Tea and Biscuits (Willow and Markuz)

by **Willow Hartman** Thu Jul 19, 2012 4:08 am

Willow had decided that she was going to come down to the Staff Room and see if anyone was there that she could talk to, although she thought that most people in school would not be the type of professors to want to hang out and socialise in the staff social room.

Running her hand through her hair, Willow placed her hands in her large grey hoodie's pocket and she had on her nice and comfy jeans, it was so nice to be able to relax after working so hard on doing the lesson plans for all of the the lessons she was constantly covering.

Making herself a cup of tea, Willow curled up on one of the armchairs and opened the book that she was reading, feeling rather quite relaxed for a change.

(OOC: I made this thread set before the attack thread that's going on at the moment, just so we don't get confused Very Happy

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by **MarkuzDobcek** Thu Jul 19, 2012 4:13 am

Markuz was bored. His lesson plans were done, homework was corrected, tests were graded. Kaiser was sleeping. He had been to Willow's office to she if they could chat, but she hadn't been there.

Deciding to go to the staffroom, Markuz was pleasantly surprised when he spotted Willow making herself a cup of tea.

Stopping at the door, and knocking, to avoid scaring Willow, Markuz smiled gently at her, "Hello Willow? How has your day been? You won't mind too terribly if I keep you company for a while, right?"

Sitting down, Markuz stretched. He was glad to have found someone to talk to. Summoning a beer, he looked at Willow. Perhaps she had something interesting to tell.

by **Willow Hartman** Thu Jul 19, 2012 4:39 am

Willow heard the knock and she grinned when she saw that Markuz was standing there, he was the one person that she had hoped would be in the staff common room, and now that he was she was glad that she had someone to talk to instead of reading this boring book.

"Hey Markuz!" she said happily, and she closed up her book, placing it on the table nearest her, so that she wouldn't appear rude when they were about to start a conversation.

"No no I don't mind at all, my day has been quite boring actually, I've just been marking homework and doing some more lessons plans really, what about yourself?" she asked him with a light smile on her lips.

by **MarkuzDobcek** Thu Jul 19, 2012 4:58 am

Markuz sighed contentedly as he listened to Willow talking. She was without a doubt the person he was closest to in the castle.

Taking a sip from his beer, Markuz listened as Willow told him about her day. Seeiing her smile at him as she finished, Markuz smiled back kindly.

"My day has been quite normal as well. The only interesting thing happened on my walk with Kaiser. We were walking pretty close to the forest, and then he suddenly sprints off."

"When I finally caught up, Kaiser was gobbling up a rabbit. I just hope it didn't have any diseases. I'd hate it if Kaiser got sick."

Looking for another topic, Markuz soon found one.

"So, have you settled in a bit more by now?"

by **Willow Hartman** Thu Jul 19, 2012 5:31 am

Willow smiled happily when Markuz told her that he had gone for a walk with Kaiser, who she presumed was his dog although she hadn't met him yet she didn't think. With a slightly horrified expression on her face Willow's mouth dropped open a little;

"He ATE a rabbit? What type of dog is Kaiser anyway, I don't think I've met him yet." she asked incredulously "What did you do with the rabbit afterwards? Did you bury it?"

When he asked if she had settled in a little bit more now, Willow nodded her head and she grinned happily;

"I sure have, I met a new professor too, her name is Darcie and she's very nice, we get along well." she said with a smile "What about you, made any new friends?"

by **MarkuzDobcek** Thu Jul 19, 2012 6:06 am

Markuz couldn't suppress an amused snort at Willow's incredulous exclamation.

"Well yes, he ate a rabbit. There wasn't much left to bury really, so I just left it out for the ravens which were already circling by the time Kaiser finished. He's a German Shepherd. You didn't see him last time in my office? He was in his basket, the lazy bastard was sleeping."

When Willow informed about any new friends Markuz might have made, the only person who came to mind was Visperia, who was an acquaintance at the least.

"Well I did meet a rather interesting woman at Reïan. Visperia. She's closer to my age I think. Nice... Would not be the first word to describe her. But I like her. What does Darcie teach?"

by **Willow Hartman** Thu Jul 19, 2012 8:31 am

Willow's mouth was left open and she sniffled a little bit when Markuz told her that the dog had not left much of the rabbit left to bury and she thought that yes it would probably make the dog a little bit sick to eat the whole rabbit...maybe a bone would have gotten stuck in his stomach?

"I hope that he's alright though, I don't know if that would have made him ill or not, but, I could give it a shot healing him if he does end up feeling a little bit poorly." she smiled gently,

Blinking Willow smiled even wider and she wondered what the first word to describe the lady he had met at the bar would be; "Well what would you say the first word was then?" she asked with a little laugh "I'm all interested now!"

When he asked what Darcie taught, Willow grinned and answered almost straight away; "She teaches soothsaying and Dark Arts."

by **MarkuzDobcek** Thu Jul 19, 2012 8:45 am

Markuz saw Willow sniffle when he mentioned Kaiser eating the rabbit almost completely. It really was endearing how she couldn't bare to see anyone suffer. Not even an animal.

When Willow offered healing Kaiser if he did get sick, Markuz smiled gently.

"Kaiser's tough. He's eaten things quite a bit more gruesome then a rabbit. More ... human-sized as well. I'm pretty sure being around a magic user non-stop has affected him to some point at least. But I appreciate the offer, and if Kaiser does get sick, I'll take you up on it."

Seeing Willow's smile widen when he mentioned Visperia, Markuz smiled.

"I already told you! The first word I'd use would be interesting!" Winking at Willow playfully, Markuz smiled.

Hearing about Darcie teaching both soothsaying and Dark Arts, Markuz let out a mock huff.

"What is it with everybody having so much work!? You have like 4 classes and a Healer position, Darcie teaches two classes full time, I mean honestly! Way to make a man feel incompetent!"

Smiling again, Markuz continued.

"Ah, I've never really been into soothsaying to be honest. I prefer to think that I make my own fate. The Dark Arts, now that's another story. I dare say I'm quite capable at those. Still, interesting combination... I wonder what she's like."

by **Willow Hartman** Thu Jul 19, 2012 9:06 am

Willow could not believe that Kaiser was such a vicious dog! It had eaten human sized things too? Gulping a little Willow suddenly found herself not wanting to be around the dog any more in case she became the next human thing that he ate. Biting her lip she nodded her head;

"Just make sure he doesn't eat me and I'll come and heal him if he needs it, I think that I'm getting to be quite afraid of your dog when he seems to be a little bit peckish." Willow said, a little nervously.

Pouting a little bit Willow crossed her arms around her chest and she stuck out her tongue; "I think you fancy her and you just wont tell me." she teased gently.

Laughing a little when Markuz exclaimed that he was not happy with the girls having so much work, Willow shrugged her shoulders and she hoped that she would be able to combat all of her work levels as time went on;

"Well she was covering the lesson for her friends and he kind of didn't come back...so I think she just took over permanently. She's really nice! I think we're a lot alike, she never teaches the practical side to dark arts which I think is right." Willow said happily.

by **MarkuzDobcek** Thu Jul 19, 2012 9:23 am

Markuz realized he was scaring Willow somewhat. He should have realized that she would get scared when he said human-sized! Still, when Willow mentioned being afraid of Kaiser if he was peckish, Markuz laughed.

"Don't worry, Kaiser doesn't attack humans without reason. He has only attacked three humans since I have him, which is basically since he was born. I used to take him into battle with me. And if he got his teeth on a foe, he would simply keep mauling until I called him off. Seeing as I was usually occupied with other enemies, he got quite far in eating them. But really, when unprovoked he's a big softie."

Markuz had to grin when Willow mentioned him fancying Visperia. Deciding to mess with Willow a bit, Markuz turned the tables on her.

"Or maybe I fancy you and don't want to mess up my chances by talking too much about another woman?" Markuz said, looking at Willow's assets suggestively. A smug smirk firmly plastered on his face.

"Really? No practical aspect at all? What for those who want to go into the army or law enforcment? Surely they need at least a few weapons more powerful than a stunner or banishing charm?" Markuz couldn't really fathom that.

No practical aspect to your classes? None at all? For the Dark Arts?

He'd have died ten times over if he hadn't had some practical schooling in the Dark Arts during his Durmstrang years. Then again, he did go into the army.

by **Willow Hartman** Thu Jul 19, 2012 10:18 am

Willow smiled gently and she supposed that it was a little strange to her to have to listen to stories about an animal tearing someone up in battle, after all she wasn't normally in a lot of battles herself, and what she had heard she had heard from Leopold.

"Uhm....oddly that doesn't make me feel much better." she laughed nervously rubbing the back of her head, ruffling her head by accident as she did so, so it stuck up a little bit.

Blushing a little bit Willow shook her head and smiled gently; "Well then you'd be sorely disappointed to hear that I already have a boyfriend, his name is Leopold Kraken...and yes I know he's a little well...scary and murderous but he's really quite...sweet to me."

Tucking her hair behind her ear, Willow frowned a little;

"Well I hardly think teaching third years the unforgivable curses is something that anyone would think was right! What if someone hurt themselves trying to look into one of the dark arts, it would be all her fault for telling them how to do it." Willow huffed cutely, folding her hands about her chest.

by **MarkuzDobcek** Thu Jul 19, 2012 10:27 am

Smiling, Markuz shrugged.

"Ah well, at least I tried. Kaiser is a good dog. My closest friend actually. I owe that dog my life. So it's hard for me to see him as a threatening beast, even though he has killed people before."

Markuz grinned, Willow might have taken him a bit too seriously, still, he had found out exactly where she stood in the relationship department without being seen as openly fishing. Then the name fully registered.

"Leopold Kraken? Strange, I remeber reading somewhere that he died? Huh. Paper must have been wrong. Wait... Wasn't Raven Drake involved in that situation? Ah well, if he's sweet to you, that's all that really matters I guess."

Markuz was alarmed when Willow mentioned Third years learning the unforgivables.

"Wait wait wait! That's not how I meant it! I'm speaking about the later years, sixth and seventh! Maybe even fifth. And even so, the unforgivables are rather severe, there are other means of permanently taking your opponent out of the fight.

I just meant to say that theory alone doesn't cut it. I mean, I know the theory behind crocodile wrestling, doesn't mean I would like to do it without some practice. Do you see my point?"

Markuz looked at Willow, hiding his anxiousness quite well. He really hoped he hadn't angered Willow, she was a rather pacifistic person after all.

by **Willow Hartman** Thu Jul 19, 2012 9:06 pm

Willow nodded her head when Markuz told her that the dog was his best friend, indeed it was that way with lots of dog owners, some people even thought of their dogs as children, even though Willow always found that a little strange.

Nodding her head Willow took a deep breath and prepared to explain just exactly what Leopold was;

"Yes, Raven Drake killed him, made him a wraith and then after a few years decided to make him human again and ressurected him...strange right?" she asked with a nervous laugh, wondering if her relationship was now going to be branded as 'weird'.

Frowning at Markuz Willow shook her head, taking another sip of the tea she was drinking, to her it was very black and white on this issue and she wasn't about to budge, her Papa had taught her this from a very young child after all.

"They are called DARK arts for a reason, they're bad, and they shouldn't be used in a fair fight." she said sternly "I don't think we're going to agree on this subject so maybe we should change it?"

by **MarkuzDobcek** Thu Jul 19, 2012 9:19 pm

Seeing Willow nod as he explained his companionship with Kaiser, Markuz smiled. Glad that she didn't think Kaiser a wild beast at least.

Hearing Willow explain the death and resurrection of Leopold, he couldn't help but be doubtful.

"But if Raven ressurected Leopold, wouldn't that form a permanent bond between Leopold and Raven? I do think there would hardly be any reason for ressurection unless you are certain that you will be able to maintain control."

When Willow laughed nervously, Markuz knew she was worrying about what people would think of her relationship with Leopold.

"Well, it doesn't exactly sound like an average relationship, but if you're happy, then that's all that should matter."

Hearing Willow defend her point of view on the Dark Arts, Markuz gulped down the rest of his beer. Summoning another one, he replied cautiously, "I suppose changing the subject might indeed be for the best. The only thing I would like to stress is that I wouldn't be sitting here if I hadn't been capable in the Dark Arts. They really did save my life a few times."

by **Willow Hartman** Thu Jul 19, 2012 11:12 pm

Willow decided that this was going to need some more explaining and she took a deep breath before continuing with what she was thinking of saying, after all, she didn't want her friend to think that her boyfriend was dangerous or something like that.

"He was ressurected to help Raven when she went to attack Britain and things, but I don't think she really likes him any more and has just let him go off on his own..." she said with a small frown "Of course I'm happy, I'm as happy as could be."

Her relationship with Leopold was the best one she had been in by far, which wasn't saying much since she had only had one other, but that had been with...well...Gervais.

When he mentioned dark arts saving his life, Willow frowned again and she wondered if she should be friends with Markuz after all, someone who used dark arts,,,could they really be trusted? Biting her lip she sipped at her tea;

"Got any nice plans for the weekend?" she asked, changing the subject.

by **MarkuzDobcek** Thu Jul 19, 2012 11:30 pm

Markuz smiled when Willow said that she was happy.

"If you are happy, then your relationship is a good thing. I only worry for you, Willow. You have a rather... ah... endearing, side to you, it makes people wanting to care for you. I just worry. Don't be upset."

After sipping from her tea, Willow asked about his plans for the weekend. The Dark Arts subject would be laid to rest then. Shrugging, Markuz replied.

"Well, I got an owl from Visperia asking me to meet her in the Slaughterhouse, so that's my Friday evening, but other then that I'll probably just try and relax. I was also planning on visiting the Arena at some point to see if I could find someone willing to spar with me. I can hardly allow myself to get rusty after all."

Finishing his explanation, Markuz looked at Willow with a raised eyebrow as he drank of his beer.

"And what do you plan on doing this weekend, Willow?"

by **Willow Hartman** Fri Jul 20, 2012 12:09 am

Willow smiled happily and she felt herself blush a little, her bad mood seemingly going away with such a simple comment directed her way, she really did like the way that Markuz could make her feel so happy, she supposed that's what a friend was for after all.

"Awwww well when you put it like that Markuz, how can I be upset with you?" she asked with a happy smile "Don't worry I'm planning on going to the arena and trying to train myself up."

When he told her about his plans for the weekend, Willow smiled gently and she was glad that he had made friends with another person, she would hopefully try and make some more friends in the area this weekend.

"I think that sounds like a lovely weekend, I hope you have fun with Visperia, and training, well, I was thinking of getting myself to the arena to train myself up a little bit." she smiled happily "Besides that I'm going to the Hidden Village, they have a really nice tea shop there maybe I can persuade Leo to come."

by **MarkuzDobcek** Fri Jul 20, 2012 12:54 am

Markuz was pleased by the way Willow's face lit up as he told her about his worrying. She seemed to find that sweet.

"Make sure to be careful please. Even sparring can be dangerous. I would suggest starting out at the ranges if you do start training yourself up."

Markuz sniggered internally when Willow mentioned taking Leopold to a tea shop. Even though he didn't know Leopold personally, he couldn't help but sympathise. Markuz wasn't into tea to be honest.

"Having fun with Visperia shouldn't be a problem, she mentioned finding a place that sells decent wine after all! Your plans sound... wonderful as well. I hope you have fun with Leo then. Tea does seem to be your favorite drink, doesn't it? "

by **Willow Hartman** Fri Jul 20, 2012 2:13 am

Willow smiled gently and she nodded her head, she was going to be able to train herself of course, but that she was also careful while she was doing it, she was very clumsy after all and it wouldn't be hard for her to hurt herself while she was doing the training.

"Well maybe you and I should train together, after all you'll go easy on me wont you while I start getting better at the whole...self defense thing."

When she was asked if tea was her favourite drink, Willow shook her head with a small pout on her lips, she had other favourite drinks too they just weren't easily accessable.

"I like other drinks too, but, I haven't got them in the Institute at the moment, so tea will have to do. I don't really like to drink much alcohol though." she said with a small smile "Even though I'm Russian I am not a Vodka drinker."

by **MarkuzDobcek** Fri Jul 20, 2012 2:42 am

Markuz hid a wince. Training Willow would mean more teaching then actual training as she was still a beginner. He maintained a neutral expression.

"Sure thing, we'll probably run into each other at the arena. Of course I'll go easy on you." Markuz smiled.

Markuz was suprised to see Willow shake her head no when he asked her if she preferred tea.

"That's too bad for you. My favorite drinks are French red wine and beer, and although the wine is harder to get to, the beer is always available, so I'm good. Really? A Russian who doesn't drink vodka? What is this world coming too?" Markuz joked.

by **Willow Hartman** Fri Jul 20, 2012 4:47 am

Willow smiled happily, she was so happy that Markuz was going to be able to put the effort in and help her to become a better fighter, maybe then she would be able to be less afraid of going out in case she got attacked, and maybe she would even be able to stand up to Gervais.

"Oh thank you very much that means a lot to me Markuz, if there's anything that I could ever do for you, you just let me know and I'll do it right away." she said with her large beaming smile on her lips.

When Markuz told her that his favourite drinks were both alcohol Willow pouted a little bit and she hoped that she wouldn't have to drink if she went out with him;

"My Papa doesn't drink vodka either if it makes you feel even worse." she giggled "We're both coca-cola people I'm afraid, I just remembered I will have to bring him some this weekend actually."

by **MarkuzDobcek** Fri Jul 20, 2012 5:47 am

Seeing Willow beam at him when he told her he'd help her, Markuz felt guilty for his earlier thoughts. He'd make time for helping her! There was clearly some reason for Willow wanting to train this badly, but Markuz felt it best not to ask.

"You're welcome. I can think of one or two things you could do for me, but I doubt your boyfriend would appreciate that." Markuz gave Willow a lecherous smile, before winking at her to make sure she knew he made a joke. Although in reality he wouldn't mind, Willow had a relationship, and Markuz respected that.

When Markuz mentioned his favorite drinks, he saw Willow pout almost imperceptibly. She was probably hoping she would never have to drink with him. She needn't worry. There were other people whom Markuz could drink with. Visperia for example. And Markuz would hopefuly make some more friends soon.

Hearing Willow mention coca-cola, Markuz shivered.

"That sour, fizzy drink? And your father as well? Well I don't envy you. I'll stick to beer and wine and then you can stick to your fizzy stuff. To each his own I guess." Markuz smiled gently, he liked talking to Willow. It relaxed him, and allowed him to be more open about things then he usually was.

by **Willow Hartman** Fri Jul 20, 2012 9:32 pm

Willow blinked and she looked at Markuz for a few seconds, not really understanding what he was meaning before it dawned on her a few seconds later and she pulled a face that was a cross between embarrassment and mild disgust.

"Markuz!" she giggled "Yes I think Leopold might have something to say about that. But if you manage to think of anything else that's not perverse or physical in nature, let me know."

Unable to stop herself from giggling now, Willow ran her fingers through her hair and she sipped at the last bits of her tea, placing the cup back on the cupboard next to her.

Laughing lightly when Markuz shivered, Willow shook her head again and pretended to look hurt when he insulted her favourite drink, she didn't really mind though, each to their own and what not.

"Yes I think that will probably be best." Willow smirked, sticking out her tongue "So tell me what else are you interested in? Like hobbies and stuff?"

by **MarkuzDobcek** Sat Jul 21, 2012 2:56 am

Seeing Willow pull a rather amusing face, Markuz grinned again.

"I'll keep that in mind. Nothing perverse at all? Not even a little bit? Too bad."

Draining his beer, Markuz almost snorted it out through his nose at Willow's mock hurt face. She really was a cute one. Seeing her stick out her tongue, Markuz smiled again.

"Well, my main hobby is still Transfiguration. Then there's swordfighting, not fencing, that's for nancies, but real swordfighting with long- or broadswords. I like Wizarding Chess as well, keeps my mind sharp. And I can also appreciate a good book, either to study or to enjoy. How about your hobbies?"

by **Willow Hartman** Sun Jul 22, 2012 7:18 am

Willow smiled happily and she was very glad to be able to joke with Markuz, after all that showed that they really were good friends, but she just hoped that Leopold wouldn't think that there was anything between them, after all that could make a huge problem.

"I am absolutely sure Markus." she giggled "You'll have to find another 'special' friend to help you with those types of requests." Willow winked, rather obviously.

Listening to Markuz very closely, Willow smiled gently, it seemed like they were all very masculine and violent sports, however they seemed to make him happy and that was all that really mattered to her. Thinking about her own hobbies Willow grinned;

"Well I love flying, I really really do, and I also like doing baking and things like that." she smiled gently "I guess we're kind of polar opposites."