Here's hoping on Quidditch Pitch

Anne Wright

September 15, 2007 1:09 AM

Aladren Tryouts by Anne Wright

If she hadn't felt quite so much like panicking, Anne would have found it highly amusing that the first year she had to hold tryouts corresponded with the first year of first-year students being banned from Quidditch teams. Even as it was, she counted herself extremely lucky. Her team had, at least since she'd been running it, relied heavily on the firsties just to have a full team by game time. It was nothing short of a miracle that she had gotten the required seven without them or Geoff.

She got to the Pitch well before anyone else, paced until a recruit joined her, and took to smiling awkwardly at people as they arrived. She could do this. She'd done this for the past four years. It didn't matter that Geoffrey had decided to abandon her, because she didn't need him. Everything was just fine. When it became obvious that the group was as big as it was going to get, she took out her list, did her best to keep her hands steady, and began her speech.

"Welcome, everyone, to the Aladren Quidditch tryouts," she said, her voice a bit higher than usual. Hopefully, either no one would notice because of the long summer between her last speech or they would take it for an attempt at bright chirpiness. She was neither bright nor chirpy, as everyone pretty much knew, but these were special circumstances. It was weird to look around and not see Geoff, nodding to let her know she wasn't making a total mess of it. "For anyone who hasn't seen me before, I'm Anne Wright, captain of this team and one of its Chasers." Part One was done.

"Because of - er - recent developments, we're going to have to have tryouts to figure out who's going to play what this year. We need a new Beater - " A muscle in her jaw twitched visibly - "and, unfortunately, none of our new recruits was planning to be one." Chris wasn't technically 'new', and he hadn't said he didn't want to play Beater, but she'd rather be safe than sorry. He had been the Keeper the first time around, and she didn't want to start something between him and Hyana. The team had enough problems already. "If no one wants to volunteer, everyone divide up by desired spot. Chasers here, Keeper there, Beater over yonder, and Seeker somewhere well away from the Beater."

Merlin, she hoped Chris didn't make up his mind to try his hand at Seeker. There was nothing else Zack was capable of doing, really, and she couldn't afford to lose anyone this year. "We'll try out Chasers first. Hyana, go ahead and go up while I'm talking. You each get three attempts to score around her. The top two get the spots." She decided not to think about what she would do if her Keeper failed to keep anything out. If it came up, it would be dealt with then.

OOC: Okay, everyone, we're going to need to keep things on a roll to get done on schedule. Each segment of the tryout begins when I post it. Selections will be based on quality of writing. Walk-ons are, of course, welcome. Everyone have fun, and good luck!

Subthreads:

Excited and ready! by Hyana Kamiya with Zoey Welsh, Hyana

Into the sky once more by Zack Dill

Here's hoping by Chris Dupree with Paul Tarwater, Chris

16 Anne Wright Aladren Tryouts 59 Anne Wright 1 5

Hyana Kamiya

September 15, 2007 6:23 PM

Excited and ready! by Hyana Kamiya

Quidditch try outs. That morning, Hyana woke up early. She tossed and turned in bed, unable to find sleep. She was so nervous! Well, not as nervous as she was excited. She had been playing Quidditch for about a year now, and she had definitely improved. It was very obvious. First of all, she loved being on a broom. It wasn’t awkward anymore, not at all.

Second, she had practiced a little over the summer. And when she couldn’t practice on a broom, she had asked Bryan to help. Yes, she actually asked the man she despised with all of her being. But only because he would help. Emiko was constantly at work, or was drunk. Or both. Usually it was both.

So Bryan had bought them a huge supply of soccer and volleyballs, and threw them at her. She’d chase after them, and she began to learn how to use her body to block shots as well. Sure, being on the ground was totally different from being in the air, but Hyana was confident that she could learn to perform most of the actions in the air. Most of the bruises she had received over the summer were actually from this kind of practice, not her mother or Bryan.

Finally deciding to get up, she pulled her hair into a tight ponytail, with a headband. Her bangs would not get in the way this time! Throwing her robes over a white and red hoodie and undershirt, and red shorts, Hyana grabbed Josiah’s broom, her broom, and headed to the pitch.

She arrived to see a pacing Anne. Hyana gave a small smile. “Hi Anne.” she greeted the captain. She wasn’t nervous around the older girl anymore. Hyana really wasn’t sure why. Maybe it was the fact that she was on the same team. She would probably never know.

Soon everyone arrived, and Anne began her speech. Anne was sure acting weird. Hyana didn’t want to bug her about it. She felt like she had no right. She barely knew the Quidditch Captain. Maybe she was just trying to be happy. Anne explained that they needed a new beater, and Hyana looked around curiously. Geoff was gone. That was the problem. And the fact that no one signed up to be one made her feel extremely guilty. She only signed up for Keeper because that was what she had been practicing. She could play beater, if Anne really needed one. She would just have to take more time out of her schedule to practice that position. No harm done, really. She was quite flexible.

She moved to the spot Anne designated as Keeper, wondering if Chris was going to follow. She knew that he had signed up as Any. Maybe he would be beater? But if he was better at being a Keeper…Hyana took a deep breath to clear her thinking. It didn’t matter if he was better or not. She had practiced so hard! For once, Hyana really wanted to beat someone out of something. She wanted to win.

“Hyana, go ahead and go up while I'm talking.” Anne instructed.

“Yes ma’am.” Hyana said with a nod. She mounted her broom, and pushed off of the ground. Yes! She had missed this. Even though it hadn’t been that long since she played at Irene’s, everyday without flying had been torture. Now she was back at Sonora, and she could fly everyday! Smiling happily, she flew around the hoops as Anne spoke, and stopped in front of the middle hoop when the potential chasers flew up. Grip tightening on her broom, Hyana gave an excited grin.

“I’m ready, go on ahead!” she called over, and then began to watch each person carefully, flying in front of each hoop, waiting for the first move. She would prove to Anne she could do this. Hyana was a good Keeper!

0 Hyana Kamiya Excited and ready! 0 Hyana Kamiya 0 5

Zack Dill

September 15, 2007 9:32 PM

Into the sky once more by Zack Dill

Zack had arrived the morning of tryouts a few minutes early so that he could stop by the shed full of school brooms and find the WarpSpeed he'd dubbed Enterprise a few years ago when he'd found that old Bones wasn't really Quidditch team material. He found the broom without too much difficulty and was just behind Hyana on arrive at the Pitch. He smiled at both Anne and Hyana when their eyes happened to meet. Spotting Chris when he arrived, Zack gave the other prefect a polite nod, and Zoey even got a 'hey, Zoey.' Zack was pretty proud of his socialization.

Zack listened to her spiel, vaguely aware Anne seemed to be a little more highly strung than normal, but he attributed that to several years without a win and her fresh determination to correct that failing this year.

As was usual for their practices, he wasn't really given any specific instructions, though this time he was specifically told to keep away from the beater. Zack gave Paul a wary look, wondering if the younger kid was planning on hitting a bludger his way in the near future. After Zack's fall during their last game, it was probably wise to practice as if he were.

As he pushed off the ground and flew up into his normal Seeker hovering position, it never once occurred to him that any of the others might want his spot or that Anne's invitation to volunteer for Beater even remotely applied to him.

To his knowledge, there was no snitch released onto the field today. He intended just to practice flying, diving, and faking a sighting. As he hadn't been on a broom since he left Sonora (Detroit was sadly overpopulated with mundanes and therefore lacking in good Quidditch practice areas) so that was more than enough to keep him busy for now.

1 Zack Dill Into the sky once more 40 Zack Dill 0 5

Chris Dupree

September 16, 2007 2:27 AM

Here's hoping by Chris Dupree

Today was a rather important day for Chris, as it was the day of Aladren Quidditch try-outs. He had been on the team before, as Keeper for two years, but this year was different. He was trying out after having given up the position for two years in addition to being out of practice for that same amount of time. In his opinion, he would be lucky if he even got a spot on the team, let alone, a specific one, which is why he had signed up for any.

With this thought in mind, he knew he had to do his utter best today, nothing less would do. Based on previous experience, he knew that he would be hot and sweaty from the strenuous activity involved, as such, Chris had opted to wear a loose dark blue shirt with a pair of black shorts (nothing wrong with House colors to show his spirit) and his trainers. Also, to guarantee the least amount of possibility of the quaffle or bat, depending on the position he would be trying out for, slipping. The final touch to guaranteeing his goal was his broom, a newer model that he picked up while in France. The only thing stopping him now would be the decision of the Captain.

His stomach was in knots, both from excitement and anxiousness. Anne already knew what he was capable of from the past, but she also knew what the former team members were able to do. He had to be better, prove that he belonged on the team, but he was also thrilled at the possibility of being up there again. There really was no way to express the joy one felt when playing. If he had to do it over, he would never have left the team in the first place. He would have found some way to deal with everything else without it affecting his performance, but regrets were for another day.

Checking the time, Chris made sure to leave a little early to make sure he wasn’t the last there. While it shouldn’t matter, the fact of being the last one to arrive might make a subtle impression of not caring as much, something he certainly didn’t want. Unfortunately, even with arriving ahead of schedule, there were still a couple people there before him. Oh, well.

While he waited, he shifted from one foot to the next, his broom in hand until the Aladren Captain began her speech. When she got to the spot needed, her jaw twitched. Chris raised a dark brown eyebrow in curiosity, but wasn’t about to say anything. It was obvious something was bothering her, but it wasn’t his place to intrude, as they weren’t exactly close. On the plus side, Chris had no doubt of her ability to run the team regardless of personal issues, a trait that he admired greatly and hoped to achieve with determination and discipline.

Based on what was said, the plan was to divide them by position that they were trying out for, a very logical, very Aladren approach. The question now was what place he wanted to attempt. He could try out for Keeper, that had been his spot before, but it looked like the previous Keeper, a girl, obviously younger than him, by the name of Hyana, had returned. It would be rather cruel of him to try for that spot. He was the most comfortable in the position, but she hadn’t abandoned the team like he had. It wouldn’t be right to try and take it. As for the others, he wasn’t interested in being a Seeker. It just wasn’t as action packed, which left Chaser and Beater. The Chaser position was interesting, but to get that spot meant when Aladren played Teppenpaw, Lexi would be out to harm him. Best not to try for it. Besides, Beater was what they needed and therefore, his best option for getting back into the game. With this, it was decided. He would be trying out for Beater. As such, he went to the designated spot to wait his turn.

0 Chris Dupree Here's hoping 0 Chris Dupree 0 5

Paul Tarwater

September 17, 2007 6:58 PM

To be Beaten? by Paul Tarwater

Quidditch was the only reason Paul was still here. No, not really, but without restrictions then it would be. There was also his mother's views on education, and the fact no one would give a thirteen year old a job. But minus those two things, Paul liked to say that this was the only reason he was still here. He never mentioned the other two things (he never had mentioned this one either, but that was besides the point), but he felt it was true because he did like Quidditch.

Despite his sad immune system (he was even feeling rather chilled in this heat at the moment) and his various ugly cuts and scars (99.9% of them not from Quidditch), Paul loved the Beating position. If anyone tried to take it, he'd maim them. Or try, the boy wasn't too strong enough to take someone down. A Bludger he could hit well enough, a person. No. But still, Beating helped keep the anger from his system. And kept him from trying to hex his sister. That was even more dangerous than a Bludger.

Paul scouted out the people here. Despite the Captian's lack of enthusiasm (no, not that, rather another thing on her mind) and the lack of first years that normally made up half the team, Aladren seemed well off. Paul believed Anne to be a fine Captian from what he knew of her, and they had the bare minimum trying out. Which was also good, no fighting for spots on the team. And, looking around, Paul also noticed Layne was gone. The other Beater Paul had an unjustified anger towards first year. Looked like they needed a new one. Paul frowned, no one utterly horrible he hoped.

Paul walked over to the boy who seemed to preferance Beater. He was older than Paul. He wasn't on the team before, from what Paul knew. He dated two of the Teppenpaw Quidditch team. Paul had seen him before, they were in the same house after all. But Paul was still younger. Would he have to train this boy? That would be rather awkward. Paul looked at him, nervously touching through his black hair, keeping his face without expression. "Are you trying for Beater?" he asked simply.

0 Paul Tarwater To be Beaten? 0 Paul Tarwater 0 5

Zoey Welsh

September 18, 2007 6:29 PM

Ready, but used to this. by Zoey Welsh

Zoey made her way down to the pitch just as she had done in the years previous. She felt a bit awkward walking around without her cast on any longer since it was officially removed a few days prior. But she felt...lopsided just the same. It was a silly thought considering how she had only been in the thing for roughly six weeks, but she felt like she was walking as if she still had a limp. It could be because her tendons in her ankle were still loose and weak, but Zoey honestly hoped this feeling would go away with time.

Having the advantage of height, Zoey stood towards the back of the small group and listened quietly as Anne began the usual speech. She seemed tense, but then again, Zoey doubted she had ever seen a relaxed Anne. Though, that could be because the 5th year hated her. Or it could simply be because Anne had a lot of anxiety with no way of releasing it. Either seemed like a viable option to Zoey. But, unlike previous years, Zoey wasn't going to let Anne's behavior get her down. Zoey was good at being a Chaser just as she was always good at being Point Guard.

At the mention of needing a new chaser, a startled Zoey looked around to figure out who was missing. At first glance, she had misidentified Chris Dupree (the new Prefect) as Geoff Layne. Zoey's startled emotion only increased with now realizing that Geoff had quit the team. That kid had seemed so enraptured by Quidditch that the very idea of him voluntarily quitting seemed preposterous.

Zoey's hazel eyes landed on Anne momentarily. She wondered if something had happened. Anne seemed angrier than usual (possibly, sometimes it was hard to tell), had the two best friends broken up? It seemed more likely than Geoff quitting because he wanted to. He quit because of some outting the two of them had had.

But this was all entirely speculation in Zoey's head and it may have very well been absolutely nothing at all. Just Geoff finding an new hobby.

Try-outs began and Zoey grabbed her broom and a quaffle. Flying into the air with a grin on her face, Zoey looped around for a moment to get herself reused to being on a broom. A summer away made her feel rusty despite the fact that she knew she wasn't. She spun the quaffle on her hand as she would have done with a basketball and studied Hyana carefully.

Zoey had four years of experience over this second year. Four years of try-outs, practices, and fierce games. Four years of broom experience. Zoey also had the advantage of being a good shot. Years of playing basketball and knowing the 'zone' helped. Not to mention that she had gotten those 3 pointers with ease the last few years. She was a good flyer, but an even better shooter. Zoey wasn't worried about this.

Zoey moved. Her broom picked up speed easily. She leaned down to increase her speed even more. Her eyes were intently gazed on the goals before her. Zoey was looking for the out. For the zone. For the moment to make a perfect shot. And then she found it. She had found the zone. Quickly turning so that her broom was curved slightly in her favor, Zoey shot hard and looped away so as to avoid any collusions with the Keeper.

6 Zoey Welsh Ready, but used to this. 39 Zoey Welsh 0 5

Chris

September 18, 2007 7:14 PM

Hmm, beaten by a beater by Chris

Hearing a voice, Chris looked towards a boy, younger than him, by a couple years in his estimation. He knew the boy had played Beater last year, but hadn't been on the team when he had been. Without meaning to, he raised an eyebrow in curiosity, wondering what the boy actually wanted. The answer to the question asked was a rather obvious one, as he was standing in the designated spot for those trying out for Beater.

"Yeah," Chris replied. Then, as an afterthought, "You were on the team, as one, last year, right? You're pretty good. I was on the team a couple years ago. I've really missed it."

He really had and was anxious for Anne to allow him to get up in the air. He wanted to perform, show her that he hadn't lost the necessary skills, prove that he deserved a spot. The sooner he could, the sooner he would know if he managed to get back on the team.

0 Chris Hmm, beaten by a beater 0 Chris 0 5

Hyana

September 21, 2007 7:32 PM

Well, I'm trying. WotW by Hyana

Hyana got that familiar fluttering feeling in her stomach as she realized Zoey had the Quaffle. That meant Zoey was the main person to watch at that moment. She was becoming nervous, more so than before, but that was only natural. After all, this was only her second year of knowing about the sport.

She wouldn’t let all her summer work be for nothing though! Even if she was practically guaranteed the position (she had noticed that Chris Dupree had joined Paul Tarwater), because there were only a certain number of people trying out for the team, she wanted to prove herself. She had worked harder on keeping her position than she had for anything else before. Hyana loved Quidditch.

When Zoey came towards her, Hyana’s grip automatically tightened around her broom handle. This was it. The first try. Her insides twisted again, but it was an excited feeling. She could do this. Of course, Zoey was much more experienced, and Hyana had only played in one game. No! She wouldn’t doubt herself!

Zoey threw the Quaffle, and Hyana sped towards it. She was so close! Zoey had thrown it in a place Hyana didn’t expect. Her fingertips brushed the Quaffle before it flew into the goal. She made a note of what Zoey had done. She would not mess up next time, she knew that. Plus, it made Zoey look good, and she figured Anne and her had some kind of tension. She had heard that around. So maybe that was a good thing for Zoey?

Instead of yammering like she felt like doing, she grabbed the Quaffle and threw it back out to the Chaser hopefuls. “Nice throw Zoey!” she called with a grin on her face. That was the only time she was going to miss the Quaffle. A determined look was set on her face. She would do this. She would prove to Anne that she was good for this team!

0 Hyana Well, I'm trying. WotW 0 Hyana 0 5

Paul

September 22, 2007 11:05 PM

Won't it be fun? by Paul

"You were on the team, as one, last year, right?

"First year too," Paul muttered, but he didn't dwell on it. First years were never much for upperclassmen to care about. He knew that, he didn't care for the new ones himself. Now did he care for them last year. He wouldn't have even looked Hyana's way had he not spoken to her on the first day last year.

The complement hadn't gone past without slight acknowlegement either. Even if he didn't mean it... well, Paul probably wouldn't say much anything nice if he did mean it. It wasn't good for him. People seemed to take them to far at this school. But he knew how to accept them, or he believed he did. His quiet 'thanks' was rather quiet and doubtful. Like a shy preteen just hitting puberty and lowness of confidence.

Paul hadn't been here years ago either. He wouldn't have known this boy played then too. Paul nodded at this. He didn't know why anyone would quit Quidditch, it helped him out quite a bit. "What did you play last year?" Paul asked. And then, so he wouldn't sound completely foolish. If he didn't play Beater, Paul may have to be the one to help him out if he really didn't know it. If he did play Beater, Paul would probably still have to help him, since his skills were probably slightly rusty.

0 Paul Won't it be fun? 0 Paul 0 5