing. He knew her family was rich and magical. His family would approve. She was also good looking, although not in her standards. Akihiko didn’t know what he was looking for, but he would find it eventually. Maybe.
Mira wore a teal dress, and it brought out her eyes, which held a sense of yearning.
'Thank you, Aki. You look just as handsome. Let's enter the Maze, shall we?' Akihiko took her hand and kissed her gently on the cheek. That wasn’t awkward, was it? "Into the maze we go, m’lady." He led her gently towards the hedges, and away from the stresses of everyday life.
Interactions are closed except for Mira Hawkins
Interactions @Cassie Jiang as Mira Hawkins
Mentions
english japanese chinese
ReducioInvetory
Wand (back pocket)
Mokeskin bag (front pocket) containing…
3 dungbombs
1 exploding snap card deck
1 bag exploding bonbons
2 wizard cracker
21 Apr 2023, 21:49
The Enchanted Maze

Clair laughed, "Good thinking! Though I'm, sure there won't be any hag dolls this time." Clair's mind flashed back to the hag doll almost killing Colin's cousin she could live without ever having to deal with that again. She could only wonder what drama would happen on this evening. "Is Lily here tonight?" If she was she really had been placed in the right house only the bravest person would ever want to return to a ball they had almost died at last time.
Colin was a bag of bouncing beans, but Clair thought it was pretty cute to see how excited he was.
"Thank you! I thought it worked really well with the outfit." She replied, happy that Colin had noticed. She had also noticed something about him, which he realized about a second later, his buttons were undone. Clair smiled as he did up his buttons. "I'm glad I came with you as well Mister McCoire." She said with a grin.
Clair nodded, "Shall we enter at the risk of our lives?" She asked, playing along with his game. Though she was not entirely sure that they would live through the ball.
As Colin linked arms with Clair the ravenclaw followed him, happy to let him take the lead. As he raced forward she picked up her dress slightly with her other hand, she also had her wand in her hand, incase something should try to get them, and followed him at a run into the maze.
(wc 252)
@Colin McCoire
Action: Entering the maze
Stats: Stamina:7 | Evasion:7 | Strength:8 | Wisdom:5 | Arcane power:7 | Accuracy:7
WHAT IF I FALL? OH, MY DARLING
WHAT IF YOU FLY?
WHAT IF YOU FLY?
21 Apr 2023, 22:40
The Enchanted Maze
Writing as approved Durmstrang iNPC Vyacheslav Aleksandrovich Preobrazhensky
Interacting with: Valentin Schnell (@Aida Mòrsgor-Ama Ellwood), Maila Aurora Laine (@Beatrice Dupont), Romeo Marchonné (@Piérre Marchonné), Ginyami Midorimori (@Jack Burnett), and Amina Petrovic (@Ileen Knight)
Open to interactionsAmina commented that Slava pulled off the eyeliner well and winked at him and he grinned in return. “Thank you, thank you. You don’t look half bad yourself.” Amina and Romeo went back and forth teasing each other—Romeo making some reference that Slava didn’t understand—before things moved on slightly. Romeo and Valentin said some kind of loosely philosophical stuff about this not being the time or place to play around with love. Did things really have to be so serious? Love was supposed to be fun and handed out generously—at least that was what Slava believed. “Boooring,” he whispered to Amina. What better time was there to have some fun flirting and enjoying one another’s company than when all dressed up and together for a ball?
Amina made a comment about kissing to welcome a date and Slava frowned. “Date? I thought Maila or Romeo was his date, or are you here together?” Either way, it wasn’t important, so he brushed it off, quickly being distracted by her excitement over the glitter. She carried out a very dramatic and complicated bow and he was laughing merrily by the time he went to sprinkle the glitter evenly over her. She explained that she just wanted to prank Valentin and that kissing was fun and he shrugged. “Okay.” He didn’t really have much to say—while he wasn’t sure he’d randomly walk up to one of his friends and kiss them, he knew she was like that and he didn’t really expect anything different from her, although Valentin hadn’t seemed to enjoy it.
Then Amina asked what Slava would do for a kiss. “You are lovely, but maybe that’s too far,” he commented lightheartedly. On second thoughts though, why not play along? “Ah, why not. Dare me to do something in return. It will be fun.” Slava loved dares; they were one of his favorite things to do. He and Maksim had dared each other to do many a thing—Slava had even originally joined Quidditch on a dare, having previously been afraid of heights, only to realize he loved the sport more than almost anything. He also had very little shame, which made dares fun and exciting instead of nervewracking as some people found them to be.
As Slava was being pulled by Amina to fully rejoin the others, a sharp “Guys, did you hear that voice?” from Valentin interrupted the playfulness. Slava hadn’t personally heard it due to talking at the time and, honestly, paying very little attention to anything outside his own little bubble, but if Valentin heard something and wanted to take charge to find and protect it, Slava would be right beside him. “What was it?” he asked, although his tone was far more curious than it was concerned. He knew little of the dangers that others had faced and had lived his life thus far largely unaffected by any concerns or harm, so he was not as alert and cautious as many of the others were. He wandered over to the empty side next to Romeo and Valentin, given that Maila and Ginyami were already on the other side. He wanted to get to know them better, as he always enjoyed meeting new people and they seemed interesting, but now wasn’t the time and he would take the most convenient position, looking largely puzzled at what was happening.
Statistics: STA 8 | EVA 9 | STR 13 | WIS 6 | ARC 5 | ACC 18
Abilities: Evasive Maneuvers I & II, Broken Broomshaft, Charmer (Allies: members of the Durmstrang Quidditch team and Maksim Preobrazhensky (if he joins), so opponents everyone else), Paragon of Health (Allies: Valentin Schnell and Amina Petrovic)
Action: Listening to see if he can notice anything, such as the voice that was heard.
Free Actions: Chatting with people, messing around.
Banner made by Beatrice Dupont
Last edited by Ruby Cazares on 16 Jun 2023, 21:24, edited 4 times in total.
Stamina: 10 | Evasion: 14 | Strength: 5 | Wisdom: 17 | ArcPower: 12 | Accuracy: 17
Perfectionist I & II, Fearless, Spell Spread, Nonverbal Magic
iNPC Vyacheslav Aleksandrovich Preobrazhensky
21 Apr 2023, 23:14
The Enchanted Maze
04:57 ━━⬤──────────────── 27:04
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⇆ㅤ ||◁ ❚❚ ▷||ㅤ↻
ft. @Alora J. Graves
“Oh.” was the only sound that came out of the girl’s mouth, and she quickly fumbled to get a tissue from her small purse. Jaime wrinkled her nose a bit at the sight of it, she hated purses, but didn’t say anything. There was no reason to be rude to the girl, especially after her nasty fall.
After a few failed attempts, the girl found what she was looking for, and pressed tissue gently against her skin. As she did, Jaime wondered how the girl had not noticed the awful scrape before. It certainly would hurt, but Jaime reasoned that if the girl was used to scrapes, she might go about unaffected. After all, it was that way with Jaime. From years of practicing skateboarding in the dark and doing fencing weekly, she’d gotten almost accustomed to having at least a few bruises or cuts at a time.
"Thanks... for letting me know," the girl said, and Jaime noticed how pale her skin was. Jaime’s mother’s skin was the same way, as well as her little sister. Black hair, also like Jaime’s but much straighter, framed her face and fell down to her shoulders. From those, a short black dress hung and descended to her knees. It suited her, and though she was wearing heels, Jaime could tell she was a bit shorter than average.
The girl seemed hesitant, but she continued, asking, "You having trouble finding the party too?" Jaime wanted to reply no, but as she thought, she realized that while she was moving, she hadn’t been getting anywhere, not really. In fact, she was sure she’d just passed this area awhile a go.
“A bit, it seems.” Jaime replied, hiking up her dress a bit. Spencer would hate for her to dirty the garment, since they planned on passing it on to their future child, or Maisie if they’re child didn’t want it. Figuring she should introduce herself, Jaime murmured, “My name is Jaime. You?”
Despite her calm and quiet demeanour, Jaime was human, and for better or worse, she’d like to get to know this girl. After all, it was nice to have a friend.
Lyrics: 359 words in #CD7F32
Choreography: Talking to Alora
22 Apr 2023, 00:03
The Enchanted Maze
english | russian
An amused smile tugged at the corner of Amina’s mouth as the Italian teased her back about fitting nicknames for Valentin. They had a weird dynamic - most likely their approach to life didn’t really match (assumption!) but in those situations they could have fun together - well, at least she had fun and she respected him replying to her. This person always had so much respect and dignity that it was a constant reminder of her clutching urge to break rules and do what she wanted, no matter what. Sometimes she didn’t really know what to do with this, but well, it was Amina. She could live with the lack of knowledge on how to handle that.
However, she had seen many muggle shows but not this one. Her eyes squinted as she tried to imagine such a creature and a small giggle escaped her throat before she remembered that she actually was onto him about his feelings for her!
But - to her very relief he rejected the thought."Oh thank Merlin! And yes it would be rather complicated!” She agreed with Valentin and nodded affirmingly, her eyes still wide open in mock shock. “That would be…” She shivered and shook her whole body as her innocent eyes closed briefly to express how she couldn’t even bear this thought. "Really gross. Although” She raised a finger smarty pants like. "It would explain so much. And fair - given that most of our life happens in the quidditch pitch…” She shrugged with a teasing grin. "Asking wouldn’t hurt.”
But he couldn’t stop the game she started. Or he didn’t want to. Either way the ball was in her corner again. "Oh, please.” She rolled her eyes overly dramatic and flipped her hair out of her face in the best diva manner. "But sure, you are a roman god, maybe just turn yourself into a bull and hunt down young ladies. Isn’t that what you guys do?” Not even someone who didn't know her at all could misunderstand that she was just making fun of all the latin or greek allusions and a warm loving grin returned to her face.
But then Valentin would maneuver himself in front of the co-captain and said something that rather confused her. Playing with love? Huh? She didn’t make that connection at all and just shrugged it off. question marks were written all over her face. As soon as Slava brought it up she chuckled in agreement as they proceeded into the maze. Yes. Booooooring. And so serious. They were here to have fun. Slava and here were really two birds from one feather. A wink and nod would be given to the young king as she stuck at Valentin’s side, not noticing the pain and damage her little prank had caused to her dear friend.
But even Slava apparently didn’t understand the intended laugh her prank had supposed to bring to the group. Well, she would probably explain it to him later. As he did, she easily got distracted by the glitter shower and his acceptance of her character gave her peace. Yes, Amina didn’t care much about other people's opinion and normally didn’t pick up on it. But if they were her friends she would care. So she enjoyed the carefree and easy going atmosphere after her joke had not caused much reaction (visible to her).
As her friend took a step back about a kiss from her, she crossed her arms with a played indignant snort. "Pff. Excuse me.” Then it quickly turned into a smirk and she gave him a flirty look through her eyelashes."Well… your loss. You don’t know what you’re missing.” She stuck out her tongue at him as she teased him about it. But the boy seemed to reconsider and just play along anyway. Amina beamed at him, expecting nothing less of him.
Thinking of a dare, she slowly tapped with her finger on her chin, tilting her head from left to right, staring at the boy. "Hmmm…. This is the court of the King after all. How about a ride on the royal horse around the banquet and then you can carry me to a proper joust duel with another knight.” The grin returned to her face.
But they had to discuss that later. They were falling behind. Closing in to the group she would offer all of them a smile. Especially the japanese boy would receive a wide one - performing a high five with her gave him already a lot of brownie points. She didn’t know that she had hurt people that really mattered to her and that she had caused pain. She couldn’t see all of that pain. If she did notice, she would be devastated. Although she was not the most empathetic one, something was off and she could feel it, even if only subconsciously and the smile slowly would drip from her face and her feet would automatically slow down.
Looking for a distraction her eyes would turn back to the hedges of the maze. It was like her body was not willing to see pain. As if it didn’t exist. The whispering voices seemed like they were from a fairytale. Although she was not the most receptive one and had a very one track mind, her attention had belonged to the wonderful plants at the very entrance already. So she actually heard the cry for help. Aminas head jerked to the group as Valentin asked them if they had heard that, too.
Slava next to her seemed not to, so she was happy to help out. "A voice that said ‘dont hurt me’.” While her friends immediately went on alert, she stood more curiously next to Slava and frowned thoughtfully, trying to listen for more signs of that voice. Man, one couldn't hear anything with all of those oaths to protect each other and orders thrown around. "Slava, don’t leave my side, I’ll protect you with my life!” She joked theatrically, audible only to her addressed friend standing there, and stifled a grin. For someone who hadn't yet experienced the true horrors, that was a bit of an overreaction. oh, if she only knew.
She was less worried. Still untraumatized and untouched by the real horrors of the Hogwarts balls. She expected no real evil. No, no. Not on such a nice evening. But what was it then? And suddenly an idea came to her.
"Hold on, guys. The maze was talking before. Maybe it is the maze” Her eyes sparkled in curiosity as she stepped closer to the whispering hedges and gently laid her hand on the plant once more. In contrast to her comrades she was more at ease - she hadn’t been involved in fighting before and this all seemed more like a game or a puzzle for the ball to her.
Softly touching the plants she tried to find a connection like to her dear broom. She wished she had her loyal Silver Arrow by her side. It always felt a bit weird when it was not with her. "Show us the way so we can help. Show us where someone is threatening to hurt you.” With sparkling eyes, she would take a step back and stare expectantly at the hedge. It was the first time she reflected an expression of childlike expectation in her features.
Interacting | Valentin (@Aida Mòrsgor-Ama Ellwood) | Slava (@Ruby Cazares) | Romeo (@Piérre Marchonné) | Maila (@Beatrice Dupont) | Ginyami (@Jack Burnett)
open to interactions
Action | Asking the maze hedges where to go to stop the hurting/danger
Ability | Muggle Condition | Fearless | Foulplay | Lovely Creature
Allies for LC | noone ~ everyone may admire her =P You can decide from an RP perspective how much the ability affects you
Stats | Sta:9 | Ev:15 | Str:7 | Wis:7 | Arc:2 | Acc:15
22 Apr 2023, 23:43
The Enchanted Maze
A time when daylight fades and the sun is no longer visible. It 's not the most extravagant definition to represent all of the beauty the sky beholds. The glamour lies within the effervescent sky during a sunset. It combines the serenity of the auburn sun, pale pink hues, and the rich light radiating from the ends of the sky to the last grain of sand in the ocean to achieve absolute perfection.
A sudden, mild breeze swirled along the maze's path as the sun started to drop, leaving nothing except what was in front of us to view. Although it was about to materialise, what lay ahead was something that represents doom. Time alone will tell. Although they did not cause fear to those with flesh who were navigating the enchanted labyrinth, the plants that had tightly grabbed mother earth began to quiver slightly, yet its movement was visible to those who payed attention to little detailed the maze had offered. Everyone was having fun avoiding the exit by wandering about. The ravenous grim reaper grinned at the wandering souls. As it was previously stated, "This way? That way? What way?
Everyone has been making their way through the maze; some have stayed because the maze ensnared them completely, while others have hurriedly fled the region.
However, in that situation, all that really stirs is potential problems. There seem to be an infinite number of Clark Baird's opponents. Aurora Griffith initially avoided Clark's attack like a skilled professional, and now Vlad has been brought into the fray. What is going through Clark's mind?
@Clark Baird casts Sneezing Hex • Steleus on Vladislav Liam Gunther
Wisdom Difficulty Check(Sneezing Hex) → 9
Clark's wis→ 5
t!roll 1d20+5
Rolling dice!
[d20 : 14] + 5
In the end, the result was: [19]
Clark's acc check → 5
t!roll 1d20+5
Rolling dice!
[d20 : 17] + 5
In the end, the result was: [22]
Vlad's Eva → 5
t!roll 1d20+10
Rolling dice!
[d20 : 4] + 10
In the end, the result was: [14]
Tatsu is a sweet betrayer
Clark Successfully casts Sneezing Hex on Vlad
Duration : 2 Rounds
The spell's effects will be felt by Vlad for the next two rounds (Rounds 4 and 5).
The path seems to be growing dark as sunset occurs as @Jack Burnett as Ginyami casts Lumos to lit his path up.
Jack Burnett Casts Lumos
Wisdom Difficulty Check → 9
Wis of Jack(Ginyami) → 7
WDC vs. Wis
t!roll 1d20+7
Rolling dice!
[d20 : 10] + 7
In the end, the result was: [17]
17>9 Success
@Rhys Read unwittingly insulted the maze, which caused the maze boundaries and plants to tremble somewhat. However, if one was not paying attention to the minute nuances the maze had to offer, it would be difficult to detect. Although it appeared that the maze had reacted little to the modest wind, is that really the case? We'll find out about that later.
Remember to seek and you shall find; @Illeen Knight seems to be having a tough night. When she finally asked the maze where to go, it did not respond this time as a kind of response; instead, it left it up to everyone to determine if it was this way, that way, or what way?.
For OOC Consideration
Welcome dear travelers to the Spring Court! May the maze treat you well as you step through. Tread lightly and watch your step! A few rules to follow, lest you be shunned by the Court.◉ You must be indexed (have your name on the list here) to participate in the Ball.
◉ Each character is allowed one action per round.
◉ The Spring Court is separated into two main threads, the Enchanted Maze and the Royal Banquet. For ease of moderation, leaving and entering a thread require a full action. Clearly write if you are entering/leaving, and specify which thread you are entering if moving to the other. You are able to move through an area and post an arrival to another area within the same round.
◉ To access the Royal Banquet, you must enter through the Enchanted Maze. This is the same for leaving, unless you are participating in the Knights Tourney (Kindly be sure to explain all of your actions and include a conspicuous place on your post for your character's statistics and unique abilities. It's okay if it's on banners. This is done for moderation purpose.). The Tourney is adjacent to the Royal Banquet within the Maze.
◉ There are magical and muggle plants within the maze. Do be careful as the night continues...
◉ The Knights Tourney is a side activity adjacent to the Royal Banquet inside the Maze. You do not have to participate. Sign ups are officially closed.
◉ Moderation posts will occur weekly on Saturdays.
Maze Moderators: Ashley Montez and Clark BairdLocations/Official Threads (Part of the Ball): Royal Banquet | Tourney Sign Ups
Ashley.D
23 Apr 2023, 00:11
The Enchanted Maze

@Alec Mason
The moment Opeila heard her name she turned, letting go of the necklace. "Hi!" When he walked towards her grinning, she couldn't help grinning back. "Not waiting long at all!", she assured him, then looked down at his outfit. "Well, I'd say we're matching! You look great." It wasn't an odd compliment to make, she knew that very well, even less so at a ball, but she couldn't help reddening just a bit.
Quickly she cleared her throat and looked over her shoulder at the maze. "I guess it was meant to be a surprise. As long as all of Hogwarts doesn't have to spend the night finding their way to the ball... That would be something." As long as this maze was the greatest surprise they were met with. Opeila hadn't decided yet whether she would risk trying the food.
“We will either get lost, doomed to be forever be in the maze or get through in record time, there is no in-between.”
Opeila chuckled. "You know what, I wouldn't even be surprised if that is the mission of some couples here. I imagine being alone in a maze as beautiful as this one is what some would consider highly romantic."
The Slytherin did not miss Alec's look when he mentioned people having to look for the lost ones. "Hey, we're not late at all, so we can just follow the voices of the others!", she suggested. She was really not bothered by the maze at all. It was part of a party, surely it was in no one's interest to keep the party goers stuck in the maze for hours.
"Let's do this!"
Action: Moving to the Banquet

23 Apr 2023, 01:13
The Enchanted Maze
• A KNIGHT’S PILGRIMAGE THROUGH THE LABYRINTH •
21st April | Hogwarts Grounds, The Enchanted Maze
wc: 675
Avery's Hex #136b5cOutfit:Reducio
- Verdant Cape
· || ──────────────────────────────────── || ·
┏ ┓----- Avery had spent some time in the maze by now.
Whilst he was completely enamoured with the idea of navigating the mystifying maze and solving its perplexing puzzles, he was growing slightly annoyed with himself as he rounded more and more corners to seem to yield less and less. It was like he was going in circles, though he knew that such was impossible. He couldn’t take a left, then a right, and then a left and then a right and end up in the same location, and yet that’s exactly what it felt like was happening. In his frustration he had worked up some speed in rounding the many corners, but in armour this was made ten times worse.
Avery wasn’t a strong lad, his strength lay elsewhere, but traversing an unending maze in his historical armour was not something he was built to do; especially not for this long. He ended up stopping in his search for the exit, removing his helmet and letting the cool air touch his face. A light sheet of sweat lined his forehead just below his hairline, which he would have moved to wipe away if it wasn’t for the sound of distant spells that drew his immediate attention.
The part of the maze he was in was sparsely populated, and so his back was up when he heard the arcane exchange, naturally shifting his hand to his wand as he came up on yet another corner.
He froze as he made out a familiar person, astride a particularly handsome chap, following a stream of light. Caoimhe Kyle looked flawless. Avery wasn’t sure if he had paused because he was surprised to have thought about her in that manner, but then again how could someone not. She opted for a dress that complimented her skin tone, a glamour that emboldened best features and a smile that could kill; but that was pretty standard. A pinch of pain shot through him, as his ebony eyes inspected her handsome suitor.
Good on him, he tried to tell himself. Caoimhe owed nobody and she especially didn’t owe him. Avery didn’t think there was anything like that between them and yet he was quietly irritated by it, no matter what he tried to tell himself. Perhaps he could have asked her to come to the ball, if he was emotionally aware, but now he knew of her blood and family and that was something he wouldn’t entertain or at least that would be his chosen strategy to cover up the hurt. Indifference would be his chosen weapon.
All thought of danger had left his mind, sheathing his wand again as he elected to walk a different route, walking towards them for a short distance before turning down another path. Sometimes you have to choose your battles, and he felt inadequately prepared for this one. What did he care, anyway? She was a half-blood. – It annoyed him that this annoyed him, and in these instances it was better to reflect than to act, though he could help his eyes that trailed after the pair even as his legs took him out of view.
He walked and walked, until he was lost again; lost in his mind that was until he was given another reason to pause.
There was a girl covered in dirt, almost blending into the foliage around her. She was dressed as some kind of bush; which became clearer as he neared. She was a forest spirit, or nymph, and she had been crying by the looks of it. He offered a very laboured smile to her, heavy was the burden of his own worries, let alone those of another.
“Are you alright? You weren’t hit by some of those spells I heard, were you?” He asked, inspecting her briefly before he looked around again as if to detect any threats. Avery was accidentally playing the knight in shining armour, and that seemed lost on him.┗ ┛
Action: Still Lost. Still Slaying. – Meeting Marietta in the Maze.
Mentioning @Caoimhe Kyle, @Harlan Montgomery & @Marietta Griffis










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