The Spellbound Society discussion

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Should they be paired up for a group project?))

oo yes))

Okay! I'll start))

Otthello walked into their Architecture Through The Ages class wearing a thick purple sweater and long black dress pants. Their thin fingers were adorned with a plethora of golden rings. On the whiteboard, their name was written.

'Otthello/Nymeria - Gothic'

They had entirely forgotten that today was the start of the semesters biggest group project. It would last 8 weeks. They pinch the scar on their nose and scan the room, knowing everyones faces pretty well, it was easy to spot her. They walk over and sit down next to them.
"Looks like we're partners," their voice is cold, and almost uncertain, they pull at the neck hole of their sweater.

Just give me a few minutes))

K))

Hello?))

Nymeria looked up from her sketchbook, a playful smirk on her lips. "Looks like it," she said, her voice smooth and confident. "They thought pairing us would be... interesting."

She raised an eyebrow, teasing. "Ready to unleash your artistic genius, or do I need to pull you out of that purple sweater? Gothic architecture might just spark some creativity."

Otthello glances at her sketchbook, seeing a wonderful drawing. They open up their computer and make a doc, sending it to her. They peer over to her, "According the rubric, we need 30 slides, a picture on every slide and the understanding of why it started, how it's changed, and how it's affect architecture today. Each part gets 10 slides." They say in a caulculating tone.

Glancing back over to her sketchbook, they get an idea. "I'm rather analytical, why don't I do the research and you can make pictures for it. While I love art, I can't draw for the life of me." They state with the tone of someone who has only ever experienced other people through books.

Nymeria looks up from her sketchbook, a smile creeping onto her face at Otthello's suggestion. “I love that idea! It’ll let me focus on the visuals while you dive into the research,” she replies enthusiastically. “Your analytical skills will definitely bring depth to the project. Plus, I can’t wait to bring your findings to life with my drawings!”

She glances back at her sketchbook, inspired already. “Let’s brainstorm what images we need for each section. Also, if you need any specific themes or styles for the pictures, just let me know! I want to make sure they complement your research perfectly.” Her eyes sparkle with excitement, eager to collaborate and create something special together.

They look down at their computer, scrolling through an article on the reasons behind gothic architecture. In the middle ages, when it first came about, more light was needed, so it became standard for tall windows that let in the most amount of light. They turn to Nymeria. "Keep it in a 1100s style if you can." They say with less fervor than her.

Otthello doesn't understand the excitement she has about this project. While they love research, group projects stress them out. Why were people so hard for them?

Nymeria grins and glances at the article. “I totally get it, group projects can be a pain. But gothic architecture is so cool! Those tall windows aren't just for light; they’re like a vibe from the past, you know?”

She leans in, her excitement shining through. “If we stick to the 1100s style, we’ll really nail it. Your research skills with my passion? Epic combo! Just focus on the fun parts, and we can totally crush this project together!”

"Uh, yeah,"
Theres a duality between them, she's spunky and excitable while they're not. The bell cuts through their conversation and Otthello grabs their messenger bag and puts their computer inside it before slinging it over their shoulder.
"We can work in my dorm if you're free, I have plently of prints off middle age art for you to use as inspiration." They say as they push their chair in. "There's plenty of art supplies you can use as well, I have paints, charcoal, pencils, the works."

“Yeah, sounds cool,” Nymeria replies, though her excitement is dimmed a bit. “Prints for inspiration, I guess that helps.”

She shrugs, trying to keep it light. “Art supplies are nice, I suppose. Let’s just hope we can actually make something good out of it all.” She glances at Otthello, a faint smirk appearing. “As long as we don’t drive each other crazy, it might be okay.”

They lead her to their dorm. The walls are lined with different artwork, they smile at a picture of their parents and them when they were little. The scar on their nose isn't present, their hair was longer, but the fashion sense was they same. Otthello looks exactly like their father, the only trait from their mother being the pale lips. They kiss their fingers, then touch the picture.

They get out a bucket of supplies for her to work with and grab a book on gothic architecture off their shelf. They notice her excitement has wanned a little. "I'm sorry if I made you less excited! I didn't mean to, I'm just...not good with people." They say, their eyes fixed on the picture of their parents.

Nymeria steps into the dorm, taking in the artwork on the walls. “This place is cool,” she says, noticing Otthello’s family photo.

“Hey, that’s really sweet,” she adds as he kisses his fingers and touches the picture.

When Otthello pulls out the supplies and a book, she sees his excitement has faded a bit. “Don’t worry about it,” she reassures him. “I get that people can be tough. Let's just focus on having fun with this project, okay?"

"You're right." They say, sitting at their desk, deciding to make small talk quickly to avoid an uncomfortable silence. They think of a question while typing in their password, opening up the document to type in notes. Multitasking is something they've always been good at, so they won't struggle to talk and study. Their parents still being on their mind, they decide to ask about hers, "So, what about you? You seem to be cheery, did you pick that up from somewhere, parents maybe?"

Nymeria looks up, a small smile on her face. “Yeah, I like to keep things positive. My parents are the same—always encouraging me to find the good in everything.”

She leans back in her chair. “Art makes me happy, too. What about you? Your parents seem important to you.”

"They are, my mother was my teacher growing up as well. They kept me safe and happy." They smile, reminiscing on their memories with their parents. "I grew up surrounded by books and studying so that makds me happy as well." They say, gently touching the scar on their nose and looking at the portrait of their parents before turning to the computer.

Nymeria nods, sensing the warmth in their memories. “That’s nice. Books and studying can be great—sometimes they’re the best escape, you know?”

She glances at the scar on their nose and the portrait. “I get that. My past has its ups and downs too, but art helps me sort it all out—makes the heavy stuff a bit lighter.” She turns back to her notes, a small smile lingering. “Let’s just make the most of it.”

Otthello goes bright red. They instantly bury their face in their hands in embarrassment, it was only a matter of time before they gave off a social cue that they didn't mean to. "No no no! I mean, my parents aren't dead or anything! My dad's a university professor and him and my mom are out studying right now and I can't contact them, they're not...oh dear..." they realize the reason why the confusion occured in the first place was because they touched their scar. "Touching my scar is just a nervous tick! Oh I'm sorry."

Nymeria chuckles softly, trying to lighten the mood. “Hey, no worries! I didn’t think they were gone or anything. We all have our quirks.”

She gestures playfully toward Otthello. “Honestly, I get it. Touching scars can be a nervous thing. Just means you’ve got a story, right?” She grins, hoping to ease their embarrassment.

Otthello starts to laugh, remembering the story behind it. "I usually don't tell people this but, i got when I was 7, it wasn't anything big, I was trying to get a cup down and it hit my face, it shattered and cut me." Otthello turns to face her, they're much more visibly relaxed now. "I try to keep an air of composure, my father always knew exactly what to do, it's why I don't tell the story behind my scar, but i think that just now was the most frazzled anyone's ever seen me, besides family." They look down at the canvas to see what Nymeria has done so far

Also, love the new pfp))

Nymeria chuckles softly, her mood shifting like the colors on her palette. “Wow, a cup battle at seven? That sounds epic! But hey, scars tell stories even if we don’t always share them, right? I mean, look at you—much more relaxed now!” She glances at the canvas, a playful grin appearing. “Let’s see if we can capture that vibe too!”

Oh, thanks!))

A light flush spreads across their cheeks as they realize that they are more relaxed. They smile and turn to their computer, starting to type notes. They put some Mozart on using their record player. They've never felt this relaxed around a person that wasn't family. "Your excitement is infectionous, I've never been this relaxed around someone I barely knew." They say whilst underlining a passage in their book.

A light flush crosses Nymeria's cheeks, and she can't help but smile as she types away on her computer, Mozart playing softly. “Oh, thanks! Usually people think I'm to cheery."

"I don't, honestly, I think I need some cheer in my life." They say, while typing in a paraphrased passage from their book on to the notes document. "I was homeschooled and my parents can be a little...melancholic." they stretch out their fingers and put on a hand brace, then continue to type. "It's strange seeing someone with so much energy, it's amazing." They yawn, holding on to the desk as they stand up, using it for support, they walk over to their nightstand and grab a water bottle. "I've gotten a decent amount done, I have a page worth of notes so far."

I've been misspelling Othello's name cause of autocorrect so it's Otthello now))

Hello?))

I won't be on until tomorrow))

"Cheer can be hard to find, especially when your vibe’s all melancholic. But hey, we all have our shadows, right? Just remember, even a little light can brighten things up. You’re getting those notes down—one page at a time! If you need a boost, I’m here for some mischief or fun!" *grins*

They laugh and return to typing up some notes, a light flush spread across their cheeks. Their computer dies and they let out a frusterated groan. "Damn it all." They say as they shut their computer and turn to Nymeria. "It's getting late, i know a spot where the sunset is very beautiful, I could drive us out there if you wanted a break?" They say, twiddling their thumbs.

"A sunset sounds perfect right now. Let’s escape this place for a bit. " *She stands up packing her stuff*

Otthello gets their car keys and goes out to the parking garage, they open the door for Nymeria. They get into the drivers seat and start the car. "It's nothing too special." They laugh as smooth as butter, "but it's pretty" they say looking to Nymeria, "Very pretty..."

Nymeria flashes a playful grin, leaning closer. "Pretty, just like your taste... but let’s see if it can keep up with us." She winks, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Ready to take this beauty for a spin?"

They drive the speed limit until they reach a parking lot, they get out and point to the top of a hill, "That's where we're going." They say with excitement. They get a picnic blanket out of their trunk

I squint at the hill, feeling a spark of curiosity. "Looks like a nice view," I say, trying to hide my enthusiasm. I grab the blanket with a hint of a smirk.

Not the first person pronouns))

They start to walk up the hill, they lay out the blanket and stare into the golden sunset, they look at Nymeria, golden light casting over their face, a blush painting their cheeks "It's beautiful isn't it"

Oops))

As they walk up the hill, Nymeria feels a mix of calm and excitement. Once the blanket is laid out, she gazes at the golden sunset, the light wrapping around them like a warm embrace. When he looks at her, she can’t help but smile slightly, feeling the warmth on her cheeks. “Yeah, it really is,” she replies, her voice softer. “Moments like this make everything else fade away.”

"Yeah" they stare at her, watching her watch the sunset, a smirk spreads across their lips as they listen to the birds, people are facinating to them. They glance back to the sunset before looking back to Nymeria.

As Nymeria gazes at the sunset, a soft smile forms on her lips, reflecting the warm colors in the sky. She notices their curious gaze and turns slightly. “Pretty amazing, isn’t it?” she says, invitingly. “The end of the day has its own kind of beauty.” Taking a breath, she adds, “What does it remind you of?”

A look of nostalgia crosses their lips "I don't understand people, I often give off mixed signals and people mistake my acts for being stuff they aren't. However, my parents never had that problem with me. One day, when I was 6 or 7, my parents took me out to this hill to watch the sunset, it was beautiful, but I think the more beautiful thing was watching the other familes and their excitement. I find people to be facinating" they laugh a little at the next memory they have, "one time I brought a girl up here and she tried to kiss me." They turn to face Nymeria, staring into her eyes, "What about you?"

Nymeria's expression softens at the mention of the sunset. “I understand what you mean. People can be puzzling, and it’s easy to get mixed signals.” She smiles faintly. “I didn’t have the same experiences with family, but nature helped me make sense of my feelings.”

Chuckling at the memory of the girl trying to kiss the speaker, she adds, “I’ve had my fair share of mixed signals too. Once, I was painting in a park and kept catching someone’s eye. I thought we shared a connection, but when I finally approached, it turned out they were just concerned about a squirrel stealing my snacks! It was embarrassing but it ended up being a funny moment.” She tilts her head slightly, a hint of mischief in her eyes. “People can be fascinating, especially those who embrace their quirks."

They look down at the grass, fiddling with a blade of it. "I feel like I embrace my quirks, at least to some extent. I try to do what I can to be true to myself." They look back at the sunset, "My father was a lot like me, struggles with people, quiet, passionate, most people found him strange." They pause, a remembering look passes over their face

"But not my mother, she loved him, quirks and all, I wanted something like that for myself but, I don't feel romantic attraction at all, I'm aroace and, sometimes, it made me feel a little broken." They say, laying down on the picnic blanket, a yawn escaping their lips "when I told my father, he said that I shouldn't let other people say was is and isn't natural for me and that platonic relationships can be just as fullfilling." They shut their eyes as the stars start to come out. "But I've yet to find a relationship like that."

Nymeria listens and relates deeply to the person's feelings. "Embracing quirks is beautiful," she thinks.

Their mention of their mother's love resonates with her. "That acceptance is rare." When they express feeling broken, her heart aches for them.

"It’s okay to seek fulfillment in friendships," she reflects. "Platonic bonds can be just as meaningful." Nymeria feels reassured that they'll find their connection and the magic in being true to themselves.

"I know, I just sometimes wish I was normal." They say, fidgeting with a blade of grass. "This world is built around romance, whether people see it or not, it makes life difficult for someone who's different. I'm sorry, I'm putting it all on you, anything you want to vent about?" They whisper, their eyes meeting hers once again

Sorry, was showering))

Nymeria tilted her head, considering their words. "I understand how you feel," she replied softly. "Normal is just a label. This world can be stifling for those who don’t fit its narrow definitions." She brushed her dark brown hair back.

"There are many types of love—friendship and understanding, for example. You’re not burdening me; I get it." She offered a small smile. "I wrestle with letting people in too, worried they won’t accept me for who I am."

Otthello reaches out, holding Nymeria's hand gently, trying to give emotional and physical support. "Do you want to...uh...talk about it?" They say with a little uncertainty, but still reassurance.

Nymeria paused, feeling the warmth of Otthello's hand around theirs. It wasn't easy for Nymeria to open up, especially when feelings were involved. It was as if a barrier of emotional self-preservation stood firmly between them and the outside world. Yet, in this moment, with Otthello's reassuring presence, Nymeria felt a slight shift within.


They hesitated, their eyes flicking upwards to meet Otthello's. There was a softening in her gaze as they detected genuine concern and a touch of vulnerability in Otthello's question. Taking a moment to weigh the offer, Nymeria finally nodded—an almost imperceptible movement."I suppose... I suppose I could," Nymeria said, a hint of reluctance underlying her words. "It's not something I'm used to, but maybe, talking could help. Just... don't expect me to be good at it."