[ Anthony Bridgerton, son of a noble from the Gold Court lands, and with a bright and promising future ahead of him has been defeated by pumpkins. He was going for a nice evening stroll (as one does, to see and be seen and get some exercise) when quite suddenly pumpkins and their vines started sprouting from every direction, a very localized flurry of activity right around where he's walking.

And then, to his absolute horror and chagrin, he becomes trapped within the vines. They crawl up his legs and bind his arms, dishevelling his normally impeccable appearance. Oh, if Lady Whisperfangs could see him now. The absolute scandal! This would go down in the Top 10 Most Embarassing Things To Happen To A Novice This Season, which would put him in absolute terrible standing. Who wants an embarassing novice to join their court? His reputation would be ruined!

He needs help quickly, but also...discreetly? This is a conundrum. He can't scream for help because then people would notice. But he can't get himself out because his hands are tied too tight.

And that is, of course, how he settles on a curt nod and a: ]

Good evening.

[ to anyone who passes by, as if he's not presently entraped by plants. Nailed it! ]

[ Everyone has to do their part to aid this effort, and Anthony's part appears to be helping a very cute young novice putting books on the shelf (maybe that's you, maybe that's an npc!). There's a whole art to it, you see. A subtle little brush of his hand as he helps them place the book back on the shelf in alphabetical order, the intimacy of being so close in so quiet a space, the shared working together towards an important, altrusitic goal.

Anthony might not be Red Court, but he certainly has a natural charm (when he's not being wrapped up in pumpkin vines, unless pathetic and tied up is your thing) when it comes to this sort of thing that served him well before coming to Castle Courtsheart and which, he hopes, will continue to serve him well while here. And even if this little bit of flirting doesn't go anywhere, he is being a good citizen in helping with the library fiasco! So, really, it's win-win. ]

It is so kind of you to help with all these books, I can only imagine that the librarians will be happy with our progress.

[ He keeps his tone gentle and praising, and it helps that he does really believe it. He might seem like he doesn't care sometimes, but this library mess is a real problem! ]

[ It's really no secret that Anthony, now close to finishing his second season, has been running a gambling ring. Just a bit of fun, you see, as they bet on who might excel in what classes, or how different Courts might do at school-wide competitions, or just a good old fashioned game of cards. He holds a weekly card game in an extra, empty classroom (maybe you're in the know and know where to find it, or maybe you just stumbled in) that is known for the way it often devolves into a drunken, sometimes sexual mess.

The room is filled with a light haze from whatever everyone happens to be smoking (look, when you've got a greenhouse like that on campus, this could be incredibly ill-advised), and various pieces of clothing are strewn across the floor apparently because the lads (gender-neutral) decided this was a week to gamble in stripping rather than coin. It keeps it interesting, right? Someone else's cravat is tied around Anthony's head, and his brocade vest is the only thing someone else is wearing. But everyone looks like they're having a good time.

What are they playing? A card game passed down through generations of novices, known only to those taught in these hallowed halls. Changing the rules seems to be a staple of the game, as it seems to constantly be in flux, but those at the table concentrate like they do know what's happening here.

Join in if you dare, or simply watch and partake in the excitement. Is that a bottle of bloodwine...? ]