{ midnight weary } open

[raif donovan]

A disgruntled breeze, tortured him from behind, steering it's way into every nook and cranny causing him overwhelming discomfort. Small flakes of snow which were carried in the cool air, hit him like daggers of cold ice. He stretched his neck, the palm of his hand rubbing the area which had so long now been open to the cold. His dark eyes, were a stark contrast to the pure snow which inhabited the area around him. He supposed the same could be said concerning his dark jacket, nothing about him was particularly bright. Had it not been for the overlapping darkness which had settled on the horizon he would have been easily discernible. That was something he had always been, in the midst of a crowd. Discernible.

His feet shuffled carelessly in the snow, he having been the first to have chosen this untrodden path. Raif felt more so as if he were trudging through unknown territory than walking a familiar path. The snow fell beneath his feet with little poise, tumbling over itself after the brief contact. It didn't look quite so elegant once it's smooth blanket had been ruffled. It's once velvet sheen was torn and no longer pleasant to the eye. A slim smirk took to his features as he continued to shove the snow haphazardly with his feet, shimmering in the dark night air. His breathing was slow, paced and he could see it turning to shimmering crystals before him, rising into the air. Gaze retreating from the ground, he rested his hands into his pockets, eyes averted as he continued his trek.

One solitary silhouette was his set destination, the withered branches free of it's summertime foliage. It rose in high spindle, it's age comparable to the few trees which accompanied upon the grounds. The old oak tree. It was solitary, stationary even, but Raif admired for it's significance. It was the one tree who had fought to make an appearance and succeeded, now favored by many of the students on campus - himself included. He crossed the lawn casually, slowly feeling by no means pressured to keep time. It was late in the night, he had no expectations to meet, so time was the least of his worries. He threw his head back lightly, as though it would fix the minor misplacement of his hair, not bothered enough to brush it back with the palm of his hand.

As he neared the tree he pulled a single coin from his pocket, flipping it in the air before catching it gracefully in his hand. Smiling he pulled his palm from his hand, gazing at the face of the coin. He made his own luck. Very much like he had told his father he would make his own life. He cared little about being societies finest or the top of his class, though he knew both were well within his grasp. He cared more to find potential for himself, what though means might be, he wasn't sure yet. Raif was sure that he would fine them. He leaned casually against the tree, one leg crooked, foot resting against the base as he flipped the coin once more. It's soft silver surface glinting in the moonlight.

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POST AWAY LOVELIES!

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[nerine ingram]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width,300,true] by tomorrow we’ll be swimming with the fishes, ... A soft crunch could be heard from somewhere near her ankles as Zoe trekked along the path. Snow had decided to visit the grounds again, causing everyone to bundle up in their warmest clothes once more. Her coat, brighter against the snow, was pulled taut around her body leaving no room for the bitter cold wind. While new to the school Zoe had already found her place of comfort and it was the only place she desired at the moment. So far thing had been going fairly well for the cossu; she'd been making friends, enjoying herself and feeling welcome despite a few rough times with certain students. All in all, her she felt happier than she figured she would. Her reluctance months earlier had been for nothing. Suddenly she stopped, eying one particular sight. While the rest of the grounds lays silent, untouched, and perfect one part did not. One set of feet had trod, clumsily it looked, through the snow. Bits of laid in clumps while the rest of it blew up into the air, swirling around in the frost and catching a few branches. Since the snow had started to pile up there were very few people running about. It was shame too as nothing was better than playing in the snow like a fool. Picking up her pace she followed the foot prints eagerly. Any chance to meet someone new was a chance not to be wasted in her opinion. Finally after a hasty few minutes she spotted the tall, looming figure. The Oak tree had been her third discovery when she'd first arrived and it had proved itself to be her most favorite. Broad and large with rough bark and bare limbs had called out to her. Not in a way that she could talk back of course, but in way that she instantly felt comforted. It was old and withered, caked with memories and seasons. Even though it was bare now its thin branches were covered in snow and ice was spotted around the trunk. Next to it was another figure, a person as she'd suspected and a boy no less. Or a man as some of them preferred. His head was down so she had no idea if she'd met him before or not. The only the thing she was able to see was his hand tossing a large looking silver coin into the air and catching it. As gracefully and politely as she could Zoe sauntered over to him, hoping to catch his eye. There had been enough times in which she'd approached someone and gotten an ear full after wards for "scaring the snot" out of them. It seem with each passing year people got highly touchy and overstrung. Praying to the founders above, she hoped that would not be the case this time. "Oh, hello. I wasn't expecting anyone to be here." she voiced, her tone commanding and friendly.

...

leave our troubles in the sand

words. 487 -
tagged. raif/open -
notes. hope you don't
mind me jumping in!-

[raif donovan]

Leaned against the tree as he was, Raif found himself sheltered from the harsh cold of the passing winter wind. It was nearly spring, but winter was making a statement and it would not be defeated so easily. The layer of frost would strangle the life from the new sprouts of grass and budding leaves, putting up a fight till the very last. Only the strong would prevail, recreating themselves in these early months of spring. This grand tree was one of those survivors and for that he admired it. It was the one solitary tree on the grounds that had made it through the years. It also had been his sisters favored place here at Beauxbatons – before her disappearance that was. If anything that was probably why he loved this tree so much, his sister was the one person he’d cared for most.

Resting his head against the rough bark, his dark mahogany gaze followed the glint of silver just as it landed on his hand once more. He’d barely had a moment to glance at the coin before something else caught his sight in the distance. There in the snow, following his own beaten path was a girl. From this distance he couldn’t recognize the features of the face, but her coat distinguished her from the dark night. Unlike his dark attire which vanished into the night, hers was a vibrant blue contrasting both with the blanket of snow and the dark night skies. He remained quiet as she approached, watching contentedly as she followed the path of broken snow, leading to the very spot where he stood.

He wondered what had brought the girl out here in the dead of night and if the Oak had been her destination all along or she’d been drawn in by her curiosity. As she drew closer he found that she was still a stranger, one of the many females on campus he’d not had the pleasure of meeting. He smiled as she approached, her dark hair softening into a light gold at its tips. A soft smile lilted on his lips as she spoke, her words friendly though more commanding than most. Is that so? He asked playfully, as his eyes glancing at the path of footsteps fossilized in the new layer of snow. Or were you just unaware of the broken pathway at your feet? While it might have been the case, Raif found himself doubting that it were the truth of the matter.

Though I could say the same, it’s not so often one trudges out in the snow at these late hours to just sit at the base of the tree. He smiled as he tucked one hand into his pocket, the other fiddling with his small silver coin. It was a muggle coin, one they called a quarter. He quite enjoyed their silly little game of tossing it to see if it would land on heads of tails. What brought you out here so late? he asked, querying her motives. Pulling his foot from the tree, he straightened himself smoothing his jacket over his frame watching the new girl curiously. Catch. He stated simply, throwing the coin in the air, a certain mischievousness reflecting in his eyes. If it lands on heads, you owe me your name.

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Of course not! ^^

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[nerine ingram]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width,300,true] by tomorrow we’ll be swimming with the fishes, ... Letting out a slight scoff of amusement, Zoe twirled a lock of hair around her finger, swirling around in a bluff before tucking it behind her ear. "Well maybe I guessed that the owner flew off." Grinning she watched him closely, careful to keep her distance. This person, whoever he was, was definitely someone she'd never met before for if she had surely she would remember. His dark clothing cloaked him against the cold but perhaps from being seen as well. Tucking her own hands into her pockets she glanced up at the bare branches of the tree. His question made her think. She'd obviously come here as it was her spot. A place she enjoyed to be but she had no excuse for the time she'd chosen to be there. Nightfall had come quicker than she'd expected. The carbon colored sky was laden with bright, twinkling stars. She was sure that against both the snow and sky she looked like a walking glow stick. At least she blue. Lifting her shoulders she tilted her head and eyed him. "Probably not a reason different from yours. I just like it here you know. It's a nice place to," she paused and let out a sigh, frosty smoke emitting from between her lips, "think." A sorry excuse but there it was. Stepping a little closer, she extended her arms out in another shrug, "And I will admit that my small bit of curiosity got the best of me when I noticed you were here." So far, it had paid of and it seemed that she'd just met a rather interesting character. He'd thrown the coin faster than she couldn't react, her hands scrambling out of her pockets, but thankfully the shiny piece had landed smoothly into her now open hands. Gripping it firmly she slowly let her fingers reveals its result. Tails. Smirking from one corner of her mouth Zoe held it tightly in her hand. "It's Zoe." she said, running her fingers over the quarters surface. It'd been ages since she'd last seen a quarter, her parents having not frequented the muggled world in a long while. Looking back up she flipped it gracefully back at him, "Tails, you get to tell me yours." Taking the last few steps she began to circle around the tree, running her fingers over its rough surface. The bitter cold did nothing to the old Oak. It seemed as if warmth flowed from within it, giving off this never-ending feeling of comfort. Removing one of her black gloves she left it there until the heat became almost too much to stand. A few leaves that had bloomed from the branches clung to them, frosted over and blowing gently from the wind. The sudden snow fall had given everything a shock. Flowers sat bright but icy at it's roots. Soon they'd have their chance again but for now winter was keeping its hold over April. Careful to not step on anything she rounded the rest of the Oak to stand in the exact spot she'd been first, once again taking a few moments to eye her new company. "What brings you here then?" she asked him, reciprocating his previous question.

...

leave our troubles in the sand

words. 531 -
tagged. raif/open -
notes. woot! ^_^-

[raif donovan]

I suppose that could be a plausible explanation. He noted with a shrug, watching as she fiddled with a lock of her hair before carefully placing it behind her ear. A slight grin curled on the girls lips, still settled away from the tree as though she were worried to come into close contact. The thought itself brought a smile to his lips, he was well aware that this castle was full of much more dangerous things than witches or wizards, some of which didn’t need a broom to disappear. There were other darker things which ruled the night and she’d no way to separate him from the rest. Shrugging his shoulders he let his hands settle from his pockets as he moved from his place against the tree, stepping into place beside the girl, allowing his dark gaze to follow her own to the bare branches of the trees – skeletal fingers reaching out desperately towards the moonlight.

He let his gaze fall from the tree once more, instead carefully studying the girl beside him as she mulled over his question, working out an answer he was sure. He’d never met the girl before, he was sure of it, because he didn’t think he could forget her distinguishing features. She was certainly a striking image against the otherwise black and white world which set the scene. Her bright blue coat alone, being enough to keep his gaze focused on the girl before him. Her hair fell in tumultuous waves over her shoulder, the dark fading into a lighter shade of gold. He was certain he’d never seen this girl before. As she spoke again the corners of his lips lifted I a small smile his eyes dancing as she paused a moment searching for that last word. Well in that you are not mistaken.

He had indeed come out here to think, though he wasn’t likely to share the reason. It was none of this pretty girl’s concern as it were. Though I wonder, what has that brain turning so much that you had to venture out here? While he wasn’t sharing, it didn’t mean he couldn’t question her own motives. His smile widened as she spoke once more, admitting that her curiosity had indeed got the best of her. He’d been sure that the path of staggering footsteps had led to her approach above all else, but here she’d admitted it for him. Risky tactics miss. He said, casting her a sideways glance. Haven’t you ever heard the phrase ‘curiosity killed the cat?’ He, of course, had no intention of harming the girl, but that wasn’t to say there weren’t others who would have taken advantage of the situation. Shrugging, he watched her, reaching into his pocket before flipping the small silver coin in her direction.

The toss had surprised her and he watched in amusement as she scrambled to remove her hands from her pocket, her hands quick to remove the silver coin from the air. At least the girl wasn’t lacking coordination. His eyes widened as the coin landed in her hands, a smirk settling on her features as she glanced at its face. He was glad to know that she was familiar with the coin, the concept of heads and tails was something that confused most pure-bloods, never having handled such forms of money. He’d never handled it either really, it was just something he’d chanced upon in his father’s study. While the idea behind it was rather arduous, Raif found enjoyment in testing his luck in such a trifle manner. What a pleasure, Zoe.

[/b] He said, in turn snatching the glint of silver from the crisp, night air laying it flat on the back of his hand.

He offered her a glance at his hand, the coin face up. So tell me Zoe, what now? He didn’t technically owe his name, but he was sure she’d receive it before the night’s end. Sliding the coin off his hand he slid it back into his pocket, watching as she walked around the tree, her hand trailing across the roughness of its bark. When finally she took her place beside him she voiced another question, an imitation of his earlier. Just taking advantage of the silence. It’s not so often that someone gets to enjoy this tree in their own company. I didn’t figure I’d have to fight for its company on such a cold night.[/size]
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yeah post ^^

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[nerine ingram]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width,300,true] by tomorrow we’ll be swimming with the fishes, ... She eyed him, flexing her fingers to rid them from the cold sting. This boy, whoever he was, seemed to enjoy leading her into a mystery. His name was still unknown to her while she'd quickly given hers. Not that she saw it as a mistake but he now had an advantage on her. Well, sort of. His questions were directed back but he left but one unanswered and vaguely at that. "Ah," she said, holding up a bare finger, "but Risky is fun. Risky gets you places, good or bad." Zoe chortled at his words and nodded her head in amusement. "True, but what was it that Stephen King bloke said? Curiosity killed the cat, but satisfaction brought him back." she said, waving her glove around. "I was curious as to who was here and why and so far the answer has been quite satisfactory." Flashing him a saucy grin, leaning against the trunk of the tree. "Therefore, I think i'm safe for now." Head tilted back, she listened to his explanation which was quite similar to her own. "Sharing is caring." she joked, opening one eye to look at him. He blended in perfectly with the darkening sky, his form tall and relaxed. Good, at least she wasn't putting him on edge. While, yes, she had invaded him 'alone time' his playful banter put her guilt at ease. From what she could tell he seemed to enjoy her company a feeling she shared. He was cheeky person with an interesting way about him. If nothing but friendship ever came from this meeting she'd be very content with that. She was getting ahead of herself though, and closed the thoughts off from her mind. Clearing her throat she slipped on her glove, shrugging her shoulders at his question. "This time, you can answer me. What next?" Standing by a large tree in the middle of the night offered them very few activities to start up, not to mention it posed the threat of being caught. So far they'd kept their voices low, not quite whispering but no where near what her professors called an inside voice. "Besides needing a place to call your own, what brings you out of the school at night? Do you often break the rules?"

...

leave our troubles in the sand

words. 380 -
tagged. raif/open -
notes. -dances- suuu murch muuuuse :p-

[raif donovan]

And tell me Zoe, what exactly do you classify as risky? He said, raising a brow, grin tilting on his lips. Raif wouldn’t call himself an expert judge of character as he’d been wrong before, but he wondered about the sincerity behind her words. It wasn’t that he thought her incapable of taking risks; she was out here after all. It was just that the girls here seemed to think that taking a risk was like taking a walk in the park – not something he’d be persuaded into. The girl seemed sweet enough, though the way she responded to him suggested that she was not uncomfortable in the presence of strangers. That and she didn’t so easily break under pressure. Most girls, it seemed, felt intimidated when he took such an approach but Zoe seemed to be holding her end well. She was right though – risky gets you places. It was something he’d learned growing up under his father’s roof. Like he always said, he made his own luck and he’d had to take some risks to get where he was today. Bad is more interesting. He said slyly.

He was glad to see the ease of their conversation, though the conversation took a turn in a direction of which he found himself unfamiliar. I’m not too certain of this Stephen King, fellow, you speak of… he said, his voice questioning, watching as she waved her glove around as if to emphasize the point. I wonder if you consider that coming back makes you ghost. Not sure you’d be so inclined to such a life. He said with a laugh. She was right though, sometimes curiosity demanded answers, but it was not always worth the cost. We’re not as lucky as a cat, they’ve nine lives you see and we’ve only got one. he spoke, taking his turn to hold up a finger at her. There you go again… assumptions are risky business. he teased. Raif had nothing to hide, at least not anything of interest, but it seemed particularly naïve to make assumptions on her safety. It was either, like he’d said before she was particularly naïve or she was quick to trust. He wasn’t sure either would be favorable in most cases, but to each their own. He didn’t mind her company.

He took a step back as she took residence against the tree, in the place he’d been standing only mere moments before. He flashed a smile at her as she spoke again. He wasn’t too surprised, he had always been told he’d made good company. Well I’m glad I’m meeting up to your expectations. He shrugged, turning his eyes on the dark night sky, before adding persuasively, ”Because I hate to disappoint.” Raif rather liked knowing that he could keep someone around, even if it were through witty banter. He’d always been one for company and he was a bit more of a charmer than his friend Sampson. They were different in their approach, but it was something Raif had come to appreciate. It was this idle playful banter that Raif lived for, it never failed to draw them in – at least for a time.

He contemplated her question, smirking at the underlying forcefulness behind it. She’d given her name willingly, while he’d kept his tucked away in his pocket. If you aren’t worried over being discovered we could always sneak into the forest. There’s a risk for you. He suggested. It was just that, a suggestion, but he was curious as to what risks she was willing to take. Rules, what concern should they have to me? It wasn’t meant to be answered. Raif had never really lived by the rules. He’d always had a fair way of slipping past them, it made life much more interesting.

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yeah post ^^

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[nerine ingram]

so yeah. it posted but didn't give me my dang post. so let's try this again xD

[nerine ingram]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width,300,true] by tomorrow we’ll be swimming with the fishes, ... "Perhaps being out in the dark? Conversing with a girl you've only just met?" There were so many ways in which a person could define the word as everyone had different opinions on it. You could only take a textbook definition so far. She wondered for a brief minute if she was taking too much of risk with this...person. Though she knew the truthful answer before the question was even asked, she vowed to take a little more precaution. He looked like he wouldn't mess with her in any way she deemed dangerous but one never knew. So far he'd kept his mask up, shielding her from getting to know any more about him than what she did, while she'd taken half her guard down. She half-smirked at his words, "Are you telling me that you're...bad? Because I find you incredibly interesting." She watched him as his brows knitted together, knowing that she'd made a reference he didn't understand. That told her a few things, but more importantly that he was definitely not as familiar with the muggle world as she'd originally thought. "He's a writer. Kind of loony really but many find his works to be quite good." she told him, stuffing her hands back into the coat pockets. "Depends, I suppose," she let out a puff of air, watching as it faded into the air. "Would you?" Obviously she'd much rather come back as a fully-functioning human or not at all but the idea of coming back as a ghost had some appeal. He was right though, she would probably not be too happy with such a life. Chuckling, she pulled her shoulders up in a shrug. "Yes, normally they would be, but at this point assumptions are all I have to go on to figure you out." She could tell her was questioning her logic, wondering if she was just naive, overly-trusting, or just insane. In all honesty, Zoe wondered that herself. It was true, she trusted people easily. Too easily and it had become her kryptonite over the years. Clearing her throat, she let her thoughts slide behind her mental steel wall before opening her mouth again. "Well rest assured you've disappointed no one." Giving him another smile, she watched as he stood in front of her. Though only minutes had passed they'd quickly switched spots; she was now comfortably leaning against the tree while he stood with his back towards the castle. His suggestion tickled at her ears, causing them to perk up and she glanced towards the forest. Eying him from the corner of her own, she wondered if he was testing her. Waiting to see if she'd bite. While no, she wasn't too worried about being caught the idea of visiting the forest, in the middle of the night, with a strange boy had set off a few alarms in the back of her brain. She should say no, leave and let him get back to whatever he'd been doing previously but there was the tug of temptation that she couldn't loosen her hold on... "If you're willing, so am I." She said finally, now wondering if he would bite back.

...

leave our troubles in the sand

words. 528 -
tagged. raif/open -
notes. holy crap this is late. sorry :p-

[raif donovan]

Only if you’re afraid of what is lurking in its shadows. Raif stated simply, making a show of checking behind the tree as if to acknowledge that they were indeed in a danger free zone. But you’re right, talking to you is likely much more risky than anything I’ll find out here. While she was correct that it could be deemed a risky decision, he highly doubted that this girl, an image in blue, was alarming as far as his safety. She seemed to curious first off and he still was under the impression that had she meant him any harm she would have already committed her foul. Should I have reason to be weary of your company, Miss Zoe? He knew already that he would be fine in her company, but he wouldn’t take away her opportunity for a response. Besides, he was slightly curious himself.

He couldn’t help but let a smile shift on the corners of his lips when she spoke again, remarking that she found him incredibly interesting. There’d been a slight pause in her words as she sorted through her question, trying to sort out the meaning behind his own words. Excuse me for the terrible cliché, for this conversation has already been graced with one of them, but I believe that is for me to know and you to find out. While Raif was not a fan of clichés it seemed entirely to fitting. He had a tendency to air on the side of subtlety, only sharing bits of information. He found it made for much more interesting conversation and more often than not it succeeded in hooking the other with intrigue. He was not to concerned over where this meeting was headed, but he was finding it far more enjoyable than drudging though his own thoughts with this old tree as company.How much you learn is entirely dependent on how interested you are.

He merely nodded as she spoke, elaborating on the quote which she’d dug from the depths of her brain only moments ago. He assumed by she way she spoke of him, also by the fact he’d never heard of the man, that the author was a muggle. What about you, do you find his works to be ‘quite good’? By her admission it was obvious that she’d read some of his work, but she’d not really entitled an opinion. It could be that she was just spouting of random facts to counter his words, either way he was intrigued. There seemed to be more thought embedded in her next answer, she took her time to answer it, first tucking her hands into her pocket and then puffing a small breath into the cool night air. On what if you don’t mind me asking? As for myelf, I think that’d be rather trying stuck here as a ghost when everyone else had passed on and would continue to pass on. I can’t say as though there is anything appealing I would see in such a life.

Well then assume away. He stated, not yet inclined to share any further information. The past was rather a boring subject as it were, he was much more interested in seeking his new found companionship. He was glad to have earned her intrigue if nothing else, it helped asset his independent nature of his father. I can’t say you’re a disappointment either. I can rightly say so far it’s been a pleasure. And it had been, neither could consider where the night might lead them from there. Not ready to end it quite yet he offered her a taste of adventure, waiting as she considered the options.

I’m more than willing He said, his feet already taking a steady step in the direction of the forest, his eyes full of mischief as he turned them back to Zoe – an arm extended in the direction of their desitnation. Or should I be the courteous gentleman and bid the lady go first?

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Sorry it took so long ><

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