4 Feb 2021, 03:45
Flipendo Squash - The Beginning
@Galton Lansdale
Across the passing weeks of the new school term, an oddity had found itself spread throughout the cohort.
Tennis balls; numerous and versatile. They were first, an instrument of sport, but could also be used for practically any activity that required a thrown aerodynamic object. On this day, their source would be made known to only one individual.
When Galton entered the abandoned classroom under Valentine's invitation, he would find the boy already waiting for him. He rested on the teacher's desk with his legs dangling off the edge, right next to a half-sack of tennis balls. In his hands, he was fidgeting with one such object, bouncing it between his palms. The other half of his stash had been gradually drained due to reckless use that ultimately landed them in the possession of others. He had been able to recover a few when no interest was taken in them by passers-by, but so few could ever resist the temptation of laying claim to someone else's objects of entertainment.
"Sup, Big G," the younger boy beamed with excitement, tossing the ball he had been holding over at Galton with an underhand swing. He hopped off the table and onto his feet, leaning down to pick up the sack of tennis balls. "Ready to get started?"
Discord: Valentine#6117
5 Feb 2021, 20:39
Flipendo Squash - The Beginning
This was the first outing a fan had invited Galton to. Normally, a celebrity was not suppose to interact so closely with his fandom, but this early on, it helped to have a few die-hards in the lot. It's not that Galton didn't have many fans, it's just that he didn't know any many of them. They were out there, for sure, they just must have been to shy to come up to him. So he had taken the invitation of the small Valentine. Plus, the lad was now on the dueling team, and seemed to be rather fierce. But he was totally still a fan. Had to be.
His legs carried to him to an empty classroom where Valentine was waiting. Lounging on a desk, Galton looked over the boy. There was less a height difference than you might think between the 1st and 3rd year, even if Galton wouldn't acknowledge it. He spoke, and Galton would answer.
"Mmmm..." He let the sound trail as he took in the situation. Boy, neon green balls, closed space. It seemed to check out. "Hello. Sooooo... What umm, now." He had made it to the classroom, any details that may have previously been mentioned beyond the location were long forgotten.
@Jackson Valentine
6 Feb 2021, 11:53
Flipendo Squash - The Beginning
@Galton Lansdale
"It's game time," the first year replied with something between a devious smirk and a delighted laugh etched across his lips. Lansdale was getting destroyed today. All in good sport, of course. Valentine was a gentleman first and a competitor second.
"Ever played squash?" he inquired, picking a tennis ball out of his bag as he strode some distance from Galton, facing the back wall about eight meters away. "It's alright if you haven't. I'll show you. It's kinda like tennis, except the ball bounces against a wall and at your opponent."
Bouncing the tennis ball several times against the ground, he took the moment to anticipate its pathing through the air, noting a point which it inevitable passed as it fell and bounced back into his hand.
". . . Except instead of rackets, we use. . ." he closed one eye, moving his wand with practiced proficiency.
The goal is really to get the first two to a place where you barely have to think about them and can trust your muscle memory to do the work.
"Flipendo."
The sizzling blue trail rocketed forward, striking the ball mid-fall. It surged forward, slamming against the wall before flying back at him. Were he any closer, the ball would have been far more dangerous to catch. However, he had spent the day prior measuring the ideal distance for this activity, such that before reaching him, the ball lost enough momentum to manage a single bounce against the ground before landing in Valentine's outstretched palm as he stooped to catch it.
"I hope you don't mind breaking a sweat," he remarked without missing a beat.
Discord: Valentine#6117
7 Apr 2021, 20:25
Flipendo Squash - The Beginning
@Jackson Valentine
It was inventive, maybe even, dare he say, bold? A blend of precision and agility, wrapped with a small threat of injury. Not to mention the skill of getting the correct wand movements at such an odd angle... It seemed like a game that his cat Toad would enjoy. Watching the ball whip over to the wall and bounce back seemed like the ideal target for a bored cat. Though, sadly, Toad was not amongst the boys today. But that didn't mean that Galton wouldn't be having some fun.
He would go for his wand, the only thing he really needed for this. Pulling the neckline of his robe to the side, he'd stick a small hand down and fish for a leather cord. Galton's wand measured in at 32.7 centimeters; a bit longer than what was easy for the small boy to stuff in a pocket, or up a sleeve with his proportions. And if he did, it was prone to falling out, risking his sacred stick to the harsh properties or grass, stone, upholstery or the odd bathroom floor. And that was just too terrible a fate for this hero's sword. So, he found a way to rig up a leather wrap and cord that he could place his wand into and wear as a necklace. Like an sane wizard would do.
After a second of awkward fidgeting his wand was free. He placed it in his dominant hand and struck a pose. "I was born in- I mea- to sweat... Let's play!" He sad in a calm, cool voice.