13 Nov 2023, 20:41
Mistakes are Part of Growing
Date: Time: Current Day, November 11th Early Evening, 3pm
Leaves crunched, one, two, one two, in a rhythm, slow and steady not seemingly in a rush.
A puff of cold air in the form of an exhale rose before dissipating only a mere few seconds after release. A bitter wind swirled the baren tree branches in the distance, a ruffle of clothing signaling the burrowing of oneself into the warmth of their layers was heard accompanying the breath and the crunching of leaves. The figure's nose was red, from the cold air no doubt. Or perhaps something else? A sniffle, another tell-tale sign that winter was right around the corner. Or not. The rhythmic crunch paused as the figure came to a halt. The worn brown leather boots rested next to the surface of a pool of water, the toe of the boot unsettling the previously calm lake. Ripples began, spreading outwards before settling quietly again. The figure dropped to their knees, now nothing more than a huddled ball, hugging their knees to their chest. A potential action to regain some warmth. But with all these clues that it was cold, and that they specifically were cold, why did they choose to go outside?
A trill and a few clicks made the figure raise their head from their hunched over position. A beautiful Indian Eagle Owl had began to descend from it's flight, resting in a tree a few feet behind the figure who was at the edge of the lake. The owl had begun to preen itself, giving it's body a full shake as it's eyes closed in content. An unamused snort escaped the figure, followed with an eyeroll.
"At least someone is enjoying this weather hm?" A feminine voice escaped the figure, head cocked to the side towards her shoulder as she glanced behind her in the direction which the noises had come. She'd turn her head back, face now pointed towards the endless lake, reaching out with an arm to find the surface and trace her fingertips upon it. Upon reaching forward, her wrist slipped from beneath her jacket, revealing the swirl-like symbol of which was her binding mark. A pang hit her chest as the cold air brushed the spot where her mark would be, making her drop her hand into the water, swiftly pulling it back from shock.
"Why is it always the Great Lake the place I run to when I feel like shit?" She'd mutter under her breath, realizing this was the spot her and Dale had created the bond. Her other hand hovered above her wrist, pausing. Taking a sharp breathe, she'd close her eyes and tap the mark.
"Hurricane." Her mind became silent, or rather static. There was no response. "..Dale?" She called out to him through her mind. Willing him to respond. More silence. Her hope had dwindled, he had been unresponsive for months. No letters, no checking in. He went and disappeared with no trace. Again. Snapping her gaze open and removing her touch from the mark, the line seemed to snap.
"You said you'd always be there for me, you LIAR!" A spout of anger erupted from her as she thrashed her hand through the water, freezing droplets flying onto her clothes. Snaking her hand back, she'd dive into her coat pocket, struggling to find what she was looking for. Quickly, she'd lock onto the object, revealing a small handmade necklace. It was a reminder of Callie, one that she didn't need to hold onto anymore.
"And you too! I waited for you, but I'm done waiting. I don't need you anymore. I don't need ANYONE!" She'd stand up and hurl the necklace into the lake, eventually hearing a small plop as it hit the surface, hoping it would sink to the bottom and squash any remaining thoughts she ever had about her. Hell, she couldn't get rid of the binding mark. Not even burning it would do anything, just cause her more pain. Not as much as he, or either of them had caused her.
Gritting her teeth, she slumped to the ground. She didn't feel relief. Nor did she break into tears. It was a bittersweet end to two relationships that were nothing more than distant memories. Friendships and potentially more that were never meant to be. She wanted to recover and move on, and in doing so, she had to make those choice. Those mistakes. Mistakes that led her to meet the wrong people and get her heart broken a few times. She hated the feeling, but she had finally let go. But was it the right thing to do?
Mentions:@Lamik Fillestar
♡ Life is just a trip, don't let it trip you up - Cash Campbell
19 Dec 2023, 05:11
Mistakes are Part of Growing
Lamik grimaced as he stepped out of the castle, underdressed for the time of year. He wasn't stupid- he knew that it would be cold- he had just reasoned that the discomfort might do him some good. For too long had he been locked up in the warmth and comfort of Hogwarts, cuddled up under a blanket, only leaving if it was absolutely necessary. Maybe what he needed was to force himself out of that safety.
Beginning to walk, and having nothing better planned, Lamik took the time to scan his surroundings. He had always found beauty in nature. Even the dreariest, grayest day was viewed with a certain aesthetic pleasure, and even in the most boring, mundane patches of earth could a sense of awe be found. The world was spectacular; wild and strange beyond his wildest dreams, as he learned half a decade ago. Yet looking out over the Hogwarts grounds he could feel nothing.
Damn, it's cold.
Crossing his arms, he continued walking. He could feel nothing about a lot. Food tasted bland, water wasn't refreshing, reading was boring, classes were dull, friends were... Well... He didn't spend any time with friends. Really, the only thing that he had found some sense of enjoyment from was practicing his spellcasting in the dueling room, though a recent encounter had demonstrated that even then, enjoyment was likely the wrong word to use. He clenched his teeth and brought his hands up to his mouth, breathing out on them for warmth.
I should go back to get gloves...
The boy turned around and looked up at the castle. His blood ran colder than the air around him. His breath caught in his throat. Panic, anger, shame, all flared up in his stomach, as though a match had been lit and thrown in a pool of gasoline. The fire was painful.
"Stupid. Stupid dumb stupid idiot."
And so he smothered it and turned away from the castle. It was not long after, as he neared the Great Lake, wallowing in what he refused to acknowledge that he was wallowing in, when he heard yelling. His hand instinctively went for his wand, the fire beginning to flare back up, buried memories almost resurfacing. He snapped his head in the direction of the yell, braced for what he would see, and...
It was nothing. Just someone sitting by the lake. Maybe they were sad. Maybe they were angry. Maybe they needed someone. Angry at the world or not, it was best to make sure that everything was ok.
Relaxing slightly, Lamik approached the figure, who was now sitting down. He could quite tell who it was. Once he was within earshot, he called out. "Hey- Uhm- you ok? Heard some yelling... Just... Wanted to make sure..." In the past, the question would have been asked confidently, with a warm, friendly voice. He couldn't muster any of that at the moment.
@Annie Morgan
Beginning to walk, and having nothing better planned, Lamik took the time to scan his surroundings. He had always found beauty in nature. Even the dreariest, grayest day was viewed with a certain aesthetic pleasure, and even in the most boring, mundane patches of earth could a sense of awe be found. The world was spectacular; wild and strange beyond his wildest dreams, as he learned half a decade ago. Yet looking out over the Hogwarts grounds he could feel nothing.
Damn, it's cold.
Crossing his arms, he continued walking. He could feel nothing about a lot. Food tasted bland, water wasn't refreshing, reading was boring, classes were dull, friends were... Well... He didn't spend any time with friends. Really, the only thing that he had found some sense of enjoyment from was practicing his spellcasting in the dueling room, though a recent encounter had demonstrated that even then, enjoyment was likely the wrong word to use. He clenched his teeth and brought his hands up to his mouth, breathing out on them for warmth.
I should go back to get gloves...
The boy turned around and looked up at the castle. His blood ran colder than the air around him. His breath caught in his throat. Panic, anger, shame, all flared up in his stomach, as though a match had been lit and thrown in a pool of gasoline. The fire was painful.
"Stupid. Stupid dumb stupid idiot."
And so he smothered it and turned away from the castle. It was not long after, as he neared the Great Lake, wallowing in what he refused to acknowledge that he was wallowing in, when he heard yelling. His hand instinctively went for his wand, the fire beginning to flare back up, buried memories almost resurfacing. He snapped his head in the direction of the yell, braced for what he would see, and...
It was nothing. Just someone sitting by the lake. Maybe they were sad. Maybe they were angry. Maybe they needed someone. Angry at the world or not, it was best to make sure that everything was ok.
Relaxing slightly, Lamik approached the figure, who was now sitting down. He could quite tell who it was. Once he was within earshot, he called out. "Hey- Uhm- you ok? Heard some yelling... Just... Wanted to make sure..." In the past, the question would have been asked confidently, with a warm, friendly voice. He couldn't muster any of that at the moment.
@Annie Morgan
Wisdom: 18 - Arcane Power: 15 - Accuracy: 13 - Stamina: 9 - Strength: 4 - Evasion: 22
Binding Mark - Blind Vision - Paragon of Health - Spell Spread - Perfectionist
19 Dec 2023, 21:21
Mistakes are Part of Growing
Date: Time: Current Day, November 11th Early Evening, 3pm
Had she been paying attention to her surroundings perhaps she would've heard the soft footsteps approaching. But no. She felt numb. And then that same question hit her, the one she dreaded. By yet another person that didn't know what was going on her life. How could they know or even relate?
"Am I okay?" She'd repeat out loud, an exhale followed by a puff of cold air escaped her lips, head still buried between her knees as she spoke. A strangled laugh escaped her, the only visible sign that it was a laugh was her shoulders shaking from her crouched position on the ground. This continued for a fair few seconds before she paused to regain her breath.
"I don't suppose you'd approach me if I was? A crazy lass cursing at the wind for no apparent reason doesn't quite match the description of "being okay", at least in my books." She'd lift her head now, voice not as muffled as before. A few seconds of quietness filled the air as she debated on asking them the same thing.
"Come sit, I could use the company, and it sounds like you could too. Don't tell me the cold weather makes one's voice so monotone and gloomy? It only takes a fool to come out to the lake by themselves in this dreary weather at this time of day." A small chuckle escaped her throat. A noise she didn't think was ever possible again. After all that screaming and emotions that coursed through her body a mere few minutes ago.
Although it dawned on her that she didn't know the voice, or the person, the thought of company was nice. Especially if it wasn't someone she knew. It was probably better that way. To start anew. Unless she scared them off by her yelling, which was possible. Better to clear the air and not scare them away. Scary was a would that she could be fine being defined as but crazy, that's another story.
"Apologies if you were concerned for me, it's.. been quite the go of it lately. If you know what I mean." Blowing out air again from her mouth, she'd make the unamused raspberry noise, a somewhat childish gesture that was perfect for the current mood she was feeling. A small smile would make its way back on her face before drooping to it's neutral fine-line as her eyes remained trained out on the lake, faced straight ahead as if talking to the open air.
Interacting with:@Lamik Fillestar
♡ Life is just a trip, don't let it trip you up - Cash Campbell