QUIDDITCH: April 23, Match #10

[goosemods]

EBONHIDE

RIBBONFIN

The day starts out overcast and only grows cloudier with every hour, but loyal Quidditch fans tote umbrellas and rubber raincoats as they fill the stands. Down below, Captains Ogletree and Powers are doing their best to keep everyone peppy despite the promise of rain. Luckily for the cheer squads, the grass is still dry when it’s time for them to perform their routines, and all that dancing, stacking, tumbling and chanting goes off without a hitch. The same can’t be said for the players, who feel a light sprinkle of rain just as they take off into the air.

But water never slows down a fish, and Chaser Alapai rushes forward to get her hands on the Quaffle first. While the Beaters run down the Bludgers, the Chasers do their best to disrupt each other’s formations. Chasers Quayle and Webb swing into the path of Valentine, cutting her off from her team; while Decourt pursues a zigzagging Alapai, bent on stealing the Quaffle—but she throws behind to Fairchild, who catches it and drops below the knot of Chasers, nearly skimming the ground as she speeds for the goals—but a zippy Quayle is right on her heels, and comes nearly shoulder-to-shoulder with her. Fairchild throws to Valentine, but the ball’s intercepted by Webb; Webb U-turns for the Ribbonfin goalposts, but Beaters Delgado and Fanning are the first on a Bludger, and coordinate their bats to slam it right at him; Webb fumbles and the Quaffle’s back to Alapai, who takes it down the pitch then passes to Valentine, who takes it the rest of the way. Decourt catches up and grabs for the Quaffle, throwing off Valentine’s aim, and Keeper Raza knocks it out of the air.

The game continues in this vein, quick and fierce, as though both teams are fighting to do all they can before the downpour starts. No one even scores a goal until eight minutes in, with Fairchild getting one past Raza, but Ebonhide follows up with two more past Keeper Davenport by the fifteen minute mark. Soon, the sky goes from drizzling to drenching, and the audience throw up umbrellas while the cheerleaders run for shelter. Coach Thorn calls for a five-minute break to allow players to cast rain-repelling charms, but charms do little to improve the poor visibility—particularly for Seekers Bright and Hale, who are still smarting from their failure during the last Ebonhide–Ribbonfin game. Before they hop back on their brooms, Thorn promises that there’s no way the Snitch is leaving the pitch this time (even if there is a Niffler in the audience).

Rain also slows Bludgers, but Beaters Fiori and Kim stay dogged, breaking up Ribbonfin’s Chaser formation as much as possible. The score climbs bit by bit for Ebonhide, 30–20 at the half-hour mark then 50–30 twenty minutes later, with Decourt scoring three of their five goals. It’s painfully slow-going game, but early enough in that all players are determined to stay focused and energetic as the rain beats down on them. It’s Hale who spots the Snitch first, barely a glint against the ground that blurs as it speeds for the Ribbonfin end. Ebonhide’s leading, Bright’s on the other end of the pitch, and Hale doesn’t waste a second; she kicks into gear, charging into the rain, her eyes fixed on the barely visible golden flicker. Only Beater Delgado is close to stop her, but Fiori/Kim have both Bludgers aimed at the Chasers, so Delgado improvises, speeding after Hale as fast as he can go. There’s a shout in the crowd when the audience realizes what’s happening—seconds too late to warn Hale as Delgado rams into her, knocking her off-course. Hale keeps a tight grip on the slippery wood of her broom, but the Snitch has disappeared.

It’s 66 minutes into the game, and the score’s sitting at 60–40 for Ebonhide. Coach Thorn calls for a penalty and orders Delgado back on the bench for ten minutes, with Reserve Lewis filling in for him. Usually a reserve entering the match signals good luck for the other team, but not this time, probably because Lewis hasn’t been soaking wet for the past hour. Beater Fanning demonstrates remarkably rainy weather maneuverability by getting between the Ebonhide Beaters and volleying a Bludger over to Lewis, who hits it with all his strength at a rapidly dodging Quayle. In clear weather, it might’ve taken off his head, but the half-second afforded by rain lets the Bludger only kiss the side of his head, leaving Quayle with a scraped cheek and ringing ears. Not enough to knock him out, but enough to slow him down for a few minutes—all the time needed for Fairchild and Valentine to get in two back-to-back goals through Ebonhide’s defenses, finally tying the game at 70–70. Despite being out for more than an hour and a half, waterlogged fans summon the energy to yell encouragement for their chosen team.

Both teams are determined, but it’s difficult to keep up the energy after more than an hour and a half on the pitch. Bright and Hale fly desperate circles around each other, hunting for the elusive Snitch. Noise from the waterlogged crowd drops to nearly a whisper as everyone watches and waits, only rising briefly when Fiori and Kim synchronize Bludgers to clear the way for Webb, who lobs a Quaffle through Davenport’s middle hoop, inching Ebonhide forward to 80–70. Then a sudden shout, and spectators stand and point as the Golden Snitch flits right before their eyes.

Bright reacts first, but Hale isn’t far behind, both Seekers streaking through the rain for the main prize. The commotion’s also enough to distract Quayle, who glances over—and gets the Quaffle stolen right out of his hands by Alapai. Neck and neck, Hale and Bright chase after the Snitch, closing in inch by inch as the flickering ball dives low to the ground, trying to throw them off. Fanning serves another Bludger to Lewis; Decourt veers hard to avoid getting hit; Alapai sails right past her and throws long, sending the Quaffle skimming across Raza’s glove and hitting the rim of the hoop before bouncing through. Everyone in the stands are on their feet. The Seekers stretch their arms as far as they’ll go. Bright gains the lead and closes his hand, but the Snitch, slick with cold rain, slips right between his fingertips. Hale bumps his shoulder hard as she throws herself forward, reaching out—and Bright lunges again, catching the Snitch square in his waiting palm.

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RIBBONFIN WINS
130–80

Whether you’re a player, cheerleader or spectator, post below with your character’s reactions! If you wish to post separately about the game, please use lj-cuts and mark for spoilers for the first 24 hours, so no one sees the result before reading the official match description. bluh bluh

Comments

PLAYERS & CHEERLEADERS

[goosemods]

Dahlia (open)

[dollywould]

Well, at least she didn't fall off her broom to an untimely demise despite Delgado's best efforts. But Dahlia is a little disappointed in herself. This was definitely one of those games where it came down to the Seeker and the Snitch had been right there. It had been right there twice and she just couldn't close the deal.

Okay, she might be just a hair more than a little disappointed in herself and after the perfunctory congratulations to the other team will force one of her other disappointed looking teammates into a bro hug. Shh, shh, just let it happen. This is how we heal as a family.

Re: Dahlia (open)

[neattrick]

Picture: Clem and Dahlia, despondently hugging in the pouring rain.

Dahlia & Avery

[un_kept]

Avery makes sure she gets to Dahlia before she leaves - practically racing towards the other girl before they all try and escape from the rain. "I'm so sorry about Delgado. That was dirty." Anyone who knew Avery knew she did not approve of dirty plays like that, and she was (hopefully) obviously very sorry about what happened.

Z

[potionz]

Even with rain-repellent charms, Z is waterlogged and dripping when she lands and immediately makes a beeline for her Chasers. Giant hugs everywhere. Holden gets a kiss on the cheek. She tries to pick up Avery and swing her around, but fails. It's the most exuberant display she's made all season, probably.

She also runs to Clem to squeeze her and tell her she's brilliant, along with anyone else from Ebonhide interested in some adrenaline-high love.

Now for a blanket. Two blankets? Hot chocolate.

Casper (not open -- sorry gang, he's out!)

[casperkim]

This...had been easier when Casper genuinely didn't care about losing. Now that he's become closer to Leo, though, falling short (again) and letting him down (again) is harder to tolerate and he ends the game soaked, exhausted, and silently fuming. But he's not angry at his teammates or at Ribbonfin; he's mostly angry at himself. He doesn't wait to congratulate the other team. He doesn't even wait for Leo's inevitable talk. Once the match is over and he's back on the ground, he just leaves.

He'll deal with the fallout of this decision later. For now, he just wants to clear his head.

Avery & Open

[un_kept]

Frustrated is the whole mood of Avery today. She let herself be riled up by that stupid Anon, while simultaneously making an ass out of herself (AGAIN) in front of Casper. She feels like this game really means something, and the rainy forecast feels super ominous. Still, she puts on her smile and she encourages her teammates, going quickly over the different plays they made before they head out onto the pitch.

The rain is making it hard for her to see, though she can't blame it all on that. After the two bludgers sail past her, Avery struggles to keep her head in the game. It isn't until she sees her beaters beautifully execute the Dopplebeater Defense and she lets out a loud victory screech. She is SO PROUD. That is, until Delgado commits a bad move in order to stop Hale. She'll have a talk with him about that later.

As the game continues to move slowly, she does her best to block any incoming goals (though there's not many any either side, the rain was making it so difficult). This a truly a game for the Beaters, both teams taking advantage of the rain and causing complete havoc for the Chasers on both teams on the field. Avery is straining to see what's going on after ages of being on the field (what is with it with Ebonhide and Ribbonfin wanting ridiculously long games?) and only notices something when the spectators react.

Finally she sees it. Bright and Hale are on the Snitch and as they go for it - squinting and half-screaming through the rain for Bright to GO GO GO! she sees him - he - oh my God he CAUGHT IT. She flys down and TACKLES Holden, congratulating him on a great catch!

She quickly hugs all of her teammates (though Delgado's is stern) before she shakes the hands of the Ebonhide players, complimenting them on their great plays. If Bright hadn't of caught the Snitch, they would have lost - and she knows it. The Ebonhide players definitely deserve to be recognized for their skills.
Reply to this Thread from start Parent

Ulysses

[ulixes]

Wishes that Bludger had just killed him. How the hell did he let Alapai grab the Quaffle like that? What was wrong with him? This ... wasn't his best game. He's the very picture of misery as he leaves — soggy and downtrodden, replete with a few rainy, woebegone sniffles. Anuhea doesn't win her bet, but she comes pretty close. Whatever, guys, it's cold and he wants to go home, freakin' sue him.

On the other hand, remind him to congratulate Lewis on a game well played. That guy was clearly born to be a Beater. This was the second time he'd nearly murdered Ulysses on the pitch. Impressive.

Xavier

[solveforx]

Playing beater always leaves Xavier a little at odds with himself, but today he can't help feeling proud of his performance. He joins his teammates in passing out sopping wet hugs, back slaps and congratulations with due enthusiasm.

He specifically seeks out senior Ebonhides to compliment them on a game well played. This was a close one in miserable weather and everyone did great. Eventually he'll hunt down Ulysses and sincerely compliment him on the hardness of his head.

Zav tosses a few glances up into the stands, but can't see anything for the rain.

Leo (open to brief visits!)

[ninjaleo]

Leo is frustrated throughout this game, too. They don't score enough. The rain makes it impossible. They were two seconds from getting the Snitch, and he was angry at both Delgado and the decision only to hold him ten minutes. He's mollified (kinda) when he ends up sitting out the rest of the game anyway. But Lewis is good, and this is in no way easier.

When he messes up and lets the bludger be stolen, only to ultimately lose this one by another hair, again, he's quiet and cold. Leo leaves it short with both the opposition and his own team today. He checks Ulysses to see if he's okay. He's worried about that. He goes to Dahlia to quietly tell her to not be mistaken- her work had paid off. Not her fault she was faced with a cheating beater. She was good . That's about all he has the heart for. They can talk about this later. It's not strange to see him slip off to the showers quickly today. Part of him wants to never come back to the pitch, for all the good he's doing here.

Anuhea

[alapai]

Is feeling sweaty and grimy and honestly? Strong as hell. This match may have been long and hard, but it was a good fight, and she appreciates that. Sorry Kazim, Dahlia, and all her other friends on the Ebonhide side of things — Ribbonfin held tough today, the way they always do. Anuhea walks off the pitch with her chin up and a grin. Her girls get high fives — no wait, high tens. Ramon, that little shithead, gets a noogie. Xavier, thank you, she's pretty sure she won her bet and she couldn't have done it without you. And Holden fucking Bright! Anuhea socks him in the arm. She's just that proud.

And she's sure to nod to her captain, too. Avery, that was one hell of a match. Not too shabby. Not at all.

Kazim

[kazim]

Kazim isn't the most competitive person; in heat of the moment, sure, but as soon as he's removed from the game he's back to his normal self. He did what he was told to do (watch for Zoey) and he thought he did an admirable job of it, especially with the pouring rain and Ribbonfin's notorious pack of chasers. Buuut he can tell his friends are bummed and he wants to pummel Delgado a bit more than 'a little,' so he'll reciprocate the commiserative hugs and be a team player despite looking unfazed about the whole thing.

AUDIENCE REACTIONS

[goosemods]

Rafael & Leo (& maybe others but he's not in the mood)

[firstposition]

As the roar of the crowd dies down, Rafael stands, shrouded by his umbrella. He begins to make his way down to the pitch, moving against the flow of students eager to get inside and out of the rain. Rafael's already searching the pitch for Leo over the shoulders of the other students, looking for the shapes of players in purple and green far below. It's not hard to pick out Leo, just from the way he moves. Leo will have to congratulate the other team, and then talk to his own. At some point he'll detach himself to be alone and think about the loss, and that's when Rafael wants to intercept him.

It's part of Leo's process. Rafael knows this. They've always had a quiet understanding to allow the other to be exactly what they are, bad habits and all, but Rafael can't help himself. He'd protect Leo from anything, even himself.

He stands silently, waiting. If anyone but Leo approaches him while he waits, he's muted and brief. But when Leo finds him, he holds out his umbrella to shield Leo, which exposes Rafael to the rain. He feels it, cold on his neck, running down the back of his coat. For once he doesn't care. "Let me be a distraction one more time."

Neil (open)

[rosenkrans]

Neil's detention was to assist Coach Thorn before and during the game. The embarrassing sight of Neil dragging out the chests full of Quidditch supplies could be seen by anyone who arrived at the match early. In moments of peace he collapsed against the trunk that held the Bludgers (safely returned) as he pretended to be dead. The trunk shuddered, and Neil limply moved with it.

That was bad enough, but then the game began and the rain set in. The moderate inconvenience quickly became hell on earth. All the same, he was there, miserably jogging over to players with rain repelling charms and words of fairly sincere encouragement. Neil wouldn't shed a tear if Gooseberry cancelled Quidditch tomorrow, but Anuhea, Leo, Kazim and Dahlia benefit from an attentive, fussy friend falling all over himself for them during their brief recess. "Are you dying? Should I get a reserve?" he mournfully asks at least one of them.

When the game ends, Neil's... relieved. And disappointed. And proud. And sad. It's a mess in his head. Who needs him? Who wants him? He waits to see if his roommates will need a shoulder, or if Anuhea will drag him off to a celebration. Either way, he's wet and cranky, and doubts he's much of a comfort or a prize.

Mackenzie (open)

[princeprincess]

Mackenzie gasps and stands as the Bludger nearly takes Ulysses' head off. It's possibly the most dramatic reaction she's had to anything all month. She sits again when it's clear that Ulysses is fine. If she's embarrassed by her moment of genuine concern, it's impossible to tell. She watches the rest of the game without cracking a smile.

Ennis & Open to multiple

[sheepish]

Ennis is sitting in the stands with his friends, wearing his ugly jacket that repels rain and protects him from the elements. He feels especially invested in this match after people tore into Avery on the Anon post and he spends most of the game on his feet and clutching the arm of the friend next to him.

When Holden catches the Snitch, he cheers as loudly as he can muster and nearly slips on the wet stand as he bounces up and down on his toes.

Ivy & Gifts!!!

[duelled]

IVY 👏 LOVES 👏 HER 👏 GIRLS 👏 👏 👏

She made these bracelets for Anuhea, Tabitha, Sun-mi, Zoey, Avery, Marilyn... and Xavier, because he's an honorary girl. She probs had lil gifts for Holden & the sophs too but I'm too lazy to think up what they are sorry.

Her sparkle banners are rain-resistant.

AFTERPARTY

[goosemods]

💫 OOC - Questions, comments, concerns! 💫

[goosemods]

marin are u ok: a faq

[goosemods]

What can we expect from Quidditch going forward? Timely posts, maybe???
hahahaha well. Good news: we've already RNGed the results for the next three games (RvC and EvA in May, Hogwarts in June), and Meggie and I have discussed a system for making Quidditch easier to put together. Also GOD WILLING, my life will calm down soon, but even if it doesn't, we'll be trying to carve out time to work on it in advance. However...

However what???
There are other major plot developments in the works (exciting!!!) which will demand a huge chunk of my time, so this is just my soft warning that I might continue to be slow in the future. :( But we are trying to work things out!

What can I do to help?
It's actually a huge help when Quidditch players discuss their goals and strategies IC! It gives me direction for your characters and something to write about. Although some of the big picture things are set in stone (which teams win, how many points you scored, etc.), player effort does affect the outcomes of these games! So thank you Ebonhide and Ribbonfin for contributing this week. :)

Marin, why would you add an afterparty section when it's fucking raining?
ARE YOU SAYING YOU DON'T WANT TO CELEBRATE AFTER ALL THAT

Really though, are you okay?
Yes! But very tired and very busy. I love you! I'm going to lie down now.

Re: 💫 OOC - Questions, comments, concerns! 💫

[princeprincess]

Guess who wrote all of her notable posts in advance.

Re: 💫 OOC - Questions, comments, concerns! 💫

[neattrick]

curse of left column continues

Re: 💫 OOC - Questions, comments, concerns! 💫

[ninjaleo]

My notification noise woke me up to read this and i do recommend this method. But so all my words stay in full sentences and stuff I will respond to this in the real actual morning; that will be better.
But hi, Rafael is the best always :(
Leo's forecast is rain and crushing disappointment
That was a spoiler, goodnight

Re: 💫 OOC - Questions, comments, concerns! 💫

[neattrick]

also q: are the talent scouts still around?