Magical Masquerade: the actual ball Closed

EmmaLee politely maneuvered her way through the crowd of students pouring into the quidditch pitch. She took a moment to marvel at the decorations. They were always so beautiful at the start, but they had really outdone themselves this time with the groups of flowers and array of food and lighting. It smelled and looked like the most exquisite garden party EmmaLee had ever been to.

She stepped aside from the door and the still running river of students and tried to look around for Stephen once more. Now that she had her full focus on finding him, where could he be? If she knew him half as well as she thought she did, she should be able to guess his costume, right? She was even more sure now than she had been before that she had heard his voice, so he was here somewhere. Maybe not inside just yet but in the area.

Considering that she had not been able to find his particular crop of brown hair, he was most probably wearing a hat, and if it was Stephen, it was probably a top hat. She giggled at the idea. He was going to look very dashing in a top hat and a masquerade mask. She probably had not noticed it while searching for the boxes because she wasn't looking for a top hat at the time, just Stephen.

She scanned the food table, because his first priority was generally the food. She could see a couple of boys who might be his height in top hats in the general area, but it was a bit too far away and she was on the wrong side of the river of students much taller than her to see clearly. Granted, there was a third top hat who was definitely far taller than Stephen, but he was easier to see over the crowd. Anyway, she would have to cross through or around the crowd to get to the food table. While around was probably the most logical, EmmaLee had generally thrown logic to the wind days ago when it came to that boy and through was faster and more direct, so through she would go.

The good thing was that she was small and quick and she didn't have a tail in her skirt to contend with this time. EmmaLee was able to wind through the river of students as easily as she could hope for, but as she exited the crowd and started to trot towards the food table, her shoe got caught on something in the ground and the momentum from her jog and the sudden stop pitched her forward.

She flailed wildly as she fell, throwing her arms forward instinctively to prevent herself from face planting into the ground. However, she was apparently closer to a person than she realized and instead of the ground, she faceplanted into a black-clad shin that was like hitting a wall with her forehead. One of her flailing hands had grabbed the end of the person's jacket in a vain attempt to catch herself somehow, but that wasn't exactly helpful. It just ended with her face on top of his shoe and her arm hanging uselessly from the end of his jacket as it was rather long.

EmmaLee quickly let go of the stranger's outfit and scrambled to her knees, her face a blazing pink across her nose and she stammered. "Mon dieu, je suis tellement désolé.My god, I am so sorry." She choked out in a panic. She tried to pull her foot free and stand up to properly apologize to the stranger, but the front of her shoe was lodged between two rocks, leaving her stuck for the moment at least in side-sitting position.

She looked up at the stranger and noticed that he was rather tall. Sitting this way, she only came to about his knees. He was well put together with the long coat and a bird's mask, although from underneath it was hard for EmmaLee to tell what kind of bird aside from a black one. A raven? or a crow, maybe? He was clearly an older student judging by his height and demeanor, and from the set of his mouth, at least, he didn't seem too happy to be here. Oh no. Another mess with an older boy. He was probably furious for being smashed into by her ghosty little self.

"I'm sorry." She said again, finally finding her English in her nervousness, and tried to pull her foot free again. "I didn't mean to run into you or grab your coat. I tripped on this rock." She explained, bowing her head and hoping he would just accept the apology and move on and not be too interested in yelling at her for hurting him. Just her rotten luck to not only make a fool of herself by being clumsy, but to injure an older student in the process.

ACTION:
Searching for Stephen Schwartz, Crashing into Sara Kohana's knees instead.

STAMINA: 7 | EVASION: 7 | STRENGTH: 3 | WISDOM: 8 | ARCPOWER: 8 | ACCURACY: 9
ABILITIES: Fearless | Calming Presence
INVENTORY: Wand, Lavender Honey Candies, Blue butterfly embroidered handkerchief, first aid kit.

Calming Presence is in Effect
Allies:
AngelFyre McCubbin as Stephen Schwartz, Hanako Tone as Sara Kohana
Giving them +10% chance to auto-hit.

STATS

(Stamina - 6 | Evasion - 5 | Strength - 4 | Wisdom - 7 | ArcP - 7 | Accuracy - 6)
ACTION: Arriving in the entrace.
INTERACTIONS: Open

"Don't compare her to sunshine and roses when she's clearly orchids and moonlight.

As the girl did not take it, Yasha dropped his arm and put both hands casually in his pockets. He didn't know how long "the whole ball" would be, but he'd make it with this girl long enough to be enjoyable for them both. That being said, it was almost rude how long they had been talking before introducing themselves. While he could go on calling her "young lady", for that is what devushka meant in Russian, all night, it really would be bad manners to not get at least her first name and introduce himself.

"Well, since we are to go from here together, I believe introductions are in order." He said with another small bow. "My name is Yasha Volkov. I am a second year of Koldovstoretz. May I have your name, devushka?"

As far as Yasha was concerned, there were two ways you could spend a ball: alone and therefore free to come and go as you pleased or with someone who was at least nice to talk to and this girl checked that box. She was pleasant and polite, excusing the overlooking of his arm, and she did seem to have an air about knowing how to behave at a ball. While he wasn't 100% concerned with blood status, he would rather spend time with his like than anyone else and if this girl wasn't pureblood, she had the air of one, which was just as well.

He reached up absent-mindedly to smooth the lock of his hair over his cloudy blue eye, obscuring it even further than his mask already did. Yasha generally covered it because he had been teased before about it. People generally find it creepy the way it stares blankly from his face, seeing almost nothing. Even if people are polite enough not to comment, they usually stare, so he just covers it with his bangs most of the time and making sure it is hidden has become an unconscious habit.

ACTION:
Talking with Kaya Bennett.

STAMINA: 9 | EVASION: 9 | STRENGTH: 3 | WISDOM: 4 | ARCPOWER: 3 | ACCURACY: 7
ABILITIES: Keeper's Catch
INVENTORY: Wand, Black handkerchief

Kaya noticed the offered hand way too latle for her to take it and for a little while she was thinking about how to indicate that she wouldn't mind his hand. Hearing his introduction, she had to agree that they went so far without knowing each other's names, but now was a time to change it.

Nice to meet you, Yasha. Kaya replied softly, liking his name quite much. My name is Kaya Rose Bennett, second year, Ilvermorny. She wasn't concerned about blood status, but judging by how he was acting, she was guessing he was same as her. I was curious, not that it matters much, are you also pureblood? There was only polite curiosity in her voice, suggesting that whatever his answer would be, she wasn't that interested in this information. Kaya didn't know much about other countries purebloods, but those who were, usually were behaving more noble and gentle. It was noticeable.

As she introduced herself and before asking about blood status, she put her left hand freely down, in a way that suggested it could be taken any time, should Yasha want to do it. Looking at his face, without staring, she glanced at his hair and his seemingly covered one eye by it. Perhaps later she would ask about it, but now wasn't the time. They still had so much to learn about each other, giving if they would be willing to do so and ball was still just starting. Being here with partner meant they had a lot of possibilities to communicate, including later when at least one of them will be wishing to leave ball. That was fine with Kaya, as she guessed at least she won't be interested in spending whole evening dancing. Even though she found company of her partner really fascinating and comforting.

What would you like us to do? Kaya asked interested. She was also intrigued what he would choose to call her: most people were calling her Kaya and very few ones were saying Rose. Both were alright with her, though she would never admit that Rose sounded more special.

Interacting with @EmmaLee LeDames as Yasha Volkov

For some completely unexplainable reason, Yasha found it incredibly funny that their names almost rhymed. YA-sha and Ka-YA. Phonetically overall they were very similar and that just got him in the ribs. The right corner of his mouth quirked up and he pressed a knuckle to his mouth to keep from actually laughing and made a deep kind of "Heeh" noise instead before clearing his throat and speaking. With the very little he knew of America, he did know that it was common there to have two first names and even multiple second names after that, so his immediate assumption, because of the way she introduced herself, was that this girl must have two first names.

"It is a pleasure to meet you as well, Kaya Rose." He said, with a full, more polite smile than his trip up due to amusement. "I am a pureblood, as Russian purebloods go. Both of my parents are Russian wizards from long lines of magical families." He said with a curt nod, moving his hands from his pockets to clasp them behind his back. "Can I assume you are one as well? A pureblood, that is? You have the manners of it."

Yasha tried to keep his father's politics out of his mind. As he had just met this girl and didn't really know American politics and customs, it probably wouldn't do to talk to her about alliances and things. Most girls didn't care about politics anyways and especially didn't want to be bothered with them when they were here to have fun.

As the conversation moved to what to do now that they had decided to spend time together and introduced themselves, Yasha gestured grandly to the ball with a sweep of his arm. "I am at your leisure at this point, Miss Kaya Rose." He said with another quirk of the corner of his mouth. "We can grab some food and drink or we could dance." He continued, gesturing to the food table and then the dance floor where some students were beginning to dance themselves. "I believe I saw a sign for some kind of craft area that we could go to as well if that would interest you." He offered finally, turning back to look at her fully for her response.

ACTION:
Talking with Kaya Bennett.

STAMINA: 9 | EVASION: 9 | STRENGTH: 3 | WISDOM: 4 | ARCPOWER: 3 | ACCURACY: 7
ABILITIES: Keeper's Catch
INVENTORY: Wand, Black handkerchief

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Interacting with/Mentioning: @Emiline Hunter and @Basil Murphy/@Quinn Brook and @Open For Interactions	Word Count: 233/200	Outfit: Reducio Reducio Mask: Reducio

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I loved how the ball looked, all pretty and nice. I definitely wanted to find and explain to Basil what had happened, but I also wanted to meet new people and find my date, Emiline. I decided Basil could wait and set off to find Emiline to dance. I found her accent delightful and just couldn't wait to see her again, she being a great friend who I had met in New York. I looked around at all the people, smiling and wanting to meet them all. But that could wait. Emiline came first. I started stretching to warm up for dancing, hoping I didn't attract any odd looks. That would get me angry which would make me lash and and get me in trouble. Stopping myself, I blinked, breathing deeply to stop all the worries from getting out. I moved over to the drink table after I was done stretching and pondered them, but decided to wait until I was actually thirsty. Besides, I didn't even know what some of the drinks were! Probably some stupid wizard stuff. I glared suspiciously at the drinks and sighed again. "Stupid wizard magical stuff." I muttered, louder than I had intended. A few people looked at me and I blushed. The night was already going off to a great start. I moved back to the ballroom area, searching for Emiline. "Emiline!" I shouted. "I'm here!" 𝓐𝓬𝓽𝓲𝓸𝓷: Searching for Emiline and looking around to meet new people 𝕊𝕥𝕒𝕥𝕤: Stamina 7| Evasion 7| Strength 3| Wisdom 6| Arcane Power 5| Accuracy 7 𝒜𝒷𝒾𝓁𝒾𝓉𝒾𝑒𝓈: The Muggle Condition

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Linda felt curious how easy and natural it felt to hold Quentin's hand. Did his palm sweat? Was it actually hers? Perhaps both of them? By some reason she didn't seem to care about it. However, Linda was all too aware of the growing feeling of wishing to know him more and spend more time with him, even after ball.

Sure, we can talk about it. It would be interesting to see what you'd get. She smiled, intrigued by the idea. As they were looking in lilies, someone found the key in irises. Well, to be honest she wasn't disappointed. Linda felt like since she noticed Quentin searching for the key became something distant and not so fascinating. However, she kept holding his hand, feeling no need to stop it.

She laughed at his joke, realizing at the same time his English most probably was far from not that good as he seemed to have no difficulty with it whatsoever. Just like he was talking French, it seemed like it was coming almost natural. However, Linda didn't mind this. Even if this guess was right, she was too busy enjoying the time.

As Quentin started to offer something, he was distracted by the sight no one would expect seeing during the ball. As Linda looked at that direction as well, still listening to his questions, she had answers. Not to all questions, but certainly enough to make a decision for both of them. The guy, she thought was from Hogwarts as well as the crowd he was close to. Linda recognized Xailah from broom racing, and returned her attention to Quentin. I suggest we don't come any closer to the digging guy. He looks like he could be not fully controlling himself and I don't think that whatever he's going to dig out will be something good. So, shall we continue with ball? I believe someone from professors can help the guy. Linda said cautiously. Whatever was about to happen, it was nothing good and she sincerely hoped to be able to enjoy the ball a bit more before some disaster would find its way out.

So, with this said, she pulled gently Quentin to follow her as they entered the ball. Decorations and smells filled her nostrils and for a second she forgot about what she had witnessed some seconds ago. Will ball become a disaster already now? When they even didn't have a chance to dance or know each other more? That would be unfortunate.

Interacting with @Della Barfield as Quentin Gagné
[/quote]

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speech • #427c9a thoughts • italics others • #ffffff

april 13th, 2024 • date quidditch stadium • location spring ball • thread

Ophelia's eyes darted to the open gates of the ball. Finally! Someone found the key. She gestured to her friends, Topaz and Quinn, as she walked towards the entrance. "Come on!"

Walking behind everyone else, Ophelia's eyes took everything in. The decorations were magical and even though there were so many people at the event, she didn't feel dizzy or queasy. In fact, she felt good. To be here, in this event, with friends who would laugh with her. She felt happy. Maybe the last ball had just been too soon after the school year had started. Maybe that's why she hadn't liked it. Maybe she was right and this one would be better.

Inside the ball venue, there was a dance floor and little tables with little chairs. They reminded Ophelia of the roadside cafes that she'd been to. People were milling about, still talking with each other instead of dancing or eating immediately.

Ophelia looked around some more, her eyes catching on a girl in a pink dress. Viva? Normally, the Ravenclaw would've waved brightly, sent over a flash of a smile, and turned back to her friends. Then again, normally, Viva would've been looking at her with a smile too. Instead, right now, it looked as if Viva was... crying? Could that be? At least, her face looked tear stained. Maybe it was just the lighting, but...

Instinct took over and Ophelia felt herself walking closer, hoping that Topaz and Quinn would follow. If that was her, she knew that she wouldn't want anyone looking at her, but that didn't matter. She wouldn't allow someone to hurt her friend. Especially someone who she'd bared her soul to through music.

Taking a deep breath, the Ravenclaw approached. She didn't want to lay a hand on Viva's shoulder or do anything that would make the girl feel uncomfortable, but she also didn't want to leave her to feel sad all by herself. "Viva?" Ophelia's voice was soft, something that wouldn't be audible to anyone but Viva and anyone extremely close to them. "Is everything alright?" Only after she said it did she realise that there was a boy, a boy that she'd never seen before, next to Viva and that he too was speaking to her.

Oh... what did I just interrupt?

interactions • @Genevieve Delacourt @Quinn Brook @Topaz November mentions • Nikolai Volkov (@Matthew Campbell) stats • sta 6 | eva 5 | str 6 | wis 7 | arc 6 | acc 5

383 • word count xxx • outfit perfectionist • abilities

action • inserting herself into a conversation

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Speech: #DB7093

Talking with @Nikolai Volkov @Matthew Campbell before being interrupted by @Ophelia Northwell.

Viva blinked. Nothing to apologise for? She had transformed from a happy girl attending a ball to an embarrassing sobbing mess within minutes. Honestly, Viva wasn't even sure why Nikolai was staying with her like this and being so kind. She felt her face grow warm. Viva's gaze trailed away from the ground, following Nikolai's to a lovely blossoming cherry tree. Immediately, she felt a little better. It was so beautiful, and made her feel better to be in such magical surroundings. As she glanced around, Viva marveled at the splendor of the ball. It was absolutely mesmerising, and Viva loved it with all her heart.

Blinking in surprise, Viva whirled around to stare at Nikolai as he began quoting poetry. "That was... beautiful," she said softly, a faint glimmer of a smile gracing her face. She listened as he explained about his family, and got a funny feeling in her stomach. Who couldn't like Hogwarts? It was a marvelous school, and was truly magical. Take this ball, for example. Viva knew she could never have dreamt up something this amazing on her own. Students from Hogwarts had done this! If that wasn't talent, Viva wasn't sure what was. Viva wrinkled her nose the tiniest bit, hoping Nikolai hadn't seen it.

Then she began to smile again. "About this place and myself?" she repeated, eyes twinkling. "I can try, if you want me too. I don't usually like talking about myself." Viva blushed, and looked down again, tracing one high heeled foot in a pattern on the ground. "Well - you already know my name is Viva Delacourt. I'm in the Hufflepuff house here at Hogwarts, which, you probably didn't know, has kind of a reputation for being the softest and weakest house. People say we can't stand up for ourselves our fight when needed." Viva forced a light laugh, then something else flickered in her eyes. "I, however, don't think that's true. Sure, we're kind and loyal, but does that make us weak? Are kindness, love, and good-heartedness really considered weaknesses? We may be the peace-makers, but we are badgers. We have backbones, we aren't just going to roll over and let you hurt us. Badgers are often underestimated, but quite vicious when provoked." After her little speech, Viva breathed in sharply. She was quite pink in the face, and very worked up. She was irritated just thinking about how Hufflepuffs were viewed.

She had just worked up the courage to start talking about herself and her home life to Nikolai when she heard a quiet voice from behind her. She whirled around to see her friend, Ophelia. Oh my goodness. I'm very happy to see her, but I'm kind of in a conversation right now. And I don't really want any more people to see me like this. Hastily wiping away any residual tear stains from her cheeks, Viva managed a smile. "Hello, Ophelia. Yes, I'm alright now. At least, I think so." Viva paused awkwardly, hoping Ophelia hadn't seen her crying. Ophelia was such a sweet friend for coming over to check on her. Viva's smile grew into a real one. "Thank you," she said quietly, and reached for a quick hug. She quickly backed out again, blushing. "Um, Nikolai, this is my friend Ophelia Northwell," she turned back to the boy and gestured to her friend. "Ophelia, this is Nikolai. He's from Durmstrang."

Action: Interacting with Nikolai and Ophelia.

Sta 5 | Eva 6 | Str 4 | Wis 7 | Arc 7 | Acc 6 | Lovely Creature

Date: April 13, 2024 Interacting/Mentioning: @Uri Davies @Reginald Drake Actions: Entering the ball with Reginald Drake and Punching Uri Davies because he scared her (Permission to do so by Uri Davies)

Speaking: #556b2f Thoughts: #99b39c Translations: - Mo fhocal: My word -Íosa Críost: Jesus Christ Reducio

⋆˖⁺‧₊☽◯☾₊‧⁺˖⋆ "To love and be loved is to feel the sun from both sides" ⋆˖⁺‧₊☽◯☾₊‧⁺˖⋆

Siobhan marveled at the wonderous decor that greeted her as she and her companion stepped through the entrance and finally discovered the interior of the ballgrounds. The trees accentuated the theme of Spring and truth be told, reminded her of her own orchard at home. She wondered for a brief moment if climbing the trees woild be out of the question. She was fairly certain that she could make it up the trees in her ball gown, barring any physical restraints or the threat of detention.

Actually- even if detention was a threat, she would happily climb the trees. Trees didn't just exist to create oxygen, shade and fruit. They also existed so that one may climb them and enjoy all aspects of their beauty from the shimmery leaves to the sturdy trunk, all the way down to the powerful roots that were hard at work providing sustinance to the inner meat of the bark. She was so amazed that the Ball Comittee had managed to capture the very essence and beauty that was the heart of spring for this ball and she only briefly regretted not asking her mother for a ballgown more consistent with the warm tones of pinks, yellows and greens.

Spotting a table chock full of snacks, sweets, and mini meals, Siobhan tilted her head towards it as she looked towards her white suited companion.

"I don't know about you, but those ricotta and honey parfaits are absolutely calling my name." Siobhan mused as she made a beeline for the table. And rightfully so, the ricotta was whipped and piled high in round bowls as it was dressed just as elegantly as the ball goers in granola and honey. Removing her dirty gloves and stuffing them in her pocket, she delicately picked up one of the treats and dipped a small spoon into the top for a sample. She made a heartfelt sound as she came to the mental conclusion it was one of the most delicious treats she had tasted since coming to Hogwarts. The granola was crunchy but not dry, the honey tasted sweeter than any she had ever experienced, and the ricotta was just the right amount of creaminess. All together it created a ballet of flavors on her tongue and she absolutely continued to indulge.

"Mo fhocal, Reggie you must try this! It's possibly the best dessert that the kitchens have made!" Siobhan pointed out as she also made a move to collect one of the berry spritzers. It was a delicious shade of pink and she hoped that it was raspberry flavored. The only downside to the themes of spring in her opinion was that her brain instinctively made her throat quite dry and in dire need of something to drink. While she thought the lime would taste good, she was really praying that the pink one was a raspberry flavor. They were her favorite fruit afterall.

"All the fruit trees are absolutely gorgeous. It reminds me of my families orchards back home... Do you have a favorite fruit Reggie? I personally love raspberries." Siobhan smiled as she took a sip of her drink. Luck of the Irish flowed through her as it was indeed a raspberry flavor. She smiled to herself as she topped off her drink.

As she poured her drink, she heard what she believed to be the voice of their new acquaintence Uri returning to them. She turned around with a happy smile before the following happened. Her ricotta dessert and drink dropped to the ground as she instinctively threw her arm back the way she'd learned to punch as a deranged gorilla that had stolen their friends voice got close to her and was now likely attempting to steal her dessert now.

WHAM! CRUNCH

Several things fell to the ground including her dessert, drink, and the scary gorilla masked individual. It took Siobhan a full minute to discern that it was in fact not a gorilla that had stolen her friends voice and nor was he after her now grass and dirt ridden dessert. It was in fact, Uri and she had most definetly potentially broken his nose.

"Uri! Íosa Críost! You startled me! I heard a crunch- was that your nose? Take your mask off so I can see if I broke it!" Siobhan exclaimed in an extremely apologetic tone. Despite her stomach begging her to turn back and find another one of those ricotta's, she knelt down to get a better look at Uri's face once he removed his mask. She wondered why he had switched it... She thought the other one suited him better. She didn't have any of her first aid supplies with her but she supposed in a pinch she could rip up the cleaner parts of her gloves and use some ice to make a rudimentary ice pack for him.

STATS: sta 5 | eva 7 | str 7 | STATS | wis 6 | arc 4 | acc 6