[center] [hr] Day 1 [color=734e66]◈[/color] [color=7ea7d8]Time:[/color] Night [color=734e66]◈[/color] [color=7ea7d8]Weather:[/color] Moderate Rain [color=734e66]◈[/color][color=7ea7d8]Location:[/color] Harold's Academy [Astronomy Room --> Main Ballroom] [color=734e66]◈[/color] [color=7ea7d8]Participants:[/color] Petyr Nostradé[@Aeolian], Sage Nostradé[@Aeolian], Lysander Nostradé[@Aeolian] The Willow Gang[@Aeolian], Professor Patty Grumble[@Aeolian], Arthur Everwood (Mentioned)[@Jumbus], Tessa (Mentioned)[@Mirandae] [hr][hr] [/center] [center][img]https://i.imgur.com/8JEy9ji.png[/img] [h2][color=7ea7d8]Petyr Nostradé[/color][/h2] [/center] [color=A9A8AF] When Petyr arrived at Harold's Academy after the skyship incident, sopping and visibly exhausted from expending much of his vitesse while flying, he quickly parted ways from Tessa and went to his room to shower and change into his masquerade costume. It was a rather homely-looking thing with a rip along the seams, one of the last Academy-provided ball costumes from the school stockpile given to students who didn't have or couldn't afford their own. In truth, he didn't want to attend, but a promise to Tessa was something he couldn't break. Petyr never broke his promises. Before rendezvousing with the Willow Gang, he happened upon his older sister, [url=https://i.imgur.com/ltDepoJ.png]Sage[/url], and his younger brother, [url=https://i.imgur.com/Yr9jDKK.png]Lysander[/url]. Being as popular and beautiful as she was, Sage had declined all her suitors in favor of going to the ball as Lysander's plus one, a regular victim of bullying with few friends or acquaintances. His face and body were mired with burns from the Orphanage fire, an unfortunate occurrence that left him a target of persistent ridicule. Sage had her hands on her hips, eyebrows furrowed as she tapped her sparkling heels on the cold floor. Lysander was leaning against the wall, staring at his feet quietly. [color=white]"Petyr, Where have you been? We've been looking for you for over 30 minutes."[/color] Sage barked. Petyr sighed heavily, walking toward them and resting his hand on Lysander's head, smiling softly. Lysander returned the smile in jest, but remained silent in his gaze. He was also a mute. Petyr looked to Sage, who was frowning aggressively, [color=0054a6]"Yeah, sorry. It's a long story. Tessa needed me to help her with something in the capital, and then our skyship caught on fire and--"[/color] Sage's eyes widened, and she immediately rushed to him, feeling over his body fervently with worry in her voice, [color=white]"A fire? Are you okay?"[/color] The 4th year ice prince spoke in a low, unbothered tone, [color=0054a6]"I'm fine. Everyone is fine. It was just, a mess, but--"[/color] he paused, considering their location. Moonlight filtered through the windows in the corridor, illuminating a sign hung over the door at the end hall that read [i]Astronomy Room[/i], [color=0054a6]"--what are you guys doing near the Astronomy Room?"[/color] Sage let go of him, her frown returning swiftly, [color=white]"I could ask you the same thing. I figured if you weren't at the ballroom, you might be with that little--"[/color] her face twisted into a disdained grimace as she continued, [color=white]"--group of yours. I still don't understand why you're hanging out with them. You're better than that. And way too intelligent for that posse of snobby rich kids who think they can do whatever the hell they want cause they're nepo babies."[/color] Petyr leaned against the wall next to Lysander, looking out toward the nearest window with a hazy expression, [color=0054a6]"I have my reasons."[/color] Sage knew not to pry; she knew how secretive and cryptic Petyr could be. He'd tell her when he was ready. [color=white]"Well, you're still coming with us to the ball right? You promised."[/color] [color=0054a6]"Yes--"[/color] Petyr responded without hesitation, combing his hand through his hair, [color=0054a6]"I'll join you there soon. Go on ahead."[/color] Sage glared at him but relented, [color=white]"Fine. Don't take long or I swear to--"[/color] Petyr cut her off, pushing himself off the wall to properly place a hand on her shoulder, [color=0054a6]"I will be there."[/color] After a conclusive exchange of words between them, Petyr separated from his siblings and headed through the Astronomy Room door. [center] [hider=NPCs] Sage Nostradé [img]https://i.imgur.com/opkYILG.png[/img] Lysander Nostradé [img]https://i.imgur.com/iq0Rhvt.png[/img] [/hider] [/center] [center]------------------------------------------------------[/center] [color=white]"Kissing ghosts is not the same as kissing humans, Lottie."[/color] [color=white]"Yes it is, Leonna! There's no difference!"[/color] This was the high-pitched bickering of [url=https://i.imgur.com/XRELHRa.png]Lottie[/url] and [url=https://i.imgur.com/Gjsff3E.png]Leonna[/url] Grace (simplify to referred as 'The Graces' by others), two spoiled twin sisters and members of the Willow Gang. Throughout Petyr's time in the gang, he'd built up a tolerance for their constant, childish squabbling. Lottie, the younger twin, had the gift to capture ghosts, make them corporeal, and then bend them to her will. She often used her gift in petty ways, like kissing them for what Leonna called [i]practice for the real thing[/i]. Lottie would eventually let them evanesce to wherever ghosts went after passing on. The twins would go on and on and on about absolutely nothing of importance. Real ditzy, bratty airheads if you'd ever met one, both of them. Petyr sighed deeply, tuning out their voices until it was just background static. They were too preoccupied with their insufferable wrangling to notice him enter the room anyways. The only truly vile member of the Willow Gang, [url=https://i.imgur.com/dYZ1736.png]Tseren Rothschild[/url], was not present, thankfully. The Willow Gang members, for all their flaws, were not cruel or even bullies. Tseren was the exception, and he had piercing crimson eyes that were the thing of nightmares in the dark. They glowed when he used his gift, but he rarely used it for some reason. He was likely off tormenting some poor first year, and Petyr despised him for this. But in the name of his personal objective, he kept his lips sealed and tolerated being around him. The only consolation was that Tseren did not bully Lysander, perhaps because Petyr was a member of the gang, a pardon he saw as a residual benefit of his affiliation with them. The members of the Willow Gang, say for its newest recruit, Arthur, a fast-flying 2nd year from the House of Harold, had made it very clear that they would not be attending the Masquerade Ball. They found it [i]beneath them[/i] and an affront against the much more high-profile dances and events they attended, thanks to the connections of the Willow Gang's leader, [url=https://i.imgur.com/57hMAsg.png]Montgomery Darling[/url], who went by Monty for short. Yes, of THAT Darling family. His uncle was, in fact, the venomous Professor Cornelius Darling; though even he despised his uncle, but kept that sentiment well hidden and cordially interacted with his uncle when necessary. As such, Monty also had family in parliament, and his father owned a major company, so wealth and influence were nothing new to him. It was just another day—the polar opposite of Petyr's life and existence. Monty was at the back of the room, lounging in an alcove with his golden tree monkey sleeping in his lap. As Petyr approached, he looked up, though his expression soured as he took in Petyr's costume. [color=white]"I thought you weren't going."[/color] he said with a bitter undertone to his voice. Petyr propped himself up on one of the nearby tables and crossed his legs neatly. [color=0054a6]"I wasn't, but my homeroom teacher can be persuasive when she needs to be."[/color] [color=white]"Is that who you were with? That bimbo, Tessa?"[/color] Monty said, sounding jealous in his delivery of the question, though it was more like an accusation of fault. Petyr narrowed his eyes at the much taller, senior student, [color=0054a6]"Monty, don't talk about her like that."[/color] he said calmly, though the serious tone in his voice was evident. Monty cleared his throat, regretting his word choice. He had a way of speaking quite harshly about others, and under normal circumstances, he never cared who he offended. But he was often more cautious of his behavior when Petyr was around; perhaps some inner desire to appease him. Tseren had bitterly repudiated Monty for [i]going soft[/i] whenever Petyr entered the equation. That was the spark that soured Tseren toward Petyr indefinitely. Monty picked up his tree monkey, which yawned lazily, and then moved it to an overarching pole so it could sleep in its natural hanging position. He then walked over to Petyr and stood in front of him, leaning in and placing his hands on either side of Petyr's crossed legs. Monty was a 6th year in the House of Seraphine, and when Petyr first came to the school, it became evident very quickly that Monty had become undeniably infatuated with him. This was nothing new, as many students developed crushes on Petyr, as was his reputation at the school. But none of them was the heir to the Darling Empire. Everyone whispered about this unspoken reality, but never acknowledged it out in the open, especially not to Monty, who had his own issues to worry about. Petyr was aware of this, however. [color=white]"So--"[/color] Monty began, speaking in a low, intimate tone, [color=white]"--who are you going with to the Ball then?"[/color] Monty stared deep into Petyr's odd-colored eyes, which always seemed to have a mystical twinkle to them. This further enraptured Monty into Petyr's captivating snare. Petyr looked at Monty, contemplating what to say with thoughtful consideration, [color=0072bc]"No one. I just promised Tessa I'd attend. Besides--"[/color] Petyr leaned in, meeting Monty halfway so their faces were only inches apart [color=0072bc]"--why do you care? I thought the Masquerade Ball was beneath you."[/color] Monty let out a deep breath through his nostrils and shivered feebly, as though fighting an urge to lean in all the way. Petyr returned to his original relaxed posture, raising an eyebrow curiously. [color=white]"It is, but you're going so--"[/color] Monty started. [color=0072bc]"So?"[/color] Petyr asked softly. [color=white]"--so, I'm interested."[/color] [color=0072bc]"Really? You're interested in the Masquerade Ball?"[/color] Monty cleared his throat, [color=white]"No. I'm interested in you."[/color] Petyr, turned away, feigning shyness, [color=0072bc]"Right. I know."[/color] Monty seemed to take this coy expression positively, prompting him to lean in just slightly closer. Petyr peeped this, but didn't reject it. He had to play along (or rather, hard to get), so he turned back toward Monty, giving him [i]that look[/i]. Monty swallowed hard. [color=0072bc]"Anyways, were you able to speak to your Uncle?"[/color] Petyr asked. The mention of his uncle caused Monty to frown a bit. [color=white]"No."[/color] he responded curtly. Petyr noticed this sudden temperament shift and turned away, appearing regretful, [color=0072bc]"I'm sorry. It was foolish of me to even ask that of you. I just feel so...so desperate--Nevermind. It's okay. You don't have to--"[/color] [color=white]"No!"[/color] Monty blurted out, cutting Petyr off mid-sentence, [color=white]"I mean, no. I want to help you. I will help you. I'll ask him tomorrow about it."[/color] [color=0072bc]"It's okay. You really don't have to. I know how much you hate him."[/color] Petyr said with a demure expression upon his countenance. This look seemed to invigorate Monty further, [color=white]"I'm sure. I want to."[/color] [color=0072bc]"Okay."[/color] Petyr said softly, giving Monty a delicate close-lipped smile. Monty returned the smile, and they gazed at each other quietly, the stillness of the moment only broken by Lottie's silly interjection, [color=white]"I'd rather kiss another ghost. Can you both get a room already? Ugh!"[/color] she scowled, leaving the Astronomy Room with Leonna in tow. Their bickering could be heard down the corridor as the door shut slowly behind them. Petyr and Monty turned back to each other, [color=0072bc]"I should go."[/color] Petyr said, his voice quiet and enticing. Monty leaned back, allowing Petyr space to uncross his legs and plant his feet back on the ground before him. Standing, Monty was well built and stood at least a head or two over Petyr's more slim frame. Petyr always had to look up when they talked up close. With one last feeble smile, Petyr made toward the door. [color=white]"Wait!"[/color] Monty shouted after him, [color=white]"I'll join you. I just need to change first. Wait for me outside our dorms, and I'll walk you there."[/color] [center] [hider=NPCs] Montgomery (Monty) Darling [img]https://i.imgur.com/kXG9475.png[/img] Leonna Grace [img]https://i.imgur.com/Gjsff3E.png[/img] Lottie Grace [img]https://i.imgur.com/XRELHRa.png[/img] Tseren Rothschild [img]https://i.imgur.com/axs53qG.png[/img] [/hider] [/center] [/color] [color=A9A8AF][center]------------------------------------------------------[/center][/color] [center][img]https://i.imgur.com/0PmCYkS.png[/img] [h2][color=white]Patty Grumble[/color][/h2] [/center] [color=A9A8AF] [url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KTlScD1ixYs&list=RDQMFWIrKxhNOV8&index=1&ab_channel=JourneySoundtrack]♫[/url] No one had noticed the shift in Patty's temperament and posture. She leaned forward in her chair, eyes inquisitively scanning the starry sky through the ballroom opening. Her ears twitched, as though she were hearing something or perhaps, feeling something even beyond the rambunctious noise of loud music, sparkling lights, and ebullient teenagers. As a weather witch, her gift allowed her to sense even minor changes in the atmosphere. A body moving through the rain was something she could feel, as though she herself were the one in the deluge. Sounds traveled on the winds and whispered in her ears. Bodies moving through the atmospheric skies, she'd feel that too. Patty was unsure of what it was, only that it was approaching the Academy. It -- being more than one. A look of concern filled her normally loose and genial face. Inconspicuously, she floated out of her chair, letting her knitting needle and mittens fall on the floor. While everyone was distracted dancing, she circled around to the back of the Ballroom, floated up to the open ceiling, and then slipped out into the night sky without a trace. [/color]