6 Jun 2020, 07:13
An Overachiever's Wish
@Erika Sharp-Leaf
───── ⋆★⋆ ─────
Mars didn't usually care to study in the library. There were always a fair share of wixes littering the tables, chatting with friends and throwing wads of parchment at each other's heads. It was bad, even with the glares the librarian shot over every other second. They could never focus in such an environment.
But today, they had reluctantly set up their things in a back corner table and turned to survey the room. The walls of bookshelves loomed over them, filled with rows and rows of promising titles. They shook the thought away. They were here for a huge cram session. The resources in the library were for studying and studying only, not leisure activities.
Mars had always been an ambitious person. They couldn't attribute that to the "lost amongst siblings" complex, but maybe it was always just a simple desire for praise. For protection. Maybe for assurance in their own abilities, something concrete that could prove they'd be alright. Regardless of the reason, the ambition and the over-achieving nature had easily translated into schooling. Especially since the professors were so liberal with their house points and extra credit. Mars wanted to be the best of the best.
They padded over to one of the shelves, picking out a couple of textbooks. They tried to find ones especially on Astronomy and History of Magic. The rest of the classes were more hands-on, learn as you go, but History and Astronomy were almost entirely knowledge-based. They also snagged a few on physics and Transfiguration. That class terrified them to be honest, but they'd try their best. They were a natural at Potions, Charms, and Defense Against the Dark Arts, all instant practices that they'd drilled hundreds of times before. They'd rely on their notes of that. They pulled a thin book on Herbology out of the shelf. Plants were a bit more involved, but still, not difficult. They ran through the list of classes in their head, making sure they didn't miss any. Ah. Flying.
At that, they cracked a smile. They loved Flying. No studying there though, lest they wanted to get detention for knocking over several shelves and causing general chaos by flying a broom in here. Gathering up their haul in their hands, Mars carried it all back to their table. They sank into the booth, grabbing the first book off of the stack. Astronomy.
They flipped it open, opening their notebook with the other hand. Mars watched at words swirl before their eyes. They settled in. This would be quite a long ride. They knew it probably wasn't healthy to study for hours on end but, well, they were a Ravenclaw for a reason, right? Maybe if they had gotten a partner, someone to keep them in check. They shook that thought away. It was fine. They preferred this way anyhow.
Turning back to the page, they started scribbling down notes, losing themselves in the subject of stars.
ReducioSorry it took me so long to get up! Hope you can work with it~
[ Home, they said. I should like to go home. ]
STA: 6 | EVA: 10 | STR: 3 | WIS: 9 | ARC: 5 | ACC: 10
STA: 6 | EVA: 10 | STR: 3 | WIS: 9 | ARC: 5 | ACC: 10
14 Jun 2020, 09:27
An Overachiever's Wish
Everywhere was crowded. Outside was crowded. The flying pitch was crowded. The common room was crowded. The great hall was a disaster area. Everywhere Erika tried seemed to be coated in danger. Even the library, her sanctuary during any time that wasn't the night before an exam, was even crowded today. Maybe a partner would help alleviate the idea of working in the library. Yes!
Today! Today would be the day that Erika will find a partner to study with. And have a real conversation! The question remained of who to ask? Mobley? No, he was a weird mud blood. A quick glance in that direction told her the boy wasn't alone either. Maybe the Dran siblings? No, they were never apart. Everyone she made a festive glance towards was an ill candidate for conversation.
It'd be best if she'd just leave. Erika couldn't get that thought out of her head. Tomorrow was another day to find a proper conversation with someone worth her time. Someone entering made her hesitate to leave, just as she was making her way towards the precious freedom. She quickly scampered back to her corner allowing the newcomer to pass through, hopefully none the wiser to Erika's attempted escape.
They were alone, and someone Erika vaguely recognized from the classes. What was their name again? She could hardly even begin to think of one to even try to guess. What was important, Erika began to take notice, was they were alone. Resourceful too as they found a place alone in a corner nonetheless! Quite a feat. They were not as stupid as they looked! Probably just some lonely child with no friends, Erika assumed, likely a wrong assumption.
Guess it's up to me Erika thought, taking pity on the one presumed to have no friends, projecting her own insecurities onto the other first year. Erika was pretty busy, but she supposed it would not be right leaving someone to study alone.
With her book held tightly, and tiny little steps, she made her way over towards the other first year. Her blue eyes staring widely and pointedly at the buckles on her shoes, her arms wrapped around the astronomy book in her arms crossed before her, holding it tightly against her chest. Visibly shaking, Erika finished her approach. Step one down.
Erika fidgeted for a moment or two before Mars, her eyes flicking everywhere but into Mars' gaze should they rise to attempt meet her own. "C-Could I..." She began, her voice quiet, threatening to crack on every other syllable. Thankfully in the environment of the library, quiet voices were able to be heard. "J-join?"
Not much of a talker, Erika never really stood out in classes, even in those she excelled at. Early in the year, teachers learned that trying to call on Erika and force her to participate more often than not wound up with her crying. The nicer ones eventually just letting her sit back and quietly pay attention, than try to force her to speak.
That had happened in the latest astronomy class for the first year Ravenclaws. Erika had failed to speak the correct name of the star. In her panic, she'd even called it Venus, which wasn't even in the sky at such a time. Even before the sting of tears began, Erika knew she'd misspoke, but to make such a stupid one? That was unforgivable. She could already hardly perform in Defense Against the Dark Arts, and flying class all of her concentration was to stay close to the ground, and out of everyone's line of sight.
Astronomy should be easy. Learn the stars names and positions, she could do that! And she will! To avoid the mistake again, Erika would drill it so well that even she couldn't stutter her way into a mistake next time, and humiliate herself. For that reason, she'd brought the astronomy book from class. Additionally, she'd brought with her a few blank charts, hanging in a satchel at her hip. Neatly organized, even if the charts stuck out, and were a bit long to hide fully within.
@Mars T'ien
Today! Today would be the day that Erika will find a partner to study with. And have a real conversation! The question remained of who to ask? Mobley? No, he was a weird mud blood. A quick glance in that direction told her the boy wasn't alone either. Maybe the Dran siblings? No, they were never apart. Everyone she made a festive glance towards was an ill candidate for conversation.
It'd be best if she'd just leave. Erika couldn't get that thought out of her head. Tomorrow was another day to find a proper conversation with someone worth her time. Someone entering made her hesitate to leave, just as she was making her way towards the precious freedom. She quickly scampered back to her corner allowing the newcomer to pass through, hopefully none the wiser to Erika's attempted escape.
They were alone, and someone Erika vaguely recognized from the classes. What was their name again? She could hardly even begin to think of one to even try to guess. What was important, Erika began to take notice, was they were alone. Resourceful too as they found a place alone in a corner nonetheless! Quite a feat. They were not as stupid as they looked! Probably just some lonely child with no friends, Erika assumed, likely a wrong assumption.
Guess it's up to me Erika thought, taking pity on the one presumed to have no friends, projecting her own insecurities onto the other first year. Erika was pretty busy, but she supposed it would not be right leaving someone to study alone.
With her book held tightly, and tiny little steps, she made her way over towards the other first year. Her blue eyes staring widely and pointedly at the buckles on her shoes, her arms wrapped around the astronomy book in her arms crossed before her, holding it tightly against her chest. Visibly shaking, Erika finished her approach. Step one down.
Erika fidgeted for a moment or two before Mars, her eyes flicking everywhere but into Mars' gaze should they rise to attempt meet her own. "C-Could I..." She began, her voice quiet, threatening to crack on every other syllable. Thankfully in the environment of the library, quiet voices were able to be heard. "J-join?"
Not much of a talker, Erika never really stood out in classes, even in those she excelled at. Early in the year, teachers learned that trying to call on Erika and force her to participate more often than not wound up with her crying. The nicer ones eventually just letting her sit back and quietly pay attention, than try to force her to speak.
That had happened in the latest astronomy class for the first year Ravenclaws. Erika had failed to speak the correct name of the star. In her panic, she'd even called it Venus, which wasn't even in the sky at such a time. Even before the sting of tears began, Erika knew she'd misspoke, but to make such a stupid one? That was unforgivable. She could already hardly perform in Defense Against the Dark Arts, and flying class all of her concentration was to stay close to the ground, and out of everyone's line of sight.
Astronomy should be easy. Learn the stars names and positions, she could do that! And she will! To avoid the mistake again, Erika would drill it so well that even she couldn't stutter her way into a mistake next time, and humiliate herself. For that reason, she'd brought the astronomy book from class. Additionally, she'd brought with her a few blank charts, hanging in a satchel at her hip. Neatly organized, even if the charts stuck out, and were a bit long to hide fully within.
@Mars T'ien
It's just a class... right? Just how bad can it be. Relax, Erika.
-Famous Last Words
9 Jul 2020, 03:53
An Overachiever's Wish
@Erika Sharp-Leaf
───── ⋆★⋆ ─────
Mars jolted as a voice cut through their concentration, the quill in their hand dragging down the page to leave a dark line cut into the blank parchment. They cursed under their breath, using a finger to dab at it light. It was no good, the only thing wiping it would do was smear the black ink further. Ugh, this was the problem with ink wells and quills. Why was it that Hogwarts could just order a buttload of pencils and make everyone's lives easier?
Muttering a little under their breath, they finally glanced up at the source of the disruption with half a mind to chew the person out. But their words halted at their lips as they took in the newcomer. A Ravenclaw girl, one that Mars hadn't met before. She seemed vaguely familiar though, maybe in one of their classes—oh, right! Astronomy. She was the girl who'd called that one star Venus.
Mars glanced at the astronomy textbook in her hands and the rolled-up... star-charts they assumed, hanging in the satchel by her side. Ah, yeah, definitely her. They sat back in their seat, sizing her up a moment longer. She was practically shaking for some reason and her request had been made with more than one probably unintentionally voice cracks. Nervous then? What for?
The wix looked around them, trying to see if there was someone chasing her of something. There was only the quiet flutter of the library, as normal as ever. Then—slowly, two and two came together. Oh, was she scared of Mars? They had to laugh slightly; it wasn't a rare occurrence, but also, they were sitting in the corner of the library looking for all the world like a friendless, anti-social recluse. This girl had nothing to be scared of. Oh well. They noticed by now that Ravenclaw always managed to collect the shy ones.
Mars glanced at her again, the time between now and the girl's question already stretched into a good couple of seconds. Oh, right. They probably ought to give her a response.
"Um, sure. Could use the company, I guess," they set about shifting the books on the desk into a more manageable pile, pulling their notebook closer to their own side. Finally, an area large enough for a productive study session was cleared. Mars gestured to the seat across from themselves, urging her to take a seat.
"So, what brings you to the library?" they asked, picking up their quill to rest the tip on the page of their notebook, "Oh, and I'm Mars by the way. Nice to meet you."
ReducioI'm sorry this took so long, oh my god. I got caught up in some things. The replies should be more consistent from now on!
[ Home, they said. I should like to go home. ]
STA: 6 | EVA: 10 | STR: 3 | WIS: 9 | ARC: 5 | ACC: 10
STA: 6 | EVA: 10 | STR: 3 | WIS: 9 | ARC: 5 | ACC: 10
23 Jul 2020, 08:29
An Overachiever's Wish
Oh no. I screwed up, Erika thought, her m ind racing, and feeling the oppressive weight of anxiety pressing down on her shoulders. She had interrupted their work, and caused a rather prominent ink spill. A shame Erika didn't know how to clean it. Still a trainee witch, unfortunately. She felt her arms tremble all that much more, fearful of the other's anger, her knuckles gripped tightly until they whitened on the astronomy book, ready to run the moment they raised their voice and confirmed all of her fears.
With a nod and large amount of relief surging off of her little shoulders. Frankly, Erika hadn't a plan should Mars had said no. She didn't even want to try and imagine that. Of course, though, she had no doubts. Who wouldn't want to work with her anyways? Maybe a nomaj, but nobody in their right mind cared for their opinions.
"I-I'm..."
Erika tried to reply. Homework, obviously. She guessed that Mar was an idiot as they clearly hadn't noticed the astronomy charts she'd brought with. Lucky for them, Erika had come by to help! She dropped the satchel she carried into a proper place withing reach where she'd sit, and pulled the chair out opposite Mars and sat down.
"Erika." Finally, for the first time with another in this forsaken school, she had had a real conversation. From here on out, it would be a simple matter to get on top. Next hurdle, was talk in class. For that, she'll say the names of the stars over and over until it's an automatic thing. No way she could screw it up then.
She set the book in front of her, pages marked of the stars they were studying in the lessons, and then straightened it before opening it up to the first marked page, the marker being revealed as an empty quill. In the margins was the name of the star she'd gotten wrong, scribbled over and over with different meanings in relation to its position. On one side it was written neatly, on the opposite, the same notes repeated but far messier. Practice runs made perfect.
"Nice to meet you, too." At least her voice was perfect for the library, quiet and squeaky. Her eyes stayed firmly on the book, not even chancing a glance up towards Mars. The thought was as terrifying as continuing to stay still in the chair with a stranger staring holes into her. At least, Erika assumed that, as she dare not confirm.
Instead, she looked at the margins, reviewing the notes on the messier side, a grimace passing over her lips. She had to be better. This place was a perfect time to try more, and picked up the quill, hefting it lightly before putting into her right hand, her fingers curling around the stripped feather.
@Mars T'ien
With a nod and large amount of relief surging off of her little shoulders. Frankly, Erika hadn't a plan should Mars had said no. She didn't even want to try and imagine that. Of course, though, she had no doubts. Who wouldn't want to work with her anyways? Maybe a nomaj, but nobody in their right mind cared for their opinions.
"I-I'm..."
Erika tried to reply. Homework, obviously. She guessed that Mar was an idiot as they clearly hadn't noticed the astronomy charts she'd brought with. Lucky for them, Erika had come by to help! She dropped the satchel she carried into a proper place withing reach where she'd sit, and pulled the chair out opposite Mars and sat down.
"Erika." Finally, for the first time with another in this forsaken school, she had had a real conversation. From here on out, it would be a simple matter to get on top. Next hurdle, was talk in class. For that, she'll say the names of the stars over and over until it's an automatic thing. No way she could screw it up then.
She set the book in front of her, pages marked of the stars they were studying in the lessons, and then straightened it before opening it up to the first marked page, the marker being revealed as an empty quill. In the margins was the name of the star she'd gotten wrong, scribbled over and over with different meanings in relation to its position. On one side it was written neatly, on the opposite, the same notes repeated but far messier. Practice runs made perfect.
"Nice to meet you, too." At least her voice was perfect for the library, quiet and squeaky. Her eyes stayed firmly on the book, not even chancing a glance up towards Mars. The thought was as terrifying as continuing to stay still in the chair with a stranger staring holes into her. At least, Erika assumed that, as she dare not confirm.
Instead, she looked at the margins, reviewing the notes on the messier side, a grimace passing over her lips. She had to be better. This place was a perfect time to try more, and picked up the quill, hefting it lightly before putting into her right hand, her fingers curling around the stripped feather.
@Mars T'ien
It's just a class... right? Just how bad can it be. Relax, Erika.
-Famous Last Words
9 Aug 2020, 20:27
An Overachiever's Wish
@Erika Sharp-Leaf
───── ⋆★⋆ ─────
Erika, hmm? The wix committed it to memory as the girl took a seat, laying her textbook out in front of her. Silently, Mars snuck a glance at the page, eyes widening slightly as they took in the sheer number of scribbled notes. Someone was certainly dedicated.
From the looks of it, she was definitely studying Astronomy. Mars glanced back down to their page, the wide ugly streak of ink still blasted across it. They sighed and then turned the page, choosing to continue their notes on a blank sheet.
Pulling their own textbook a tad closer, the Ravenclaw went back to jotting down the sidereal days for all the planets. Maybe they had an uncanny pull to the topic of Astronomy—their name was Mars after all, and they did so love to watch the night sky—but they couldn't help but smile at the words appearing under their quill.
They were fond memories, listening to Sandor spout the stories of ancient, impossible gods, while Urian interjected every now and again with a mention acidic storms or atmospheric bands or something. Maybe that was why the names stuck a little better—envisioning each syllable being told to them through the wonder of an explorer's eyes made them that much more memorable. Mars let out a soft laugh.
They glanced up, watching Erika's motions across her own page. The wix tapped a foot on the floor lightly, wondering if they ought to say something.
"Astronomy, hmm?" they mentioned softly, "Do you like the class?"
[ Home, they said. I should like to go home. ]
STA: 6 | EVA: 10 | STR: 3 | WIS: 9 | ARC: 5 | ACC: 10
STA: 6 | EVA: 10 | STR: 3 | WIS: 9 | ARC: 5 | ACC: 10