(( in case you're coming))

Lily nervously crossed over to the camping area. Marko, her service dog, followed along dutifully wearing his vest to inform others he was working. Her silkie chicken was peeking out of her bag seemingly enjoying the view and the ride. ‘The castle looks impressive from this angle,’ she thought as she glanced across the glistening water. All of this was so new to her. She’d never been camping without her parents. The young girl had never been to England either and now here she was away from her parents and country. Her parents allowed this because Hogwarts assured them she would be well cared for and the staff was properly informed of her medical issues. One of her favourite quotes from Monty Python and the Quest for the Holy Grail popped into her mind. ‘She’s a witch, she’s a witch. Burn her.’ Ironic that the quote took on such a drastic new meaning when she was sat down with her parents to be told she was in fact, a witch.

As Lily pondered her new life as a witch and living in the UK, the eleven year old adjusted her glasses. Did the girl say a flobberworm? What on earth was that? She looked at the three other students present. One looked like she enjoyed the punk scene, one one was….wait part horse?! The shock of this wasn’t very visible on the girl’s face as she again adjusted her glasses. The little bat sitting on the end of it moved briefly. Magical glasses were a thing—who knew? When she saw them, she couldn’t resist and neither could her parents. Anything to help the girl adjust to so many changes at once. The third “girl” was really cute with hair that reminded Lily of a koi fish. She liked fish and giggled nervously that liking fish was the reason for wanting to talk to this girl. Yet, Lily’s feet didn’t seem to follow the order and she remained in place.

Blade sighed as he followed Toru so slowly that it didn’t look like they’d come together at all. How could he have known his efforts to quell his friend’s anxiety about him camping alone in the forest in Hogsmede would result in him being “dragged” to this social event. In the middle of the winter term his parents had kicked him out and the resourceful teen had bought himself a tent and magical tent greenhouse and went camping. He got a job at the music shop in Hogsmede and wasn’t exactly thriving, but he was holding his own. He’d also managed to become an animagus but not many knew about that little tidbit. Sure, he was registered, but he wasn’t particularly loquacious with a lot of people and kept things on the chin. Callista, Toru and eventually Niamh had all been told of his remarkable new thestral animagus ability.

Yet, he never would have predicted being adopted into Toru’s family. He accepted the invitation to do so on New Year’s day—which had come as a surprise to him even since he was not much into being around a lot of people. And his own family had been cold and distant. But the Mizushima’s had been great at giving him space, even making the entire attic into a flat for him. He had the choice to be alone or join them which helped him immensely. So had Callista and her family. They were still a huge support to him. Since then things had been far less of a struggle for him.

But of course, Blade was still intrinsically the same person and it was well known how socially stunted he was. The idea of all this togetherness made him feel off. Except for his bird, he left his pets at home, opting to allow his new parents to care for them. Toru didn’t like cats much so it was better if they weren’t in a confined tent with his Wisp for the camping trip. Blade was glad, at least, that the tent he bought could be used again. He kind of missed it in a weird sort of way. The teen sighed as he finally caught up with Toru. “Zoe,” he said mildly by way of greeting.

Zoe smiled to the students. She hoped she looked friendly. “Oh hi Mallowsweet,” she said. She loved the centaur a lot. The pretty fur always made Zoe want to pet it. “Might I say you’re looking lovely today. Hope you enjoy!”

When Toru came up to her, the grin on Zoe’s face was now nearly mouth splitting. “Hey! How are you? I know right? I was so chuffed to be invited. How could I say no? Oh I sure hope so. I miss my buddy. And you get on pretty well with him too. Oh, there’s an art station that way if you wanna check that out. Surely you’ll find Magnus there at some point.”

((and all))

Stoically, Blade hung back looking around at the students. He hoped for one of his friends. He glanced over to the table where a girl he didn't recognise was. He liked looking good, but he was not a fashion connoisseur. That title he gave to his best mate Callista. Still enough though he wasn't much into caring what others wore, he had to give this person credit, her outfit was bold--says the bloke wearing an anorak. 'Hmm, Zoe really does have flobberworms to race,' he thought has his brow rose a little. He saw the little girl with the dog now move a little closer to the worm racing arena.

Lily edged ever so slightly towards the table, curious to see what the "punk" girl was now doing. Worms with racing jerseys on. Now that was different. Shy, but suddenly emboldened, she decided to speak. "H-hi," the American girl said, "I-I never heard of worm racing before."

Zoe saw the interest in the flobberworms and came over. "Aren't they too precious?" she asked. Her hand went towards the one that was now visible on her shoulder, which was wearing a tiny knitted flower Alice band. (headband) "Bebe has lots of friends. If ye want, ye can have one. Just pick the one ye like the most and it's yers. I've got spare worms here for swapping out if they get tired." She showed them a little see through tent with dirt in it along with small sleeping bags. "They're camping too."

Lily quickly made sure her chicken wasn't looking and backed away a little. "I-I think Kuzco would eat your friends, so better not."

"No worries, they are spelled to prevent animals from harming them," Zoe said.

wizarding

I have what we (Mewy and Myself) consider exciting news. We are going to keep the camping trip open for the entire term. There will be camping events coming (similar to workshops) which will be announced here, but will take place on a separate board for ease. We will move the days/nights here as either activities suggest or if the board seems to be slowing down... or if we er, want to MAWHAHA THE POWER. -coughs- just kidding ;) anyway... We will give you a warning of when we plan on moving time so you can help transition your character/s. And for this current 'day' unless things go stale you have about a week remaining. Will update 72 hours in advance.)

Day one will end here on Monday. I'm not sure what time I'll post it, but probably some time around 2pm subeta time. You are welcome to keep posting with the current time until I shift the day if you want. :) there'll be a new activity mentioned here but roleplayed in a separate board. Newcomers are welcome as always, but especially in this as its a pretty laid back setting :)

As the day dwindled down and the darkness of the night descended, torches appeared around the camp. It was a cosy feeling. Several magical fires were made and there were stations with coffee, hot chocolate, tea, biscuits and just about anything possible to spear on a roasting stick--which were also present. Zoe's magically amplified voice came over the area. Every fire had comfy chairs around them.

"I hope everyone's enjoyed the first day of this camping trip. Snacks and dinner/super/tea or whatever you wish to call the evening meal are provided at the tables near the fires. Please enjoy. Also, please know that those wishing to partake of the Borscht cook off, please meet over the sign hovering in the air. Thank you."

((Borscht Cook-Off RP (9th Term) will now be for the Borscht cook off. Feel free to play in both locations, in fact I encourage it. Also feel free to sum up your character's day to shift them to the first evening meal/campfire..))

Since the term is winding down, let's give this till Friday at 11.59.

((my other reply is on the previous page))