Closed Royal Banquet Spring Court Ball

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Reducio

Interacting with @Rhys Read and @Nora De Carie
Qrow | #064107 | Qrow's Thoughts | #11a513

"That's the spirit!" Nora beamed, clearly glad to have regained a happier tone.
"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 Qrow was too far away to catch the poor girl, and she landed on her front. As her soft hands hit the jagged ground, she let out a soft 'oh' and the redhead internally applauded her miniscule reaction.

Blinking hazily, Nora quickly glanced at her legs, and Qrow's eyes followed to see for any injury. Her dress had been hiked up enough that it hadn't been damaged, but her knees were a totally different story. They were covered in scrapes, nicks, and newly blooming bruises. Gritting her teeth, she stumbled back up. Once the dress had fallen back to her ankles, you wouldn't even know she'd fallen, though the other Slytherin had definitely seen blood, and it was doubtful as to whether Rhys had missed it too. If anything, the girl looked rather pale as she attempted to brush off her recent introduction to the floor.

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

"What on earth are you apologising for?" Qrow laughed incredulously. They had seemingly developed a habit of surrounding themselves with those who felt the need to apologise for things that were most definitely out of their control. If Rhys and Nora weren’t friends with each other by the end of tonight, the Slytherin was going to be shocked.

"Are you alright? You're pale, and I definitely saw blood."
The metamorphmagus thought for a moment, looking their friend up and down with an expression of worry before looking at the lake and getting an idea.

"Rhys, you take Nora to the edge of the lake; I’ll meet you both there in a moment. I’m going to go get both of you a drink; we’ll rinse Nora’s knees in the water, and I’m certain that with all these plants there has to be something to help patch her up." They said decisively, leaving no room for arguments. Tonight had already been, for lack of a better description, a complete and utter shitshow, and Qrow would be damned if they were going to let some scraped knees stop any of them from enjoying the night.
Poor Nora had already been dragged headfirst into drama that had nothing to do with her, and while Qrow didn’t blame themselves for the actions or words of Azrael Faire, they were hellbent on making sure that they made everything right.

Ideally, they would be able to find some aloe vera and Stachys palustris somewhere to help with their friend's injury, but the Slytherin was well versed in the world or flora thanks to their dad and knew that these were not the only options.
In the end, though, they found everything they needed, collected the drinks and a bunch of flowers from the tent they were at earlier—if only to give their friends something nice after the night they had endured this far—before heading down towards the lake where Rhys and Nora were.

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Outfit

Reducio

Thought | Said

Zach discovered a vial filled with a yellow liquid that shone and reflected light on that particular night. The vial was labeled as the 'Laugh Inducing Potion', which Zach had never heard of before. He was uncertain about the potential effects of the potion, aside from inducing laughter, such as how long it would last and how intense it would be. Despite his curiosity, he opted to keep the vial and stored it safely in his pocket. He had no intention of using it and planned to save it for someone who might need it more.

The excitement is still felt there. Zach still sees many students playing and chatting with each other. He also sees some students who have just arrived at the place. However, none of them are familiar to Zach. He is waiting to see if his date will take a long time to arrive. There is nothing he can do but wait and see whatever the students do there.

Zach looked towards the outside. The flowers were still blooming there. He was curious about what plants were growing and whether he could guess the names of the flowers. He decided to take a look over there, where the flowers were growing. The scent of the flowers became stronger as he walked closer to them. He then looked and observed the flowers growing there.

Open Interaction
Action: Observing the flowers
Inventory:
-Laugh Inducing Potion

In response to Rhys's suggestion, Qrow rubbed the back of their neck and gave a crooked smile. Gods, that smile... "I’m no teacher by any means, and I’m definitely rusty, but I can certainly try."

"That's the spirit!" Nora exclaimed. Rhys speculated she was relieved to finally move away from the previous melodrama towards something lighter. "I wonder what flowers they have. I hope they have-- oh!" The next thing Rhys knew, the raven-haired Slytherin was on the flagstones, knees and legs scraped. Rhys had just enough time to register that Nora was bleeding before she was stumbling to her feet.

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

"What on earth are you apologising for?" Qrow laughed incredulously, asking a question that they often applied to Rhys in conversation. The Gryffindor bit back a laugh despite the situation. They found humor at the worst possible time

"Are you alright? You're pale, and I definitely saw blood." Qrow paused, seeming to think for a moment before addressing the Gryffindor. "Rhys, you take Nora to the edge of the lake; I’ll meet you both there in a moment. I’m going to go get both of you a drink; we’ll rinse Nora’s knees in the water, and I’m certain that with all these plants there has to be something to help patch her up." Qrow said, before disappearing from Rhys's line of sight. Rhys stood shock-still for a moment before clearing their head and assuming the responsibility Qrow had bestowed upon them. Turning to Nora, they offered their arm.

"Here, I'll help you to the lake," Surely after a fall like that, Nora could use some assistance. And while Rhys wasn't that good in situations like this, they had been raised with sufficient manners so they could at least attempt to look like they were.

Rhys tried not to feel awkward as they walked with Nora to the lake. Here was Qrow's (presumably platonic) date to the ball, and there Rhys was as... whatever they were to Qrow. There was definitely something, but Rhys had had too much relationship drama as of late to form a cohesive conclusion. At the beginning of the year they'd been resolved not to make any friends, or let anyone get too close to them, and, well...

Just look at how that turned out.

But Rhys was grateful that Qrow had entered their life. As the song Smitten by Leanna Firestone went, Rhys felt they must have been doing something right to deserve Qrow in their life, and if they had to have it any other way they didn't know what they would do. Qrow had become such a fixture in the Gryffindor's life, and Rhys didn't want them to un-fix. If that even made any sense.

But it did feel awkward, and Rhys found themself unable to find any words to say, even just conversationally, as they reached the lake's edge. The moments passed in silence, and Rhys was only all too grateful to see Qrow approaching once they turned. Gods bless them, the Slytherin had an armful of stuff, and Rhys had to bite back another laugh. They were impressed that Qrow was carrying so much, and hoped that they were watching where they stepped. The last thing they wanted was yet another casualty...

But they couldn't shake the feeling that the night's drama was yet to be over..

Reducio

notes for myself
Rhys | #550c00 ]Qrow | #064107]

They’d ended up wandering the maze for far longer than planned on their quest for refreshment. Elsian would be quick to blame it on the little mushroom guide that had surely been a liar and cheat, tricking them in an attempt to obviously keep them there forever. Why? Well obviously because they were amazing and a bloody delight to be around; at least that would be similar, if not a word for word descriptor of any replies Elsian would give to Dori.

There was no way the duo's antics and goofing around could have had anything to do with the pair being slow to get out. No no, the laughter and giggles that had drifted between the hedges as Elsian got fed up and tried to cheat his way out by climbing the hedge couldn’t have been the issue. Nor could the way they’d kept stopping to dance around, tripping on air and dirt in thin pathways not meant to be danced in when they heard music be what slowed the 2…definitely not.

And if the 2 had sat down briefly, tired and dizzy but happy and giggly after one of those moments and simply talked among the flower beds…well, who would be there to tell?

Besides, the little jumping mushroom had been a horrible guide so if anything it was the little cheats fault. “HAH, we found it.” He huffed victoriously, throwing a dramatic glare towards the maze path behind them pointedly, “hear that you little cretin of a guide, we don’t need your bad directions!”

The road here had been long. Filled with treachery. Goofing around. Danger. Spinny dancing in small walkways. And countless horrors. Pining between the two mostly. But they’d finally done it. They’d made it! Here the maze began to open to an overwhelming array of nature and pretty archways with colorful lanterns and warm candle lit stones to lead them forward. A mark of their victory.

Granted…

The walkway was smaller than he remembered it being.

Make no mistake it was still beautiful! The hedge archways and grove of wild plants and carefully planted flower beds were just as pretty as ever, illuminated by the glow of glass lanterns and carefully placed candles that lit the pathway, but it seemed…more overgrown? Hmm, it was probably the lighting and hedges playing tricks on him. The shadows making it seem smaller with the darkness taking up so much space.

He stepped carefully, hand reaching out to clasp at Dorions fingers as they finally found their way. The hedges felt closer than before, not quite closing in…but a very near thing. It almost felt like they were running away to some hidden place, surrounded by flowers and hedges that in the shadows loomed like the darkened trees of some distant forest.

“Imagine,” he began grinning, shoulder brushing against flowers spilling from the archways, “that this actually wasn’t the way after how long it took us to get here.” It was a fanciful notion, a simple funny thought and nothing more for he KNEW this was the way, but the thought lingered and the Gryffindor couldn’t help but laugh at it.

Flowers spilling over the path grazing his feet, the small jars lighting the way as the path slowly but surely opened wider. The walls retreating. A cool breeze brushing by with the overwhelming smell of flowers and distant food drifting on the air. “We just end up-” a gesture with his free hand as he brushed away a stray petal on his shoulder, their hands gently swinging as they walk, “-suddenly pop out somewhere unknown…” he trailed off with a small laugh.

A fanciful notion put to rest with the opening maw of the mazes exit and the beginnings of the Royal Courts in a sea of color. Kitty, the silly spider, taking great joy in rushing into the so-called colorful ‘sea’. One could see her hop around, skittering to and fro, though it was hard to tell if she was trying to drag Buttons into a game or look for something.

Purples and blue and pinks painted in starlight and candlelight to those near enough; he could hear the sound of distant music louder, stronger in the open air as they walked further to find a sea of flowers in their wake, and beyond the rest of the courts caught in a mix of jovial and enchanted mystery in the early light of the night. It was unlike what they had once upon a time planned. What people grew to expect when working in the early hours. But it was no less grand, perhaps different, changed, but not less.

And when Elsian looked from the corner of his eyes, a small glance towards Dori, caught between lantern light painting their backs in a kaleidoscope of color and silver starlight dusting their fingers tips, shadows making their features sharp-

…Well, he rather thought it was a handsome sight.

He smiled to himself. A small thing hidden in the corner of his lips as he looked away. “The Creampuff demanded a drink to celebrate our hard-fought arrival, so a drink we shall find for the Creampuff right you two?” A question aimed at the 2 pets with a mock tone of seriousness. He turned to Dori, making a note to look put upon with a sigh as Kitty ran off deeper into the flowers. “I’ve lost her to the flowers, granted her frolicking is impressive.”

A small shadow of the spider leaping and then disappearing into the flowers again made a comical or terrifying sight depending on who you asked.

“I think we can do better though.” A claim made very solemnly. But their solid 20 minutes of practice smacking into hedges while dancing around surely had to amount to something right?

English • Spanish
Stats: sta • 7| eva • 6 | str • 7| wis • 4|arc • 5 | acc • 6
Race: Human
Ability: N/A
Action: Entering Banquet

The second Sabrina entered the banquet, she had to admit she was impressed. The beauty of the flowers was shocking to her. Sabrina had seen plenty of flowers back home in Bolivia, but these flowers were different. Sabrina scanned the banquet, searching for a possible friend to share the beauty of the flowers and landscape with. Sabrina tucked a lock of her black hair behind her and stood silently with her arms crossed gently in front of her. She did not want to seem too unfriendly to prevent someone from coming up to her. Sabrina looked over in the direction of the tents. They too seemed just as beautiful as the flowers, but Sabrina definitely sided with the flowers when it came to beauty. The longer Sabrina stood there the more she felt like turning and leaving. She could tell her mother that she tried but the ball wasn’t for her. Sabrina didn’t value things like this ball like her sister, Catrina, did. Sabrina let her arms drop to her sides and sighed. If the rest of her night would be filled with standing awkwardly in a corner, she was in for a long and boring night. Sabrina leaned her head back and felt her long hair slide further down her back. She gazed at the sky and smiled. Tilting her head back down, she pasted a light smile on her face, maybe seeming more positive would let her find some to dread the rest of the night with.

Banner Credit: Caoimhe Kyle

𝑪𝒍𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈

Reducio

Ashley's remark caused Lucian to laugh, and the lad thought it was cute—after all, it was to be expected. “A lot of things can go wrong mate!” Lucian said. Ashley questioned what could possibly go wrong because he was certain that nothing could be done to harm the children. "Scaredy cat! What possibly could go wrong? It's just a ball, really." It might, however, be a naive opinion. He could not possibly know what he is talking about in this situation since he has never been to events like the ones stated previously.

“We can get sucked into the floor? Hedge monster might snatch us and feed us to his children,”
What gives you the idea that the hedge monster would have kids when he can just devour us all by himself? In all seriousness, Ashley made a joke about how he could see it all occurring, but it didn't quite make sense to him. Although this was very funny, Ashley would never in a million years have thought of it

They appeared to have successfully navigated the maze without incurring any harm, so it's possible that these tales of balls going horribly wrong are just an attempt to frighten first-year students. But is it actually the case? He turned around and stared back at the maze as the night deepened and darkness encroached. Was Lucian telling the truth when he indicated there were several potential problems. The boy should not have given this situation such significant thought.

As the wind gusted, he saw the other youngster trembling. He wanted to give Ashley a coat to keep him warm, but Ashley had not been particularly cozy nor warm in his clothes, so he turned to face him and heard him say, “I’m so happy to be here with you, Ash. Really happy,”
"What did you say? I did not hear you" He intentionally made fun of the other boy, asking him to speak again since he enjoyed what he had heard.


“Thank you. I’m sure tonight will be one of the best,”
He grinned, "With you by my side, I agree dear." He began to stroll with Lucian as they made their way towards the main area, and after a few minutes, they arrived there.

Reducio

𝓢𝓽𝓪𝓽𝓼| 𝓣𝓻𝓾𝓷𝓴

𝒔𝒕𝒂 • 𝟓 | 𝒆𝒗𝒂 • 𝟓| 𝒔𝒕𝒓 • 𝟕 | 𝒘𝒊𝒔 • 𝟔 | 𝒂𝒓𝒄 • 𝟕 | 𝒂𝒄𝒄 • 𝟓
𝐀𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲: 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐥 - 𝐃𝐞𝐟𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐞 𝐀𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐀𝐫𝐭𝐬

Action: Heading towards the main area and entering

𝑰𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝑳𝒖𝒄𝒊𝒂𝒏 𝑴𝒐𝒓𝒏𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒏
@Lucian Mornstern

Interacting with @Qrow Beithir and @Rhys Read

Reducio

Shit.

Shit, shit, shit. Why did Qrow have to notice? Why didn't they just let Nora pretend nothing happened, instead of making a big deal of it all? Nora was fine, truly. She'd had worse scraps. Much worse. So why did Qrow have to point it out? They should have just left Nora alone. They didn't really know Nora, not really. And yet they were still trying to help.

"Rhys," said Qrow, making Nora wince, "You take Nora to the edge of the lake; I’ll meet you both there in a moment. I’m going to go get both of you a drink; we’ll rinse Nora’s knees in the water, and I’m certain that with all these plants there has to be something to help patch her up."

No, no, no, Nora wanted to insist, don't bring Rhys into this. She wanted to plead for them just to forget about this until her throat ran dry, until Qrow actually listened, until they forget what she was pleading about in the first place, but when she opened her mouth, it snapped shut less than a second later. And it stayed that way, as Rhys led Nora down to the lake. Perhaps the youg Gryffindor felt awkward after what had happened with Azzy, or after Nora's fall. She certainly hoped it wasn't the latter, and it didn't seem like the former. Nora thought back to what Azzy had said earlier--"I knew it was jealousy when you seen Qrow with someone else... I deserved every word that just came out of your mouth, Rhys. But I was stupid to think that this night was going to go well... I knew I should have trusted my gut and come up with an excuse to not go with you... I seen the way you look at them Rhys..."

Did Rhys... like Qrow? Was that why they were being so quiet? Because Nora was Qrow's date? Nora let out a sigh of relief. That's why this was awkward. Not because of Nora. Well, kind of because of Nora, but not because of her fall. Brilliant, she thought as a small smile split onto her face. She desperately wanted to reassure Rhys that her and Qrow were nothing other than platonic friends, but she was interrupted by the arrival of Qrow. As they approached, she noticed that their arms were filled with stuff, a lot of stuff, and surprisingly, Nora wasn't upset. A small laugh flickered across her face, mirroring the one that she saw Rhys bite back.

"That's a bit much, don't you think?" she called out, jokingly, but she was secretly grateful. Maybe this night wouldn't be as bad as she thought.

Or maybe, Nora thought with a shiver, prompted by some sense of foreboding, the drama has only just begun...

467 words. #420c55.

Actions: Walking over to the lake's edge.

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The Royal Banquet April 1st, 2023 Mod Post Tracker ✿ ✿ ✿ ✿ ✿ ✿ ✿ ✿

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Under The Starry Skies Let the starry sky and glowing lanterns be your guide and may the cooling breeze and dancing flowers be kind. The night is still, filled only with the chatter and laughter of ball goers and music carried by the wind to the far corners of the ball. Even within the darkness, where shadows grow with every candle and lantern lit less pretty do the gardens keep but twist into enchanting mystery. What things you may find beyond these flower fields and colorful hedges one couldn’t say, no sounds from the maze or beyond will reach this place.

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Springs Arrivals New arrivals and those travelers returning be welcome. The colorful light of the lanterns and the candles glow would welcome many, including one brave knight in training Hiro Bakugo @Kim Sato. Though within the walls of the Royal Courts hedge walls the Knights Tourney may be, the returning journey would feel as if stepping into someplace far, far away. Braziers and the commotion of taunts and the clang of lance against armor would be like a distant memory on this knight's newest journey to find their companion. A worthy endeavor. Oh, but they would be far from the only knights returning from battle! @Raizel Voltrouz, surely wary and seeking more peaceful lands after such tiresome fighting, would be met with the silver glow of the night in a small moment of peace. Though not crowned a knight of the Spring Courts, it could not be denied they had a determination and bravery befitting one…and perhaps that could be enough. Rest well, and stay hearty! A thought taken to heart apparently; Raizel would end up wasting very little time in seeking food and drink. Well earned, one should hope they enjoy their meal. Perhaps they would even find entertainment among their surroundings if keen enough to seek it out. This would mark the end of any knight's returns, others already having arrived at their destination or slower in arriving. Likely nursing bruises or enjoying the well wishes and talk of their companions and fellow knights as the tourney came to a close. Unlike those knights, new arrivals would be met with a similar, if not more overgrown welcome… Sabrina Ortega @Valarie Song, though seemingly taken with the nature around her, hesitated in going further than the flower fields. No partners looked to be in sight, waiting maybe? Or just unsure of where to begin? The sky would hold no answer for her and the tents had failed in being a beacon for the girl so far away from home, luckily the gardens seemed quite taken with her, the silver lit flowers of blue and purple in no hurry to be rid of her company. The candle lit path to the festive grounds of the courts need not be her final destination, in this Spring was sure. Flowers leaning in, purple blooms shaking, curling away to reveal the unmarked path of grass less traveled. Blink and one might expect the sight to fade away, an illusion of the night, yet steadfast would the garden remain urging, luring. Be fast in your choices of path, time here is fickle. The final guests, not one but a pair, @Elsian Cox & @Dorion Anderson, finally at the end of their long journey would find themselves among the curling plants and warm glow of the lanterns leading them through the shrinking entryway of the Enchanted Maze. Flowers swaying, stars twinkling distantly above, it was a charming sight, enchanting…and yet unseen to their eyes in the growing shadows something was changing. The curl of ivy, the swing of a rose near their feet, as if welcoming and seeking out the sun before swaying away. Torn perhaps between welcoming what they deemed a pair of flowers to be drawn into Springs Gardens and sensing something off. Odd perhaps, but easily ignored with the brush of flowers and petals dusting their heads and the pretty sight lain before them.

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What Lies Beneath the Shrubs What wonders could the flower fields hold, but the gleam of something in the silver starlight and hidden in plain view. The first to find this vial, tiny and pressed against flowers, would be no other than a spider! Curious perhaps upon seeing some shiny thing in the distance, enough to seek it out, or maybe simple luck and favor of the flowers themselves. It would remain a mystery to most, save that one spider as it was given the chance to clutch her newest treasure, free to wander away from petals and dirt, for the spider would never be able to share the sight of flowers and grass bending away to reveal her prize when no breeze was to be found. The 2nd to find a hidden gift would be a knight returning from their tournament, Hiro Bakugo@Kim Sato, victorious or not in battle their search would prove fruitful as they made their way to the tents in search of drink and food. There, right in plain sight next to the barrel and goblets, it was a wonder no others had snatched it up… there lay a small vial filled with potion revealed to be a laugh-inducing potion and a tag. ‘Be a Jester and make someone else the Fool.’ Another, more familiar to the surroundings much to nature's begrudging amusement, would indeed seek to try his hand at nature's gifts. But whether lead by greed or ill-founded hope, Spring would not take kindly to this growing insult, nature's jesters once again unleashed, yet unseen to human eyes, as small roots and mischievous flowers bent and swayed in a windless dance and dragged away the Gryffindors chosen prize. There would be no shining vials for @Kim Sato to find where once he could have sworn he saw a shine of glass. Instead a smooth pebble, or perhaps a stone, lay against the grass plain to see for the boy to take. A fine pebble to add to his stick. Reducio 1st Potion Checks Bot Command: T!choose Pompion|Turbo Farts|Laugh Inducing Result: Kitty gains Pompion @Elsian Cox Bot Command: T!choose Pompion|Turbo Farts|Laugh Inducing Result: Hiro Bakugo gains Laugh Inducing 2nd Potion Checks NA 3rd Potion Checks Bot Command: t!choose twig | pebble | jump scare Result: Kim Sato gains pebble

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The Lakeside View Something odd was afoot. There could be no doubt of this, and the curious wanderers of the courts seemed content to try and seek out Springs' wonders & secrets. @Zach Zaphiere, how close he was, and yet curiosity wasn’t enough in these gardens. He would indeed observe the flowers, a small breeze ruffling his hair and the flowers, only the distant music keeping him company in the peaceful night. Maybe he’d thought wrong in his choice of focus, or could it be he’d been so caught up in staring at flowers he would entirely miss anything else! Either way, he would find nothing of note. Hear nothing of note. Just the music in his ears, and flowers for company. Reducio Investigation 1 Check Roll: 16 Result: Fail; nothing of note is seen A pebble, no matter how pretty, was far from what he may seek. But the lion was clever, and had already found things not meant to be unveiled. Less a pebble, than a river stone, so very similar to rocks laid by the hedge walls feet, but how? And why? With each answer a new question arrived, think. Think but even more importantly watch; the closer he drew the more trouble @Kim Sato would find. And oh did he seem to enjoy finding trouble. Alas without further investigation the trail would soon become cold. Careful as he was, the boy would be able to dodge the writhing roots of the hedges amongst bushes, trees, and wild geraniums as he walked…but Kim had drawn too close for Springs' favor. Greed and curiosity for the unknown would have a price the Gryffindor would not be able to escape this time. So focused on the known threat before him, it wouldn’t be until the plants were upon the boy that he would realize the danger hiding in plain sight! And when the boy stooped down amongst bush and flowers to investigate, no sooner had he warily eyed the writhing roots did the flowers tremble and the ruby geraniums shift closer; the wind? No. It would be clear something wasn’t right as its leaves lashed aggressively and the petals pulled back to reveal a maw of sharp, glistening teeth pulled in a mockery of an open flower. One. Two- A snap of teeth to his ankles, nipping the air at his feet and missing, and another right next to his left wrist. Both would miss, too obvious or maybe just unlucky and tired from their abrupt awakening, but they were not the flower he would need to look out for. Three. In the darkness and hidden between the bushes and fellow flowers would be another fanged geranium, this one out for vengeance against the one that had disturbed its garden bed and vengeance it would have, digging its teeth into Kim's lower arm with a brutal bite in a horrifying show of aggression and strength. Reducio Natures Wrath Fanged Geranium Accuracy: 21 Kim Evasion: 12 Result: Fanged geranium bite lands on Kim's right arm @Kim Sato Health: 350/600 you may rp getting free of the flowers bite as a free action It was smart to seek others when looking into a mystery. Smart, but cruel. There was safety in numbers, yes but to what extent can company be counted on when you can’t even be sure what you’ll face beyond the calm and quiet? Ignorance was bliss but @Beatrice Langstreth would not be afforded that kindness, dragged into something she might have otherwise remained wonderfully unaware of had @Monica Evans not spotted shadows amidst the distant corners of the lakeside corners. The girl in question, curious but unsure, had remained with her newest companion rather than seek out the now distant shadows. Whether this would have unforeseen consequences or fade into a distant thought remained to be seen, but for now the night was peaceful in a festive way! Music drifting to them from nearby to an upbeat note to accompany Lady Beas quest for a drink, a drink dear Monica would be all too happy to assist in among the bright tents of foods and games. 2 tall elegant glasses, both filled to the brim. One, meant for Beatrice, untouched and delicately placed atop a nearby table among the overgrown decor. The 2nd, forgotten and lost in the blink of an eye as something sent Monica falling through the air and right into her friend and knocking into a table. The 2 would go tumbling to the ground, unbeknownst to either girls, an attempt to break their fall aided by ivy and root. A failure sadly, one that had the ivy of the nearby tables and tree stump stands curling in a plant like cringe; the flowers and grass would instead prove to be a light cushion, more to Beas than poor Monicas. A small miracle no drink had been thrown or spilled in their tumble!...No. Less a miracle than a kind act from one least expected. One could mistake it for a trick of the eyes but no, there, clear as day, the smallest bit of ivy and root wrapped around the glasses thin stem. Holding it, delicately, just barely in place even as the flower stems and ivy beneath her seemed to carefully curl at Beas fingers. Curious. But while an easy sight for Bea to catch Monica would be in far too large a rush to catch this small detail. Something that would work against her as the Slytherin attempted to rush off to examine the nearby nature. She wouldn’t get far. As if shocked into action with her movement the vines that had once tripped her writhed and shook, small roots twisted and hidden between grass and flowers making themselves known with a vengeance as they shot out to relieve the ivy vines as they curled around Monica's right ankle. As she shot forward, she would be brought back down in a violent tug, small roots doubling and tightening slowly like a shackle until a firm grip remained. My my… ༻━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━༺ A troubled trio freshly off the path of disaster. Drama, injuries and odd feelings…what an awkward situation. And yet the night remained to be truly ruined. @Qrow Beithir, ambitious and determined, was hellbent on dragging this group kicking and screaming into something resembling an at least okay, if not wonderful night. How ambitious. But Qrow, no matter how optimistic or determined however, would fail to find the types of plants they sought. They would mayhaps think they had such plants, but in truth their search had been a useless endeavor. Doomed from the very beginning with a worsening fate with each plant they ripped free from the gardens. A pest within Springs gardens would not stand. This grudge would follow them, unbeknownst, as they plucked their items and scavenged their drinks. Flowers turning away and some randomly seemingly wilted in the corner of their eyes. A warning that would go unseen, small as it was, the signs not obvious until they drew closer to the lake side edge. But Qrows companions had seemed far from unwilling, uncertain at most, but dutifully agreeing as they made their way to the lakeside view. The 2 made a sight to be sure. Mysterious in the darkening atmosphere; the two would find themselves quickly led onto a path tucked away and hidden from plain view of the rest of the ball as the pockets of trees, bushes and wild flower beds blocked them from sight. The trees swayed with a cooling breeze, colored lanterns of blue and purple far and few offering scare light in the overhang of the trees. The glow of distant candlelight would mark their arrival to the great lake, small flower shaped candle jars floating along the cold water offering a warm glow amidst the shining silver light of the starry sky above them. The waters rippled gently with the breeze, weak flames flickering and if one wished they could even brave the shallows. The area seemed…smaller than before, with the hedges on either side clearly in sight just beyond some trees and flower beds along the lapping lake waters. It was an enchanting sight nonetheless, eerie and calm and wonderful. A peaceful moment offered for @Rhys Read and @Nora De Carie to enjoy as they await their friend. It was the sight that Qrow would be met with and for a moment all would be well… It was pure luck they didn’t drop their things in shock when something lashed out at their feet. In the darkness of where they stood it was hard to see what exactly had tried to grab them but if they squinted and looked carefully Qrow would be able to make out the shape of rootlike tendrils snaking from the bushes closest to them. Writhing, sneaking to and fro and curling around the air and at their heels the roots seemed hellbent on pulling the poor Slytherin down, down, down… But Qrow would indeed avoid this trap. Of course, the duo closer to the waters, while in clear lighting, would not be spared. A rustle would occur, not unlike the wind flying past the hedges before the hedge walls surrounding the ball seemed to shift and then slide. Look closer and see the roots pulling themselves from the ground itself, pixie shrubs, the magical hedges pulling themselves along the ground and lapping waters like a moving wave of flowers and leaves, shaking, lunging, closing the gap between both ends. The view of the outside world quickly closing. Nora would be targeted first by the newly shifting pixie shrubs, roots curling outward from where they’d splashed in shallow water towards her feet but whether due to her being quick on her feet or fast to spot what was happening, would avoid the plant's vine-like roots from grabbing her ankle. Rhys would not be so lucky. So close to Nora and having failed the roots would be quick to instead latch onto the next closest person. They would not get away. Roots quick to latch and curl around their left foot and pull, more of the roots joining to crawl up their ankle and lower leg as the hedges closed in closer, pausing as they began to shift into their new found spot and Rhys would be forced down onto the ground, their newfound root shackle pulling them across the floor and towards the water as the entrance to the lakeside view shrank and shrank and shrank right before their eyes. Rhys dragging would stop just shy of the hedges. Roots curling closer to keep them in place, flowers and ivy brushing their fingers; if one wasn’t fast nature might just decide to keep their newfound flower permanently… Ivy and hedge joined together, flowers curling prettily until only the smallest of holes was left where the open exit to the lake once stood. A sliver of starlight on the waters seen between curling green leaves, perhaps large enough for one person to squeeze through should they try hard enough or have help. Reducio Natures Wrath Rhys Read Eva: 14 Mischievous Vines:21 Result: Fail; Rhys is dragged and taken by nature Nora De Carie: 12 Mischievous Vines:10 Result: Success; Nora avoids being grabbed Qrow Beithir Eva: 24 Mischievous Vines: 5 Result: Success; Qrow avoids being dragged And spring's beauty will begin to sour, and her ugly intent will begin to spread.

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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.
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~ 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... 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.
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~ The Knights Tourney is a side activity adjacent to the Royal Banquet inside the Maze. You do not have to participate. Sign ups are located here.

~ Moderation posts will occur weekly on Saturdays/Sundays. Apologies but different time zones play a factor

~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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Reducio

Attempting to get to @Rhys Read and @Nora De Carie whilst not being abducted by, the apparently vengeful, shrubbery...
Qrow | #064107 | Qrow's Thoughts | #11a513

The glow of distant candlelight shimmered prettily on the surface of the great lake, small flower-shaped candle jars floating along the cold water emitting a warm glow amidst the shining silver light of the starry sky above them. The waters rippled gently with the breeze as weak flames danced gracefully on the wicks of their candles. The area seemed smaller than before, with the hedges on either side; it was an enchanting sight nonetheless, somewhat eerie but still calm and wonderful. A peaceful moment.
It was the sight that Qrow was met with as they walked to the lake's edge, and, for a moment, all was well.
The night was finally turning around for the better...

It had to have been pure luck that they didn’t drop their things in shock when something lashed out at their feet. In the darkness where they stood, it was hard to see what exactly had tried to grab them, but if they squinted, the redhead was able to make out the shape of rootlike tendrils snaking from the bushes closest to them. Writhing and curling around at their heels, the roots seemed quite hellbent on pulling the Slytherin down...
Mild fear flashed across their face, quickly replaced by anger.
Like hell, they were going down without a fight.

Qrow was just barely lucky enough to avoid the trap, though they couldn't say the same for their friends by the lake for, while in clearer lighting, Rhys and Nora were certainly not spared.

A large bout of rustling met the Slytherins ears before the surrounding hedge walls of the ball seemed to shift and then slide quickly. Qrow watched in horror as roots began pulling themselves from the earth itself; the small shrubs, and the magical hedges, pulling themselves along the ground and lapping waters, shaking, lunging, and closing the gap between both ends. The view of their friends quickly disappeared.

Qrow dropped everything and took off towards the duo at the lake.
They had never run so quickly in their life and how they were able to do so in their platform shoes was honestly a miracle in itself. They tried desperately to reach the spot where their friends had been abducted by the shrubbery.
They really should have learned their lesson after Rhys was kidnapped in the maze; the flora here clearly held grudges, and it was very obviously not happy with their group, apparently. For fuck's sake, in Qrow's defence, they had done what they did for a good purpose!

Tangled ivy and hedge joined together, flowers curling together carefully until only the smallest of holes were left where the open exit to the lake once stood.

Qrow caught sight of it out of the corner of their eye, and in an impulsive attempt to get their friends back, they tried desperately to reach through the gap and get through.

Mother nature clearly had a vendetta against the metamorphmagus and their friends…
This night was supposed to be fun…

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