5 May 2025, 06:01
A Place Just for Me
────────── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ────────
| Stamina 5 | Evasion 7 | Strength 4 | Wisdom 6 | Arcane Power 7 | Accuracy 6|
Grounds, 05/01/2025
| speaking | thinking | all other dialogue |
What a joy it was to be spending such a lovely afternoon in the sunshine. Adeline peacefully padded through the expansive grounds, a collection of various native wildflower sprouts in tow. Perched on her left shoulder was Kitty, eager as ever to spend time out in the open with the potential to stretch her little wings. The tiny bird cooed playfully, pulling a stray bit of Adeline's hair. "You crazy, crazy bird." The Ravenclaw scoffed, reaching into her pocket to retrieve a few berries she had foraged on their expedition. She offered one to the petulant owl, who returned the favor with a series of happy hoots.
The girl didn't know exactly what the perfect spot looked like. Judging by the freshly planted patches of greenery and flowers littering the grounds, it was clear that other students had already made progress on their contributions. Behind as always.. she thought to herself, before quickly shaking off the self pity. This wasn't some silly competition, this was a way to give back, to connect with nature and foster new growth around the school's grounds. The young girl recalled Professor Toussaint's kind smile as she handed her the seedlings, the pride in her eyes as she watched each student start off on their respective journeys. It felt good to be a part of something so permanent and positive.
Adeline's eyes lifted from the grass below her to the sky, using her hand to shield her eyes from the sun. Mam would love to dig in the soil on a day like this. a warm smile crossed Addie's face as she thought of her mother, and the many spring days she had spent assisting her in the garden. In that moment, the sun felt like a hug from her, it's warmth taking her back to simpler times. The young girl swore to herself to take return with her camera later on, it would be a shame if Efa missed out on her first solo gardening endeavor.
After a bit of wandering, the girl and her owl came upon a particularly bleak, empty patch of soil. It was a quaint spot, Situated between 3 large mossy stones that felt oddly out of place, as if they had just fallen from the sky. Wind swept the girl's hair about as she turned back to face the direction she had come from. Addie couldn't help but pause and admire the familiar view of the castle that had become like a home to her. A wave of joy and belonging fell over her- this was the spot.
Adeline spent the next half hour planting the seedlings and "chatting" with Kitty. Beautiful patches of baby Thistle, Marsh Orchid, Scottish Primrose, and Red Campion now sprouted from the earth, brightening the previously empty patch of soil, transforming the tiny nook into a living boquet. Content rushed over her as she wiped the forming sweat from her forehead, satisfied with her work. She plopped down on one of the large, grey stones and looked out over the valley, and towards the towering castle. It was truly perfect. In that moment the girl knew she would be returning, and not just the once for the pictures. "A place just for me..." She muttered under her breath, peace and pride in her heart.
She hadn't known it when she started out on the trek that she would discover a place that she would return to countless times over the years; that that little patch of dirt would become a sanctuary.
As the sun began to set, Adeline returned to the castle with Kitty, sun-kissed and fulfilled.
