Culuril's Strixhaven Adventure

As Shin had already introduced her, Bretira simply said, "Yes, good to meet you." But when Guardok mentions 'choosing a College' her ears seem to rotate a bit as they take in the words. "How very exciting, choosing a college. I really think I will end up in Lorehold. Have you chosen your college yet? Or do you know?" 

Arinchu had smiled back at Aspen after she had stepped closer. "Alright, let's go," was her reply. She waited while Aspen called out to the others, then was right behind her as she pivoted to go. But when the fox-eared woman backed up in surprise, Arinchu deftly stepped aside almost as if she had expected the move. After being introduced, she simply says, "Hi." But she quickly adds, "Yea, we were on our way to the cafe. I guess we could all go save some seats for everyone." 

As Malvyn approached the pair, the Half-Orc watched the Tiefling closely. Appraisingly. "How do we find Strixhaven so far?" she says flatly. "You realize we've hardly been here more than an hour?" She continues to study him. "I guess though Aspen and I were just discussing that. And as I told her, I've not been disappointed yet." She doesn't seem to actually smile as she says this, but her mood does seem to lighten as she seems pleased with the comment. 

Naevyn had seemed to pick up on Guardok's comment about the Drama Guild. "Hmm, Drama Guild sounds interesting. I considered it but didn't end up picking that one for my activity. I'm evidently going to learn about playing Silkball! Should be fun!" 

Chierhy had entered the lobby area along with a handful of others. Leading the group was a male rock gnome and a human with wind-swept white hair. Just behind is another dark-skinned human woman with dark brown eyes. Her long hair is braided tightly and has a golden choker around her neck and a golden earring dangles from one ear. Dressed in a blue dress made of fine cloth, it is clear she has an athletic build and muscular arms. "And I am Myala Natogoro from the Nyashadzashe Plains and Kuropan Arko," she says in a deep feminine voice. Her tone seems to be trying to match Chierhy, though without any of the eloquent polish. 

The human man then speaks up, introducing himself. "Kadyr Isakov, servant of the Wildmother," he says.  Then with a grin he adds, "And of course, new Strixhaven student to-be!" Not only is his hair white, but he is dressed in an intricately decorated white robe. An amulet hanging from his neck depicts a crooked staff with a wreath of vines, berries, and wheat in a circle about it. His eyes are bright blue.  And if you watch closely, it almost seems as though his well-styled hair flutters in a breeze, despite the lack of any breeze in the room. 

Amidst all the chaos of everyone introducing themselves and trading questions, Naevyn finally looks over at Shin. "I think you said something about sweet treats. I want to get something, but let's do it quick so we can start to explore more of this place!" 

The purple-skinned tiefling gives the half-orc with the broken tusk an almost apologetic look at her first response. He did realize they were all new and the question had only been an effort to be polite. He is relieved to at least have the half-orc answer the question. He tries to think of something else to say but comes up empty and feels he would probably be more comfortable once back at Aurora's side, scratching his neck, his tail swaying a bit more awkwardly again.

As more new students enters the lobby of Cloudblower Hall, the purple-skinned tiefling nods and gives them a small awkward smile as each of them introduces themselves. A sensetive soul, Malvyn takes a half step back as he notices his effect on Chierhy and quickly divert his fiery red eyes. The goblin seeemed to be brimming with confidence though and he imagined him and Guardok getting along just fine. His ears catch the mention of Lorehold and he gives the owlin a quick curious glance, perhaps it could be a topic to bring up later. For now he merely stands there quietly, hoping they were all soon ready to move on to the safety of the cafe.

"Hi-Ho, new friends! I'm Dax - Daxle Copperwhistle." Dax is a young rock gnome in sturdy clothes - obviously worn but cleaned to be 'presentable.' He wears a leather vest that comes down to his knees, and he has a variety of tools and materials in multiple small pockets and pouches. He has a hand-sized mechanical dragonfly-like contraption flying just behind his shoulder, carrying a large brownie in its spindly legs. "It is so neat to meet this many different people on my first day! My brothers and sisters may never believe it!"

As more and more prospective first years appear, Guardok tries his best to split his attention.

"Oh my, those names have so many words in them. Very formal", he says regarding Chierhy and Myala. "It's all very impressive, but I will never remember it all. What do your friends call you? If I may be so bold as to hope to one day be included in their number", he says, trying to be informal and formal at the same time.

Turning back to Shin, he smiles, "You are a swordsman and a singer? That is amazing. I am more of an acrobat myself, but I can hold a bit of a tune. Sounds like you will be excellent company. Now if you tell me you are an early riser, that would be perfect. I tend to train before breakfast".

"Oh and other questions. I'll try not to miss any", he says turning to Bretira. "Lorehold is an excellent choice. I went to their campus the other day, really nice if you like a lot of books. Mal was impressed, he likes books. I will likely join Prismari, but I am tempted by Silverquill".

"And the Drama Guild is great", he says now turning to find Naevyn. "I had performed but not done any actual acting before, but you soon get used to it and start having fun. But I bet Silkball will be really good fun too".

When Dax then chirps up, he spins around to see who spoke.

"You know, for most of the time here I have been surrounded by folk far bigger than me", the little genasi says. "It's so good to see so many people I can look in the eye. Assuming you are on the ground", he adds looking at Shin, Dax and Naevyn for that last statement.

"Oh, not that you and the others aren't great, Mal", he quickly says and reaches up to pat the Tiefling on the shoulder.

Still standing behind his short genasi friend, Malvyn is quite grateful that Guardok is juggling all the conversations while he himself had started to feel exhausted just trying to keep up with listening. "Well, I would argue that a person's size generally does not tell whether they are great or not, but I'm relieved to hear that you consider me as such, and the feeling is mutual of course." He says with a small smile as his shorter friend pats him on the shoulder. "And yes, I was indeed impressed by what I saw at the Lorehold college, although the Biblioplex itself is quite a temple of lore too." He adds with excitement in his fiery red eyes as he looks over at the owlin. 

Aspen remains very still for a beat as the introductions ripple outward in widening circles... names, colleges, guilds, realms, training schedules, and the increasingly urgent problem of sweet treats. Her ears swivel like small attentive satellites.

Guardok’s easy enthusiasm. Shin’s layered wit. Bretira's practical curiosity. Arinchu's grounded presence. Naevyn’s restless excitement. Chierhy’s poised composure. Malvyn’s careful retreat. Myala's steady presence. Kadyr's wind kissed composure. Daxles joy. The list of little things Aspen picked up in such a short time.

When Chierhy’s voice finds her, Aspen’s attention returns with warmth. She gives a small respectful nod, as if answering the formality with her own, but then immediately follows it up with a little wave and an added smile, which is estended to Myala, Dax, and Kadyr. "I'm glad you found us."

When Malvyn diverts his eyes and steps back half a pace, Aspen’s gaze lingers on him just a second longer than necessary, not invasive, just aware. She recognizes that movement. The instinct to withdraw when the air shifts. Her tail sways once, thoughtful.

Aspen's smile then grows, soft and grounding. “To be fair,” She adds lightly to Arinchu’s earlier point, though her eyes flick briefly toward Malvyn. “I’m still collecting everyone’s names like berries." She chuckles softly. "I’ll get there." She nods. "I'll feel more grounded once routines start, and new names and faces become familiar ones.” She appreciated the ask in terms of polite sentiments to start conversation. 

On that note, when Guardok comments about long formal names, Aspen’s dimple appears again. “I suspect, or purhaps hope...” She adds, glancing toward Chierhy and Myala with respectful warmth. “That we’ll all earn shorter versions once we’ve survived a few weeks together.” There’s a flicker of playful guilt in her expression. She may be the first to simplify syllables.

At the mention of colleges though the conversations (Lorehold, Prismari, Silverquill...), her ears perk again. “Witherbloom.” She chimes in when there’s space for her voice to exist. Calm. Certain. “That’s where I hope to land.” She adds, settling naturally into the flow.

When Aspen notices Dax’s dragonfly contraption buzzing about with a brownie, she can't help but laugh a little. A quick, bright sound. “That...” She says, pointing gently at the mechanical dragonfly. “is 'dangerous' innovation.” Which of course kept a smile on her face. "Will you do delivery?"

As the discussion of height makes it into the open, it dawns on Aspen at how tall she feels in this group gathering, considering on average she'd be about over five and a half feet with her ears. Her eyes glance about the group noting the variations as observation. Then after some time, when conversations conclude or lull naturally, Aspen would look over (up?) to Arinchu. "Ready for Firejolt?" Then openly to the others as her gaze moves over the rest of the group. "Shall we mosey this party over?"

Amidst all the chaos of everyone introducing themselves and trading questions, Naevyn finally looks over at Shin. "I think you said something about sweet treats. I want to get something, but let's do it quick so we can start to explore more of this place!" 

"Regarding sweet treats, only that the other new students, who you just now met, had gone in search of them, presumably with great success.  Yet since the delay in your registration has led you to go hungry since arriving, let us see what we can locate.  We can join the others soon."

Shin trots companionably aside to join his fey roommate in a quest for empty carbohydrates, though the goblin himself will not partake.

Turning back to Shin, [Guardok] smiles, "You are a swordsman and a singer? That is amazing. I am more of an acrobat myself, but I can hold a bit of a tune. Sounds like you will be excellent company. Now if you tell me you are an early riser, that would be perfect. I tend to train before breakfast."

"Swordsman and a singer...  currently neither, yet aspirationally both, though in bladesinging, the singing is intended to be almost inseparable from the swordplay.  As for rising early to train prior to breakfast, that sounds... lovely."

(Shin's forced grin suggests he may think otherwise, and if an owl could laugh with her eyes, Pinky-toe perched on his shoulder would be snickering.)

"Oh and Guardok, if you are indeed an acrobat, perhaps I can query, ah... later after Naevyn's dessert that is, whether you participate in the Intramural Gymnastics Club?  Both I and Arinchu, my fellow pre-enrollee who appears on her way to the Firejolt Cafe already, are intending to join..."

(At this point, Shin presumably waves as he heads off with Naevyn back into the Cloudblower Hall cafeteria to satiate the fairy's sweet tooth.)

Chierhy’s smile endures through an increasingly disorientating unease. It seems to her that Wagadu is the sole realm of those represented so far in this coalescing group where status is acknowledged. How do others know if they have overstepped, or when pity rather than distance should reign? Only Myala follows forms, yet — her eyes flick warmly to Myala’s, encouragingly — yet even Myala seems to be improvising. And for her —Chierhy’s — benefit. Or, is this a subterfuge to be discovered tomorrow or the next day, that she is actually being mocked?

Yet these thoughts are carefully covered, for, accustomed to the deceptions and snake-tongued flattery of the higher-born nobles of Koumba Saleh, Chierhy knows well never to allow a stranger to suspect the currents that flow under the river’s surface.  

When Aspen notices Dax’s dragonfly contraption buzzing about with a brownie, she can't help but laugh a little. A quick, bright sound. “That...” She says, pointing gently at the mechanical dragonfly. “is 'dangerous' innovation.” Which of course kept a smile on her face. 

Chierhy had just tuned into this conversation and the sudden joke draws a dry chuckle from her. 

"Will you do delivery?"

This follow-up pulls a joyful titter from Chierhy, and her eyes glow with humor as she smiles her appreciation toward the fox-eared woman.

Aspen would look over (up?) to Arinchu. "Ready for Firejolt?" Then openly to the others as her gaze moves over the rest of the group. "Shall we mosey this party over?"

"Yes!," Chierhy agrees, waiting to hear what next genuinely amusing thing Aspen might say.

(OOC - Looks like I cross-posted with Chierhy above. But seems to be no issues.) 

Bretira looks over at Dax's little mechanical dragonfly-like device with wonder. "It's carrying a brownie! I didn't know it could do that!" she says. "I am going to have to figure out a way to make something like that."  Then as she hears Guardok's comment about Malvyn being interested in Lorehold her eyes fix in on him. "Oh, I love books. And languages. Languages are interesting. Are you a part of the Dead Languages Society? I was going to be joining them next week."  She also pipes up with Malvyn mentions the Biblioplex. "Yes! The Biblioplex is on our list as well. We've got to be back here by 3pm, but we're going to stop at the cafe then head on to the Biblioplex. I think." 

When Guardok mentions the names having so many words, Myala looks a little embarrassed. "Well, I just go by Myala typically," she says. "Or even just 'Mya' sometimes with my closest friends." 

Naevyn takes the most interest in the comments about the Drama Guild. "I've never performed really. But figured it might be a good way to get more comfortable speaking in front of people. I was leaning towards Prismari myself. Though I must say, I'm not terribly familiar with any of the colleges."  He smiles at the talk of short folk. "I must admit I have never much been around the tall folk. I am glad that we have a healthy group of normal-sized folk here!" 

His attention though then flits to Shin. "Yes! Quick trip to sweets!" The fairy then heads off with the goblin back towards the cafeteria. 

Arinchu watches Malvyn back up a bit but does not fully understand what his reaction was about. She does seem to watch him, puzzling over it for a moment.  It continues until she catches Shindo mentioning her name in regard to the Gymnastics Club. She looks over to where the goblin is talking with Guardok, curious if he really is a part of that club. How nice to meet another person that might be in that group.

Just after that though Aspen looks over at her and asks if she's ready. (It's probably looking up. She's more than 5 and a half feet tall but not quite 6 feet.) "Oh. Yea," she says softly. "Ready for Firejolt." She starts to head for the exit back outside, walking alongside Aspen. "Witherbloom seems quite fitting for you," she says as they walk. "I mean, from the little bit I've seen with the little flower buds and all."  Her eyes shift to the collection of woven together blossoms she's carrying. "What will you do with those?" she asks. "A decoration for your room?" 

Though the Half-Orc seems to not really pay attention to the others, she presumes that many of the others will be following.  

(OOC - Think I had this as Dax originally but should have been Shin!) 
In the Cafeteria with Shin, Naevyn makes directly for the dessert section of the food line, presuming the goblin guides him in that direction.  He very quickly picks out 5 chocolates, placing them on a napkin, and turning around to go again. "That should be enough for now," he says as he takes a bite of one of the pieces, finding it filled with a chocolate nougat. "Mmm. Let's get ourselves caught up with the others." 

"Yes, it must be exhausting to take all this in, you just take it in your own pace and all will be fine I think." The purple-skinned tiefling suggests to the fox-eared girl, doing his best with a kind smile. He recalled his own first days at campus, so long ago it felt like now. He had struggled socially at first but there had been other students to support him that didn't judge him on his appearance, or his lack of social skills for that matter. He had learned much since then, but he felt he had been lucky, and he hoped all these new students would also find a home here at Strixhaven like he had. He takes note of the flowers and ponders if Aspen would like to get to know his roomie Knap, or perhaps even Aurora, although she was more into weeds perhaps he thought, grinning briefly to himself. As far as he knew they were both heading for the Witherbloom college though, whereas he himself was surely ending up at Lorehold. He chuckles quietly at the fox-eared girls comments and nods before the owlin catches his attention.

"No, I'm not part of the Dead Languages Society I'm afraid, I wish I had the time though, it seems terrifically interesting but alas I already work at the Biblioplex and do some investigative journalism for the student paper The Strixhaven Star." Malvyn explains to the owlin. "Perhaps you would be interested in working at the Biblioplex though, if you like books as much as I do I'm sure you would like it there." He cotinues as they start walking over to the Firejolt cafe.

As the group begins to shift toward the exit in a loose migration toward Firejolt, Aspen catches Chierhy’s eye again. She offers a warmer smile and makes a small, inviting motion with her hand as if to say come along. This was extended to the others with her as well. Aspen's tail sways contentedly behind her as they move.

Her ears continue their subtle twitching, turning toward snippets of conversation... Dead Languages Society, Prismari, Silkball, early morning training, investigative journaling... collecting them like small, shining stones to examine later. Aspen stores these things carefully. Knowledge of people is its own kind of map.

Gymnastics had come up again. Aspen had honestly considered it, briefly, before choosing something safer. Something she already knew she could do well. But maybe, with some familiar faces, if there's an opportunity to join another club in the future, purhaps she could give it a try. "Do you think I might be able to come watch?" The question leaves her lips before she could catch it.

Then her head tilts slightly toward Arinchu as they walk. “What about you?” she asks, tone soft but genuinely curious. “Do you know where you may like to land? Prismari? Silverquill?” A faint playful glint touches her mismatched eyes. “Gymnastics champion?”

Then when Arinchu’s gaze shifted to the blossoms in Aspen’s hands, Aspen actually blushes. It’s subtle at first, warmth rising under her freckled cheeks but it deepens when Arinchu asks what she plans to do with them. “That's a great idea!" Decorations for rooms could be next. "But no, theses are not room decoration.” She admits quietly. Her fingers turn the woven strand over once, thumb brushing the small clustered blooms, the tiny blossoms coaxed from fruit seeds. There's soft pale peach petals from stonefruit pits. A few deep garnet toned berry blooms threaded through like anchor points.

“I'm... making bracelets.” She continues, voice dropping slightly as if confiding something precious. Her dimple appears faintly, but it’s shy this time. "A little token. In case anyone needs a reminder that they’re not alone here.” Her ears dip just slightly as she exhales a steadying breath. “I was hoping to finish them at the cafe.” A small, almost sheepish glance toward the expanding group. “Though the list keeps growing.” A good 'problem' to have.

And then, after only a beat, Aspen reaches into her satchel. She draws out one she finished earlier. This one is woven primarily from small pomegranate seed blossoms. Seep redpink petals edged faintly in cream. Sturdy and vibrant. A flower born from something protective and layered. Strong. Grounded. She felt it complements Arinchu’s earthy presence and quiet steadiness beautifully. Aspen holds it out gently. “If you’d like,” she says softly, with that dimpled smile of hers. “You can be the first.” Her tail sways once, hopeful but not expectant.

Bretira looks directly over at Malvyn. "Work at the Biblioplex? That does seem fascinating. I'm not sure I need to work necessarily, but that might be fun. I will have to think about it." The Owlin follows the others outside and towards the cafe. 

Noticing Aspen's wave inviting Chierhy to join, Arinchu looks to Myala, making a similar gesture to invite her roommate along. Her attention turns back to Aspen when she asks about coming to watch the gymnastics. Though, since she hasn't even been to the Gymnastics Club yet, she presumes the question wasn't directed to her.

She does reply immediately to the question about college. "Prismari." The answer is very firm. She doesn't elaborate more, her voice instead retreating a bit to her more usual quieter tone. "Ahhh, I doubt I'll be any sort of gymnastics champion. I've never done it before. But it seemed active and physical and maybe a little artistic. So I'm really looking forward to learning."

As the group continues walking, she focuses on Aspen a moment as though weighing whether to say more. Finally, her voice dropping to yet quieter levels, she adds. "I really like dancing. And gymnastics seemed the closest thing to that."

When the conversation shifts to the blossom petal bracelets, Arinchu smiles warmly when she talks of making them for everyone. "That's so considerate of you!" But when Aspen pulls out a completed bracelet and offers it to her, the Half-Orc's cheeks flush red, despite the green hues of her skin. "Oh... yes. It's really very lovely." 

She is smiling happily as she very gently takes it in her hand, then slips it carefully on her wrist. Her eyes dart between the vibrant blossoms and Aspen's face. "I really like it," she she says softly. 

With Aspen and Arinchu seeming to be encouraging them to come along, Myala says to Chierhy, "Guess we follow them." She looks back to Kadyr who's just behind. "You too. We wouldn't want to lose you," she says playfully. He replies, "I wouldn't want to lose you two dear ladies either!"

Dax follows the group to the cafe, a bit overwhelmed by the many different conversations going (literally) over his head. =)

Naevyn arrives back to the Lobby with Shindo shortly after the others had headed out. "Thanks for accompanying me over to the treats." He's already finished off the first piece of chocolate and has bitten into a second that seems to have a white filling of some sort. "These little things will keep me going for a bit," he says as he finished that one off. "Do you think they'll have those every day?" he says hopefully. "In any case, we should probably hurry to catch up." 

(OOC - I changed the post above. I'd originally commented about Dax going with him, but it was really Shin! Just wanted to clarify here as well.) 

In the Cafeteria with Shin, Naevyn makes directly for the dessert section of the food line, presuming the goblin guides him in that direction.  He very quickly picks out 5 chocolates, placing them on a napkin, and turning around to go again. "That should be enough for now," he says as he takes a bite of one of the pieces, finding it filled with a chocolate nougat. "Mmm. Let's get ourselves caught up with the others." 

Naevyn arrives back to the Lobby with Shindo shortly after the others had headed out. "Thanks for accompanying me over to the treats." He's already finished off the first piece of chocolate and has bitten into a second that seems to have a white filling of some sort. "These little things will keep me going for a bit," he says as he finished that one off. "Do you think they'll have those every day?" he says hopefully. "In any case, we should probably hurry to catch up." 

Shin leads Naevyn to the dessert section and watches on bemused as his winged roommate makes his selections, the goblin's hand absently on the hilt of his rapier.  His exchange with Guardok, and the prospect of early morning training with a proficient opponent weighing on his mind.

"I have a hypothesis, Naevyn, that a shared enjoyment of dessert is going to endear you to over half our Cloudblower ninth floor newbie cadre!  Especially Dax.  Thus far, only Arinchu and myself have not partaken, and in my case only due to mundane necessity to improve fitness, not lack of desire.  The evident demand based on popularity of such high-sugar fare leads me to my second hypothesis that, despite our sample size being only one at the moment (today's lunch), similar sweet treats will make appearances most if not every day as I think will please you, to answer your question."

Shin gives himself a little shake, looking ready to head back outside towards the Firejolt Cafe.

"Nevertheless, if you've taken what you wish, yes let's go join the others.  As we make our transit, something you stated earlier about considering goblins fey piqued my curiosity.  Are there still goblins in the fey realm?  You see, though I have ventured far from my goblin home caverns, I have never been to another continent, let alone another plane.  And many on this one aren't even aware of goblins' fey ancestry as they might be with elves."

Naevyn listened to Shin, grinning more and more as he goes on and on. "I love your way with words Shin! They just keep flowing! All I can say is that I fully support your hypothesis and I hope it will be supported by ample evidence in the near future!" He laughs as they try to catch up with the others. 

Outside, the pair finds that the others have managed to cross the broad avenue and will be soon heading inside. The traffic along the avenue has lessened somewhat, so getting across is rather trivial. 

For those that are entering the Firejolt Cafe, you see the place is rather busy at the moment. Straight ahead is a Barista Station, a sort of island in the middle of the place. it has a long counter and multiple people taking orders from those in line. Others are busy filling the orders.  The line today is fairly long; it will probably take a good 5 or 10 minutes to get something. 

To the left appears to be the main seating area. From the entry level there are two tiers going up towards the back. The higher tiers have large, long tables ideal of studying. On the main floor are smaller tables for groups of 8 to 10 people. And nearest the Barista Station are long bench-like tables where individuals can sit. Most of the spaces on the floor are occupied, though there is a bit of space further up. 

You notice to the right a few booths that are curtained off. You can't quite see what is inside of those. Further along in that direction is a lounge with numerous couches and a couple of fireplaces.  And opposite the side you entered you see a couple doors with a sign overhead saying 'Newsstand'. Inside seems to be a small shop. 

At one of the larger tables on the entry level, a student seems to be waving towards the group. She is dressed darkly and has dark black hair and pointed ears. Her hair is a dark black as are her eyes. She has intense red makeup and a bit brilliant red necklace. Malvyn and Guardok would recognize Aurora, who is sitting with Rubina and Quentillius.  There are still several spots left to sit. 

Aurora, Rubina, and Quentillius (Note: They are all dressed in first-year uniforms at the moment.) 
          

Once Aspen points out Dax's dragonfly contraption, Guardok notices it for the first time, becoming enamoured by it.

"That is remarkable", he says under his breath as he stares at it. When he hears the comment about delivering food, he chuckles, "You'd have to make a much bigger version if you were delivering to me".

When Shin mentions the Gymnastics club, he looks across, seeing she is already turning to leave. He tips an imaginary hat to indicate that would be fine, and turns to head to the Cafe with the others.

He listens as the others talk about the Biblioplex, colleges and other clubs. He also thinks of Knapp when Witherbloom is mentioned, but didn't interrupt to blurt it out.

As talk turns back to gymnastics, he pipes up, "I am a member of the Gymnastics Club. In fact, our friend Zanther helps organise it, and he is at the Firejolt right now. We went to a tournament not so long ago, and my friends came to watch, so you definitely can. That is more interesting than just watching the training".

When they reach the Firejolt, he waves over to Rubina, Quentillius and Aurora and heads in their direction.

"I think I have a coffee waiting for me, but come and say hello when you have got your orders", he says to the Cloudblower residents, and then looks about for Zanther as he walks to the table his friends are at.

"Yes, well, working there isn't for everyone I suppose, but when you are as bookish as myself taking care of books is the most inspiring work you could imagine. You could talk to Drazhomir about it, a collegue of mine, the most gentle minotaur you'd find, he's also with the Dead Language Society I believe, and a great lover of poetry too." Malvyn explains to the owlin as they head over to the cafe with the others.

As the fairly large group enters the Firejolt cafe, Malvyn quickly looks over at the counter to see if Mina was there, but otherwise his attention is quickly caught by the raven-haired first-year student with the briliant red necklace, giving her a wave back and a relieved smile. He had found himself a bit overwhelmed with all the new faces and names but now he would retreat to Auora's side and let others do the necessary polite talking. "Yes, please come and sit with us." He chimes in with Guardok, hoping it wouldn't be considered rude to leave the newly arrived students by themselves in the long line to order.

"Well that was interesting." He says in a lowered and a bit exhausted voice to Aurora as he finds a seat next to her, trying also to have some distance to the red-haired poser. Admittedly Guardok had made a strong effort to make Quentillius more endurable, but the purple-skinned tiefling was still not convinced the pretentious actor had really changed his obnoxious ways. He much preferred the company of the no-nonsense Rubina.

"Watching them makes me a bit nostalgic, thinking back at when we just arrived here. I know it's not even a year yet but so much has happened since then I feel." He says with a small smile, looking over at the new students having their first visit at the Firejolt cafe. "Good of you to find a large table, there's quite a few of them that came along I think."  He continues, taking a sip of the quadrouple cappuccino that Aurora knew was his ususal after an exam.

Dax grins at the comments about his mechanical version of mage hand, especially the comments about starting a delivery service of desserts to students. He thinks on it for a moment and starts to talk while they walk to the Firejolt cafe. "Hmmm, I wonder if I could increase its carrying capacity and range? Then it could carry multiple desserts, or maybe rolls and other foods, to several rooms in one trip. Maybe modify its legs to carry those small disks of hot with bread, meat, melted cheese and tomato sauce. And if I charge a small fee for delivering these food items, I would be able to procure more materials to design grander schematics..."

Dax continues to Ooohhh and Ahhhhh at all of the wondrous buildings and varied species here at Strixhaven. His look of wonder and his gnomish stature may remind you of a young child in a winter wonderland setting meeting the mythical yuletide giver of gifts for the first time! As soon as the group steps into the cafe, Dax inhales deeply, savoring the intense scents of coffee and tea and chai and other unique blends. "The most magical potion without needing magic," he exclaims! He notices the other students already at a table that seem to know Guardok and Malvyn, but Daxle isn't going to miss a chance to try that cayenne-chocolate-coffee drink with a whipped foamy cream on top from the menu!

Quote from ixi >>

As the group begins to shift toward the exit in a loose migration toward Firejolt, Aspen catches Chierhy’s eye again. She offers a warmer smile and makes a small, inviting motion with her hand as if to say come along. This was extended to the others with her as well. Aspen's tail sways contentedly behind her as they move.

 

Chierhy nods and follows Aspen's lead.

Quote from Culuril >>

 

When the conversation shifts to the blossom petal bracelets, Arinchu smiles warmly when she talks of making them for everyone. "That's so considerate of you!" But when Aspen pulls out a completed bracelet and offers it to her, the Half-Orc's cheeks flush red, despite the green hues of her skin. "Oh... yes. It's really very lovely." 

She is smiling happily as she very gently takes it in her hand, then slips it carefully on her wrist. Her eyes dart between the vibrant blossoms and Aspen's face. "I really like it," she she says softly. 

"Oh, that's so delicate and lovely," Chierhy comments, noticing how pleased Arinchu is. She darts a glance at Aspen, wondering what the price will be for this gift... a favor? something in return? But she keeps these thoughts to herself. "The blossoms compliment your complexion," she notices. 

Quote from Culuril >>

Arinchu seeming to be encouraging them to come along, Myala says to Chierhy, "Guess we follow them." She looks back to Kadyr who's just behind. "You too. We wouldn't want to lose you," she says playfully. He replies, "I wouldn't want to lose you two dear ladies either!"

Chierhy nods in response to Myala, and chuckles lightly at her comment to Kadyr. Chierhy's eyes dart again to Kadyr following the white-haired man's reply. She didn't hear him speak in this manner to the males at the table. Yet Myala and she, Chierhy, had brought him the desserts, so this may be his way of showing playful gratitude? Still... curious. Soon, as they keep pace with the others ahead of them, Chierhy finds herself out of doors...

Quote from Culuril >>

Outside, the pair finds that the others have managed to cross the broad avenue and will be soon heading inside. The traffic along the avenue has lessened somewhat, so getting across is rather trivial.  

...on a the broad avenue she'd perhaps seen only above from her dormitory room's window on the ninth floor. She looks back over her shoulder, tilting her neck, trying to make out the window through which she, Ifetayu and Uchechi had earlier taken in the view. When, a few moments later, she lowers her gaze and sees the cafe across the avenue, she slows and tries to get the others' attention -- Myala and Kadyr.

"I actually... we were just in a cafeteria... wouldn't it be nicer simply to walk outside under this unfamiliar sun and see more of the campus than to head directly indoors again?" She leaves the thought open, as a question. For though she knows she wants to explore outside, Oluwole had warned her not to stray too far alone. It would be unseemly, he said. Not that she always did as he directed -- in fact, it is often his duty to follow her instructions. But Myala seems pleasant, and Kadyr... entertaining... "We'll see our other floormates soon..."?