The last morning (tag Dustin) on Hospital Wing

Headmaster Brockert

February 24, 2017 6:58 PM

Fast and Furious! (nm) by Headmaster Brockert

Subthreads:

A fair bit of folklore (Kira) by Winston Pierce with Kira Spaulding

The last morning (tag Dustin) by Louis Valois with Dustin Newell

Exploring the fair (tag: any booth group member) by Finn Scott with Lily Spencer

Splashing around (MARS room) by Tess Whittaker

Saying Goodbye (Tag Finn) by Juniper Brockert with Finn Scott

House Cup threads! by DH Skies with Jack Spencer, Tasha DuBois

Goodbye (tag Clark) by Araceli Arbon, Crotalus with Clark

After the Quidditch final (tag Clark) by Joella Curtis with Clark Dill

Time's up! by Headmaster Brockert

11 Headmaster Brockert Fast and Furious! (nm) 6 Headmaster Brockert 1 5

Winston Pierce

February 25, 2017 9:14 AM

A fair bit of folklore (Kira) by Winston Pierce

The Israel group had split into a few research groups and Winston had opted to help Kira with the folklore aspect of the booth. Over the past months, he had come to see her as a friend, and he thought he was going to miss meeting up with her in the library next year.

With the fair only a week away and their posters reaching completion, Winston was acutely aware that they were nearing the end of their shared project and it left him with a greater feeling of loss than triumph.

"Hey, Kira," he began, a little tentatively, because he wasn't sure if she felt the same way as he did. "Would be interested in studying some legends and folklore from other countries with me next year, just for fun? I've really enjoyed working with you on this and the stories we found are really interesting."

1 Winston Pierce A fair bit of folklore (Kira) 370 Winston Pierce 0 5

Louis Valois

February 25, 2017 4:45 PM

The last morning (tag Dustin) by Louis Valois

It always felt odd to leave Sonora for the summer. As he woke up that morning, Louis felt quite sad that he would be back in France that evening. Home had lost some of its appeal these days, even if it would nice to see his grandmother and his friends, and to speak French more regularly again.

Still, there were things to be done, so he forced himself out of the comfort of his bed and into the shower, singing as he washed himself. He towelled his hair dry and combed it in front of the mirror, then wandered back into the dorm room in his boxer shorts.

"Glad it's the holidays?" he asked Dustin, as he picked out his outfit for the day.

9 Louis Valois The last morning (tag Dustin) 314 Louis Valois 0 5

Finn Scott

February 25, 2017 4:57 PM

Exploring the fair (tag: any booth group member) by Finn Scott

Finn hadn't signed up for the fair, and he wasn't entirely sure why. Maybe it was because the idea had seemed a little daunting, having to do all that research with people he didn't know. But whatever the reason, as he walked around the fair he found himself regretting that a little bit. All the booths looked so impressive, and different, and fun. Really, it must have been nice to be part of a group, working together to create something.

However, it was too late now, so he resolved to make the most of the chance to learn about different cultures. At least his role as non-participant meant that he was able to support the booths.

Making his way over to the nearest booth, he summoned up his courage and caught the eye of one of the group members. "Hey," he said, in his usual quiet way. "What part of this booth would you advise starting with?"

9 Finn Scott Exploring the fair (tag: any booth group member) 347 Finn Scott 0 5

Dustin Newell

February 25, 2017 4:59 PM

And away we go. by Dustin Newell

Seeing Louis in his boxers was nowhere near a new phenomenon, although Dustin imagined there were probably plenty girls both here and abroad who would be horribly jealous to hear of it. He himself just did his best not to look right at him.

“I guess,” he commented idly. Dustin didn't have a whole lot to go home to, as far as he knew. Certainly not much had changed, and then instead of just one annoying little sibling to deal with as he had this year at Sonora, he'd be back to the full three. And this had been his last year of any peace, with Brett joining them here in September.

“You?” he posed in return. Admittedly he didn't care about the answer too terribly much - Louis was a friend, but whether or not he was eager for break didn't change the fact that it was coming - but it was only polite.

12 Dustin Newell And away we go. 312 Dustin Newell 0 5

Louis

February 25, 2017 5:10 PM

Yippee by Louis

Dustin's response wasn't the most forthcoming, but this didn't bother Louis, who was currently debating which tshirt was most appropriate, given his planned choice of jacket and shoes.

"Not especially," replied Louis, grimacing exaggeratedly. "Father wants me to go to the dunes - it's custom for society witches and wizards of my age," he further explained. "I don't think it's the most thrilling idea, though. They're all so stuck-up and boring. Stripes or no?" He waved a tshirt in Dustin's direction, wishing not for the first time that Emmy shared their dorm.

"Ooh, you've got your brother starting next term, yes?" he asked. Having siblings at Sonora must be nice.

9 Louis Yippee 314 Louis 0 5

Dustin

February 25, 2017 5:20 PM

If you say so by Dustin

“Stripes,” Dustin decided, although he was hardly the person to ask for fashion advice. He was pretty sure a handful of years now living with Louis was the only reason he didn't look like a complete idiot, himself. But it was also easier to just give an answer than debate his qualifications.

Dustin groaned involuntarily at the mention of his brother joining them. “Don't remind me,” he said, returning with his own slightly exaggerated grimace. “Brett is a pest. At least Florence has some kind of brain in her head.” He'd never really noticed it before she got to Sonora, but something had gotten her put in Aladren with them. Brett didn't stand a chance.

“Anyway, what's so bad about the dunes thing?” he asked for genuine clarifications. As he understood it, the French Dunes Summer Adventure™ was a responsibility free traipse through the sand. Dustin wasn't one for it, personally, because he liked responsibility far more than he liked most girls (or people in general, really), but he would've thought Louis might enjoy it more.

12 Dustin If you say so 312 Dustin 0 5

Tess Whittaker

February 25, 2017 5:21 PM

Splashing around (MARS room) by Tess Whittaker

Lie-ins were nice, but Tess also enjoyed it when she got up earlier and did something to start off her day. It made her feel like she had so much more time to do things. So, when she'd woken up at 7:30 that morning, she'd decided to grab her swimming costume and head down to the MARS room for a swim before breakfast, instead of falling asleep again.

Tess had learnt to swim at a young age, as her parents had thought it was a good idea. She'd always enjoyed the activity, and had been part of a club back when she'd lived in England. Since coming to Sonora, she didn't swim as often as she had really intended to, but she still liked to keep doing a bit of practice.

She'd just done a few lengths when someone else came in. "Hey," she greeted them cheerfully, lifting herself up a bit using the side of the pool so she could see who it was. "Did you fancy a morning swim too?"

9 Tess Whittaker Splashing around (MARS room) 338 Tess Whittaker 0 5

Louis

February 25, 2017 5:32 PM

Note the sarcasm by Louis

Louis narrowed his eyes at the tshirt in question, before agreeing with Dustin's decision and putting it on. Next came the hunt for jeans - or maybe chinos? Hmm.

"Maybe they'll look up to their older, more experienced brother?" Louis suggested, amused at Dustin's description of his siblings. "We can always boost your rep, try and pretend you're one of the cool guys round here. Hang a girl or two off your arm." He winked at Dustin, wondering how hilarious it would be to suggest to Emmy that she volunteer for the job. Not that he'd ever actually objectify women like that. Louis didn't like the idea of girls just being there to make a wizard look better.

"Which house do you reckon Brett will be in, then?" He wasn't sure which was the house intended for pests - maybe Crotalus, if Évreux was anything to go by.

"Well it's not so much the beach that's the issue, as the people, and the expectations - my father will want me to get in there with the right sort of girl." He paused, then decided that Dustin probably wouldn't be surprised by what he was about to say. And if he was, Louis didn't really care. "Do you ever feel somewhat disenchanted with the whole society business?"

9 Louis Note the sarcasm 314 Louis 0 5

Dustin

February 25, 2017 5:42 PM

Noted by Dustin

Dustin laughed. “If Brett ever looked up to me for anything, I think I'd die of shock. And anyway, I don't really care what he thinks.” If his younger brother did not pay him the respect he deserved when the family was in good standings and he stood to inherit it all, no number of girls now could issue Brett's respect. “He'll probably be Pecari. Those ones seem like they're always bouncing off the walls.”

Louis presented an idea that for a moment made Dustin falter. “I don't know,” he answered honestly. “I mean, we're working so hard to try to get back to it, so I don't think I can afford to say yes.” He paused, thinking carefully. “It's more some people's interpretation of things that bothers me. Nobody agrees on the rules anymore.” Some people thought girls shouldn't play sports, and some people disagreed. Some people thought it was bad to be gay, and some people disagreed.

Some people thought their ultimate loyalty was to the family whose name they were born with, and not the one they gave themselves to. And some people disagreed.

“I don't know,” he said again.

12 Dustin Noted 312 Dustin 0 5

Louis

February 25, 2017 5:54 PM

Well done by Louis

Louis laughed along with Dustin, enjoying the idea of the younger brother, who he'd sort of thought would be Dustin MkII, sounding rather different, not that he disliked Dustin at all. He couldn't picture Dustin in Pecari. "Shame, there'll be no chance of him joining our Quidditch team," he mused. It seemed that, once again, there would be a potential struggle to make up numbers, with two players to replace.

Dustin's answer made Louis stop and think a minute. He nodded, acknowledging Dustin's fair point. Of course Dustin would care about society, given his family's recent problems, although he was partly surprised that the events hadn't make Dustin turn his back on all those who thought they were superior.

"I definitely don't agree on the rules anymore," he replied. "Some of them seem so stupid, and what's the point of sticking to something simply because of tradition? My father would be the one dying of shock - well, horror, rather - if he heard me saying that, though." He grinned cheekily suddenly, losing his air of seriousness. "Maybe I'll elope with a muggle girl, just to really annoy him."

9 Louis Well done 314 Louis 0 5

Dustin

February 25, 2017 6:07 PM

I do my best by Dustin

“I think rules are important,” Dustin contradicted. “They're a solid guide. The problem is that nobody knows what the damn rules are anymore because they keep changing.”

He caught the change of tone in Louis's voice at the end of his statement, but based on the previously serious nature of the conversation, Dustin remained serious. “Well,” he said cautiously. “Don't actually throw your life away just to annoy your father. Best to stick with the purebloods. Less drama that way. That rule doesn't seem bound to change anytime soon.” He'd been telling himself that a lot lately, when his betraying eyes sought to wander.

Of course, somebody else was wandering lately, wandering all the way to Turner's Point, Washington, so what the hell, right?

12 Dustin I do my best 312 Dustin 0 5

Kira Spaulding

February 25, 2017 7:30 PM

A fair bit longer than I expected it to be. by Kira Spaulding

Kira hadn't wanted to sign up at all initially and only did because she felt Sophie wanted her to. She didn't know quite why Sophie wanted that, certainly they were close but she never thought Sophie needed her as much as she needed Sophie. Nobody needed Kira for anything except maybe in theory to do some bit of magic they couldn't do yet.

And while it was fun to spend time together, this wasn't exactly sitting around eating cookies in Sophie's office and having a heart to heart chat. She had to be around other people and while one of them was Caelia, Kira wasn't really so comfortable around the others at least not at first. Most of the others were first years so she felt that she had to be an Example.

And because two of the first years(along with Alistair) were pureblood society boys, Kira also had to worry about if she was coming off as ladylike and proper enough. While Kelsey wasn't there for anyone but Alistair who was friends with her cousin to necessarily note the differences between the two of them that way, Caelia was and she too came across as more of an ideal pureblood lady than Kira did even if she was overall a nicer, sweeter person than Kelsey.

Then she hadn't even been researching the same thing as her friend, instead working in a group with Winston Pierce. However, gradually, she had begun to enjoy working with the first year.

However, when Winston spoke up that day, Kira was a little surprised by his suggestion. He actually wanted to spend time with her? And looking up folklore? She had always been into things like that-though truthfully she was more into fairy tales but she was afraid it would seem to childish to frame things that way- but even though the younger Crotalus had volunteered to work with her-which had surprised her in the first place as she'd assumed he or Simon or both would want to work with Alistair whom they knew from Quidditch. Besides, Kira was genuinely surprised anyone ever wanted to spend time with her. Even now, it surprised her that of all Ryan's cousins, Sophie had gravitated towards her, for example-she didn't know he was especially interested in it.

And then he actually wanted to continue spending time with her now that they were almost done?

"Sure." Kira replied shyly, blushing a little. True, Winston was a boy three years younger than her-possibly closer to four years given her birthday was the day after term started and she didn't know when his was-but she was never going to turn down spending time with someone who apparently liked her. That someone did made her feel good, in some ways even more than doing a difficult transfiguration within just a few tries. "I've had fun working with you too. Which country would you like to do? Maybe we could try a different region? Or maybe we'll see something from one of the other countries at the fair that we can delve into further."

Kira bent over her project, smiling to herself. She actually had another friend! "If nothing else, I have an aunt whose part Russian and she might be able to direct me towards some from there that I can share with you."

11 Kira Spaulding A fair bit longer than I expected it to be. 320 Kira Spaulding 0 5

Juniper Brockert

February 25, 2017 7:58 PM

Saying Goodbye (Tag Finn) by Juniper Brockert

The school year would be over soon and Juniper was sort of glad of course. Soon she'd be back home with Butterscotch and all the rest of their horses. And Duncan would be home for the summer-well except when they all went on vacation, as all Brockerts made it to St. Berylla at some point and they sort of had a rotating door of family members coming and going especially now, and when he went to visit Araceli-and Juniper was looking forward to seeing him again. Plus, she wouldn't have to be around other people quite so much as at school.

On the other hand, Mother would still probably make her attend parties which she found unbearable and more importantly, Juniper would miss Finn like crazy. Perhaps she could write to him and let him know what parties she was going to be at so he could be there too like he had been at Angelique's last midterm.

Still, him she actually wanted to see every day so when he came into the common room, Juniper approached. "I am going to miss you so much this summer." Tentatively, she gave him a hug. She wanted to hang on harder, the way the older Tepps did, but she was afraid of scaring him away.

11 Juniper Brockert Saying Goodbye (Tag Finn) 345 Juniper Brockert 0 5

Winston Pierce

February 25, 2017 8:44 PM

A fair bit indeed by Winston Pierce

Winston blinked, in surprise that Kira - who was enough older than him that he worried sometimes that she just saw him as a baby - seemed as eager to continue their story time together as he was, then he broke into a bright smile. "Russian stories sound great!" he enthused, figuring a personal connection might make the stories seem more meaningful than those from a random other country, though truthfully, Isreal hadn't had a very strong personal connection and those had proved quite fun to read anyway, so it probably didn't matter. Russia did sound good though.

1 Winston Pierce A fair bit indeed 370 Winston Pierce 0 5

DH Skies

February 26, 2017 2:27 AM

House Cup threads! by DH Skies

(For anyone wanting to post in response to winning the house cup. See post on Mirage Chamber for details).

0 DH Skies House Cup threads! 26 DH Skies 0 5

Araceli Arbon, Crotalus

February 26, 2017 2:33 AM

Goodbye (tag Clark) by Araceli Arbon, Crotalus

Araceli hovered by the New Zealand booth. It was probably the safest place to speak to Clark, seeing as she didn't really have a reason to talk to him outside it. Besides which, he'd probably want to hang out with his friends or his girlfriends when he wasn't on duty. She browsed the booth casually, as if this had been her primary intention in coming over.

"Good evening," she smiled, when she noticed Clark was free. And then, as if the thought had just occurred to her. "Want to sign each other's yearbooks?"

13 Araceli Arbon, Crotalus Goodbye (tag Clark) 290 Araceli Arbon, Crotalus 0 5

Clark

February 26, 2017 7:31 AM

Good bye, Araceli by Clark

"Bye, have fun!" Clark called to the leaving patron who had just been regaled with an answer to their question about New Zealand (possibly in far more depth than they'd really wanted). He turned with a smile to the next visitor and it grew brighter when he saw it was Araceli. "Hey there, Araceli? Having fun today?" he asked cheerfully, hoping she was and this could be a happy memory for her. A school fair probably wouldn't power a patronus much better that her current set of memories, but light happy memories never hurt anybody.

"Sure!" he agreed without hesitation, pulling his yearbook out from under the booth table and exchanging it for hers. "Sign mine too?" he requested.

He turned to his picture next to his favorite of his earned awards and wrote "I hope you have a warm and happy life. Good luck in all your future endeavors. - Clark Dill" Next to it, he tried to sketch a little giraffe, but he wasn't sure she'd be able to tell it wasn't just a long necked . . . thing.

1 Clark Good bye, Araceli 277 Clark 0 5

Jack Spencer

February 26, 2017 9:20 AM

Blue is the best. [tag house-mates] by Jack Spencer

When the winners of the house cup were announced, Jack was over the moon. Though they hadn't won the Quidditch Cup, the House Cup showed just who was the best out of the entire school. He entered the Mirage Chamber, curious to know what the professors thought would be a good prize for such an intelligent group, and was delighted by the fair buzzing inside.

He made his way to one of the gentler roller coasters, ecstatic about the lack of queues. "This is pretty great, isn't it?" he said to one of his house-mates gleefully. "We deserve it after all the hard work we've done this year!"

40 Jack Spencer Blue is the best. [tag house-mates] 299 Jack Spencer 0 5

Lily Spencer

February 26, 2017 9:25 AM

Welcome to the Rainforest! by Lily Spencer

"Hi Finn!" said Lily when he approached her booth. She was standing in front of the black curtain that covered the marvelous surprise within. "Well, ours is a bit like a maze when you walk inside, and it's got different parts of Brazil in different rooms. Here, I'll show you."

She parted the curtain for him and gestured him in before following after. The humidity required for these tropical plants and the exotic caged birds made it seem hotter than it actually was in the tented area. "Welcome to the rainforest!" she said, grinning at him. "Have you ever been? I haven't, but I imagine this might be what it's like. "We can linger here if you'd like to look at all the plants, but there's salsa dancing in another 'room' as well as Brazilian food. My favourite is the sweet chocolate balls, I forget what they're called."

40 Lily Spencer Welcome to the Rainforest! 357 Lily Spencer 0 5

Finn Scott

February 26, 2017 10:05 AM

At least it's not forever by Finn Scott

Finn was just walking into the common room when Juniper approached, surprising him with her declaration and the hug. That wasn't to say he minded, however, and he quickly returned it. Hugging wasn't a particular thing of theirs, but as Finn liked hugs with people he liked, and he liked Juniper, that would hopefully change.

"I'll miss you too," he replied as the hug ended, smiling at the girl who was one of his closest friends. "But we should see each other at least a little bit over the summer, right?" Pureblood society wasn't absolutely huge, so odds were they would be at maybe a few events together. Finn was getting older, so would be attending a few more events this summer, which would increase the chances.

"And at least we're not seventh years," he pointed out. It must really hard for the older students to leave Sonora for good, and not be able to see their friends everyday.

9 Finn Scott At least it's not forever 347 Finn Scott 0 5

Louis

February 26, 2017 10:15 AM

Classic Aladren behaviour by Louis

Louis actually thought that trying to please his father would be more likely to lead to throwing his life away. However, despite his current rebellious thoughts, he was still a Valois. You didn't grow up heir to one of the most powerful families in France without learning at least a bit of diplomacy, and he wasn't going to argue with his roommate just because he disagreed with a well-meaning comment.

"Don't worry, I have no intention of doing anything rash," he reassured the other boy. No, anything he did would be well thought out. "And I don't know, the pureblood world seems to have its fair share of drama."

9 Louis Classic Aladren behaviour 314 Louis 0 5

Araceli

February 26, 2017 10:34 AM

Such a seemingly simple word by Araceli

"Yes, it's lovely - everyone's done such a lot of hard work," she smiled, when Clark asked if she was enjoying herself. Maybe she'd get to see some of these places one day in real life... It was strange to think back to the time when her whole world had been her family's private island off the coast of Maine, and the thought of leaving it had terrified her. Now it was the opposite... The thought of returning and being stuck there forever was her worst nightmare.

She accepted Clark's book with a smile. She already knew what she would write. She had thought about it long and hard and found no satisfying way to express her thoughts. She was taking enough of a risk in signing his book and having him sign hers. 'Goodbye and good luck,' she wrote, the sentiment far less than she really felt. She liked his kindness, his gentleness and the fact that he had protected her in Defence class. She liked his soul, and the fact that she'd seen it, and that he had seen hers and not seemed to judge. She drew a speech bubble around the words she had written, drawing a little fawn underneath it, and a not so little giraffe for it to address its remarks to. Perhaps that was even a little personal. But only if someone knew what her patronus was, and shared her perception of the level of intimacy it represented. She rather doubted many people ever would see hers...

"Thank you," she added, as she passed the book back, "for all your help in the library. And in defence class. It... It was very nice to have the chance to know you." That was something she definitely couldn't write down, but she wanted him to know it, none the less.

13 Araceli Such a seemingly simple word 290 Araceli 0 5

Kira

February 26, 2017 1:19 PM

Yeah, sorry about that. by Kira

Kira grinned. In the past, her shyness and low self-esteem had kept her from joining Book Club, something she would have been genuinely interested in except that she honestly didn't think people would respect her opinions and suggestions. This would be like Book Club but with just her and Winston, who must be interested in spending time with her since he was the one suggesting it in the first place. "Russia it is then."

11 Kira Yeah, sorry about that. 320 Kira 0 5

Clark

February 26, 2017 1:58 PM

Fare thee well? by Clark

Clark collected back his yearbook and returned Araceli's to her. "Thanks," he said, flushing a little bit at the appreciation she shared. "I'm glad I got to know you too," he returned.

Glancing down at what she'd written in his book, he smiled. "Wow, you are way better at drawing than me."

1 Clark Fare thee well? 277 Clark 0 5

Winston

February 26, 2017 2:06 PM

No, it's good. by Winston

"Great!" Winston confirmed her confirmation, and bent down over the last of their booth posters, now feeling the pleased growing triumph at their near completion that had been missing earlier. "These are coming out really well, I think," he told Kira. "I'm glad I got to meet you and we could work together on them. Too bad our families won't be able to see all our good work, though."

1 Winston No, it's good. 370 Winston 0 5

Juniper

February 26, 2017 2:11 PM

That would be so much worse. by Juniper

She breathed a sigh of relief when Finn returned the hug. Juniper was starting to feel more confident in his friendship even if she wasn't confident in any other respect but this hadn't been something she'd attempted before.

Juniper nodded. "I'll write to you to let you know which ones I'm attending so maybe you'll go to those ones." It was literally the only way to make these social engagements, ones with people she knew even less than the ones at school that she at least saw every day whether she wanted to or not.

"True." She replied. Although Juniper liked her alone time-it allowed her to actually be productive because she didn't feel so anxious that she was sick to her stomach-and her time riding her horse, she didn't really like the idea of not seeing Finn anymore.

11 Juniper That would be so much worse. 345 Juniper 0 5

Kira

February 26, 2017 4:28 PM

Okay, good. by Kira

Kira nodded in agreement, blushing again. She was so not used to people wanting to be around her. "It was nice to meet you too. This isn't an interest I share with a lot of people." As far as she knew anyway since she often wasn't keen on telling people what she was into. Kira was afraid she'd be judged for what she liked, especially some of things that could be considered childish, like her desire to still collect American Witch dolls or her love of fairy tales or her dollhouse. Not that she played with dolls now, but she still liked them and wanted to keep collecting.

And the dollhouse was how she knew her parents loved her. You didn't give something that elaborate and expensive to a child you didn't love.

"Yes, I mean a lot of mine actually will because I have a lot of cousins who go here and So-Professor O'Malley is actually married to one of my other cousins but I know what you mean. My parents won't get to see it. I take it none of your family currently attends school here though?" Kira asked.

11 Kira Okay, good. 320 Kira 0 5

Dustin

February 26, 2017 5:26 PM

We're some classic Aladren gentlemen! by Dustin

“Drama for us comes when people break the rules,” Dustin countered. His tone was still serious but pleasant, a friendly discussion. “If everybody just did what they were supposed to, we'd all be a lot better off for it.” He couldn't stop his mind from wandering to Uncle Nelson, who had been dumb enough to not only break the rules but get found out for doing so. “If you're gonna break rules, you have to be smart enough to cover it up, or else have enough backup power that nobody cares.”

12 Dustin We're some classic Aladren gentlemen! 312 Dustin 0 5

Joella Curtis

February 26, 2017 6:42 PM

After the Quidditch final (tag Clark) by Joella Curtis

Being a Chaser herself meant that Joella normally held most interest for those in that position but today she had hardly been able to tear her eyes away from the Seekers. Alistair versus Clark - that was bound to get her attention.

Whatever the bad blood between her and the Crotalus Seeker, she couldn't help cheering with joy when he caught the snitch. He deserved that.

But at the same time she felt so incredibly torn because she knew it was Clark's last match and the idea of him soon graduating suddenly became so very real. It wasn't as though she and Clark were great friends or anything but that didn't mean Joella couldn't be saddened by the prospect of no longer getting to see his handsome face around school or watch his awesome Seeking skills on the pitch.

Joella watched as the players returned to the ground and let them all hug it out - if Aladrens and Crotali even did that sort of thing. And then, when the weary players began to make their way off the pitch, she raced down from the stands.

“Clark!” She reached out and put a hand on his arm to get his attention. “I just wanted to say-” Joella faltered, glancing down and realising her hand was still resting on his arm. She recoiled it hastily with a slight blush. “You played really well today. It's a shame how it ended.”

8 Joella Curtis After the Quidditch final (tag Clark) 295 Joella Curtis 0 5

Clark Dill

February 26, 2017 8:21 PM

Not my best moment by Clark Dill

Clark saw Alistair move. Visibility was bad enough that he didn't see what the Crotalus was going for, but he couldn't take the chance he wasn't bluffing. So Clark made a guess based on Alistair's trajectory about where the snitch might be and went all out. He saw it after a moment, as he got near enough for his sight to cut through the rain, and he made a minor adjustment to his own angle of approach.

But Alistair had been closer to begin with and he'd had a slight head start. With the power and speed of Jake's old broom, and without worrying about maintaining a speed where he could actually grab for a snitch - getting between Alistair and the Snitch was the important part at the moment - Clark closed the distance, but not fast enough. He was still a good ten feet away when Alistair's fingers wrapped around it.

With a mild blasphemy - as much for the need to not ram into his opponent and kill them both from the force of impact as for losing his final chance at winning the Sonora Quidditch Cup - Clark's next moments were mostly occupied with getting his broom to slow down without running into anyone or anything. After that, it was landing on the ground and trying not to look too depressed or upset in front of his team. Putting his disappointment aside, he gave his team high fives and handshakes and thanked them for their good work and repeated how much of a pleasure it was to have been their captain and otherwise put on the face of good sportsmanship.

Then he headed off pitch, planning to bury himself in a book for a while (well, shower first, then book) and try to forget how this match had ended.

Before he got there, though, a hand touched his arm and he startled and glared for a moment before he caught himself and, recognizing Joella, forced a more neutral expression on his face. "Yeah," he agreed to her sympathies, and couldn't help looking out toward the crowd, trying now to spot the agents. "Let's just hope the agents from Toronto thought so, too."

1 Clark Dill Not my best moment 277 Clark Dill 0 5

Winston

February 26, 2017 8:29 PM

This title took longer than the post by Winston

"Right," he agreed, chuckling a little. "That must be nice," he offered, the sentiment genuine. He missed his little sister and the Pierces that were here were more sources of embarrassment than consolation. "None I like to associate with anyway," he admitted a little ruefully. "There's other Pierces, but not from my branch of the family." He thought he could reasonably deny relation to the California Teppenpaw, as they looked nothing alike, but there was, unfortunately, no denying Four's nephew. Though Ben was only a second cousin, their looks were close enough that they could be mistaken for brothers.

1 Winston This title took longer than the post 370 Winston 0 5

Araceli

February 26, 2017 9:07 PM

I guess so by Araceli

"Th-thanks," she stumbled over accepting the pair of compliments, her cheeks turning red. Two nice things. Clark had just said two nice things to her. She was sure those would be etched on her mind forever.

She hesitated, wondering whether to tell him about the candy cane. Either way, it left a note of the unfinished... She knew that, if it was her, she would always wonder who it had been. And she herself would be left wondering whether or not he knew... But this was a nice end. Mutual compliments. If she told him she had sent it, she knew she would have to dive into the crowd before possibly seeing his reaction. She would leave not knowing how he felt about the last thing she'd said to him, and that stung too much after the niceness of signing each other's yearbooks.

"I-I'll let you get back to work then," she gestured at the booth around them. And hesitating only slightly, the word falling a little more heavily than it might for a casual conversation, she said, "Goodbye Clark," and turned, slipping into the stream of passing students, and vanishing.

13 Araceli I guess so 290 Araceli 0 5

Clark

February 26, 2017 9:52 PM

Closure by Clark

"Bye, Araceli," Clark said to her retreating back, but then somebody else was asking a question about New Zealand and he didn't see her vanish out of his life.

1 Clark Closure 277 Clark 0 5

Tasha DuBois

February 26, 2017 11:03 PM

Roommate bonding (tag Nevaeh) by Tasha DuBois

This had been a great year for Tasha. There was now a school orchestra, they were having an international festival for the school fair which had also led to her making her first actual friend at Sonora, and now Aladren had won the school cup as well and was being rewarded with a carnival!

Unfortunately, Joe was not in Aladren. Nor was Juniper.And it would have been fun to hang out with either. Juniper might have been terrified of people but that didn't mean she was afraid of rides and stuff.

But that was okay.She walked up to Nevaeh and asked"Hey, do you want to go on rides and stuff with me?" Maybe they'd start being friends too.

11 Tasha DuBois Roommate bonding (tag Nevaeh) 323 Tasha DuBois 0 5

Nevaeh Reed

February 26, 2017 11:25 PM

What a pleasant occasion! by Nevaeh Reed

There was a lot of bright color in probably interesting shapes. That was as much detail as Nevaeh could make out about the fair around them. One blur seemed to possibly be moving, but she could more identify the approach by the sound of footsteps.

"Oh, yeah, sure," she answered, recognizing the voice of her roommate Tasha. "Fair warning, though," Nevaeh added cheekily, "I can difficult to ride with. I'm told I ask a lot of questions."

12 Nevaeh Reed What a pleasant occasion! 325 Nevaeh Reed 0 5

Tasha

February 27, 2017 2:16 PM

It sure is! by Tasha

Though Nevaeh couldn't see it, Tasha was grinning. She gave a chuckle of appreciation at her roommate's pun. " Fair enough. And of course you do! Lots of questions means an inquisitive mind, which is something quite Aladrenish. So if you didn't ask questions, you might have been sorted somewhere else and not here to enjoy this! So what ride do you want to go on first?"

11 Tasha It sure is! 323 Tasha 0 5

Kira

February 27, 2017 2:34 PM

Titles can be difficult by Kira

"It can be." Kira replied. In all actuality, it depended on the cousin. Kelsey was a source of well, jealousy she supposed, someone who made her feel inadequate and inferior. A person she felt she always being compared to unfavorably. And Chaslyn had seemed to out and out hate her for some reason. Then there was Carrie, but Kira had never been in school with her, thank Merlin. However as Winston was a new friend, she wasn't about to unload all that on him at this point.

The fourth year nodded, feeling kind of stupid for not remembering Ginger or Ben Pierce right off as she'd had class with them both. As for her both sides of her family were all technically the same branch. Like, not that the Spauldings were the same as the Brockerts but there was only one branch of each. Of course, with Mother's family it did get complicated, because there were people she wasn't all that closely related to like Angelique but she knew other families worked differently and there were very distinct differences between the three Pierce branches. Truth be told, Ginger had always seemed quite nice but she didn't want to alienate Winston by saying so and lose a friend she just made. Besides, it wasn't as if he knew them. Or that she was friends with Ginger. "That's too bad. Do you have any siblings or anyone else from your branch that will be attending Sonora while you're here?"

11 Kira Titles can be difficult 320 Kira 0 5

Finn

February 27, 2017 4:40 PM

Re: Welcome to the Rainforest! by Finn

Finn didn't know Lily too well, but despite being a very lively and, well, Pecari-ish person (which was a bit of a contrast to his more quiet character), she was Jozua's pureblood friend, and that was good enough for Finn.

She seemed very enthusiastic about the booth, and Finn was glad he'd asked her advice.

"No, I've never been to the rainforest," he replied. "But it all looks very impressive here. Which part did you work on?"

There seemed to be so much choice in the booth, and Finn wanted to see all of it!

9 Finn Re: Welcome to the Rainforest! 347 Finn 0 5

Finn

February 27, 2017 4:43 PM

Luckily not something we have to cope with by Finn

"That's a good idea," replied Finn, brightening at Juniper's suggestion. He wasn't sure how much say he'd have, as his parents tended to go to certain events, but hopefully his plans would match with Juniper's plans.

"Do you think you'll be going to lots of events? My parents are going to start letting me go to more, now I'm getting older."

9 Finn Luckily not something we have to cope with 347 Finn 0 5

Juniper

February 27, 2017 6:00 PM

Hopefully we never will. by Juniper

Juniper resisted the urge to make a face. "Probably. I really don't want to though unless you're there." There, she'd gone and admitted it to him, been honest. Hopefully it wouldn't make him turn away from her for some reason. She didn't want to ever lose Finn.

11 Juniper Hopefully we never will. 345 Juniper 0 5

Headmaster Brockert

February 27, 2017 7:05 PM

Time's up! by Headmaster Brockert

However, you can continue threads elsewhere using the normal posting length if you would like.

11 Headmaster Brockert Time's up! 6 Headmaster Brockert 0 5