» Lightning Post, Theodoric! <3

[Petal]

Petal, despite only being technically a part of the carnival for just under a month, was somewhat forced to remember faces, names and professions so she could successfully complete message missions. It often felt silly to send an owl a few tents away and equally silly to step out in the pouring rain to deliver it in person, so it was common for it to be shifted on to the little workers that had come to deal with miserable weather through setting up tents shin deep in mud. Jezabella Morgan needn’t do this, as much as she looked down upon the young burlesque assistant, she had an arguably less irritating messenger. Though that was often highly debatable.

Petal sloshed through the campus, little parchment tucked under her makeshift dress, searching for Theodoric Bagman, which happened to be a name and face she’d recognised before. The voice of her master was still ringing in her bat-like ears “I swear, if those idiots send me the wrong post again I’ll– Petal, just take this to… Theodoric Bagman, I believe. Don’t read it; it’s not yours to read.” . She couldn’t read anyway, but thankfully her master had detailed who the letter was for. The house elf recalled the recipient performing a popular illusionist show, and had briefly stopped her chores one night to tune in to a few seconds of it. Petal observed him as a very mysterious human, quite quiet also, and came to the conclusion that he was to be avoided. How could Petal tell if this human was nice if he hardly said anything? There was a chance he could harbour a strong prejudice against house elves and heckle them whenever he gets the chance. Petal certainly didn’t like mean words directed towards her direction.

Petal was so very cautious around humans other than her beloved master because of a few incidents in which she misjudged them as pleasant by their profession or manner towards other fellow humans. She was of course, terribly mistaken, and upon smiling at them or inquiring as to whether they’d like to see a bouquet she had made, they would either laugh with the other humans at her offer, or scrunch their aristocratic nose in disgust.

The messenger shivered slightly as the rain fell harder and faster, thunder beginning to roll above her. Just before approaching the tent entrance, a flash of the first lightning bolt lighted the sturdy curtains she was to intrepidly open. Petal could have just slipped it under, but feared it would be found a little muddy – not to mention she was a tad bit cold, and even half a second of warmth would be appreciated, even in the brief company of a human stranger.

She stepped in, and held out the letter, announcing its arrival with a high pitched “Petal has a letter for Theodoric Bagman!”. It was a charmed tent, bigger on the inside than on the outside. This didn’t surprise Petal, Theodoric Bagman was one the highest grossing act in the carnival at the moment, and he was bound to be treated quite lavishly.

[Theodoric Bagman]

576 WORDS TAGGED FOR PETAL For tonight, the shows were over. Teddy had settled in for the evening, lounging on his pile of furs and pillows as he listened to the rain. As usual, he’d been pondering the question he’d put to Kizzy – the carnival’s seer – a few days hence. Over a week ago now, he’d been reunited with his old acquaintance Vera Rose. He’d been thrilled to see her, and even more thrilled at how glad she was to see him. In school, she’d been his crush – and aptly named seeing as how she’d broken his heart back when he was seventeen. Though, now it seemed, there was something between them, something he’d wanted to look into more. Wanting to avoid another broken heart or a dire mistake, Teddy had gone to see Kizzy and left her his necklace to ward over. He let her use it as a totem to probe the future with, to see if there was anything to this thing between him and Vera. Though, just a few nights ago, after he’d talked to Kizzy, he’d met that courtesan. Ana… She was lovely, and mysterious, and unline anyone he’d ever met. Though, she had a Fatima-feel to her. He didn’t know if his heart could survive another Fatima. Sure that Kizzy would reply soon, he was worried her letter might not include Ana and what he might do about her. Should he pursue Vera? Or Ana? Or neither? Kizzy was a highly gifted seer and Teddy respected her opinion on things and believed in her abilities, though, he wondered how accurate love readings could be. They always seemed to be the trickiest. Right now, he felt more strongly about seeking out Ana, though, whenever he passed Honeydukes, he wanted nothing more than to be with Vera. Life and love were so complicated. …which made him wonder if both romances were doomed to fail before either had even began. How could one know? He hoped Kizzy had the answers. Therefore, as uncomfortable as he was around magical humanoid beings – like goblins and veelas and such – Teddy was ever so glad to see Petal enter his tent, letter in hand. It had to be from Kizzy! “Petal has a letter for Theodoric Bagman!” “Petal, you darling thing! I’m ever so glad to see you. Bring it here would you? There’s a good elf.” He took the letter from her and spoke to her as he opened it. “I appreciate you running my post over in this weather. Look over on my table there. Someone left me a box of candies. Take it for yourself. I won’t tell Jez if you won’t,” he winked, unfolding his letter. His necklace fell out and that’s when he knew it truly was from Kizzy. He slipped the ornament back over his neck and folding the letter out to read what the fortune teller had to say. His expression started out hopeful, but grew darker and darker with each line. For a moment, he was angry about the vague nature of her reply, but, truly, it had been a longshot that she’d even see anything. At least she’d seen both women in his future and that he might end up staying in Hogsmeade and not continuing on with the carnival when it left. Well… that was impressive news. He had no intention of leaving the carnival, and certainly not for a woman. That was just silly. …though, Kizzy was rarely wrong.

PATHICE PRODUCTIONS @ ATF.

[Petal]

The little house elf stood in the doorway, slightly stunned, wide eyes blankly staring at Theodoric Bagman as he accepted his letter. She wasn't overly sure whether she was ever subjected to so much kindness in one sentence before, but it felt slightly overwhelming, causing her to rock back on her heel slightly. Was this the same man that she had seen as a silent instigator of mystique and magic a few evenings before? Surely not! But it must be! He had accepted the letter! Peculiar. Though apparently rather out of character, a big carnival act as he said she was darling ! A good house elf! Petal marvelled at the kind human as he opened his letter, pondering on whether she'd ever heard her master congratulate her as a good house elf, or be glad to see her.

It seemed common that many carnies the little creature had never personally met had known of Petal from either her master complaining about her, or her day to day activities - though this made her feel a little special, it did also feel slightly intimidating. If the majority of the carnivals were aware of her existence and if the majority of the carnival didn't really enjoy the presence of house elves, would she be a target of bullying? Oh, bullying. Petal didn't like it when humans did that at all .

However, she felt quite safe in Theodoric Bagman’s tent indeed, and had found her little heart began to trust this human, whether he had a split personality disorder or- OH GOODNESS! FOOD! Petal scuttled to the table he indicated, squeaking a small "Petal is very thankful Theodoric Bagman!" as he studied his letter. The little messenger hadn't consumed any sustenance all day, apart from half a raw potato for breakfast. It was disappointingly lacking jam, so Petal continued her day feeling like something was missing in her tummy basket. Now, she had a box of sugar treats to fill her belly with! Oh, this human was kind, so very kind indeed. Lately Petal had seemed to stumble upon many an unpleasant human, and Theodoric Bagman happened to be the first to break that chain for a good few days.

While scooping handfuls of turkish delights into her gob and munching quite loudly while sat on his table (Petal had never truly been aware of human etiquette) she observed him read the letter further, his countenance darkening considerably. A little trinket fell from it too. Was it an admirer? Had this human hurt an admirer? Was the trinket from an admirer? She looked down at her now sticky mitts full of sweets and back at the human who had received no doubt less sweet news. Humans, from her close contact studying of them, seemed to get themselves into silly pickles with the other sex much too often than they should, and Petal always thought to herself whenever it occurred that a good bouquet of flowers is enough to lighten anyone's cockles.

Oh. Oh goodness.

" Is Theodoric Bagman courting an admirer?" Petal curiously inquired, pausing her conveyor belt of box, hand, mouth to ask the question. The human had won her trust with ample amounts of candy, and with trust comes a lost awareness of house elf and human boundaries.

[Theodoric Bagman]

469 WORDS TAGGED FOR PETAL Teddy read the letter through again and sighed. Two choices… Most likely leaving the carnival to stay with one of them… He just couldn’t imagine anything pulling him from the carnival, especially a woman. Besides, Ana was a courtesan; her interest just might be in his money or that he could steal her away. Who’s to say she wouldn’t run off at the next town? And Vera… Teddy’s train of thought blanched and he wracked his brain for something negative about Vera. Well she was… And… Though… Shit. Teddy bit his lip and lowered the letter. He stared at a spot on the floor, a golden one, nearly as golden as Vera’s eyes. For a moment, he was lost in thought. Vera didn’t like him like that. He was just deluding himself. It was 7th year all over again. He was pining after something he could never have. She didn’t want him. She was so beautiful that she could have anyone; werewolf or not, it didn’t matter. When Petal spoke, Teddy jumped in alarm, looking over at her with concern. He’d totally forgotten she was there. Though, when he saw her, he couldn’t help but laugh. “Are your candies good,” he asked, pushing himself up off his cushions. He walked over to his trunk and heaved the heavy lid open while talking to the elf. “And, to answer your question, no, I’m not. Or, I dunno, maybe I am. It’s a bit complicated really.” He pulled out an old cigar box and opened it up. It was stuffed with letters and he put Kizzy’s on top, deciding not to read it again till later, till he could ponder on her words overnight. “Do elves have these type problems? Romantic ones?” It was probably odd to ask a house elf a question like that but, being muggleborn, Teddy just saw Petal as he would a centaur or a goblin – still human, in some respect, and certainly not an animal, and not to be treated as such. And, since he could see the human side of her more than others, perhaps, he didn’t feel strange asking her such things. “It’s hell, really. I hope you don’t have to experience it. …being pulled in two different directions and knowing, either way, that you’re losing something.” He meant to have been talking about the two girls, but really, deep down, he was talking about staying with Vera or leaving with the circus. Sighing, Teddy replaced the cigar box and closed the trunk, turning to rest against it as he looked at Petal. She was sitting on his table covered in powdered sugar from the treats and he couldn’t help but find that precious. “You don’t have to eat them all at one time. You can take the whole box. It’s alright.”

PATHICE PRODUCTIONS @ ATF.

[Petal]

“Petal is hungry Mr Bagman” the house elf squeaked, orbs still fixed on the magician, but sweets beginning to refill her mouth. She quietly added “it’s raining.” for that was certainly a strong factor of her staying within his tent to consume the box of sweets, but it was also a poor excuse for a house elf that can quite neatly apparate. Truly, she was quite enjoying the humans company, however melancholic he evidently felt. The ravenous creature shoved another handful of Turkish delights into her gob, chewing rather loudly as she tried to lick the sticky bits from the back of her front teeth.

What a strange question it is that he asked, she thought as she made her funny faces.Romance? Petal had never paid it too much thought, as she never realised it was something that could apply to such a cretinous creature as herself. Not to mention – well – it was strangely embarrassing, but… she’d never seen nor interacted with another house elf. Though some might see this as somewhat heart breaking, Petal had no qualms with it; being aware of others existing quite like herself was enough to occasionally keep her well spirited. Besides, she certainly felt very much emotionally attached to humans , though whether that was love nobody could be sure. If it could be counted as such, then one supposes she loves Jezabella Morgan, not romantically, but with ferocious loyalty. Admiration too.

However, the little house elf, unbeknownst of such human conundrums, shook her head at Theodoric. It was best to assume she knew next to nothing of romantic problems.

“It’s hell, really. I hope you don’t have to experience it. …being pulled in two different directions and knowing, either way, that you’re losing something.”

Petal wouldn’t know, she was never pulled in two directions. She was never wanted, nor did she have the freedom of choice to even consider multiple choices. It was one master to the next, and it was imminent she’d be lost of something or other. That was a wholly unfair statement, however; a half truth. Either way you gain something as well. It was silly for Mr Bagman to look at only the negatives of his confessed romantic situation, though that was a common trait of humans. Perhaps they didn’t toil hard enough for thinking positively to be a necessity – if Petal didn’t think nice things the majority of the time, she’d be more than gloomy, one supposes.

“Mr Bagman would also be gaining something either way, Petal thinks.” She murmured wistfully, popping another sweet into her mouth, munching. She then perked considerably, straightening up to ask “Maybe Mr. Bagman would like to give a bouquet to the special witch? Petal has lots of bouquets, lots and lots of bouquets!” Female humans did enjoy flowers, or so Petal had observed – it would seem they delighted in receiving them almost as much as Petal delighted in picking them! Of course, they looked an awful lot more ravishing holding them than a scrawny house elf would, even if she did put effort into occasionally gluing them to her bonce.

[Theodoric Bagman]

247 WORDS TAGGED FOR PETAL Teddy listened to what Petal had to say and quirked a brow at her. What a wise little creature! She was right; he’d gain a wonderful woman either way. He wished he knew Ana better – there was just something about her – but, with Vera, he had history. If he had to choose right now, he’d pick Vera and have no regrets about it. Even if he did, Teddy was fairly sure that Vera would help him forget quickly. He wondered… Could he leave the carnival for her? Would she want him to? Those were questions he was not prepared to face just yet. The carnival life was all he knew. What was there for him in Hogsmeade? …besides, perhaps, the most wonderful woman in the world? “Maybe Mr. Bagman would like to give a bouquet to the special witch? Petal has lots of bouquets, lots and lots of bouquets!” Teddy looked over at Petal and smiled at her. “Do you now?” What a glorious turn of events! Teddy wondered – should he send one to Ana too? Or was it time for forget about her and pursue a more familiar werewolf? With Vera life would never be dull but he didn’t know if a stationary existence was for him. Though, what would some flowers hurt? “I would, actually, yes. I’ll buy you another box of sweets if you make and deliver a bouquet to a Miss Vera Rose. She works at the candy shop in town, Honeyduke’s. Could you do that for me, Petal? Oh, and, don’t tell her who the flowers are from, if she asks. Do we have an accord?”

PATHICE PRODUCTIONS @ ATF.

[Petal]

Her comment had seemed to merry his countenance considerably, sparking curiosity in her trade. Petal was quite apt at arranging pretty flowers, though as of late had been lacking in booths that were willing to sell them after a certain incident in which she had attached some expensive stolen jewellery to one of her creations as a flourish, and it was sold to the fiancé that gave that women the jewellery Petal had stolen. Words were said, and Petals good tidings of further financially supporting the carnival were seriously mistrusted. Which was a shame, since previously they had made a fair few coin.

She listened to his order carefully, even pausing her eating of the sweets to focus perfectly on the instructions that were given. House elves of course, are only really renowned for following orders and instructions quite well when given by their master, or a very deserving human. Theodoric Bagman was seemingly above deserving and in fact somewhere around ‘friend’ after this box of sweets with kind colloquy. Petal was easily trusting in humans after finding them pleasant, or hearing them say something quite pleasant to her, so one can only imagine how loyal this little creature was to the magician after being gifted a whole box of sweets!

”Petal has an accord with Theodoric Bagman! Certainly! Certainly! Petal will fetch bouquets so Mr Bagman can choose!” she chirped excitably, the idea of boasting her bouquets for the first time in a while extremely pleasing to someone who never really carries much pride for anything else. This time she had learnt her lesson. She would not attach any of the pretties to her flowers, just in case she had in fact pickpocketed off this Miss Vera Rose at some point within the few weeks! Though, if it was to be from Theodoric (Oh no, but she mustn’t tell!) then she’d accept it as him kindly returning something she had lost, yes? No. No! Petal must not get in any trouble this time; Petal must forsake her bouquets looking a little shinier!

The little cheery creature apparated there and then, leaving nothing but an empty candy box and scrunched sweet wrappers in her stead. In less than a second, she was crouched in her little un-enchanted tent, sitting on her potato sack bed. On the far side of this pokey, non-waterproof fabric home there were piles and piles and piles of varying bouquets where her toes would nestle into when she sleeps. It scented the otherwise dank, mouldy tent with the natural perfume of lavender, roses, moonflower, rosemary and magnolia. If Jezabella Morgan was to inspect her house elves living quarters for whatever strange event that she might care, she’d be pleasantly surprised! Petal wondered how many she should take to show Mr.Bagman – how many could she carry? The little house elf settled on four, and apparated back to the exact spot on his table.

”Petal has this one , this one, this one and… this little one!”

Tag: Teddy! | Words: 508 | Notes: :3

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