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Post by Elsbeth Pierce on Nov 18, 2007 22:02:51 GMT -5
The Great Hall had been completely cleared. The Tables were gone, as were the banners, and even the Headmistress’s chair and Staff Table had vanished. It had left the great impressive room completely void, except for people. The doors to the Great Hall were wide open, and through them came many students from all houses, and all ages; all to meet Headmistress Pierce, who was standing in the middle of the great room with her teams of staff members all standing right behind her.
There was a clear barrier that went in a circle, allowing students to only stand within the outside perimeter. She stood within this circle and her staff members were behind the barrier behind her. The students were welcome with smiles and nods from their Professors, and the questioning in whispered voices began. Elsbeth then spoke:
“Wizarding Duels are an old practice in pureblooded circles, but it quickly moved on to become a world wide Wizarding art. Some may even learn to master this art quite well, while others simply may fail. These duels are used as a way of settling disputes, for entertainment, and of course, to teach a lesson to the spectators. Today, it is being used for the latter two.”
Looking around the room, she continued. “In all respectable duels between wizards and witches, it is customary to bow towards your opponent, with your wand in front of you.”
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Post by Dr. Althea Lannsman on Nov 18, 2007 22:24:18 GMT -5
Althea stood by, on the very edge of the circle and anxiously watched as the combatants faced each other. The Lannsman children were no where to be found, presumably being watched over by the house elves. The nurse fidgeted with the long sleeves of her green healer's robes as she waited for the match to begin.
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Neoma Tsylence
Hufflepuff
1st Year Student
Those who wander are not always lost...
Posts: 87
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Post by Neoma Tsylence on Nov 18, 2007 22:44:44 GMT -5
Neoma had a large break between classes, and had joined up with the others in the great hall. A grand display of magic, such as a duel, was not something she wanted to miss. She filled into the great hall and stood right on the edge of the barrier which made no sound. She looked about for Stevie and Kel, but couldn't find them. She sighed, maybe they'd find her later.
Right now she stared intently at the Headmistress and the staff. Waiting for things to get started.
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Post by Dónall Kennedy on Nov 18, 2007 23:03:31 GMT -5
Dónall was really not the type to attend these sort of school functions, unless absolutely necessary. However, the school function being a Wizarding Duel, Don was inclined to attend. Being a Pureblooded Wizard, he had a certain respect for the common practice, as that was just the way he had been raised.
Standing toward the front of the room, Don gazed at the scene in front of him. The Headmistress giving her quaint little speech, the Deputy Headmaster and the Gryffie Head on either side of her. In the background, the Gryffie Head's wife was looking right nervous, as she should seeing as her husband was up against the slyest of the Sly's.
Dónall hoped his Head of House would do Slytherin proud.
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Shellivia Nos Taronin
Wizard
Care of Magical Creatures
Not all magic is wisps of smoke and flashy bangs...
Posts: 125
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Post by Shellivia Nos Taronin on Nov 19, 2007 0:09:03 GMT -5
Shellivia was standing back agaisnt a wall surverying the room. She watched the two in front of her with a calculating expression on her face. She smiled at a few of teh students who walked past but was otherwise motionless. Butter sat on her sholder chewing his nails.
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Post by Nicholas Gawain Lannsman on Nov 19, 2007 0:41:32 GMT -5
Nicholas stood still and silent as Elsbeth spoke, addressing the students. He stood proudly, a silvery, worn medieval breastplate etched and engraved with intricate patterns protective most of his chest and back. He wore a pair of black breeches, heavy leather traveling boots, a long crimson tunic with golden edging, leather gauntlets reminiscent to those of Quidditch gloves, and three brown leather belts, two of which looped down on either side; the left sheathed a beautifully crafted silver longword and the right, his wand.
His long black hair was pulled back, allowing none of his long black hair to obstruct his vision. Finally, with Elsbeth done her introduction, Nicholas moved forward.
The sound of goblin steel clearing the scabbard at his hip echoed loudly and clearly through the hall, the crisp and clear quality to it sending shivers down several students spines. Swiftly, it twirled in the air as Nicholas drew the blade forth, pointing the tip towards the floor away from himself, and quickly bringing it upwards so the flat of the cross guard rested against his forehead to salute his wife.
He flashed her his best reassuring grin.
Afterwards, he looked to Orynn and drew forth his wand with his left hand and lowered his sword tip. Holding the wand tip towards Orynn, he saluted him with a look of sincere gratitude and maybe a faint trace of respect on his face.
"Thank you for accepting this duel, Deputy Headmaster Novim. I am humbled by this kindness you've granted me." Nicholas said, his voice calm and controlled, not so much cold as Orynn's usual tone, but more relaxed. Nicholas moved into a stance with his sword and wand raised, much like a duelist's florentine style of swordfighting.
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Orynn Novim
Wizard
Former Deputy Head Master and HoH Slytherin
It is a sin to believe evil of others, but it is seldom a mistake ~ HLM
Posts: 342
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Post by Orynn Novim on Nov 19, 2007 1:48:04 GMT -5
Orynn stepped forward into the center of the Great Hall when he was cued to do so. He was not nearly as adorned as the Head of Gryffindor house.
Orynn had on a very fitted silver/gray long sleeved shirt, which allowed for fluidity in movement of his shoulder and arms. His pants were black with a gray pinstripe pattern, which opened up away at his ankles. He had a cape of sorts, which was fastened to his shirt at the top of his shoulders. It was a very light cape, which gleamed a silver color on the outside and was complimented by the dark green material on the inside. The colors clashing well with his eyes and hair. He had no earings on, but the Deputy did have on three rings, two on his left and one on his right hands. A bracelet of sorts was clasped onto his right wrist, which had black runic markings all along it.
He faced his opponent, wand up in front of his face. His face hardening like ice as Nicholas waved around his sword. He almost looked like he was shaking with fury, and he clearly wasn't paying a lot of attention to the Knight's words. When he spoke he was deathly calm, and his deep voice sounded throughout the hall.
"Do not mistake kindness for duty, Sir."[/color] Orynn said plainly. He bowed at the waist, and took steps away at the same time. Turning his body to walk to his starting position as he rose up again. Throwing his arms out to his sides as he addressed the large crowd that had formed.
"For the honor of the boy-who-lived..."[/color] Those from his house hissed and scoffed at this statement. Orynn spun around, wand at the ready, facing Nicholas. "Isn't that right?[/color] All Orynn could do now was wait. Wait for the word from the Headmistress to commence the duel. A flash of cold fire seemed to grow behind the Deputy's eyes.
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Post by Elsbeth Pierce on Nov 19, 2007 7:11:01 GMT -5
“This duel…” Elsbeth continued. “…is simply a demonstration. Both Professors are not out to prove that they are better than the other, this is simply for fun. It shall be monitored, and refereed by myself. If any unfortunate accidents should occur, Dr. Lannsman is here to assist as best she can. Now, for all of our viewing pleasure, I thank both Sir Nicholas and Mr. Novim for volunteering in such a display. Let the duel commence!” When she finished, she clapped her hands once, and the sound echoed throughout the entire room.
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Post by Nicholas Gawain Lannsman on Nov 19, 2007 12:17:14 GMT -5
For Harry, Nicholas thought solemnly, mentally offering a silent prayer to the man. HE nodded an affirmation to Orynn.
Orynn leaned back on his right leg, with his left foot forward. His arms were crossed, his wand sticking out from behind his elbow rather haphazardly. He seemed bored, if not irritated, judging by the look on his face.
He stood still, making no movement whatsoever.
From the other end of the arena, Nicholas had his hand firmly rested on the hilt of his magical longsword. Swiftly, his left hand pointed upwards, wand clutched tightly, pointing it towards the ceiling. “Navi Onus!” he spoke loudly, his words echoing throughout the hall.
A bright yellow ball of light formed at his wand’s tip, and it then spiraled downwards around Nicholas before finally melting into the ground. This was followed by another spell that melted over his body. Another soon after caused dancing golden sparks to engulf him and then fade.
Cheers were coming from the crowd of Gryffindors, as their Head of House cast his spells, preparing himself for combat and taking advantage of Orynn’s lack of movement.
Orynn still had not budged, or even reacted; not so much as an eyebrow twitched. After some time, his left foot began to tap impatiently as the two of them stared at one another. It seemed like at any moment the tension between the two would make the ground crack wide open.
Finally, Nicholas dropped low to the ground and burst forward like a striking snake, letting out a loud wordless war cry. He sprinted forward, his body low to the ground as he rushed towards Orynn at inhuman speeds granted to him by his Charms, the sword then spinning about the professor in dizzying patterns as it flared about him. In his dash, he noticed Orynn’s face crack into a malicious grin a split second before Nicholas could change course.
“Protego!”
“Occultatio!”
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Orynn Novim
Wizard
Former Deputy Head Master and HoH Slytherin
It is a sin to believe evil of others, but it is seldom a mistake ~ HLM
Posts: 342
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Post by Orynn Novim on Nov 19, 2007 12:55:02 GMT -5
Orynn had vanished in the blink of an eye, and Nicholas bolted right past where his opponent had been. He skidded to a halt several feet away, scanning the Hall quickly for his adversary.
“Depulso!” shouted Orynn’s disembodied voice.
Nicholas looked as if he had been shoved from behind by a giant fist as he spun in the air. He hit the floor and swiftly regained his stance, glancing around wildly, trying to locate the voice. His Shield Charm hummed an inch from his face.
The second after the shield faded, a voice was heard near the front doors to the Great Hall behind him, “Petrificus Totalus![/color]”
With incredible fluidity, Nicholas slashed aside the oncoming purple ray of magic with his sword. The spell refracted, hitting the Hall’s floor and the magical barrier, dissipating with no effect. The room was quiet again.
“Petrificus Totalus!”
Nicholas repeated the same move with his weapon, and at the same time moved in the direction of the voice. There was the very faint sound of footsteps, and Nicholas made moves towards them. Unfortunately, they quickly stopped as soon as he moved, leaving him blind to his opponents whereabouts.
{OOC: Let it be known that Nicholas and I have agreed to 'control' each other's characters to some degree. In other words, neither of us are god modding due to a mutual agreement. Thanks, and enjoy the 'show!'}
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Post by Nicholas Gawain Lannsman on Nov 19, 2007 19:57:22 GMT -5
Orynn’s advantage was short lived as Nicholas thrust his hand upwards yet again, shouting “Aeris Abeo!” The ceiling of the great hall darkened, grim looking clouds shrouding the ceiling of the great hall as they magically coalesced. It began to pour down sheets of rain within moments, and Nicholas bolted the instant it did; Orynn’s body had been thoroughly outlined by the falling rain close by.
Orynn leapt back from his opponent’s weapon, as Nicholas pressed the advantage of his blade’s range. It sliced through sheets of water as though it was fabric, being swung so quickly and with enough strength that it rung clearly with each slash. He kept swinging his sword in a dazzling flurry, and Orynn kept moving back further and further away, ocacasionally loosing off a bolt of magic with little success. A goofy grin formed on Nicholas’s face, as he waved his wand over the ground. The rain drops that had fallen on the stone floor turned paler and rounder as they were turned to solid beads.
Orynn’s arms waved wildly as he lost his footing quickly, toppling over onto his side, his invisibility charm dissipating as he hit the floor. He brought a hand to his soaked head, quickly pushing his sopping wet hair from his face. The rain had stopped now, leaving them facing each other.
The blade of the Knight-Wizard was pointed towards Orynn, with several feet clearance in between them still. “Do you yield?” Nicholas asked out loud, his clear tones reflecting respect. Orynn grinned again.
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Neoma Tsylence
Hufflepuff
1st Year Student
Those who wander are not always lost...
Posts: 87
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Post by Neoma Tsylence on Nov 19, 2007 21:18:47 GMT -5
Neoma had completely lost her voice. The spells performed before her very eyes were things she had always thought impossible before. Nicholas was lightning fast, and seemed all the more heightened. Neoma was very confused as to why the Slytherin Head of House had done nothing but watch, but saw that he had had a plan.
When Orynn turned invisible, Neoma was reminded of the time she had done the same thing, but by accident. It was at her muggle school, and she wished to be alone and unseen, little did she know at the time that she had done just that.
When the rain began to fall she ducked and put her hands over her head to prevent from getting wet, but quickly noticed that the rain only occured inside the domed section of the hall. She was dry as can be. She thought it very smart of the sword-wielding Professor to use such a tactic, and now it looked like the Slytherin Head of House was going to be forced to give up the duel.
Neoma was beside herself with anticipation and excitement.
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Post by Dr. Althea Lannsman on Nov 19, 2007 21:41:36 GMT -5
Althea half-watched from the edge of the barrier, at times peeking through the cracks of her fingers. She gasped when Nicholas hit the floor, but was quickly relieved to see him recover so quickly. She was glad that the duel seemed to end so quickly, her husband the victor, but she knew from first hand experience that Orynn would never give up that easily...
He's got something up his sleeve... I know it.
She was visibly nervous, her hands trembled a little as she continued to watch. It was very obvious that something was wrong. Althea was usually calm and collected in stressful situations but this was different... It was just a duel, for fun- in honor of Harry Potter. The duel could have been compared to a muggle fencing match- but it still bothered her to watch, even though both combatants were perfectly skilled and knew what they were doing. The nurse decided to stare at the ground instead.
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Post by Nicholas Gawain Lannsman on Nov 20, 2007 0:24:38 GMT -5
“Propello!”
Orynn’s body leapt upwards, twisting and somersaulting in the air as he did so. Nicholas turned around to see Orynn arch high above, and then begin his plummet down. A sharp cracking sound could be heard as the wind began to strike out from around Orynn as he spun downwards. Nicholas twirled and spun out of the way with incredible agility and he took inhuman leaps and bounds to avoid being struck. Orynn’s feet touched the ground before Nicholas did, and Orynn quickly pointed his wand to the airborne professor.
“Impedimenta!”
A green fog struck Nicholas as he fell, the effects almost immediately noticeable; his lightning fast speed was reduced to normal as he landed, taking a few steps to balance himself out.
Nicholas rushed towards Orynn again, sword flashing around in circular motions. Orynn narrowly spun out of the way, and in a split second dissolved into a curling billow of dark smoke which moved away from the knight. Nicholas reacted quickly, and leapt through the wall of black smoke, his silver blade slashing once, twice, and thrice before he landed on the other side of the cloud of smoke.
The smoke seemed to tremble and seize, quickly coalescing on the ground. It turned and curled until it reformed into Orynn, sitting down on the ground clutching his leg. The Head of Slytherin looked at his adversary, eyes wide with shock, mouth clamped tightly as he tried not to scream out in pain, and his knuckles were white as he clutch his leg. Clearly something had just happened that Orynn had not expected. Obviously concerned, Nicholas lowered his weapons and hurried over to his opponent with the intention to aid.
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Post by Elsbeth Pierce on Nov 20, 2007 14:35:43 GMT -5
Elsbeth had been watching the duel intently. She knew somewhat of the animosity between the two men, though she didn't know the details.
As the duel quickly progressed into something other than just a show, she realized that it was her responsibility to stop this before anyone got seriously hurt. This was not the sort of thing she wanted going on in front of her students.
Elsbeth spoke aloud “That’ll do gentlemen, thank you ve—” but she never completed her sentence.
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