Harvesting Storms
Jul 10, 2018 21:55:02 GMT -6
Post by Snick on Jul 10, 2018 21:55:02 GMT -6
A storm blew up not long after dinner which gave Elizabeta a great opportunity. Near the end of last year she discovered some storm blooms growing near the cliffs facing the Lighthouse. It was late afternoon on a cloudy day when she found them and they were not in their prime. Storm blooms came out in full bloom during powerful storms, the stronger the better. They were also quite rare, which made her wonder if the school staff knew about this small outcrop. It was a bit out of the way and certainly not marked as typical gardens and flower beds nor like other specialty plants that grow about the forest and elsewhere on Cat Island. A part of her wondered if she was the only one who discovered them. There certainly wasn't any evidence of them being maintained by a witch or wizard.
Wrapping her heavy cloak around her tightly, having cast an impervious charm upon it to ward off rain, Elizabeta headed out from her Legacy house. One advantage she enjoyed being in a Legacy, it was much easier to sneak out at night. She rarely snuck out to do anything against the rules, mostly it was to pursue her own research and experimentation. Its not like she sneaking off to kiss some boy. None of the wizards of the school particularly interested her in that way. Sure, in the past year or two she did go on the odd date, mostly to the dances but dating wasn't a big draw for her. No, she snuck out at night to gain in knowledge, magical knowledge. Storm blooms were a part of it as she knew they were a prime ingredient to make a tempest solution. A difficult potion she had been researching, to challenge herself outside of what Mr. Glassman was likely to challenge them all during class. That and the storm blooms would fetch a high price if she sold them. Not that she needed money but not all her research was above board and she had to use avenues she couldn't just use her charge card at, not without risking her father coming down on her. Not that she did her darker research at school but the storm blooms and the potion she wanted to make, were both legal. Selling them to fund her more shady pursuits, however, worked in her favor.
As she made her way off the manicured lawns and towards the wooded area near the cliffs she had to be careful as strong gusts of winds whipped across the open spaces. Elizabeta persevered however, not daunted by wind. She simply lowered her head and plowed on through, keeping her knees bent to ensure she wasn't so easily knocked off balance. What she really had to watch for was flying debris, fortunately only a few leaves flew into her.
Once she was close to the cliffs, the trees helped cut the wind, but the volume of noise greatly increased. The wind whipping the trees back and forth, the sound of the surf crashing against the rocky shore, all added to the noise level. Elizabeta blocked it out. Using her wand she lit her way, scanning the ground where she remembered seeing the storm blooms. Sure enough she spotted them, the blooms large and swirling, waving in the wind like dancing dervishes. They were quite beautiful in a chaotic way, which attracted her very much.
Crouching down she began to carefully cut the blooms, making sure she didn't take too much from one plant, and leaving plenty left over to propagate for years to come. If she was greedy she certainly could cut the entire lot of them and sell off what she didn't need. If she did so, however, then the crop would most likely die, as each plant did need some blooms to survive, not just propagate. Elizabeta rather leave this crop to survive for years to come, even after she graduated. Maybe during her last year she will tell Mr. Glassman, he most likely would take good care of them and make use of the blooms in his class or personal use.
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While there was still a bit of light left outside, Magryta felt it was safe enough to take a walk. It would be more preferable to go out after darkness had fell. However, to push two school rules at the same time would be a bit much for the first day. Thus, she headed for the more deserted part of the island near the lighthouse.
Once she knew she was out of sight, the young woman reached into her pocket and pulled out an almost empty Marlboro box. While it was definitely against the rules to smoke on campus, school had yet to start. When classes commenced the next day, she would quit until the end of the year, like she had done her junior year.
However, cigarettes were getting more and more expensive. Even to waste the one or two she had left seemed wrong. The young woman gave one last look around, then used her wand to light the tip. Taking a deep drag, she continued to head towards the cliffs where she would be able to sit and smoke in peace.
Needless to say, she was a bit shocked when she came upon Elizabeta Romani-Nicoli bent over and doing something with some flowers. Maggie could try to sneak away but she was already so close to the girl. It was possible to crush the cigarette but there would still be evidence. Having few other options, the young woman resolved to stand there and continue with her cigarette. If she really had to, there were ways of dealing with squealers.
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It was the smell of tobacco that caught Elizabeta's attention. Though the wind was pretty strong and blowing inland, it occasionally changed directions slightly, enough to blow into her face. Turning she spotted the source, the noise of the storm the only reason she didn't hear another student walk up. She easily saw the telltale glow of the cigarette the witch was smoking and rolled her eyes. One thing she never could understand was why any witch or wizard for that matter, would smoke the horrid things. They stunk, to put it mildly. It was not hard knowing who smoked and who didn't, their clothing reeked with the smell unless they took the time to use magic to freshen their clothing.
"Those things will kill you in the end." Elizabeta observed, guessing the student was at least her age but the dim light and the fact she wasn't looking in her direction making it impossible to know who it was. Quite a few students smoked and all through the year, it wouldn't be the first time she caught the scent when taking walks or going about her usual business. She dropped the dozen or so blooms she had carefully harvested into a bag and tied it up.
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Magryta heard her over the fierce wind that was whipping her hair all around her face. She probably should have tied it back, due to the squall. However, it just made her look sexier; the windswept look.
"Given long enough, anything can kill you. Time can kill you and that is something you cannot avoid." She pointed out to the girl.
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Elizabeta snorted. "Time will always kill, but why rush to the end when its so easily prevented?"
"Surprised you can even smoke that given the strength of the winds and this close to the cliffs, the spray blowing up. Unless its more to enjoy the power of nature that brings you here, specifically, than to smoke?" Elizabeta asked, more to make conversation than any real interest in what reason the older witch had. It was invigorating to feel the power of the storm, her hair tied back to keep it from being whipped about.
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"Talent," Magryta explained as the ability to smoke in this sort of weather. "Where I live, if the wind stops blowing, run for cover because bad things are about to destroy your home."
Yeah, she had come out here just to smoke. The weather didn't bother her. She figured that it would keep most people inside, making it easier to get away with. However, now that there was someone here...
"What are you doing?" She asked, moving slightly closer to the girl to feign interest.
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Lame talent to claim but Elizabeta didn't voice that thought. When the older girl moved closer Elizabeta looked her over briefly. "I enjoy storms and there are certain flowers that seem to prefer blooming on nights like this. Flowers that I intend to do a research paper on for Herbology this year." It wasn't a complete lie, she did intend to do a research paper, but it was on her own experiments with storm blooms in making a more effective tempest potion that the standard ingredients. The very nature of storm blooms, from everything she read about them, would be far better suited. Nor could she find any conflict in using with the other ingredients of the potion. The only reason she could see in not using Stormblooms was their scarcity and thus cost.
"Already collected them, I was just about to head back when I caught the scent of your cigarette. I am not adverse to hanging around and keeping you company. Its not like I have any intention to go blab to a teacher you are smoking on school grounds. It never pays to tattle tail in my book. Besides, the only one you are harming is yourself and you are more than old enough to make your own decisions, just as I am."
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Magryta nodded her head, as though she knew what the girl was talking about. Not like she really cared about Herbology. While she was not adverse to getting a bit dirty, actually digging into the muck and weeding and the nonsense like that willingly was baffling. Then again, the girl was supposed to be one of the brains. Figures that even before school started, they would already be working on their homework.
"I am surprised. The other girls in your legacy are goodie-goodies."
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Elizabeta wondered if she even knew what Legacy she was part of. The Skulls weren't what she would term as full of goodie goodies. Maybe compared to the more idiot Stooges, the Skulls may be considered squeaky clean. Yet the Skulls also didn't' go out of their way to be breaking rules. Elizabeta did her best to avoid doing that but her headstrong nature sometimes did get her into trouble. Like having to see Miss Buskirk after classes tomorrow.
"I have no idea why you have that impression of us, but it certainly suits me for people to have that impression." Elizabeta shrugs. "Besides I have a legitimate reason to be out here."
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Magryta considered this for a moment. "I thought you were one of the Brains. Figured they were the only ones that would be getting a jump on schoolwork already." Nerd, she thought to herself while taking another drag.
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Now Elizabeta gave a laugh. "Oh, I have brains, but I am not a member of Iota Sigma Alpha. I am Novus Ordo Secolorum, a far different Legacy. Not easy to see Legacy pins in weather like this."
"As for why I am out there this early, its because the blooms I am wanted, only bloom during storms and there is no telling when another storm will come or if its on a night I can come out. So I didn't want to miss the opportunity presenting itself." She had a feeling the witch didn't care either way why she was here.
"Your name is Magryta, isn't it?" Elizabeta asked, now recalling the name of the older student. One of the Gemini sisters. Elizabeta always did try and keep track of the older students, knowing they may be of use to her in the future. "Magryta Gemini?"
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"That is what is on my birth certificate," The young woman replied.
"Isn't your family the one with the dragons keep or something?" Honestly, Magryta had no clue. She knew the girl's name. In the back of her mind, she was very certain the family had to do with magical creatures of some sort. No interest to her but it was still good to know these things.
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"Yes, my family owns and runs the Nicoli-Romani Balaur Loc Reţinut, Dragon reserve." It was something she was proud of even though she highly doubted she will ever have any control over it. That was in the hands of her twin brothers. At least till their father retired. Oh she could work at the reserve, and she usually did during the summers but her ambitions were far greater than just being a dragon keeper. "Your father is a Healer and runs a Hospital doesn't he?"
From what she remembered of the Gemini, they seemed to have had roots in American history for quite a few centuries, far longer than her family who have been here for less than a century. Yet in that short time the Nicoli-Romani family certainly became very well established. It was one of the many families Elizabeta had looked into, and one her father did as well. His reasons was to find her a pureblood potential husband, much to her worry, as she was not interested in such things, but in her case it was to find potential supporters for her future goals.
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Magryta's head turned towards the young woman, a look of surprise in her face, the cigarette forgotten. No one remembered her family because of Markus Gemini. True, to some people it was impressive to combine bother magical and muggle healing into one building. Very few of those existed.
However, it existed where it did because it was such a rural area. There was only two magical hospitals in all of South Dakota and maybe it was impressive that he had helped start one of them. That did not mean anyone knew who he was. It was South Dakota - middle of nowhere. Most people thought that Native Americans ran the joint.
No, it was not Markus Gemini or his family that had been a part of every war that America had fought. It was the most recent generation - mostly, her sister Galia that people would remember. While Revan did not like to hear praise for the talented woman that would take their name to new heights, Magryta couldn't hear the praise enough. After all, Galia was talented and now, both muggle and magical alike knew her name.
It spoke volumes about this girl, who seemed to stand out more in Magryta's family.
"Yes, that would be my father." She finally agreed, looking back out towards the water. "A brilliant mind but confined to what he has - not what he could move on to next.
"So you wish to join the Reserve when you graduate or does that mind hold different aspirations?"
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"Oh I do love working on the reserve but I have higher ambitions than dragon keeping." Elizabeta admits. "My brothers will continue the family business but I intend to leave my mark on this world in a far different way."
"How about yourself, Mag?" Elizabeta inquired, feeling no need to elaborate on her own personal goals. "What do you aspire to become once you graduate?"
Wrapping her heavy cloak around her tightly, having cast an impervious charm upon it to ward off rain, Elizabeta headed out from her Legacy house. One advantage she enjoyed being in a Legacy, it was much easier to sneak out at night. She rarely snuck out to do anything against the rules, mostly it was to pursue her own research and experimentation. Its not like she sneaking off to kiss some boy. None of the wizards of the school particularly interested her in that way. Sure, in the past year or two she did go on the odd date, mostly to the dances but dating wasn't a big draw for her. No, she snuck out at night to gain in knowledge, magical knowledge. Storm blooms were a part of it as she knew they were a prime ingredient to make a tempest solution. A difficult potion she had been researching, to challenge herself outside of what Mr. Glassman was likely to challenge them all during class. That and the storm blooms would fetch a high price if she sold them. Not that she needed money but not all her research was above board and she had to use avenues she couldn't just use her charge card at, not without risking her father coming down on her. Not that she did her darker research at school but the storm blooms and the potion she wanted to make, were both legal. Selling them to fund her more shady pursuits, however, worked in her favor.
As she made her way off the manicured lawns and towards the wooded area near the cliffs she had to be careful as strong gusts of winds whipped across the open spaces. Elizabeta persevered however, not daunted by wind. She simply lowered her head and plowed on through, keeping her knees bent to ensure she wasn't so easily knocked off balance. What she really had to watch for was flying debris, fortunately only a few leaves flew into her.
Once she was close to the cliffs, the trees helped cut the wind, but the volume of noise greatly increased. The wind whipping the trees back and forth, the sound of the surf crashing against the rocky shore, all added to the noise level. Elizabeta blocked it out. Using her wand she lit her way, scanning the ground where she remembered seeing the storm blooms. Sure enough she spotted them, the blooms large and swirling, waving in the wind like dancing dervishes. They were quite beautiful in a chaotic way, which attracted her very much.
Crouching down she began to carefully cut the blooms, making sure she didn't take too much from one plant, and leaving plenty left over to propagate for years to come. If she was greedy she certainly could cut the entire lot of them and sell off what she didn't need. If she did so, however, then the crop would most likely die, as each plant did need some blooms to survive, not just propagate. Elizabeta rather leave this crop to survive for years to come, even after she graduated. Maybe during her last year she will tell Mr. Glassman, he most likely would take good care of them and make use of the blooms in his class or personal use.
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While there was still a bit of light left outside, Magryta felt it was safe enough to take a walk. It would be more preferable to go out after darkness had fell. However, to push two school rules at the same time would be a bit much for the first day. Thus, she headed for the more deserted part of the island near the lighthouse.
Once she knew she was out of sight, the young woman reached into her pocket and pulled out an almost empty Marlboro box. While it was definitely against the rules to smoke on campus, school had yet to start. When classes commenced the next day, she would quit until the end of the year, like she had done her junior year.
However, cigarettes were getting more and more expensive. Even to waste the one or two she had left seemed wrong. The young woman gave one last look around, then used her wand to light the tip. Taking a deep drag, she continued to head towards the cliffs where she would be able to sit and smoke in peace.
Needless to say, she was a bit shocked when she came upon Elizabeta Romani-Nicoli bent over and doing something with some flowers. Maggie could try to sneak away but she was already so close to the girl. It was possible to crush the cigarette but there would still be evidence. Having few other options, the young woman resolved to stand there and continue with her cigarette. If she really had to, there were ways of dealing with squealers.
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It was the smell of tobacco that caught Elizabeta's attention. Though the wind was pretty strong and blowing inland, it occasionally changed directions slightly, enough to blow into her face. Turning she spotted the source, the noise of the storm the only reason she didn't hear another student walk up. She easily saw the telltale glow of the cigarette the witch was smoking and rolled her eyes. One thing she never could understand was why any witch or wizard for that matter, would smoke the horrid things. They stunk, to put it mildly. It was not hard knowing who smoked and who didn't, their clothing reeked with the smell unless they took the time to use magic to freshen their clothing.
"Those things will kill you in the end." Elizabeta observed, guessing the student was at least her age but the dim light and the fact she wasn't looking in her direction making it impossible to know who it was. Quite a few students smoked and all through the year, it wouldn't be the first time she caught the scent when taking walks or going about her usual business. She dropped the dozen or so blooms she had carefully harvested into a bag and tied it up.
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Magryta heard her over the fierce wind that was whipping her hair all around her face. She probably should have tied it back, due to the squall. However, it just made her look sexier; the windswept look.
"Given long enough, anything can kill you. Time can kill you and that is something you cannot avoid." She pointed out to the girl.
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Elizabeta snorted. "Time will always kill, but why rush to the end when its so easily prevented?"
"Surprised you can even smoke that given the strength of the winds and this close to the cliffs, the spray blowing up. Unless its more to enjoy the power of nature that brings you here, specifically, than to smoke?" Elizabeta asked, more to make conversation than any real interest in what reason the older witch had. It was invigorating to feel the power of the storm, her hair tied back to keep it from being whipped about.
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"Talent," Magryta explained as the ability to smoke in this sort of weather. "Where I live, if the wind stops blowing, run for cover because bad things are about to destroy your home."
Yeah, she had come out here just to smoke. The weather didn't bother her. She figured that it would keep most people inside, making it easier to get away with. However, now that there was someone here...
"What are you doing?" She asked, moving slightly closer to the girl to feign interest.
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Lame talent to claim but Elizabeta didn't voice that thought. When the older girl moved closer Elizabeta looked her over briefly. "I enjoy storms and there are certain flowers that seem to prefer blooming on nights like this. Flowers that I intend to do a research paper on for Herbology this year." It wasn't a complete lie, she did intend to do a research paper, but it was on her own experiments with storm blooms in making a more effective tempest potion that the standard ingredients. The very nature of storm blooms, from everything she read about them, would be far better suited. Nor could she find any conflict in using with the other ingredients of the potion. The only reason she could see in not using Stormblooms was their scarcity and thus cost.
"Already collected them, I was just about to head back when I caught the scent of your cigarette. I am not adverse to hanging around and keeping you company. Its not like I have any intention to go blab to a teacher you are smoking on school grounds. It never pays to tattle tail in my book. Besides, the only one you are harming is yourself and you are more than old enough to make your own decisions, just as I am."
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Magryta nodded her head, as though she knew what the girl was talking about. Not like she really cared about Herbology. While she was not adverse to getting a bit dirty, actually digging into the muck and weeding and the nonsense like that willingly was baffling. Then again, the girl was supposed to be one of the brains. Figures that even before school started, they would already be working on their homework.
"I am surprised. The other girls in your legacy are goodie-goodies."
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Elizabeta wondered if she even knew what Legacy she was part of. The Skulls weren't what she would term as full of goodie goodies. Maybe compared to the more idiot Stooges, the Skulls may be considered squeaky clean. Yet the Skulls also didn't' go out of their way to be breaking rules. Elizabeta did her best to avoid doing that but her headstrong nature sometimes did get her into trouble. Like having to see Miss Buskirk after classes tomorrow.
"I have no idea why you have that impression of us, but it certainly suits me for people to have that impression." Elizabeta shrugs. "Besides I have a legitimate reason to be out here."
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Magryta considered this for a moment. "I thought you were one of the Brains. Figured they were the only ones that would be getting a jump on schoolwork already." Nerd, she thought to herself while taking another drag.
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Now Elizabeta gave a laugh. "Oh, I have brains, but I am not a member of Iota Sigma Alpha. I am Novus Ordo Secolorum, a far different Legacy. Not easy to see Legacy pins in weather like this."
"As for why I am out there this early, its because the blooms I am wanted, only bloom during storms and there is no telling when another storm will come or if its on a night I can come out. So I didn't want to miss the opportunity presenting itself." She had a feeling the witch didn't care either way why she was here.
"Your name is Magryta, isn't it?" Elizabeta asked, now recalling the name of the older student. One of the Gemini sisters. Elizabeta always did try and keep track of the older students, knowing they may be of use to her in the future. "Magryta Gemini?"
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"That is what is on my birth certificate," The young woman replied.
"Isn't your family the one with the dragons keep or something?" Honestly, Magryta had no clue. She knew the girl's name. In the back of her mind, she was very certain the family had to do with magical creatures of some sort. No interest to her but it was still good to know these things.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Yes, my family owns and runs the Nicoli-Romani Balaur Loc Reţinut, Dragon reserve." It was something she was proud of even though she highly doubted she will ever have any control over it. That was in the hands of her twin brothers. At least till their father retired. Oh she could work at the reserve, and she usually did during the summers but her ambitions were far greater than just being a dragon keeper. "Your father is a Healer and runs a Hospital doesn't he?"
From what she remembered of the Gemini, they seemed to have had roots in American history for quite a few centuries, far longer than her family who have been here for less than a century. Yet in that short time the Nicoli-Romani family certainly became very well established. It was one of the many families Elizabeta had looked into, and one her father did as well. His reasons was to find her a pureblood potential husband, much to her worry, as she was not interested in such things, but in her case it was to find potential supporters for her future goals.
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Magryta's head turned towards the young woman, a look of surprise in her face, the cigarette forgotten. No one remembered her family because of Markus Gemini. True, to some people it was impressive to combine bother magical and muggle healing into one building. Very few of those existed.
However, it existed where it did because it was such a rural area. There was only two magical hospitals in all of South Dakota and maybe it was impressive that he had helped start one of them. That did not mean anyone knew who he was. It was South Dakota - middle of nowhere. Most people thought that Native Americans ran the joint.
No, it was not Markus Gemini or his family that had been a part of every war that America had fought. It was the most recent generation - mostly, her sister Galia that people would remember. While Revan did not like to hear praise for the talented woman that would take their name to new heights, Magryta couldn't hear the praise enough. After all, Galia was talented and now, both muggle and magical alike knew her name.
It spoke volumes about this girl, who seemed to stand out more in Magryta's family.
"Yes, that would be my father." She finally agreed, looking back out towards the water. "A brilliant mind but confined to what he has - not what he could move on to next.
"So you wish to join the Reserve when you graduate or does that mind hold different aspirations?"
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"Oh I do love working on the reserve but I have higher ambitions than dragon keeping." Elizabeta admits. "My brothers will continue the family business but I intend to leave my mark on this world in a far different way."
"How about yourself, Mag?" Elizabeta inquired, feeling no need to elaborate on her own personal goals. "What do you aspire to become once you graduate?"
