Morning Glory [Open]

[dominic]

Dominic had awoken early that Saturday morning to watch the sunrise. It was a terribly uncommon thing for him to do, for the boy was always looking for inspiration in the vast beauty that surrounded him each and every day. What could the sun bring him in terms of inspiration? It was in sunlight itself, the magnanimous in which it eliminated the darkness in the sky. It was a symbol for goodness, optimism and purity; all things that Dom could easily jot down a few elegant verses in the small journal, no bigger than the width of both his hands, side by side, and no taller either, while opened. The journal was something that he carried on him most of the time as well as a personalized fountain pen that had his initials stenciled in rich gold lettering at the top.

Even this early in the morning Dominic was dressed in the most respectable way possible without looking out of place. His white, long sleeved oxford shirt was paired with a pair of dove gray slacks, both pressed so meticulously that the creases were in perfectly straight lines. The look was completed with a muted gray sweater vest, darker gray tie smartly tucked into it, and a pair of black Italian leather loafers. Dom always looked very sharply dressed though so today was no exception. His grandparents did not tolerate him slackening in his appearance and Dominic didn’t particularly fancy it either. As he looked out at the grounds from his position on high in the Astronomy Tower, Dominic took in all that was around him letting the words come to him naturally. Once there was something suitable in mind, Dom put on the fashionable glasses that had been tucked at the V-neck of his sweater vest slipping them onto his face comfortably, then retrieved his journal from his back pocket as well as his pen, touching the writing utensil, once the cap had been removed and stuck on the end, Dominic translated thoughts into words.

A flight on golden wings
shining bright and true
My heart a flutter with beauty unimaginable…

Dominic stayed his hand at the sound of someone coming up the stairwell. Who could possibly be up at this hour, he wondered giving the textured parchment a moment to have the fresh ink dry before closing the journal in favor of whatever company was coming along. Which he liked more, poetry or people, was a question that Dominic thought would never be resolved and he went to no great length to harp on it either. Squaring his shoulders to snap back into his taut posture, Dominic stared expectantly at the top of the landing, anticipating the new arrival. A calming smile graced his features.

[ALAYA SILANE TIAUN]

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Saturday morning and Alaya could not stay in the Gryffindor common room for very long. It was unusual that she was so restless but there were many things going on and she had way too much on her mind. She needed a place to think, or better yet a place to forget. She wanted so much for things to go back to normal not possible get worse. Why did this year have to be so complicated? Alaya wished she had the answers but no, not now and most likely not ever. She shook the though from her head and decided to head for the Astronomy tower.

It was a great place to think besides her favorite places outside. She loved it when the sun was just rising or setting and many different colors painted the sky. It was a natural magic that was worth getting up early to see. Alaya was wearing plain, simple clothes. A black skirt and a dark purple tank with her school robe over her shoulders. She didn't care how she looked really, which would be one of the reasons why her hair was a wavy mess. She ascended the flight of stairs and was not expecting to see anyone else up that early.

She recognized the boy for being in her grade but couldn't quite figure out who he was. She smiled slightly, not wanting to leave a bad impression. "Sorry I hope I didn't intrude" She stated simply. She would leave in a heartbeat. She really did not have a knack for meeting new people. At least now, unlike her first couple of years, she could at least say something to new people. Before she could only look the other way and walk off.

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notes;; none

[dominic]

Recognizable as the girl was the name to accompany the face was resting on the tip of his tongue. Dominic hoped that it was forgivable; after all they had never spoken in any length before. On his part Dom recalled the occasional hello in passing, a courtesy smile when their gazes met in class but other than that their was nothing tangible for Dominic to grasp a hold of. Except, as he looked her over taking in her rather unkempt appearance, that the girl had remarkable green eyes. He himself had green eyes but nothing of the magnitude that this girl did, they were striking really, the type that could pull someone in and hold them there for longer than a person might realize. His hands were clasped behind him, journal clutched in one palm. Resting comfortably at the small of his back. At her concern Dominic bowed his head slightly. “You haven’t encroached in the least.”

Dominic was under no delusions that the Astronomy Tower did not belong to him so she was more than welcome. Still, the gesture was appreciated. “I would very much love the pleasure of your company in fact, if you’ll have me?” Gentlemanly to a fault Dominic broadened his smile approaching the girl unabashedly. His arm extended, offering a hand to her. “My name is Dominic.” Getting an introduction out of the way was a policy that Dom never forgot. It would be rude for him to presume that she knew who he was and aside from that he had been taught that it was proper to formally introduce yourself, and Dominic was the embodiment of proper. “Might I know the name of the beauty whose presence I have the great fortune to bask in?” Despite her disheveled appearance she did have a beauty about her, but then Dominic usually could find something that he liked about any female he encountered.

What was there to stop him from enjoying the fairer sex? As Dominic saw it, there was so much to appreciate in every single female that he shouldn’t hold himself back by ignoring either the obvious or subtle assets about them. It wasn’t always physical of course but, without knowing an individual, it did make it difficult to compliment on anything else until he had gotten a better feel for them.

[ALAYA SILANE TIAUN]

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Any normal teenage girl would have blushed at the boy's flattery. However, Alaya was different. It wasn't that she didn't notice, it was more like it didn't really phase her. She only saw either some boy trying to act or someone being polite. With the way the Hufflepuff dressed and spoke she figured it was the second. He seemed to be very much about respect and manners. Alaya decided that it wouldn't hurt to stay for a bit longer.

She smiled and took a seat. "Thank you Dominic. I think I will join you" She stated simply. "I'm Alaya, it is very nice to meet you" She was doing her best to make some form of conversation. She wasn't used to socializing, that is with new people. She was great around people she knew for a while. It was just the way her personality developed over the years. She was glad that she was doing a better job at getting to know her peers, especially with the tournament this year.

She looked out the window, just catching the final scene of the sunrise and the brilliant colors blending into the sky. Even with the bad things happening at the school, this was one beauty that tended to brighten everything up. She was very glad she made it in time to witness such a moment. Most times she could never wake early. She was a night person and did not do well in the early hours of the morning. But today was slightly different, she felt awake.

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notes;; none

[dominic]

Alaya; that was a unique name yet not so much to be unattractive. "Alaya," Dominic repeated finding that it rolled pleasantly off the tongue. He was certain that he would remember her this time, name and face. "I assure you, the pleasure is all mine." Sincere as ever Dom followed her with his gaze, watching as she planted herself comfortably on the ground. He was quick to follow suit. Without a decent place to sit Dominic was careful, almost stiff, making sure that he didn't wrinkle his clothing. It was no secret that he was a bit of a pretty boy. The only exception to his metrosexual behavior was when it came to sports, which did require him to get a little disheveled.

The sky was lit up with soft colours of pink, purple and gold all muting together in a lovely medley of hues. It looked as though someone had taken a enormous paintbrush and swiped it over the bulk of the sky. The cirrus clouds wispy acting as the proverbial brush strokes. Down below shadows of the mountains were being cast across the grounds and tiny finch birds were flitting from tree to tree. He had heard about the Weasley boy being in the infirmary. Rumors were flying as to what it was about but Dominic didn't put much stock in such things. As such he wasn't all that cautious about what might happen to him, which was probably foolish. However, with such sights to behold Dominic couldn't bring himself to fret over such things even if he had wanted to.

Glancing over at Alaya, though he was comfortable in silence, he didn't want to seem rude in ignoring her in favor of the view. "You're one of the Gyrffindor Champions, are you not?" He wanted confirmation. Now that he knew her name Dom did recall hearing it announced as one of the Champions, but perhaps that was another Alaya at Hogwarts. With the name being unique though he doubted it.

[ALAYA SILANE TIAUN]

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The view was amazing and she was memorized by the scene created by the rising sun. She watched the shadows of the mountains stretched across the grounds. Dusk and dawn were her favorite times of the day. One engulfed the land in light where as the other doused by darkness. She was interrupted from her trance when Dominic asked her a question.

If there was one thing that Alaya hated from being named champion was the unwanted attention. She liked the isolation she had before. It wasn't overly bad, but it was annoying when she was refereed to as just that other gryffindor champion. She was not well known in the school except when she was with James then she was just another one of his friends in other people's eyes. She smiled. His question was harmless so she did not truly mind.

Alaya turned her attention to Dominic. "Yes I am one of the gryffindor champions" She replied sweetly, trying to be nice. She did not think that the boy was bad in any way. She considered him to be very decent and kind. It wouldn't be too bad to get to know him some.

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notes;; none

[dominic]

Conversational as it might be to harp on her being one of the Gryffindor Champions, Dominic was sure that Alaya was quite exhausted from answering the same tiresome questions over and over again. What's it like? Why do you think you were chosen? Do you have a strategy in mind? All were questions that she had surely answered dozens of times and Dom didn't want to burden her with just being another curious inquirer. Though he was a bit interested in knowing the answers. Perhaps there would be something on it in the next Prophet issue.

Instead of badgering Alaya, Dominic opted for something simple. "Congratulations on that." He offered a small bow of his head, a sign of sincerity if interpreted properly. It was always to chance that Dom had to rely on. Not many in this day and age were accustom to his archaic gestures. Chivalry in its oldest form. Dominic was completely by the book when it came to being a gentleman. For example he would always walk on the left side of a lady when he was escorting them despite the reason for that particular gesture was no longer an issue. People no longer threw their waste from second story windows onto the streets were people walked, which was why that tradition had been started.

More silence was to follow if Dominic didn't think of something suitable to discuss while they were in each others company. His mind mulled over a few topics that might be of interest before settling on one. "I do believe that Monsieur Henri Matisse would be in utter envy over the colours displayed in the sky this morning." He didn't know if Alaya was at all schooled in art but it was a decent enough way of finding out if she was. "He isn't my favorite artists by any means but his use of colours is staggering. But then, de gustibus non est disputandum, yes?" Dominic chuckled softly.

[ALAYA SILANE TIAUN]

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She was thankful that he did not ask any more questions about being one of the champions. It was a slight relief knowing that she did not have to worry about being pestered with questions that she could not answer so early in the morning. She was quite enjoying the view and the company. Dominic seemed very kind and it was obvious that he was a gentlemen. She did like the fact that he had such an air about him. It was nice meeting someone who held onto old customs that were now only heard of in stories.

She wasn't too versed in arts. Yes she did know names and basics about major artists and she could recognize some of their works but she was more of a herbal and animal person. She did love paintings and art work and did appreasheat the works. "The classic French Painter, right? He was considered a master of the language of color, if I remember correctly. If so then I would have to agree with you, he would be very jealous of this amazing vibrant coloration of light" She replied hoping she wasn't getting her artists mixed up. She did not want to impress Dominic with her knowledge. No, she just wanted to partake in the conversation.

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notes;; none

[dominic]

Matisse was actually part of the modern movement, but without advanced knowledge on the subject it was an easy mistake. He was impressed that Alaya had at least heard of him and recognized that he was the king of colour. Such a master of colouration in fact that his paintings could make the viewer want to touch and feel the piece while still using a freedom that wasn’t actually replication of subject. Dominic enjoyed looking at the painting that hung around the school. When he had first come here, at age eleven, the moving portraits had been something of a shock for him, but a pleasant one. It had always stumped him as to how one went about creating one. Did the artist first paint the representation and then charm it to have the properties of the subjects in which it represented or did it have nothing to do with artistic ability and it was simply a blank canvas that a wizard had flourished their wand at to siphon imitation of life and transfer it onto the canvas?

“He was French, but of the modern movement.” Dominic politely corrected as he resituated his glasses to fit more comfortably on his face. Alaya didn’t seem the sort to spend all her time learning about artists though so Dom thought that another subject change was in order. It was a habit of his, as a gentleman, to find a topic of conversation that would interest him companion. It was only courteous to keep the chat engaging for them. The hitch in this though was finding what would interest Alaya that he would be able to reciprocate to. “A lovely young lady such as yourself probably doesn’t spend your time ogling over art. What does peak your interest?” A direct approach seemed most effective.

[ALAYA SILANE TIAUN]

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She listened intently. She did love to learn new information so it was good to her to hear more facts, no matter how small. "Well I will defiantly remember that" She stated with a smile. She was in a very good mood that morning and was enjoying the intellectual conversation. Most of the time it was the same conversations with the same people. And new people never talked about anything other than the events that were taking place at the school. Not that it was a bad thing, just it was kind of annoying that there was nothing else for people to go on about.

Alaya thought for a moment. It was kind of ironic that when you have talked about become all you can talk about. What did she prefer. "It is not like I do not art. I do love artistic designs and artists interpretation of color and scenery. However, I prefer to be in nature as appose to studding a painting of nature. I love studying plant and creatures. I have always found the natural world so fascinating" She was starting to get lost in her own world as she spoke. She loved the outside world. "So what about you. What are your favorite topics?" She asked kindly.

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notes;; none

[dominic]

She would rather view the real thing than someone’s elucidation of nature. It was a sound enough preference, one that Dominic respected greatly. When it came to art versus life he wasn’t entirely sure which he preferred. Both had aspects that he could appreciate. With art it was the perception of perception, trying to figure out what it was that the artist was feeling or wishing to convey in the piece that drew Dominic to favouritism. But with life he had the liberty to perceive it how he saw fit, without any outside influence or guess work- it was one hundred percent reliable on what he thought about his surroundings. It came down to that age-old question of which was better for an individual; guidance or freedom. Dominic was used to structure, being told how things were supposed to be and believing it to be true. With art there was also a controlling factor. One didn’t necessarily have to incorporate the negatives, thus making an optimist, such as himself, quite content in a Norman Rockwell sort of way.

“You’re more of the hands-on type.” Dominic summed up his understanding of what Alaya had said. It was a habit of his to make certain that things were clarified. This, of course, eliminated misunderstanding, and thus lessened the chances of confrontation, which Dominic did not fancy in the least. “I enjoy many things.” He began casting his gaze from her to the skyline. “My greatest love is rivaled- affections spilt between two mistresses; poetry and sailing. I can’t bring myself to put one before the other.” Dominic offered a delighted smile, the mere mention of these topics spurring such an amiable reaction on.

[ALAYA SILANE TIAUN]

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Alaya nodded when he sated that she was a hands-on type. Yes, she was very much so a hands-on person. She did not know any better way of going though with a project or situation other than taking it on herself. She grew up with very little structure and had to fend for herself most of the time. Even now she was living on her own and needed to search for a job. She was used to the ideals of living life in the moment. It would be interesting to sit back a be told what to do for once, but she figured she would never last in such a situation.

She was fascinated to learn more about his hobbies. "Do you write poetry, or just study it?" She asked with full interest. She had read books about poems and what not but she had never met anyone who wrote poetry, well at least wrote it well. "Sailing sounds like fun. Can't say I have ever experienced it" She stated, a large smile on her face. She would love to try sailing at least once at some point. It would be a great small adventure to go on some time in the future when she had the time.

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notes;; none

[dominic]

It had started out with him just studying poetry, part of his enrichment during the summers. His grandparents had never allowed him to be idle or waste his time with frivolous things. Dominic had been taught to be active, even while he was sitting still- his mind could be keeping him lively. Now as he sat with Alaya Dominic was keeping things dynamic. Riveted conversation, one that stimulated the mind was acceptable while still keeping his gentlemanly conduct of ensuring his female companions interest. “Both. I started writing it myself when I was twelve. I’m afraid I’m no more than a novice, but I do enjoy having an eloquence and poetry, I’ve fond is a wonderful assistant.”

When it came to sailing it was slightly different. The joy was still the same but for different reasons, reasons, which Dominic was ashamed to say, were quite selfish. His father had introduced him to this particular delight. “There is nothing quite like the feel of ocean water kissing your cheeks with a touch so feather light. Pleasurable is an apt word to describe sailing. It is freeing with nothing but miles of water surrounding you, solitary but comfortable.” Dominic inhaled deeply in reminiscence. “I recommend it.”

[ALAYA SILANE TIAUN]

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It was very interesting to hear that he wrote poetry. She did not know anyone who was really interested in writing poetry, then again she did not know many people. She did enjoy reading poetry. It acted as almost a means of escape at some times depending on her mood at the time. "I would love to read you work at some point. If you would like of course" She was hoping she wasn't being too bold in asking. She really would love to see what he had done. Alaya was kind of hoping she could be making a new friends with the Hufflepuff.

She could imaging the way it felt being on a sail boat by his description. It was almost musical. "That does sound pretty amazing She would love to try sailing one day. It really sounded like fun and it was right up her ally of things she liked to do. She loved the outdoors so that was just another activity that she could enjoy on her free time. She looked back out the window to see the last forms of color fade into the normal sunlight. It was a very nice morning and she hoped the rest of the day would be just as interesting and bright.

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notes;; none

[dominic]

As was customary for Dominic he waited for his companion to finish speaking completely before he replied. He didn’t like to disappoint but it seemed that to keep to his wishes and appease Alaya a compromise would have to be in order. It might have seemed silly, superstitious even, but Dominic help a firm belief of not allowing anyone to read his work- not until a time that the little book was filled to the very last page. Only then would he allow someone to read the treasures that the pages contained. However, that didn’t mean that Dom couldn’t offer Alaya an alternative that would, more likely than not, pacify her curiosity.

“I’m afraid that my poetry book is unavailable for viewing at this time, or any time in the near future.” He bowed his head slightly, apologetically. “However, if it would please you, I would be more than happy to come up with a poem specifically for you.” Dominic thought that it was a more than suitable replacement. A personalized poem dedicated to the inspiration that she, herself, struck in him at that very moment. In the process Dominic would be able to compliment Alaya and make her feel special, which were two things that he enjoyed doing immensely. It was his devote belief that females should be praised for all the positive aspects that any given one possessed and that it was a privilege if he was the one that was allowed to honour them with said praise.