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Post by Loce Vaisey on Apr 21, 2023 21:58:05 GMT -8
Loce surveyed the clearing. Some late autumn blooms adding shades of purple to the underbrush in the shadow of the trees. A green blanket was spread in the center of the cleaning, a barrier against some of the wet and cold at least and colored to give as little contrast to the natural hues of the clearing as possible. Three covered serving platters sat in one corner of the blanket next to a fresh pot of tea. Two more folded blankets sit in the opposite corner from the food. He had every intention of pushing the limits of curfew tonight, and figured the extra blankets would come in handy against the cold, at least for him. A long narrow delicately wrapped present sat near the blankets, the silver paper magicked to mimic the dragon heart display from the fireworks show. The ribbon shimmered in the light, mimicking the flickering of flames in the wind. He had stolen her idea from the charms contest and eight pumpkins ringed the blanket. Each hallowed with a heart carved in it and magicked to provide heat with minimal light. He wanted to be able to see the stars tonight. He had two things to show her. One was an early birthday present. One would hopefully become something they could do every year together, but was happening a little early, so he hoped she would not mind celebrating her birthday with him a few days early. He frowned slightly, it was close to the time he’d asked her to meet him, and he silently cursed himself for not checking her schedule more closely. He was nervous. Uncharacteristically so. He paced in the shadows, waiting as patiently as he could manage.
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Anneli Oden
Slytherin
5th Year - Slytherin Captain - Chaser - Part-Veela
Posts: 296
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Post by Anneli Oden on Apr 24, 2023 18:59:28 GMT -8
Anneli’s heart raced as she strolled further away from the castle. Her hair fell in golden waves around her face. If she was being honest with herself, being part-Veela had come with some trivial perks. Anneli had never needed to brush her hair as a child. Even after spending hours outside in the gardens, her unwieldy golden curls would fall back into clean, sleek satiny waves. At her waist was a round, leather case that hung just around her hip. She wore a traditional Swedish folk dress under a long, flowing jacket. There was a reason for this.
Today was her sixteenth birthday. Anneli thought about what her Aunt Vilhelmina told her about this day, shaking her head doubtfully. She hadn’t produced many of the Veela abilities, why would that change today? Though, it was entirely possible. In any case, she should probably mention it to Loce in case her aunt was correct in her predictions.
She strolled through the grounds, her dress swaying at her hips. Anneli was just a dot on a map. Her mind moved through the trees like it was second nature to her. Her feet claimed each piece of land as they moved toward her love. He called out to her like a warm voice in her head. It had felt natural since their first meeting. She smiled mischievously to herself, thinking of their last encounter in the forest. Their rain-soaked kiss. The way Loce’s hair clung at his skin. The curse. Anneli paused that thought. The clearing approached.
Anneli was hesitant that it wasn’t a trap at first. She hadn’t spotted Loce yet and her father was becoming increasingly more aware of their relationship. Would he go to these lengths? He would, if it was worth it for him to. Her hand fell into her pocket and around her wand. It wasn’t worth taking any chances.
Anneli strolled deeper into the clearing. Her eyes fell onto the blanket. Her lips gently parted in awe as she scanned the blanket, platters of food and heart-carved pumpkins. The warmth of hearts welcomed her in from the cold October breeze. Her eyes flickered to the wrapped present. Her heart raced as she watched the dragon heart display on the silver paper. Was that for her? Anneli stood in shock. The last birthday she had celebrated was her tenth. Her birthdays since had been empty days on a calendar.
She fought back a strange feeling from behind her eyes. Everything was perfect, it was her. It was them. Loce had taken a piece of her heart and brought it to the forest. The place she felt most at home at Hogwarts, second to him. In the forest, no one paid any extra attention to her as they did at school. Well, besides him. But this she welcomed, if not yearned for.
Anneli smiled brilliantly then. He was near. She could feel him. “Fy nghariad, tyrd allan a chusanu fi cyn i mi ddod i ddod o hyd i ti...” She announced, laughing playfully. Anneli scanned the darkened trees, hoping to be met with his touch soon. She was still in shock. Her heart fluttered madly. Her eyes beamed into the depths of the forest…
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Post by Loce Vaisey on Apr 24, 2023 19:49:55 GMT -8
Loce stopped dead in his tracks as she entered the clearing. She was absolutely breathtaking. She always was, but her beauty radiated more in the forest. Or maybe it was just because he knew she had come here specifically because he had asked her. No warning, no idea of what to expect. Just pure trust in him. He hadn’t realized he’d wandered so far into the shadows until she didn’t even look in his direction. He shook his head. He hadn’t wanted it to start like this, but it worked in a weird sort of way. It was sort of fitting for them. “Hide and seek in the forest could be fun.” He said, stepping out of the shadow’s behind her. “But not tonight” He quickly crossed to her, sweeping her up into his arms and kissing her long and deep. One hand coming to rest on the small of her back, the other cupping her cheek. He broke the kiss, resting his forehead against hers. “Grattis på födelsedagen Mitt hjärta.” He said softly.
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Anneli Oden
Slytherin
5th Year - Slytherin Captain - Chaser - Part-Veela
Posts: 296
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Post by Anneli Oden on Apr 26, 2023 22:41:52 GMT -8
A cool breeze picked up, the fringes of her dress swaying as she turned to his voice. A flood of warmth overcame her, yet shivers still sent down her spine. Loce had that effect on her. It was one that she could never become tired of. She gazed at him under the soft glow of the moonlight. His features were sharp, handome. A curious smile flashed over her pale face, "I have a feeling you would find me every time." Anneli said softly, her tone as warm as the Sun. He would find her every time, whether it be in hide and seek or life itself. All she wanted for her birthday was to be with him. Their conversations, laughter, and embrace were enough. Anything beyond that tonight would blow her away. He already had.
Anneli melted into his strong embrace as he crossed to wrap his arms around her. Her smaller frame was almost entirely picked up off the ground. Her heart raced, compelling her fingers to run through his hair. Anneli was in a different world within their kiss. It felt akin to flying on her broom over the ocean, yet still nowhere close. As they retracted, she smiled up at him. Her clear blue eyes pierced beautifully through the darkness that fell around them, "Diolch, fy nghariad," She said, kissing his neck lightly, "Jag vill spendera dem alla med dig." She looked into his eyes for a moment before retracting to look around...
"You know how to amaze me without trying, you know this right?" She winked at him playfully. Anneli took off her outer robes to reveal the traditional Swedish dress. Her hair shined like champagne down the front. She strode up to him, taking his hand, "All I want is you, Loce. For my birthday or any day. I know it sounds trite, my love, but it's true...my only question for you is..." She said, moving her gentle hands to the back of his neck, playing with the fringe of his hair, "How do you feel dating an older woman?" She winked, laughing softly. It was almost by a year but made no difference to her at all. Her eyes flickered to the blanket and gifts then back to his gaze. It all seemed extraordinary to her. This level of love and care was absolutely unfamiliar to her. Anneli wished she could better express that to him. He had opened a new world, one that she felt more natural in. More alive. More in love with.
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Post by Loce Vaisey on Apr 27, 2023 0:21:44 GMT -8
Loce winked at her as she turned to his voice. “No threat of cursing me this time?” He asked remember her wand pointed at him the first time they had ventured into the Forest together. He watched her as he crossed to her, her beauty was exquisite, delicate and yet immeasurably strong and guarded. Perfect in every way, like a rose. On the one hand you had the soft, delicate petals and on the other, the spiral of thorns, strong, sturdy and would stick anyone who got too close. “One never has to look to hard to find their heart.” He held her close, hesitantly retracting from their kiss, but not wanting to be too far away. “Det kommer du att göra, det lovar jag.” He said softly. The promise may be harder to keep, but he would do everything in his power to make sure they would be together, next year and every year after. He laughed lightly. “I am not sure it is without trying. But if making your birthday a special day qualifies as amazing you, then so be it.” He had done this to ensure she felt special, loved. It was her night, and he wanted her to enjoy it. He whistled softly as she took off her robe. Was she allowed to be even more beautiful? “You are stunning love. Why the traditional dress? Not that I mind, you do look absolutely amazing.” He questioned the dress choice, although he would always be delighted to have her by his side, no matter what she did or didn’t wear. He winked at her when she said that all she wanted was him. “Yr eiddoch wyf fi, yn awr ac am byth.” He eyed her curiously as she said she had a question for him, then laughed. “Jag är hellre gift med en. Men det går bra att dejta för tillfället.” He grinned and kissed her cheek. “Hungry, or would you like to open a present first?”[/font] He asked. The other gifts would have to wait. But, it was her call, the order in which they did the first. “Rwy'n dy garu di Anneli, â'm holl gallon.” He whispered to her.
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Anneli Oden
Slytherin
5th Year - Slytherin Captain - Chaser - Part-Veela
Posts: 296
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Post by Anneli Oden on Apr 27, 2023 22:37:24 GMT -8
“Don’t tempt me.” She said, winking at him and turning with her wand pointing suddenly at him. Anneli held it at his chest, letting it poke him gently. Her reflexes were swift from years of Chaser training and her uncle Ludvig’s trials. Her gaze fell on him, looking up to meet his eyes. Anneli smiled at him curiously. Loce was the only person she felt completely herself with. Sharp edges and all.
She retracted her wand back to her pocket. Her arms wrapped around his back like a swan meeting her partner once again. “I could feel you before you even appeared.” Anneli said softly, her honesty bare. It was like she knew the pulse of his heart before he approached. She wondered briefly if this was an unknown Veela side effect. Was she prone to simply feeling his presence without him entering into view?
Her eyes danced around his face. Loce was the most handsome person she had ever seen. All the angles of his face shaped perfectly at each of his features. She was lost in his knowing eyes for a moment. They still surprised her each time she gazed at them. Anneli wondered momentarily if this was what it was like to be cast under a spell.
You will. I promise. Anneli smiled up at him brilliantly. It was strange for her to open up to someone to the point of thinking of them years into her future. He was different. She wanted him there in her future.
“Thank you, fy nghariad,” She said softly, squeezing his hand, “The traditional dress is for my mother…It’s been six years now since I’ve been able to talk to her. I’ve carried on the tradition, representing her village.” She shrugged, smiling coyly up to him. Anneli knew he would need no further explanation. It was something she had carried with her since she could remember. Even if her father hadn’t been all too pleased with representing Sweden as much as her mother. “This was hers.” She said, running her hands down the front of the dress.
His wink left her breathless. Her heart was somewhere in her throat. Loce’s eyes seemed to tempt her no matter which way they turned. Anneli was fully his, now and forever. This much she knew. “Jag är din. Alltid.” She breathed, gazing into his eyes. Her hair swept around her face in the cool breeze. Her dress swayed under his grip.
“Marriage, huh?” She said playfully, her hands at his collar. “I would marry you tomorrow if I could, Loce Vaisey.” Anneli smirked, knowing all too well that she was already his entirely. It would take a great power to tear them apart. Her fingers melted down his chest until her hands found his.
She blushed as he mentioned the presents. This was unfamiliar territory. Anneli had received meaningless gifts from Fergus, but nothing that had ever required much thought. Mostly bought jewelry and the like. She had a feeling Loce wouldn’t shower her with such artificial love. He was real.
“Ti yw fy anrheg, Loce,” Anneli said earnestly, caressing his cheek, “But I suppose I’ll take a peek into one of those…” She said, eyeing the presents curiously. What did he have tucked up his sleeve?
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Post by Loce Vaisey on Apr 28, 2023 0:00:15 GMT -8
Loce smirked as she poked him with her wand, and playfully raised his hands in mock surrender. She was the one person he trusted with his whole being. He knew her completely. He could anticipate her reactions to most things, and knew, from how she responded to him that she could read him as if he were an open book. He supposed for her, her was and would always be. They completed each other. Two halves of the same heart. He smiled at her and nodded. “That is probably a good thing for me. Less chance you’ll hex me when I slip up behind you to give you a hug.” He said, honesty mixed with playfulness. He sometimes felt he could feel her presence before he saw or heard her. He just chalked it up to him being completely and totally in love with her. He nodded at her explanation of the traditional dress. Similar to his kilt, a tie to heritage and her true self. “It fits you perfectly.” He said, admiring her openly. She seemed even more beautiful now than she had been back in the dorms when he saw her last, or even a few minutes ago when she stepped into the clearing. Her heritage had something to do with that, he was sure. “Din mamma skulle vara så stolt över dig. På vad du har åstadkommit. På den kvinna du har blivit.” He said softy. He wished more than anything he could give her mother back to her. But that was unfortunately beyond his abilities and always would be. He leaned in kissing her softly as she said she would be his always. They were together now and always nothing would change that. Somehow, somewhere in the brief time they had been together, their hearts had become one. It was illogical and yet he knew it was true. Loce nodded. He had suggested marriage as a way to circumvent her father. But ever since then it had played on his mind. He knew there were so many reasons to slow down his thoughts, to temper them with the fact they were still kids. But the reality was, he wanted it more than he would admit. They belonged together and hang the threats that overshadowed them most days. His heart was hers, hers was his. There was nothing that would tear them apart. “Even though I’m so much younger than you? He asked playfully. There was almost a year between them. But what was a year when you had all eternity to spend together? He leaned in and whispered to her. “Anneli Viktoria Vaisey. Min kärlek, mitt hjärta, min fru. Snart, jag lovar....” He grinned as she opted for the present. He had hoped she would. He squeezed her hand and led her onto the blanket, bidding her to sit as he retrieved the first of the night’s surprises. He offered her the long, rectangular box, then settled down next to her to watch her open it. He glanced up at the sky and smiled, it was perfect, as was she. The box contained a rolled parchment that opened to reveal an official Ministry edited star chart. Loce caught Anneli’s gaze and glanced up, looking at the night sky above. Draco was prominent, if you knew where to look. He’d taken to looking at it every chance he got since he’d received the start chart and could find it without having to try anymore. He pointed towards her star, the brightest of the constellation. “Vi kommer alltid att vara tillsammans, och du kommer alltid att veta var du kan hitta mig. Även om vi måste vara åtskilda ett litet tag....”
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Anneli Oden
Slytherin
5th Year - Slytherin Captain - Chaser - Part-Veela
Posts: 296
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Post by Anneli Oden on May 1, 2023 23:11:24 GMT -8
She eyed him curiously as he placed his hands up in surrender. A position she would never want him in unless by the likes of her. They held sacred space together. Part of her heart, if not all, unknowingly connected to his heart upon their first meeting. Anneli still studied in the library alone, met with friends and trained on the pitch. Despite her maintained independence, her joy was never as heightened than in the midst of their togetherness. His very existence felt integral to hers.
“I think it might just save your life.” She winked at him playfully. Anneli would never play at his life of all things. Her smile held a sense of mischief and flirtation. It was natural for her, yes, but his smirk drew it further from her. Only for him. His eyes tempted hers deeper. The wand fell back in her pocket. No need for that here. The forest was calm around them. She had noted signs of Centaurs to the south of them as they walked through the trees, most likely hunting or patrolling. It should be no worry for some time.
The meadow was painted in a deep violet hue from a low hanging moon. A protective circle of tall trees surrounded them. Dew clung to their amber leaves. Her eyes found him and a flash of heat ran through her core, “Thank you, mitt allt.” Anneli nodded, peering down to her dress. The electric blue fabric almost glowed under the moonlight.
Her heart pounded as he spoke of her mother in Swedish. The tongue of her true homeland. Loce was the first person she had ever spoken to about her mother’s death. It was now six years since that fateful night. Her world had erupted into broken fragments of lost stories and love when she passed. Anneli was torn from her home country of Sweden and the safety of the world she had known. Her heart was determined to understand exactly what happened to her mother. Anneli nodded, smiling, “Kärleken är som vinden, du kan inte se den, men du kan känna den.” Her voice was delicate. “Something she used to say. I understand it much better now.” She laughed, gazing at him. He was her rock. She could only hope to be his. Anneli looked to the sky, hoping the subject might drop naturally.
“A year couldn’t stop me,” She laughed, leaning into him, “I'm actually not sure what could keep me from wanting to be your wife, Loce Vaisey.” Anneli smiled, thinking. There was nothing she had ever felt so naturally drawn to. Her body melted into his as he said her name Anneli Viktoria Vaisey. It was as if their union was already written into stone. She had never wanted to be married before he walked so effortlessly into her world. “Du är min man, min kärlek. Kanske inte på pappret, men i mitt hjärta.” She said steadily. The confidence in her voice was unwavering. Her gaze fell between his grey-blue eyes and knowing lips.
Anneli followed as he led her to the blanket. She settled in next to him, her stomach twisting in anticipation of the gift. A gesture she had not experienced frequently throughout her life. Anneli wasn’t sure how she might react as she opened the box and unrolled the piece of parchment...
Her heart exploded as she scanned the star chart. Breath caught in her throat. Behind her blue eyes were pools which threatened to pour into waterfalls. Her fingertips found their names, ‘Anneli’ and ‘Loce’, side by side on the constellation of Draco. A strange, unfamiliar lump of air pushed at her throat. Her body knew before her mind that she was falling deeper in love with Loce then. The forest had a mysterious way of pulling them closer together.
She looked from the chart to the sky with him. They gazed at the stars together, hand in hand. Anneli was speechless at his words. He knew how much their togetherness meant, just as she did. There was so much at stake, yet a simplicity in how they connected. Nothing could ever touch it.
Her hands found his face without thinking, pulling him in to kiss her passionately. Anneli’s arms wrapped at the back of his broad shoulders. The bare skin at her wrists warmed at the touch of the skin at his neck. Her lips followed the song of their kiss. The adrenaline that had coursed through her veins while casting the Imperius Curse faded in comparison to this moment entwined with him.
She retreated from him gently, her arms still around him, “I will look to it each night, fy nghalon.” It was a promise. Anneli looked up to Draco. "I suppose our love is now written in the stars? Though, perhaps it always was." She laughed, squeezing his hand softly. Her heart swelled, as if to tell her she was right. She glanced away quickly as a tear streamed down her porcelain cheek. Anneli retracted from him just to wipe it away. “I’m sorry,” She said softly, “It's just that…” Her voice drifted away, almost bashful in the moment of vulnerability. “I’m not sure how to receive your love at times. It is more pure than anything I have known.” Anneli admitted, reaching to push his hair aside. “I can only hope to take care of you, as you have I. This was more than anything I could have dreamed of...I love you, Loce.” It was more than anything she had confessed in her young life. Loce had revealed more within her than she could ever imagine in this moment.
ooc: This gift was particularly special to Anneli. Also, nice work on that star chart
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Post by Loce Vaisey on May 2, 2023 5:23:32 GMT -8
Loce winked at her, his hands dropping to her waist as she put her wand away. He pulled her closer, kissing her softly. “You are my life.” She had become essential to his existence, at least it seemed like it. She was his first thought when he work, his last thought before sleep, and filled his dreams. He wanted to be with her always. He would be with her always. It was just a little matter of getting past her father and Fergus’ family… No biggie… He smiled softly as she repeated one of her mother’s sayings. He knew she missed her mother. The only thing in this world he could not give her. Well beyond little moments like this. Although he wasn’t sure how she felt about sharing her, even with him. She was impossible to read where her mother was involved. But lingering on the subject would change the mood of the night. This was her Birthday, she should be happy, not dwelling on her mother’s loss. Her mother would be with her in her heart, that was where she needed her tonight. He winked at her. Age hadn’t mattered to him either. He knew anyone seeing them from the outside would think they were completely crazy for the little comments that passed between them, if they understood them. They’d known each other how long? And yet he felt like he’d known her all his life and beyond. He’d tried and failed to explain that to Sophie. He had kept the talk of the future from Sophie, but with Anneli…. They’d been together for such a short time, and yet he knew she would be his wife, someday. They had promised it. He just wished the reality of it was closer than it was. They were still far too young, and their situation would not allow for it, not legally anyway. And then there were comments like this… her assertion it was already a reality as far as she was concerned, that made his heart stop and beat anew. A slightly different, more vibrant rhythm. It was not a promise for the future, but something, like the deepness of their connection, that just was. Something that no one could take from them. “Fy ngwraig.” He echoed, nodding. He watched her silently as she took in the star chart. He didn’t need her to say anything to know how she felt, it was the same way he did. They belonged together. They would always be together, their hearts were one, their souls were one. Nothing would change that. And now, nothing could ever separate them. He melted into her kiss, wrapping his arms tight around her and pulling her gently into his lap. The need to be as close to her physically as he could. She retreated from the kiss, but he held her fast to him. He nodded at her question and her answer. It always had been, they had just needed to realize it. He wondered if she’d ever noticed him glancing up at the stars when they’d been out late together. Now he knew, side by side, or miles apart, they would be looking at the same thing. Their hearts hung in the sky, calling the other home. Loce gently turned her back to him as she wiped away the tear, leaning in to kiss the trail of the tear gently. He hadn’t meant to make her cry. Only to give her more of his heart, if that was even possible. Maybe show her more of his heart was more accurate. “I love you Anneli, with everything that I am. Receive it as it is meant, an expression of what we already know to be true between us.” he gently placed a hand on her heart. “Can’t you see you already do? You have brought me home, to you. Given me the boundlessness of your love. Shown me the other half of my heart and soul. Anneli Viktoria Vaisey. My wife, my love, my world.” He kissed her briefly, then rested his forehead against hers. She was all he would ever need. Nothing else mattered to him in this moment, and he doubted anything else ever would. This night was already perfect, and it had only just started.
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Anneli Oden
Slytherin
5th Year - Slytherin Captain - Chaser - Part-Veela
Posts: 296
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Post by Anneli Oden on May 4, 2023 21:50:09 GMT -8
The twinkle in her eye invited him in deeper. Her allure was remarkable among most, yet her true charm would only be seen by his eyes. Anneli knew this much was true. He knew her beyond her own blood. Loce looked at her like he could see beyond any mask she might attempt to fit into. Her years of isolation had left their mark as guarded thoughts and a steely disposition. However, Anneli was softened by him. There was space for that, at least here. She wondered briefly if he might be surprised by how she acted around her father. Although she could honestly wait for that day…
“Fy ngwr.” She reflected with a smile, moving to run her fingers through his hair. Her heart pulsed in waves of fluttering anticipation and pure comfort; a push and pull that only Loce could bring her. Anneli had been sure they had at least met before, but it wasn’t possible. Their connection was peculiar in many ways. They had been drawn to each other not even a month into term. She wondered then if their meeting in the Great Hall so early into the year had not been purely by coincidence.
Her body molded into his as they looked up at the stars together. Anneli fit into his lap with ease. His protective arms surrounded her. It was more than she could have imagined, but that was just his style.
She smiled as he kissed away the tear. It warmed her cheek. She knew Loce wasn’t openly sentimental, but with her, he seemed to make an exception. They both appeared more natural in private together. Anneli met Loce with flame, and he reciprocated. A song and dance that only they could truly hear or feel.
His words were etched into her memory as he spoke them. This night would never be forgotten. His loving arms around her, professing their intent to marry the other at just fifteen and sixteen. Their lives may have aged them, yet they were just kids on paper. Anneli knew this, but still thought their love defied any of those bounds.
“Ti yw'r cyfan a welaf.” She said softly, their foreheads touching in a quiet embrace. Anneli gazed deeply at him. She had never thought of another person this much. Loce worked in perfect cohesion with her. Their line of thought never seemed to stray too far from the others. And when it did, it made her think deeply. He helped her to become a better witch, a better person. Anneli was happy for the challenges that may come from that.
The branches rustled with dried leaves. An owl hooted rhythmically. They were both taken by their closeness. Perhaps too taken. Anneli broke from Loce as the unmistakable sound of hooves approached them. She stood suddenly with him, holding her wand to the black of the forest.
As they turned to look, they saw a herd of Centaurs emerging from the shadows. Anneli froze and then cast her wand downward. The Centaurs were known to be fierce protectors of the forest. Territorial. Anneli knew beyond that though. They were a proud species, and at times, unusually warm. She did not want to offend them with a wand pointed at their heads. Not yet, at least.
The Centaurs, five in total, approached with an intimidating presence. Their muscular bodies towered over them as they stopped before them. Anneli glanced at Loce for a second only. She knew that he would protect her if this situation turned sour, and she would him. Though she hoped it wouldn’t go there, even if it did make for an interesting birthday story…
The first Centaur, Medon, was a tall and imposing figure. He stepped forward with a stern look on his face. "What are you two doing here?" he demanded, his voice booming through the meadow. It was direct enough. Anneli furrowed her brow.
Hippolyta was a smaller and more agile creature. She circled around the students, eyeing them suspiciously. "They could be poachers," Hippolyta snorted, her nostrils flaring.
The third Centaur, Lycus, clearly the oldest of the group, spoke up in a wise and calming voice. "Perhaps they are just lost," He suggested, his kind eyes shining with understanding upon Anneli and Loce.
Antimachus was a hot-headed and impulsive creature. He stamped his hoof in frustration. "I say we teach them a lesson for trespassing..." he snarled. Anneli kept her grip on her wand. Antimachus circled around them, squaring up Loce and staring down Anneli with a menacing furrow.
The last Centaur to speak, Xena, looked at them in gentle judgment. She stepped forward from the herd, "Fear not, they are clearly students of the castle." Xena said, her voice soothing Anneli’s worry. "My name is Xena, though it’s a pleasure…you both should not be here.” She warned, looking around suspiciously, “There is a darkness here that has been told in the stars.” Xena looked up pridefully to the sky, “Things are not safe here for students anymore.” Her voice was solemn, “We have seen poachers and the like as close to the edge of the forest, close to the castle. I wouldn’t suspect either of you would like to meet one of them.” At Xena’s side was a large, fresh scar. She frowned, her eyes urging them to go.
Anneli nodded respectfully at Xena. Her heart still pounded with the unexpected visit, yet she was calm on the outside. She could not bring herself to release her wand though. Her mind swirled with Xena’s words. It wasn’t safe here anymore? Poachers? She thought of her father and frowned. If these centaurs knew where she came from, they might not be as friendly...
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Post by Loce Vaisey on May 5, 2023 0:43:43 GMT -8
Loce winked at her as she said she saw only him. He knew the depth of that statement. The unspoken promises it held. Their bodies were that of kids, their hearts and souls had lived so much longer. He had no idea how that was possible, but he knew it to be true. It was the only way to explain how close they were, the fact they seemed to fit perfectly from the start. It was the only way to accurately describe them. “Du är allt jag ser. Mitt hjärta slår bara för dig. Ingenting kommer någonsin att förändra det.” He was pulled from their embrace by the unmistakable sound of hooves approaching. Anneli was on her feet, wand drawn without a second thought, years of living with her father and uncle had honed her skills. He was nearly as quick. Even in the situation he made a mental note to work on his reflexes. Not that he minded her being quicker on the draw, just it made it harder for him to protect her. His wand was in his hand, pointed at the ground even as the Centaurs emerged from the shadows. His heart pounded in his chest. Instinctively he reached to pull Anneli closer, push her behind him, but his hand froze at his side. Her heritage was a better shield than he could be. Plus he did not want any sudden movements to insight the Centaurs to any action. He would have to be content with knowing she could protect herself as well as he could protect her, if not better. But he was ready to defend, to the death if needed. He listened as the first spoke, questioning their presence. He thought it had been pretty obvious what they were doing. However, he figured a smart-ass answer would not help the situation and bit back his retort. The second suggested they were poachers. He turned slowing with her, keeping her in front of him as she circled them. He had no intention of having any of them behind them unwatched. His wand was still concealed in his sleeve, but at his fingertips if needed. Luckily, most of the defensive spells he could do without the need for extensive wand movement. Loce wanted to laugh when the elder suggested they were lost. The setting should have dispelled that idea from anyone’s thoughts. But he held his tongue. They were talking to each other, debating their next move aloud. He was not going to interrupt their council unless they were directly addressed again by whichever of them turned out to be the leader. The fourth unnerved him, stamping and expressing a desire for violence. Loce again turned, keeping this one in his sights, deliberately meeting the Centaur’s hard stare as his posturing challenged him more directly than Anneli, as if he perceived him as the bigger threat. He was wrong on that account. Her ancestry gave her protection and skills beyond what Loce would ever be able to master. As he circled he heard a low growl. It sounded like it echoed in his mind, and hoped it was true as he caught sight of the glowing eyes in the forest shadows. His intense fear at the interruption, at being caught unaware, had summoned his shield. He was unaccustomed to seeing them or feeling them. Even though he now knew they were there. A large hell hound stepped slightly out of the shadows, and sat, on guard as if waiting for instructions. Loce willed it silently to lay down, hoping that when the Centaurs noticed him, his laying down would not be an immediate threat. He let out a sigh of relief, turning his attention fully back to the one that presented as the leader of the group. He listened as she spoke of darkness and poachers. He wondered if his shield manifested outside the castle walls when he was this disturbed inside its walls? He shifted, moving to stand directly next to Anneli. “We do not intend to stay too long. And if the poachers are on the edge of the forest, we are safe enough here for tonight, correct?” He asked, breaking the silence. He had no intention to run back to the castle in fear. Not of them or any unproven threats.
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Anneli Oden
Slytherin
5th Year - Slytherin Captain - Chaser - Part-Veela
Posts: 296
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Post by Anneli Oden on May 7, 2023 18:12:18 GMT -8
The forest was quiet besides the circling of hooves and her own steady, bated breath. Anneli did not break from Xena’s gaze even as Loce reached out to her. If anyone was the leader, it was Xena. They would follow her orders. She listened carefully to her warnings and bad omens about the forest. Anneli frowned. The forest was a second home to her. One that she did not want filled with the likes of her father either.
Just then another noise caught her attention. A growl. Anneli reacted, subtly shifting her wand toward the growl before thinking. Antimachus reared toward her, lifting up onto his hind legs. “A witch with a quick hand,” He growled at her, his eyes yellow as bile, “And I'm to believe she hasn't used it against a creature before?” Anneli furrowed her brow, daring to take a step forward. She remained in place, but didn’t let her wand slip back into her pocket this time. Antimachus stomped into the group. Dirt kicked up at the pair. The tall, muscular frame turned to Loce next, “Yes, it would be safe to stay,” He looked to the sky then back to him, “If you two are in alliance with the poachers, you should have no concern of their dangers...” His tone was gritty and fierce. “Xena, surely we can’t let them pass. We have seen what this kind has done, using their own kin as spies and patrolmen into our very own caves and dens. Hogwarts students or not, I do not hold their kind to any sort of integrity.” He spat on the ground in front of them. Anneli felt a tearing at her hands. She fumed under her guise of calmness. If the centaur stepped any closer to Loce, Anneli knew how she might be transformed.
Antimachus scanned his peers, “Should we forget Meloe so easily? Her memory is etched into this forest, I can still hear her cries.” He growled. “My beloved Meloe, taken by dark wizards who wish to spill blood for worldly profit.” The rest of the centaurs bowed their heads silently. The intimidating Medon looked most sorrowful then.
“Xena, my sister was lost to their hands.” Medon said, his voice the deepest of the group. “Antimachus is without a partner. Meloe was our most valuable asset, a seer of all hearts and minds, written into the very stars themselves…” He looked to the sky. Anneli frowned, almost feeling sad for the centaur. She peered up with him, only she looked to Draco for guidance at that moment. Loce by her side, in the stars and on the ground.
Hippolyta, a clearly younger creature, stood forward then. She was quick, agile on her hooves. “Antimachus is right, Xena,” She stammered, “Our convictions of kindness will be our demise…and in our very own forest.” Hippolyta bowed to Xena then made a symbol with her hands up to the sky respectfully. “We need to act with scrutiny. If permission is granted, we should take them for questioning in front of the counsel.” Her voice was low. Her dark eyes looked Loce and Anneli up and down. “If these two are tied to poaching families, perhaps we will get some of the information we need to stop further attacks on harmless beings. It could be the leverage we need for them to awake to see the damage they are causing to the spirits around them…” Her voice was drenched in ancient superstition, “Xena, please consider.” She said, looking sympathetically toward Antimachus and Medon, “For Meloe.”
Xena had noticed the hellhound. The others had been too busy squaring up the pair. She looked curiously down at Loce. Her connection with the forest was too great not to recognize the presence. “This one is protected.” She announced, nodding to Loce knowingly. “We will not be able to question him further, as for the girl...We will need to dig deeper. If not tonight, whenever she should reenter the forest.” Xena looked at her group. Her leadership had been questioned since Meloe was kidnapped from their den. She did not agree with their assessment, but couldn’t openly turn against them at this moment. Their grief was far too fresh. Xena looked over to Lycus, the eldest centaur. They shared a nod. A silent exchange.
Anneli sighed in relief as Xena promised to let Loce leave. The presence of his hellhounds had protected him. She glanced at Loce and nodded knowingly. Anneli put her wand away though her focus didn’t stray far from the grieving, angry centaurs.
“You can bring me before the counsel if you like.” She asserted, stepping forward. Her eyes were dark, focused. Anneli placed her hands at her sides. A heat burrowed into her palms. She would need to control the temptation to let go of her resolve to compromise. “Your interrogations will prove futile as I have no involvement in poaching. If you still feel the need to question me, I would need to be accompanied by Headmistress Gunvald.” Her voice was steady. Antimachus circled to stand in front of her. He placed his body between her and Xena, a mark of intimidation. “The only way I will come is by my own accord, unless taking a Hogwarts student hostage is your way of a protest. I would not want to be the reason to trigger a search through the forest with more wizards…”
Xena and Lycus nodded. Antimachus growled, moving to pick Anneli up by her arm. He turned to the group, a tight grip around her scarred arm. She did not gasp or make any sound. Anneli first found Loce’s gaze, “Dwi'n iawn. Dywedwch wrthyn nhw i sawdl.” She whispered hurriedly to him. Anneli looked toward the shadows.
“She speaks with cunning tongue, Xena,” Antimachus roared, looking resentfully at Anneli, “And revealed a quick hand. There is more to this girl, my hands can feel it as we stand here now. I knew it when I first saw her Sun soaked hair. The same color as the wizarding brutes who took our Meloe.” He tightened his grip around her arm. She felt her feet leave the ground for a moment. Anneli tightened her hands into fists. Her face looked contoured for a moment. She shook her head, attempting to find her control again. “If we let her leave tonight, our chance to bring Meloe justice could be lost back to the castle." He bellowed angrily. Antimachus turned to look at Loce, his eyes fuming with heat, “I do not sense the same for the boy. Leave.” Antimachus warned Loce, looking to the shadows, “Take your shield with you. There should be no need for it. No harm will come to the girl if her tongue is true.” Antimachus looked to Xena, a deep furrow growing in his worn forehead.
Medon stepped forward, raising his bow toward Anneli. “I take Antimachus' word as I have in battle. She comes with us, Xena.” He said darkly. Hippolyta moved to stand behind Medon, clearly taking a stand.
Xena and Lycus, the elders, stood in opposition. Xena frowned, looking at Anneli and Loce. “We do not wish to start a war tonight, young ones.” She said quietly, bowing her head at Medon. He lowered his bow slightly. Xena turned to Loce then, “What is your name?” She said quietly, more warm than the others, “My tribe will no longer take your young friend's word...If you have anything to attest to her not being involved in the trade, I would speak up now.” Xena knew she did not have much hold over her tribe. It worried her. Their hearts had been scorned by the hands of wizards.
Anneli's heart raced under the weight of Antimachus’ grip. Xena had not ordered him to stand down. She glanced at Loce, subtly shaking her head ‘no’. Anneli would not have him harmed in an act to protect her in this moment. They could get through this. After all, it was only a misunderstanding.
She knew better than to speak now. A majority of the group had turned on her. Anneli grimaced, her arm buckling under his large hand. She shook her head, thinking back to other times she had been restrained. Her mind raced. She looked at Loce steadily. Would they take him too? If his hellhounds acted, would the centaurs attack Loce? Anneli could feel a pulsing rise to her fingertips...
Just then, a fiery mass ignited violently from her hands. They were cast into the ground at Antimachus hooves, just barely missing him. The blaze roared, kicking dirt up into the air. The blast had been powerful. Much more powerful than her wand. She grunted, sweat starting to pour from her forehead. Something had changed. Anneli felt strong. At the sight, the centaurs took a step back.
Antimachus did not release her. “Veela as well?” He looked at her curiously. Anneli furrowed her brow. Antimachus did not wait for Xena’s orders then. He bound both of her hands behind her back aggressively. Her wrists swelled. “I will not have more centaur blood spilled in this forest. I suspect you are involved if not kin to the barbarians who kill and rampage our kind!” He spat at her. Anneli wanted to scream angrily at him. If only he could understand that she had been tortured by the same wizards he spoke of. They were fighting on the same side, though little could convince an enraged centaur.
“Antimachus!” Lycus stepped forward, attempting to grab Antimachus' arm back. “Bring peace to yourself. We must be as clever as the stars…” He urged him, his voice croaking like an old toad.
Antimachus looked at Lycus, shaking his head. He released the grip on her wrists, but only slightly. Anneli’s pale skin was marked with pink rings.
She wanted to transform right there. Anneli knew she could, if she willed herself to. It would only take a moment. She looked at Loce, for the first time, fear filled her eyes. Not in fear of the centaurs, but fear that his hellhounds might come from the shadows, or worse, that she might grow wings and a beak…
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Post by Loce Vaisey on May 7, 2023 21:11:48 GMT -8
Loce sighed and shook his head. “With all due respect, I brought her here to show her Draco, and the Orionid meteors which fill the sky tonight. That is why we are here, and why I wish to stay a bit longer. My interest is in the stars, not harming anyone or anything within the forest. If you wish, I can show you the map I brought to teach her how to find Draco.” He says, keeping his voice metered, and unagitated as he possibly could. Although inside he was fuming. If there had only been two, they would be frozen or worse by now. But they were outnumbered, even with her natural abilities. He would have protested the alliance with poachers, but he feared his mentioning them would make Antimachus question him harder. He listened as they talked about the one that was taken. That was not good. This would not be an easy misunderstanding to walk away from. When they mentioned she was a seer he thought of the prophecy and the issues that caused. Could it be connected to them? Hopefully Anneli didn’t make the connection. Loce saw the flicker of movement in the lead hellhound as Anneli was lifted from the ground. His hackles raised and his muscles tensed ready to spring forward. “Stay.” He said firmly, his gaze shifting to the shadows as the shadow of a dragon passes overhead. The hell hound whimpers but does as he is commanded. Loce shakes his head. “She is my wife, my partner. I will not leave her. And if you truly mean her no harm, then there is no reason myself or my shield should not go with you. And as a sign of good faith in what I say, I will give you my wand to keep for the duration.” He says, turning his attention to Xena. He held his wand out to her by the tips of two fingers. His wand was useless anyway, there were too many to fight without Anneli getting hurt. “My name is Loce Vaisey. As I said, she was here on my request. I asked her to come to the clearing, to show her Draco and the meteor shower. She has a love of stars, and I have been teaching her more about them. As far as being involved with the trade. You see my shield. If either of us were harming creatures within these forests or anywhere, do you think my shield would be loyal to me?” “Wait… Antimachus. You said you will not have any more centaur blood spilled. What if we make a deal? My hounds and my dragon will work with you to rid the forest of poachers, and you allow my wife and I the peace to use this spot to study the stars?” He asked, giving deference to the one seeming to be in charge. His shield was not needed in the castle, it could at least be set to monitor and guard the grounds as well. Poachers were as much a threat to him as the Centaurs, his shield should take action with the Centaurs. “I shall take it a step further. I will relinquish my shield to allow you also to question me, if it will ease your mind. I just ask a bit of gentleness towards my wife. We are human, or mostly human, we are much more fragile than you are.”
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Post by Professor Dragomir Ghica on May 7, 2023 21:41:57 GMT -8
Dragomir saw the flash of flame in the forest and Mr. Vaisey’s dragon circling overhead. He shook his head. He knew there was trouble. He grabbed tore a piece of parchment from the journal he’d been writing in, jotted a quick note to Isadora, and sent Mal to find her. He was out of his office as quick as he could, dodging around students without much care to their displacement or inconvenience. He was thankful for his increased speed and stealth as he made his way quickly and silently towards the clearing. He heard Mr. Vaisey speaking as he approached and stopped just outside the circle, hidden in the shadows. Acutely aware of the hell hounds nearby. His fist clenched at his sides as he watched the treatment of Ms. Oden. He smelled fear and anger oozing from the majority of the centaurs, as well as the couple. Mr. Vaisey was talking about relinquishing his shield and being questioned. He wished he had been here for the previous portion of the conversation. What were they doing out here in the forest to begin with? Something he would have to ask when he got them safely back to the school. Mr. Vaisey seemed to have at least got their attention long enough to talk. He stayed in the shadows, watching to see if he was needed before stepping in. Centaurs were a proud race he was not going to challenge them unless needed. There were only five, and with his speed and strength he had a good chance, if necessary.
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Post by Headmistress Isadora Gunvald on May 8, 2023 20:04:35 GMT -8
Isadora hurried out of her office in one swift motion. She left a circle of books strewn about. There was no time. She would take heed to any Professor's warning of danger, but coming from Drake was especially concerning. After their previous meeting, Isadora had a suspicion as to which students might be involved. Her heart drained into a pit. Had they been too late? Her mind raced with possible outcomes, most of which involved Ms. Oden's father, Halvar. Her pace quickened until she was off the ground. In a flash, Isadora flew as a magpie through the corridors and toward the forest.
She would need to be careful here. Isadora scanned the trees. Her mental map of the forest was clear, even in the darkness that now blanketed the grounds below. Professor Gunvald knew to look for the centaur colony clearing. Her wings flapped rapidly, yet made no sound. Her eyesight was more keen in this form. She dipped lower as she approached the clearing, scanning the situation from above. Isadora wanted to interfere then. Her heart raced in strides of protectiveness as she watched Mr. Vaisey talking with the lead Centaur. Ms. Oden was held by one of the larger Centaurs. Isadora was not familiar with this particular tribe. She would need to tread lightly.
Isadora swept through the trees surrounding them until she spotted a flash of pale skin. It was him. She flew to Drake’s side, transforming back into herself silently by his side. Her eyes kept focus on the scene unfolding in front of them. Isadora shook her head, a worried furrow curving into her forehead. Her role at Hogwarts would mean little to the Centaur tribe. Their communication had started to wear down two years ago when poachers began to move deeper into the forest…
Her heart sank thinking of Anneli and her family’s connection to the illegal bidding. Isadora examined each Centaur, her eyes focused on the Elder. She would need to wait to see if they should get involved. Her wand was in her hand, ready to use and aimed toward the scene.
“Drake,” She said, her voice barely a whisper, “Do you have any context?” Isadora didn’t drop her gaze from Loce, Anneli and the Centaurs. They were in danger, yes, but she wouldn’t reveal herself yet. It could endanger them more considering the obvious tensions in the clearing. She glanced at Drake, nodding to him. A silent gesture to let him know she would be ready to act, even if he was light years faster.
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