Simple stroll

[Annalessa Bordon]

Fall was nearly here, a fact that Annalessa couldn't find half as much joy in as she had as a child. And yes, she could feel joy, grief... things other than anger when she dared to allow her heart to show (she could count the times on one hand). But her heart had hardened over the years. With adulthood she had become quite desensitized to much of the world. Almost as if she lived in her own little bubble where nothing could quite reach her.

It was a cold morning, though the sun shone behind thick white clouds. The sky was quite nice in contrast to the brightly colored buildings, and trees. She would never admit it, but her Favourite thing about fall was how all the colors changed. She used to sketch in her notebook the different shapes of leaves... until she learned what a crappy artist she was, and so she'd abandoned her hobby.

From the look on her face one would never guess that Annalessa was in lighter mood than normal. Far from happy, but she was missing her signature scathing look. A pensive look instead rested upon her pale face. Strolling casually along the sidewalk, Annalessa took in the silence of the early morning. There were few people about, for that she was thankful. Wrapped in her dark green fur, over a simple silk dress, her red locks were pinned to the side appearing like fire in the sunlight. One could say Annalessa was over dressed for just a simple stroll, but the young woman never went anywhere without her best clothing.

[Vane Avebury]

What a fantastic day! The crisp, cool temperatures that came with autumn were refreshing, and definitely more preferable than the hazy, hot days that accompanied summer. The colors of the changing leaves displayed how beautiful the dead could be, and Vane, meandering toward the village with a few mates, marvelled at the various hues painting the treetops as he reminded himself Quidditch would be beginning soon. Also, Halloween was around the corner, it was the very first Hogsmeade weekend of the school term, he had maybe two paragraphs left before his Potions lesson was completed, and a pocket full of gold to spend as he liked. Life was very good indeed.

The friends could be heard good-naturedly ribbing each other as they tossed around a Fanged Frisbee in a game of keep-away while crossing through the village. It was Vane's turn to be in the middle, he'd been jumping on his toes to catch the toy, but his attempted were only half-hearted. His thoughts were focused on his good fortune of having nearly nothing do all weekend, and how to fill those same hours with entertainment. It wasn't long before the others quickly took advantage of his distraction. Growing bolder with each toss, the boys sent Vane after the frisbee (magic was not allowed) every time it went astray, laughing and mimicking his exasperation that was starting to show. That was the price to pay.

After a handful of retrievals, in which a few individuals were struck with the toy, Vane had begun to suspect his friends were intentionally aiming to hit people going about their daily business when the proof finally came to light. One friend, clearly trying to hide his actions, directed another to aim the frisbee at a witch headed their way. Vane followed their line of vision and spotted the victim. The woman was dressed in green, sported a disinterested disposition, and was instantly recognizable though her name didn't quite come to mind. Vane knew her as a Ravenclaw, older than him, but only by a little.

All at once, the frisbee was released into the air and Vane set off after it. He pushed himself as fast as he could go, everything passing in a blur, thoughts scattered to the winds when he instinctively shouted out, remembering her name, "Oi! Watch it, Bordon!"

[Annalessa Bordon]

Annalessa's eyes snapped towards the voice as she was shook from her little daydream. The warning didn't register soon enough as she soon found herself smacked right between the eyes by the most vile thing she had ever lay eyes on. The witch stumbled back more from shock than the actual force of the item... to be honest it barely hurt at all. However, that was not the point. Cautiously raising a delicate hand to touch the area of her face which had been assaulted by the item, Annalessa's eyes landed on the frisbee, before slowly lifting to look each of the boys in the eye, her lips pressed in a thin line as her cheeks grew red with irritation. The scorching look on her face could have melted ice, as her free hand reached for her wand.

There was only one thing that spared them all from the curse on the tip of her tongue... and that was warning that had been thrown (last minute mind you) her way by.... was that Avevury. Annalessa could vaguely recall the familiar face. Taking a deep breath as she regained her posture, a single eyebrow rose unimpressed. "Do be more careful gentlemen." Her tone was clipped and sarcasm practically dripped from the word "Gentlemen." It was quit clear Annalessa didn't find them to be gentlemen at all, but rather rude to be throwing items at random people.

[Vane Avebury]

Vane's sprint had slowed to a jog before he came to a sudden halt altogether. Without magic there was no way he would have been able to catch the frisbee before it struck it's intended target. His verbal warning was the only option left, but even that was too late, he was completely helpless as he watched the frisbee hit Annalessa smack dab in the middle of her face.

That's sure to leave a mark... All at once Vane grimaced, felt his heart flop in his toes, and braced himself. They were sure to hexed for this, the witch's expression was evidence enough to anticipate such retaliation, and he was going to be ready for it. It was deserved...though...come to think of it...really not much on his part. It was not by his hand the deed was done! He, too, was a victim! I did what I could!, he told himself, ignoring the other voice mumbling something about doing more. Rules were rules, his hands were tied. No magic during the game period.

However, it quickly appeared that other than a very stern look and a few sharp words that slightly stung there was no blood to be let. Vane sighed with visible relief. Sweet Salazar, I thought for sure...

"Hey! Wow! Sorry 'bout that!", he apologized sincerely, hastily moving to meet Annalessa, "I hope you're alright...no permanent damage or anything." Vane halted before her, and grinned humbly, giving her a once over to check for any injury. "It kinda got away from us. Must've been the wind... I'm really sorry.", he offered as explanation (a lie, yes, but he was no rat) as to why the frisbee introduced itself to her face.

[Annalessa Bordon]

"Yes well I suppose I'm in a forgiving mood, lucky for you lot." Other than one last look of exasperation towards the boys, Annalessa decided to take the apology for what it was, which wasn't typically in her character. She wasn't really feeling much like herself at all lately come to think of it. But that was to be looked into more deeply another time. "Avery right?" It wasn't really a question but an informal way of introducing herself. "Annalessa." By the look of his robes Annalessa could see Avery was a Slytherin, a house she was quite fond of herself. Briefly Annalessa could recall how disappointed she was to not have made it into the house, although it was fairly close. But Avery lacked that familiar venomous tone most carried from the house of Slytherin. She couldn't recall ever hearing a Slytherin apologize for anything.

Staring intently at the boy trying to pick apart both his words and actions, Annalessa's eyes narrowed in suspicion. She was naturally cautious and distrustful of everyone, it wasn't really anything personal. She was used to everyone having a hidden motive, and she wasn't going to be turning her back just yet until she was sure she was in the clear... at least of flying frisbees.

[Vane Avebury]

Stooping to retrieve the frisbee, Vane was able to hide the extreme eye roll brought on by Annalessa's mistake. He instantly felt regret for apologizing as sincerely as he had. No. He was not Avery. "Indeed, lucky us.", he replied blandly, righting himself and tucking away the toy in his warm black cloak, "Vane. Vane Avebury, at your service." There. He corrected her, and wasn't rude about it, though the heat of irritation still warmed his ears.

Behind him his mates jeered before heading off to one of their usual haunts. Vane simply ignored them, knowing he'd catch up with them after a bit. "So...", he began, reaching for a subject to discuss, "First year in the 'real world'...how's that working out?" Being that this was his last term at Hogwarts, he was quite curious about what others have been doing for themselves once they had left their school years behind. But, he wasn't exactly friends with Annalessa, therefore, he couldn't be sure to trust her opinion.

[Annalessa Bordon]

Realizing her mistake, Annalessa merely shrugged off the idea of offending Vane. Truthfully she hadn't meant any malice behind the blunder, but she wasn't the type to apologize. Taking a moment to allow his question to roll over in her mind, Annalessa debated whether to give an honest answer or sarcasm. Settling for the former, Annalessa allowed a small smile which held no warmth to pull at her lips. "I'd rather go back to school, honestly. Less complications and far more interesting than this ' real world ' business. The real world is full of broken dreams and disappointments, Avebury." Correcting herself this time, Annalessa shrugged once again. Her face no sign of the deep disappointment she felt. She had always thought she would be much further than she was now...

"But everyone's story is different. Perhaps you'll find better luck." Merlin what was wrong with her? Was she actually being... nice? Encouraging? Annalessa would look further in to this later. Someone had probably cast a spell on her in her sleep or something.