Room for one more? [Captain Kirstenna] on Quidditch Pitch

Captain Kirstenna Melcher

April 15, 2012 12:05 AM

Teppenpaw Quidditch Practice (Walk-ons Extremely Welcome) by Captain Kirstenna Melcher

There were only six people signed up, there were only six people signed up. What was Kirstenna going to do? She hated the idea of being pushy and mean and forcing someone onto the team. The Teppenpaw didn't want to stoop to the Imposter's level. She could never be that evil. Kirstenna would feel really guilty if she coerced someone to do something they didn't want to do. Especially if they got hurt, either through natural causes that came with playing Quidditch, or through far more sinister means due to the Imposter's plots. More likely the latter. No such thing as an innocent game anymore. Not at Sonora.

She sighed to herself and looked over the people she did have. Honestly, there had been times over the summer where Kirstenna had had to step back and not think about Quidditch anymore, because it was depressing and a bit upsetting. She had tried so hard not to take it too seriously but aside from Crotalus-and even they had that dark foul creature-the other teams weren't fighting fair. Or rather the Imposter wasn't.

"All right." Kirstenna started out. "Obviously, I will be Keeper and Kate will be Seeker." There was no reason to change that up of course. Kirstenna really believed the fifth year was good at her position, it wasn't Kate's fault that Arnold was Imperiused and Jade Owen was the Imposter's evil apprentice-and obviously, the sixth year wasn't giving up Keeper. It was, quite frankly, the only position Kirstenna was good at and besides she liked being able to keep an eye on both the game and her nemesis.

"Derry, you'll keep Beater and....Laurie, I know that this was the position you really wanted so, now it's open and you can have it, congratulations." Kirstenna gave the third year a brief smile. It had to have sucked not getting the position you really wanted. Besides, maybe Laurie would be an excellent Beater and that was what was holding them back. Not that he was a bad Chaser, but maybe he'd really shine as a Beater.

"That leaves Arista and Solomon as Chasers." The blonde looked over at Solomon. "I know you wanted reserve Keeper Solomon but I'm sorry, I kind of need you to um, do this." This kind of made Kirstenna feel worse than giving Laurie Chaser before. Solomon had pretty much wanted the position that was the least amount of work and now she was giving him one that required...much much more. Maybe he'd be really excellent Chaser though. Kirstenna hoped so, she'd really like to get at least win the first game this year.

"Anyway, that...leaves us short a player, unless someone comes in to fill or compete for that last spot, so if any of you knows anyone who might like to play, please encourage them to join." Kirstenna kept the sadness and disappointment out of her voice at this. She didn't want them to see that she wasn't exactly feeling up-beat about the situation. "Okay, let's get started warming with a few laps around the pitch." She got on her broom and flew into the air.

Subthreads:

Can I have the number 4 on the back of my robe? by Derry Four with Laurie Stratford

Streaks by Solomon Asa Davies with Arista Thornton, Chaser, Tepp

Room for one more? [Captain Kirstenna] by Marcus Crosby with Aubrielle Thornton

We'll work it out! by Kate Bauer

11 Captain Kirstenna Melcher Teppenpaw Quidditch Practice (Walk-ons Extremely Welcome) 161 Captain Kirstenna Melcher 1 5

Derry Four

April 15, 2012 2:58 PM

Can I have the number 4 on the back of my robe? by Derry Four

Derry had been watching the list and each time he saw it he was momentarily sad because there were still only six names listed on it. And one of those names was Solomon's. This did not look promising. He had tried to encourage Reggie to put her name on the list, too, but she had just given him a really weird look and he'd dropped the subject.

As Kirstenna implored them, a few minutes into her speech, to try to find them another player, Derry wished he'd tried harder, but he really didn't think it was Reggie's thing. Or Madeline's. Or Addison's or Hope's.

And while he'd miss Ben as his partner-beater, Laurie was a good guy and it was cool he could get a chance to play his favorite position now. It just wasn't so good that there wasn't anybody to cover the third Chaser slot. Chasers were a pretty big deal in Quidditch games. That's why there were supposed to be three of them.

He wondered if he could work with Laurie on trying to intercept Quaffle passes by whacking the Quaffle with a bludger instead of one of the players at either end. Opposing Beaters probably wouldn't see that coming. Well, as the Senior Beater, now, he guessed he could dedicate a practice or two to trying it out and seeing if it worked. It would make for a good aim-control drill anyway. Quaffles were way smaller and harder to hit than people were.

Before he could talk to Laurie, or Kirstenna, about the idea, though, there were laps to be run. Derry mounted his broom - still the same one he'd gotten for Christmas during his first year, but it still worked great, even if it was starting to look a little small next to his growing frame; he thought it helped with maneuverability, having a short broom - and started flying around the Pitch.

1 Derry Four Can I have the number 4 on the back of my robe? 189 Derry Four 0 5

Solomon Asa Davies

April 15, 2012 6:51 PM

Streaks by Solomon Asa Davies

Possibly he hadn’t made himself clear. Possibly he’d misrepresented himself. Solomon stood quietly, a little off to the side of the gathered group, blinking blue eyes staring at Kirstenna. “Ah... sure.” Dark fingers curled a little awkwardly on a school broom. Suddenly flying seemed something foreign, something extremely difficult. He’d signed up for reserve for two reasons, neither of them involving the hope that one day he could play. He liked to write down his name, and he liked to be around the Teppenpaw team as they practiced, the dizzying patterns of red and brown and yellow robes streaking the brilliantly blue sky. If ever Kirstenna should fall ill, Solomon would have willingly taken her place as Keeper, the position requiring least energy and where half of that energy would be in only focussing on paying attention, surveying the game. To be told he was needed as chaser, a position that required much movement and frustration, was enough to cause a crease in his normally passive face. He remained quiet though and agreed.

“Ah don’ know an’thin’ ‘bout bein’ chaser.” He mumbled to himself, swinging his legs over the borrowed Cleansweep. He took a breath, unused to the odd beats in his chest outside of the excitement he felt while writing. He watched as the rest of the team began their laps around the pitch. ‘I have to go as fast as they do.’ He bent his knees and kicked off, rising easily in the air, waiting until the ground was a bad fall’s away and then leaned forward, urging the broom to move. A small wind picked up, his dreads brushing his neck, his robes tickling his skin but the world passed by slowly. He wasn’t meant to be a streak blurring the sky. He enjoyed flying at his own pace. Hugging his father around the waist as they weaved in and out of trees growing out of the lagoon, balanced on the back of his father’s broom. There was no rush, if they went too fast they missed the world.

‘Can’t win games going slow though.’ To lose meant nothing to him. Enjoyment was in the play, not the scoreboard. But he was being assigned Chaser, assigned the duty of adding up more points, of striving for a goal he had no interest in achieving. But Kirstenna did and the rest of the Teppenpaw team did and Solomon decided that it would make a nice story if his teammates got something they liked. ‘If I want to be a good chaser, got to move faster.’ Hesitantly he leaned a little further, stomach pressing against the wood. The world began to move a little faster, and the yellow robed players ahead of him began to come in closer focus. ‘I can do this, maybe. I can be a streak.’

0 Solomon Asa Davies Streaks 0 Solomon Asa Davies 0 5

Laurie Stratford

April 16, 2012 5:03 PM

I am just glad I will have a number! by Laurie Stratford

“YES!” Laurie exclaimed the second he heard Captain Melcher tell him he could finally be a Beater. That was the position he had wanted since he signed up the first time when he was a little first-year. The happiness that soared through his whole body was blinding. This had been the first time since he was back at school that he genuinely smiled at everyone. “Thank you!” he couldn’t help but hug Captain Melcher in this joyous occasion. “I won’t disappoint you!” he chirped happily while realizing that he wasn’t prepared for this. His beater things were safely inside his trunk in his room.

Laurie was used to his things, so he decided to run for them. It wasn’t that far away and in order to give his best he needed to have them with him. Plus, he had realized that he had forgotten his lucky gloves, and he couldn’t play without them. He excused himself and ran with all of his might to retrieve his things.

He couldn’t stop grinning. He was seriously excited about becoming the new Teppenpaw Beater. It was going to be perfect, especially because he would be able to thwart Preston’s plan. His cousin owed him big and even when he wasn’t someone that bottled up resentments, he couldn’t let it go. Preston was the reason he couldn’t really speak to Kitty or Michael. He had attempted several times to speak to Michael, but the threat of his father was looming over him. The Teppenpaw was afraid of what his father could do to prevent him from being friendly with his former friends.

The redhead came back panting with his things ready to start the party. He had missed some of the laps that the team was doing around the pitch, but as he mounted his broom the amazing feeling he always got when he was flying helped me relax. He quickly caught up with Derry and smiled at him, “It seems we are going to be partners!” the excitement was visible in his tone and features.

0 Laurie Stratford I am just glad I will have a number! 0 Laurie Stratford 0 5

Marcus Crosby

April 17, 2012 5:05 PM

Room for one more? [Captain Kirstenna] by Marcus Crosby

It was a lovely day. The days were always lovely to Marcus. Today, he found especially lovely. It was far too lovely to spend the day hiding inside. There, he had nothing to do anyway. He hadn’t made any friends in particular yet, so he didn’t have anyone with whom he could play. There was no homework to be done, having already taken care of any that was to be turned in soon.

He decided he would go for a stroll. In perfect honesty, the Teppenpaw was afraid to venture alone into the Labyrinth Gardens; he might have gotten lost or something equally awful. The Quidditch Pitch, Marcus thought, would be a much better idea. He had never played the sport competitively, but he’d messed around with Martin and Dad a number of times. Dad taught him some pretty cool techniques, and Martin just spent most of the time trying to hit him with Bludgers.

Happening across a group of people huddled together was not something he was expecting. The blond didn’t think he knew any of them, but he did recognize them as people in his House. Oh! They must have been the Quidditch team! As he counted them, though, he noticed there were only six. A team needed seven to play!

The girl who seemed to be in charge--probably the captain--took to the skies. What had Aunt Lilac said her name was? Kristen? Kiersten? Oh! Kirstenna! That was it! Marcus decided he could go at least see if they needed somebody to fill in today, and maybe if he liked it and was good, they’d let him play all the time.

He was pretty sure the captain-girl was in the air somewhere when he crossed over, so he shouted from the sidelines, “Hey! Captain? Can I play?” He didn’t have a broom, but he was hoping there was one somewhere around here he could borrow, like the ones at flying lessons. If this became a permanent thing, Dad would surely send him one of his own.

12 Marcus Crosby Room for one more? [Captain Kirstenna] 225 Marcus Crosby 0 5

Arista Thornton, Chaser, Tepp

April 24, 2012 8:23 PM

And geeks! by Arista Thornton, Chaser, Tepp

Arista had seen the signups daily (at least once each day!) and was terrified when at the last possible day to sign up before tryouts there were still only six names on the list! This is BAD! she said to herself as she kept telling Brielle how much fun she’d have if she played on the team with her. B seemed to still be kinda on the fence, but Ris would hope beyond all hopes that whether Aubrielle played or not they’d still have seven players for Kirstenna’s team! Kirstenna was the captain and Arista wanted to give her a chance to have a win before she had to graduate. Ris wanted nothing more than for Teppenpaw to win this year. We have it in us with experience and desire, so what’s taking so long? she thought as Kirstenna started talking to them.

Kirstenna told them that she’d be Keeper and Kate would be Seeker as normal. Derry would be Beater again this year with Laurie instead of Ben and then all that was left was Chaser. Arista kinda assumed shed still be Chaser, and seeing as she was oldest and more experienced one, that she’d be Head Chaser. But who would chase with her? Kirstenna spoke Solomon’s name and apologized to him for making him Chaser instead of Reserve Keeper like he wanted. Arista looked to him and smiled. “You’ll be fine, it’s fun! I’ll show you all about it!” she said to him. Kirstenna went on and Arista listened to her words with worry threading her brow. They couldn’t play with only six players. What are we going to do? she thought at hearing the disappointment in Kirstenna’s voice. She wondered if Brielle would show up, and she really hoped she would.

"Okay, let's get started warming with a few laps around the pitch." Kirstenna said and the team mounted their brooms, Arista following them, glancing back just in time to see a boy on the sidelines calling to Kirstenna, asking if he could play! Ris’ heart beat fast as she waited to see what would happen. We may have a full team after all! she thought as she watched Kirstenna for her reaction.

0 Arista Thornton, Chaser, Tepp And geeks! 0 Arista Thornton, Chaser, Tepp 0 5

Kate Bauer

April 26, 2012 4:20 PM

We'll work it out! by Kate Bauer

Kate guessed it was probably typical that she hadn’t really noticed until it was pointed out to her that Teppenpaw only had six sign-ups. It was only one number away from the needed seven, after all, and she had never exactly just stood there in front of the list and counted.

She would, she guessed, have to change that when she became a captain herself. It was kind of important, and she was going to have to regard it that way when she was the one ultimately in charge and being looked at as the ‘face’ of the whole team – to put it in the kind of terms which, if she’d ever bothered to explain more than “it’s fun” to them, her family could have understood – but she still had two glorious years left of just being the assistant captain, so while she felt for Kirstenna just now, she was going to enjoy it while it lasted.

And try to think of someone to join up, though she wasn’t sure there was anyone. Maybe Valentina? She liked dancing, that was sort of athletic. And Derry knew all those girls in his year, maybe that would work out. Kate hoped it would. Maybe that Reggie girl, she and Derry seemed to get into everything together….

She listened to Kirstenna’s speech sympathetically, still trying to think of anyone she knew in Teppenpaw who might be persuaded, and kept an upbeat smile on the whole while. It would work out, somehow or another. They could play with six, if there was nothing else for it. They had a Keeper, a Seeker, Beaters, and enough Chasers to make a pass. It could work out, if it absolutely had to.

At the dismissal, she kicked off and began to fly around the Pitch, feeling a little rusty after a summer on the ground but surer by the minute that she’d be back on form quickly. They’d work it all out somehow.

16 Kate Bauer We'll work it out! 170 Kate Bauer 0 5

Aubrielle Thornton

April 26, 2012 10:22 PM

Not one more, two more? by Aubrielle Thornton

Aubrielle knew that Arista wanted her to try out for Quidditch. Part of her wanted to (if only to spend time with her oldest sister), but the rest of her wasn’t sure she wanted to this year. School was a whole new thing for her and she wanted to concentrate on her studies and spending time with Clara and things like that. But B knew that her sister wanted her to try out for two reasons. The first: to spend time with her. The second: so that her team would have a full seven players so that they could play with a whole team.

To play, or not to play. That is the question. Whether tis nobler in the mind to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous fortunes, or by opposing end them. To die, to sleep, perchance to dream… she though, starting in her own words and finishing with William Shakespeare’s own. She sighed and looked at the time. If she was going to try out, she’d have to be there or she’d be late. But do I want to? she said to herself. “Yes. It couldn’t hurt…” she said as she left her room in a yellow tee-shirt and a pair of black Capri pants. Her black sneakers with the yellow stripe she’d painted on them, were tied on her feet as she headed to the Pitch.

Getting there at what she guessed was late, she saw flyers already off and flying and got there just behind the boy who was also a first year with her. Marcus, she thought his name was. He called up to who Arista had called Kirstenna and asked if he could play. Now’s my chance too… she thought to herself and piped up, “Me too! Can I play too?” she asked as she caught Arista’s eye and waved to her oldest sister.

0 Aubrielle Thornton Not one more, two more? 0 Aubrielle Thornton 0 5