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Post by Loce Vaisey on Jun 11, 2023 6:39:50 GMT -8
Loce smirked as he’d read the notice for the slumber party. Girls Only Well it made perfect sense it would be, and yet… He shook his head, wondering what to do to occupy the time he would have. He could study, it wouldn’t hurt him to study. And yet…. He messaged some of the guys, wondering if there was an interest in doing something that was Just Guys His first thought, camping in the forbidden forest, was echoed by Liam at least, and he went with it. Snow and cold be damned, they were wizards, they could deal with it. That had never been why he’d hesitated to just outright mention it. Poachers, centaurs and his own wards had made him pause. Though any that would come with him would be his friends or those that had wanted to entertain the idea they might be. He thought about asking Drake for permission but didn’t know if the headmistress would allow it. The forest was typically out of bounds. And the last thing he wanted to do was to cause any trouble between Drake and the Headmistress. They seemed good together. Best to not ask, adults always made things harder than they needed to be. Besides, there most likely would be enough of them to handle any poachers. His wards were comfortably under his control and the Centaurs had given him permission to use the forest. Although not necessarily for this use, he figured he could talk them down again if it was needed. But he would not venture back to that clearing, not with this group. He’d poured over a map of the forest for hours trying to find the best spot. One that would not put them too close to any real threats. Trolls in one area, acromantula in another, Centaurs in another… But he’d finally found one. It was about a mile and a half into the forest. Not too bad of a walk. He drew a rough map for the others to follow and he would send it along with the formal invite. Same night as the slumber party. They could head out earlier in the day, when their respective girlfriends ditched them to go do whatever it was girls did at slumber parties. He grabbed a pack he had, that he’d filled with provisions from the kitchens. The house elves only mildly caring. But he was a familiar enough sight there that they didn’t raise too much of a fuss over his showing up unannounced and deciding to help himself. He rolled up several blankets around his pillow and tied it to the pack. He didn’t have a tent, he just planned to gather firewood as he walked and to sleep under the stars, a few charms and a good fire should keep them all dry and warm enough. He stole out of the castle and into the forest by the large sycamore tree, following the well-worn path through the trees. As he walked he collected firewood, enchanting the growing pile to follow along behind him. Once he got well enough into the forest he whistled, summoning Garmr to him. The hellhound stepped out of the shadows onto the path, leaping up on him and licking his face. Loce laughed and scratched his head. “Dewch gyda mi Mae'r bechgyn yn gwersylla yn y goedwig. Gallwn i ddefnyddio'ch synhwyrau i gadw llygad allan a thyllu clustiau y tu hwnt i'r hyn y gallaf ei weld a'i glywed.” He said and Garmr bowed his head in deference. He wondered briefly what the guys would think of a Hell Hound settling into the clearing with them for the night. But given the additional threat of poachers, he wasn’t about to take the chance. He knew Garmr and his Grandfather would have the rest in and around the area, setting a good perimeter to keep him safe. That was enough for him. He paused at the beginning of the last bend before the turnoff and set a bright red rock at the western edge before continuing. He stopped at a medium sized oak sapling. He settled a second red rock in it's roots and secured a spare Slytherin tie to one of the branches before stepping off the path. Garmr followed closely. Once the last of them arrived, he’d retrieve it, but it would make an easy mark for them to find the turn off. The clearing was about twenty yards through a thick stand of oaks to the southwest of the path. It had taken him a bit to find it, and he’d had to leave the pile of firewood on the trail while he made his way into the clearing. The clearing was not as large as the one near the Centaur Colony, but given his history with that clearing, he wanted to keep it unaltered by whatever nonsense they got up to tonight. That was a special place for he and Anneli and…. Well he was plainly being selfish. It would have been a great place to camp, fairly secure, and a bit closer. But he wasn’t going to apologize for wanting to keep it to just the two of them. Stepping into the clearing he looked around. It had not been carved out by wizards, but natural death and decay of the trees had left a nice sized clearing. An old knotted oak stood at the southern edge of the clearing. It was beautiful covered in snow. He smiled, dropping his pack at the base of the tree. This would be fun. Friends, alcohol (for he’d packed enough), food and talk, whatever else they got up to. He looked up at the sky as the sun shown down into the space. Snow covered the ground, which would make for a poor base for camp. He pulled out his wand, melted the snow in the clearing and then dried the ground to give a good base for them to sleep. He thought to enchant the opening to repel snow, but figured the snow falling on them might make for a more interesting evening. Instead, he enchanted the ground to automatically melt and dry any snow or rain that might fall. They would all have to do the same for their bedding, but at least they would not end up sleeping in mud. “Acio!” He summoned the firewood, stacking it towards the edge of the clearing away from the old knotted oak. He had added several large rocks to the pile of firewood and summoned them, placing them in a ring in the center and stacking some of the wood to best start a fire when the time came. He sat down, pulling out one of his spell books and notebooks to pass the time while he waited for the others to arrive, Garmr curled up at his side.
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Post by Reece Briarwood on Jun 13, 2023 21:21:37 GMT -8
As the sun began to set, casting long shadows across the snowy grounds, Reece Briarwood found himself headed to the edge of the Forbidden Forest. The cool evening breeze rustled through the leaves. Reece had received an invitation to explore the forbidden depths of the forest, a boys-only event to counter the girls-only slumber party that was happening.
Reece saw this as the perfect opportunity for some uncharted adventure. He thrived on the thrill of the unknown, relishing in the idea of breaking a rule or two, albeit cautiously.
Reece was really beginning to take note of some of Loce's more dominant traits: audacity, cunning, and-- well? Fun. He seemed like an unstoppable force when he put his mind to something. Rules be damned.
As Reece began to venture into the forest, a backpack slung over one shoulder, he consults the map once or twice. This trek was further in than he'd expect it to be. Risky. His steps crunch on the undergrowth, the sinking sun propelling him to move a bit faster. Strange sounds echoed through the forest—a hoot of an owl, the rustle of unseen creatures, and the eerie silence that followed. Doubt would creep in momentary, wondering if this was honestly a bad idea or not.
But then Reece reaches the clearing and spies Loce sitting there before a roaring fire. Gotta love a good secret adventure. Despite any danger that might be looming in the shadows, Reece couldn't help but feel a rush of excitement, this was going to be a good time, he just knew it.
"Brilliant idea, Loce. Truly." Reece say by way of greeting as he approached. He grins while dropping his bag down on the ground and taking up a seat beside his fellow Slytherin. "So, who do you think will show?" That really determined how the evening would play out, wouldn't it?
"Or, the better question I guess, what do you expect this night will bring?" He asks, genuinely curious as he runs a hand through his hair to brush away some of the damp, fallen snow that had settled there.
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Post by Boian Loveanue on Jun 14, 2023 1:22:20 GMT -8
Boian smirked at the little dragon that landed on his desk. He picked it up and unfolded it, half surprised at the invite and half wondering what was going on this year. This year was different from all the others. He’d been pretty much ignored by most from day one. Even once he started the betting and gambling nights, people came, but it was all business. None had ventured to get to know him beyond what he did. He’d assumed it was either his name, which some of those in the castle would most likely know from dealings with his father, or the fact that his height and accent put them off. Either way, it was something he’d become accustomed to. This year was turning out to be different. Bellamy had at least talked to him, and the new Slytherin had made it a point to invite him camping, along with an invite to the story session, which he hadn’t been at the school to attend. He supposed Loce had just sent it to all Slytherins, but it was an invite regardless of where it came from. He studied the map and nodded. It would be easy enough to find. Should be anyway. He was still contemplating if he wanted to go. In one sense, being invisible had its advantages and if he started hanging around with Loce, he would no longer be invisible. On the other hand, friendships could lead to some additional connections that could work to his advantage in the future. He shrugged and kicked open his trunk, pulling out a couple of bottles of wine, a few decks of cards, and his pack. He had a bedroll with him, something his brother had suggested given his time in Durmstrang. He’d never thought he’d need it, and smiled slightly as he dug it out and secured it to his pack. He slipped out of the Slytherin dorms and found his way to the closest exit. He glanced around, slipping out unnoticed. He supposed up to this point anyone catching him would assume he was trying to sneak into the slumber party. He had absolutely no idea what a group of girls did together at a slumber party, and honestly the idea of being trapped in the center of a group of girls with wands did not seem like a brilliant way to remain invisible. He followed tracks down to the edge of the forest, pulling the collar of his coat up against the cold. It was colder here than it was back home during winter and he pulled his scarf up over his nose. He’d been here five winters already and had yet to get used to the biting cold. Though he supposed it was better than Durmstrang, at least that is what his brother would say when he complained. Once he stepped into the shadows of the forest the tracks were lost to the underbrush. The canopy minimized the snow that fell. He’d catch a footprint here and there, but the lack of snow cover or mud prevented an easy trail to follow once one entered the forest. It was a good thing he could read a map, however crude. His wand was in his hand at the ready, he knew there was a good reason the Forest was off limits, and he was not going to be caught alone without some defense. He wondered if heading out by themselves was the best plan, there was safety in numbers which would be good once he got there, but getting there was… An adventure. He told himself staring into the shadows. He was a risk taker, had to be in his business but that was a different type of risk. Physically risking his life was not something he was used to. He found the turn offs relatively easy and stepped into the clearing sooner than he’d expected. Reece and Loce were already there. He smiled and nodded. “Good evening.” He ventured by way of greeting. He joined the group dropping his pack near the others and settling onto the ground with the pair. “If we run out of things to do, I brought a few decks of cards. We can always get a game or two going.” He offered. He never went anywhere without a deck. Although that was usually to earn a few galleons off an unsuspecting wizard in a tavern but here it would be strictly for fun, unless someone else suggested otherwise. Then he’d gratefully take their money. “What’s on the agenda?” He asked wondering if they had a set schedule to follow.
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Post by Wesley Thorsen on Jun 14, 2023 20:16:54 GMT -8
Welsey Thorsen wandered deep into the forbidden forest, his senses alert for any sign of danger. His footsteps grew quieter, cautious as if determined to not alert any unseen inhabitants of the forest to his presence. This was not the kind of thing he’d do usually. He wasn’t entirely sure that it was a good idea either-- not just the gathering in a dark, forest that was off-limits to students… but a gather of the boys only. Tension might be high among the bunch. But as soon as Wesley considered skipping it he felt a sense of regret and figured, eh why not.
The air was thick with anticipation… or was that just a dense fog rolling in? Wesley shakes his head, trying to keep a clear mind as he maneuvers the terrain. It was as if the forest itself held its breath, waiting to see what the the boys might end up doing throughout the night.
Every rustle of leaves or snap of a twig made Wesley’s heart jump just a little, but he pressed on, wand in hand just in case. The forest seemed to warp and twist around him, its eerie atmosphere captivating and unsettling all at once. Finally, Wesley found himself standing in a small clearing.
Loce and others were already seated. This was an opportunity for the boys to connect with each other in a way few might have ever experienced otherwise--- or fights will break out and sending for the Headmistress would become necessary. Who knows. It could go either way.
“Hey, guys.” He says to the guys present. “Looks like I’m crashing the Slytherin Party.” He remarks, a little awkwardly. He didn’t know any of them and immediately wonders if Ezra will show. He hoped so…. That would bring about some familiarity. They were good mates, been flying together since they both joined the Ravenclaw team.
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Post by Loce Vaisey on Jun 17, 2023 18:57:33 GMT -8
Loce looked up as Reece entered the clearing. He grinned as Reece called it a brilliant idea. “Thanks mate.” He shrugged at the question of who would show. “Hoping Wolf, Ezra, Lukas and Liam show. Hoping Fergus and Oliver take a pass, to be honest. Anyone else is a bonus. But we’ll see.” He chuckled. He was actually hoping Oliver or Fergus might get lost in the forest. But he knew it wasn’t likely. Most didn’t understand his hatred for Fergus, although they didn’t question his dislike of Oliver. He shrugged. “I don’t know as I expect anything. I’m hoping it just brings down the house walls a little more. I mean, not to the extent we don’t care who wins the house cup, but just so it doesn’t really matter on the day to day.” “Hey Boian” He ventured as another Slytherin stepped into the clearing. He was beginning to wonder if only Slytherin’s would show up. It wouldn’t be that bad, but he’d miss a few of the guys if they didn’t show up. “Nothing specific on the agenda. We could do some dueling if we wanted to liven things up. Or cards and conversation would work too. Hadn’t thought that far ahead.”Loce chuckled as Wesley showed up, talking about crashing the party. “That was the point, getting us all together. Welcome to the party.” He grinned, nodding at the pile of packs. “Grab a seat, we were just discussing what we wanted to do, besides just sit here and stare at each other. Any thoughts?”
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Post by Wesley Thorsen on Jun 20, 2023 11:46:48 GMT -8
Wesley drops his bags near the small pile that had already been started. He seats himself near the fire and gratefully nods at Loce's words, "I certainly hope sitting around and staring at each other is only planned for a small portion of the night." He laughs a bit.
"I wonder how the girls night is going..." He thinks, then realizes he'd spoken aloud. His thoughts had drifted to Heather. He continues to speak, finishing off his train of thought. "Do you 'spose they also sit around and stare at one another?" He laughs. Wesley would bet the girls wouldn't need an ice-breaker like the boys. He'd overheard one of them mention cards, not a bad place to start.
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Post by Liam Greenway on Jun 20, 2023 18:59:49 GMT -8
Liam jogs down the path toward where the meeting spot was for the boys' night. He'd been in the forest a few times before, but never spent the night here. Just as he wondered if he had gone too far, he heard chatter up ahead. As he entered the clearing he looked around at who had arrived.
"Hey guys," he says. "Start the party without me or what?"
He pulls his bag off his shoulder and reaches inside to pull out several packs of butterbeer and a few bottles of whisky. "Everyone help themselves."
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Post by Boian Loveanue on Jun 20, 2023 21:08:10 GMT -8
Boian smirked at the suggestion of cards. “I’ve got a few decks…. What’s everyone’s poison? Poker? Black Jack?” He asked, pulling a deck of cards from his pocket, tapping them from the box, and beginning to shuffle. “And are we playing for fun or galleons?” That would depend on how much attention he put into the cards and how much into the conversation. He nodded at Wesley as he asked about the girls. “I doubt they are thinking much boys about given the amount of different stuff I saw the house elves dragging into the Great Hall. But as to what they do, I have absolutely no idea.” He was only curios as to one of the girls, but doubted she even gave him a second thought. He shrugged continuing to shuffle. He grinned when Liam showed up. “Hey Liam, you’re just in time, Poker or Blackjack?” He asked pausing in shuffling to reach for a bottle of whiskey. “Looks like you brought a good ice breaker yourself.” He said smiling and taking a swing from the bottle before offering it to the others.
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Post by Theo Cole on Jun 22, 2023 12:35:44 GMT -8
Theo Cole stood at the edge of the Forbidden Forest, staring out at the towering trees looming before him. Tonight was going to be different, that was sure. While the girls were engrossed in their little 'sleep-over' party, Theo and a group of guys had been invited to seize an opportunity and gather in an unofficial meet-up of their own.
Theo involuntarily conjured an image of Isla, wondering what kind of pajamas she might wear. Her red tousled hair and warm smile played in his thoughts, causing a slight flutter in his chest. He quickly shook his head, trying to dispel the distraction. He begins to walk the path marked on the little map Loce sent out.
To redirect his thoughts, Theo focused on his other passions. Quidditch came to mind, the exhilaration of flying through the air and the camaraderie shared with his teammates. But Isla was tied to those thoughts as well. So even Quidditch couldn't entirely erase the image of Isla from Theo's mind.
His thoughts shifted to the holiday break, just a few weeks away. He imagined spending time with his sister and mother, gathered around a crackling fireplace. It might not be an ideal break, who knows what he'd be returning home to. He shakes his head as he steps further into the shadows of the Forbidden Forest.
The rustling of tree branches nearby and the hoot of an owl pull his focus to the now and soon enough, he spotted the clearing where a group of students were gathered.
As he approached the makeshift fire pit, the tall crackling flames cast a warm glow on the guy's faces. Theo's presence was met with welcoming nods and smiles, and he settled in among them. "Whiskey? Alright, count me in." He eagerly reaches out toward Liam Greenway and fills himself a cup. "This outta help keep everyone warm, then." He laughs and looks around at the snowy atmosphere. He looks around, Ezra the only notably absent face he had expected to see here.
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Post by Wesley Thorsen on Jun 22, 2023 13:03:27 GMT -8
Wesley couldn't deny that he felt relief at the sight of Theo Cole. Otherwise it was just him, crashing a Slytherin hang. He'd been hesitant to even join... and was doubting his choice but somehow having a Gryffindor present seemed to even it all out.
Now they were just missing a Hufflepuff to really represent all the houses in this gathering.
Wesley exhales and sees the wisp of cool air mingling with his warm breath, "Yeah, I'll 'spose I could go for some whiskey too." He agrees, hesitantly. Wes had actually not spent much time drinking on campus...but this was technically off campus, right? So, when in rome, so to speak... Why not. He lifts his cup, "Cheers mates." And then takes a long sip.
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Post by Loce Vaisey on Jun 22, 2023 22:29:14 GMT -8
Loce grinned as Theo entered the clearing. “Hey Theo! Glad you could make it. Grab a seat, we’re gonna start a game of cards if you don’t have something else you want to do? And talking about the girls’ isn’t an option tonight. I’m sure they’re not talking about us.” He grinned, figuring Theo at least would have his mind elsewhere. His was, but while Anneli was always first and foremost in his mind, sharing those thoughts as not something he was ready to do. Especially not with the potential for Fergus to show up.
“How about blackjack Boian? Seems like it might be easiest with the lot of us. Friendly or coins gentlemen?” He asked, wondering if they wanted to gamble a bit while they were here too.
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Post by Wesley Thorsen on Jul 19, 2023 21:16:41 GMT -8
Not thinking of the girls was actually growing in difficulty for Wesley. Well, not girls so much as one girl in particular. And there he was again, wondering what Heather was up to... who she was hanging out with, what they were talking about, etc. Were thoughts of him swirling around her mind? God. Wesley was not accustomed to this at all. It was kind of rattling. He shakes his head and throws back another drink quickly, which might work against him in the end, but that could be later-him's problem.
"Let's throw in, nothing crazy of course," Wes interjects. He wasn't great at blackjack. Not bad, per se, but blackjack is not something he played a ton of... so why he immediately offered to play betting he wasn't sure. Maybe it just sounded more fun or exciting that way. He likely wouldn't maintain that kind of thinking once he loses a few hands in a row of course but, what the hell, when do the guys ever gather like this? Might as well go... all in, so to speak.
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