[img align=left]https://sapi.subeta.net/shared/172169.png[/img]

As Lenore is watching she sees a girl in Alexandrian robes waving her over. Picking up her plate (and the rest of the pie for good measure) she walks through the crowd to join them.

Sitting down in an empty seat she miles. "I'm Lenore. I'm in Slytherin house for those not familiar with our colors."

Bran smiled and nodded. "Sounds like a plan to me," he said to Faye.

"And the more the merrier," he smiled to include River (). "You're welcome to come along. If you like birds, you should meet my younger sister. She has a pet bird. And she would have a fit over your hair. She's forever charming hers pastel colors." He glanced about, looking for Lynnie, but didn't see her. He did notice another new girl () and smiled in her direction. Then hearing River's comment about flying, Bran turned back, his blue eyes shining with excitement. "You have a flying carpet?! Awesome! Think we could see it?"

[edit]

As the blond girl joined them and introduced herself, Bran grinned. "Hi, Lenore. glad to meet you. I'm Bran...Thunderbird house. Slytherin seems like a pretty cool house from what I've read."

"Hi," she said smiling, "River, I'm Practiced from A4. Oh Slytherin huh? I've always liked the sound of the House. It rolls off the tongue."

"Oh I'd love too. Really? What kind? I have two ducklings with me and dad has an Osprey that he uses instead of owl post." River blushed. "Really? I do mine in mostly teals, lavender and pink." She nodded. "Yep. Sure, you wanna see it now or like in the morning?"

Lenore swallow a mouthful of pie before responding. "Nice to meet you too Bran." she looks curious, "You've really read about Slytherin? I hardly know anything about your school at all. I thought about reading up on it but wanted to experience it for myself without any spoilers. I can't wait to see what America is like.

Lenore pushes her plate back and replaces it with the pie, glass plate and all. "What kind of berries are these?"

EDIT: Lenore laughs. It kinda does, doesn't it? 4A, I've always been curious about that one. How do you deal with all the sand?

"Not well," River admitted with a laugh, "you have to put wraps around your hair and mouth... Oh my god you don't want to eat sand! And around legs too, cos it gets everywhere." Max crawled closer to Lenore's pie and River picked the monkey up. "Whatever berries those are, Max is interested."

"Cleo is a lark," Bran shared. "You brought ducklings? Bet they are too cute. and osprey are pretty birds." He smiled as River blushed. "Yeah, Lynnie likes pink and pastel blue mostly but sometimes it's lavender. She has it pink for now." he sighed slightly about the carpet. "Guess we'd better wait til tomorrow. We're supposed to stay around the Great Hall and mingle and then give everyone time to settle in."

Bran nodded. "I've read a little about Hogwarts. My sister is the one who read everything she could. She's a bookworm," he said, affection in his voice. When Lenore asked about the berries, he smiled and said, "Dewberries. they're in the same family as blackberries, but a little juicier and sweeter usually."

"Nice to meet you Lenore, my name is Faye! I'm in Wampus house."

"Ooh my, a magic carpet?? I've never even seen one! You should definitely join us () when we go flying sometime! Maybe we could try it out?"

Faye glanced at the pie that Lenore was eating, "I think those are blueberries!" She grabbed a piece of pie for herself too, and scooped some whipped cream on top.

"Oh I've love to meet the pretty birdy." River nodded. "Tut and Kiya. They are probably roaming the dorm now. Got little nappies on them. I think I'd get on well with your sister." River smiled. "Oh I love it, I ride mine like a surfboard. Maybe tomorrow I can show you guys how to ride it and let you have a go?" Max was starting to pull her hair. "Lemme go put him to bed. I'll be right back!" She raced off to her dorm, tapped her name tag at the best looking spot. Then she petted her ducklings and put Max in his cage with a cloth over it. She raced back down and slid into her seat.

Bran laughed at the thought of ducklings in diapers and grinned as River darted away to see to Max. Riding a flying carpet like a surfboard sounded amazing to him! He recalled the times he'd tried standing on his broom and balancing, though one of those had ended with a broken arm that was so not fun. Still with a wider base under him like a carpet...yep, he was going to like River, he thought to himself. She seemed fun and adventurous.

He was beginning to wonder about Lynnie though. Surely she hadn't slipped off back to her room. "Excuse me for a minute," he said to the others. Going to the door of the Great Hall, he looked around for his sister. Spotting a pink head in the now thinning crowd, he went over. "Lynnie, come join us," he urged. "I've met some of the students and you're going to love one of them."

Lynnie sighed as her brother corralled her. "Alright, just for a bit," she reluctantly agreed. "I suppose I need to eat something before I go back to my room."

"You need to mingle too," Bran declared. "they won't bite," he promised his shy sister.

Nodding, Lynnie returned to the Great Hall with Bran. Both of them stopped by the tables and filled a plate with food, grabbed a drink, and returned to the group.

((ooc - got to call it a night here, guys. see you all tomorrow!))

"That would be awesome!! I would love to see you surfing around on your carpet. Sounds awesome!" Faye gave Max a quick pat before he was put to bed. That was when she realized she was actually very tired. She'd spent the day wandering the grounds cataloging some of the flora and fauna that she hadn't added to her book yet. Lots of time were spent drawing detailed pictures of the plants and coloring them with her watercolors. Yawning, she smiled sleepily around at everyone, "I think it is time for me to go to bed. Nice to meet you Lenore and River. I hope we can get to know each other more while you're here!" She smiled brightly at Bran, and the newly joined Lynnie, "See you both around."

Faye gathered Prince in her arms, and walked back to her dormitory. She tried to keep a welcoming smile on her face for all the visitors that were wandering the halls exploring the castle.

(ooc: Night everyone!)

River smiled to everyone. "I think I got a nice bed too. It felt really fluffy and by the window. Max, poor thing fell straight asleep." When Bran returned with his sister, River smiled. "Oh the famous Lynnie, your brother's been bragging about you and your little Cleo. I simply must meet her! You needa meet Tut and Kiya too, but they are in bed asleep.. oh those are my ducks and I'm River," she extended her hand to shake. "So nice to meet you."

"Excellent!" River said, "I'll be sure to bring it so you all can have a ride." She waved to Faye. "Night, sleep well. Hope so too!"

Lenore Shudders. "That sounds terrible.

She continues to poke at the pie, scrutinizing it closely with narrowed eyes. "Oh, there are two kinds in there! I recognize the blueberries, they're just a bit squishier when they're baked." She pokes at an oozy purple bit. "Dewberries are new to me though!

"Oh, 'night Faye!" Lenore says as she notices that the girl is leaving. Deciding that it was now time for real food, she looks about and begins pulling plates over.

((ooc: I'm headed off for the night as well. Talk tomorrow!))

Carlos had chosen a spot from where he wasn't easily spotted but from where he had an easy time to watch the others. There was also a quick way out which was always important for him. He already stood here for quite a while, his arms crossed over his breast and with an impression on his face that didn't tell much about his feelings. Of course he was excited but at the same time all those new people around him made him nervous what he didn't want anyone to notice though. Smith, the white and brown rat, rested on Carlos' shoulder, pressing his little head against the neck of his human friend from time to time.

Stroking Smith's back Carlos watched how his schoolmates greeted the students from Hogwarts and Alexandria, trying to gather as many "first impressions" as possible while keeping up his mask of aloofness. When he spotted Faye (), who was about to leave it seemed, he nodded and gave a quick but warm smile.

Outfit Not Found Agnes was giddy with excitement, though she didn't look it as she shuffled over to an empty bed and tapped the nameplate with her wand. She sighed happily as a worn knapsack appeared at her feet, and began to arrange her robes, each more rumpled looking than the last, in the bedside wardrobe. A sturdy cleansweep broom, and an owl perch much larger than the satchel were pulled out next. lastly, a padded pet carrier with an annoyed looking barn owl and a large black cat with no tail snuggled together inside, was placed gently on the bed.

[img align=right]https://sapi.subeta.net/shared/268143.png[/img] Niamh Doyle tried to stop herself falling on her face as she arrived by Floo, but still managed to topple forwards somewhat inelegantly. Brushing the soot from her robes, she stepped forwards to clear the fireplace for the next student, looking round to see if there was anyone she recognised from The Alexandrian Academy. After such a long journey, she definitely needed food before heading to pick her bed in the dorm.

Outfit Not Found Rain waited excitedly as the students from Hogwarts and 4A arrived. In anticipation of hosting the international students, she had worn her best school robes, and had been very particular about styling her hair. It was charmed it's usual violet, and she had placed some pretty flowers in it that matched her robes. She added a bit of sparkle as well, it was her style, after all. Fade, her augurey, perched forlornly on her shoulder. She blinked slowly, clearly not as enthralled by the situation as her owner. When the students from the other two schools came into view, Rain cheered loudly and waved. This was so exciting! What a great opportunity this would be to make some new friends.

[img align=right]https://sapi.subeta.net/shared/268167.png[/img] Zala stepped out the fireplace and dusted some ashes off her sleeves. She had chosen to wear a more simplified dress version of the Alexandrian robes in muted gold colors instead of the more elaborate gowns. Her light blue sash had shifted a little so she wrapped it more tightly around her chest and tied a small bow on the left side. The girl looked around the hall and picked up her pet cat. The heavy calico squirmed in her arms and jumped down immediately. "Fine! Just stay close." Zala huffed as she began walking towards the exit. The cat softly padded after her ready to plop down on her owner's bed for a long nap.

The short girl stood on the tips of her toes trying to locate other students from the Academy. Soon enough her searching paid off and found Niamh . She nodded in her direction and continued on up the stairs. Many Ilvermorny students were cheering on their guests. Zala had never liked crowds and due to some events in her early childhood she might even have developed a fear for them. Being as short as she is didn't help either. She could easily get lost luckily the Ilvermorny students kept some sort of path free up the stairs and each doorway had been kept clear of people as well. Zala hurried down the right corridor and found herself in a cosy room. Several couches stood near a fireplace and the few windows looked out over the school grounds. The light wooden floor had a number of soft rugs on it and in one of the corners you could find a couple plush seats. In another corner was the entrance to the dormitory. Zala went up another set of stairs to the dorm and chose a bed in a corner. She took her wand out of her pocket and tapped twice on the nameplate. Her name appeared in a large cursive font and her travel bag sat on the covers. Zala's cat had obediently followed and now jumped on the bed to settle at the footrest.

After making her bed more comfortable, as in replacing the pillow with her own, she set out to get some food. She would have to brave the crowd again and thus took a few deep breaths preparing herself for the task. Zala felt confident she could handle whatever happened this Triwizard Tournament. She would even face the crowds if she had too. Reluctantly she made her way back to the cheering students hoping they would at least have quieted down some. Many visiting students had arrived thus their attention should be going elsewhere she hoped. She pushed open the door to the entrance hall and found the crowd had grown impossibly louder. Zala sighed and glanced around. The door opposite her lead to another dorm and to her left were the stairs she had first come up from. She'd have to go right deeper into the castle to find the Great Hall and the food. Her stomach grumbled and she rubbed it softly. She stepped out the door and rushed down the hallway to the Great Hall, ignoring the students gathered in groups. Once she had eaten she would try to be more social.

Zala entered the hall and with difficulty found herself a more isolated spot to sit down and eat dinner. She chose the tomato, chicken and polenta dish, something she considered a comfort food. Back in the dorm she had noticed one of the beds had been claimed by River . She hadn't seen her in the dorm so perhaps the girl was in the Great Hall too. Zala couldn't spot her among the students and shrugged her shoulders. She'd find her later.

A flash of yellow trim at the bed farthest from the door caught Agnes' eye. Coaxing Selene onto the owl's perch, she scooped up Ham and headed over to greet her fellow Hufflepuff.
"Hi Millie, did you bring Cleo?" she asked, waving shyly when she recognized Amelia.

Bran smiled at River’s () comments. “Most of the beds here are comfortable,” he said, “and a bed by the window is great. I have mine by a window too so I can look outside, day or night.”

As Faye () left them for the evening, Bran smiled and said, “Count on it. We have flying to do. Sleep well.”

Lynnie was startled as the girl she’d seen earlier with the lovely hair began chattering to her. Bran had been bragging about her? She shot her brother a questioning glance, but then the older girl said something about Cleo and ducks. Once Lynnie had sorted through the barrage of information she’d just been handed, she gave a shy smile and shook the other girl’s hand. “Hi, River. Your name is as pretty as your hair. Yes, I’m Lynnie…well Lynnette really but everyone knows me as Lynnie, partly because that’s what I like to be called and partly because that’s how Bran always introduces me. You’re welcome to see Cleo; she likes meeting people. She’s in the dorm for now along with Sebastian and Oliver. Sebastian is my bear cub and Oliver is a kneazle hybrid. I’m glad that you got a bed you liked. Mine is on the end in a corner, but I like it there because it’s against the wall and I can pile pillows on two sides and curl up among them and read. It’s a cozy way to spend a rainy day if you aren’t in class.”

As Lenore() poked at her pie, Bran smiled. “They’re good. And you will probably find several things mixed together here, some familiar and some not as much,” he said. “Cooking is a bit like potion making. It’s all about what you can combine safely to make new products.” He began to eat some of his own selection of baked cod with a crumbly Ritz cracker crust. He also had brought over a large piece of apple pie with cheese on it for later. Bran noted a few more of his fellow students coming in for food and fellowship as well as other newcomers that had the Alexandrian robes. ( )“Did the Alexandrian Academy send all girls?” he asked curiously, having not seen any boys from the other schools thus far.

Lynnie glanced around at her brother’s comment. “So what if they did?” she said. “Maybe the boys weren’t smart enough to warrant bringing.” She made a face at Bran who returned the favor. “I see Carlos ()and his adorable little rat,” she smiled, looking shyly toward the Ilvermorny boy.

“Long as all you think is adorable is the rat,” Bran said under his breath. Not that he had a thing in the world against Carlos, but Lynnie was his little sister! She didn’t need to be watching boys! She had all these new girls to talk to now, Bran thought to himself.

When Lynnie () smiled at him he returned that gesture. He liked the shy young girl just like he liked her older brother, Bran who appeared to be not too happy with a comment his sister just made. "I wonder what she said..." Carlos thought to himself, then he decided to step out of his hideout to join his schoolmates.

"Hey there!" he said to Bran and Lynnie. "Everything alright?"

Smith, the rat, was now awake and curiously looked around. So many new scents and faces! When he spotted Lynnie he climbed down Carlos' arm and looked up at the girl while making soft squeaking noises.