Group #14

[Hogsmeade Trail]

EVENT ANNOUNCER - ROUND 1
After spending three and three-quarters hours wandering through the maze of the Ministry with several cramped lift rides (at least one having been uncomfortably haunted by a grumpy and blood purist old ghost), you have been given your supplies and map stuffed into a grey knapsack. If you are the first group member, you have also been given the responsibility of caring for a Ministry owl and are told to keep it with you at all times - you don't need to worry about feeding it, as it can hunt for itself. Then, you are shown the door and instructed to meet with your group members at a designated spot. You are also issued a harsh reminder of the consequences of being a deserter before you're shoved out into the spring's early morning sunlight.

The adventure has begun.

You have been informed that your group members are:

Theodora Flamel, 25, Upper Class, Translator for the Dept. of International Magical Cooperation
Isla Black, 25, freelance collumnist, upper class
Felicia Turnbull, 27, socialite, upper class
Ursula Black, 25, Headmaster's wife, Upper Class
Justin Thyme, 18, Owl Emporium Employee, Lower class

You introduce yourselves, review your maps, and then must come to a decision of which direction you need to start in.

Which part of Hogsmeade do you disembark from?
a. West Slums
b. East Slums
c. South Slums

OOC DIRECTIONS:
1.) Have your character introduce themselves. Mention in their post (doesn't have to spoken aloud) what else, if anything, they have brought with them. If it isn't mentioned here, then they won't have it later on in the trail unless it is found/made. Those who post first will be assumed to have spoken first.

2.) Assume all introductions have been made and then have them choose a direction/remain neutral. Points 1 and 2 should both be included in your character's first post.

3.) If the group comes to a decision before the round ends, you can have your group head in that direction. (Decisions will be made when all characters have had a turn to state their choice or the three days are up. Special instances are allowed and must be discussed with Lola.)

Round 2 begins May 19th

  

[Guest]

Isla knew that this day will finally come. It was one of those things that couldn't be avoided. She was very excited about it, though, as it meant she could finally be independent from her family. With her, Isla brought horses for every member of the team, except Ursula, because "horse riding is bad for the baby", as she told her. Of course, she did it out of spite. She hated her sister-in-law with passion and would love to see her reputation ruined. In her eyes, she deserved that.

Apart from Ursula, there was one familiar face û Theodora Flamel, a friend of Isla's from school. So she only needed to introduce herself to the rest. That was well.
"Welcome. I am Isla Black. Those horses that I brought are for you. I also brought food and water for them that should last for at least two weeks, if not more. Those of you who will be injured, don't have to fear, I may not be healer, but I brought some basic healing potions as well." She said, standing next to the horses, in her blue riding uniform. Of course, she didn't mean to ride in a ladylike manner during the expedition and hoped that the other females will not do it as well. "Right, now we should decide which way to go. I vote south." She said firmly.

Of course, along with that, she brought the ministry supplies and some potions to make sure Ursula stays asleep all night, even if she doesn't want to.

OUTFIT

  

[Theodora Flamel]

Teddy was the only ministry member in her group, which is why she figured that she was assigned as the group leader. Of course the ministry would want a ministry worker as the head. It made sense. She was given a bag with a whole bunch of items for the trip, as well as an owl. From home, she had brought an assorted amount of books on assorted topics that might be helpful for the group: a book on healing spells and potions, a book on muggle camping and how to survive in the wilderness, a book on what plants are edible and which might kill you among plenty of others. She brought extra food and extra clothes, though she was aware that the other women in her group were all upper class, and the only one even remotely likely to wear the leggings and tunics that Teddy had packed would be Isla. Unfortunately, Isla's sister in law, Ursula Black, was also in their group and there was a good chance Isla might not wear those types of clothes.

The Flamels were well known for being rather unorthodox in their ways of doing things. Teddy was allowed to wear leggings and a tunic, as it was fashionable, even for women, in other parts of the world. They were a family full of culture and worldliness, and didn't conform to the societal demands of the country they were living; they like to live based on their knowledge of the entire world. At least, that's how Teddy liked to live and her father was okay with that.

Along with her books, she also brought a potions kit and several ingredients that they wouldn't be able to find out in the wilderness. As someone who excelled in potions, she could work wonders with any potion they might need, given she had the right ingredients. With her two bags on her back and the ministry assigned owl perched on her shoulder, Teddy walked in the direction of her group's appointed meeting spot. She was the first to arrive, but smiled, nodded and introduced herself as the others arrived. "Good afternoon, I'm Teddy Flamel," she said, using her nickname instead of her full name. She wanted to be called Teddy and knew if she didn't introduce herself that way, there would be certain people who wouldn't use that name. Teddy hugged Isla when she showed up and whispered to her about the extra leggings and tunics before looking at all the members of her group. "So, I would suggest heading south first. There's less explored land on the map that way, so we might have better luck down there. Thoughts?"

  

[Ursula Black]

A thousand lies have made me colder

Nothing had been done. Nothing! She was even more irritated by the fact that Phineas had seemingly done nothing to find a way for his wife and unborn son to remain home. She quite liked the idea of having the whole house to herself. But it was not to be and worse still, she had been landed in a group with Isla. Isla. Why couldn't she have been with Elladora? At least Ella didn't make her want to break into violence.

Ursula stood sullenly among her group, a house elf who looked utterly terrified more or less cowering next to her. If Isla could bring horses for her entire group then she would bring one of the elves. She didn't buy Isla's excuse anyway, or at least she didn't want to. Anyway, since when did Isla care? Since when was it her business to care? No matter, Ursula didn't want one of Isla's stupid horses. That being said, she didn't want to be trailing behind them all either, that would just be humiliating.

Grimacing at the bag her supplies were in - could they not have a used a more attractive fabric or color? - she finally joined what was apparently her group, judging primarily by the fact Isla was there. Oh Merlin, how was she going to last the entire expedition without killing her or herself? "Ursula Black," she announced coldly, glancing at the assembled party and finding them all to be displeasing to her in some way. "I suggest west," she announced, not agreeing with the others merely to be difficult. She hadn't prepared very well, she had hoped to convince the people at the Ministry to somehow release her of her obligation on account of her delicate condition but had failed. Her belongings included a dress, cloak, nightdress, some jewelry, her accompanying elf, her wand (like that would be of much use!) and a few potions and tinctures for her own use.

Tag: Trail Peeps Outfit Words: 324

created by kay of caution and sds

  

[Justin Thyme]

Justin Thyme had never felt so out of place in his life. Not when he first attended Hogwarts. Not when he found out he was magical. Not even when he left the school in search of work. He was the only man amongst a group of upper class dames, and no doubt the only muggleborn he thought. He readjusted the bag on his shoulder that had a change of clothes and a book to practice his reading during his off time and looked around the group of women.

It was intimidating. He was freshly eighteen and by far younger than all the women here. The fact that in any usual circumstance they'd look down their noses at him not only for his wealth status but his blood status as well. It was discomforting indeed to be around them. But he managed to find his voice. "Justin Thyme. It's a pleasure, ma'ams." He said in his usual drawl. He worried that he didn't sound educated. And to be fair, he wasn't really that educated. But he still didn't want to sound it.

He looked towards the pretty woman who suggested west. He wondered what made her pick that rather than agreeing with the other two on south. Shrugging, he said, "I don't really have an opinion either way. South seems as good to me as any other way."

  

[Guest]

Felicia yawned with her fan covering her mouth slightly annoyed at the time and the inconvenience she was being put through. She would rather be in bed and having not spent three and three quarters of an hour wandering around the infernal drat of the ministry and being put through having to ride the cramped lift which she'd discovered, to her horror, had been haunted by her father-in-law. She had heard he was dead and had hoped that meant she wouldn't have to see him again. She had obviously been wrong. Scolded and feeling even more tired she hadn't complained once after receiving her supplies and whatever else the clerk had shoved into her hands before being shoved into the bleary morning. She knew she wanted to be in bed and she knew it most certainly wasn't possible.

She felt that her energy was drained from her, and right now did not feel like the bundle of joy and excitement that she usually was. It probably had something to do with the fact that she, and her group, were going to die she decided as she stared in almost incredulity at the women of her group - and there were certainly a few. For all Felicia knew that morning would be the last time she saw her husband, her family - and she wished that she had stopped dithering about the groups and insisted firmly with the ministry that she'd be put in a group with Fitzroy or Felicity - Felicity was training to be a healer that had to be useful in this mess - or even at a push Aunt Moira. She had a horrible suspicion that she was the oldest one here and she didn't like that at all... maybe she should've insisted travelling with Euphemia? That would have been right thing to do as her step mother but Felicia had gotten the feeling that Effie wasn't entirely happy with her and preferred to be elsewhere if that was the case.... but being the oldest one there? She cringed at the role she was probably going to end up having to be the responsible old lady and she didn't like that idea at all.

She frowned at the horses and hoped that Isla Black had thought the idea through enough. Horses could be as much of a hindrance as a help, if the terrain proved too tough they could fall or break a leg or crush somebody accidentally. Her husband had told her that when she'd tried to convince him to let her take one of her mounts along.... though she wouldn't begrudge borrowing one of the woman's mounts. She loved horse riding, and she would not have to worry about carrying her own pack if she were riding. The next woman to introduce herself was a woman named Teddy Flamel. She did not know what she thought of the woman - who showed up in something as improper as leggings and a tunic but she decided speculatively that she would probably like her.. if she proved to be able to back up her closet. Felicia would've probably worn something quite similar had she not been concerned about how it would look to others who watched the people setting out. She had simply chosen to wear her travelling dress, a large hat to protect her from the sun which was secured in place by a scarf and hat pins, strong gloves covered her hands and her pack sat high on her back. She carried an umbrella unopened under one arm and wore flat, sturdy boots under her hidden skirts as a concession. Her skirts also hid the fact that she had abandoned her underskirts and pettycoats for a nice strong pair of breeches that she intended to keep hidden. She envied Teddy the courage of wearing her leggings firmly displayed.

She carried a separate bag full of supplies that she'd bought from home under one arm - though in all seriousness she'd included spare robes (having no intention of wearing her travelling dress for more then one day, and having been told by her husband not to pack enough robes to wear three a day - she told him she hadn't packed that may, and had had to settle with four and probably the use of a cleaning spell), feminine necessities (that her maid had reminded her to bring and she'd included because bleeding all over the place was not dignified) and several thick blankets to lie upon when it came time to rest. She carried a small bottle of strong smelling solution for her headaches, another for nausea and another to calm her stomach, along with spare hatpins and at least a dozen or so hankerchief as well as a book (that proclaimed it was full of useful charms that failing it's objective would at least be provide reading material) in her charmed reticule. She hadn't fully investigated her pack but she was slightly worried about the weight of it. Now, that she had a horse to carry for her she wondered if it would be enough to feed her for one week let alone perhaps two. Her eyes followed Ursula's - a relative though the exact connection eluded her at that precise moment - for a moment and disregarded her comments. They had two, and on the only males vote - three suggestions of South and theoretically it was correct though she disliked the reasoning. She did not want to go somewhere where nobody had been. She wanted to stay in her comfortable surrounds but that was not an option.

"Felicia Turnbull," She said by way of introduction and attempting to meet everybody but the man in the eye.

"...and for the sake of getting this over and done with as quickly as possibly I agree with heading south. Teddy-" She said pulling a face as she did so, uncomfortable with calling a grown woman such a name, "-'s reasoning is sound and so far we have only had one vote for west." She tilted her head towards her cousin and sighed. She was clearly not looking forward to this at all.

  

[Guest]

Isla first frowned and then rolled her eyes when Ursula finally spoke. Of course she said west. She absolutely LOVED being a drag. She LOVED annoying people and most of all û her. They were never best of friends.. They were never friends at all.
"Ignore her. She hates me and adores being difficult. She said west out of the sheer spite. We don't exactly get along. The woman said with a sigh. ""Well then, the majority wins, so by that we decided to go south."

  

[Ursula Black]

A thousand lies have made me colder

If looks could kill then Isla would likely have keeled over at any moment with the look she was on the receiving end of from Ursula. How dare she humiliate her in the such a way! It was unforgivable! "Excuse my sister-in-law, she failed to remember her good-breeding and manners when she was packing," she snipped irritably. If they were to go south... then so be it. She didn't honestly care, she just wanted the whole experience to be over and done with as quickly as possible with as little discomfort and inconvenience to her as possible.

Hopefully Isla would fall prey to some debilitating injury and have to drop out so she wouldn't have to deal with her the entire time.

Tag: Trail Peeps Outfit Words: 121

created by kay of caution and sds

  

[Theodora Flamel]

Teddy eyed her group. It was going to be a miracle if Isla didn't kill Ursula; Teddy knew that Ursula had no chance against her friend. Isla could easily hold her own against any male who might want to chance fighting her. She was a strong woman with an open mind, despite her breeding, something which Teddy valued and admired in her friend. And, though she knew full well her friend could defend herself, after Ursula took a stab at Isla, Teddy stepped in.

"Ursula and Isla have never seen eye to eye," she said, regarding Ursula first, her eyes cold and hard as she locked eyes with the dark haired woman, "and there is a lot of weight that can be put to that." She turned to look at the other members of their group in order to judge their reactions. "Now, I will say that I hope everyone tries their best to cooperate with everyone else when it comes to this expedition. I'm aware that scant few of us actually want to be here, but since we have no idea as to when this will end or for how long we will be gone, it's about time to just get along and make the decisions we think best for the group, not over," and for this she locked eyes with Ursula again, "petty differences and arguments."

Teddy paused and put her bag on the ground. She opened it and surveyed the contents. Along with the ministry provisions and the extra clothes, books and food she had packed, Teddy had also packed a tent. She was certain there was a spell to make it large enough to fit everyone. "Listen, I have extra clothes, clothes like the ones I'm wearing," she gestured to her tunic and leggings, "should anyone care to try them. They're much more comfortable for the type of travel we shall be doing, easy to clean and quick to dry. I also have a tent that I can magic to make large enough to fit us all." She paused and took note of her group members. "But, of course, seeings as it's my tent, if there's any quibbling or arguing over petty nonsense, you can count yourself warned that you will not be allowed to step foot inside. Now, shall we be off?" She closed up her bag and hoisted it onto her back before saddling up on a beautiful chestnut mare that Isla had brought.

  

[Hogsmeade Trail]

EVENT ANNOUNCER - ROUND 2
You travel south through the forest for the rest of the day. It's cool and shaded, but because it is so thick with trees, maneuvering around them proves difficult. You do not come across any creeks or ponds, so are unable to refill your canteens with water. Finally in the late afternoon, you see mountains beginning to rise into the sky. The closer you get, the higher they become until you see that there are two different paths you can take. You could either try and climb the mountain, though it looks fairly steep and would not allow for the horse to be able to make it. The other option is to go to the West to go around the mountain, or at least until you find an easier place to climb. Night will fall soon, so you'll need to find a comfortable place to camp as well.

Which direction do you take?
a. Climb the mountain
b. Go around the mountain

OOC DIRECTIONS
1.) Have your character vote which route they are to take.

  

[Guest]

Felicia's eyebrows shot up at blonde's mention of the two sister-in-laws not getting along. It was one thing for playful squabble - she indulged in it with her own sister Frances but she hoped that the extent of the Black women's arguements didn't run further into bad blood. She certaintly didn't want to deal with malicious intentions especially when she had no choice. It was far more amusing to deal with the situation when the option of withdrawal existed.She chose not to comment any further, and mounted with some difficulty due to her small size and the rather large mount. She was rather disconcerted at the fact that she would not be riding side saddled, and at the width of the horses back. She could practically feel her pelvis muscles complaining and reminding her that she had been neglecting her practice. She had a horrible feeling that by the end of the day she would be regretting that particular decision of hers...but... then again perhaps she wouldn't... perhaps her muscles just needed to remember and remind themselves that they'd ridden horses before. She rode for what felt like forever and the twisting maneuvers were not something her horse wanted to do and she could hear her own words echoed in her mind. She had had to pay attention to the road in front of her and when she noticed the ever present mountains she began to feel that they surely would have no other option to climb them. It would just be her luck that she would be conscripted to this horrible thing, and then by some god's perversity she would have to climb the mountain. She'd seen mountains before. She had even climbed one once and she had not liked it at all. She'd told her husband that she didn't care for the exercise (before they'd even finished got half an hour upwards) and had apparated to the top where she'd enjoyed the view that he so craved until he'd joined her. He'd told her half the enjoyment was in the climb and that she'd been willfull. Felicia had a feeling that it would not be possible to apparate up this particular mountain and as they drew closer she realized that the mountain stood in their way. They would have to find a way to cross it somehow and whilst the immediate path was far too steep for the horse there would probably be a better path later on.... though she didn't know if when later on come before it became dark. She threw a cursory glance at the sky."Perhaps, we should carry along... perhaps there is a better path uphead...otherwise we will have to leave the horses already and hope they'll return on their own."

  

[Ursula Black]

A thousand lies have made me colder

Damn Isla! Damn Isla and her blatant disregard for her poor aching feet! Ursula couldn't wait until Isla was married and with child, then they would see if she liked being dragged half-way around the country on foot while everyone else got horses. So help her Merlin she would get revenge on Isla and get it good. If only the mountain they had come to was a volcano then she could throw the intolerable creature in it and good riddance to her! It certainly didn't help the house elf was also dragging his feet and occasionally getting in the way of her feet which sadly for the elf, ended up with a sharp kick to the butt to move it along.

"Around. I insist we go... around," she stared murderously at the rest of the assembled group, keeping her temper in check only by imagining their brutally painful deaths at the mercy of the wilderness they were being submitted to. The moment she got back to Hogsmeade she fully intended to twist Phineas' arm into arranging a marriage for Isla, any marriage and Merlin permitting it would be conducted with great haste or she would personally get rid of the witch come hell or high water.

Tag: Trail Peeps Outfit Words: 206

created by kay of caution and sds

  

[Theodora Flamel]

Despite arguments and little quarrels from the group, everything seemed half decent... aside from the poor house elf under Ursula's care. Teddy made note to question Isla about that later. Most of her ride was in silence, and though her horse disliked the way they had chosen to go (the poor creatures could barely make their way through the trees), Teddy was certain that he was happier to just be moving around.

The group stopped when they were presented with a problem, a rather large one at that. Mountains! Hmmmm. How about that? Teddy hadn't been aware there were any mountain ranges in their area. They looked awful steep and as she was pondering which way would probably best suit them, Two of the other women spoke up. Felicia Turnbull and the crotchety Ursula both spoke. Felicia stated to go straight, but straight woul lead straight up the mountains and Teddy wasn't sure that they would make it on horseback. Ursula had suggested going around, something that Teddy was rather all for.

"Despite the fact I still think that Ursula is thinking only of herself, I am inclined to agree with her. I don't think the horses would be able to make it up such a steep incline. However, it may put several days onto our schedule to go around. Thoughts?"

  

[Guest]

Isla, shockingly, had to agree with her sister-in-law. Climbing was not an option. Not in gowns. Not with the horses. Sighing heavily, she nodded her head in agreement.
"I have to agree that, for once, my sister-in-law is right. Thank you Ursula for voicing your opinion in that matter. I think we all agree it's safer to go around. Not to mention, with horses the time we spend on horses will make the time to go around much shorter than it would be on foot." She said. Merlin, why did she have to be stuck with Ursula exactly?

Her sister-in-law was nothing, but a pain in her bottom. Always plotting against Isla. She probably wanted to throw her off the horse so she could twist her neck and die. Luckily, Isla was far too good of an amazon for that. She also had a good heart and if Ursula asked her nicely to give her a ride on the horse, she would do it in a heart beat. Sadly, Ursula was so full of venom and bitterness it made Isla wonder what did she do to deserve such treatment. She also felt bad for the poor houself and made a mental note to herself to free it after the trail.

  

[Guest]

Felicia turned her mount, the decision had been exactly what she hoped for. She had not looked forward to climbing that mountain at all though she was not quite aware that they had any particular schedule to follow.She did not particularly enjoy the prospect of having to travel to somebody's schedule. She wasn't actually fully aware of what exactly they were looking for. For all she knew they had already passed it, though with the amount of supplies given she very much doubted that fact. She gave a cursory look at the only male of the group and then to the rather displeased Ursula. The bickering between the women was getting to be intolerable and neither side seemed blameless for while Ursula seemed stubborn and purposely contrary she was beginning to form an negative opinion of her sister-in-law Isla. She felt sorry for Ursula for having to deal with it. She couldn't think of anything quite so meanspirited as providing the entire group, bar Ursula with horses and then expecting a pregnant woman to attempt to keep up. It was little wonder, in Felicia's opinion, that the house elf had ended up being used so savagely. She was sure that Isla was most certainly to blame. Ursula had obviously just brought it to lighten the load, because she seemed to be carrying a child and had been practically forced to find an alternative way of keeping up with the horses which made it Isla's fault completely. She stared around at her companions until her eyes rested upon the only male of the group. He was a lower class male as it is. She pondered ways to tactfully suggest that he dismount and offer Ursula the horse... and if he was so selfish to not agree or if he did not pick up her line of thinking the alternative was for somebody to double up. They could easily spell their loads to being lighter after all and she was pretty sure that if somebody could put up with being uncomfortable the horses could bear two riders.

  

[Hogsmeade Trail]

EVENT ANNOUNCER - ROUND 3
As you make your way around the mountain in a westward direction, the sun begins to fall. The very last rays of the days' sunlight illuminate the peaks of the mountains. Farther to the west is a mountain range that looks easy to climb, though it's covered in a thick forest terrain. Straight ahead of you is a much more difficult looking mountain range which is equally as steep as where you first encountered it, but you are near enough to it now to see that the peaks are covered in snow - which means fresh water for your party, if you can make it up, that is. You find a safe place to camp for the night, but need to make a decision as to your direction for the following morning.

Which do you choose?
a. Easier mountains
b. More difficult mountain

OOC DIRECTIONS
1. Settle in the for the night
2. Make a decision of either a. or b.

Round 4 begins May 26th