Where the Wild Things Are PV League Closed

Logan had to admit this was probably one of the strangest things she had ever done. The Hufflepuff had not been one to interact with people in the recent year, but in an attempt to keep in contact with people had decided to attend an event for the League of Aspirant Animagi club in Ireland. Horseback riding had been a passion of hers since she was younger and thought maybe she would be able to find other people at Hogwarts who had a similar passion.

The girl would have loved to bring one of her own horses to the event, but she did not want to have to go through all the documentations that went with transporting horses. With a deep breath Logan glanced at her outfit with a nod, a forest green sweater, her cream riding breeches, her knee high English boots, and black gloves to match her boots. Sure, it was a bit much but it was what she was used to riding in and she did not have many other options other than her show clothes. Grinning at herself in the mirror, the Hufflepuff grabbed her helmet that sat on her desk along with the Floo powder that was sent with the letter.

"I am headed off!" Logan called out as she made her way down the stairs, boots clicking against the wood of the stairs. She noticed her father stick his head out of his office and give her a nod, a silent communication telling the girl to stay safe. Sure, the two had a rough patch over the last two years, but things seemed to be getting better and the man was much more trusting of his now 15 year old daughter. Pouring the correct amount of Floo powder into her hand, she tossed the magical powder into the fireplace they used specifically for the Floo network and called out her destination as clearly as possible.

Arriving at the hopefully, correct location, the Hufflepuff made her way out and smiled softly at the sight of the nature around them. Glancing around, she headed towards the paddock where she saw Pericles, standing out of the way and staying quiet as introductions and instructions were given. "Hello Pericles," the girl greeted as she took a halter from the boy and made her way into the paddock. Even though the girl knew what she was doing and could probably do it in her sleep, it was still considerate to listen to what was being said and there was always the chance they did something slightly different with their horses.

Keeping an eye on all of the horses around the paddock, she stood off to the side of the gate, watching all of the available horses to see who she wanted to spend her day with. The horses that caught her attention first were a black Irish Cob mare and a standard bay Irish Hunter gelding. She knew she could not take forever when it came to choosing, but she did enjoy watching the horses to try and figure out their personalities. The mare seemed a bit more feisty than the gelding, but maybe it was just because she had the space to move around. The standard bay Irish Hunter gelding just seemed to catch her eye the most though.

Logan will be riding a standard bay Irish Hunter with Feisty temperament and Athletic condition.

Mentions/Interacting With: @Pericles Dralt and other particiapnts
Outfit: Here

Date: December 29 2023 Time: Midday

Interacting with: @Pericles Dralt, @Logan Baird, the rest when they arrive Mentions: X

English | French Thoughts

So much had happened in the last week that Mahlioz had completely forgotten she was invited on a trip until the letter from Pericles came. She was able to convince her parents, who were feeling compassionate what with all the bad news they had plopped on their children over the past few days. Though it was harder to explain things to Reltyl, who got quite annoyed that she was going to see her fancy school friends instead of taking advantage of the last few weeks she had in her house. By the time she'd left, they were giving her the silent treatment again. She would have to deal with that when she got back. For now, she would... try to forget about it, and enjoy the outing.

Mahlioz's mother had insisted on accompanying her to the cabin, because she was only thirteen, and making sure there was an adult in charge before floo powder-ing back again. Coming out of the cabin and onto the Emerald Isle, the second year greeted Pericles with a grin and a wave. He and another girl were already there - Mahlioz didn't recognize her, but she looked around bird boy's age, so the Slytherin was slightly intimidated - along with an older woman who Mahlioz assumed was Pericles' grandmother, and who was quick to set the ground rules. She was also intimidating. Mahlioz suddenly wished she could have brought Reltyl along with her. Why were people always so scary?

Still, she could take advantage of what she had. It was hard to believe she was actually in Ireland. The place was beautiful, a perfect mix of ocean, meadows and forest. And there were loads of horses. Mahlioz didn't know much about horses, but they were certainly magnificent.
Pericles began explaining the process of putting halters onto a horse, which Mahlioz did her best to remember. She'd ridden a horse once or twice before, but she didn't remember anything about how it worked.

Then the fence was opened, and the horses were free to be harnessed. As she wandered through the meadow looking for a horse that would accept her for the day, Mahlioz couldn't help wondering whether this would be just as chaotic as every other event she'd partaken in since she'd gotten her acceptance letter to Hogwarts. She could only hope not, but since when had hoping gotten her anywhere?

Mahlioz has chosen a Kerry Bog Pony with a Feisty temperament and Hardy condition

Sage has chosen a Connemara Pony with a Protective Temperament and Hardy Condition.
Interacting with @Pericles Dralt @Logan Baird @Mahlioz Evethisawe and others as they arrive.

Calming Presence in Effect: All Participants (Including Horses) Affected
Beast Master in Effect: In Whatever Caliber it May Assist

Perhaps it was because he was starting to drive Mathilda crazy with Valentin Schnell also staying over for winter break, or maybe it was because it was his friend and a group that he was a part of that was planning on getting together to have a good time, but either way Mathilda had made it abundantly clear that if Piérre didn't want to go to this event by his own free will, she would make him go.

By the time that the 29th rolled around, honestly the household was seemingly hanging by a thread (at least in the eyes of Piérre himself because of... well... Well he and Valentin had a similarly-tracked mind and trouble begets trouble as it were). Piérre was rushing around trying to collect last-second things and trying to find the bottle of Floo powder. Mathilda would be joining him on the way there to make sure that he made it to the right place, and then she would butt right out when she was certain that Piérre would be able to be wrangled by whomever had the misfortune for having to deal with him for the rest of the day. By the time the boy had collected all of his things, Mathilda was standing primly at the Wendigo household fireplace with her arms crossed lightly, lips tightly pursed, and with a brow raised.

"Have you quite finished running about like a headless chicken, Piérre Marchonné?" She said disapprovingly in her low and aged voice that carried the cracks of extreme use long past upon its intonations. Severe and sharp, just like the rest of her composure. "You're running late." Came the sharp words.

Piérre merely tried to smile lightly. "Yeah I think so?" He fiddled with the bag once. "Uhm... could--could I have permission to take my wand with me, I--"

Mathilda's iron eyes narrowed. "Absolutely not." She said sternly. "You will not be needing your wand for an event like this."

Piérre sighed defeatedly. Of course... underage magical Trace... stupid Trace... "Fiiiiine..." He grumpled to himself, withdrawing the Floo powder and then approaching the low flames. Casting the powder in, he recited the location. "Bonnibel Cabin." Before jumping in both feet first and then letting the smoke and ash take him away. No doubt Mathilda would be following shortly after him.

Stretch and distort, feeling as if he was engulfed in flames before being rapidly resewn together, Piérre would come stumbling out of the fireplace on the other side coughing lightly and waving remedial smoke away from his face and blinking his emerald eyes rapidly. Behind him, the imposing figure of Mathilda--regardless of the fact that she was only a little taller than Piérre himself--quietly and dignifiedly strode out from the fireplace and lightly brushed off her travelling clothes. Fixing her silvered hair and looking about with appraising iron eyes, she would practically escort Piérre to the meeting location and would stay in the vicinity until the responsible adult came to ensure command over the total brood of children that would collect.

When such a transfer of command was made, with a final warning to the Britalian of "Behave." Mathilda simply snapped her fingers once--then twice--and vanished entirely with a small warp of space being the only indication that she had once been there, having Apparated back into her London home and back to Romeo and Valentin (who had been left alone in the interlude).

No sooner had the severe woman left that Piérre breathed a sigh of relief and then smiled. He threw his arms open and grinned widely at his most beloved friend of everyone here. "Periiiiii!" Came the small laugh. "Short time but time not seen feels like forever! What have you been up to, buddy?!"

Humming lightly when it came time to pick a horse, Piérre simply scanned the area and raised his brows. He'd ridden horses before, but never on a trail or for free venture... and those horses that he did ride were more like small ponies: he had been five the last time he had gotten on a horse if he remembered correctly. He'd been kicked then too. It had felt... not... great? Still, he felt more confident in his abilities now, more in tune with being able to actually whisper to some animals, as it were. Therefore, when he was drawn to a little stout yet sturdy (if a little 'beer bellied' for a horse) pony, Piérre tried to make friends with it before attempting to encourage it into doing something it didn't want to do. "Hi buddy! What's your name, huh?" He would try to spy for something that would allude to its name, and then would start referring to it by that name from then on. "Have you been out of your stall recently?" The horse's greenish-brown eye fixed him warily and it pawed the ground once, then twice.

It was in possession of a somewhat amber-reddish fur and slightly tangled mane, a little bit grey at the lips indicating that the poor little pony was a bit past its prime. There was a bit of nervousness in those pretty eyes, even if the ombre brown spot on its head had a little swirl right in the middle of its forehead was quite adorable. It did not seem happy when trying to be encouraged out of its stall, shifting back and forth from leg to leg and huffing stubbornly as it flicked its ear in displeasure.

"Awwww, come on buddy... It'll be fun! Surely you want to go out and see the sun and go for a walk or a trot on the grass? I don't weigh very much; if you go running I'm fairly certain you won't even feel me tagging along." He tried to sweet-talk the little pony, scratching softly at its jawbone and then carefully trying to get a feel for the critter's likes and dislikes before acting and attempting to saddle or bridle-up. Because of this--and because the pony was a little bit more than nervous the longer Piérre interfaced with it--the boy was under the belief that he would either take a bit longer than the rest of his peers to finish up preparing to ride or would even need a bit of a hand to ensure that the pony didn't get too nervous to be prepped in such a way.

Periclatsu Decided: Kerry Bog Pony with a Flighty Temperament & Barn-Soured Condition

Statistics: Stamina 7 | Strength 5 | Evasion 18 | Wisdom 12 | Accuracy 16 | ArcPower 5

Abilities:
Keen Eye | Calming Presence | Beast Master [Cat] | Cat's Grace | Animagus [Hummingbird]

Items:
Light Winter Coat | Soda | [Sharpened] Locksmith's Knife | [Red] Deck of 52 Playing Cards

@Pericles Dralt @Logan Baird @Mahlioz Evethisawe @Sage Lilly @Piérre Marchonné

December 29th was carefully marked with a circle on the calendar, a smiley face and the letters “AACFT” attached underneath. This code like note could easily indicate the writer’s anticipation of the certain date, and indeed it was. Aspiring Animagus Club Field Trip. What a wonderful event for sure.

The idea of becoming an Animagus had long ago occurred to Lindsey, ever since she was a child. Growing up in a wizarding family the concept wasn’t unfamiliar at any rate, and it was to that little girl’s disappointment that only fifth years or up would be qualified to study the spell. And now she was already a fifth year, yet she hadn’t put the turning process into practice - maybe she’d just look out and wait a little longer, as Rome wasn’t built in a day - yes, she was still in need of some extra training. A field trip to connect with her possible future animal form and other aspirants (and those who had already fulfilled, of course) sounded just what she needed, apart from all those nose-digging into tutorial books and records.

Her parents had been supportive enough to cross 29th out from their family schedule and let her arrange the day herself. After a careful read of the letter sent to her, Lindsey grabbed a handful of Floo powder and tiptoed into the fireplace with anticipation. She hesitated a little bit before stepping out of it again, as the destination wasn’t quite familiar to her - few times had she been in Ireland, let alone this certain county - and she pondered for a moment whether she had pronounced “Bonnibel Cabin” right or not (no, she certainly wasn’t in favour of turning up at some Hannibal Cabin or that sort of place) before she spotted a group already gathering. There were a few familiar faces, some whom she had encountered in duels or other school activities. “Hello.” She would greet all of them with a smile, and give an extra little wave to Logan - they cooperated wonderfully in the previous stage of duel.

Lindsey listened attentively to Pericles’ and his grandmother’s instructions, and found her interest only grew even stronger. Her eyes widened a bit hearing their transportation would be horses - horse riding wasn't some skill that Lindsey was an expert in. Rather an apprentice, she must admit, having only been on a horse once or twice in the distant days of her childhood which she could vaguely remember. And so having zero idea how to properly pick a horse, she just followed other's example and walked towards the one nearest to her. He (perhaps a she?) seemed a reliable companion enough, and harnessing him in green hands, Lindsey carefully guided it forward, mimicking every single detailed movement of others who seemed much more experienced. Hopefully they would get along well in this upcoming trip.

Lindsey is on a Irish Hunter (will add picture later) with a Feisty temperament and Hardy condition

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With a partially crumpled letter tucked away in the pocket of her jumper, the young Hufflepuff attempts to tidy her ruffled appearance up as best she can as she stumbles her way out of the cabin to join the small gathering of students. Travel by floo network was certainly an experience for the unsuspecting. Dusting herself off, Avery takes a moment to observe the verdant countryside surrounding the cabin that they were to explore. There's little she can do to keep the wide smile from spreading at the sight laid out before them.

Sidling up to the rest of the gathering group, the 2nd year offers a wave and a quiet "Hello everyone!" before falling silent to listen to a severe looking older woman as she commands their attention. Avery listens attentively, all but bouncing on her heels as her gaze shifts from the woman to the mounts in question. The expectations laid out before them are met with a nod.

As Pericles moves on to explain how to select and saddle up a mount for the day's excursion, the Hufflepuff gives the animals another once over even as her smile grows. Her family's farm wasn't quite large enough to warrant an entire stable, but there had always been a couple of work horses around as she was growing up to help develop something of a familiarity with the creatures. It had been awhile since she'd been in the saddle and she was eager to try her hand at it once more.

"Thanks, Pericles!" she offers alongside a smile as the halters are passed out. Turning towards the grazing animals, Avery takes a pause to survey the lot. A moment passes before she wanders out into the field alongside the animals. Her wandering lasts until she spots a black and white mare grazing out on the fringes of the field. Diverting her path, the second year trudges closer to the mare, only slowing when the horse turns her attention to the student.

Halter in hand, Avery does her best to recall the information imparted by the woman and Pericles prior to setting the club loose to find mounts. Walking slowly, she clutches the halter tightly and approaches the left side of the mare. The horse, an Irish Cob she recalls after a few moments spent wracking her brain for some long unused fount of childhood knowledge mixed with a brief fascination of horses, simply watches the approach with little fanfare. The second year smiles at the horse as she comes up alongside her, a hand held out in offering. The large nose that briefly pushes into her palm is enough to ease some of the tension that had crept into her shoulders. "Why hello there."

With what she can only hope was the hardest part out of the way, Avery sets about following the instructions on getting the halter and lead line set into place over the mare's head. Once she's satisfied that everything looks to be settled into place without pinching anywhere, she takes hold of the lead line and slowly walks the mare around for a moment to check for any issues. She brings the duo back to a halt only a moment later once she's satisfied, reaching up to run her hand along the horse's neck in appreciation.

Avery is riding a black and white Irish Cob mare with a Steady temperament and a Hardy condition.

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𝑰𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑾𝒊𝒕𝒉: @Pericles Dralt

[ Mod ]

With five fifth-years and three second-years, the turnout was more than promising.

The instant she spied Piérre's guardian and Mahlioz's mother, Pericles' grandmother joined them. Tamasa was a no-nonsense witch with a strict sense of obligation, endeavoring to reassure Mathilda and Alarian that she didn't take her responsibility for the children lightly. She went on to watch them like a hawk as they sought out their steeds for the day. Of the group, three animals in particular seemed not only compliant, but enthusiastic about going on a trail ride: Mahlioz's pony, as well as Logan and Lindsey's horses. Though all three were easy enough to harness, they didn't need to be led in the direction of the saddling stations. In fact, unless their handlers were firm, they would find themselves being pulled along to the hitching posts. There even seemed to be a moment of competition between the three, where towards the end Logan's gelding tried to move ahead of the other two, while Mahlioz's pony flattened its ears at coming in last.

Meanwhile, Sage and Avery seemed to find more mild-mannered choices. The gentle gelding and mellow mare allowed themselves to be haltered, patient through the process, walking obediently at the ends of their leads. Evelynn had ridden in on the picture perfect horse, though hers was a stranger to the herd, something that would turn more than a few of their heads. As Pericles moved to stand by her, his stallion emitted a curious, cautious nicker to the others. Alerted, Sage's pony whinnied back, head raised and ears perked in the direction of the anomaly. She would find her gelding unwilling to walk too close to the mare he didn't recognize. Now, that was nothing compared Piérre's pick. When he heard the warning sounds from his friends, the little fellow gave an anxious neigh, backing a few steps away and incidentally slipping out of the unclasped harness. It took the boy's calming presence and soothing words to settle it down again. Even with its halter on, the thing stubbornly took its time to follow his lead, and occasionally had to be coaxed on track as it "accidentally" strayed in a different direction from the hitching posts. Maybe it was funny luck, maybe it was intuition, but the Beast Master had managed to choose the animal that wanted this walk the least and needed it the most.

As the League regrouped at the hitching posts, Tamasa made her way between them, passing out hard bristle brushes from out of a bucket. "We will begin by grooming our mounts. Tending to your steed's cleanliness isn't just a pleasantry: it ensures the tack doesn't chafe. If an animal is to do you the service of carrying you, it should be shown courtesy." She went through the motions using her mule as an example. First they would brush them down, then throw on a saddle pad, before Tamasa instructed them on how to secure a saddle. This part was simple enough, aligning it with the pad and cinching the strap. Well... simple for everyone besides Piérre, whose pony had a "clever" trick. It inhaled as much air as it could so that when he thought the saddle was on tight, it would sigh, making the strap go slack. Harnesses were exchanged for bridles, bits and reins in place, before the older woman went around double-checking their handiwork. She carried on once satisfied. "Face the side of the saddle. You are to grip the horn, which is the handle sticking up at the front, and the cantle, the 'backrest' behind the seat. Place your foot in the stirrup and swing the opposite leg over."

Next mod: March 1^st-ish

Reducio

Summary: The group successfully harnesses their steeds. Tamasa hands out brushes and gives instructions on grooming, bridling, saddling, and mounting

Peri is riding a light grullo Irish Hunter with a Protective temperament and Athletic condition
Logan will be riding a standard bay Irish Hunter with Feisty temperament and Athletic condition.
Mahlioz has chosen a Kerry Bog Pony with a Feisty temperament and Hardy condition
Sage has chosen a Connemara Pony with a Protective Temperament and Hardy Condition.
Piérre is on a Kerry Bog Pony with a Flighty Temperament & Barn-Soured Condition
Lindsey is on an Irish Hunter with a Feisty temperament and Hardy condition
Avery is riding a black and white Irish Cob mare with a Steady temperament and a Hardy condition.
Evelynn is riding Cassiopeia, an athletic dapple gray Irish Sport Horse with a steady temperament