24 Nov 2023, 17:09
Shadows and Stories
time: 5pm
location: an empty classroom
Reducio@Maverick Castle, @Leaf Shard, @Astra Norrick
english: #490085
spanish: #0b0085
thoughts: italics
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The book, a Book of Paper Shadow Puppets had been a fascination of Es' when she had bought it. The cover was black, with six bright blue circles in the centre, and it practically oozed mysterious magical book vibes, which Es was all there for. She loved stuff like this, books and potions that meant she could do things that she could have only dreamed about as a child.
The book had been quite expensive, but Es felt that if it performed it's expected purpose well, it would definately be worth it. You see, it was no ordinary book. Contained within it were black card cut-outs, the kind you might make for your windows on All Hallow's Eve. These shadow puppets would, when held to a light, move, making noises and movements like they were the shadows of the actual creatures they looked like.
And thus, Es had decided to host a storytelling session in this classroom, illustrated by the shadow puppets. She felt this would be a good way to meet some more people, but also as a really fun session where people could express their creativity and ideas through storytelling.
Estelle began to set up the room. She pushed all of the tables and chairs to the sides, leaving a cosy centre circle where she placed pillows for people to sit on. Outside, the sun had long since set, and the darkness created a nice setting and atmosphere, while also ensuring that there would be enough darkness for the puppets to be sufficiently spooky.
She then turned off all of the lights in the classroom but one - an enchanted nightlight her father had bough her. It spun gently, projecting golden stars across the room. She wasn't actually planning on having it turned on while the stories were told, but as people came in, and in-between the stories, the lamp created a comforting atmosphere.
Estelle sat on a cushion and waited for people to enter.
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Ernest and Estelle's You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough |
25 Nov 2023, 20:16
Shadows and Stories
Leaf had never expected to be part of a storytelling session. But they were going to be, in just a few minutes- who else would be there? It had all been rather last minute, so they hadn't had the chance to ask around, they'd just thought they would turn up and see what happened from there.
Almost three months ago (had it really been that long?) they had first come down this corridor and wondered why it was so cold. Now they knew it would only get colder. Not bothered to change out of their school uniform, they just wore a second pair of trousers on top and multiple warm items- a scarf, hat and thick socks.
Darkness draped the sky outside. Stars were beginning to come out; it was almost strange, seeing them there without the filter of light pollution that was almost impossible to escape nowadays. The corridors were dimly lit by fires and the occasional lantern that would cast a dim, uneven glow and project huge shadows onto the walls. Rather creepy.
Leaf checked their analogue watch. One minute to five. Better not be late. So they swiftly strode down the corridor until they found the door they were looking for and knocked, excited but terrified. I really hope I'm at the right place. Slowly, they opened the door and lightly stepped in before gently closing the door behind and looking upon the room. Chairs and tables lined the walls, and in the centre of the room was a little circle of pillows where a girl sat, waiting.
"Hello." Their eyes adjusted to the even lower lighting as they walked down to the pillows, but of course they wouldn't sit down until asked to- that would just feel wrong with someone they didn't know.
10 Dec 2023, 04:48
Shadows and Stories
For some reason, Hogwarts seemed to have more ladies than gents. It seemed that everywhere Maverick went, females were sure to wait: female teachers, female school staff members, female students. And so it was he felt like he had never had much interaction with fellow males at school. (Had he somehow turned into a ladies' magnet?)
Not that women were in any means less than men, it was just that he wanted some variations in his school life, and some people more like him. To be honest, he was not really sure what teen witches would be interested in chatting about. From his (very limited) observations, mostly from Muggle films though, they were lively when gossiping about famous people, their friends or acquaintances, clothes, make-up, and their crushes. When it came to motorcycles, not so much. But then again, he had not met any fellow preteen wizards whom he could talk about bike races, either.
Perhaps not all hopes were lost. This room, currently inhabited by himself and two witches, was not set for some ridiculous fashion show, but rather it resembled a shadow puppet stage, a neutral convo topic. Maverick had never seen one before, but he had heard about it from Miss Puput, his favourite nanny by far.
Not that women were in any means less than men, it was just that he wanted some variations in his school life, and some people more like him. To be honest, he was not really sure what teen witches would be interested in chatting about. From his (very limited) observations, mostly from Muggle films though, they were lively when gossiping about famous people, their friends or acquaintances, clothes, make-up, and their crushes. When it came to motorcycles, not so much. But then again, he had not met any fellow preteen wizards whom he could talk about bike races, either.
Perhaps not all hopes were lost. This room, currently inhabited by himself and two witches, was not set for some ridiculous fashion show, but rather it resembled a shadow puppet stage, a neutral convo topic. Maverick had never seen one before, but he had heard about it from Miss Puput, his favourite nanny by far.
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The world is in despair not because there are many bad people, but because there are many good people who do nothing.
11 Dec 2023, 04:18
Shadows and Stories
banner tba
date : november 24, 2023
time : 17:00/5:00 pm
@Estelle Nyx, @Leaf Shard, @Maverick Castleastra : #136323
thoughts : italics
other : #theirhexThat bloody cat.
It had taken Astra nigh on fifteen minutes to secure him in his crate. Really, how creative could one feline get in the small, two person Malfoy dorms? There weren't terribly many places to hide. Two beds, two desks, and neither Astra nor her roommate were keen on decorations other than posters and pictures.
So how in the world had he evaded her for fifteen minutes without exiting the room?
Astra sighed. No matter. At least he was settled down now. Hopefully.
Astra roamed the corridors in her black sweatpants and green hoodie, hair tied back in a ponytail. She was headed towards the classroom no one used, a common haunt of hers, more quiet than the study room and less distracting than the library.
It would be strange to be doing something other than schoolwork there, to be sure, but Astra was excited for this storytelling session. Estelle had been very kind to invite her.
Astra wasn't one for writing usually, but she did enjoy a good story. And who knew? Perhaps this session would awaken some dormant muse inside her mind. She wouldn't be surprised.
The redhead entered the classroom and gently closed the door behind her and took in the ambient setting. Very aesthetic, with immaculate spooky vibes.
"Evening," she greeted the blonde Gryffindor. "Thanks for the invite."
Looking around again, she saw a familiar face, and was almost immediately embarrassed. Wonderful. Currently one of the only people Astra had made a complete and utter fool of herself in front of was present, but she pushed any thought of that out of her mind. You're being dramatic, Asa. He likely doesn't even remember.
Astra was unfamiliar with the last person present, and gave the raven haired person a small wave before settling down with a pillow.
11 Dec 2023, 15:14
Shadows and Stories
time: 5pm
location: an empty classroom
Reducio@Maverick Castle, @Leaf Shard, @Astra Norrick
english: #490085
spanish: #0b0085
thoughts: italics
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She gestured for everyone to sit and then began to explain what was to happen.
"Hi everyone! As you know, this is a spooky storytelling session and I thought that I'd just lay some ground rules and stuff so we all know what to expect (not that I think anyone would do any of this stuff, I just want to make sure everyone is happy).
Rule 1 - no interrupting when someone is telling a story. Unless what you have to say is some kind of life or death emergency, it can probably wait - interruptions stop the flow of the story and break the magic.
Rule 2 - please keep the stories pg - there can be some violence (it's not really a story if there's no drama) but nothing too descriptive. Tension is best created not in the violence but in the suspense.
Rule 3 - be kind! Please don't insult others stories and storytelling ability and don't make up stories that could hurt or offend people - e.g. stories about someone you know or something.
I think that's all for the rules!
Now, I've realised that I don't really know you guys all that well so I think, rather than going into the storytelling immediately, we should start with an icebreaker. After that, we'll get started on the stories!
So, we'll take it in turns - everyone will say their name along with hmm... how about, since we're on the theme of spooky stories, their favourite Halloween tradition."
Estelle was about to start when she remembered the best bit.
"Nox"
The light in the centre went out. Estelle lit her wand and shined it on her face, making a creepy expression.
"Let's use Lumos for some atmosphere!
I'll go first, then the next person will light their wand.
My name is Estelle and my favourite Halloween tradition is the pranks - scaring your friends when they least expect it."
Es grinned and passed on the torch. This was going to be a fun night!
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OOC Note: Have a think about the story you want your character to tell. When we tell them I'm not going to request a word count, but it might be fun to challenge yourself! After everyone has posted Es will begin the storytelling!★ ☆ ✦ ✩ ✫ ✬ ✭ ✮ ✯ ✮ ✭ ✬ ✫ ✩ ✦ ☆ ★
Ernest and Estelle's You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough |
11 Dec 2023, 16:44
Shadows and Stories
Two other people entered after Leaf had- the second of the two waved at them briefly and Leaf waved back and smiled slightly. Only after everyone was sat comfortably did the girl who was here first begin to speak, and she told the group what the rules were and how the evening would work.
No interrupting. That wouldn't be a problem- they'd most likely remain quiet for most of the evening. Keep the stories appropriate. Leaf could come up with something not pg, but they wouldn't find it challenging in the slightest to follow this rule. Be kind and don't insult others' storytelling. Not difficult. If anything, the rest of the group would be laughing at them.
And they had to think of some Halloween tradition to share? Maybe...
Suddenly, the girl turned off all the lights and lit the tip of her wand and held it up so it made her face look all creepy in the darkness. She said her name was Estelle, and that she liked scaring her friends at Halloween- which obviously differed from what Leaf enjoyed doing, as they'd only had one Halloween with a friend in their life.
Without warning, Estelle passed the torch to Leaf and they held it to their face, attempting to make a weird expression. Then they lowered their voice to its natural whisper, but changed it slightly so it sounded colder. "My name is Leaf. At Halloween I like to sit in a dark tree and throw sticks at people to scare them." It was true though; they were sure the group of kids who always got hit would be missing them this year.
They could barely see anyone else in the dark but knew roughly where the person beside them was sitting and gave them the torch.
27 Dec 2023, 05:09
Shadows and Stories
date : november 24, 2023
time : 17:00/5:00 pm
@Estelle Nyx, @Leaf Shard, @Maverick Castleastra : #136323
thoughts : italics
other : #theirhexEstelle's rules were fair and good, made for a fun and friendly night of stories. Excitement built in Astra's chest as she started thinking about a story.
The mention of an icebreaker brought her spirits to earth again, a little. She was not a fan of icebreakers.
The mood setting was nice though. Astra brought her knees up to her chest and rested her chin on the soft pillow she had picked up earlier. Halloween tradition... Hmm. The Norricks had never properly celebrated Halloween. Roderick's best friend Nico and his sister had dragged both Rick and Astra to their family's costume parties, and the Lerian cousins were known to cart their younger cousins off to roam the streets, but the Norricks themselves had no Halloween traditions.
I suppose it'll be the costume parties then. Estelle went first, naturally. Pranks were a good favorite tradition, something that also took place at a Lombardi costume party. Usually done by someone to Roderick, whether that someone be Astra or Nico's sister Bianca, or one of Rick's other friends.
Leaf's was also good! Being the entity on high. Must be fun.
Astra's turn. She got the torch from Leaf a d held it under her face. "My name is Astra. My favorite Halloween tradition is going to my friend Nico's costume parties. There's good food, awesome costumes, and plenty of tricks for your treats." She grinned and passed the torch to the last person, the boy.
5 Jan 2024, 04:18
Shadows and Stories
This is so stupid. Maverick came to watch a mini, manually-operated cinema and now the storyteller forced him to speak about something equally stupid. Who on their right mind would introduce themselves and do ice-breakers at the cinema?
He did not get the chance to enjoy the silver screen often, but he knew very well people would simply buy a ticket, show it to the doorman, and find their sit to relax and enjoy the film. Even the last time Uncle Francesco had taken him to a neighbourhood film festival for family, he simply had to hand in his ticket and received a goodie bag from the doorman who waited outside the hall. No one had ordered him to speak.
And I got ice-cream at the end of the film, the part-Veela recalled fondly. It wasn't the best, just vanilla decorated with diced fruit, no other option. But it was still nice, and it was such a fun day. I even won the door prize to get an extra goodie bag.
Receiving the silly item in his hand, he said straightforwardly, "Call me Castle. No stupid tradition for me." He did not intend to elaborate on that, and his green eyes skimmed the room as if daring anyone to question, challenge, or comment on his words. If no one did, he would lazily hand over the stuff to the person who started all these, looking at her straight at the eyes with a look that told her to begin the shadow puppet theatre right now. No more dilly-dally.
He did not get the chance to enjoy the silver screen often, but he knew very well people would simply buy a ticket, show it to the doorman, and find their sit to relax and enjoy the film. Even the last time Uncle Francesco had taken him to a neighbourhood film festival for family, he simply had to hand in his ticket and received a goodie bag from the doorman who waited outside the hall. No one had ordered him to speak.
And I got ice-cream at the end of the film, the part-Veela recalled fondly. It wasn't the best, just vanilla decorated with diced fruit, no other option. But it was still nice, and it was such a fun day. I even won the door prize to get an extra goodie bag.
Receiving the silly item in his hand, he said straightforwardly, "Call me Castle. No stupid tradition for me." He did not intend to elaborate on that, and his green eyes skimmed the room as if daring anyone to question, challenge, or comment on his words. If no one did, he would lazily hand over the stuff to the person who started all these, looking at her straight at the eyes with a look that told her to begin the shadow puppet theatre right now. No more dilly-dally.
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The world is in despair not because there are many bad people, but because there are many good people who do nothing.