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Post by Professor Dragomir Ghica on May 8, 2023 20:57:46 GMT -8
Drake felt her before he saw her, a smile playing across his lips as she appeared beside him despite the situation. Drake shrugged. Talking was dangerous, as long as there was movement and chatter in the clearing, they should be fine with whispers, but if they stopped, the Centaurs would hear even their whispers at this distance. “Do you mind if I speak to your mind directly?” He asked in the same whispered tones. It would be helpful to have the connection established if things went south. In an effort to keep ahead of the situation, he filled her in as quickly and quietly as he could, at least with what I know. “Mr. Vaisey has given over his wand, I know not why. He is offering to lower his guards and submit to further inquisitions. He’s asking to be allowed to stay with Anneli. I assume with the presence of his hellhounds and dragon that the Centaurs do not want to start anything. That is a good thing. Him being unarmed… not necessarily. The one holding Anneli seems to be challenging the leader. I’m not sure what happened between them before, but they do not seem to trust Ms. Oden. Mr. Vaisey has the speaking, that is a good thing. As long as the threat is not immediate, I will not interfere, let them work it out. If anything happens however, the two of us a against only five centaurs, we should be okay.” He hated thinking that, but it was necessary.
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Post by Headmistress Isadora Gunvald on May 9, 2023 19:17:29 GMT -8
Isadora nodded silently, feeling his smile on her. Drake carried himself with ease. It comforted her to know the students were under his watch. Despite her magical skill, Drake's natural abilities would easily defend against the Centaurs. She quietly agreed to let him into her mind. It would not be the only time he would be in her thoughts...
She listened in silence, her eyes focused on her students. Mr. Vaisey had given his wand, perhaps in exchange for Ms. Oden's safety? Isadora was relieved by the presence of the hellhounds and dragon. They were protected, especially with Drake and herself keeping a steady watch. She watched curiously as the elder centaur questioned Anneli. Why might they not trust her? Has her father been in the forest recently? Her mind raced with questions. Her feet were planted into the ground, yet ready to spring forward.
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Post by Professor Dragomir Ghica on May 10, 2023 6:31:40 GMT -8
Drake reached out, gently taking her hand and squeezing it. More for mutual support than anything else, although physical contact helped aid the mind-speak connection, at least at first. Normally, this would not be the time or place he would attempt to teach anyone anything, but he needed her to know she would be able to speak to him as well, the connection went both ways. It wasn't magic perse it was more an innate ability that everyone had but was more pronounced in vampires, especially when intimately connected to someone. The mind-speak connection had its limitations, thankfully. He would not be able to read her mind, or her his, but the connection, if maintained, would allow them to be in contact whenever they wanted to, regardless of where they happened to be. However, it needed to be a conscious choice to use the link. The connection had to be deliberately accessed to be used. He would have to explain all this to her, he knew, but now was not the time. Tonight, their ability to communicate without being overheard could be important if the situation took a wrong turn. Regardless of which way the situation went, them being able to openly communicate without the Centaurs knowing what they were thinking gave them a distinct advantage.
“Isadora, try speaking back to me through the link. Feel where the link tugs at your mind, find the link. Then simply project what you want to say to that link instead of using your voice. It’s similar to forming the words with your mouth, but instead of vocalizing them through your vocal cords, you use the link. I’m keeping an eye on the situation, go ahead and try.” He knew it could take her a few tries to succeed, he knew others where it failed completely, but she was brilliant to begin with, accomplished in so much, this should be easy enough once she found the link. That was the hardest part, finding it and the first access. With practice it would become second nature, if she allowed the bond to stay.
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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 10, 2023 21:31:43 GMT -8
Xena folded her hands as Loce spoke. Her face softened as he spoke of Draco, her gaze shifting to the stars. “The dragon,” She breathed, almost as if she were paying respect to the sky itself. “Welcome, Loce Vaisey. Your attraction to the stars is a reflection of your soul. I can understand two students wandering into the forest for a better look at the sky themselves.” Xena said warmly, looking to Lycus in approval. Lycus smiled, bowing to them. His gray tuffs blew in the breeze. Medon stomped. Hippolyta snarled.
Anneli exhaled lightly under Antimachus’ grip. He tightened his hand around her arm. It was painful, yet Anneli refused to show it outwardly. She refused to. Her blue eyes glowed with an angry focus on his face.
Xena looked curiously at his wand as he extended it to her. “In all my years...a wizard handing over their wand is a first for me. A rare gesture, one that clearly originates from a powerful source of true love, or perhaps a soulmate.” She nodded, smiling at Anneli. “Release her,” Xena said suddenly, her voice becoming stern. She did not move to take Loce’s wand.
But Antimachus did not budge. “Xena!” He snapped, “This is not the same calm forest you have ruled over, the tides have changed. If you can not listen to our cries for justice, then listen to the stars…If we can not learn to protect our home with new measures..!” His voice was angry then. His brow furrowed violently.
Hippolyta stomped forward then. “You must listen to him! For Meloe!” She cried to the moon. Tension rose in the group. Anneli looked at Loce, mouthing the words, ‘I’m OK’ to him. Her heart raced, even if she knew she would be okay…
Medon folded his arms, shaking his head. “Xena, Lycus…” He sighed, “My sister is gone. You can not possibly think these juveniles are mated into marriage? This reeks of foul play. Just consider the leverage we might have with a poacher's child…as if they would spare us the same kindness of allowing her to live.” His voice was deep, intimidating. Anneli froze. She didn't like the sound of his voice. It shook her core. Her mind flickered to a tall man with blonde hair. Halvar.
Antimachus grew furious then. He thrashed Anneli once, causing her to fall toward him. She gasped, catching herself before his hooves landed under her hands. Antimachus looked down at her with glowing yellow eyes. She furrowed her brow, standing up. Her arm pulsed. Anneli knew then there was little time before Loce’s hellhounds or her fire would engulf them all. If one thing was certain, her silence was required here. She trusted Loce. Entirely.
“Enough.” Lycus said sternly, his hooves kicking at the dirt, “Antimachus, collect yourself. There is no evidence these are poacher’s children, and if we had, they are children.” He shot them a deep, wise look. “If we are to remember Meloe correctly, she was quite fond of Hogwarts students. She was a seer for us, yes, but for them as well...” Lycus hung his head, “We feel her loss, but these students are no poachers. We must let them pass, as Meloe would have wanted.”
Antimachus froze. He looked at Loce and then at Anneli, finally releasing her. Anneli’s arm felt numb. The ring of his hand left a red impression. She looked up to Antimachus, “Don’t ever touch me again.” Anneli asserted coolly. She meant it. It rose from the rage of her gut. Far too many people had hurt her. She wouldn’t allow it from some misguided Centaur. Medon looked curiously at Anneli. It was as if Medon had seen her before. She cast her eyes away.
She moved to Loce’s side, quickly taking one of his hands, “Fy nghariad.…” She said breathlessly, realizing the depth of his sacrifice for her. He had offered his wand. At his side, she could breathe again. His warm hand held hers in mutual protection. No witch, wizard, creature, nor being would be able to penetrate their connection. In life or death. Her dress flowed in the breeze, dirt now stained the front. It didn’t matter to her. All she could think about was Loce. He had protected her as his wife. Anneli couldn’t help but to smile up to him in pure admiration despite the threats still in front of them.
Xena sighed, moving forward with open arms, “I apologize, young ones. Our tribe has lost someone dear.” She said softly, “Loss can make even the most rational being lost amongst the stars themselves. I would like to make amends, if possible.” Xena was gracious, wise. Anneli thought about her mother for a moment. She understood the depth of that grief, even if her arm still stung from Antimachus' grip.
Antimachus scoffed and turned, “I will agree to my tribes amends in exchange for your follow through, Loce Vaisey..” He started, “I’ll take your deal. If you help to rid the forest of poachers, I will not look twice upon you or your 'wife’s' presence in the forest. As long as your hellhounds and dragons mind only to the poachers.” It was clear to Anneli that he was making this deal begrudgingly. It seemed that if he had it his way, Loce and Anneli would be interrogated before a Centaur counsel tonight…
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Post by Loce Vaisey on May 10, 2023 23:02:10 GMT -8
Loce relaxed a little as Xena’s features softened. It gave him a bit of hope that they may walk away more or less unharmed. “Thank you.” He turned and bowed to Lycus, showing him the deference a creature of his stature deserved. He ignored the outrage from the other two, he understood it. Loce meant none of them any harm and was just as outraged as they were that one of their herd was taken. That there were poachers in the forest. Unfortunately, from the descriptions his suspicions were raised as to who it was. And if it was him, and he was this close… they truly were in more danger in the forest than even the Centaurs knew. At least he was at any rate. He smiled as she interpreted his gesture as he had intended. His love for Anneli was more true than anything else about him. He would do anything for her, even lie down his own life. He exhaled glancing to Antimachus as he was ordered to release her. This would be a test in itself. Did Xena still hold control of the herd? He could feel the ambition in Antimachus, he would most likely have been sorted into Slytherin like they were. Why that entered his mind he didn’t know, other than he felt a kind of kinship to him. His anger would be just as boundless if anyone harmed Anneli. It tore at him a bit. On the one hand he was in fact hurting Anneli, although he wasn’t sure if it was intended or just a result of the difference in physiology. On the other… He was heartbroken. As the others voiced their opposition, Loce tucked his wand back into his sleeve, out of sight. He would not need it tonight, regardless of what happened next. He nodded quickly to Anneli as she mouthed to him that she was alright. He would take her word for it, for now. Not that there was much he could do if he didn’t believe her. At the point Meldon commented on the poacher not allowing her to live, Loce actually hoped the poacher was Halvar. Given the prophecy and the fact Meloe was a seer, it was highly possible she was alive and would be as long as she played the game they set before her. Centaurs were very intelligent, there was a chance they might be able to get her back alive, if not in the same condition she was when she was taken. This would be something to discuss with Anneli and possibly Drake and Professor Gunvald. Although how they would explain knowing about it without giving up the fact they had been in the forest was something he would have to puzzle out later. His hand twitched, wanting to summon his wand, wanting to do anything to come between Anneli and the Centaur as he manhandled her. It was taking all his strength to keep himself still and to mentally keep the pack at bay. As it is, the leader of the hellhounds crept forward, coming to rest again at Loce’s side, whining softly. It too was conflicted, ordered by one master to protect him and his, and ordered by him to stand down. Loce was thankful deference was given to him in this situation. He placed a hand on the hellhound’s head, scratching it behind the ears. That seemed to settle it some, which was good. As Lycus spoke of her being a seer for the school, his heart sank. If she was connected to the school, did Fergus know of her? And if Fergus knew of her, was he the reason Halvar would have come hunting, specifically for her, using poaching as a cover? He wouldn’t put it past Halvar or anyone in his position to see the fruits of the Forest as a potential source of goods. But unless there was something of great importance, he would not be dumb enough to start the trade while his daughter went to school here. “My love.” He echoed, deliberately using English for the benefit of the Centaurs, especially Antimachus who had seemed visibly shaken by her use of Welsh earlier. He hoped she would refrain from any Swedish at this point, not knowing if indeed it was her father, but he figured Halvar would have switched between the two languages fluidly. They did not need that to tie her to him. He squeezed her hand, then released it, slipping his arm around her waist to pull her closer to him. A protective gesture, even if it would do little to provide protection if the Centaurs changed their minds. “Just bruised? Nothing worse?” He wanted to make sure tending to her could wait. Despite the urge to check her out completely, he knew they still had business to attend to here. Loce nodded. “Your apology is enough. And perhaps your friendship? I cannot imagine the depth of my rage were someone to take Anneli from my side. It is only natural to fear and hate those who remind us of the ones responsible.” He wasn’t sure how much of what he said he actually believed, but they had little choice but to be grateful things were seeming to go their way. He listened as Antimachus spoke. Loce nodded. “Of course, it serves us both to rid the forest of poachers.” He released Anneli and took a slow step towards Antimachus extending his hand to shake on the deal. Having no idea if that was a custom understood or not, but it was his, and he would stand by it. He turned then to Xena. “My Grandfather, or his spirit, guides them while I am not physically present.” He said, and felt the presence of his grandfather behind him. “He will be at your beck and call should you have urgent need of my shield while they are on patrol in another area of the forest. Summon him, his name is Keir, and he will summon the hounds and dragon as needed.” He said, bowing to her. “That being said, should my life be in danger or should they perceive my life is in danger, they will flock to my side. They have no choice but to based on them being my shield.” He stepped back to Anneli, wrapping her tightly in his arms and resting his forehead against hers. He knew they were safe enough then. At least the Centaurs would not be interrogating them tonight, that was a benefit. And, they had permission from the Centaurs to use this spot. It was a win overall, even if Anneli got a little bruised.
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Post by Headmistress Isadora Gunvald on May 20, 2023 22:51:17 GMT -8
Isadora took solace in his hand. Her nerves sat on the edge of her fingertips, ready to act at the slightest malicious movement. She instinctively trusted the herd. In many ways, she understood them. Their grief rang out in their words. Her heart ached for them though it could not outweigh the raging protectiveness she had for Loce and Anneli. Isadora watched as the two stood in union with one another. Her mind fluctuated between thoughts of a past life with Rhys and her current life with Drake. They were different in most ways, though there was some overlap. She looked at Drake, the past swelling in her eyes. It would be difficult to reveal those truths. For now, she would guard them until the time was right.
She listened to him silently, taking in his words from the corridors of her mind. His voice brought her peace. Isadora nodded, attempting to find the link to speak back with him. After an initial failed attempt, she could feel herself link to him. Speaking to him was instinctual.
‘Drake?’ Her mind reeled to him, attempting to keep the link, ‘Our connection is strong. I hope we can maintain it through this ordeal – I don’t like the connotation of their words. Their grief outweighs rationale.’ Isadora shook her head furiously as Ms. Oden was almost thrashed to the ground. She watched as Lycus stepped forward just in time. ‘If they move to touch either of them again, I’m going to move into view.’ Isadora thought to him stubbornly. She hated the idea of waiting in the shadows, though she knew it was the smart thing to do.
She cast her gaze back to the scene, happy to hear Xena's words of compromise. Her eyes narrowed. She didn't like the idea of one of her students striking a deal with any inhabitant of the forest.
‘I’m impressed with Mr.Vaisey. His clever mind and care for Ms.Oden might have just saved her from further interrogations…though I’m not keen on the idea of this deal. His shield should remain his.’ Isadora worried about the implications this deal might bring. She understood the dangers surrounding them outside of the castle. They would need his shield full-time.
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Post by Professor Dragomir Ghica on May 20, 2023 23:37:00 GMT -8
Drake continued to watch the scene unfold as he waited on Isadora to find the connection. Loce was doing very well for a scared boy. He could feel the fear, and see it manifest in the intensity and number of his shield present. He could feel Isadora’s anxiety as well. She was extremely protective of her students, any of them, but given what these two particular students were facing, it heightened both of their protectiveness of the pair. He smiled and turned to wink at her as she spoke his name. “I am here. It is particularly strong, yes.[/font] The strength of the link tended to reflect the connection of the pair. It could be established with anyone if you tried hard enough, but they were harder to maintain when the connection between the individuals was that of acquaintances. “It will be accessible as long as we wish it to be. The link is not easily broken once established and if both parties desire it.” He nodded, she was thinking exactly what he had been. He understood their grief, and hoped for their sake, they kept to their word and left the pair alone. They had been through enough. “If we need to act, you come from this side, and I will circle the clearing and come out on the other side. I do not know how they will react to me. On one hand, I am a creature like they are, but on the other, I am sure I smell of wizards, and will be stepping up to defend a pair.”Drake shifted, letting go of her hand and slipping an arm around her. “Mr. Vaisey has handled the situation well from what I can see. His shield is his. The wards of the castle prevent them manifesting on the school grounds. There is not much physical they can do for him while he is inside those wards. He may direct the shield to help protect the forest, but if he is or they or he perceives there is danger to him, they will abandon the Centaurs without a second thought. And because of the bond, they will just manifest where he is. It takes merely a thought of his or theirs for them to appear somewhere on the scene. Do not worry for him on that account, the wards will not fail him, he is their first and truly only concern. I’m more concerned he offered to give up his wand. I will talk with him about that later.” He glanced at her, then back to the pair. “Let's just see how this continues. Then once the centaurs leave, we can collect the pair and escort them back to the castle. I also think we need to explore the whole ‘wife’ terminology…Was that their initiation or the Centaurs?” He said, eyeing Antimachus. He did not think husband and wife were titles used by Centaurs. He was glad Xena seemed to be accepting of their student status, as did Lycus. But the others remained unconvinced, although deferred to Xena.
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