Fable sighed and led her to where they could get some drinks, maybe even a nibble. "I hope you dont mind me exiting us from that argument." She looked apologetic. "Have you been enjoying your winter break?" Fable looked down at the menu.

When Eirick arrived Fable looked up. "Mr. Eirick, are you alright? I hope you can forgive my exit. I just...it all goes back to the sensitive senses..." She looked a little worn but smiled.

Merlin listened to Sam ( ) interested on the different culture and smiled as she assured she could speak to snakes. "Cool, I speak to dragons, but it's a secret, shh." Merlin giggled imagining the man with attacking hair but then thought it couldn't have been that funny for the man. "I'm sure there is something good on the menu, let me call a waitress." Merlin waved to one of the nearest waitresses and ask her for drinks for the two. "Do you want to eat something too?"

Waitress gave gave also gave even when he didn't asked for it. Then went over to and gave her But ignored Merlin since she was called someplace else.

At the mention of dragons Sam's face lit up like a lumos charm. "I knew it could be done!" she exclaimed. "Everyone keeps insisting that dragons are nothing but dangerous beasts and a useful source of spell ingredients. My folks keep telling me that talking to dragons is a stupid and dangerous idea. Ma gave up on trying to keep me from playing Quidditch, in order to discourage me from studying dragonology."
Sam barely noticed as the waitress dropped off a tasty looking drink, and bustled off before Merlin could place an order. "The only dragons the school has allowed us to see was a tiny baby who couldn't talk yet if she wanted to, and one so old he only wanted to sleep. He could barely move, let alone talk. So what's it like? Where did you find a dragon to talk to? Do they speak in actual words, or just convey images directly?" Sam burbled breathlessly, only pausing when she realized she hadn't given Merlin a chance to answer any of her questions.

Merlin waited till Sam stopped talking but was grinning since she seem as excited as him when talking about dragons. "Ah well you see, I grew up on a secret villa where they raise dragons. It is not very populated, I was the youngest one, but I have my very own dragon, her name is Meolc and she is a white dragon. She is still young and hasn't fully grown, but I can talk to her and have talked to others as well. The can speak by words and also send images to your head, they are very wise but are hard to understand sometimes since they enjoy speaking in riddles a lot." Merlin laughed at the expressions Sam was making. "But they actually chose who they talk to, is not like anyone can do it or can be learned? At least I didn't study it, I really wanted to communicate with them and read all I can about dragons but it just happened, still some of the older dragons ignore me completely. There is no book on how to speak to dragons, maybe one day I can write one." Merlin was then thoughtful. "I never told this to anyone but my mom and she didn't believe me so I understand if you don't...that's why I never tell."

In her excitement over Merlin's secret, she barely registered the sudden drama going on nearby, but did a double take when the petite beauty's dress was revealed, as her companions abruptly abandoned her. "Woah! Talk about dragons, take a look at that dress! Some poor Chinese fireball must've given up half it's tail for that." She sighed. " It's no wonder dragons don't want to talk to wizards, considering that's how we treat them. I sneak into the Forbidden forest all the time to let my owl hunt. Maybe we could meet there, and you could introduce me to Meolc sometime."

Eirik accepted the drink from the waitress, and chuckled a little at the irony. He noticed a girl () he had seen chatting with the princely dressed boy now looking back the way he had come, and just assumed she was looking at Miss Latimer () The girl didnt look too happy, and he wondered why as he turned his attention to Miss Leidolf () and her friend Miss Covington ()

"Miss Leidolf, Miss Covington, " he gave a small bow to each of them. " I haven forgotten my manners this evening. I am ...rather overwhelmed..with all of the stimulus in here, and it has put me a bit on edge. I was wondering perhaps if I may join you in a few minutes..? I need to get some air, enjoy this drink, have a cigarette," he said with a small smile. "If you would allow it, of course. "

Elizabeth was a bit confused upon the situation. Maybe Miss Latimer wasn't familiar with the unspoken rules of Slytherin house. It was an absolute necessity to act as a strong unit when strangers where around. Little problems and disagreements should be treated in private. Perhaps Italy was different with this. She didn't mind that Fable led her away and she gladly took the drink the waitress offered her. "No, it's okay", she replied and smiled. "Somehow, yes. No more studies for a while, although I'm still glad that we've won the housecup. I'm looking forward to get back to school, though. Home is pretty boring as my friend is on holiday with her family. What about you?" She looked at the one Fable referred to as 'Mister Eirick' (). "Of course not. Join us whenever you want." She understood that some people needed a moment alone, and after the previous situation, it was even more reasonable.

() Fable thanked the waitress for the new beverage. "Thank you"

(( OOC I love your HA XD so festive and that you mentions Jackalopes eariler! Fay is going to have to pick your brain later XD))

Hearing Sams comment on dragons made Fable feel a pang of sympathy for Ariette (). It wasnt her fault dragon parts were used in many things. She loved her classes but that was one of the things that always got to her, the use of ANY animal parts and if they had been gathered humanely. She held back the urge however to say anything. Her heightened senses could be construed as "eavesdropping" even if she couldnt help it and she didnt want to interrupt their conversation.

Fable looked up into Eiricks eyes. She hoped he was alright and gave a nod. "Of course, come back when your ready."

Fable then looked at Elizabeth and breathed a sigh. "That escalated quickly...I know Ive seen you react in the...same way I have before. So I thought if I was going to plot an "exit" I would take you with me." She chuckled a little and listened. "I am so glad we won too. I felt such pride in our house and the hard work we put forth." She sipped a drink and thought for a moment.

"Well, for me, it seems like my work list at home just keeps expanding. My brother helped me in fixing and updating my wolves den. Then decorating, shopping, normal cleaning." She sighs "My gran got one of those new magic trees that is living but after the season you can plant them outside, they regrow there roots and thrive. I love the smell of the evergreen, I have to keep telling myself it will be ok. In the past I have always thrown such a stink about cutting down poor trees. I love being home, but I miss school too. Did some snowshoeing with my brother." She smiled shyly her eyes twinkling. "If you like...you could always visit, maybe try snowshoeing or something." She fidgeted looking down, she was nervous as she never had invited anyone home before.

Eirik gave the girls a slight bow, and made his way out of the room and the building. Once outside he lit a cigarette, and dragged heavily on it, trying to calm himself from all of the overwhelming sensations he had just experienced.

Fable watched him leave and then turned her attention back to Elizabeth. () "I wonder if they have food? Have you seen any wait staff with Hors d'oeuvres?" Fable looked about and sniffed the air to see if she smells any food like areas.

"I was somewhat thankful for your exit from this situation.", she replied to Fable. "Do you mean your room when you refer to 'wolves den'?", Elizabeth asked curious. "I love the idea of that magic tree...we still have a cut down tree, but then, we already have some trees in our backyard. We could simply decorate one of them on the outside, but it would look so empty in the living room if no tree was present." "I'd love to visit you. I've never been snowshoeing and the christmas holidays are really uneventful at home. And the visits at my Grandparents or aunts and uncles are not that exciting. They have children as well, but those who visited Hogwarts already graduated and there are only 3 cousins left, 2 of them go to Beauxbatons due to their french mother and the other one is at Durmstrang. ", she explained with a sigh. "I can't complain, to be honest, I think, Hogwarts is the best school for magic in Europe." she added and laughed a little. "When I came in, I've seen some Hot Mozzarella Cheese Balls and also pretzel sticks with different dips. If you're rather for something with meat, there's also Roast Beef and Feta on Pumpernickel Toast. But we can surely check out the buffet...now that we're talking about food, I'm getting a bit hungry.", she admitted. "The waiters only have small pieces of bread with caviar on it and bruschetta as well. Actually I'm not that fond of fish eggs...I've tried them though."

Merlin wasn't paying attention to the drama near them but when she mentioned the dress, he looked twice since it really looked real. "I hope it's a fake or was taken from a dead dragon and not killed for it." I go to the forbidden forest all the time, last term I had Meolc there but now I can't hide her so I must leave her home, which saddens me but if I'm caught...expelled! I really don't want to leave school, but we can meet to feed our owls, mine is called Spellz and it's a cutie."

"That waitress ignored me and now I'm even getting hungry, but I don't want to eat...what if I stain the clothes? I can be clumsy sometimes." He smiled to himself then shook his head. "I can always clean it with magic! Oh wait..I can't use magic outside school." sighs.

Sam grinned. "I gotcha there" she laughed "I still got those make-up tests to take, so any harmless charms I cast are considered homework at the moment. In fact I think Protego is one that's probably on the tests, so even though I'm already good at it, a little practice never hurts." As she rooted around the folds of her cloak for her wand she added. "Arithmancy, History and Potions are the ones I have trouble with. I've had some great help with potions, And I think with a little more work I can at least get a pass on arithmancy exams, but history of magic is a killer.... Ah, here we go!" As promised, she expertly cast an unobtrusive protection charm at Merlin's fancy garb.
"Now lets get some eats. Even the barbecue meatballs should'nt be able to drip on that outfit now. I didn't have time to dress up, so no worries there."

[img align=left]https://i.imgur.com/FP6EtRo.png[/img] "G'evening, ladies and gents. I'm sorry to interrupt everyone for just a moment. I am Sir Mercutio, sponsor of tonight's concert event. Aurelianus, the wizard who spoke earlier this evening, has graciously allowed me the honor of randomly selecting our raffle winners. They will receive gifts from one of the bands performing tonight, Spellbound. Without any further delay, our first batch of names are Miss Poppy Blackwood, Mister Eirik Skarsgard, Miss Fable Leidolf, Miss Samantha Grant, and Miss Elizabeth Covington. Please, come forward and speak to the lovely band members I have with me. Gifts will be first come, first served. Remember, we will be holding a raffle each hour, so stick around. We still have two more hours. Spellbound will be performing later this evening. Thank you!"

((just a courtesy ping to all , second week of raffle begins now. Feel free to have your character make appearance to enter!))

Sam blinked at hearing her name called. "Excuse me " she apologized to Merlin, "I'll be right back" Hurrying to the stage she introduced herself to Miss Lizzie Lee. "I'm Samantha Grant. I'd really like the Enchanted Snowy Owl Feather please. I love your hair by the way."

While Elizabeth was still talking with Fable, the raffle was announced. "I totally forgot that raffle", she said and chuckled and walked over to the band members, looking back at to encourage her to come over as well. "My name is Elizabeth Covington. I'd love to choose from tier 3, and that would be , and . Thank you very much."

Eirik had just finished his cigarette when he heard the music go down inside. He focused on the sound of a man speaking to the room. Raffles...? and he had won something, as had Fable and a few others.

He took a mental deep breath and made himself go back inside. He stopped at the coat check and removed his extra layer, he was surprised at just how warm it was in here.

Eirik headed toward the stage, looking for Miss Fable.

As he approached, he saw Miss Covington trying encourage Fable to go up to the stage, and then head up to to talk to the band. He gave her a smile as she walked by. He then walked up to Fable.

"Hello Miss Leidolf, " Eirik said, "Congratulations on your win. May I escort you to the stage, since I heard my name called as well..?"

Fable looked up at the band as they made the announcement. She then blinked in shock. She had won? She smiled at Elizabeth (), she was happy when she heard her name called. "I forgot about the raffle too!" She walked up to the band to pick her prizes. After she pointed out the things that interested her:

She thanked the band member, Enzo. "Thank you"

She then walked with Elizabeth, "Congratulations on winning." She smiled. Then moved back to their conversation. "Oh, actually the wolves den refers to my....outdoor pets. When I was little I discovered a pack of young born werewolf cubs. I would run around and play with them outside. They were...are...my best friends but, no matter how much I begged my Gran, she wouldn't let me bring them inside the house." She looks a little sad. "So we compromised, she contracted a Magizoologist to come to the house and make a proper den for them near the house but where I could see them from my window and them me. When I'm home I bring out fresh food for them weekly, they can hunt, but its to make sure they never go hungry. And my Gran feeds them when Im away at school. They are very intelligent and they protect the house. You can meet them when you come over. They usually come out with us, my family and me, or just me, when we go into the forests. With everything out there you can never be too careful." she smiles.

She was happy Elizabeth had accepted her invitation. "So your the youngest in your extended family?" she think she had understood that right. "I agree with you on Hogwarts being the best. Ive seen the Beauxbatons uniforms," she shivers "they do not look...comfortable." she chuckles instinctually putting her hand up to her mouth.

Fables eyes grew as Elizabeth relayed what she had seen. How did she miss that!? Must be stress and all the other smells. "Ew! fish eggs!" she surprised herself at her sudden reaction then laughed. "noooo but to be honest...Ive also never been a fan of pate either! Those Hot Mozzarella cheese balls sound good as well as the Roast Beef and Feta on Pumpernickel," She stood a bit on tippy toe to see the direction they needed to go. "I think food sounds like a good idea." She walked with Elizabeth over to the buffet. "So...I believe you had..a cat, right?" smiling wanting to hear about her pets too.

On Eiricks arrival she smiled. "Congratulations Eirick! It seems you have one as well! We were just discussing food when they announced the winners. Are you feeling hungry?" She then leaned in a little, "Are you feeling better?" a look of genuine concern in her eyes.

"Thank you, Eirik said to Fable, "I do feel better, and yes I am hungry. I suppose I should go up and claim my prize first before I think about food. I shall return shortly. "

Eirik turned to her before he walked to the stage. "Congratulations on your win as well, Miss Covington, " he said with a smile.

Eirik walked up to the stage where Enzo was standing. "Excuse me, hello, " he gave a smile, " I am Eirik Skarsgard, I believe I have won in the raffle. If it's not too much trouble, I would like and please. Thank you."

She smied at Eirick, her cheek twitching "Im glad your feeling better." She waited her turn at the buffet. She was hungrier then she thought.