Closed Ain't No Mountain High PV Delilah Chapman

Listening to September - Sparky deathcap

Today, the sun's gentle caress had roused Delilah from her slumber far earlier than her usual lazy nature would allow. She pushed the curtains aside and squinted at the brightening morning sky. It was a lovely sight, one that would usually have her sighing and rolling over for more sleep, but today was different. Today, she felt an odd burst of energy, an eagerness to embrace the unknown.

Her sister, Ailyn often took her on road trips and they stayed at Motels for the night, but she never really camped or hiked somewhere so she was pretty exited about it. She slipped on her warm socks—her mismatched ones, of course, because who had time for perfect pairs?

She threw a quick glance towards her guitar leaning over the wall. With a hint of hesitancy, she approached the instrument. It had been a surprise from her mother, a gesture meant to nudge Delilah toward new horizons. She had taken up guitar lessons the previous year, although her motivations had been more reluctant than enthusiastic.

She gazed at the guitar, conflicted. The strings seemed to beckon to her, a reminder of the melodies she had learned to strum. But doubt crept in—a nagging feeling that she wasn't skilled enough, that her attempts at playing were just feeble notes lost in the wind.

But then, a thought occurred to her. She remembered the nights spent practicing in her room, the moments of frustration, and the small victories when the chords finally clicked. She remembered the joy that came from creating something, even if it wasn't perfect.

"Guess I'll be bringing some tunes to our adventure after all," she murmured. With the guitar in her grasp, she zipped up her bag and slung it over her shoulder.

Delilah's morning had been unusually brisk and efficient. She had packed her oversized bag with all the items she thought would be essential for their adventure.

Her boots were laced tightly, ready for whatever terrain they might encounter. Delilah had even remembered her grandmother's teapot, knowing that a cup of warm tea was necessary.

As she made her way across the Wooden Bridge, Delilah couldn't help but feel a bubbling excitement. Her heart skipped a beat when she spotted Simon's silhouette ahead. He was sitting on a rock, the morning light casting a soft halo around him.

"Hi, Simon," she greeted waving her hand at him.

As he checked his wristwatch, Delilah couldn't help but grin. Being early was not in her usual playbook, and she was well aware of the surprise her punctuality held.

"Yeah, I figured I'd switch things up a bit," she replied, her eyes twinkling. "Who knows, maybe I'll even be on time to meet those elusive aliens I keep hoping for."

She looked at the sun, a hand over her face to cover her eyes.
"If Hogwarts grounds were a video game, I'd say this hike would be the ultimate side quest. Discover the hidden mysteries, avoid the mischievous magical creatures, and of course, earn experience points in friendship along the way!" she said with a mischievous grin, "Let's go, then !"

Interacting with @Delilah Chapman

Delilah seemed well dressed and well equipped. Aside from her bag, she even had what appeared to be a guitar with her (unless the guitar case contained something odd, like a ten meters long knitted scarf or maybe an invisible pet that only she could see).

"Yeah, but time is a strange thing. For all we now, those precious aliens of yours may be able to move through both space and time. I'm not sure they would have much interest in what your wristwatch says necessarily. Whenever they show up, I'm sure is the right time for them. 'A wizard is never late' kind of, as one famous wizard once said."

Simon raised an eyebrow to her utterly accurate comparison of what a Hogwarts video game probably would be like. "You know your stuff," he said. Clearly, Delilah had either been playing video games herself or watched others do it. That just made her even cooler in his eyes. Simon had a video game console at home, but he had not played much since he began at Hogwarts. His priorities had slightly shifted and digital entertainment did not stimulate him as much as it did before.

"By the way," he said as they started walking. He handed her one of the two sticks. "This one's for you. I've signed it and all. Kidding. I have not signed it." (It was just a simple stick, nothing special about it). "But you should always have a walking stick when you go hiking. For many reasons, really, but mostly for keeping your foothold so you don't trip. Like you did that time at Flourish and Blott's." He gave her a cheeky grin before his eyes wondered to the guitar case. "I see you brought a... guitar? Do you play guitar?"

Delilah grinned mischievously as Simon handed her the stick. She examined it with exaggerated seriousness, as if assessing its authenticity as a magical artifact. "Oh, thank you, kind sir, for bestowing upon me this majestic and enchanted walking stick," she declared dramatically, her tone matching the playfulness of her expression. "Truly, I shall treasure it on this epic quest through the treacherous wilds of Hogwarts."

As Simon questioned her about the guitar, Delilah's grin softened into a genuine smile. "Yep, I do play the guitar," she confirmed. "You know, I might just unleash some of my magical notes upon the world today. Brace yourself for an enchanting symphony of unpredictable sounds!" Her eyes twinkled with amusement, and she playfully strummed an imaginary guitar in the air as if conjuring up invisible melodies.

Delilah's observant eyes caught sight of a hill in the distance. The hill, adorned with a patchwork of wildflowers and bathed in the warm sunlight, seemed to beckon to her with the promise of a new vantage point and a fresh perspective.

Her excitement bubbled over, and she turned to Simon with an eager grin. "Hey, do you see that?" she exclaimed, her voice filled with anticipation. Her arm shot out, her finger extended, pointing toward the inviting hill. "That looks like the perfect spot for a picnic, let's go there !"

There was nothing like Delilah's light-hearted playfulness to brighten your mood, he thought.

"Well, I may be named after a tree because of my grandfather's passion for wood, and he was a great craftsman, but... it's just a stick. But you should stick to it nonetheless! Keep it close. You never know what one might find in these grounds," Simon said with a cheeky smile, joining in on the drama.

Hearing that Delilah played guitar made Simon search his memory. Had she ever mentioned that before? He did not think so. He would have remembered if one of his closest friends was somewhat of a musician since he himself played piano. Delilah did not struck him as someone who played guitar though. When thinking about what other instrument she might have played instead, he came to think about either a recorder or a tuba. Although a tuba must have looked abnormally large compared to her body size, he thought. But learning that she was a guitarist had him intrigued.

"Really? Oh, I think you'll have to play something now! I'd love to hear it. Hey! Maybe we could even start a duo and create some cheesy name for it? Similah or Delmon, or... Delsimo." Simon chuckled. "Okay. I'm kidding, obviously..."

Delilah soon spotted a high hilltop. If that hill had been part of a video game, it would definitely have made a perfect fast travel point for unlocking the secrets of the surrounding landscape, he thought. Geez, now Delilah has me started with the video game references too.

"I'd say... you are absolutely right, Miss Chapman. Well, apart from the fog and those clouds over there, the sun is warm and the journey's long. What are we waiting for?"

They started walking to the soothing sound of chirping birds and rustling leaves, and were soon joined by the sound of the many rippling creaks coming down from the mountain. It quickly got warmer along the way. Simon removed his fleece jacket and tied it around his waist when they stopped to get some fresh water from one of the creeks. Simon almost twisted his ankle at one point when they were moving over some large rocks, but gladly, he had his walking stick to his aid.

"You know what, Del?" he said between the panting, as they moved up along a tight trail in a v-shaped passage with a steep and rocky hill to their right. "It's a shame we don't hang out like this more often. Or, like... hang out more in general!" 

When they came out of the valley, something further down the hill caught Simon's eye. "Wow, look!", he said and pointed. "Rabbits." Simon smiled. "You see them? We should probably look out for rabbit holes as we continue. Guess we don't wanna tumble down in Wonderland like Alice."

TV Girl - Lovers Rock

Reducio

Delilah was the kind of person who could be herself with anyone—someone who didn't let the opinions of others define her. And yet, there was something particularly liberating about being around Simon. Simon's presence was a brushstroke of joy on the canvas of life, a whimsical melody that harmonized with the very essence of magic and wonder.

Delilah playfully rolled her eyes. "Oh, come on, Delsimo has a nice ring to it, don't you think?" She grinned, giving him a nudge with her elbow. "Maybe you will hear me play once we're up there ?"

Delilah nodded in agreement, her smile warm and genuine. "You're absolutely right, Si," she replied, her tone holding a touch of nonchalance. "Life at Hogwarts can get so wrapped up in books, spells, and stuffy old textbooks. Honestly, who needs all that fuss?"

She playfully adjusted the straps of her backpack, making sure it was secure. Her gaze wandered over the rolling landscape, her expression thoughtful. "Maybe we should start a 'No-Study' club or something. No textbooks, no lectures, just spontaneous journeys into the Hogwarts wilderness. What do you think?" She raised an eyebrow, a hint of mischief in her eyes as she awaited Simon's reaction.

Delilah's eyes widened in childish wonder as she caught sight of the rabbits hopping about down the hill and immediately plopped down onto her knees, as if drawn by an invisible force.. "Oh my wizarding stars! Look, Simon, it's a bunny parade!" She whispered in an exaggeratedly amazed tone, as if they were witnessing a rare magical phenomenon.

Her voice took on an even more playful tone as she continued, "Do you think they're having a top-secret rabbit council down there? Planning carrot heists and plotting world domination?"


Delilah's laughter bubbled up as she spoke, a melody of pure joy, a cascade of notes that seemed to dance in the air. It had a whimsical quality to it, like the tinkling of wind chimes on a breezy day.

After spending a delightful moment observing the rabbits, Delilah finally rose from her kneeling position, a satisfied smile gracing her lips. "Back on track, then!" she declared cheerfully, adjusting her backpack and straightening her posture. With a playful twirl, she joined Simon's side, matching his stride as they continued their hike together.

As they walked, the Hogwarts grounds stretched out before them like a canvas of natural wonder. Lush greenery painted the landscape, interrupted only by the occasional flourish of wildflowers in an array of magical colors. Towering trees stood as ancient sentinels, their branches swaying gently in the breeze as if whispering secrets to the sky.

The path ahead meandered through rolling hills, its contours giving the impression of a landscape that had been carefully sculpted by both magic and time. The gentle sound of rustling leaves and the distant melody of birdsong created a symphony that accompanied their steps.

Interacting with @Delilah Chapman

"Does that 'No-Study' club also go under the name Delsimo?" Simon said with a cheeky smile. "Either way, I'm up for it!"

It was not like school was completely unimportant or uninteresting to him this year from all of a sudden, but the spring term had been packed with studies. And sometimes he felt like he was taking life a little too seriously. Coming out in nature like this made him reflect and look at things from a new perspective. If he was used to being tall, those hills and immense distances before them was a healthy reminder of how small and inconspicuous he was in the end of the day, and that he should enjoy life while it lasted. Of all who had walked this earth, this was his time, and what better way to spend this particular day than with someone who always made him feel uplifted and happy?

When looking at the rabbits, Delilah made this typically strange comment about whether the rabbits were planning secrets plots and seeking world domination. Simon frowned and slowly turned his head towards her: "What is it with you and conspiracies?", he said with a lopsided smile, half-joking, half-serious.

They continued their journey towards the distant hilltop. As they moved up the mountain, the trees became fewer and fewer, and the terrain rougher. I'm gonna feel this in my thighs tomorrow, he thought. The sun walked in and out of the clouds, coloring the lush tundra in orange, red and green each time it shone its light again over the landscape. They were nearly there when Simon stopped, feeling the need for a take break, and looked around. He spotted a bunch of spread out trees a bit further down the slope.

"I’m sorry, I need to spend a penny real quick. Be right back.” He put his backpack down beside Delilah's feet, walked off-trail and moved towards the trees. “Don’t look!” he shouted over his shoulder.

Not that he thought that she would actually look, but there was not much to lock your eyes on in the area, except perhaps for that hilltop and Hogwarts' distant silhouette behind their backs. A crow took off from a branch with a loud croak as he found a good spot under a tree. This was one of the benefits of being a boy, of course, but he was usually alone during his excursions in the area around his home in Edinburgh. Sometimes he was climbing the cliffs in the deep forest and exploring the caves, or following the little rivers as far as he could before sunset.

When he was done, he washed his hands in the cold water from one of the rippling creeks that meandered like veins through the rocky terrain. A campfire and some food seemed more and more tempting. He shook his hands to dry them while walking back towards Delilah.

As Simon wandered off to find a suitable spot, Delilah was left to her own devices, and mischief was never far behind. Her eyes landed on a nearby pond, its surface adorned with lily pads and the occasional croak of a frog. Delilah's mischievous grin grew wider as an idea took shape in her mind.

Approaching the pond, she crouched down and peered at the frogs that were sunbathing on the lily pads. One particular frog caught her attention—it was a rather plump and seemingly complacent creature. Delilah's fingers twitched with the irresistible urge to engage in a bit of frog-inspired tomfoolery.

She cleared her throat and put on her best frog impersonation, hoping to startle the unsuspecting amphibian. "Ribbit! Ribbit!"

To her surprise, the frog responded with an actual "ribbit," looking around as if searching for the source of the sound. Delilah's eyes widened in amazement, her playful grin evolving into a full-fledged laugh. She had certainly not expected her froggy theatrics to result in an actual frog conversation.

"Ribbit?" she tried again, testing the waters, so to speak.

The frog responded once more, and Delilah couldn't help but shake her head in disbelief. "This is the most bizarre conversation I've ever had with a frog."

The frog seemed to nod in agreement with another ribbit, and Delilah couldn't contain her giggles. "You're a rather talkative fellow, aren't you? Or is it lady frog? I can't quite tell."

The frog blinked, and Delilah could have sworn there was a knowing glint in its eyes—or maybe her imagination was running wild, fueled by her penchant for chaos and whimsy.

Delilah crouched down, holding a stick she picked up. The frog's gaze remained fixed on her, its bulbous eyes unblinking. With a swift and gentle poke, Delilah prodded the frog's stomach.

It let out a startled "ribbit," its plump body jiggling in surprise as if it had been tickled. Delilah's laughter burst forth, a joyful sound that echoed through the air. Her eyes, vibrant and alive, sparkled with mischief as she engaged in her quirky exchange with the frog. The sunlight danced in her hair, adding an almost ethereal touch to her appearance.

Interacting with @Delilah Chapman

He shook his hands to dry them while turning back towards Delilah. But she was no where to be found. Of course she had wandered off... Simon sighed and started walking back up the slope towards his now abandoned backpack on the trail. He spotted Delilah crouching beside a nearby pond. Simon put his backpack on and walked towards her. He had no idea what she was doing but she was making these weird little noises, as if she was imitating a frog or something. Oh, but of course... That was exactly what she was doing...

"Hey there, Frog Whisperer," he said, standing beside her and looking at the poor frog that she was harassing with a stick. "If you think you've found a prince, then kiss him already before he bails on you."

Delilah seemed to have a thing for frogs. He remembered that frog that Delilah told him about, that she had found in his grandfather's garden. She had named him 'Larry'. Unfortunately, Larry's life in Delilah's care had been short-lived since his life tragically ended under her grandfather's shoe.

Simon checked his watch. It was nearly lunch time and they were almost reached the hill top. A couple of more minutes and then they could finally build a campfire and rest their legs. He was also looking forward to hearing Delilah play guitar to him. After all, there was nothing like food, some music, a crackling fire and good company. If Delilah was done playing with that frog...

Snap-Rosa Linn

She grinned playfully and poked the frog gently with the stick before tossing it a wink.

"Oh, you know, I'm just practicing my frog-to-human communication skills," she replied with a laugh, her voice carrying a dreamy tone . "You never know when you might need to negotiate with a frog diplomat."

As Simon mentioned lunchtime and the nearing hilltop, Delilah's eyes lit up with excitement. She carefully set aside the stick, patting the frog on the head before whispering, "Farewell for now, dear froggy friend. May you have many insect feasts."

Standing up, she dusted off her hands and turned her attention to Simon, a playful smile on her lips.
With that, they continued their hike up the slope. Without a word, Del took off in a burst of energy, her laughter trailing behind her like a cascade of delicate notes.

"Last one to the top is a sleeping gnome!" she called out over her shoulder, her voice a joyous echo that danced with the wind. As she sprinted, the world around her seemed to blur into a tapestry of color.

As they neared the crest of the hill, Delilah's heart raced in tandem with her footsteps. With an exuberant burst of energy, she reached the top and flung her arms open wide, as if embracing the world itself. The view that stretched before her was a masterpiece of nature's design—a canvas of rolling meadows, a tapestry of trees, and a sky that melted from rose to amethyst.

"Simon, look!" she exclaimed, her voice carrying a whisper of awe as she turned toward him. "Isn't it just... breathtaking?"

Her eyes shone with a mixture of wonder and contentment, as if she had found a treasure that words couldn't quite capture. The wind tousled her frizzy blonde hair, setting it free like a cascade of golden dreams, and her cheeks held a flush of exhilaration from the race.