|
|
|
last online Mar 28, 2024 3:50:02 GMT -7
|
|
|
Feb 19, 2021 15:51:16 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Feb 19, 2021 15:51:16 GMT -7
Late at night, the idea of another year passing was almost too much to bare. As time passed, Ri lost more and more hope. He had been banished almost six years now. He had been alienated from his home, his family, friend, and - now former - love. By this point, he had made a new life for him. Parts of it, he understood were wrong, but if he was a banished Druid, he might as well act like one. As midnight drew nearer, Ri had found his way to a wizarding pub, the Green Lady.
Sitting at the bar, the man had a number of glasses lined up in front of him. True, he could just drink some of his own mixture, and knock himself out, but aa morbid part of him wanted to witness the passing of another year, days before his birthday, and then the anniversary of his banishment. He heard celebratory groups moving around behind him. Thinking to the celebrations back on Hy-Brasil, some part of him wanted to join in the fun. But wallowing in his misery , he wasn't one to approach strangers. Flagging the bartender down for another flaming drink he stared at the blue fire, mesmerized. Bringing the warm glass to his lips, he heard someone approach. "Just walk away" He thought to himself. Pleading that any happy partier, ready to celebrate the joyous passing of time, would just move on.
@renfri
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
last online Mar 28, 2024 3:50:02 GMT -7
|
|
|
Feb 19, 2021 19:06:33 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Feb 19, 2021 19:06:33 GMT -7
October 31, 2025 @renfri
Renfri had heard there was a big New Years Eve party going down in London. But, Renfri wasn't really in the mood for a bit party. She wanted to drink though, that much she knew for certain. The Christmas party had been enough "partying" for her for a while. She'd been particularly pissed when she found out RHys had stolen her enchanted flask. He was going to get his ass kicked for that one. Next time she saw him. Speaking of Christmas... that really had been an odd night. He'd gotten so riled up (as was his norm), then some girl approached him and he turned into a docile puppy. Renfri had never seen Rhys so... obedient. She'd later found out the girl was Ilija's sister, Vasilia.
Anyway, while she could have gone down to London, she didn't feel like the travel. Instead, she chose a small pub she'd come to frequent, the Green Lady. The party was already in full swing here as well, but thankfully not as crowded as other places might be. Deciding to opt out from a table and instead just drink at the bar, she approached. There was only one other patron there who looked like he'd been drinking a while. Quite the somber slump. She didn't really pay him much mind. Instead, taking one of the bar stools and sliding in (leading a stool between her and this solemn drinker) The Bartender asked her what she wanted. She leaned against the counter. "Aunt Roberta. With the strongest absinthe you have." While it wasn't a well known mixed drink it was one she knew The Green Lady was familiar with. It also wasn't the drink for a light drinker. Renfri's curse breaker days had given her a horrifyingly high alcohol tolerance, as her poison for the night would hint at. An Aunt Roberta was an exceptionally potent drink. The bar tender went to work fixing her drink. In the moments he was working it gave her a moment to turn a little and take in the pub. All the patrons determined to bring in the new year in a blaze of glory. Then, the fellow just a few feet down the bar. She finally got a look at him. She'd never seen him here before, but.... There was something familiar about him. It took a few moments, then she realized why. "Hey, sorry. QUick question. You were the guy that would jump off the stairs at Hogwarts, right?" He'd been a... druid? She thought, but wasn't sure. But she distinctly remembered it being quite an uproar. Some kid leaping off the stairs at Hogwarts, only to turn out to be an Animagus. It had scared most people half to death. Renfri had thought it was pretty ballsy and cool.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
last online Mar 28, 2024 3:50:02 GMT -7
|
|
|
Feb 19, 2021 19:31:43 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Feb 19, 2021 19:31:43 GMT -7
Much to his dismay, the one approaching him didn't walk away. But instead, sat one seat away. That was something. He was alright with that. He just didn't want to talk, and he had half a mind to curse the loud group behind him. Though he would keep his manners. After he was done here, he'd have to find his way back to the Jolly Rodger, or find somewhere else to crash while he sobered up.
The woman ordered a drink that was known to be quite strong. While impressed, he still had no plans on talking to anyone tonight. But perhaps he could indulge in something stronger before stumbling off into the night. That is, after the dreaded hour of midnight had passed. He avoided all eye contact as he drank his whiskey. As he finished downing yet another glass, the woman finally spoke to him. That wasn't what he wanted, but he finally looked at her. She didn't look familiar to him in the least. Seemed as though his antics at Hogwarts were remembered and known to those that he didn't know personally. It made sense, how many other kids did people know to jump form impossible heights, then soar away as a bird. He nodded. "It seemed to be the easiest way out after the exams." She shrugged, giving a partial smile. In a way, it was nice to be remembered for something that he loved, rather than the horrible, misunderstood action that he committed. He was about to order another drink, but the bartender was pulled away by a partying group and a large order of shots and various other drinks. Keeping an eye on the man, he grew curious. "Guessing you were there the same time I was testing?"
@renfri
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
last online Mar 28, 2024 3:50:02 GMT -7
|
|
|
Feb 19, 2021 19:42:50 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Feb 19, 2021 19:42:50 GMT -7
October 31, 2025 @cashel
The bartender was probably spread pretty thin tonight, and was filling quite a few orders before hers, so she knew it'd be a few minutes before she got her drink. So, a little conversation didn't hurt. Especially when it was this guy. She remembered him. What year was it? Seventh? She'd never noticed him before then. But she distinctly remember hearing people talk about the kid that had jumped off the moving stairs, falling several stories, before transforming into a bird and gliding safely to the ground. She even saw it once herself. She'd been on the floor below when he leap over, falling past her. One of her friends had been the one to point him out later so she could actually put a face to the legend. His logic, it being the easiest way out, was sound, and she nodded. If you could take a short cut, why bother going to long way? Why waste the time?
Though, his next comment confirmed what she'd initially thought. That he hadn't been a normal Hogwarts students. He'd been one of those students that came to do their exams at the end of the year. Would that make them around the same age? It was always so hard to judge ages. Though, he had aged nicely. The tattoos showing under his clothes were always quite intriguing. "Yeah, I was. You made quite the impression. Students still talk about the stunts to this day." There were all sorts of student "legends" still floating around. Like the boy that jumped off the stairs... the ghost cat that haunted the halls...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
last online Mar 28, 2024 3:50:02 GMT -7
|
|
|
Feb 19, 2021 20:01:56 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Feb 19, 2021 20:01:56 GMT -7
In a way, he was surprised that she had recognized him. First off, that had been quite a few years ago. Secondly, that had been before any of the piercing's and tattoos. But he did make a habit of that, and some students, who had learned his face, even made way to the railing, in hope that he would take the leap. That moving stair case could get quite clouded, with people moving up and down, and especially when waiting for the stairs to come to the landing.
He felt a level of pride when she said that students were still talking about it. Chuckling a little "Glad to be of service." He cracked a small smile. Age was difficult to gage, but she confirmed that she was there during at least his seventh year, the year he made a habit of jumping. As they spoke, the bar tender finally came, while working on missing her drink, he flagged the bartender down, pointing to the strong absinthe. "Corpse Riviver, use your strongest." It was such an uneventful tone. As the dreaded hour got closer, he felt like he could spring to the harder drinks. He had started small, but he would love to stop remembering.
@renfri
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
last online Mar 28, 2024 3:50:02 GMT -7
|
|
|
Feb 19, 2021 20:23:39 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Feb 19, 2021 20:23:39 GMT -7
October 31, 2025 @cashel
While Renfri wasn't the best with faces, she remembered memorable ones. And a crazy Druid teen that jumped over the stairs railing? Definitely memorable. That, and students did in fact mention the stunt. It had come up quite frequently with their current "mattress surfing" problem. Though that was much safer then this man's teenage antics. "You instilled a sense of.... competition. Now some have made it a goal to eventually one-up you." Thankfully there hadn't been any bird animaguses.
Thankfully the bar ender finally returned and started to get to work on her drink, though the man ordered his own while the bar tender was there. It took a moment, but then he finally set her own glass in front of her and then turned to start making the man's. He'd ordered his own strong drink. In fact, he'd asked for the same absinthe as herself. Absinthe was definitely something you drank when you didn't want to have many memories. There was the joke that it made you "see fairies". And.. to be honest? It sometimes did. Renfri happened to have a brand of magical absinthe that literally made you see fairies. She only broke that out for special occassions, as it cost about a hundred galleons a bottle.
Now that she had her drink, she took a long, slow sip. Savoring the taste and burn. Even though it had been months, it still felt awkward and clunky using her right hand for everything. She set the glass down after the sip and leaned back into the bar chair, letting out a breath as she eyed the time. Still a ways to midnight. It reminded her of what past New Years Eves had been like. Laughter, friends, grungy bars or hostels. Simple times, where she was surrounded by the people that had become her family. It was a bitter memory. Because this was the first New Years... alone.... in a long time.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
last online Mar 28, 2024 3:50:02 GMT -7
|
|
|
Feb 19, 2021 20:37:33 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Feb 19, 2021 20:37:33 GMT -7
The idea of a student "one-upping" him would be impressive. "You seem to know a lot. Are you still there?" potentially a teacher, or staff member, but he didn't want to assume.
As the bartender came and he ordered a drink as well, he watched them mix the drinks, she received hers and he waited for his. Conversation seemed to be at an end. He was alright with that. She had almost made him forget why he was there. Receiving his own drink, made strong, he raised it, to no one in particular. "To no memories" He muttered. Knowing the different alcohol types, having studied how to make many of them while he perfected his own blend. He knew that absinthe had a strong reputation for memory loss. It seemed that both had something they wanted to forget. His as he took a drink form the glass, he let the thoughts of after this slip away. It didn't matter what happened. Once he woke up in the new year, he would resume business as usual, working on the ship, making his booze, and.....
Taking another long drink from the glass he closed his eyes, setting the glass down, he pulled a piece of mushroom from his picket, into his mouth. He had a way of getting them, mostly for his moonshine, but occasionally for eating. After all, a druid eating them was not illegal. He didn't want to think anymore.
@renfri
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
last online Mar 28, 2024 3:50:02 GMT -7
|
|
|
Feb 19, 2021 20:47:08 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Feb 19, 2021 20:47:08 GMT -7
October 31, 2025 @cashel
Renfri smirked a little as he asked if she as still there. Obviously, she wasn't a student anymore. "I teach History of Magic." Though, that was a recent development. As her previous career had ended quite poorly... The thought almost made her frown but she fought the urge. No need to tell a stranger that sob story. No matter how drunk she got, and she wasn't even buzzed yet. "I believe they're trying to make mattress fly currently, because simple mattress surfing down the stairs isn't nearly "cool" enough." She wouldn't be surprised if the students had figured it out over the break. Away from Hogwarts, and staff supervision. No doubt they were experimenting and come a few days, when the next term started they'd have some prototypes of the flying mattresses.
She'd been sipping from her own drink when he heard that mumbled toast, to no memories. She glanced at him out of the corner of her eye. He had the look of someone that wanted to just forget the world existed. She glanced away, taking a longer sip from her own drink. The commotion in the background seemed rowdier then ever, but didn't bother the pair at the bar. The bar tender stepped away again to refill drink and Renfri leaned forward, her arms on the counter as she glanced at the man again. His eyes were closed. "I never caught your name those years ago. I'm Renfri." sometimes when people wanted to forget, the best thing that they could do is talk to strangers. It wasn't just his sake, though. She didn't want to be consumed by her own somber thoughts either. You could say it was selfish. Talking to him, so she didn't have to fight the thoughts in her head.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
last online Mar 28, 2024 3:50:02 GMT -7
|
|
|
Feb 19, 2021 20:55:59 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Feb 19, 2021 20:55:59 GMT -7
She confirmed that she was a teacher, she seemed young, but if you knew your stuff, that didn't matter. He nodded as she told him about making mattress fly. "Seems to be exciting." Though, he lived and worked on a flying pirate ship from the 1800's, but he wasn't one to brag. Plus, he just loved the feel of falling. Guess he fell too hard. It was hard not to bring his mind back to his banishment, this time was always rough for him. That wasn't light conversation though, and he wasn't one to bring the past up so lightly.
Swallowing the mushroom piece he stayed still, eyes closed, feeling the pull of earths gravity, and the electricity in the air around him. Letting himself connect with his surroundings. It didn't take long for him to be brought back though, as the woman spoke up again, introducing herself as Renfri, his eyes opened and he looked back at her. "I'm Ri, nice to meet you Renfri." He was glad that she didn't remember, or didn't know his name. Back then everyone knew him as Cashel. But when he was banished, Cashel died.
@renfri
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
last online Mar 28, 2024 3:50:02 GMT -7
|
|
|
Feb 19, 2021 21:04:27 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Feb 19, 2021 21:04:27 GMT -7
October 31, 2025 @cashel
Normally Renfri was the sought to at least shake hands when introducing herself to someone. It was "polite". But this was a pub, on New Years Eve. Manners were worth shit here. But at least he responded, opening his eyes and looking at her to introduce himself. Ri. Interesting name, but she wasn't one to judge. She often questioned her own parents reason for naming her "Renfri". She'd never met another Renfri before so she wondered where they'd even gotten the name from. But who questioned Purebloods? They were a very "extra" lot. It was why she'd only said her first name. She didn't need the scrutiny her surname brought.
"You're not from these parts, are you?" If he was a druid, obviously he wasn't native to Scottland. Now that she thought about it, she had a lesson coming up on Druids. Though that was reserved for the month before exams started, as a way to help the students understand the Druid students that would be arriving. "What brings you to a pub like this? Not exactly your typical place to spend such a grand holiday." She couldn't hide the sarcasm as she said grand holiday. Clearly she wasn't here to celebrate. THough her drink said that, as she took another sip.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
last online Mar 28, 2024 3:50:02 GMT -7
|
|
|
Feb 19, 2021 21:19:40 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Feb 19, 2021 21:19:40 GMT -7
Ri didn't mind not shaking hand with the woman, he wasn't in the mood for much socializing, and keeping polite company. As far as he cared, they were strangers at the bar. Albeit, strangers who know knew each others names. He thought about the meaning of his name Cashel Ri, translating to Castle King. He wondered what his parents thought of when the chose that name. Where they putting their hops and dreams into that name? None of that seemed to matter now. He was lost to them. He hated how he kept going back. Back to a time where he was happy, and he took that for granted. It was a fact, he was born unlucky.
Renfri make a keen observation, stating that he wasn't from around there. With a nod he took another sip. "I fair from the beautiful Hy-Brasil." He stated, letting his Druid accent thicken as he spoke the name of his childhood home. Followed by another long drink. He scoffed as she called New Years Eve, a "grand holiday" this didn't come close to any of the religious celebrations on the island. "I have wondered from the chosen path into the darkness and the unseen cursed to wonder hand in hand with the Wyrdness." He spoke exaggerating his words with his arms, as sarcastic as possible. Toasting to his words he took another drink. While she stated that she taught History of Magic, he wasn't sure if she would get his reference to the stories all druid children were told to scare them. Though it felt appropriate.
@renfri
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
last online Mar 28, 2024 3:50:02 GMT -7
|
|
|
Feb 19, 2021 21:30:56 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Feb 19, 2021 21:30:56 GMT -7
October 31, 2025 @cashel
So Renfri had thought right. He was a Druid, hailing from Hy-Brasil. AS if to confirm it, he let the native accent shine through a little. It was very similar to the Irish accents, though still had a slight twist to it. Renfri knew that the accent came, in huge part, because of their native language. The Druidic people spoke "Brasilic", a Celtic dialect. Renfri only knew a few words of phrases, from her history classes. Nothing special. Though as a history professor she had been studying up on it quite a bit more lately, since when the subject did come up she wanted to be prepared. "That would explain the jumping from the stairwell and being an animagus so young." she answered, smirking a little. She knew Druids had a high Animagus population. She herself was one, though she was not a bird, like him.
As he continued, she blinked. It might sound cryptic to anyone else, but, with her knowledge she knew what he was talking about. While he wasn't outright saying it, he made it sound like he was not a part of Druid culture anymore. She took another sip form her drink before setting the glass down. "And the Wyrdness brought you to a pub in Scotland? Huh, sounds like it's trying to turn you into an alcoholic, not a monster." She answered, shrugging. Though, only one shoulder shrugged. As was customary for her, though strange to hers, her left arm hadn't moved at all the entire exchange. "Not judging. I'd rather be an alcoholic then a lot of things." Like the raging, angry bitter bitch that wanted to beat the shit out of the guy that had almost killed her. Alcohol was a good way to numb that emotion.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
last online Mar 28, 2024 3:50:02 GMT -7
|
|
|
Feb 19, 2021 21:43:50 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Feb 19, 2021 21:43:50 GMT -7
Mentioning Hy-Brasil brought his mind back home, but luckily the woman kept talking. Nodding "It's an easy enough process when everyone has done it." He had become one roughly ten years ago. It was as much apart of his identity as being a druid was. "Never really understood how you could spend all year in a stone structure." Like most druids, Ri had favored nature and being outside. In a way, he still did, though his life was nothing like he had hoped or imagined it would be.
He spoke cryptically, it was hard to even say that he was banished. And while he still observed many of the holidays, in his own way, he had been rejected by the culture and by his blood. He looked at the woman, a bit surprised. She spoke as if she knew what the "Wyrdness" was. He took a breath, only looking in front of him "I was already branded a monster." He spoke coldly, lifting his drink and finishing it in one, burning gulp. Setting the empty glass on the bar he sighed. "There is nothing but darkness now." He was rarely so open, but the alcohol mixed with mushroom helped loosen him up, though his expression turning cold and flat. He motioned to the busy bartender for another of the same drink, and waited for it to be mixed, noting the look on the bartenders face. Knowing they were wondering when to cut him off, and how he was going to pay.
@renfri
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
last online Mar 28, 2024 3:50:02 GMT -7
|
|
|
Feb 19, 2021 21:55:31 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Feb 19, 2021 21:55:31 GMT -7
October 31, 2025 @cashel
Renfri smirked. She remembered reading about how many Animagi there were. No wonder it was easy, you had a huge support system. Renfri had undergone the process alone. While she'd done it, it probably would have been easier if she'd had a plethora of people around that knew what it was like. Though as he mentioned the school and staying there all year, she finally laughed a little. "God, I don't know either. Hated it when I was a student." Though now that she was a teacher... "My heathen students think I'm insane because I'm always betwitching the classroom and banned desks." To be fair, she wasn't a bit of an odd teacher. She was a "method" teacher, which didn't make sense to most when it came to history. How did you teach history by doing? Simple. Reenactments and enchantments. She made her students live history, not just read about it.
Ri was still being cryptic, but he finally confirmed it. Branded. That's what they did to druids that were cast out. For what, she didn't know. Didn't care. He finished his drink, and spoke once more. Renfri frowned a little. Because she understood those feelings and words. She wasn't cast out from her society like him. But... well, everyone had skeletons in their closet. She took a long drink from her glass, finishing her own drink as well. She ran her good hand through her hair, still frowning and staring at the empty glass on the counter. "Yeah well, we all have darkness in us. Some of us just can't hide it." Us. She wasn't branded an exile like him. But she was definitely branded by darkness. Though the sling hid the scars she could practically feel them, hiding beneath the fabric of her shirt and sling. A constant reminder of the what had ruined her life.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
last online Mar 28, 2024 3:50:02 GMT -7
|
|
|
Feb 19, 2021 22:09:15 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Feb 19, 2021 22:09:15 GMT -7
The woman, while not a druid, seemed to agree with him. He wondered how, and why she would teach there now, but it was quickly answered. He chuckled and cracked another small smile. "Seems like there should be more of that there."
As he spoke about his past, it was hard. It definitely wouldn't have happened if he hadn't had many drinks beforehand. He felt himself being swallowed by his demons over and over again. She spoke and he finally looked at her again. Recognizing the dark look and the stair, looking at nothing. Noticing, perhaps for the first time, her other arm in a sling. Perhaps, in a way, that was what she had meant.
Time passed, and it quickly became minutes until the new year. The party goers in the pub seemed to be merrier, preparing to count in the switch. Having even more drinks in him by this point, Ri was still as solemn as ever. He was feeling quite tipsy now, but was able to keep his cool. He and the woman had continued their conversation and drinking. "Another year, another reminder." He said, as he sipped at his strong drink.
@renfri
|
|
|
|