For a Tree or More [Kath]

[Professor Serafina Butail]

So together they headed off into the forest in the near pitch black, wandlight casting a faint golden glow around them as they walked in search of trees to climb of all things. The path into the forest was wider than the tunnel had been and so the two women were able to walk side by side, they weren't all like that of course but this particular one was, half the reason Sera had chosen it.

As a rule it was usually better to stick to the larger and wider paths, more well used and less likely to lead get yourself lost along. In theory anyway, after all anything was possible in the forest at night.

"So how about we start with something relatively easy and see how things go. I don't know about you but I have a feeling that it may have seemed a whole lot easier some years ago. I may be eternally eighteen now but I sure as hell don't feel it half the time."

[Kath Blackthorn]

As they walked around the forest Kath looked around rather amazed at how different the place looked. She’d been in the forest goodness knows how many times but the place managed to look very different each time. This was often rather good because it meant that you could explore the forest over and over again without the surroundings becoming repetitive.

With this being the case the pair of them had decided to stick the wider paths so that they didn’t get lost. There was still a chance of getting lost but it was reduced by staying on the lager and more frequently used paths. The larger paths also proved to be less of a hazard considering they weren’t bombarded by various plants and tree roots.

”That sounds like the best idea and I can certainly sympathise it probably would have been easier years ago” This thought was slightly disheartening but the pair of them were here to defy such a statement, or at least try rather hard.

[Professor Serafina Butail]

[[sorry slow as anything to write a reply, quietness isn't overly inspiring]]

The dark path twisted slightly to the right and wth a brief glance behind her Sera noticed that all glimpses of the grounds beyond the forest had been cut off behind the thick nest of trees. This was probably a good spot to search for a good tree to climb.

Turning this time to study the tree line Sera grinned as she spotted a good looking tree. It was fairly young compared to the others surrounding them, but not so young to be spindly and unable to hold their weight. It stood probably only around 10ft tall but with numerous branches along the length of its trunk.

"I think I see the first one." She said in a sing song tone pointing through the darkness and practically skipping over towards it in a childlike show of excitement.

[Kath Blackthorn]

Kath continued to walk through the forest their concentration to find a good tree to climb quite apparent. Their small idea of climbing trees had certainly turned into an adventure after travelling through a tunnel inhabited with strange but interesting creatures, running from the Whomping Willow and now traipsing through the Forbidden Forest at non advised times.

Hearing Sera suggest a tree Kath squinted trying to observe the one that had been suggested. Deciding squinting wasn’t a successful way to see it she jogged over to Sera who had previously skipped over towards the tree. Now with the light from Sera’s wand Kath could see the tree in all its glory.

The tree wasn’t too high but it had plenty of branches to climb on. It looked to be a challenging climb but not so challenging that they got a few feet up and couldn’t continue. ”Great choice, this tree seems perfect” Kath smiled still looking over the tree trying to decide the best way to climb it.

[No worries!]

[Professor Serafina Butail]

Serafina was glad of the agreement as she was itching to go and climb the thing, it seemed that as night came her body came awash in energy that she always seemed to need to burn off, must have been an effect of the vampire thing even though she was a day walker too the night just was always more fun.

"Great." She said enthusiastically bounding over to the tree, she felt like a little kid again. Reaching up two pale hands she grasped the lowest branch and pulled herself up, swinging her legs in towards the trunk and heaving herself onto the branch. Once up she carefully gained her balance as she stood on the branch and reached up for another, having to jump a little to grab it before she disappeared up into the leaves.

"I love being up here, such a good place to hide, and if you get a good spot you can actually walk from one tree to another all the way around the forest its so densely planted."

[Kath Blackthorn]

Kath watched contently as Serafina launched herself at the tree and began to climb. Kath had still been wondering what the best way would be but apparently Sera already knew. Once she’d climbed a few branches Kath decided to join her. The tree was big enough for the pair of them so Kath didn’t need to worry about getting in Sera’s way. ”You certainly have a great eye for tree choosing” Kath smiled and reached up to grab one of the slightly thinner branches to help support herself.

Shuffling along the branch Kath pulled herself in closer to the trunk of the tree. The branches were of course stronger here so that they were further out. Being clumsy Kath didn’t fancy falling from the tree, she had yet to break a bone and quite frankly she’d like to continue and keep all her bones intact. ”That sounds like quite an interesting idea” Kath chuckled as she stepped over to another branch. ”I mean walking around the forest through the trees” Kath wasn’t sure if Sera had just stated it or actually wished to attempt it.

[Professor Serafina Butail]

Sera grinned, "Yes I actually surprise myself with how much time I seem to spend up here. I like the quiet and there is something about the lure of the forest. I don't know it's strange." She shrugged not at all able to explain why strolling the trees of the forest had become a regular past time for her, but it was nonetheless something to do to while away the hours of the day, and it was never really quite the same each time.

"Its also interesting the number of things you can find in the forest, creatures and the like, from up here. Spotting them before they have a chance to notice you. Just beware of Bowtruckles they wouldn't much like us invading their trees." Sera warned, Kath was probably well aware of just how nasty the little twig-like tree guardians could be but it was good to drag the memories to the surface. Sera had never come across any as of yet, she made sure to avoid wand trees as much as she could.

"Yes the paths in the trees can pretty much run all along the paths of the forest, I find that the best way to go so as not to get lost. Plus from up here, good vantage point to see where you've been and where you are heading."

[Kath Blackthorn]

”I spend quite a bit of time here in the forest but for some reason I never seem to take much notice of the trees, only that they block out the sunlight” Sometimes it would be nice to have a bit more sunlight. However the forest needed the blocked out sunlight to help give it that dark and mysterious feel. Kath certainly preferred it this way and it was quite easy to lighten the place up, they were witches and wizards after all.

Kath truly wasn’t fond of the Bowtruckles sharp ‘hands’ she’d received a few cuts from them once or twice from not paying enough attention. This was always a downer but it was a risk you took. Besides the Bowtruckles would probably be considered mild compared to many of the other creatures that called the forest home. ”Ive always heard of the terrible creatures living in the forest but ive never come across one, or at least a particularly dangerous one” There had always been a part of Kath that had been intrigued to have an encounter with a dangerous creature but the fact that she probably wouldn’t live to tell the tale often held her back.

As Serafina spoke Kath eyed the trees trying to imagine the path through the trees that would lead them all around the forest. ”Ive never really thought of it like that ive always just wandered through the forest in hope that I don’t get lost il certainly take your idea under consideration” Kath said as she reached up to grab another branch.

[Professor Serafina Butail]

Sera stretched out her arms to balance herself, not that she didnt have reasonably good balance but it was always better to be safe than sorry as they always said, whoever 'they' might be, and she began to step across the length of the branch away from the trunk and towards the closely knitted branches of the neighbouring trees.

"Although I'll give you that its easier to get across in my animagus form." She muttered her footing slipped on a damp and slippery section of bark and Sera had to catch herself on the branch above to avoid falling back to the forest floor, well that was not such a good start.

"You know, you're right. I've heard of so many terrible creatures in this place, but I've only ever seen them the few times I took COMC class but for all my wanderings in here I think the worst thing I've come across is some doxy's."

[Kath Blackthorn]

”What is your Animagius form?” Kath asked trying to guess the different possibilities of animals. Kath didn’t use her own Animagius form all too much but when she did she was able to turn into a pure black Maine Coon cat. This would probably be useful for climbing trees just as long as she didn’t get to the top and end up being rescued like many muggle cats did. Then again Kath probably had more sense that a muggle cat considering she would still have her human mind.

”I guess the animals just tend to stay out of the way unless they feel that someone is a threat” Kath had no idea how the creatures minds worked but maybe her assumption was correct. Kath had also taken Care of Magical Creatures a few times as a student but when it came to finding these creatures on her own she hadn’t been successful, not that she purposely went out to search for them.

Climbing along the branch Kath kept a firm grip upon the branch above her. The evening dew had certainly made the tree extra slippery. ”Though it would be rather exciting to see these creatures I think id much rather keep my life and myself intact”

[Professor Serafina Butail]

"A black panther," Sera grinned, glancing back and wobbling on the branch once again, best to keep focus on what she was doing. "Not that I use it much, more of a fun party piece aren't they really. But considering the number of times I took that class I was determined to pass it at least once." It had been the one she struggled with about as bad as charms, however unlike charms she had been determined to get the hang of it. If you knew transfiguration and the basic most useful charms you could get by well enough, or so Sera had found anyway.

"That'd be my thery too." She agreed with Kath, this time without turning around to look as falling really didn't sound too appealing. "Though in some ways I suppose it would be nice for all those stories about this place to be proven to be true. In a non being mauled to death by some big monster creature sort of way."

The branch was thinning out as Sera neared the end of it, close by was another tree with fairly sturdy looking branches of its own. "So what do you say, feeling brave and want to try jumping from tree to tree?"

[Kath Blackthorn]

”Were both black cats” Kath said, but her analysis probably wouldn’t make sense unless she explained herself. ”But a panther is certainly a lot larger than a house cat” Kath was rather unsure as to why her Animagius form was that of a cat. If she could go back now she probably would have picked something that was a little more exotic though she was happy with her current form. Kath rarely used her Animagius form as well. In all honesty she’d probably taken the class just to say that she was an Animagius but she couldn’t deny that it was a great skill to have, something she was glad she did.

Grabbing onto a branch above her Kath’s hand slipped nearly causing her to fall but she managed to grasp it again. ”Indeed” Kath chuckled and grasped the branch with her other hand. ”I guess nobody really lives to tell the tale or if you do you come scared for life, physically and mentally” Neither sounded pleasant.

Stepping along the branch Kath edged closer towards Serafina who was nearing the edge of the tree. ”Lets go for it” Kath smiled as she eyed the many possible paths that they could take while jumping from tree to tree.

[Professor Serafina Butail]

"Really, ooooh spooky coincidence," Serafina grinned, but then was it just so typically witchy to pick a black cat if not as a pet but as something you could turn into. Of course Sera would just have to go and choose a BIG black cat but that was just her. She laughed a little, yes a panther was certainly bigger than a house cat, "Yeah you're right there but that was just me, I figured when going for a cat you may as well go all the way and go for something a little intimidating at the same time."

Nodding in agreement Sera made a metal note that if she ever ventured into the forest and did happen to meet one of those said sacry creatures she'd either come away completely unscathed or would rather die in the process. "Yeah, makes me rather glad I've never come across one to be honest. A lifetime in St Mungo's really doesn't sound to appealing." Crazy vampire, now that would be a side-show attraction if nothing else.

Still poised near the end of the branch waiting for Kath to draw nearer and give her a verdict Sera was at the same time judging the step/jump she was going to have to make to get to the next tree. Yes she was pretty confident that Kath would be up for the idea. "Excellent," She grinned broadly as she got the agreement she'd been expecting, "Lets see, I'm going to give this one a try." Sera said pointing out the branch in front of her, seeming like the easiest route to take.

Gripping the upper branch still Sera edged as close to the end of the one she stood on as she dared, it began to bow slightly under her weight as it grew thinner and more feeble. Time to jump, she thought taking a breath and springing forwards to the branch ahead. She landed well, hands flying upwards to grab the branch above, handholds were another key thing to keep a look out for. Holding on tight she tested the branch on which she stood but was concerned by the cracking sound that seemed to be coming from near the trunk. Perhaps it wasn't quite as sturdy as she had first thought. Holding on tighter than before she whipped around to face Kath.

"I think we'll have to be quick with this one, it might not hold for long, especially with both of us on here. Unless you can spot a better one we're going to have to do a bit of a monkey act I think."

[Kath Blackthorn]

Kath was still unaware as to why she’d chosen a cat as her form. She thought it was so that she could interact with her pets but if that was the case she probably should have chosen a dog considering she had six dogs compared to three cats. Either way she didn’t get much use out of her form which was quite a shame but it was certainly usefully to have a supplementary agile side to you. ”As a big cat you still have many of the traits of a house cat plus more, oh what a naïve student I was” Kath chuckled ”Spending too much time at my pet shop probably scrambled my mind a little” Even if she did regret it a little Kath was still happy with her choice.

”I agree. Sounds a little morbid but I think id rather be dead than spend a life time there” This was something that Kath would probably end up regretting saying. She was forever being told that she should be more grateful of her life when in fact she was it was just her pessimistic side that made her say such things. ”But its of course better to prevent it all together” They weren’t really doing a good job of that considering they were scaling the trees of the forest in darkness.

Shuffling along the branch a few more steps Kath reached a little closer to Sera. Climbing tree to tree had certainly intrigued Kath and now the pair of them were going to give it a go. The evening had been set out for them to indulge in their youth and right now they were definitely doing that. ”Ok good luck, not that you’ll need it” Kath smiled lightly and watched as Serafina positioned herself before launching herself towards the tree. Sera landed well but after hearing a rather loud crack Kath had expected to see the branch snap but it seemed to be holding on. Shuffling along the branch some more Kath took the space that was previous filled but Sera.

Looking around the tree Kath tried to spot a better branch but in the unofficial time limit they had she couldn’t spot a decent one. ”Monkey act it is” Taking tiny steps Kath neared the edge of the branch letting go with her hands Kath launched herself towards the second tree landing successfully on the branch where Sera stood. This time there wasn’t such a big crack but the branch had certainly started to sag with the impact of her weight. ”Time to move I think” She said not daring to look down at the possibly breaking branch looking at it would more than likely cause it to crack further.

[Professor Serafina Butail]

Monkey act sounded fun, and it was, just a little harder than the monkeys made it seem. People it seemed were not quite made for the same movement but as Kath jumped over onto the same branch that Sera was currently poised on top of it began to sag rather badly and she wasn't certain quite how long it would hold them both up.

"Took the words right out of my mouth." Serafina agreed as Kath suggested it was time to get moving. Sera pulled on the branch above them, it seemed strong and sturdy so she tried to hold as much weight as she could with her arms on the branch above and creep as lightfooted as possible along the one on which they stood. Put as little strain on it as she could and it might just last the distance.

She neared the trunk, monkeying along the branches as quickly as she could manage without slipping and falling into a painful crumpled heap onto the floor. Another branch grew from it a step upwards from the one she stood on and more circled around the thick trunk, seems they had the misfortune to pick the old and rotting one. The step up seemed like the way around but it would mean letting go of the branch above and trusting the other to hold her weight while she moved onto it, that was a fairly big question of trust but where else could they go from there?

Taking a deep breath Sera let go, finding her balance then, rather than trying to jump, threw herself forwards onto the higher branch and scrambled up onto it quickly. It must have looked horribly ungainly and ungraceful but it seemed like the best way to go. She found her feet as quickly as she could and moved to allow Kath room to get on too. There was no good hand hold on this branch so Sera was trusting in her poise and balance to stop her falling as she stepped back from the trunk.

"How you doing?" She asked with a smile feeling slightly out of breath from the exersion and the adrenaline that had been pumping.