Closed Royal Banquet Spring Court Ball

Roleplaying as Nate Smirnow from Koldovstoretz
@Katherine Labrouder

Outfit

As soon as Nate met Katherine, it felt like the distance between them had never been there. He couldn't lie, it made him happy to see her again. Even though he didn't want to admit it, the first time after New Year's he thought about her a lot. He didn't want to make his heart vulnerable, but had that perhaps already happened? Even his brother had noticed, for his attention in training was as bad as it had ever been. He had taken some beatings as punishment for it and after a few weeks he had managed to get a clear head again. But now everything was forgotten, all that mattered was the evening with Katherine.

At her comment he looked at himself and then down at Katherine with a wry grin. "It seems we understand each other even at a distance." He whispered to her so that only she could hear. The thought that the two of them had a deeper connection triggered a brief feeling in his chest, but he kept his expression and didn't let on.

As soon as she grabbed his arm, the two of them stumbled into the Maze and tonight's adventure began for them. It was immediately a pleasant feeling to talk to Katherine, even if it was only petty small talk. He laughed honestly in her presence and listened attentively. He wanted to know more about her and yet she is so closed off to him. A sting. A fact that had been bothering him for some time. He felt that he was at least half an open book to her. That he revealed personal things about himself to her but he hardly knew anything about her.

For a brief moment his muscles tensed. Not now Nate, he admonished himself. This was not the time for these thoughts and doubts. He pushed the thoughts to the back of his mind, not wanting to ruin the evening. But sooner or later he would have to bring it up if he wanted to continue having contact with Katherine, he knew that. But for this moment it was not important. He kept laughing, talking about the last few weeks, about training, about classes, about his brother who more and more girls were fussing over. The two of them got lost a few times and suddenly found themselves at a dead end, but it only made the mood more pleasant, because they could both laugh about it. Eventually they did make it through the Maze and the soft music and voices grew louder with each step until they arrived at the Royal Banquet.

If Nate didn't only have eyes for Katherine, he would notice the surroundings more, then he would probably admire it more but the only thing he admired was Katherine. Finally arriving, he didn't want to wait any longer, he turned to Katherine and smiled devilishly, as the two of them always did. "Care to dance, M'Lady?" He held out his hand to her and waited for her to reach for his. As soon as she did, he would pull her to him. One hand held hers and the other hand on her hip and the memory of their kiss flashed before his inner eyes. He leaned forward towards her ear. "I shouldn't admit it, but I missed your presence."

Action: Entering the Royal Banquet

IIIJ.

"Right you are milady!" As soon as Clair said it, Colin led the charge into the banquet. A part of him missed the possibility of mayhem in the maze, as the sounds of spells being cast and a deep sense of foreboding passed away. He was certain that he had heard Loops casting one of those spells. Colin hoped his friend was okay. But now he found himself along a different kind of pathway.

Smooth stones greeted his uncharacteristically shod feet and the scents of hundreds of aromatic candles and the dazzle of flowers in bloom greeted his senses. And Clair was with him! She held his hand, giving it a slight squeeze, which Colin took as a good sign. He wondered what they might meet up with here. They hadn't met with any obstacles at all when they were in the maze, even though it had sounded like others were becoming lost or had been drawn into the middle of some battle. "Kind of odd we got through that so easily! Hopefully we won't be attacked by anything in here!"

Colin sidled a bit closer to Clair as they walked. His shoulder bumped hers playfully. It occurred to Colin that Clair had mentioned the dance. And as that word rolled about in Colin's mind, he thought that would really be a grand idea. He'd learned a little about dancing, of course, but had never actually danced with a girl before! "It's like a sea of flowers here, Clair. Like waves breaking on the shore! See all the bluebells and heather, and wisteria? It's like walking through our herbology text!"

Eventually the pathway opened out. A broad space, like a huge garden, broadened before Colin's eyes. It was absolutely beautiful. It reminded him so much of home, and the gardens around his family's House. Colin took a deep breath. Here he was, walking in a lovely garden with the most beautiful girl in all Hogwarts! "Clairwouldyouliketodancelater?" Oof! All his words came out in a jumble!

Colin blushed.

He wasn't sure if it was excitement or nerves or what! Why would he be nervous? He'd asked Clair to go to the ball, right? And had talked with Clair loads of times, right? He shook himself like a dog. Funny how that seemed to clear his mind! "Er! I mean: Clair! Would you care to dance a while later?"

Interactions: @Clair Fernandez || Mentions: @Rebecca Loops

Action: Entering the Royal Banquet at full speed with Clair!

Inventory: 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

Posts
Colin: {I / 847} ❦ {IJ/220} ❦ {IIJ / 545} ❦ {IIIJ/397} ❦ {V / 1008} ❦ {VI / 446}

Clair: {Post I} | {Post IJ} | {Post IIJ} | Post IIIJ | {Post V}

Reducio mentions and pings: @Ciel Saskia (mathias) dhapmir

Reducio Reducio ooc notes: Action: entering banquet, snacking

21/4/23 • english • irish (gaeilge) • wc: 207

· ─────── · ♫♪· ─────── ·

The two had arrived at banquet. The looks of the banquet were more appealing than the maze. The maze was dark and dreary, but the banquet had flowers, tents, treats, snacks and beautiful decorations. Since it was dark and Mathias was partially blind, it was harder for the two young students to enjoy the decor and plants that were placed around the banquet.

Charlie and Mathias proceeded to the area with all of the food, to fill up. “are you alright if we eat some food and then maybe try one off the activities like the flower crown making or wack a mosp?” Charlie asked, but then remembered that Mathias was partially blind and it would be tricky for him to participate, so to possibly fix somethings, Charlie added this. “Or not. We do not have to do that if you do not want to. Or we still could.”

Without even waiting for Mathias’ answer, Charlie grabbed his hand and dragged him along. “Come on! Let go!” she exclaimed while dragging him over to the big table that was covered in food and different drinks. Charlie dropped Mathias’ hand and exchanged it for a plate, which she filled up with foods and treats of all sorts. Delicious.

| 5 STA | 5 EVA| 5 STR| 5 WIS | 5 ARC | 5 ACC | Charlie and Mathias have arrived at the banquet.

Interacting with: @Monica Evans @Hunter Argentum

Just as Bea was making her way to one of the numerous food and drink tents, Bea felt her body being moved into a hug. It took her a second to realise who it was, especially since she was dressed up. It was Monica, her best friend. She laughed when the realisation hit her, clasping her arms around the other girl in a tight return hug. "You made it through the maze!"

Ending the hug, Bea held her at arms length so she could get a good look at Monica. They'd both known they were coming but had left a different times into the maze, and Bea hadn't got a look at Monica's outfit before now. She looked stunning in the lavender gown. Were those sparkles? Beatrice's eyes lit up as she watched them flicker in the glow of the torches. "You look beautiful Mon! But-" she cast her eyes around, looking for Monica's date- "Where's your date? Hanako right?" She met him once before, at the last Ball. To say it had gone spectacularly was an understatement. He'd whisked Monica away just as they'd arrived and she hadn't seen the other girl all night. This time she was determined to enjoy her night with Monica.

Bea turned back to Hunter who was a little ways off somewhere. "No you're not. Hunter was just...being Hunter." She felt her face twist into a scowl, an involuntary reaction. Medusa and Morgana, she had to get better at schooling her features and emotions around the boy. But she just couldn't help it. Something, no matter the fragile trust they'd made together at the Lake before the break, always set her off.

She turned back to Monica as she suggested a drink, and Bea's eyes lit up. Nodding she once again faced Hunter, a girl on a mission. "This queen would like a drink. I'm going to go get one. Are you coming?" Now that Monica was here, Bea didn't care if he did want one or not. She was determined to have a good night. She deserved one after all the stress of the last few weeks. Clasping Monicas hand in her own, she guided her towards the punch bowl and the sweet nectar of the Ball.

Action: Guiding Monica to the drinks table and the punch bowl
Open to other interactions
Inventory: Wand

OUTFIT (plus his usual “M” ring):

German | English | Mother | Father | Grandad | Brother

I laughed at his comment, “A lot of things can go wrong mate!” I replied, nudging him with my shoulder. “We can get sucked into the floor? Hedge monster might snatch us and feed us to his children,” I teased, sneakily going behind him and grabbing his shoulders (on the ‘snatch’ comment) in hopes to scare him.

Ash picked a flower up and I stared at him while he was busy with the flower. Gosh, he looked gorgeous. I was so lucky that he picked me, that he chose me to attend with me. I know the nights young but it has been a treat to be able to spend time with him. I don’t know how we came from me pinning him to the wall to me basically fawning over him. I shivered as a big gust of wind ripped through the maze.

We started walking and our hands kept brushing before we must have both decided to clasp hands. My heart started thumping and I felt the world deafen around me as I tried not to make too much movement; would that scare him off? Would that make him realise that he is holding hands with me? I- I’m a basket case I am! But anyways, I kept walking, talking and laughing with him. Our clasped hands staying together throughout.

Eventually, we made it to what I assume to be the metaphorical light at the end of the tunnel or whatever. I saw that he still had the flower clutched into his hand and my hand in his other. The site brought out a blush and a small smile as my eyes lit up. “Yes. Yes it will,” I agreed, looking into his eyes for a few seconds before bringing them away. My hand was feeling a little sweaty and it was getting uncomfortable but I braved it for him, even went so far as to stick my hand in my pocket to stop myself from clicking my fingers.

I can’t believe the giggle-like noise that came out of my hand as Ash bounded forward like a happy kid. “I’m so happy to be here with you, Ash. Really happy,” I whispered, gently grasping his flower holding hand and turning him to face me. “Thank you. I’m sure tonight will be one of the best,” a smile spread across my face and I walked backwards with both his hands encased in mine. “Come on. Let’s go show up these amateurs,” time to get our dance on!

NEEDED INFO

Reducio

STATISTICS
Stamina: 5 | Evasion: 6 | Strength: 7
Wisdom: 4 | ArcPower: 4 | Accuracy 4

ON MY PERSON
Just the crown atop my head and my wand that is in a holster attached around my waist.

ACTION
Entering the banquet with Ash

INTERACTING WITH
@Ashley Montez in reply to this. My next reply is this. Open to interactions — please owl either one of us (or both) if you wish to

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ROYAL BANQUET
April 21st, 2023
MOD POST TRACKER
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Under The Starry Skies

And so, the ball continues as darkness prevails, getting deeper into the night. The only source of light would be the glass lanterns lighting up the way and serving as guides to those who wish to explore the banquet area or simply to make their way to where the dancefloor is for a romantic dance with their partners under the blooming pink and blue wisteria. A few fireflies in the distance join in on the fun, giving life to the darkness that surrounds the area, dancing above the shrubberies and the dark waters with the dim moonlight continuing to shine upon those underneath the starry sky.

More guests had found their way through the mischievous maze which had become rather hard to traverse due to the growing darkness and the trickeries that were starting to pop up one by one. Either it's due to luck or their skills, Spring welcomes those who had just arrived with a merry music and a feast before them and perhaps a couple of hidden bounties within the flowers and bushes if one seeks to have fun and do a couple of tricks themselves to their unsuspecting victims. Friends, foes, no one is safe from a mischievous jester that's waiting for the right opportunity to strike.

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Springs Arrival

The lanterns’ glow grew brighter as Nate Smirnow @Haley Rose arrived alongside his precious partner from their joyful adventures in the enchanted maze. It was the banquet’s way of greeting them and lighting up the way towards where the dance floor was as if to invite them to have a go. They were surrounded by blooming flowers, all swaying towards the way to the pergola filled with purple and blue wisterias.

Another pair emerges from the maze and that’s the energetic werewolf @Colin McCoire and his beloved Ravenclaw partner who had managed to keep up with him. It was quite an entrance with them stepping out of the maze. A shower of petals greeted them, dimly lit lanterns placed around the banquet area met their gazes as well as the way to the dancefloor where wisterias are placed above the pergola’s canopy, purple and blue petals falling oh so slowly.

Out of the maze and into the banquet and what awaits @Charlie Jacobsen and her partner that she's dragging along was a feast of different varieties, enough to satisfy the hungry adventurers after their long journey through the maze. Much like with the others that had arrived here earlier, Spring welcomed them with a bunch of blooming flowers just near where they emerged from the enchanted maze behind them.

Table Side Gift

No one had thought of giving the innocent tables a quick look or investigation for they don’t think that spring’s bounty could be in such an obvious place. @Zach Zaphiere would soon find out that nature’s gift could be anywhere, even in these tables. Something was glistening in the floral decoration surrounding the table. It could seem like just a trick of the eye due to the dim lighting from the lamps in the banquet area but there is something there. Upon closer inspection, this bored First Year Ravenclaw would find his first ever Spring’s bounty, a vial filled with yellow liquid and attached to it was a tag with the handwritten words ‘Laugh Inducing Potion’.

Reducio

Bot Command: t!choose pompion|turbo farts|laugh inducing
Result: Laugh Inducing was chosen
Zach Zaphiere gained a Laugh Inducing Potion! Have fun.

What Lies Beneath the Shrubs

Such a fine twig @Kim Sato had been blessed with, a gift from nature that’s surrounding the Spring Court. Despite the blessing that was given to him though, the young jester doesn’t seem to be that satisfied, continuing to search for treasures within the shrubberies. Spring doesn’t seem to be that kind to those seeking for more when they have already received a bounty, making them turn into jesters themselves.

There was quick sudden movement within the plants, stopping for a few seconds and then it rushes towards the Gryffindor. Jumping out of the thick bush was a black harmless little spider, greeting the young jester with its eight tiny little legs. It scurried off into an undisturbed part of the banquet’s decoration near the hedges by the lakeside. Clearly, it wasn’t fond of getting disturbed.

Reducio

Bot Command: t!choose twig|pebble|jumpscare
Result: Jumpscare was chosen
2nd Bot Command: t!choose spider|toadstool|butterfly or moth
Result: Spider was chosen!

The Lakeside View

Looking closer to those hedges though, @Kim Sato would notice how the decorative rocks that once surrounded certain parts of it had gone missing. Who or what could’ve done it was nowhere in sight. The hedges quiver, vines like tendril reaching out once he gets closer, aiming for his feet to trip him. Luckily, the boy was quite attentive of his surroundings, noticing the incoming trick of the mischievous plant and avoiding a nasty fall.

Reducio

Investigation|DC: 11+
Bot Command: t!roll D20+6 (WIS)
Result: [D20: 8] + 6 = 14|Success!

Mischievous Vines|DC: 18
Bot Command: t!roll D20+10 (EVA)
Result: [D20: 12] + 10 = 22
18 < 22 | Noticed and avoided the mischievous vines
all.

It wasn't just Kim Sato who had noticed something strange going on. @Monica Evans who had managed to catch the attention of @Beatrice Langstreth would soon catch something strange while she was being led by her friend to the drinks table. It was easy for the Slytherin Student to catch a glimpse of one of the entrance ways leading to the banquet. The shrubberies surrounding it were rather overgrown, making the entrance look rather… smaller than normal. Then again, they may have already been like that from the very start and the darkness could just be playing with them. It is still something noteworthy.

Some of the rocks that were once there at the bottom of the hedges were missing and whether it was her imagination or not, the shrubberies looked like they were moving. She will soon find out that perhaps, what she's seeing wasn't just her eyes playing tricks on her. Walking closer to the hedges, Monica would feel something crawling around her ankles and with her too distracted to notice it, she would find herself losing her balance as the mischievous vines had succeeded in tripping her. Luckily, Beatrice was with her to catch her unless the Ravenclaw was caught off guard by her friend suddenly tripping like that and Monica taking her down with her.

Reducio

Investigation|DC: 11+
Bot Command: t!roll d20+5 (WIS)
Result: [D20: 14] + 5 = 19 | Success!

Mischievous Vines| DC: 18
Bot Command: t!roll d20+8 (EVA)
Result: [D20: 8] + 8 = 16
18>16| Vines caught Monica's ankle, tripping her

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For OOC Consideration
Welcome dear travelers to the Spring Court! May your hearts be merry and your bellies full as you step through the Royal Banquet! A few rules to follow, lest you be shunned by the Court.

Reducio

~ 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. This also applies for the newly opened Knight Tourney.

~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 (please specify if you are leaving to participate in the Tourney). The Tourney is adjacent to the Royal Banquet within the Maze.
‏‏‎ ‎
~ Food and drinks are provided, however there are potions for use. But you may find these potions are harder to find and prone to hiding after you’ve already gained one...(3rd time is not the charm when these playful plants are around; players will only be able to get 2 possible vials before the plants get up to their tricks) Trick an enemy or a friend and watch the effects. Please write yourself drinking a potion or spiking any of the drinks available to you as a full action per round. There will be a roll for the success of spiking and a roll for the effect of the drink.

~ There are games you can do in the Banquet area. These include Flower Crown Making, Toss a Crown (ring toss but with flower crowns) and Whack-a-Mosp. These are not moderated but there to enhance the Banquet.
‏‏‎ ‎
~ The Knights Tourney is a side activity adjacent to the Royal Banquet inside the Maze. Sign ups are here.

~ Moderation posts will occur weekly on Saturdays/Sundays due to time differences.

~Royal Moderators: Raizel Voltrouz & Elsian Cox
please owl one of us if you have questions or an error to point out.

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Dialogue: ✕ Thoughts: ✕ Quotes: ✕

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Date | April 21st, 2023 - -

Monica squeezed her friend, then taking a moment to look at the outfit she was dressed in. Stunning, as always! The medieval style green dress made her eyes pop, and the crown just completed the whole look, "Bea you looking incredible!" Monica felt the fabric of the dress, "You have really out done yourself, this is beautiful!"

Monica fell silent when Bea asked about Hiro, she glanced back to the spot he just left her, but trying not to seem too down about it, "Oh he took off to be apart of that game they are hosting this evening.... but it's fine, I'll catch up with him later," A pit formed in Monica's stomach, the whole night with Hiro wasn't going as she planned. First he didn't wait for her at the maze, he just entered with some other girl, and now he took off! Nothing like the last ball where he invited her to come, just... left her. Monica forced a grin, she was with Bea now, so none of it mattered.

As Bea announced to her date the desire for refreshments, Monica smiled, holding onto her friends arm tight. And soon enough the pair was off to the refreshment table, Monica looked back, to see if hunter was coming with them, but couldn't tell. Her eyes gazed to the spot where she saw some shadow, wanting to pull Bea over to it, was the entrance....gone? Monica blinked, unsure what she was seeing anymore, but chose to continue with Bea, perhaps after a drink, and hearing about each others night so far.

She looked over to Bea as they neared the table of refreshments, "So how is your night going?" As they approached, Monica wasted no time picking out two glasses and filling them for herself and Bea. Hoping Bea was having a good time, better than Monica was. Maybe hearing that would make Monica feel less weird about her own evening.

Just then however, before getting to hear all about Bea's night, Monica found herself on the ground.... something around her ankle, she tried to hold tight to Bea, but at the moment she fell, she was no longer sure if she was still holding onto the Ravenclaw or not. All her attention now was on the bushes, "What on earth is that?" Monica spoke, after collecting herself, she practically crawled over to the shrubs, now they had her full attention.

STA 8 • EVA 8 • STR 8 • WIS 5 • ARC 6 • ACC 5
Slytherin Prefect

Open to Interactions
| Action |
Arrives at the refreshment table, pours drinks our for Beatrice and herself. Moving to the shrubs after falling.

|Interacting With|
@Beatrice Langstreth
| Mention |

Interacting with @Qrow Beithir and @Rhys Read

Reducio

Finally, things seemed to be settling down. Nora knew a lot had happened with the others, but she hoped they could still make the best of the night. After all, it was spring court. As they walked, Rhys replied to Nora's question about flower crown-making.

"Hm," they said, "I can't say I do, but I believe Rhain might. Maybe we can.." They trailed off, and Nora noticed Rhys glancing towards another guest, not far off. She peered in their direction, but couldn't tell much from this distance. Was that Rain? Rhys looked back at Nora and Qrow, seemingly having changed their mind. "We'll figure it out." They smiled at Qrow, saying, "I'm sure Qrow can teach us, as it was their idea."

Nora certainly hoped so.

Rubbing the back of their neck, Qrow gave a lopsided smile. "I’m no teacher by any means, and I’m definitely rusty, but I can certainly try."

"That's the spirit!" Nora beamed, glad to have regained a happier tone. She hated conflict. "I wonder what flowers they have. I hope they have-- oh!" In an instant, Nora's feet came out from under her, and she was sent flying to the ground. Her arms flailed, both looking for purchase, but they found none, and she careened forward. As her soft hands hit the jagged ground, she let out a soft 'oh'.

Blinking hazily, Nora quickly glanced at her legs. Thankfully, her dress was hiked up enough that it hadn't been damaged, but her knees were a different story. They were covered in scrapes, nicks and bruises. Gritting her teeth, Nora stumbled back up. Once the dress had fallen back to her ankles, you wouldn't even know she'd fallen. At least, she hoped. She also hoped Qrow and Rhys hadn't seen the blood, or anyone else. She didn't want to be the cause of their worry; she was fine. Though she did feel a bit woozy...

"Ugh, sorry about that," laughed Nora, "I can be really clumsy."

330 words. #420c55.

Actions: Tripping and falling.

Outfit Image:

Reducio

She would be lying if she says she wasn’t upset at the results of the tourney. Not a single hit in on her opponent. It was embarrassing in a way, frustrating? Yes, definitely but she did manage to avoid his last attack, preventing him from getting a clean win on her. Well, guess that one isn’t exactly as good as it would’ve been if she managed to get a hit in. Raizel sighed, shoving her hands into her pants pockets as she walked into the banquet area, glancing up to the starry skies. No use thinking over it though. It’s over and the best thing she should do now is just enjoy the banquet and the food they have and perhaps it’s time to find her friends and maybe, she could even spot Mahlioz.

She did say she'll find her once the tourney is over but with a lot of people in the area, that’s gonna be hard. Not to mention, she might’ve already found someone else that she knows and she’d rather not disturb that. The First Year Gryffindor made her way to one of the tents where they are serving food, looking over to the plants and floral decoration along the way. All seems good and wasn’t there supposed to be something hidden within those plants? Once she got a plate with a couple of pastries, she started looking around the banquet, enjoying the view of what she could see from there.

So far, Raizel couldn’t see anyone that she knows from where she is so she just continued on eating. She had been looking forward to this meal ever since she had felt hungry. Sad that she couldn’t eat when she got here earlier because of the tourney and then just her luck to lose miserably. Most things didn’t go her way that much is certain and for some reason, she is getting this feeling that her luck would continue to go down throughout this whole ball or even through this whole year. Well, guess she’ll have to do her best to get over those challenges when they come.

Action: Entering the banquet from the tourney, enjoying a meal and looking around