private with ♔ @Koko Riddle date ♔ June 20, 2020; late afternoon

français ⇆ english

The sun shone brightly on lawn outside of the Favreau chateau.

It was impeccable timing, considering that today marked the first of their summer galas; the Favreaus were kicking off the season by hosting their own at the manor, determined to set the bar high for the rest of the Pureblood families who would be hosting later in the season. Sylvie and her siblings had been preparing and helping their parents with tasks for the entire day; the French girl had quickly gone to her room to change into her hosting dress, a cream colored number to fit the occasion. These events had always felt like a big performance for Sylvie; it was not like her family was unfriendly with each other, but they certainly brightened up the performance of one big, happy family when they were hosting these parties or attending one.

Not only that, but it felt like some networking event. For as long as she could remember, Sylvie had been taught to plaster on a smile and converse with the children of the families who were in attendance at these events. It was important for her to forge positive and strong relationships with people in order to maintain their status within the Pureblood community. If they were to act out, it might affect their entire family. Poised and proper were the words ingrained into Sylvie's mind since the time she took her first step. Despite the amount of preparation that went into hosting these events, there was a part of Sylvie that loved them. It was some of the only time she got to interact with anyone who was at least somewhat competent and it was always nice to meet people who were not in her immediate circle of communication at Beauxbatons.

She had double checked the guest list before she had left to change and knew that all of the usual attendees would be there; however, there was a name she had not recognized straightaway located under the Leblanc family name; of course Sylvie was aware of the Leblanc's. They were a reputable French Pureblood family living in Rioux-Martin, on the complete opposite side of France. However, one name stood out: Koko Riddle. Sylvie was sure that she had seen the name on other guest lists, but Sylvie had not ever interacted with Koko. In preparation for this event, Sylvie had done her research about the Leblanc x Riddle family, learning as much as she could about this mysterious girl. While she had been unable to come up with exactly the relation, Sylvie was under the impression that Koko was an adopted child of the Leblanc family, with her blood ties lying in half human, half Veela relations. Sylvie figured that she had not interacted much with this girl simply because of the fact that she was not of pure blood.

The Favreaus were old school. They were old money, they were old fashioned. People who were not Purebloods were not worth the time of any of the Favreaus, and Sylvie had no reason to argue against the logic of her family. So far, it had not led her astray. Keeping within the Pureblood circles kept not only her own, but her family's, reputation pristine. Interacting with other people led to the potential of social annihilation and that was something that Sylvie was not willing to compromise. But, as she waited for guests to arrive, there was something inside of her that was so terribly intrigued about this girl who called herself Koko Riddle.

Date: 20 June 2020
Time: Late Afternoon
Location: Favreau Chateau
English (#85200C) · French (#4d1244)

Before departing Leblanc Estates, Koko and her family argued for what seemed like hours. Alfonse, the patriarch of the Leblanc family, meant for Koko's younger brothers, twins Charles and Holmes, to dress nicely, and he was met with abject disgust from Charles.

The redheaded boy argued in broken French, which only irked Alfonse further. Finally ─ after thirty minutes of verbal sparring ─ Holmes broke in and managed to convince his twin to make a good first impression on the Favreaus.

Koko and her brothers didn't often attend French pureblood events. This was mostly because Charles's and Holmes's French was detestable, and also because, for years, the twins were menaces when at English formal dinners, and the Leblancs had learned from past mistakes. Koko was rather used to begrudgingly keeping her brothers company.

However, her mother, Rosalie, and her aunt, Vienna, had convinced their father to prepare and allow the children to this event. Thus, Koko had listened to lectures about the Favreaus and their esteemed place in wizarding society. She learned everyone's names and did her best to commit them to memory. She practised French more often than usual, finding that she actually enjoyed learning the language when she could speak it instead of just reading it.

When they finally departed Leblanc Estates in a carriage, Koko had been given more than enough time to style her hair in an elaborate braid as well as dab on tasteful, likely unnoticeable, makeup. She wore a pink dress that, she hoped, would not rumple after sitting in the carriage for quite some time. Why her grand-père was opposed to floo powder, she didn't know.

Finally, they arrived at the Favreau residence. Koko stepped out of the carriage and was impressed by, first and foremost, the gardens. She had always rather enjoyed the outdoors, being a Quidditch enthusiast at heart, so she was pleased to see the sprawling green space. She could smell the calming scent of grass if she closed her eyes (or perhaps she simply imagined it). A small smile would stretch across her lips, and she held herself a bit more confidently as she and her family approached the chateau and the family that resided within.

@Amadea Campbell
OOC:

Reducio

Since Koko at this point did not know she was part-Veela, she will react to any mention of it with disbelief or perhaps even offence. This is just a disclaimer to say yes, she is indeed part-Veela, she just did not know that in 2020.

private with ♔ @Koko Riddle date ♔ June 20, 2020; late afternoon

français ⇆ english

Guests arrived, as shown by the subtle hum of chatter and feet on cobblestone.

Sylvie observed as her parents flashed their brightest smiles, greeting each person individually as they arrived at the front gates. It was barely even starting and Sylvie was exhausted. She glanced around, looking for her sister, whom she spotted greeting one of their cousins on the Beaufort side of the family. If she was being completely honest, Sylvie really had no desire to be here, showing off their home to the Pureblood aristocratic society of France. She was tired and wanted to rest. As her gaze continued assessing the crowd that began assembling, her eyes locked on something that piqued her interest. Perhaps this wouldn't be such a horrible event after all.

Smoothing her hand over her hair, Sylvie descended the front steps of her home, gracefully gliding over to a group of people that had not yet been welcomed to the party.

"Alfonse, Leblancs," Sylvie cooed, flashing the best smile she could muster. "Welcome." Remembering her manners, she quickly switched to English. "So pleased you could join us. Please, come in," she gestured toward the estate with a manicured hand. Her eyes fixed on the one girl she had spent so much time learning about. the name that had stood out on the list: Koko Riddle. She appeared to be about Sylvie's age, and was wearing a dashing pink number with elaborate braids tied in her hair. Clearly, she was dressed to impress. Sylvie had to admit, the girl had a radiance to her. Sylvie knew this because, as the saying went, it takes one to know one. Her radiance, though, came from years of etiquette training and hyperfocus on the way she presented herself. Koko's presumably came from her lineage.

Looking at the rest of the family, Sylvie was quickly deducing that the bloodlines were more complicated than the average Pureblood family. Perhaps it was something Koko could clear up for her. Smiling once more at the rest of the family and the two other young boys that had arrived, Sylvie made eye contact with Koko. "Koko, isn't it?" she asked, though she knew the answer. "Shall we take a stroll?

Date: 20 June 2020
Time: Late Afternoon
Location: Favreau Chateau
English (#85200C) · French (#4d1244)

Initially, Koko found herself spooked by the sheer number of guests. The Leblancs rarely invited such large groups to their estates, and Koko had never been the greatest at social interactions. However, she knew the entire point of coming along on this excursion was to help improve the Leblancs' social standing among other purebloods. Thus, the Riddle girl ─ who was, at this moment in time, not very proud of having a different surname ─ put on an easygoing smile and clasped her hands in front of her. Despite her inner discomfort, she would at least appear to be having a wonderful time already.

A girl quite a bit taller than Koko made her way towards the Leblancs and welcomed them in French. For her to welcome them, she had to be a Favreau, and since she didn't look that much older than Koko, Koko decided she would be rather surprised if this wasn't Sylviane. Koko would not respond, but Alfonse would offer a kind yet clipped, 'Merci,' before adjusting his glasses. He adjusted his waistcoast and glanced at a pocketwatch when the girl invited him and his family inside, and he would thank her once again ─ this time in English ─ before escorting his family into the estate.

Koko stood at the back of their small group. Alfonse was in the front, as befit his status as patriarch, and his two daughters walked behind him. His grandsons, Koko's brothers, walked behind their mother, while Koko stood just a bit away from them, closer to her aunt. This was deliberate: it gave her time to observe her surroundings. She'd learned how important that was from both years at Hogwarts and years of playing Quidditch. However, her more naturalistic side simply enjoyed the beauty of the grounds. Her smile would widen just slightly, and she would appear less tense as she gazed at the scenery.

Despite expecting to socialise, Koko hadn't expected for anyone her age to talk to her. Thus, when Sylviane asked for confirmation of her name and invited her to take a stroll, Koko hesitated slightly before nodding. 'Yes, I'm Koko. And you're Sylviane?'

A stroll. That implied leaving her brothers, who were never known for their good behaviour, but then again, if she left them with her family... And if she got to see the gardens... Koko thought it wouldn't hurt to get to know Sylviane Favreau. 'A stroll sounds lovely, thank you.'

@Amadea Campbell