18 May 2022, 10:10
Flying Practice
A notice had been pinned upon the bulletin board in the Small Hall earlier in the month:Are you interested in Quidditch or Broom Racing, but never quite understood the fuss?
Not the most graceful on a broom, but seeking to improve?
Are you hoping to try out for your team next year, but need some improvement before stepping up to challenge?
If you answered yes to any of the above, you are invited:
Where: Quidditch Training Pitch
When: Saturday, May 14th after lunch
What: an open session of practice, tips, and answers to all your burning questions.
I look forward to seeing you there,
Captain E. Decipio
* * *
At the appointed time, the Gryffindor Captain could be found at the Quidditch Training Pitch. While she wasn't expecting any sort of grand turn-out given that the quidditch and racing seasons had come to an end and most would likely be transitioning their attention to academic pursuits in favour of preparing for the final assignments, projects and exams that were fast approaching; neither did she want to be unprepared in case expectations were surpassed.
A rack of school brooms had been pilfered from the store cupboards. Freshly inspected, trimmed and tended, they were ready and waiting for anyone who wasn't able to supply their own broom. Which would likely be most of those who chose to attend given that anyone with a broom likely wouldn't—or at least shouldn't—be a novice in its use. There was also an assortment of gloves and padding to help soften any falls that might occur from such a low height where there wouldn't necessarily be enough time to cast a slowing charm.
In addition to equipment, a table had also been set up for refreshments. It wouldn't do well to let anyone dehydrate themselves, after all, and so an assortment of juice and water waited for the parched among them. A selection of finger foods and light snacks would also be available, edibles she had pilfered from the Great Hall at lunch.
There was nothing formal about this meeting. It wasn't going to be like the try-outs she'd held where there were pre-set stations and direction of foot traffic to move through them. No, instead, the captain was determined to make this more of a student-centered experience, so to speak. She would wait for their arrival, find out their goals, and then together they could figure out how best to help them. And if students just wanted to grab a broom and take their own initiative while simply taking comfort in the knowledge that there would be someone observing to make sure they were safe to experiment and practice, then that would be just fine as well. Low stress, and inviting. That was her own goal for that afternoon.
All Evelynn needed to do now was await their arrivals.
* * *
OOC INFORMATIONThis thread is open to EVERYONE. Although it is ICly intended to attract primarily first years and quidditch/racing/flying novice students, it is possible for anyone to show up. Whether that's to help with the efforts, just socialize, or to join for the goals outlined in the opening post, everyone is welcome!
18 May 2022, 10:55
Flying Practice
It isn't until almost the day, considering she has had a whole month, of the practice session that Skraele notices the pin on the bulletin. She is often scurrying about, especially being the end of the year, and has not had time to take a look until now. Being somewhat of a procrastinator doesn't help. Naturally, she's overjoyed for the opportunity and can not wait, practically proselytizing the event to her friends and fellow first years, though she expects none she talks to are as eager to go. A shame, she thinks, but she won't miss it even if she's the only one going.
The day of the Gryffindor Prefect's tutoring, Skraele intends to arrive early, but everything is already laid out when she gets there. There's a brief moment of panic thinking she has the time wrong, but the prefect is there and not much of anyone else. With a sigh of relief, she grabs a few swallows of juice and a nibble before walking over to the older girl. Two years difference at Hogwarts seems like such a long time.
Today's sensible attire, she doesn't want anything skinned, consists of sneakers, denim jeans, and a violet shirt, light with long sleeves. She isn't very confident in her flying skills, especially if anything complicated is to happen.
Feeling the need to rearrange her mop of hair and doing so, she offers a bright, warm smile and wave while emerald eyes scan over the auburn girl. Skraele thinks the girl certainly looks the part of captain with her calm and demeanor. "Hello! Captain E.? I'm Skraele, first year Hufflepuff, if that's alright? I'm here for the flying... practice." She laughs softly, obviously slightly nervous despite her enthusiasm.
@Evelynn Decipio
The day of the Gryffindor Prefect's tutoring, Skraele intends to arrive early, but everything is already laid out when she gets there. There's a brief moment of panic thinking she has the time wrong, but the prefect is there and not much of anyone else. With a sigh of relief, she grabs a few swallows of juice and a nibble before walking over to the older girl. Two years difference at Hogwarts seems like such a long time.
Today's sensible attire, she doesn't want anything skinned, consists of sneakers, denim jeans, and a violet shirt, light with long sleeves. She isn't very confident in her flying skills, especially if anything complicated is to happen.
Feeling the need to rearrange her mop of hair and doing so, she offers a bright, warm smile and wave while emerald eyes scan over the auburn girl. Skraele thinks the girl certainly looks the part of captain with her calm and demeanor. "Hello! Captain E.? I'm Skraele, first year Hufflepuff, if that's alright? I'm here for the flying... practice." She laughs softly, obviously slightly nervous despite her enthusiasm.
@Evelynn Decipio
«Seer» STA: «7» EVA: «7» STR: «4» WIS: «6» ARC: «6» ACC: «5»
~±~It is a sign of contraction of the mind when it is content, or of weariness. A spirited mind never stops within itself;
it is always aspiring and going beyond its strength.~±~
19 May 2022, 01:59
Flying Practice
Upon hearing that Evelynn was organising a flying session, Pax was instantly on board. Firstly, it was a good way to get some flying practise in, and they'd take as much of a chance to get into the air as they could. Secondly, they'd do anything to support Evelynn and her endeavors as captain, as well as taking this as a good opportunity to learn what how to be a good leader in the quidditch profession. Thirdly, well, they just loved to meet people and socialise.
With their (very kindly gifted) silver arrow broom in hand, they arrived at the training pitch relatively early. If Evelynn wanted, they'd be more than happy to lend a hand with activities. However, they weren't the first there like they'd expected to be.
There was another young girl there, talking to Evelynn. Not wanting to interrupt, per say, they jogged over with a bright smile, and slotted into the conversation.
"Hey, Evelynn! It's great that you're doing something like this for the younger students and novice flyers! I'd be more than happy to help out if you wanted!"
After addressing their senior, they turned to the newcomer. "Hi! I'm Pax Zhang, my pronouns are she/they! I think I heard that your name is Skraele?"Reducio
19 May 2022, 09:18
Flying Practice
It wouldn't take long at all before students would start to arrive. In fact, Evelynn took a moment to glance at her watch as the first one—a rather petite red-head with striking green eyes—made her approach. Early. Well, she certainly wouldn't begrudge the girl there. Better to be sensibly early than discourteously late. Dropping her hand back to fold over the other, the prefect fixed her with a pleasant smile and tempered gaze, taking the opportunity during the girl's approach to perform her usual appraisal.
"Captain Decipio, or simply Decipio, would be preferable," came the gentle correction.
One that might be challenged only moments later with the arrival of a second individual, Gryffindor Quidditch Team's own co-captain. A brief lapse in the calm demeaner would result in the slightly twitch of her lips and a veiled glance of irritation in Pax's direction, but she wouldn't correct them. If there was anyone that she would allow to skip the due process of gaining familiarity enough to be permitted use of her given name, it would be her own co-captain.
"Pleasure to make your acquaintance, Miss... Skraele was it?" The name felt very foreign on the tongue, sounding more like the name of some sort of mystical creature than a name one might bestow upon a child. "Is that your surname? And yes, of course it is alright that you are Hufflepuff. As the notice indicated, all are welcome. This is not a team practice, after all, and even if it were, it may surprise you to know that I often practiced—practiced, I should say—with the Hufflepuff Quidditch Team. So welcome."
"And welcome to you as well, Zhang," she continued, peeling her attention momentarily from one first year to the other. "You say "younger students" as though you are not among them," a brow lofted along with the slightest hint of a smirk, amusement twinkling in her eye. "Your presence is most appreciated. While it has been only a few years now since I was a novice myself, it feels like many more have passed. Your insight could be very valuable to those just learning. A relatable role model, if you will."
Then back to Skraele, "Now I know for a certainty that this is not your first time flying, given the mandatory classes. How have you found those to be? Helpful at all? Is there anything in particular with which you struggle, and do you remember the basic principles of flight?"
Perhaps this would turn into something of a lecture after all...
@Skraele Valesse, @Pax Zhang
19 May 2022, 10:53
Flying Practice
Not wanting to torment her tutor but feeling a bit roguish thanks to the other student, "Decipio. Sounds rather impish, I like it!" She laughs softly while just catching the disturbance on the captain's face before both turn toward the newcomer. This one was of some heritage that Skraele has had little contact with, thus, she can't help but stare curiously at Pax's facial features and ivory skin for a moment longer than courteous. With a slight start, she smiles, crinkles her eyes, and gives an affirmative nod. "Pax! A name quite the opposite of impish. To be honest, I'm terrible with names, so you'll have to forgive me in advance if I don't see someone for a while, which hopefully won't be the case!""Captain Decipio, or simply Decipio, would be preferable," came the gentle correction.
One that might be challenged only moments
She would with a throaty laugh meet the captain's eyes again. "Aye, captain. And Nay. Skraele Valasse. Like I said, terrible with names!" Although the thought crosses her face in a micro expression, she doesn't seem intent on expounding upon the unusual given and sur names."Pleasure to make your acquaintance, Miss... Skraele was it?
"Classes were great! But, I felt they were a little constrained by so many students and so little time. I know the three rules, and I can scoot around on a broom, but uh..." She holds up her forearms tellingly. "I can confidently say that I'm not confident I won't end up with a few scrapes when trying anything more complicated than lines and planes, if you know what I mean." She gives a wincing smile and oddly apologetic shrug.
"That said, I was hoping to give quidditch a crack at some point, though I'm currently far from point! Hopefully, I can glean something from the pros?" She quirks a brow and glances back and forth from the two girls. She knows they're both Gryffindor just from her curiosity about quidditch. One is a third year, from the flyer, the other a first year and a player or at least experienced, apparently, which she found extremely intriguing.
@Evelynn Decipio@Pax Zhang
«Seer» STA: «7» EVA: «7» STR: «4» WIS: «6» ARC: «6» ACC: «5»
~±~It is a sign of contraction of the mind when it is content, or of weariness. A spirited mind never stops within itself;
it is always aspiring and going beyond its strength.~±~
20 May 2022, 21:26
Flying Practice
Though they did notice Evelynn's look of annoyance in their direction and recoiled a little (they hadn't thought they'd made a bad impression on their captain...but perhaps they had), they continued their bright smile, tweaking the amount of energy they delivered slightly.
"I suppose that's true enough!" They forced a laugh at Evelynn's statement. Although it was true that they were young, they had been flying as much as possible since a very young age. They couldn't lie, as prideful as it was, they were pretty good at least. And Evelynn had said they were glad they were there... so that had to count for something.
"And don't worry about the name thing, Skraele, it's normal to struggle on names." They added with a smile.
Awkwardly, they stood there as Evelynn began to talk with (or, a little at) the student. More than anything, they wanted to get up into the air and prove to Evelynn that they were capable. They knew that they were a good flyer, and they were deserving of the position of co-captain. But having others believe that was the difficult part.
Besides, they knew when was their turn to speak, and when Evelynn was teaching was most likely not when. If Evelynn already had a bad idea of them, talking over her wasn't going to solve it. And they weren't stupid. In-fighting between the two captains would not be the best way to prove themself to a team already loyal to Evelynn.
"Hopefully, I can glean something from the pros?" Skraele glanced at the two captains. Pax chuckled a little. "Well, I'm no professional, unlike Eve- Captain Decipio here, but I've been practising on a broom since a very young age. I've always had a passion for the sport. I've earned my position because I worked hard, and if you are as passionate about the sport as myself or Captain Decipio and put in the effort, then I'm sure you can do well."Reducio
22 May 2022, 13:16
Flying Practice
"Valesse. An interesting name," Evelynn hummed, figuratively rolling the name around her head as though trying it out. It had a pleasant ring to it, one that gave her the impression of an old and dignified family. An imagery very counter to the rather free-spirited individual who stood before her. But that was neither here nor there. As the girl responded, elaborating on her experiences in flying classes thus far, Evelynn nodded along in understanding.
"Well, confidence is what we hope to cultivate," she smiled reassuringly. "And if you do earn yourself a few scrapes, we will tend to those as needed and you will be well on your way to preparing yourself for Quidditch try-outs since that has caught your fancy."
"And I would hardly consider myself professional," came the polite chortle as she glanced between Valesse and Zhang, interjecting that contradiction as her co-captain spoke up. In fact, as they spoke on, it seemed Gryffindor Team's most recent (almost) acquisition seemed to have a few more year's of experience flying. Evelynn just had the advantage of more competitive air time and focussed drilling. "That passion is what will serve you well," she smiled when Zhang had finished.
Upon them, she had allowed to linger a look of approval. Not only was her new partner enthusiastic to participate and prove themselves on the team, it seemed they were also a quick study when it came to subtle social nuances. No direct correction had been given with regard to preference on naming convention, and yet they had fixed their approach. A thoughtful and please 'hm' thrummed in her throat before she turned her attention back fully upon the Hufflepuff.
"Well we had best not dally, then, mn? Why do we not set out?" Evelynn would take a few paces to retrieve her own Silver Arrow where it rested gently in its open case behind the table. In a smooth motion, she rose, commanded "up", took a step, settled herself onto the yet rising broomshaft and kicked off side-saddle with one foot.
"Now Miss Valesse, do you prefer instruction, demonstration, hands-on practice, or simply an observant eye while you take to your own initiative without direct involvement of another?" Sweeping slowly into a drifting arc, she would come to hover stationary a couple meters in front of the other two, directing her question to the most novice among them. "Summoning, mounting, lift off and landing are the primary principles necessary to master in first year. If you would like a head start on what you will be learning next year, however, we could practice accelerating and decelerating, weaving and laps..?"
@Skraele Valesse, @Pax Zhang