"Soon I presume, with the next edition in a couple of days, unless I'm somehow kept from my reporting by pleasant distractions." Malvyn answers Guardok, then giving the raven-haired performer at his side a playful nudge.
"Well, I kind of had the impression you know more than me about who has been breaking up with who in the showband for instance." The purple-skinned tiefling whisper back in a teasing tone now, giving Aurora an quick affectionate kiss on the neck. He then follows suit and orders another one for himself, saying goodnight to those that are leaving, having no real hurry himself, feeling fine and still being in pleasant company.
Mei's eyes widen at the kiss to Aurora's neck, growing quite flush at the display. She clears her throat then likewise says her goodbyes and settles the bill before heading back towards the residence halls with Guardok, Rubina, and Cadoras. She breathes a sigh of relief once outside the packed tavern, having felt quite tangled up in all the crossed threads within.
"How are you feeling?" she asks Guardok. "Ah, well, t-tired, of course! But... about everything? Now that it's over?" It's a gentle question, but is clearly prodding at whether or not he found himself overwhelmed by his workload recently.
((OOC: Mei definitely needs to subtract some coinage as well! She's likely been to the cafe a bit too.))
Guardok is also a little surprised by the kiss, but pleasantly. His friend who had seemed so awkward at the start of the year had grown in confidence so much.
As they walk back to the hall, he replies to Mei. "It's been fun in truth. I don't mind being busy, that is normal where I am from. But I do worry it has taken my focus away from my studies. I guess time will tell, with the exams coming up. And I did quite like the look of the Show Band, it's a shame I can't be in three clubs". He chuckles at the thought of doing even more.
"How about you? Do you think these midnight rituals you are doing are working? Is working even the right question? Do you find them beneficial?".
Larine tells Maeabout the progress of her water dancing routines - both with the Intramural Water-Dancing Club and with her fish. The former is progressing though it sounds she still struggles a bit. The later also is improving, though the fish are not quite as interested in the routines as she is. "It's all fun though. I love being in the water," she adds with a smile. The two make their way slowly back to the dorm. "The Water-Dancing show is going to be in a couple weeks. I think it was planned to be a bit after the next exams." She looks a little anxious when she mentioned exams.
Maeleve nodded along with a smile as Larine went on about her activities, giving her a tiny bump of encouragement. "You'll get it, I know you will. It's important I think, to do what you love, at least in some fashion." She stopped as they got close to the dorm. "Oh well do let me know when, I'd love to come see your show. It sounds very unique."She smiled wider and then got a slight look of concern as well. "Oh, exams, yes...stars above with so much going on, I nearly forgot they were almost here. Do you think it's too soon to start studying?"
Mei seems relieved at Guardok's reply, having been quite worried about him the last few weeks. "Three would be quite a juggling act!" There's a chime of laughter over the accidental pun. "Though I guess you're used to those! I'd be sad to see you even less though."
"I'm normally busier than this too, but... that was a balance we grew into, you know? I think I'm still learning how to find that balance here. It'd be so easy to be like those Lotus Eaters--forget we're here for something bigger and just... have fun. Play. Do all the clubs and events. Fall in love and n-neck in the tavern," even as the thought makes her blush, she grins at Guardok, clearly talking about their smitten floormate. She can't help but glance at Cadoras too.
But when he asks about the rituals, Mei wrings her hands together. "They are! D-Definitely! I've never had so much energy in my life! I don't, um... Dream as much anymore. But I don't fall asleep in class or nap in my breakfast either, which feels nothing short of a miracle," she laughs. "I just wish I knew more about... her? Though maybe that's ungrateful--she's only helped me so far."
As the group of floormates leave the Bow's End, Aurora bids them a good night. She glances over at Malvyn and in a low voice says, "I do know about a lot of things Mal. You just have to ask if you want to know."Lesvielalso waves good-bye to the others, then comments to Malvynand Aurora. "I should go say hello to some of my other friends. But it was nice to spend a few moments with you all." She heads off to a rather boisterous group of older students that are much closer to the stage.
As the group makes their way back to the dorm, they talk about various things. As Mei'scomment makes her blush and she glances to Cardoras, she just catches him turning away from having been watching her. He doesn't say anything, his silence a little unusual for him. But soon they are back at Dresar Hall.
"Oh, well, I've heard that some people say it's never too soon to start studying for exams," Larine offers as she walks with Mae. They had arrived back at Dresar Hall well before the others and went inside. "But yea, probably time start studying this week." She shrugs. "I'm not that great at studying really."
Guardok chuckles at Mei's words and the way she blushes after saying them, "I get the feeling our friend has spent too long deep in his books already. He needs to get his head out of them for a little and experience the world a bit".
"I can see how staying awake during the day is appealing. But what about your dreams? Is the Dreaming not a big part of who you are?", he asks, genuinely trying to understand. "How will you learn to embrace your dreams, maybe gain some control over them, if you suppress your ability to experience them? ".
He looks down unsure if he is babbling, or has misunderstood Mei's relationship with dreams.
"Oh please, you can't expect me to for instance ask you about if Lesviel is still in that relationship before bringing it up, can't you just gossip a little about the goings on in general, it would certainly help me from stepping in it and you from being embarrassed over me in public. The girls in the novels I have read so far definitely gossip a lot." The purple-skinned tiefling says quietly with a playful tone, taking another sip of his wine. "You know I am awkward in social situations but you can definitely help me navigate them better if you want. Or maybe you prefer me this way?" He says curiously and quite affectionately.
Mei nods in agreement. "He deserves to feel loved like that after all he's been through. And they say university is the best time for, um, e-exploration anyways!"
Mei puts a hand on Guardok's shoulder as he looks down. "No, that's... you're right! That's the whole reason I'm here." A sound more sigh than laugh follows as she glances up the stars. "It's a big part of who I've been raised to be. It's just been nice to feel normal for a bit, you know? Like my path is my own. But that's... oh, that's terribly selfish isn't it? Here you're doing everything you can for you family and circus and I'm just--" she gesticulates with her hands then laughs. "I think I'll skip the ritual tonight."
"I don't think it's selfish, Mei", Guardok replies. "You are discovering yourself here, and maybe you are more than just a dreamer. In fact, I am sure you are. I guess I have been around people who have gifts like yours a little bit, and...well...I do think your dreams are a gift".
He looks like he is about to say more, but doesn't and looks up at the stars as well.
Maeleve smiled a bit and nodded at Larine. "Well I'm certainly not starting tonight. But when you're ready, you're welcome to come by and study with me. I may see what my floormates do as well. Some of them are much better at studying than I am I think. But I'm sure we can work together too." Maeleve smiled again, "Shall we go on up then?"
"More than just a Dreamer..?" Mei echoes, touched by Guardok's words. Tradition required she be just and only that. A Dreamer who would one day take her grandmother's place as matriarch and Dreamweaver, watching the weave for signs of trouble or catastrophe. She glances over at her friend as he watches the stars.
After a moment, and with a soft fondness, she puts one arm round his much lower shoulder and hugs him to her side, then loops the other behind Cadoras' waist to hug him to the opposite (Rubina as well if she's still there). "You are all a gift." She looks to the stars again and asks of no one in particular, "We'll find our place among them one day, don't you think?"
Then, with a quick peck to Cadoras' cheek and then the top of Guardok's turquoise hair, Mei heads for the door. She flashes a smile over her shoulder, "But tonight, you all need sleep!"
Aurora tilts her head a bit as she listens to what Malvyn says. "Hmm, perhaps you have figured out my secret. I think I do find your awkwardness a bit... intriguing. I do probably let you struggle in your awkwardness more than necessary. But it does amuse me." She leans over and kisses him lightly on the cheek. "I hope you can forgive me Mal. And I'm sorry if I don't live up to the girls in your novels. I suppose I am not much of a gossip. Though others are, and I tend to be observant about things. Are you saying you wished I would share more gossip with you?" She grins. "Being at the Bow's End most nights, I do happen to see a lot."
Larine agrees with Mae, "It would be good to study with you. I... I just don't know about the others. I mean, I'm sure your floormates are great, but I guess I just struggle with larger groups sometimes." She then nods, "Yep. Let's head on up. Probably about time to get some rest I suppose."
"I think being here at Strixhaven is a great time for ex...perimentation," Cadoras adds, clearly wanting to join in on the conversation. "I would like to... I mean... I haven't really much." Almost as unusual as his pervious silence, it seems the elf is a bit unsure of his words. "Other than weird experiments in food!" he suddenly adds in a joking tone, seemly trying to cover up his earlier fumbles. He's a bit distracted for a moment as a student you've never seen before wanders out of the hall mumbling about something. But he turns back just as Meiputs on arm around his waist to pull him into a hug.
Rubina is a bit taken by surprise by Mei'ssudden hug. But she quickly recovers. "That is very kind of you Mei. I'm sure we will all find our place - wherever that ends up being." With a sigh she agrees with her assessment. "Yes, I had better head back to my dorm to rest."
Mei's kiss on his cheek seems to have Cadoras lightly embarrassed. "Well.. yes... sleep. Um, goodnight."
With Rubina and then Cadoras heading back to their own dorms, the two floor mates are left together to head upstairs to the third floor.
Mae smiled again and nodded some more. "Oh no, that's quite all right. We'll see what everyone is up to as it gets closer I think." She walked in to the lift and then looked at Larine, "Did you want to, you know, not go back to your room yet? If you're tired though I really wouldn't say no to some more rest. But if you didn't want to leave yet that would be okay too."
Mei freezes, realizing what she's done, and stutters back a rather horrified, "S-Sorry--I, uh... Good--g-good night," before all but fleeing the scene.
The young mage continues to pause at random intervals on the way upstairs to either mutter little curses at herself or bury her beet red face in her hands with a groan. Perhaps that drink was stronger than she realized.
Larine looks at Maewith a slight smile. "I wouldn't mind not leaving quite yet. If it's ok with you." She joins Mae in the lift to go up to the fourth floor.
Guardok enjoys the companionship of Mei, Rubina and Cadoras as they look up at the sky. He had smiled at Cadoras when he mentioned food, that was something he had in common with the elf. That love of food. Although he was not quite as experimental, as the elf had put it. He was still unsure about the triangle between Mei, Quentillius and Cadoras, but he was glad he had persuaded Quentillius to attend the art gala and show Mei he was still interested. It was up to Mei now, if she was interested in either of them.
And then just like that he stands alone after Rubina takes her leave, followed by Cadoras and almost simultaneously Mei rushes off in a bit of a fluster.
He stays for a while, pondering the stars. He was far more tied to the earth, and being amongst the stars where there was no ground was not a comforting thought to him at all. But he understood what Mei meant. His place was with his family, at the circus. And yet looking up, that thought felt very small and inconsequential.
Not wanting to head up to the fourth floor just yet, he lies down on the ground, feeling a little more connected as more of him is in contact with the earth.
"Well I live to amuse you dear..." The purple-skinned tiefling says with a grin. "...and you are certainly not like the girls in my novels Aurora, you are much more interesting than that. And while I don't necessarily expect you to gossip, perhaps you could just keep me informed enough to steer me away from embarrassment to some extent at least, I'm sure I will stay awkward enough anyway to keep you intrigued." He says with a small chuckle, taking another sip of his drink. "What about Rubina for instance, does she have a special friend? And what if anything do you know about our quite secretive floormate Piero, has he been here at the tavern lately with girl he took to the concert?"
Obversely wanting to be closer to the stars, Mei was having similar thoughts atop the residence hall once her mortification had worn off. This time, however, she was not there to do any ritual or prayer, though she said a silent thank you to Disyn and apologized for the return of her blessings.
There's a long, steadying inhale-exhale as she dangles her feet off the edge of the roof and contemplates the path ahead.
Maeleve kept smiling warmly. "Yes, it is quite okay with me." She went up with Larine, offering to let her come sit in her room a while to enjoy her company until they were too sleepy to go on.
(DM: I'm fine with moving on here unless there was anything else you wanted to bring up!)
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"Soon I presume, with the next edition in a couple of days, unless I'm somehow kept from my reporting by pleasant distractions." Malvyn answers Guardok, then giving the raven-haired performer at his side a playful nudge.
"Well, I kind of had the impression you know more than me about who has been breaking up with who in the showband for instance." The purple-skinned tiefling whisper back in a teasing tone now, giving Aurora an quick affectionate kiss on the neck. He then follows suit and orders another one for himself, saying goodnight to those that are leaving, having no real hurry himself, feeling fine and still being in pleasant company.
Mei's eyes widen at the kiss to Aurora's neck, growing quite flush at the display. She clears her throat then likewise says her goodbyes and settles the bill before heading back towards the residence halls with Guardok, Rubina, and Cadoras. She breathes a sigh of relief once outside the packed tavern, having felt quite tangled up in all the crossed threads within.
"How are you feeling?" she asks Guardok. "Ah, well, t-tired, of course! But... about everything? Now that it's over?" It's a gentle question, but is clearly prodding at whether or not he found himself overwhelmed by his workload recently.
((OOC: Mei definitely needs to subtract some coinage as well! She's likely been to the cafe a bit too.))
Guardok is also a little surprised by the kiss, but pleasantly. His friend who had seemed so awkward at the start of the year had grown in confidence so much.
As they walk back to the hall, he replies to Mei. "It's been fun in truth. I don't mind being busy, that is normal where I am from. But I do worry it has taken my focus away from my studies. I guess time will tell, with the exams coming up. And I did quite like the look of the Show Band, it's a shame I can't be in three clubs". He chuckles at the thought of doing even more.
"How about you? Do you think these midnight rituals you are doing are working? Is working even the right question? Do you find them beneficial?".
Maeleve nodded along with a smile as Larine went on about her activities, giving her a tiny bump of encouragement. "You'll get it, I know you will. It's important I think, to do what you love, at least in some fashion." She stopped as they got close to the dorm. "Oh well do let me know when, I'd love to come see your show. It sounds very unique." She smiled wider and then got a slight look of concern as well. "Oh, exams, yes...stars above with so much going on, I nearly forgot they were almost here. Do you think it's too soon to start studying?"
Mei seems relieved at Guardok's reply, having been quite worried about him the last few weeks. "Three would be quite a juggling act!" There's a chime of laughter over the accidental pun. "Though I guess you're used to those! I'd be sad to see you even less though."
"I'm normally busier than this too, but... that was a balance we grew into, you know? I think I'm still learning how to find that balance here. It'd be so easy to be like those Lotus Eaters--forget we're here for something bigger and just... have fun. Play. Do all the clubs and events. Fall in love and n-neck in the tavern," even as the thought makes her blush, she grins at Guardok, clearly talking about their smitten floormate. She can't help but glance at Cadoras too.
But when he asks about the rituals, Mei wrings her hands together. "They are! D-Definitely! I've never had so much energy in my life! I don't, um... Dream as much anymore. But I don't fall asleep in class or nap in my breakfast either, which feels nothing short of a miracle," she laughs. "I just wish I knew more about... her? Though maybe that's ungrateful--she's only helped me so far."
As the group of floormates leave the Bow's End, Aurora bids them a good night. She glances over at Malvyn and in a low voice says, "I do know about a lot of things Mal. You just have to ask if you want to know." Lesviel also waves good-bye to the others, then comments to Malvyn and Aurora. "I should go say hello to some of my other friends. But it was nice to spend a few moments with you all." She heads off to a rather boisterous group of older students that are much closer to the stage.
As the group makes their way back to the dorm, they talk about various things. As Mei's comment makes her blush and she glances to Cardoras, she just catches him turning away from having been watching her. He doesn't say anything, his silence a little unusual for him. But soon they are back at Dresar Hall.
"Oh, well, I've heard that some people say it's never too soon to start studying for exams," Larine offers as she walks with Mae. They had arrived back at Dresar Hall well before the others and went inside. "But yea, probably time start studying this week." She shrugs. "I'm not that great at studying really."
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
Guardok chuckles at Mei's words and the way she blushes after saying them, "I get the feeling our friend has spent too long deep in his books already. He needs to get his head out of them for a little and experience the world a bit".
"I can see how staying awake during the day is appealing. But what about your dreams? Is the Dreaming not a big part of who you are?", he asks, genuinely trying to understand. "How will you learn to embrace your dreams, maybe gain some control over them, if you suppress your ability to experience them? ".
He looks down unsure if he is babbling, or has misunderstood Mei's relationship with dreams.
"Oh please, you can't expect me to for instance ask you about if Lesviel is still in that relationship before bringing it up, can't you just gossip a little about the goings on in general, it would certainly help me from stepping in it and you from being embarrassed over me in public. The girls in the novels I have read so far definitely gossip a lot." The purple-skinned tiefling says quietly with a playful tone, taking another sip of his wine. "You know I am awkward in social situations but you can definitely help me navigate them better if you want. Or maybe you prefer me this way?" He says curiously and quite affectionately.
Mei nods in agreement. "He deserves to feel loved like that after all he's been through. And they say university is the best time for, um, e-exploration anyways!"
Mei puts a hand on Guardok's shoulder as he looks down. "No, that's... you're right! That's the whole reason I'm here." A sound more sigh than laugh follows as she glances up the stars. "It's a big part of who I've been raised to be. It's just been nice to feel normal for a bit, you know? Like my path is my own. But that's... oh, that's terribly selfish isn't it? Here you're doing everything you can for you family and circus and I'm just--" she gesticulates with her hands then laughs. "I think I'll skip the ritual tonight."
"I don't think it's selfish, Mei", Guardok replies. "You are discovering yourself here, and maybe you are more than just a dreamer. In fact, I am sure you are. I guess I have been around people who have gifts like yours a little bit, and...well...I do think your dreams are a gift".
He looks like he is about to say more, but doesn't and looks up at the stars as well.
Maeleve smiled a bit and nodded at Larine. "Well I'm certainly not starting tonight. But when you're ready, you're welcome to come by and study with me. I may see what my floormates do as well. Some of them are much better at studying than I am I think. But I'm sure we can work together too." Maeleve smiled again, "Shall we go on up then?"
"More than just a Dreamer..?" Mei echoes, touched by Guardok's words. Tradition required she be just and only that. A Dreamer who would one day take her grandmother's place as matriarch and Dreamweaver, watching the weave for signs of trouble or catastrophe. She glances over at her friend as he watches the stars.
After a moment, and with a soft fondness, she puts one arm round his much lower shoulder and hugs him to her side, then loops the other behind Cadoras' waist to hug him to the opposite (Rubina as well if she's still there). "You are all a gift." She looks to the stars again and asks of no one in particular, "We'll find our place among them one day, don't you think?"
Then, with a quick peck to Cadoras' cheek and then the top of Guardok's turquoise hair, Mei heads for the door. She flashes a smile over her shoulder, "But tonight, you all need sleep!"
Aurora tilts her head a bit as she listens to what Malvyn says. "Hmm, perhaps you have figured out my secret. I think I do find your awkwardness a bit... intriguing. I do probably let you struggle in your awkwardness more than necessary. But it does amuse me." She leans over and kisses him lightly on the cheek. "I hope you can forgive me Mal. And I'm sorry if I don't live up to the girls in your novels. I suppose I am not much of a gossip. Though others are, and I tend to be observant about things. Are you saying you wished I would share more gossip with you?" She grins. "Being at the Bow's End most nights, I do happen to see a lot."
Larine agrees with Mae, "It would be good to study with you. I... I just don't know about the others. I mean, I'm sure your floormates are great, but I guess I just struggle with larger groups sometimes." She then nods, "Yep. Let's head on up. Probably about time to get some rest I suppose."
"I think being here at Strixhaven is a great time for ex...perimentation," Cadoras adds, clearly wanting to join in on the conversation. "I would like to... I mean... I haven't really much." Almost as unusual as his pervious silence, it seems the elf is a bit unsure of his words. "Other than weird experiments in food!" he suddenly adds in a joking tone, seemly trying to cover up his earlier fumbles. He's a bit distracted for a moment as a student you've never seen before wanders out of the hall mumbling about something. But he turns back just as Mei puts on arm around his waist to pull him into a hug.
Rubina is a bit taken by surprise by Mei's sudden hug. But she quickly recovers. "That is very kind of you Mei. I'm sure we will all find our place - wherever that ends up being." With a sigh she agrees with her assessment. "Yes, I had better head back to my dorm to rest."
Mei's kiss on his cheek seems to have Cadoras lightly embarrassed. "Well.. yes... sleep. Um, goodnight."
With Rubina and then Cadoras heading back to their own dorms, the two floor mates are left together to head upstairs to the third floor.
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
Mae smiled again and nodded some more. "Oh no, that's quite all right. We'll see what everyone is up to as it gets closer I think." She walked in to the lift and then looked at Larine, "Did you want to, you know, not go back to your room yet? If you're tired though I really wouldn't say no to some more rest. But if you didn't want to leave yet that would be okay too."
Mei freezes, realizing what she's done, and stutters back a rather horrified, "S-Sorry--I, uh... Good--g-good night," before all but fleeing the scene.
The young mage continues to pause at random intervals on the way upstairs to either mutter little curses at herself or bury her beet red face in her hands with a groan. Perhaps that drink was stronger than she realized.
Larine looks at Mae with a slight smile. "I wouldn't mind not leaving quite yet. If it's ok with you." She joins Mae in the lift to go up to the fourth floor.
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
Guardok enjoys the companionship of Mei, Rubina and Cadoras as they look up at the sky. He had smiled at Cadoras when he mentioned food, that was something he had in common with the elf. That love of food. Although he was not quite as experimental, as the elf had put it. He was still unsure about the triangle between Mei, Quentillius and Cadoras, but he was glad he had persuaded Quentillius to attend the art gala and show Mei he was still interested. It was up to Mei now, if she was interested in either of them.
And then just like that he stands alone after Rubina takes her leave, followed by Cadoras and almost simultaneously Mei rushes off in a bit of a fluster.
He stays for a while, pondering the stars. He was far more tied to the earth, and being amongst the stars where there was no ground was not a comforting thought to him at all. But he understood what Mei meant. His place was with his family, at the circus. And yet looking up, that thought felt very small and inconsequential.
Not wanting to head up to the fourth floor just yet, he lies down on the ground, feeling a little more connected as more of him is in contact with the earth.
"Well I live to amuse you dear..." The purple-skinned tiefling says with a grin. "...and you are certainly not like the girls in my novels Aurora, you are much more interesting than that. And while I don't necessarily expect you to gossip, perhaps you could just keep me informed enough to steer me away from embarrassment to some extent at least, I'm sure I will stay awkward enough anyway to keep you intrigued." He says with a small chuckle, taking another sip of his drink. "What about Rubina for instance, does she have a special friend? And what if anything do you know about our quite secretive floormate Piero, has he been here at the tavern lately with girl he took to the concert?"
Obversely wanting to be closer to the stars, Mei was having similar thoughts atop the residence hall once her mortification had worn off. This time, however, she was not there to do any ritual or prayer, though she said a silent thank you to Disyn and apologized for the return of her blessings.
There's a long, steadying inhale-exhale as she dangles her feet off the edge of the roof and contemplates the path ahead.
More than just a Dreamer.
Maeleve kept smiling warmly. "Yes, it is quite okay with me." She went up with Larine, offering to let her come sit in her room a while to enjoy her company until they were too sleepy to go on.
(DM: I'm fine with moving on here unless there was anything else you wanted to bring up!)