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- The Forest Again
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Gryffindor: 170 |
Slytherin: 48 |
Ravenclaw: 880 |
Hufflepuff: 1022 |
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Date: January 16th, 2013
Today's Forecast: The air is reminiscent of spring. The snow, turning slowly into a fine carpet of slush, is slowly disappearing after a decidedly warm spell. |
HIRP: Reborn is located here. |
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It is now: Year 7 - Day 4 - Supper/Quidditch Practice
Happening now: Supper Azkaban Trip is now out of time. Feel free to continue all plots as planned. Feel free to finish all plots out of time. |
| Next: Day 5: Valentine's Day |
| Read Today's Daily Prophet: Knights of Walpurgis attack Hogwarts; Belleford steps down as Hogwarts closes until further notice |
| Welcome to Hogwarts Interactive Role Play, one of the net's best in Harry Potter and Hogwarts role plays. We hope you enjoy your visit. Here at Hogwarts our students are currently in their Seventh Year. Last year, the war against the Knights crescendoed into a direct attack against the school. Disappearances are still reported (or not) daily, and the Dark Lord and his Knights of Walpurgis have succeeded in spreading their message of "do as thou will" far and wide across the globe. Magical Law Enforcement, which is now the only authority in the wizarding world under Martial Law, has responded by tightening security, controlling the media, and strictly enforcing curfews and other laws. Their control is damaging to the people's freedom, and their hierarchy is a suspicious lot. It is clear that some members of the MLE like their new found power a bit too much, others see it necessary, but all are in serious danger of being consumed by it. But with the picture of just what Azariah Amaranth is after becoming ever clearer, and a third player in the form of a group called SAVIOR entering the scene, what will the MLE do next to ensure that they've got the situation under control? The Elementium, the Higher Plane that had once been hidden just beyond the veil in the Department of Mysteries, and the Deathly Hallows. The pieces of the puzzle have been identified, but what picture do they make? Today is Day 1 of Year Seven. Students have had time to recover from the Knight's attack, and are beginning to reluctantly return to the walls of Hogwarts. The safety of the school has been diminished, bringing up the question everyone must ask. Are you safe anywhere these days? It's up to each individual to decide their fate, where will you decide to go? You're currently viewing our forum as a guest. This means you are limited to certain areas of the board and there are some features you can't use. If you join our community, you'll be able to access member-only sections, and use many member-only features such as customizing your profile, sending personal messages, and voting in polls. Registration is simple, fast, and completely free. If you are interested in joining our forum as a role player, please take a look at the Joining HIRP Checklist (click me!) for an easy-to-follow guide on how to join! Click here to register! Await your email confirmation before you can post. If you're already a member please log in to your account to access all of our features: |
| The Forest Again; Year 5 - Day 2: Halloween - The Feast | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Jun 27 2009, 08:35:38 PM (1,162 Views) | |
| Tinsley Carmicheal | Jul 5 2009, 10:40:33 AM Post #41 |
It's cute that everyone thinks they can be a queen, but remember who came FIRST.
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The mention of Azariah's name no longer sent a chill down Tinsley's spine. She had become immune to it, much like one would become immune to something that had grown on them with time. Even now, Tinsley licked her lips as her eyes darted around the dark, dank forest. Her mind processed what Bannishtar said, and as usual she was lost, her concentration wavering as other things caught her attention: first and foremost, the way she was feeling. The entire school year, so it seemed, Tinsley had been walking around with a target painted on her chest, and she could certainly feel the weight there. She had been plagued by curious dreams, with even more curious senses of deja vu that haunted her even when she could not place why she felt so strongly about something. Tinsley felt almost as though there were two people dwelling inside of her one body, though she knew that was silly: there was her, of course, but there was something else there, hidden beneath the surface of her conscience. Tinsley had always assumed it was Azariah, but with Azariah no longer strong, behind bars, fallen from grace, powerless .. what could it have been? Tinsley's eyes were ripped from the leaf, fluttering in the breeze, that she had been resolutely staring at. Her ears twitched at the sound of a voice, vaguely familiar, but foggy, as though she maybe thought she had heard it somewhere in her past but wasn't quite sure. All centaurs to her were the same: frightening to say the least, intimidating beyond words, yet graceful in a way Tinsley never imagined them to be. Sure, they were filthy half breeds. Tinsley had been conditioned to say that. But deep, in her core, she knew them to be something much greater than that. The palomino was stunning, in such a way that Tinsley genuinely couldn't stop staring even if she knew it to be rude. His features were something that Tinsley would have admired in someone human, yet with a horse body it became even more intriguing. She sighed breathlessly, for soon enough the group wasn't alone. Centaurs. Centuars everywhere. Tinsley's heart was beating quicker just thinking about it. Stepping back slightly, Tinsley positioned herself quietly behind Fera. If the centuars turned they'd attack her first, and Tinsley would be able to get away. Fool proof plan! |
I'm the BO$$. Love Tins? Also see; Baby & Emma. | |
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| Deleted User | Jul 5 2009, 09:13:05 PM Post #42 |
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"Well, fill the skins," said Bane, "more mead is always welcome. Though I doubt mead made by human hands can compare..." Banni had already filled a wineskin with mead and handed it to Bane, who took a great, long drought. Instantly, his dark eyes seemed to light up. "Hm," is all the bearded centaur said, however, and passed it on to Firenze, who drank. "Bannishtar, this is wonderful," said Firenze. "The humans make a fine mead," admitted Bane. "They have mastered the fermentation of alcohol in many ways," said Bannishtar, "but I prefer Madam Rosmerta's mead. Yes, Orrius?" A young centaur of red hair and red body stood beside Banni, waiting his turn to speak. "I was sent to inform you, Bane, Firenze, and your human friends that it is time to start the feast," said Orrius. "Thank you, Orrius," said Bannishtar, smiling, "I trust your mother is well?" "Yes, sir," said the foal, "She said she wanted to meet with you later." "Oh, well, I see," said Bannishtar, seeming strangely abashed by this news, "Very well then. How about you go and meet the humans? They are children like yourself, after all, regardless of how many legs they have." Orrius cracked a smile, but Bane grunted in annoyance. Firenze did not seem to react outwardly at all. "Yes sir," said Orrius. "Show them hospitality. Mind your manners," said Bannishtar, sounding much like the father-figure he'd become since the death of the foal's father last year. He had been slain by Miss Lupei, transformed into a werewolf by the light of the full moon. She was not to be held responsible, of course. Orrius made his way towards Fera first, seeming to find her less of an enigma than the other humans. It was as though there was something in the maimed girl that the foal saw which caused her to seem less intimidating than the haughty Slytherins. "H-h-hello," said Orrius to Fera, "M-my name is Or--...Orrius. Did you...did you suffer those wounds in battle?" "Orrius!" said Bannishtar. Bannishtar knew where the foal was coming from. Those wounded in battle are revered as heroes in centaur culture. Still, such a question would be considered rude or inconsiderate to humans. Banni could criticize how thin-skinned most humans can be, but Fera had been through more hardships than any human Banni had ever known. It had only occurred a moment after he'd spoken that Fera might not appreciate such pity. Not at all. |
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| Fera Collis | Jul 6 2009, 07:23:49 AM Post #43 |
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Fifth Year
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"Carmicheal," Fera looked back, resting her hand on her neck, "there is no need to hide behind me, no one is going to harm you," She smirked at the slytherin, before once more turning forward, now watching as a foal approached. Trying to seem taller than she was, Fera pinched together her lips to avoid commenting on the foal. It wasn't its fault that he was annoying Fera just since he was taller than her. When he approached her, she greeted him with a nod, "M-my name is Or--...Orrius. Did you...did you suffer those wounds in battle?" Her nervousness made her feel big, more important. She smirked, about to tell the story, "Orrius!" Fera turned towards Banni, who'd just ruined her good mood, "I'm fine," she snapped, staring at him. She didn't need his pity, or anyones. Relax, "I'd ask the same question myself," "Yes, in a way," Fera wondered if she should lie a little to make it more interesting, but decided not to, "I was petrified and Redcaps took a bite," Edited by Fera Collis, Jul 6 2009, 07:24:18 AM.
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| Deleted User | Jul 7 2009, 08:29:24 PM Post #44 |
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Banni frowned, but decided that if Fera wasn't offended, then there wasn't an issue here. He turned back to Bane and Firenze. "Hey," said Orrius, "do the three of you want to play?" "What are talking about, Orrius," said another foal (one amongst a number of young centaurs that were now approaching Orrius and the human children), "They're too small and don't have enough legs." "Yeah, they can't compete with us in our games!" exclaimed another. "Maybe they've got some games of their own we can play?" "Well," said Orrius to the three kids, "Do you?" "So, what is it you really came her for?" asked Bane. "Was that obvious?" answered Bannishtar. "Of course it was," growled Bane, "And I'm almost certain I know what you're going to ask, too." "Do tell," said Bannishtar. "You want us to join the humans in your fight," he said, as if he counted Bannishtar amongst the humans. This was fine with Banni, except for the condescending tone Bane had said it in. Banni counted himself among humans like Bidelia Belleford and Nate Aphelion, who stood against the evils of the Azariah Amaranths and Alphonse de Ponte du Lacs of the world. "Our fight?" said Banni with a tinge of anger, "You live in this world as well, Bane." ((OOC: Any of you can godmode Orrius and any centaur NPCs aside from Bane and Firenze)) |
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| Diva Sanguini | Jul 7 2009, 10:40:58 PM Post #45 |
Fifth Year
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Diva trudged into the Forbidden Forest, dimly aware of the scuttling of small creatures away from her. One of them was dead, patches of fur sticking out through her vice-like grip. Any drops of blood, though she couldn't have missed any, would ave been absorbed by her also-charmed dress as she avoided tears of any kind. She didn't dare go in deep into the forest, but was far enough to be concealed from the view of the castle. She sniffed, looking at the mangled, red thing of her wand arm. Pristine flesh was covering the old as it shrivelled and fell off. Unlady like. Disgusting. Foul. Not by her hands. It didn't hurt much now, just a dull throbbing that wrapped around her spine and up the the nape of her neck. She was weak to pain, physical pain, though she had much experience with mental anguish. She grew up with it. They were sisters. Her insides flinched as the last bit of burnt skin melted away. The dull throbbing was replaced with subtle energy and warmth, and the noises of the forest much louder. She wasn't much interested in finding the detention kids now as she was earlier that day. She didn't want to ruin the feeling of contention. Renewed and with slight color, Diva walked back up to the Hogwarts Castle. |
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| Tinsley Carmicheal | Jul 8 2009, 07:35:45 AM Post #46 |
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It's cute that everyone thinks they can be a queen, but remember who came FIRST.
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Tinsley stepped from behind Fera. This red centaur .. seemed different. Less intimidating, if anything, and Tinsley caught up on that quickly. "Play with you?" Tinsley glanced at Fera. How was Fera supposed to play? Trying her very hardest not to snicker and remain respectful even if everything she had been conditioned to think was against the situation, Tinsley managed a wavering smile towards Orrius. "What do you do for fun around here?" "W-Well," said Orrius, apparently brimming with excitement at a prospective acceptance at his offer, "What do you do?" A sly smile, despite her best self-restraint, appeared on Tinsley's pale face. "Oh, you know. The occasional Quidditch match, the occasional party in the common room .. Depends on the day, really. Sometimes the day is slow, and we just blow up a corridor, but if we're lucky, we'll sneak into the forest -" Orrius blinked curiously. "That's fairly dangerous.. for you, isn't it?" "We tend to like our share of adventure," said Tinsley quietly, frowning. She added brightly, "But! Maybe you could show us something else to do? Something...safe!" Edited by Tinsley Carmicheal, Jul 8 2009, 07:36:09 AM.
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I'm the BO$$. Love Tins? Also see; Baby & Emma. | |
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| Deleted User | Jul 8 2009, 08:40:41 PM Post #47 |
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"As we all do," said Bane, irritably, "as we centaurs have for centuries, never meddling in the affairs of men. We are watchers. We have seen the folly of other races. It is the role of the other races to wander through their world, blind to the truth, always rushing headlong into the fires of destruction in the pursuit of what they believe to be happiness. Revolution after revolution, does the world truly change? And yet, without the sight and without the wisdom to watch and learn, they repeat their mistakes endlessly, and will do so until the end of time. Even when they are granted the gift of foresight, they squander it on their own ideals and interpretations. They do not see the futility of their struggles--an endless, bloody cycle of which we want no part." "And you think you are safe?" said Bannishtar, "When Azariah and his Knights come for you, will they understand the futility of their actions? Will the understand that you chose not to be involved and simply leave you to your forest as they spread spill blood and spread their anarchistic dogma across the land? Do you think that chaos will not reach you? Would you hold so desperately to your own ideals that you cannot see the truth of it? Azariah will not stop until he has destroyed everything we hold dear. He will not simply leave the centaurs be just because they have chosen not to be involved." "Those ideals are the wisdom of our people," snarled Bane. The black centaur stepped towards Banni threateningly.How dare he speak ill of their ways. He has adopted the petty and futile ways of the humans. "Standing and waiting for your own destruction?" yelled Bane, stepping forward as well. It was a challenge, "There is no god damn wisdom in that!" Bane's face contorted in rage. He looked as though ready to charge his cousin, but Firenze interceded. "Stop this, the both of you!" commanded Firenze, "Look, Bannishtar, even if we had an inclination to go to war, we would never be able to rally the rest of us. Most are too deep set in their ways." "Ways that have served us perfectly well to this day," growled Bane as he stepped away from Bannishtar. "Most undoubtedly," said Firenze, "but Bannishtar may indeed have a point." "What do yo mean?" asked Bane. "Well," said Firenze, "We are often taught that the cycle of tyranny and revolution is one that is never broken. War is both ubiquitous and ultimately useless. A cycle, even a terrible and destructive one such as this, however, implies order--that it is part of the nature of the world itself. But this seems different. Destruction and anarchy for the sake of it...a cycle can only be broken through total annihilation. Whatever this Azariah is, he does not seem to be human or of any other ilk that I know of." "He does not act or think like any human or centaur or anything else I've ever heard of," said Banni, "What's more the consequences of his actions never seem to reach him. Unlike his pawns, of whom many have suffered already suffered greatly for their deeds, Azariah seems to remain unharmed and unchanged. He is currently within in Ministry custody, yet I hear that he remains stoic despite the methods used to keep him captive. They cause him physical pain, yes, but his mind remains unaffected by the constant torture of the positive forces which seem to cause him pain. No man or creature I know of can withstand such abuse unscathed." "Exactly," said Firenze, "that confirms it, at least in my eyes. Azariah is not part of the usual chain, but outside of it, and so unfazed by the destruction and strife he causes within it. I believe you are wrong, in this case, Bane." "And as the order of the Titan over his subjects comes to chaos in Heaven, so shall two Titans clash on Earth..." began Bannishtar. "And those that are bitter will cast off the yoke of their oppressors, and in doing so will they put in motion events far greater than themselves. " finished Firenze. "Chaos born of order...Saturn's servants, Titans both, clash in the heavens," said Banni, "and titans of the earth as well. Could the 'Titans in the heavens' mean something more than planetary bodies? Could there be greater forces at work, manipulating the great powers of the earth?" "And Azariah is one of those greater forces?" said Bane, "'Chaos born of order'? How can this be?" "I do not know," said Banni, "but the prophecy implies a destruction of order born of order...or perhaps the abuse of it..." "The part about 'casting off the yoke of their opressors'?" asked Firenze. "Perhaps," said Banni, "It was Ronin who had acted on this prophecy. He had thought it referred the centaurs' revolt." "Exactly," said Bane, "he acted on a prophecy and was the cause of all our woes! Reason enough not to act on it now, even in an act of prevention. All of this is speculation. We cannot pretend that we know what these prophecies truly mean." Banni sighed. "You will not see reason..." it was a statement, not a question, "then it is not the two of you whom I must convince. We shall see what the herd thinks of this." ((OOC: If any of you wish, you may have the feast started in your post. Otherwise I'll do it in my next one.)) |
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| Tinsley Carmicheal | Jul 9 2009, 11:00:44 AM Post #48 |
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It's cute that everyone thinks they can be a queen, but remember who came FIRST.
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ooc | CENTAUR TAG?!! It's my dream come true. Noticing Orrius' silence for just a split moment, Tinsley excited sprung an idea on him brightly--completely out of character for her. "Well!" she exclaimed, stepping forward to gently poke Orrius in the chest. Orrius began to look slightly affronted at being poked without invitation or explanation, and Tinsley's eyes widened. Quickly, she told him, "Oh! I didn't any mean any harm, no. I'd never dare!" With a glance in Bane and Banni's direction as they bickered, Tinsley swiftly added, "Really never dare." "It's a game," explained Tinsley. "If I touch you, you're it. You have to chase me and touch me, and then I'm it. Just ask Fera over here! It's loads of fun." "S-So I'm it?" asked Orrius, his eyes sparkling with the idea of having fun. "Yes. Catch me if you can!" squealed Tinsley, darting behind a tree with Orrius quickly on her heels. The two, laughing merrily, exchanged gentle taps--Tinsley with her hand, Orrius raising his long, lean legs to stomp on Tinsley's feet. "Someone doesn't know their own strength," said Tinsley after a few minutes of mindless fun, rubbing her foot. Honestly, Tinsley couldn't recall the last time she felt so airy and...well, willing to be civil. ooc | Her locket is missing .. hmm. "Unlike his pawns, of whom many have suffered already suffered greatly for their deeds, Azariah seems to remain unharmed and unchanged. He is currently within in Ministry custody, yet I hear that he remains stoic despite the methods used to keep him captive..." Tinsley's ears perked up curiously. "Must we keep talking about it?" she whispered to Orrius. Uncharacteristically friendly, Tinsley had to think back to why she was...feeling so. If Julian caught her playing simple childhood games with half breeds he'd rip out his eyes. And possibly make Tinsley eat them. Possibly. But still, something about the forest, the prospect of a sober Halloween for once, with a free, gentle and calm spirit such as Orrius, and someone as logical as Fera--for once, something made sense to her, and not in her typical, Slytherin way. Because, really, she wasn't just a Slytherin. She was a girl. She was a person. "And as the order of the Titan over his subjects comes to chaos in Heaven, so shall two Titans clash on Earth..." began Bannishtar. "What's he going on about?" questioned Tinsley, her hands on her hips as she tried to catch her breath. "Is that a prophecy that Banni's talking about?...Divination is my best subject," added Tinsley with a proud, smug smile returning to her. Orrius didn't answer Tinsley right away, but listened intently. And Tinsley stood by his side, just as curious, frowning slightly. "We cannot pretend that we know what these prophecies truly mean." But what did they mean? Edited by Tinsley Carmicheal, Jul 9 2009, 11:02:33 AM.
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I'm the BO$$. Love Tins? Also see; Baby & Emma. | |
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| Mitchell Kalvor | Jul 10 2009, 12:06:21 PM Post #49 |
Sixth Year
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As a centaur, whom Mitchell noted as Orrius, approached the three Hogwarts students, he took a step back, not particularly willing to speak to the foal. But when it asked them if they wanted to play with him, Mitchell raised his eyebrows in shock. "Play?!" he said, clearly unsure if the centaur was serious. Mitchell soon found out when Tinsley started running around with Orrius, playing "tag" he sighed a loud sigh, and sat down on a tree stump, he for one, wasn't about to make a fool of himself running around and playing childlike games. Not yet, at least. When the two stopped darting around madly, and stood side-by-side, Mitchell climbed up and walked over to them, in time to hear Tinsley say she was best at divination. "Tinsley, divination. Well who'd have known." a smug smile formed on his lips as he stood on the other side of the centaur, who in turn gave him a strange, questioning look. In reply, Mitchell shook his head and shrugged quickly. Orrius frowned, and turned his head away from Mitchell. "So even the centaurs do not know what they mean..." a frown formed on his face, to him that didn't really make sense. So many of the centaurs, from his knowledge at least, acted like they knew everything, well that was the impression he was getting here too. Being surrounded by the creatures, and from the little snippets he had caught from the two Bannishtar was talking with. "Well, why don't we forget about it..." For now. "And start the feast." his eyes fell on the large boar roasting, it did look quite nice, to say the least. With that, Mitchell moved away from Tinsley and Orrius, and to where several centaurs were gathering, clearly eager to start the feast. |
 Thank you, Margo!<3 | |
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| Deleted User | Jul 12 2009, 08:33:31 PM Post #50 |
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Bannishtar grabbed three wooden slates that were used as dishes and filled them up with slices of the succulent roast boar. Along with that, the centaurs had prepared a feast of greens, leeks, tubers, edible mushrooms, nuts, and berries that had been gathered. He gave a slate to each of his students. "If you three want anything else," he said, "don't hesitate to grab it from the piles of food over there. We've got plenty I'm sure." Banni smiled at how well his human charges and the young centaurs were getting on. By the snippets of conversation he'd been hearing, the other centaurs had noticed as well. It wasn't long before the wineskin began being passed. The centaur was sure Tinsley and Mitchell would absolutely abhor the thought of drinking after someone else, and in any case, he didn't want them drinking alcohol. "None for my students, thank you," said Banni as one of the centaurs tried to pass the wineskin to Tinsley, "do you have any water?" The other centaur laughed. "Water? Sure, they can go stick their heads in the pond and have all the water they like. But here we drink mead, Bannishtar. Our children drink it on special occasions, so what makes yours so different, nag?" Bannishtar sighed and rolled his eyes. "You three may partake in the mead," he said, exasperatingly, "but please do so sparingly, and not a word to anyone back at the castle." It was, perhaps, necessary to help the other centaurs accept their first friendly human visitors in decades. Somehow, though, he knew a can of worms had just been opened up. |
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| Tinsley Carmicheal | Jul 14 2009, 01:44:58 PM Post #51 |
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It's cute that everyone thinks they can be a queen, but remember who came FIRST.
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Tinsley stared uncomfortably at the wooden slate before her and poked a mushroom with her finger. "Thanks, Ba - I mean, Professor." Tinsley corrected herself, and she was not exactly sure why there was a change in Tinsley's view of centaurs in general. Centaurs, and everything else for that matter. Why was she, quite suddenly, so optimistic? Pushing it into the back of her mind and deciding to focus on enjoying herself, Tinsley picked up a berry and smiled pleasantly. "None for my students, thank you...do you have any water?" "Awww, but Professor, it's Halloween!" chirped Tinsley, beaming. Tinsley giggled and covered her mouth with her hands. She didn't want to be disrespectful, but Tinsley couldn't help herself. Light-headed and ridiculously filled with an unwonted happiness, Tinsley held her breath. "...but please do so sparingly, and not a word to anyone back at the castle." "Your secret is safe with me, sir!" snorted Tinsley. She elbowed Mitchell, her eyes bright. "You hear that, Kalvor? Try not to drown your sorrows just yet." Tinsley burst into laughter, and a hesitant Orrius who didn't quite understand her joke had no choice but to join in, until the two of them were cackling without any idea as to why. Not shortly after, Orrius took a sip from the wineskin being passed. Smacking his lips, he handed it to Tinsley. Tinsley turned her head just slightly in Mitchell's direction, her stomach filling with anxious butterflies determined to fill her with unrest. "Not a mention of this to Julian," she said sternly. "He doesn't need to know what went on today." Though..., thought Tinsley, I should be perfectly entitled to live my life as I want it to, regardless.. I must be losing my spunk. "Bottoms up!" Tinsley knocked back a bit of wine, taking a rather modest sip for her track record and then wiped her lips on the back of her sleeve. Maybe that's a good thing? Edited by Tinsley Carmicheal, Jul 14 2009, 01:48:37 PM.
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I'm the BO$$. Love Tins? Also see; Baby & Emma. | |
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| Deleted User | Jul 14 2009, 03:25:20 PM Post #52 |
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It seemed as though Tinsley was warming up to the centaurs, and the centaurs to her, in a way that Banni had not expected. Fera got along fine with them, Banni had counted on, but it was strangely rewarding to see Ms. Carmichael drop her usual attitude and remain humble enough to converse and even play with a child of another race. "And I suppose," growled Bane who rested beside Banni, eating his fill of meat and drinking more than his fill of mead, "that this is supposed to make us realize that there is hope for this new generation, huh? That we can live in peace and harmony, huh? Hmph." There was sarcasm in the bearded centaur's voice. He'd been watching the centaur foals play with the human teenagers all night, looking more confused than anything. "Well..." said Banni, "Yes...in a sense. I just..." "We're perfectly aware that there are those willing to work and live in harmony with us, Bannishtar," growled Bane, "but did you ever stop to think maybe we don't want to live in harmony with them? That maybe we just want to be left alone? You've spent too much time with them, Bannishtar. You've forgotten our ways. We don't mean the humans any harm so long as they leave us be." "I've already told you," Banni said, calmly but with a trace of iciness, "it it is not you whom I have come to convince." With that, Banni rose to his full height and walked to the center of the clearing. He was surrounded on all sides by centaurs enjoying their evening. It was certainly a side to them that few humans had seen. It was a side to his people that Banni had not seen in many years. "May I have your attention please, everyone?" Banni shouted. It had little effect at first. Only a few that were close to where Banni stood looked up, however, they got those beside them to look up, and soon the whole congregation was looking at him. It was now quiet enough that Banni could speak only a little louder than normal and still be heard by all. "I do hope everyone here is enjoying their evening," said Banni, the epitome of confidence in that moment. If there was one thing Bannishtar did with absolute confidence, it was speaking, "I would like to thank you all for allowing me and my three students to attend your festivities. We've all had a wondrous time. I must also thank you all in advance for your cooperation over the next lunar cycle. Professor Belleford sends you her thanks as well." "Get to the point!" yelled Bane. Some of the centaurs laughed, others remained in stony silence--a testament to the fact that they did not approve of what Bane had said, but would not go so far as to reprimand a leader of the heard. "Very well," said Banni, quickly regaining composure after giving Bane an irritated glare, "All Hallows Eve is a time when we remember the dead. And so I'd like to remember two great individuals whom have left us before their time: Magorian, who was a everything we wanted in a leader. He was strong, compassionate, open to the thoughts and opinions of his people, and most of all a fierce and loyal friend to everyone. Under his guidance we doubled our numbers, and we had forged a civil, if not friendly, relationship with the humans at the castle. The lengths of his bravery and compassion were shown that night when he was cut down by the machinations of certain men. He died in the defense of his people, bravely and without hesitation. To Magorian." "To Magorian," was the the reverent response from the congregation. Many drank to his name as well. "And to Ronin," said Banni. This did not elicit many reverent responses. Ronin was not loved much by the centaurs after his death. He was now seen as a troublemaker and a war monger. Some even spat at the mention of his name. Most of them were spitting hypocrites. Bannishtar wondered how many of them had been on board with Ronin's ideas when he had been in power. In any case, his memory was not honored the way Magorian's was, or the way most fallen leaders have been honored. Bannishtar raised his hands to quiet the protests that were being called out from the congregation. "Listen," Banni said sternly, "Regardless of what Ronin has done, regardless, even, if he were even in complete control of himself when he committed those crimes against our herd and our way of life, it is fact that he was manipulated by outsiders. Men with the desire to cause as much division and unrest within their world as possible. And those men succeeded. "My fellows, Ronin was not, by any means, innocent. But he was used against us, and against himself all the same. He has already paid the price for his narrow-mindedness and for his war mongering. He was slain by another puppet of The Dark Lord's twisted schemes. "Whether it has serves us well or ill, it has always been an established practice to take an eye for an eye. We had thought we had repaid our enemy in blood, that night last year. But not only did he somehow survive our arrows that sung in the dead of night of anger and loss, but in the end he is just another pawn. I say this not to start a war, my friends, but because war is coming for us whether we will it or not. Even if Azariah remains in the wizards' custody, the events that he has set in motion will continue. The enemy has already made its first move, and there have been casualties on all sides of this. There are those who would join him, choosing to make war on the rest of the world for their own interests, though their anger at the rest of the world be justified, as it is in the case of the giants whom we know have joined with the Knights of Walpurgis." Though there was much murmuring at Bannishtar's words throughout his speech, none more so than the news that the giants had once again chosen to join the Dark side. It meant the rest of the world was taking sides in this. It meant that perhaps that in this conflict there would be no neutrality. Banni took this as a sign that he was getting through to them. "The act of making war is detestable, and it is one we centaurs abhor above all other crimes. But I believe that a war in which we are forced to fight is just war. We fight for no other self-interest than to live in peace. We fight those that would seek to destroy everything we hold dear. I am not here to convince any of you to make the choice to fight a war, only to realize that, this time, there is no remaining neutral. There is no waiting and watching. We must all act together, or we must all be destroyed." Silence filled the clearing. Banni silently bowed and stepped away to rejoin his students. He gave Fera and Tinsley a nod before looking back at the congregation, most of whom were still looking at him. |
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| Tinsley Carmicheal | Jul 14 2009, 03:54:13 PM Post #53 |
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It's cute that everyone thinks they can be a queen, but remember who came FIRST.
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Tinsley lowered her face, her expression skillfully inscrutable. And yet, her breathing had quickened and she was eerily aware of the drum-like beating of her heart, causing her head to spin and spiral. Feeling slightly obligated to come clean to someone about the grave mistakes she had made in joining Azariah's forces, she had to remind herself that he was in custody. She was safe, or as safe as a young girl could be when one opens up the door to evil, wholeheartedly welcoming it into one's vulnerable mind. It was a mistake. A fatal mistake, she was sure--how was she going to survive? Tinsley merely had to console herself knowing she wasn't the only one. And yet it was becoming clear that she and Julian were incredibly different--so different, now, that though the two of them were an unstoppable force, Tinsley had acquired much more of a conscience over the past month than she'd have liked to admit. With a heavy sigh, Tinsley felt instantly comforted as Bannishtar joined his students once more, though Tinsley couldn't exactly discern why. Hands shaking, Tinsley said under her breath, "I wish I had been here before...sir." Maybe it would have made all the difference. |
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I'm the BO$$. Love Tins? Also see; Baby & Emma. | |
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| Deleted User | Jul 15 2009, 07:07:18 PM Post #54 |
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Deleted User
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Banni smiled at his students. "Fera, Mitchell, Tinsley," he said, "You've all behaved yourselves very well. You do your species proud tonight. As do you me. I was proud to be your teacher, tonight. Now it's getting rather late so I suppose we should go. Twenty points for each of you for your good behavior, and Ms. Carmichael? We can forget about the rest of your detentions. Come along now." Indeed, the three of them had been excellent ambassadors for their race. At least with the foals. Perhaps that was the more efficacious outcome. "Aw Bannishtar, why can't you stay?" asked Orrius. "Now Orrius, we talked about responsibility," said Banni, "just as you one day will have a responsibility to your family and herd to hunt for and protect them, these three have a responsibility to their people to learn as much as they can in order to better themselves and their species. And I have a responsibility to them and to their parents to make certain that they do so." "Oh...okay..." said Orrius, sadly, "Bye Tinsley. Bye Fera." "They should come back soon!" said another foal. There was, in fact, a number of the herd's young ones crowded around the three human adolescents, all chattering about seeing more of the humans. "Yeah, and next year they should come earlier! There's games and things that they missed!" "We'll see," said Banni. Hm...perhaps he could arrange something with Adelina, "Very well. Let's be off." "Have a safe journey back, Bannishtar," said Firenze, "I think your words managed to reach some of them." Firenze himself seemed indecisive. "I do hope so," said Banni. Bane snorted derisively, despite having had a thoughtful look on his face moments before. In truth, Banni was beginning to feel unnerved by all the faces staring back at him, though encouraged by the thoughtful or curious glances he was receiving. He thought it best that the herd be left alone to contemplate what had been said. |
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| Tinsley Carmicheal | Jul 15 2009, 08:21:26 PM Post #55 |
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It's cute that everyone thinks they can be a queen, but remember who came FIRST.
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Tinsley sniffled loudly, but managed to disguise it cleverly as a cough. "Bye, Orrius." Tinsley tried to smile, and it helped to see that Orrius was sad to see her go just as she was sad to leave. She couldn't help but think about this as the group journeyed on, back towards the castle. At least I don't have any more detentions. Tinsley smiled quietly to herself, despite everything that was pestering Tinsley. I can focus on schoolwork...hmm. There was a slight bounce in Tinsley's step--peculiar, of course, and even Tinsley seemed to be bothering herself slightly. I ought to be in Hufflepuff the way I'm going! With a snort, Tinsley reached for her neck impulsively--and her heart dropped. She felt sickeningly like the world had stopped spinning quite suddenly, knocking her onto her face. Tinsley stopped all movement, desperately clutching her neck. It was out of character to forget to put on her mother's locket, but now Tinsley remembered. The golden chain had broken, and Tinsley had set it aside to repair it later... Tinsley's brow furrowed as she resumed walking. Isn't it...well, a bit strange that--nah. Never mind. It's just my mind playing tricks on me, really... |
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I'm the BO$$. Love Tins? Also see; Baby & Emma. | |
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| Mitchell Kalvor | Jul 16 2009, 11:00:07 AM Post #56 |
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Sixth Year
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Mitchell had remained silent for most of the evening, merely watching amusedly at Tinsley's sudden change of attitude. He would keep quiet about how she behaved, after all, he could use it later if he needed. Information always came in handy, even in the stickiest of situations. As they had to leave, Mitchell nodded to the various other centaur foals, which he seemed to have surrounded himself with. Perhaps, if there was a next time he could get to know them a little better. They didn't seem that bad, for centaurs that is. He waved and flashed a small smile at the young centaurs. Mitchell uttered a quiet, "Bye then," to the foals, before turning on his heel, and walking back through the forest, only a few paces behind Tinsley. A genuine smile could have been seen on his face, were it not for the shadows of the trees, because Mitchell had enjoyed himself. A little more than he would have liked to think. But, still, it was the truth. |
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Thank you, Margo!<3 | |
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| Tinsley Carmicheal | Jul 16 2009, 03:58:00 PM Post #57 |
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It's cute that everyone thinks they can be a queen, but remember who came FIRST.
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Tinsley sighed deeply as she saw the castle, and made a beeline for it--but not before looking at the rest of the group. Part of her was ashamed, and embarrassed even, for having behaved the way she did. It was clear on her cheeks, as a slight tint was visible, even in the darkness. She brushed her hair out of her face awkwardly. Part of her, however, knew there was little to be ashamed of. She had acted like a child--and she was a child. Perhaps she had to stop expecting such great things from herself. That's got to be my fatal flaw. Glancing at the castle as it grew closer and closer, Tinsley didn't say a word. She just kept her head down, and rushed for the castle. |
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I'm the BO$$. Love Tins? Also see; Baby & Emma. | |
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