Blade put his tray down completely off eating and was actively squeezing his nails into his palms to keep him from getting too angry. It wasn't something that particularly worked well. He closed the tent and was glad it was spelled to prevent eavesdropping.

"Tell me you weren't dumb enough to go to the mermaids with a complete stranger you know nothing about," he demanded with no preamble. "Bringing the giant squid was a risk of its own just to show off a bit, but going to the mermaids is beyond foolish."

Magnus felt a bit of tension and looked curiously at the boy holding out his hand. There was also a hot girl there, so he flashed a flirty smile not knowing he had no chance.

Naturally he was going to be mad, Blade was almost always mad, or irritated, or just generally upset about something. Toru crossed their arms and listened to him berate their judgement. They tried to meet Blade's angry grey eyes but eventually looked away and tears started pricking the corners of their eyes. It was very rare for Toru to be scolded since they were a good kid. "The s-squid likes t-to sunbathe s-sometimes, and I d-didn't take h-him to the m-merfolk village." They weakly argued back as tears actually flowed down their cheeks. They angrily rubbed them away and tried to calm down. They were mad they were being scolded and now mad they were crying. Of course their anger was mostly directed at themself, just at little bit at Blade for yelling at them.

"I-I sang a-and h-he heard i-it though. E-Even though I t-told him not t-to." They managed between small sobs. It was a secret that Toru only let their closest friends know, but every so often someone else found out by accident. There was also a small event last semester where someone heard them singing -- an older boy in Slytherin that they didn't know, but Valiska seemed to know. They rubbed their eyes and cheeks again, trying to get the salty droplets to stop. "I g-guess I'm j-just a stupid, f-foolish s-showoff." They mumbled and sat on a beanbag tiredly. This trip was definitely a mistake,

"Yes that's why the squid while lacking judgement is excusable enough, but you really expected him to just close his ears when he's swimming? C'mon Ru you're smarter than that. You can't expect people to do what you ask them. Do you think I would've? You can't blindly trust people. And even if he did as you asked, don't you think even a moron like Seb would've figured out you were using a siren song? Why else would you need to cover your ears or would other things come around?" Blade asked. His tone had slipped own from the yell but was still harsh. He said a Japanese swear word and combed his fingers through his hair. Then added a German swear word. He then took a very long breath. "Maybe a little bit," he said in a lower tone, "but everyone does something dumb every once in awhile. I will keep my eyes on Bushy-head myself. We'll see if he looks like he'll spill the beans. If he can keep his tongue I won't have to remove it." It was hard to read if the tone was serious or not since it was now stoic.

Blade frowned. Ru was too innocent and trusting and he didn't want to ruin the kid. Seeing them cry made him feel--bad. "Look, we'll figure it out. Don't cry okay. I'm sorry I lost my temper. It's like my job to protect you. My parents weren't exactly V's supporters, but they thought he was onto the right ideas. There are always going to be people out there that would do anyone that is different harm. I don't want to lose another family. I might not be transitioning the best, but yeah I don't want to lose you or anyone else." He let go of his palms and he had little half moon dents in several places.

Blade apologizing for shouting helped calm them down, they gave a few more weak sniffles before giving their sibling a hug. "I-I'm sorry f-for being a m-mess." They mumbled softly and moved to clean their face in the tent's small bathroom. Crying was always exhausting to them, probably because their body craved water being a merperson and crying was the opposite of storing water. They did take a minute to drink a few handfuls of water to help ease the tired wave washing over them and moved back into the room with Blade.

"I-I don't think you'll n-need to go as far as removing h-his tongue. H-He seems g-genuinely i-interested in m-merfolk..." Either way Toru was definitely not going to be super trusting or taking anyone else on dives this trip that's for sure.

Seb had been preoccupied with handing out his collection of shiny stones and hadn’t paid much attention to Mr. bad temper across the fire. It wasn’t until Nerfi inquired that he pried his eyes away from his harvested prize. “We swam for a bit, Toru called the mermaids out, it was amazing.” He shrugged and dumped the un-selected remaining stones back in his pouch. “But I’m pretty sure I did something to make them mad.” Seb grinned a big stupid grin. “Don’t ask me what though. Had a great time myself. It isn’t even that murky once you clear the shallows.” His stomach rumbled slightly reminding him how much energy he had spent. “I’m guna grab something to eat.” He stood up, stuffed the pouch into his pocket and went to pick peruse the food tables.

Blade waved off the apology. "It's fine."

"We'll see," Blade said. "He might be interested so he can mer-nap you or something equally dumb." He sighed. "So what do you want to do? I promised to hang with you."


Magnus felt awkward as he sat there eating. Maybe he should go somewhere else...?

Toru blinked a few times at the mention of being "mer-nap"ed and it caused them to burst into a fit of giggles. They needed a good laugh to cheer up their assortment of moods, and blade had said it so seriously. The younger Hufflepuff giggled until their sides hurt and tears formed in the corner of their eyes. Finally they were able to calm down. "Sorry, it was just... so funny." They said with a sheepish smile. "Mmm... We c-can cook s'mores?" They added hopefully. Toru did enjoy sweets after all.

Nefri listened to Seba's explanation and had a feeling he was leaving a few details out. However it was obvious it was none of her business, by her best friend's curt reply, so she dropped it. "Mmm grab me a plate too, Sebakhin. Please?"

She noticed a boy a little lounger than she was giving her a flirty smile. Boys really weren't her cup of tea, but she had to admit that for a boy he was cute. The Egyptian put her hand to her chest and gave a small bow of her head in acknowledgement. "Did you come late?"

Returning not long after he got up, Sebakhin handed a stacked plate over to his best friend and plopped down between her and a boy he hadn’t met yet. ((That would be Magnus, at least I'm pretty sure they haven't met...)) “Hello. I’m Seb.” He grinned at the other boy before diving into his own plate a little haphazardly. Everything was delicious, even the weird looking food tasted amazing. Seb made it a point to try as many different foods as possible and so far he had not been disappointed. The only thing that grossed him out was blood pudding. Just the name was… Well at least there were loads of other things to make up for it.

Blade was serious and Toru laughed. The teen rolled his eyes and let out a slight huff. "Well I'm glad I made you laugh I guess. I suppose we can... just...er, what are they?"

Magnus was happy when the girl finally gave him attention. "No... not late. I were drawing and got lost in it I guess. Smelt food so ad to come and see what was being offered. I'm Magnus Lee." He gave the exotic looking boy a nod. "You two ain't from Ogwarts," he stated. His thick Cockney accent was very present in his speech.

Toru smiled again at Blade. "They a-are a c-camping dessert. You r-roast marshmallows and t-then put t-them between g-graham crackers a-and chocolate." They moved to also grab their journal to sketch a bit too.

Nefri took the plate when she was offered it and thanked her best friend. "That is an astute observation. We are visiting from Alexandria Academy of the Arcane Arts." She curiously poked around at the odd foods provided. Nefri wasn't particularly a picky eater, but if it was unfamiliar she had to ease into the meal. Unlike Seba who was practically inhaling the whole plate. The dark skinned girl finally mustered a bit of the least visually appealing food which was labeled chili, but was pleasantly surprised by the flavors on her tongue. "I am Nefri Sheba and this is Sebakhin Omari," She stated gesturing her spoon to the boy beside her.

"Never had one. Guess I can try it," Blade said. The pair headed back to the fire.

"Oh I 'ave a friend that went there. River Alcott. She's 'ome schooled now though," Magnus said. "Nice to meet you two." He smiled brightly. Then Toru and Blade arrived. He hadn't really interacted with Blade but he was friends with Toru. "'Ey Toru, ow are you?"

Seb grinned with his mouthful and struggled to swallow hastily. "Ah, yeah! River! She was cool, you talk to her ever? I'm bad at keeping contact. You should tell 'er Seb said HI." He shrugged and happily stuffed another bite of food into his mouth. Regardless to weather River would remember him didn't seem to occur to or bother him one bit.

Toru moves to gather the things that they would need for the s'mores once they had exited their tent with Blade. They seemed in a better mood and waved happily at Magnus, but didnt really linger long since he was talking to Seb. "H-Hey M-Magnus... Blade a-and I are m-making s'mores," Ru added with a smile in his direction.

Nefri ate her food, very civilly compared to Seb, and tried to recall River. She had a horrible habit of flirting with girls and when she was rejected not really interacted with them at all again. She honestly got along great with guys, though she would never date them.

It was probably because she was the only girl of her siblings. Nefri had two older brothers and one younger one, and she acted much like a boy until her boobs finally grew in. She still wasn't overly girly to this day. "I've probably met her, but I don't really recall."

((sorry for dropping out for a bit there; had rl distractions))

Tamara finally left her chosen-at-random tent. She had loved -- for a number of reasons, including the attention of a cute girl and also that Nefri was pretty dang likeable -- spending the afternoon lounging and chatting, and as the day wound down and Nefri had suggested they go and change for dinner she was not passing up her chance. If there was one thing she could wow her with it was style -- not to mention she was extra sure to pick an outfit that said hello, yes, I am interested. If a sheer overlayer, spiked headband, collar, bleached hair with black roots, and shark heels didn't say Let Me Be Your Reverse Mary Magdalane Absolutely Brimming With Demons But Like The Cool Kind she didn't know what did. She was only glad she packed so many options. Expansion charms were a lifesaver.

However, she guessed she took too long to get dressed, because instead of all eyes on her as she sauntered out of the tent Nefri was talking to some boy she didn't know. Which was okay she guessed. It's not like she had known her long enough to feel possessive already, even if she was the sort to feel possessive at all. But it did kind of ruin her entrance.

She headed over to the fire anyway, heels sinking a little in the dirt with each step and making her silhouette somewhat less impressive than it could of been. But maybe that was a good thing, most heels she owned brought her height past six and a half feet, and to be dateable you were supposed to be short, right? Or did that only apply to straight people? Shit. She wished she knew more queer people so she could know these things. Allie was useless.

She glanced around, trying to keep her stride as proud as she could through her mounting nerves. A lot of people seemed to be heading over to tables with food and one set with cooking pots and ingredients. Maybe she would check that out later, she actually knew how to not burn water now. But at the moment there were more important things on her mind.

She sunk onto a log across the fire from Nefri, the seats next to whom were already taken. She would speak up shortly if she wasn't noticed, but it would be much cooler if she was. Glancing at the other girl -- she had gathered that girl through their conversation -- across the flames she took in the new colour in her hair. She hadn't needed the hint, but pride suited Nefri well.

Magnus nodded the affirmative. "Oh yeah, I do. She's one of me best mate's girlfriend. I'll tell 'er. If you meet 'er you'll be friends, i think. She's really easy to get along with. Usally 'as rainbow coloured 'air."

He smiled at Toru. "Ooh I 'ad those before. They are delicious. Think I could 'ave one? 'Aving fun so far?"

Magnus noticed another person he didn't recall ever seeing before. She had a punk-ish look to her. "'Ello," he said, "Name's Magnus." He smiled to her.

Drew had spent the afternoon enjoying flying with Zephyr and the thestral. They had done dives and loops and aerial acrobatics that would have terrified the youth had he been on a broom. But put Drew on the back of a winged equine and nothing was too dangerous. The boy had complete trust in his mounts, be they winged or normal horses, due to his communication with them. After an exhilarating flight over woods and water, they had settled back near their starting pint as the sun began to set and the thestral blended into the shadows even more. Drew bid the creature a fond farewell, even daring to stroke his neck once before the animal gave a slight shiver and withdrew into the forest.

Making his way to the other activities, Drew did take part in a flobberworm race to keep his promise to Zoe and though number 3 didn’t win, he praised his worm and thanked Zoe for the entertainment and her well dressed worms.

As evening fell, Flora returned to the tent she and Lily had chosen to change clothes. It had been fun swimming and getting to know others throughout the afternoon. She especially liked Lily and was glad that she had come. Glancing around at those near the campfire, Flora spotted Seb and smiled, admiring from a distance for a bit.

Drew saw to it that Zephyr was taken care of and then wandered over to join the group congregating near the fire. The tantalizing smell of smores lured him and a grin formed when he recognized a certain person. “You better have saved some for me, Mags!” he called playfully. “After hiding out all afternoon.” Overhearing a comment about rainbow colored hair, he grinned. “Talking about River?” he guessed.

((sorry about disappearing...rl is interfering more than I want))

Toru smiled softly at their friend and gave a nod. "Y-Yeah you c-can make o-one Magnus." Their soft smile faltered just a little when the former werewolf asked if they were having a good time. "I-It's been up a-and down, I s-suppose." They cast another sideways glance at Seb. Their bad mood had eased just a little after talking with Blade, but was still unsure if they could trust the guest. Toru was going to be wary for a bit.

Tamara wouldn't need to worry at all. As soon as she approached the campfire Nefri's plump painted lips parted in a small look of surprise and her dark brown eyes glistened gleefully. It took every ounce of her composure to keep from grabbing Seb's arm and shaking him violently in an excited way. Instead she just gave her a brilliant smile and a wink. "You'll have to take me on a date where you got those shoes, Tamara." She cooed playfully, as she finished the last of her meal. The other girl's style was similar to her own, though Nefri also enjoyed comfortable clothes as well, as it was evident in her current outfit.

((I'm sick and struggling to do anything so please bear with me.))

Still engaged with Magnus, Seb narrowed his eyes while Toru refused to acknowledge him. “What’s a sim-moar?” He asked Magnus and nodded in agreement about River. “Yeah, rainbow hair, you’ve gotta remember that.” Seb nudged Nefri, finished his plate and set it haphazardly on the ground beside him. Reclining back into the chair he stretched and grinned. Giving Toru a playful wink when they finally chanced a glance. As far as he was concerned the kid was overreacting and honestly not giving him enough credit. If he was going to tell anyone it would have happened already right? So really there was no point in being upset about it still. But not everyone was as carefree as Seb, and he certainly didn’t have any secrets worth hiding to persuade him to feel otherwise. “See, everyone knows River.” He interjected when Drew joined the group and gave the other boy a grin.

Blade was not used to being hugged or having affection shown so when he saw Drew, he remembered having been petted hours before and a small shiver ran down his spine just as it had with the initial contact but he was stoic in his expression. Besides, the rest of the time was enjoyable.

“Ain’t me fault if you’re slow,” Magnus said with a laugh. “Yeah. She knew Seb and Nefri ‘ere.” He poked his fork at the other two. “Excellent. Be there in a mo, Toru.” He grinned brightly at the idea of the yummy treat. “It’s a toasted marshmallow on top of a bit o chocolate and sandwiched between two gram-biscuits. It’s delicious!”

Blade recovered enough to feel dumb just standing there. He tried to keep himself from glaring contemptuously at Seb. “So… Ru,” Blade said holding the items, “What do we do?”

((Sorry for the major delay. THe flu is still kicking my butt, but I was able to find the energy to reply.))