Name: Alianah
Alianah didn’t know what was worse. The huge blow handed to her by the disappointment she caused Madame Emphemere because of her recklessness, or the fact that Kat and Meera assumed she the type of person to actually break the rules, just to have her way? On top of that Alianah wasn’t even sure if this information were accurate. Can’t take the risk of falling for a hex! 'Then again, I guess they don’t know me well enough to make such assumptions', she thought. It could be that her recklessness portrayed a certain trait in her that made them think so. 'I really ought to make an effort in making friends tho', she thought. Alianah politely declined the offer, and inturn offered to help Kt and Meera with thier study sessions.
So, that been said, Alianah came to the conclution that disappointing Madame Emphemere was the worst thing that she could ever have to endure and Alianah intend to put things right! It is of the upmost importance that I once again rekindle that spark Madame Emphemere once seen in me. ashamed and embarrased, Alianah kept to the shadows of the halls and set her mind for the task at hand.

So, approaching her first flight test, Alianah would have to exercise diligence and the greatest respect of magic. She hit the books in preparation and hit them real hard. With History been her ally, Alianah discovered a very enlightening fact. That everything in our magnificent world is a manifestation of one soul. All creations,  birds,  the strong steady flow of a river, a single blade of grass and even a somewhat lifeless looking peace of wood ,All things imaginable is connected in the circle of life, and most importantly, alive in spirit.

In her research on ancient spells and potions, she came across one of great relevance. A simple yet most effective combination of Masasa tree sap and Ergot mould brewed in a thick wet oak bark with the only exception that it be brewed under the light of a full moon for 3 hours. This would render out a trance inducing potion. And before Alianah knew it, D-day had arrived. Fingers crossed, hopefully all the research and sleepless nights would pay off….
‘’Alianah?!’’, Miss Gallagar called out. ‘’You’re next!’’, she announced.

A little anxious, Alianah took her stand. First things first. It was I, imperative Alianah still her mind of all distractions and be one with nature, mind and spirit. With controlled breaths, she retrieved the potion out of her knapsack and begun the begun the quick ritual of rubbing the potion onto the broomstick and the gentle anti-clockwise motions onto her palms.  Astonished Alianah could literally feel the warmth of the potion as it was absorbed into her tissue.

With steady focus Alianah straddled the broom, leaving her legs to dangle on one side. Envisioning herself one with nature, as she rubbed the broom stick, Alianah felt a calm wave of peace. She was one with nature as the trance transcended her thoughts to what could only be a tree spirit. Alianah lounged forward, broom body and mind joining as one as she was air born. The feeling was amazing, it was as if she were a tree. Her palms its roots, her hair its branches blowing in the cool wind as it whipped back and forth and her thoughts, its spirit.
Leaning forward Alianah whipped through the air as she envisioned a single leaf snapping off the branch of the Masasa tree, gliding in the breeze.

feeling amazing and invigorated, Alianah figured she ought to prove to her Mentors she had, had control and was of one mind with the tree spirit. Picturing a leaf twilling to the ground, Alianah descended down in an even and graceful spiral motion. A few feet before touching the ground, Alianah envisioned a gentle gust of wind, sending her back up again. For the next few minutes, Alianah indulged herself in the pleasures of flight. With complete feeling of serenity, she wondered why this was no longer a popular means of transport for witches.
Happy and content Alianah felt it was time to descend. As she readied herself, she locked eyes with Madame Emphermere whose eyes gave away not even the slightest of thoughts she had. A flash on panic rose in Alianah so unexpectedly, her broom took an abrupt dip down!

Last edited by dydy (22/10/2016 at 13:56)

Iris Azure

I didn't know if I made the correct decision by trusting Madame Emphemere and ignoring the Hexstrong haint... Nevertheless, the thought of flying cheered me up.

I retracted my wings and hopped onto the broom. Although it was the first time I flew on a broom, I was quite confident. The rules to flying were the same no matter what medium I used: be as light as possible, avoid extra accessories, stay warm, and wear active clothes.

I was not going to disappoint my fellow classmates and mentors again. If the haint had something evil in mind, I couldn't battle her alone: I would at least need others to back me up.

Round 3 is now closed!

Round 3 winner

Round 4

Many of you managed you learned that the real secret to flight is trust, and as a result of that soared quite literally during your flying test, although one of you gave up more than the others. Unfortunately this week HexStrong Academy also had to say goodbye to one of it's exceptional first year students: Tanaka, she was needed at home (at least that's the official story, word in the magic world is that she was recruited for a diplomatic mission which requires realm crossing, which is super hush, hush so we shouldn't even be discussing it). It is possible that Fatima and Mala went with her as neither of them showed up for their flight test and have not been heard from in days. There's a search party on the lookout for the two of them but if they show up they are barred from the next lesson as they will be mucking unicorn stalls instead as punishment for skipping.

There's one final lesson before the end of the semester: Temporal origami with Dr. Capaldi. First year students at Hexstrong aren't allowed to actually time travel but they are allowed to fold time under very strict supervision in order to get a glimpse at their futures and see if they like where they're headed so that they can make changes before it's too late. Based on your performance at Hextstrong thus far Dr. Capaldi is giving all remaining first year students a peek at where they'll be in 5 years. Be mindful these are vague impressions only, and can be changed by your actions.

Theo

You have up your place in the centaur community for your place at Hexstrong, for you this was the true test of the week and you passed with flying colors. Madame Wordsworth and the fairy godmother reveal that you can shift back if you wish.

For round 4:  In your session with Dr. Capaldi it's revealed that 5 years into the future you will be a leading diplomat in the magical world, the question is will you be doing this job or two legs or four?

Flick

Mistress Amone is done with you after your stunt at the flight test. There's a difference between blazing your own trail and burning down bridges and by not trusting your mentor yet again your magical education has gone up in smoke and you've been suspended indefinitely from Hexstrong.

For round 4: Dr. Capaldi thinks you more than anyone need to see what your recklessness will cost you and so she sneaks you out of your dorm room where you've been confined to the end of the semester and she shows you that in 5 years you'll be cast out of magical society, stripped of your powers and living in a small town with no recollection of what you had or who you could have been. “It's a shame.” Dr. Capaldi says casually, “On the first night Mistress Amone had you pegged as her successor...”

Iris

Ignoring the haint was the smartest decision you could have made. In focusing on something other than her bidding you were able to pass the flight test and still have a fighting chance of defeating her.

For round 4: The Hexstrong haint will always have a hold on you which is something Dr. Capaldi tells you before your session with her begins. Your vision of 5 years in the future shows you in the midst of a war, the question is how are you fighting and whose side are you on.

Persephone

Despite your fears you look like a natural in the air and Mistress Amone is pleased when you pass that at least one of her students is listening to her.

For round 4: When Dr. Capaldi calls up your vision you're confused by the blurred image that appears, it's impossible to see anything clearly. “You've listened...but have you lived your own life?” she asked not waiting for an answer before leaving the room. You're being given the rare opportunity to write your own destiny, what do you want most for yourself in the next 5 years.

Lily

You were smart to ignore Rose, mixing those saps was dangerous but Dr. Bloom knew you well enough to know you'd be afraid and the chemicals in your sweat were a key ingredient in the tincture making it a success and ensuring your safety.

For round 4: Dr. Capaldi smiles when you enter her classroom “Your two worlds are becoming one.” she says as she shows you a vision of yourself owning a take-out restaurant...well for most people it's a restaurant, for those in the magical community it's where they get the finest quality plants for their spells...and maybe a side of fries.

Alaniah

Madame Emphemere is highly impressed with your showing at the flight test. You dipped a bit but your recovery was magnificent and you passed.

For round 4: Dr. Capaldi looks at you oddly when you enter the room and mutters something about meeting again that you ignore at first until you spy an image on her desk of a woman that looks like you...it turns out that in 5 years your love for history, and your transfiguration skills collide in a major way with you as a member of “Tempus Clara” an organization that travels both past and future collecting, creating, and saving important events in history.

For this round please include the following:

Name:

An image of your character as Dr. Capaldi presented it (you may also choose to write something but it's not mandatory for this round):

An image of your character of where you aspire to be in 5 years (optional, but if you include this please include at least a sentence or two):

You have until Tuesday at 00:00 forum time.

Congratulations

Congratulations to IchikoAi as third round winner!

Dr. Capaldi's Image:



“Your two worlds are becoming one.” Dr. Capaldi says as she shows you a vision of yourself owning a take-out restaurant...

But maybe a little extraordinary for those in the magical community it's where they get the finest quality plants.

5 Year Later True Image: - Fold Time



As it turns out going to the Academy had no impact on Lily's future. All her research and hard work seemed so disconnected from what she wanted out of life and was futile for any advancement. She had learned more from her mother and grandmother, and even her father. So she went to a university and studied writing where her skills paid off. Lily in five years would become an awarded best-selling author! Her books on nutrition and good eating became so popular that it was difficult to keep them in stock. She even made a guest appearance on the Dr. Oz television show!

Lily had undoubtedly credited dear Dr. Bloom with those skills that paid off, along with her mom and gram. She had done, particularly, everything that Botany could do, and had gotten Lilly a passing grade through each lesson. But the doctor had also spent many overtime hours with Lily and coached her on so many knowledgeable botanical secrets - and what she knew of all the latest innovative hypotheses in the field of Botany. So Lily had to admit that if not for the academy, she would never have met her dear friend...

Lily and Dr. Bloom remained friends, and even called and texted one another to hear the latest news. When they could, they enjoyed meeting at herbal tea shops. She also would catch a glimpse from time to time of some of her old classmates, but had never gotten to know them. Perhaps one day, they would have a chance to stop and recall their days at the academy. But it was a sort of silent 'Code of Honor' that HexStrong matters were left at HexStrong. And Lily knew that all of them would have common memories, regardless of whether they were ever shared.

And lastly, Lily would never, ever forget the well-intended Mrs. Boppleschmop and that first day of class! The dear lady's 'mishaps' would forever be one of her most endearing memories of the academy!

Last edited by MissMelinda (23/10/2016 at 13:38)

Name: Alaniah

Picture Presented by Dr Capaldi



The look Dr Capaldi gave me as i entered the room was quite odd and she muttered something about meeting again. all very strange i thought....then the picture caught my attention. That looks like me? whatever is that mystical looking orb she is clutching?

The earlier events of  today have me thinking of what my future might hold for me and no doubt my outcome here at Hexstrong would have a huge impact. At the top of my list would be a Curator at the National Historical Museum of Ancient Arts and Craft .Rumor has it that, Lord Baltimore (founder of the Museum in 1895), was aquainted with Magic!, Maybe his Legacy lived on with his decendants. This dream however, would require top grades in  my studies, especially Magical History! With a smile, I hurry along to my next leason with Madame Emphemere.

Who Alianah Aspires to be in the next five years.

Last edited by dydy (24/10/2016 at 15:39)

Name: Flick Appollo

A pale girl with long, wild hair sits on the harsh wooden floor of her dorm unknowingly rocking back and forth. A new bruise forms on her back every time she leans back but she no longer cares for instead she's drowning in a pool of her own thoughts. Every time she closes her eyes images of what an old professor showed her haunt her.

Confused at first, but then grateful as she'd grown bored of her dorm, the girl had followed Dr. Capaldi down a maze of corridors she was no longer welcome to walk down. When they at last arrive in the dim classroom the girl was handed a slip of paper with a simple enchantment written on it. Once the words have been spoken a soft glow clouds the girl's vision, before an image of a small abandoned house appears before her. The girl walked closer to the house, hesitating slightly when she placed a hand on the rusting door knob.

The open door revealed a woman - only a few years older than the girl - sat cross legged on the floor, rocking back and forth. She was mumbling the same words over and over again, frantic whispers. A stinking rat crawled over her hands and yet she did not flinch. Although the girl had no idea who she was it was clear that the woman had lost her mind. Through smashed windows children on bikes shouted abuse towards the woman. For the first time in years the girls heart filled with pity. What could this poor woman have done to deserve this living hell, despised by the people around her and tormented by her own mind?

In a cracked mirror clinging desperately to the wall the girl caught sight of herself. Looking back at the ghostly woman, then back at the mirror the girl finally understood why she had been shown this.

When the vision subsided the girl realised she was lying on the floor unable to move, though this was down to shock as opposed to illness. Peering over her the professor muttered words that did not register in the girl's mind because all she could think about was what she'd seen. At first she'd pitied this shell of a woman, now she feared her.

Now the pale girl with long, wild hair sits on the harsh wooden floor of her dorm unknowingly rocking back and forth. A new bruise forms on her back every time she leans back but she no longer cares for instead she's drowning in a pool of her own thoughts. Her mind wanders back to the darkest parts of her past in attempt to figure out why things had gone so horrifically wrong for her, why she was the monster that she'd become. Was it the abuse her parents had given her at such a young age? The fact she'd watched mortal father tortured at the hand of a demon or forced to witness the death of her mother? Or had she always been destined to be an attention-seeking bully?

At one time the girl would have ferociously attacked any tears that she cried, but now she allows them to stream freely down her face as she thinks about what she could have been.

She'd never, ever have admitted it but the girl had wanted to stay on at Hexstrong, work alongside Mistress Amone and try to correct all the wrongness she'd done by doing good. She'd wanted to use her potion skills to develop a medicine or a cure, something that would help both the magical and the non magical worlds. But now those dreams were shattered; even the girl recognises she's made too many mistakes.

Her mind detours again, wondering if there's any chance she can rectify all that she's done. Brew a memory loss potion, administer it to everyone in the school so they'd forget the past semester? No, that defeats the point of everything she's trying to achieve. Apologise to Mistress Amone and the rest of the school, show how sorry she is and try to put things right? This was looking like her best shot but the girl didn't even know if she knew how to apologise. Besides, would anyone even listen to her after all the things she'd done? Then again, Dr. Capaldi had treated her differently this morning.

Then another thought creeps into the girls mind: perhaps she just leave it and accept she's just a messed up witch who could have been something.


[[Is this by any chance a hidden reference to Doctor Who? Because if so you're a genius and I love you]]

Last edited by Fashion-Chic (25/10/2016 at 17:41)

Iris Azure


I don't want to spend the next five years on the battlefield again. Every thing about that is unappealing. I will do any thing avoid a warrior's fate.


What I really want to do... Well, I admit I want to climb to the top of the angels. I want to become the ambassador who acts as a messenger between the mortals and the immortals. Maybe I'll get there eventually?

This contest is now closed.

Thank you everyone for your amazing entries. Your characters were all brilliant, and I appreciate your creative involvement. Each of you brought something wonderful and interesting and I enjoyed reading your entries and seeing the way you reacted to the individual tasks and challenges.

Overall winners