"Yes, I want cake too," River said taking another cauldron cake. "I love learning. I'm fairly good at school. I guess we'll see if I transfer to Hogwarts at some point. I don't really know the houses well. My father was in Hufflepuff. "

"So would that be a Gryffinclaw or a Ravendor?" she giggled.

"I still think its strange a singing hat, but interesting. Dad doesn't take about school much."

"Yeah, I love spelunking. Its a lot of fun. I can't do it as much in the desert obviously. Ooh lucky, I normally just borrow a camel," She said to Eva.

"It's worth trying" Lenore said, "Though I would be careful about mixing alcohol and spell testing." she smiled a bit crookedly.

"Hi Eva" Lenore answered the girl, "Er... is he yours?" Lenore points toward a calico cat sniffing at something under the table. ((Hope it's ok if I mention Pax? If not, I'll edit it out))

((I could see most NT personalities leaning toward Ravenclaw even if it's as a secondary house. I'm an INTP-A though as a child I tested INTJ. It was strange reading the description of my type the first time as I could identify with it so well. It makes for a fun experience.))

Bran considered River’s () question. “Hmm, just going on what I’ve seen and heard so far and based on what I’ve read about Hogwarts…which isn’t as much as Lynnie…I’d say Gryffindor probably though you have a touch of both Ravenclaw and Slytherin.”

He chuckled over the comment about potions. “Well with a dad who’s a potioneer, you get over the balking part fairly young. There are still some ingredients that I’m not fond of, but I can at least use them now without making faces or feeling sick. Dad was harder and stricter to work with than our professors here,” he said. “But it’s paying off since Potions is one of my top classes.”

As Merlin () told more about his werewolf friend, Bran nodded. “I think it’s pretty cool,” he said. “We don’t have anyone like that here that I know of. It would be interesting to meet him I’m sure.”

His eyes widened slightly as Merlin and Terry discussed the Dark/Forbidden Forest. “You’re not supposed to go there? At all?” he asked and shook his head. “What good is a forest right there if you can’t explore it?? I’m with you, Merlin, I’d be going in whenever I could find a chance!”

Lynnie giggled as Merlin mispronounced Pukwudgie. “You’ll probably see some during your time here,” she said. Smiling at Thunder and the older boy’s explanation about him, she said, “A wizard snake…one who can sense magic…is just perfect for someone in Slytherin. It seems like you two were made for each other and found each other.”

The young girl gave Lenore () a slightly sad smile. “I wish there was a way so that we could try out the sorting for each school. I know I would love to visit Hogwarts some day and try on the sorting hat. Still we can make an educated guess based on our personalities.”

Bran gave Corvus () an easy smile. “None taken,” he said when the other boy praised Lynnie. The teen was plenty proud of his younger sister, even if he teased her. “Lynnie has read more about these things than I have. I like to read, but it’s even more fun to me to see or do things myself rather than experience it through written words.”

“It’s good that you and Elizabeth have been able to meet and actually like each other,” Bran said to Corvus. “I’m glad that Dad and Mom are allowing us to decide possible lifemates on our own, rather than arranging a marriage. Of course my grandparents on Dad’s side think it’s pretty much sacrilege, but Dad’s a bit of a rebel.” He grinned.

Bran smiled at Eva () and said, “Yep, it’s been a lot of fun meeting some of our visitors, as well as talking to our own schoolmates.”

He leaned back and sipped his drink as he listened to the conversation a bit more, but couldn’t resist speaking up again when River mentioned borrowing a camel. “What’s it like to ride a camel?” Bran asked. “I’ve ridden horses…even the winged ones at home…but never a camel.”

((Twilight_Wanderer: I took the Meyers Briggs for some of my education courses way back in college, but I honestly don’t remember what I was lol. I’ve also heard that as you get older it can change slightly as well so who knows what I am now. It might be fun to take it again.))

She smiled. "I do huh? Cool. I was meaning however of your houses." She giggled. "Yes, I can see how that would make you less er, sensitive to the ingredients. Glad you're doing well in it though. I'm kinda average I'd say. I am, however, doing wonderfully in arithmancy." River listened about the dark/forbidden forest. "Yeah, I have to say, telling someone is forbidden when its right there seems like a rule that is made to be broken."

"Well its a bit like riding a horse to be honest, aside from the hump or humps. Camels can be temperamental so its important to know how to handle them. Some are less likely to take a certain type of rider. Typically I ride single hump camels when I can and sit behind the hump. But over all, they are fun to ride and can be quiet loving."

((I think the only thing we have planned is possibly exploring the grounds though if there's a new thread opened later perhaps we could do it there? I can pull Lenore easily enough when everyone else is ready. Thanks for the heads up!))

"Ah, yes. I am sure living in a desert limits the amount of spelunking you can do. Maybe we will be able to find some caves around here and go once or twice if you'd like!" Eva said with excited at the possibility.

"Nice to meet you Lenore, you have a beautiful name" Eva said as she looked down at her cat, "Oh yes, thats my cat Pax, you can find him basically anywhere there is food and people around" Eva said chuckling as she picked him up and he jumped on her back and laid on her shoulders, encircling her neck.

"Yea, I certainly hope to make some good friends during the tournament!" Eva said as she grabbed a small treat from one of the nearby tables.

((, that seems reasonable!))

"I guess so," the girl agreed and took another sip of her coffee. "But it does sounds as though choice plays a part in both schools. Maybe if we feel that we truly belong somewhere that's good enough."

Lenore reaches out and strokes Pax's chin, making him purr. "Thanks," she says, "my mum chose it."

As they continue talking a large owl soars through an open window. He barely manages it as his wingspan is easily 5'. Circling once he spots Lenore and lands silently beside her chair, dropping not a mouse, but a small rabbit onto the floor with a flop. Hooting in a pleased manner, he raises his round yellow eyes to the girl, awaiting praise.

"Pallas, you made it!" Lenore drops to the floor and throws her arms gently around the enormous owl. "You're first hunt of Ilvermorny huh?" She reaches down and unties a roll of parchment from Pallas' leg which he holds out steadily. "I'm glad you made it across the ocean alright, I knew you could do it." Smoothing the feathers on either side of the owl's head she adds, "We'll go out together later and you can show me around." She smiles and returns to her chair, unfurling the parchment and picking her coffee back up.

As she reads her eyes become steadily narrower and her lips tighten in a strange grimace. Rolling the parchment back up she stuffs it roughly into her bag and returns distractedly to her coffee.

[img align=left]https://sapi.subeta.net/shared/270041.png[/img] Ivy took the seat and the chocolate cauldron from Lenore (). "Thank you," she said as she smiled warmly at her.

"I'm glad we're being good hosts," Ivy said to River (). "It's nice to meet you too Terry," () she replied to the other Hogwarts champion.

"Hopefully the students from Alexandrian Academy and Hogwarts will get to at least see a little bit of Massachusetts before you leave. The interesting thing about America is that it's so different from state to state. You could even say that certain states seem like different countries from each other." Ivy took a bite of the chocolate. "It's so exciting to have you all here. We're very proud to be hosting this tournament and honored by your presence of course. I'm looking forward to seeing the three of you in the tasks."

(OOC: This will be my last post here. Happy start of Sixth Term everyone! <3)

“Of our houses, I would think Thunderbird,” Bran said to River (). “We’re adventurous, but also intelligent.”

“That can be debatable at times,” Lynnie murmured under her breath as she stroked Spellz a bit more before settling the little owl back on Merlin’s () shoulder. “Thank you for sharing Spellz with me for a bit. He’s adorable,” she said to Merlin.

Bran just gave his sister a look and continued, “Arithmancy isn’t exactly one of my favored classes. I can get by, but,” he shrugged, “that’s about it. Interesting about camel riding. I always thought you sat on the hump. How do you see where you’re going if you’re behind it?” he asked curiously.

Overhearing Eva’s () comment to River about spelunking, Bran grinned. “There are plenty of caves around here! In fact we’re already planning some exploring, Eva. You could come with us if you’d like. As for the friends,” the teen looked around the table with a smile, “I’m hoping I’m already on my way to having new ones that I can not only get to know better, but also keep in touch with when we have to part.”

() Lynnie’s eyes widened as the huge owl came soaring in and she was glad that Spellz was now safely hiding under Merlin’s lovely hair again. Not that she anticipated a problem since the owls must have known each other as Lenore and Merlin were from the same school, but still Spellz was so tiny and Pallas so huge. Seeing Lenore’s reaction change from thrilled and loving to closed and reserved after reading the parchment, Lynnie bit her lip worriedly, anxious about the other girl that she thought of as her new friend.

Bran gave a soft, admiring whistle as Pallas arrived and grinned as Lenore greeted her feathered friend. He watched her expression change as she read the parchment however and concern filled his blue eyes. It was on the tip of his tongue to ask if he could be of help, but for once in his life he held back his impulse. “Your Pallas is majestic and a real beauty,” he said, attempting to stay on neutral ground. “He fits you well.”

"Yes, exactly," River said chuckling. "Oh that would be so awesome. I'm down with that!"

"Oh very much so, I've felt very welcome."

"Ooh then I like the sound of that house," River said with a smile. "Really? I think numbers are interesting." When Bran asked how you could see the girl cocked her head sideways. "Huh? ooh, well it depends but most camels I've ridden you can see perfectly fine. But location of riding can change based on camels." The girl got excited. "Yes, let's go spelunking!

  Teresa shakes her head to Corvous. “Don't think it is not serious, the hat is very serious about his work and responsible, yet I think he tries to make it amusing for the young ones by singing, maybe in a way so they won't be scare of it? It's a really old and battered hat. Or maybe being quiet for a year makes him want to shine in his day. Just don't think that because a hat chooses the houses that it is not a serious matter. You have to see it to understand it, I guess.”

“I think the hat just wants to have some fun and sings before work.” Merlin shrugs. “I'm surprised Lizzie never mention it to you.”

Teresa nods to Corvus. “Yes, he knew it was my magic. They didn't scold me but did tried to make me bring the keys back.”

“Well yes she is a bit quiet but has her moments and we like sitting together in the common room to drink tea with the others. There are days I don't see her thou – probably studying.” Merlin nods in understanding. “I'm glad I'm not pureblood then, I want to chose my own wife – no offense Corvus.”Merlin smiled. “I guess I'm too used to freedom and have no mind for those things at this point, there is so much I want to do before forming a family.”

“Yes, butt here are fun things about his work too just that fire is no joke. Mom is a teacher, science and computers. Now that is the coolest thing!”

  “I hope you come to Hogwarts soon, it would be great if you could be in Slytheirn with me. We could study together in the common room and drink tea by the fire. We could go to Hogsmade together during the weekends with Magnus, Niall, and Drew. Or other stuff, like fly in the dark forest.” He slightly blushed, did he said too much?

“Are you blushing Pendragon?” Teresa lift a brow. “Aww planning little dates?” Merlin rolled his eyes at her but didn't respond.

  Merlin nods. “Magnus is great and all his friends love him, he is one of a kind. You should see his darwings, they are amazing. I can actually show you one, its in my room – he made a dragon for me.”

Merlin give Bran a high five. “Exactly! Plus I understand there are dangerous creatures living in there, but its ok if you know where to go and how to avoid them, besides I'm not scared of them.” Merlin beams at Lynnie's comment about Thunder and him. “I agree, we are perfect for each other, I love having him close makes me feel like a part of the forest is always with me.”

“I want to ride a camel too.” Merlin whispers.

To River Terry said. “Truth is most students get in at some point, out of curiosity, for care of magical creatures class but its not too far and with the professor, and if you get detention..you might be sent there which is completely insane but true. I know of a friend who was sent there to gather herbs for the potions professor during detention.” Terry shakes her head. “Plus the name Forbidden does all the work – come in come in you can't so come in.” She giggles.

“Its a great place to go for adventure, especially if you like magical creatures. There are thestrals, unicorns, fairies, acromantulas, centaurs, and many many other cool things.” Merlin said excitedly. “You welcome Lynnie, you can borrow him again if you want.”

((OOC: I guess its my last post since its closing unless I need to reply something before it closes.))

((OOC: guess my last post too))

"I would love to go to Hogwarts. It would be so nice to go to school with you and sit by the fire and hang out with Magnus and Niall." River was so happy to have Merlin there with her. She smiled at all her new potential friends. Hopefully this would a really good term.

"Thanks Bran." Lenore says with a small smile.

She finishes the rest of her coffee and places her teacup back into her bag. "Come on Pallas," she says quietly to her owl who is busily tearing flesh off his rabbit, "I think I need the sky right now." The owl looks at her reproachfully but a small click of his beak assured her that he will meet her outside.

Too lost in her own thoughts about the letter, Lenore forgets to say goodbye to her new friends and heads out the door to retrieve her broom.

((OOC: Last post for me as well. Have a great Tournament everyone!))

Corvus smiled amused upon Brans() statement. "Well, your sister is in Horned Serpent, of course she's smart.", he said and then finished his cup of tea. "I see there are advantages and disadvantages. Both Lizzie's and my upbringing was quite traditional. Though I know that she's best friends with the local baker's daughter, who are muggles."

He ate the last bits of the chocolate cauldron while listening to the conversations. He noticed as well the shift of emotions when Lenore() received a letter, but he knew well not to ask people about their private stuff unless they did so on their own.

He chuckled a bit. "I didn't meant to offend the hat or you.", he quickly replied to Teresa.() "I think it's good to use a common wizard cloth, like you said, it won't scare the young students. " He shrugged almost unnoticeable. "Maybe she thought it's not that interesting. Or because she knows how much I would have loved to go to Hogwarts by myself.", he replied, sounding a bit amused and a bit sad. "That's all right. I think it really depends on the other person one is engaged with. And, how strict your family is. It may sound that way to you, but my family is not behind the times. We even have electricity at home.", he said and laughed shortly. "Now that sounds interesting. I've heard some students talk about computers and I really want one." With these words, he stood up and put his coat on. "I'll see you later, I hope. ", he said while looking at the remaining students on the table, before leaving the great hall to get back to his dorm to prepare for the upcoming events.

(OOC; last post from me as well. C: )

"Well, I like your mothers taste" Eva said as she smiled at Pax while he purred. Eva watched as a giant bird flew in and came to land beside Lenore, "You have a beautiful owl, my parents never really got into the whole owl delivery system in the magical world" she said, more muttering to herself as Lenore walked away to read a parchment.

"Yea, I'd like to keep in touch with people once the tournament is over too! Maybe do a semester abroad at one of the other schools and I would love to go with you guys, that sounds like it'll be so much fun" looking at () River "Looks like there is already a group of people who are up for exploring that we can join" Eva said excitedly with a huge grin, "Maybe I will even be able to find some new herbs around the school".

((OOC: This is my last post as well, sorry it took so long, heh!)