Orlando was meeting his sister Sophie at the symposium and she'd said she'd be at the carpet flying area. He'd flown a few on his travels and really did enjoy it, so he thought this would be a perfect time to show his sister how much fun this was. He was looking forward to spending time with her too! He hadn't seen her that much in the last year having been out of the country much of it, so he was looking forward to this even more. He looked around to see if she was here yet and finally just stood off to the side waiting for her to appear.

Oh yes. YES. FLYING FRIGGIN CARPETS, YALL!!

Patrick was like a kid in a candy store right now. Only he didn't really remember what it was like to be a kid... he could IMAGINE it though. Yes he could! And this level of excitement was likely the same.

OH MY MERLIN!

Trying to compose himself, somewhat, he made his way around a cluster of people who were moving WAY too slow for his liking. Hmph. MOVE IT OR LOSE IT PEOPLE! MAN ON A MISSION! Slowing his pace he began to glance around at the carpets and whatnot. Now who did he have to talk to about riding one of these bad boys?!

MAGIC FREAKING CARPET RIDES! NO WAY!

Jamie was flailing as she walked into the testing area. This was bringing back his Disney movie watching days. It was beautiful and amazing. Ugh! He needed someone to share this with but he didn't know what Athena or any of his other friends were. Jameson started to dance around as he waited in line. This was the best day ever!

"I CAN SHOW YOU THE WORLD SHINING, SHIMMERING, SPLENDID. TELL ME PRINCESS, NOW WHEN DID YOU LAST LET YOUR HEAR DECIDE?"

Jameson didn't have the best singing voice but who cares about being some big time singing star when you can just sing like a normal human who can't sing to save their lives? Yes! Anyone could join in and sing with him right now. Jamie looked around to see if anyone wanted to sing, he knew that no one was going to join him so right now would be a great time to start singing again.

"I CAN OPEN YOUR EYES. TAKE YOU WONDER BY WONDER. OVER SIDEWAYS AND UNDER ON A MAGIC CARPET RIDE."

Emmalee had made her way from the vendors over to the carpet trials. She was simply milling about since she wasn't necessarily looking to ride. She'd had her taste of carpets while abroad and while she loved them, she thought others should have the chance to try them out... maybe sway some opinions.

But that man, whoever he was, seemed rather intent to get where he was going. Even as he slowed his pace, Emmalee raised an eyebrow at him. Simmer, man-child.

And speaking of man children... But for some reason, Emmalee found this one's exuberance and spontaneous song to be quite amusing. There was a man who was obviously enjoying himself.

"A WHOLE NEW WORLD," she sang back. "A NEW FANTASTIC POINT OF VIEW." Laughing, she made her way over to the man, extending her hand to introduce herself. "I'm Emmalee," she whispered, between lines of the song.

Jamie looked around, now was the time for someone to start singing with him or for him to surf on a magic freaking carpet. Yeah, no he really couldn't say or think 'magic carpet' without the freaking in it. Then the thirty-four year old started to dance again. It was off beat and all over the place because the man has two left feet. Jamie beamed brightly as someone started to sing along with him.

BRILLIANT! BRILLIANT! BRILLIANT!

People were just amazing, just in general this human stranger was amazing for singing along with him. She was talking while they were singing whaaaaat? "I'm Jamie." he whispered to her. Anyone who publicly joins in on embarrassing themselves is brilliant and amazing. "NO ONE TO TELL US "NO" OR WHERE TO GO OR SAY WE'RE ONLY DREAMING." Boom shakalaka!

Merlin what was that OFFENSIVE noise coming from people? Oh gosh his ears hurt. WERE THEY BLEEDING? Taking a handkerchief from his pocket he dabbed his ears to see. No blood. Yet.

Ugh.

Giving them a superior look he scooted further away. NO ONE WAS GOING TO BRING HIM DOWN ON MAGIC CARPET DAY!

That was what he was calling it. Or MCD for short. He had marked it on his calendar and evrrrything. Yep. Now back to the task at hand! Carpets. Flying. HE NEEDED TO DO THIS.

"A WHOLE NEW WORLD, A HUNDRED THOUSAND THINGS TO SEE," she continued, smiling at the man. He was... kinda cute. Jaime. She filed his name away in her head as she swayed and danced with the accompaniment to the song in her head.

"I'M LIKE A SHOOTING STAR, I'VE COME SO FAR. I CAN'T GO BACK TO WHERE I USED TO BE." Emmalee threw her arms out to the side and spun 'round in circles, eyes closed and face to the sky.

Oo. Dizzy. Emmalee stopped her spinning, and rested her hand on the man's arm so she didn't fall over.

The two ladies (Ember and Harmony) seemed lovely enough and were asking important questions and making good comments. Just what Achilles wanted to hear. "A very popular place to be visiting today of course. I appreciate all those who are being more daredevil about the magic carpet rides. More people see the fun and excitement its gathering the better chance there is to be a greater approval of the transportation." Achilles said to the lady who had flicked her hair in his direction when he'd approached them. "Welcome, Miss!"

Achilles turned to the second lady (Ember) whom seemed to be friends with the hair flicker. "Yes! Very safe! They're cushioned, and they've been charmed to fly no higher than ten feet. Safety is our main concern here, within the ideas of magic carpets. Once the safety has been assured, then comes the fun." Wink. Well, it was true. Achilles himself was the one making sure the carpets would be safe for the public, or rather, anyone who was capable of having their own carpet. That 'good sir' comment made Achilles smile, almost sounded a bit like him. But of course he had tips! "Yes! Don't start off too fast, I'd say. Do your best to grab the carpet evenly by the front." Meaning don't have your hands too spaced out from each other. "Lean forward for speed, back for slowing down. Leaning to one particular side will make your carpet fly in that particular direction." All basic, Achilles was more than certain these two fine ladies were capable of that.

DO NOT GET YOURSELF THROWN OFF. Though, the carpets were charmed to not do that, in today's case. So no panic on Achilles' part. Also, YES, we heard that illegal question. Achilles would keep a good ear out and see what the ladies friend had to say about that.

The man kept watch of the area, making sure everyone was busying themselves with anything flying carpet related until he noticed a man (Patrick) waiting in line. Achilles made his way over to him, and once again, only this time with a smaller smile, a smile nonetheless said, "Do you need help with anything at all today sir? Want to test out the carpets? Have any questions relating to them in any way?"

She had been lost in thought, just thinking about how it would feel to not worry about money. How if the laws were different and she could own one of these easier, she could having all the money in the world. Her mind was traveling into whether or not she should even try one out when she heard her name.

Turning her brown eyes she smiled. "Cameron, hello." She was a bit surprised to see the Tornadoes manager. Not that he wasn't allowed to look for carpets, she was just use to seeing ministry workers for the best part of the day. "So interested in hanging up the broom and moving to a more comfortable carpet?" It was a joke of course, but interesting that he was here.

Turning her eyes back to the pretty blue design she had her hand on, she started her inner fight on whether it was worth trying out. "Have you ever rode one before?" How different was it from a broom she wondered.

DID HE NEED HELP? Did he NEED anything? YES! Nodding emphatically he tapped his chin once or twice while he TRIED to collect his somewhat jumbled thoughts.

"I need earplugs. Their singing is offensive. Also do I just pick a carpet?" ANY CARPET? "Do I need to sign a waiver or contact my insurance agent first?" ACCIDENT PRONE!

Deep breath!!!

"What are your thoughts on broom travel versus carpets? Are you a fan of apparation?" THIS WAS NOT THE Q&A BUT THE DUDE ASKED AND PAT WAS SO EXCITED AND FULL OF QUESTIONS AND THINGS AND STUFF.

Now.

Your turn to talk, sir.

Her mother's constant mentions of the Carpet symposium in letters had caused Sophie to become anticipant and nervous for it to arrive. It sounded fun to ride on a carpet even if they by wizard law were banished from use in Britain. What made the outing to the symposium even better was that'd she get to spend time with her elder brother for a whole day. Sophie hadn't seen him much except for the occasional family gathering in the last year.

Entering the symposium the brunette 26 year old made her way over quickly to the carpet area. Spotting her brother she cried out happily "Landoo!" before she ran up and engulfed him in a big hug.

Ember had been so smart to inquire about any tips they might need when trying out the flying carpets. The department head listened to the kind man offering tips with interest, her smile ever present. Once he was finished, the red head bounced on the balls of her feet. This was their moment, yes?

...

Set on using a rather large blue and green carpet, Harmony stopped behind it and eyed her employee with a curious smile. "Just don't get too crazy up there, Ember! We need your talents at the ministry!" And it'd be simply horrible if something unfortunate happened during such a lovely event.

"They are, yes. Something to do with being muggle artifacts. I believe this little event is hoping to change that, though." It's the vibe she was getting, anyway.

Taking a seat on the carpet she'd picked, Harmony held on to the front of it firmly and looked upwards. Time to fly!

Jamie spun himself around in circles. Weeeeeeee weeeeeeee weeeeeeee! Music was nice but he wasn't no superstar singer or a superstar in general he was just Jamie and just Jamie was all he'll every be and he was fine with that. He didn't act like himself because he wanted attention. Jamie acts like himself because no really acts like themselves in public. YES GUY THAT LOOKS LIKE HE'S EMBARRASSED I'M LOOKING AT YOU! Jamie saw him looking at him and the Emmalee girl. Go ahead judge. "A WHOLE NEW WORLD, EVERY TURN A SURPRISE WITH NEW HORIZONS TO PURSUE." Jameson smiled brightly and looked at the line that seemed to be moving a bit.

Then the woman was spinning and spinning and spinning and...oh! She must have gotten dizzy, Jamie could tell by the way her hand was on his arms. He chuckled.

ZOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM.

William was positive his carpet was going to have a Doppler effect on everyone he passed on it. He was feeling the wind, well a little bit of it, whip through his hair as he zipped around the area. He didn't see the stuck-up anti-carpet lady anymore so he assumed it would be safe to get off his carpet now.

Plus, there was like a weird duet going on with two other Ministry workers and he was totally staring at them being weird. Must be Stress X4 Effect a.6 or whatever those Healers had tried to diagnose him with. Poor things. Anyway, Willy was ready to go try some international food, so he slowed his carpet to a stop and rolled right off.

Awesome! He was totally getting one of those. He tidied it up and put it back where he found it, giving the busy carpet man two thumbs way, way up. Then he headed out to go hunt down some noms.

"I'LL CHASE THEM ANYWHERE" Emmalee sang out, with one hand still on the Jaime's arm and the other gesturing dramatically to no one in particular. She could tell people were looking at them oddly, but she didn't really mind all that much.

"THERE'S TIME TO SPARE." She released his arm then, swaying a bit and twirling in not-so-tight circles, to prevent the dizziness again. She didn't go too far away from her spot near him. She closed her eyes for a moment...

"LET ME SHARE THIS WHOLE NEW WORLD..." She stopped her swaying and found herself face-to-face with the man she hadn't really properly met.

And the next words were 'with you.'

Looking up at him, she bit her bottom lip, not finishing the line. Would he? Was that weird? Heh.

This man certainly looked ready to go, based off how he was reacting to Achilles' question. Erm. That question, or rather RUDE comment, which Achilles found unnecessary, made him grimace slightly. "Sorry, we don't have any earplugs." Achilles said, his voice less upbeat and fast than usual. "But, if its that terrible" The guy could do his best to ignore him or "use a silencing charm. We don't condone that, though. I'm sure, if you're going to be riding a carpet, you'll forget about their singing either way." So the mister over here didn't need to take any actions. Achilles might need to keep his eyes on him. "No need for waivers or contacting anyone. You'll be safe as possible here."

Questions, were finally being asked to Achilles. He took a moment to gather his thoughts before speaking about them. "I completely, and 100% advocate carpet travel more than broom travel. I think people should look into, or, at the very least, be more universally knowledgable about the culture and the transportation of using carpets. It can be equally exciting as broom transportation, but, think about it. Do you want to blend in with the crowd and be just like everyone else and use a broomstick, or, would you rather stand out and be a part of the small group of carpet flyers?" BOOM! Question answered.

Now, the second one. "I only use apparition for immediate, emergancy traveling purposes to not waste any precious time. If I wanna have a nice time, or be leisure with my travels, I'll always take my seat on my carpet." Did that answer his question?

Achilles saw the man earlier who had been having a blast on his carpet give him him a thumbs up, which Achilles returned with a salute. But, of course, his attention was entirely focused on the man in front of him.

It had been ages since he'd been on one of these things. He'd left Persia rather hurriedly due to he unfortunate circumstance of having been entirely too friendly with entirely the wrong sort of individual. He thought he would never again be afforded the opportunity to ride a magic carpet again, but there he was.

And it was sort of work-related. Sort of.


He spotted the wizard who must've been the man in charge of these flying carpet rides and approached. "Which would you say is your fastest carpet?" So long as his wife wasn't around, Jasper was going to go all in. Though, she may not try to stop him. He actually had no idea how Heather felt about flying carpets, but being a former player for Holyhead she might have had a broom bias.

SPOILER!!: Achilles

Quote:

Originally Posted by Achilles Storm

The two ladies (Ember and Harmony) seemed lovely enough and were asking important questions and making good comments. Just what Achilles wanted to hear. "A very popular place to be visiting today of course. I appreciate all those who are being more daredevil about the magic carpet rides. More people see the fun and excitement its gathering the better chance there is to be a greater approval of the transportation." Achilles said to the lady who had flicked her hair in his direction when he'd approached them. "Welcome, Miss!"

Achilles turned to the second lady (Ember) whom seemed to be friends with the hair flicker. "Yes! Very safe! They're cushioned, and they've been charmed to fly no higher than ten feet. Safety is our main concern here, within the ideas of magic carpets. Once the safety has been assured, then comes the fun." Wink. Well, it was true. Achilles himself was the one making sure the carpets would be safe for the public, or rather, anyone who was capable of having their own carpet. That 'good sir' comment made Achilles smile, almost sounded a bit like him. But of course he had tips! "Yes! Don't start off too fast, I'd say. Do your best to grab the carpet evenly by the front." Meaning don't have your hands too spaced out from each other. "Lean forward for speed, back for slowing down. Leaning to one particular side will make your carpet fly in that particular direction." All basic, Achilles was more than certain these two fine ladies were capable of that.

DO NOT GET YOURSELF THROWN OFF. Though, the carpets were charmed to not do that, in today's case. So no panic on Achilles' part. Also, YES, we heard that illegal question. Achilles would keep a good ear out and see what the ladies friend had to say about that.

The man kept watch of the area, making sure everyone was busying themselves with anything flying carpet related until he noticed a man (Patrick) waiting in line. Achilles made his way over to him, and once again, only this time with a smaller smile, a smile nonetheless said, "Do you need help with anything at all today sir? Want to test out the carpets? Have any questions relating to them in any way?"

Ember nodded. A lot. YEP YEP nodnodnodnod. "Okay. Not too fast. GOT IT." But fast was fun. Oh well. Ember wanted to live today. Though....danger was fun. And also...put her hands in the middle...or like, evenly spaced out..okay. "I got it. THANK YOU, SIR." She said and saluted him teasingly. Tucking some of her turquoise hair behind her ears, she turned back to Harmony.

SPOILER!!: Harmony

Quote:

Originally Posted by TakemetotheBurrow

Ember had been so smart to inquire about any tips they might need when trying out the flying carpets. The department head listened to the kind man offering tips with interest, her smile ever present. Once he was finished, the red head bounced on the balls of her feet. This was their moment, yes?

...

Set on using a rather large blue and green carpet, Harmony stopped behind it and eyed her employee with a curious smile. "Just don't get too crazy up there, Ember! We need your talents at the ministry!" And it'd be simply horrible if something unfortunate happened during such a lovely event.

"They are, yes. Something to do with being muggle artifacts. I believe this little event is hoping to change that, though." It's the vibe she was getting, anyway.

Taking a seat on the carpet she'd picked, Harmony held on to the front of it firmly and looked upwards. Time to fly!

CARPET TIIIIIIIME YAY. Harmony had picked just the most BEAUTIFUL green and blue carpet-IT WAS LOVELY. "That one--would look great at my parents' place--" she said as she picked the one next to it. All colors were equal in Ember's eyes. ALL COLORS WERE GREAT. The one she picked was purple and black--very interesting combination, according to EMBER.

She beaaaamed. "I know! I won't die or anything--it's not quite my time yet--" Because she was so sure it wasn't. She would have felt it drawing near, had it been. She had keen senses like that. She knew Harmony did, too. The whole 'aura' thing..yep. Ember plopped down, wiggled her bum a bit, and got COMFY.

"Are you ready, boss?" she asked, her eyes wide as she looked around--THIS WAS SO COOL!

She hoped it changed because these were so LOVELY and pleasant--and much more comfortable for long-term riding than BROOMS. Oh Ember HATED brooms--but this was besides the point, wasn't it?

He smiled when she ran up and he hugged her back "Hey Sophie." he said warmly. He didn't like the nickname but hey it was his sister. "How are you? It's been awhile." Way too long, but then again he sort of preferred being away from most of the family, it was better than it had been but nothing was exactly perfect.

Giving Orlando an extra hug Sophie disentangled herself to be able to look up into his eyes warmly. "I'm good. Yes, that it has." She agreed. "How have you been lando?" She countered. Pushing a few brown strands of hair behind her ears she gestured toward the carpets. "Have you ever ridden on a carpet before?" Sophie decided that she’d break her news of possibly applying for work at the ministry when they were in the air. She had a feeling that Lando wouldn’t approve.

He smiled at her warmly but shrugged "I've been okay. How about you? Done any travelling?" He looked towards the carpets that were waiting and being tested "I have once or twice, it's kind of fun as long as you stay on it." Heh, a few tumbles but hey it was fun! "Have you been on one before?" he knew she didn't travel as much as him, but you never knew!

Heather had taken it upon herself to just randomly show up and show support in her husband in something else other than work. He had been told she would be spending the day out with her mother in the muggle world, however, she just wanted to surprise him. That and it was all he could seem to talk about in the past couple of days. He had assured her he wouldn't ride but just look around, but she knew him better than that. She saw how his eyes would light up at just the mere mention of them.

She walked around and spotted Jasper catching the end of his question. Fastest?? Oh, dear. If only it were a broom. She wasn't sure how she felt about a flying carpet. Sure there was history behind them but that was all that would hold her attention. She sighed but couldn't bring herself to stop it, after all if she decided to become a Holyhead once more she was certain he would support her in that.

She kept her distance hoping her wouldn't spot her, but she stared at him. Did he feel her stare? Did he feel it in the back of his head? The stare of a supportive, but slightly concerned for his safety wife?

He really would need to sing this on his magic carpet ride and not just with Athena but everyone he knows, like Queen Victoria. He would dare call Victoria anything else nowadays. Jamie was really getting into this. He was swaying back and forth and lip singing the words as the girl was singing them. He wasn't afraid to say the words this woman didn't.

"WITH YOU, A WHOLE NEW WORLD, THAT'S WHERE WE'LL ME. A THRILLING CHASE, A WONDROUS PLACE FOR YOU AND ME."

Now they just needed a new song to sing. "That was awesome!" Jamie beamed at the girl. Were there anymore songs that mentioned magic carpets? Jamie didn't know but he wanted to know when it was his turn to ride the carpet.

Mimicking his shrug she responded. "I’ve been fine too. No travelling just work." Eyes getting drawn to the carpets again Sophie as she shook her head. "No, they’re banned from use in Britain remember? And besides I doubt mum would have let me ride one. She thinks brooms are enough." Blushing as she realized what she had just said she hastily tried to smooth it over. "So should we go on a carpet ride? You can show me what you've learned from previous tries. I’m sure there has to be a free one somewhere." Sophie said as her eyes scanned around.

Ok, well, maybe it wasn't something to feel awkward about after all. As the man finished up the song, Emmalee grinned widely. "I don't know that everyone around us agrees," she whispered, giggling. "But it was a pleasure joining your sing-along." She wondered if there were other songs mentioning carpets that they could burst into, but the only one she could think of was that incredibly old muggle song "magic carpet ride" that her mother had loved so much. But the more she thought about it, the more she didn't think it was actually about a magic carpet.

"Are you looking forward to trying a carpet," she asked, as she scanned the crowd. She raised her arm and waved toward the man who seemed to be organizing the trials. This guy over here needs to try one! Even though her job had nothing to do with transportation, she was feeling very strongly that as many people as possible should experience the carpets.

"So, I haven't seen you around the Ministry. I'm new. Where do you work?" Small talk on the line?