Culuril's Strixhaven Adventure

As he and his fey roommate-to-be exit Cloudblower Hall, Shin pauses his prolific verbal barrage in case Naevyn answers his most recent query.

"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."

If no answer is forthcoming, the goblin puts it down to that line of inquiry being a bit too prying and eases off a bit, changing the topic as the pair begin to cross the broad avenue on the way to Firejolt Cafe in hopes of rejoining the others.

"I was curious what made you choose Silkball?  It sounds quite engaging, just quite a bit different than Drama, in which you also expressed interest."

As Guardok comes over to the table, Rubina has a drink ready for him. He sees Zanther sitting off at another table, his boisterous voice carrying as he congratulates everyone on completing their exams. Zanther is a large, heavily muscled fire genasi. His dark skin seems to almost glow with an inner fire.  He spots Guardok and comes over to the table. "My friend! Glad you came over to join the crowd! I trust the exam went well?" 

Bretira had nodded her head briefly as Malvyn mentioned taking care of books at the Biblioplex. "I do think it would be a rewarding job. Paid to be in such a grand library and to deal with books all the time! I'll have to think about it." Once inside, she moves to get into the line, looking at the board above the counter to see what sort of offerings they have.  It appears that the place only serves tea and coffee, though it seems there are a vast variety of flavors. Daxle joins her in line to wait to order. "Such interesting contraptions they have for making coffee," Bretira points out to the gnome. "I'm not quite sure what to get though, there's almost too many choices!" 

Aurora greets Malvyn at the table and hands him his drink. She glances over at the others that she doesn't recognize coming in. "So, did you make a bunch of new friends, Mal? Do you think we have any new additions for the Show Band?  Did you hear that Rubina is going to be the conductor for the band now? She's quite good at it." 

Naevyn responded to Shindo's question with a quick nod. "Oh yes, there are still some goblins in the Fey realm. Not so many that I interacted with really, as my family is much more associated with the Seelie Court and the goblins typically the Unseelie Court. But as I said, we are all fey folk!"  He grins at the question on Silkball. "Yes. Well, frankly it sounded like fun! I know it might not look like it, but I am a Royal Paladin of the Most Brilliant Order of the Verdant Garden." He laughs. "A mouthful. But what was I saying? Oh yes! Running around in the mud flinging balls of spidersilk? I was hooked. But that doesn't mean I don't want to improve my oratorial skills. I'm expected to one day be Chief of the Brilliant Order of the Verdant Garden. Ah, Most Brilliant I mean. You can't forget the Most!"

Outside, when Chierhy mentions how much the blossoms of her bracelet match her complexion, Arinchu glances down at the redpink petals, realizing her face must match. Now even more nervous at the realization, the Half-Orc glances at Chierhy for just a moment before looking away. "Thank you? Yes, it is a beautiful gift." She avoids eye contact as she hurries along into the cafe.  

When the woman gets Myala and Kadyr's attention, the two stop with her as the others proceed ahead. Myala reacts instantly with a smile. "That sounds like a grand idea Chierhy. A bit more exploration of the campus would be nice."  Kadyr nods his head as well. "I would not mind walking about a bit. Where should we go? I presume that large building must be the famed Biblioplex. Perhaps we have time for a look?"  He points towards the building with the vast domes that is located at the end of the avenue you just crossed. 

"Nostalgic is definitely the word", Guardok replies, trusting that Mal is right, as he doesn't really know. Did anyone notice that?

"If you think back to when we moved in, we thought we would be besties with all our floor mates for the whole time. But some just kind of drifted off to their own things with people I guess they are more comfortable with. I hardly see Knapp any more, or Chara, or Mellori. Mei is asleep most of the time, and it is sad how things went with Mae too. Let's hope we can patch that up soon", he says a little sadly.

"Then again, I guess we all branched out a bit too, so they likely say the same of us", he adds looking at Rubina, Quentillius and Aurora.

He takes his drink from Rubina, "Thanks, I needed this".

When Zanther makes his way over, he gives his fellow genasi a high five. "Hey Zanther. I think it went ok, what about you? Oh, and I found a couple of new first years who might be up for some gymnastics".

"Yes, well you know me, always making new friends with my charming personality." Malvyn says quietly with teasing dry sarcasm. "Forgot to ask what instrumants they all play, but I'm sure you will have some nice additions to your orchestra." He continues. Truth was he couldn't recall having heard anything about any musical interest, nor noticed any musical talent, but he assumed every year brought some new musicians at least.

"Who? Rubina? Well I can't say I'm surprised, no one commands attention quite like she does." He goes on, then turning to Rubina. "Congratulations, I'm certain you will bring out the very best of performances from the band." He says to her with a friendly smile. He then glances over at the line, hoping the new students would find their way over to their table. 

He nods in agreement with Guardok. The fourth floor friends had kind of drifted apart, he didn't know exactly why, it would have been nice if they had stuck together like in the first weeks, but they had all been too busy perhaps, him more than others, studying, working at the Biblioplex and for the student paper, and then there was Aurora of course. There was perhaps simply not the time for all that one wanted to do here at Strixhaven, but you could have worse troubles in your life. "I suppose shared interests decide who we spend our time with, well, with me being the exception here I suppose." He says, giving Aurora an affectionate glance. 

Mismatched eyes watch Arinchu slip the bracelet over her wrist, watching the way the petals settle there, the red-pink blossoms resting against green skin like they had always belonged. When Arinchu blushes, turning her wrist once, and studying it, something in Aspen eases a quiet, inward settling. Prrt. Her smile deepens just slightly, more in her eyes than her mouth. "I'm glad you like it." Her tail sways behind her, slow and content. The moment lingers just long enough, and then the world resumes moving.

Aspen noticed Chierhy slow under the sun, drawing Myala and Kadyr into conversation. Aspen’s ears pivot toward them automatically, catching the suggestion of wandering the campus rather than heading straight indoors again.

Aspen pauses at the Firejolt door, fingers resting lightly against the handle, and glances back. “If the wind carries you off toward adventure,” Aspen calls gently, warmth in her voice but no insistence in it, “Hopefully it doesn’t take you too far.” A small dimple appears. “We’ll find each other again.” She gives them a wave as they change their minds about collecting as a group at the Cafe. She could gift the other bracelets another time.

Aspen pulls the door open and steps aside for Arinchu first, an unspoken courtesy, simple and instinctive. Aspen flashes an easy smile.

Across the avenue, it appears Shin and Naevyn may be nearly upon them, animated even as they talk. Aspen lingers a few seconds longer, holding the door until they arrive. “Sweet success?” she asks Shin and Naevyn as they approach, and hopefully, joins them inside.

The scent hits Aspen first... roasted beans, sugar, cream, a faint trace of spice. Her nose was coaxed into the air to inhale all the delicious, cozy scents. The sound follows... layered conversation, laughter, the hiss and clatter of barista contraptions at the long central counter. Naturally, her satellite ears flick and turn to take it all in. 

Aspen steps inside fully now, letting the door close behind them. She leans slightly toward Arinchu as they take in the tiers of seating. “Prismari...” she says thoughtfully. “And dancing.” The warmth in her expression remains, only softening further. “I’d really like to see that.” She says genuinely, supported by a flick of her tail. Aspen makes note to ask Arinchu more about it and her aspirations for the year for another time, as they were now joining others.

Ahead, Aurora's wave from one of the larger tables catches Aspen's eyes, and she smiles returning a small wave. She then sees Guardok is already moving toward it, drink in hand, and hears this Zanther’s booming voice cutting through the café air somewhere to the side. Malvyn has settled in beside Aurora, and notes his posture easing now that he’s in familiar orbit.

Aspen slows only slightly before joining that widening circle alongside fellow first years. “Hi there.” She says, voice warm and clear over the ambient noise. “I’m Aspen.” Her mismatched eyes pan the group, taking in Aurora’s sharp poise, Rubina’s command of space and Quentillius’ studied composure. “Do you have any recommendations?” She asks, glancing toward the long line at the counter. “For someone still figuring out what she likes?” There’s a light humour and sway in the admission. “And if anyone needs something grabbed while we’re in line...” She adds, though perhaps they've already got that covered amongst each other. Her tail curls briefly around her thigh before slipping free again.

Naevyn responded to Shindo's question with a quick nod. "Oh yes, there are still some goblins in the Fey realm. Not so many that I interacted with really, as my family is much more associated with the Seelie Court and the goblins typically the Unseelie Court. But as I said, we are all fey folk!"  He grins at the question on Silkball. "Yes. Well, frankly it sounded like fun! I know it might not look like it, but I am a Royal Paladin of the Most Brilliant Order of the Verdant Garden." He laughs. "A mouthful. But what was I saying? Oh yes! Running around in the mud flinging balls of spidersilk? I was hooked. But that doesn't mean I don't want to improve my oratorial skills. I'm expected to one day be Chief of the Brilliant Order of the Verdant Garden. Ah, Most Brilliant I mean. You can't forget the Most!"

Listening raptly to his fairy roommate's account of the different Courts in the Fey Realm, Shin appears to be taking vigorous mental notes, suddenly being gifted first hand confirmation of lore he'd only been lectured on as legend by his Elven bladesinging master in the forest.  Despite his fascination, the goblin lets out a (slightly unsettling) laugh at the last part about the oratory skills required by Naevyn's order.

"I see.  It does raise the the question of why 'Brilliantest' is not a linguistic superlative of 'Brilliant', necessitating usage of the clumsier 'Most Brilliant' when referencing your Order of the Verdant Garden.  And your title described you as a paladin?  That certainly does expand the connotations I had heretofore associated with paladins.  The only one I knew from my adventuring days rode grimly around in shining armor with a shining greatsword and empirically speaking, seemed distinctly less capable of relaxed conversation or savoring sweet treats than you evidently are!"

As they cross the broad avenue in the apparent direction of the Firejolt Cafe, Shin looks around for recently-met faces, whether his other fellow ninth floor newbies, or the two more experienced students, Guardok and Mal, who had just introduced themselves.  Presumably spotting Aspen and at least some of the others, the goblin makes his way over with his usual toothy grin towards Aspen and Arinchu, along with a sidelong glance at Naevyn.

Across the avenue, it appears Shin and Naevyn may be nearly upon them, animated even as they talk. Aspen lingers a few seconds longer, holding the door until they arrive. “Sweet success?” she asks Shin and Naevyn as they approach, and hopefully, joins them inside.

"I can only report that data shows there having been no complaints to date from my winged friend about said success in the area of sweets."

At this point, Shin would follow along with Aspen or any others as seems expedient, not yet having met the rest of the more experienced students.  He does not order anything from the cafe, but of course makes way for Naevyn to do so, should the fairy wish to complement his dessert with caffeine.

When the woman gets Myala and Kadyr's attention, the two stop with her as the others proceed ahead. Myala reacts instantly with a smile. "That sounds like a grand idea Chierhy. A bit more exploration of the campus would be nice."  Kadyr nods his head as well. "I would not mind walking about a bit. Where should we go? I presume that large building must be the famed Biblioplex. Perhaps we have time for a look?"  He points towards the building with the vast domes that is located at the end of the avenue you just crossed. 

“I think it is the others’ plan to explore the Biblioplex after the cafe…” Chierhy says, not moving yet. “So we’ll see them again soon enough. I… the 2nd-year students also seem interesting. But, in my home, we have a saying: ‘A patient man will eat ripe fruit.’ It means, all things in their time. But we should let them know so they don’t think we’re lost…”

At that moment, Aspen turns:

Aspen pauses at the Firejolt door, fingers resting lightly against the handle, and glances back. “If the wind carries you off toward adventure,” Aspen calls gently, warmth in her voice but no insistence in it, “Hopefully it doesn’t take you too far.” A small dimple appears. “We’ll find each other again.” She gives them a wave as they change their minds about collecting as a group at the Cafe. She could gift the other bracelets another time.

Chierhy calls back, “If a tree does not know how to dance, the wind will teach it! We’ll see you at the Biblioplex if you all go there.” Satisfied, she turns back to Myala and Kadry. “Shall we?”

She tries to adopt a slow movement down the avenue, savoring the newness of it and noting the details of flora unknown in Wagadu, commenting on these things and looking all about her as she walks. Cloudblower hall, the cafe, the Biblioplex ahead of them, and ringed above it, the immobile, impossible, star arch. As they slowly walk, Chierhy’s smile finally fades and her face relaxes.

"The last time I met so many new faces all at once was at a wedding outside of Koumba Saleh, at an ally’s castle. It is a blur… most of them I never saw again. And remembering names was difficult. But I taught myself a mnemonic, to assign formulas to each person that reminded me of their name. It helped. Do you…” she looks to Myala and Kaedry in turn, “remember everyone so far?” Her tone is more an invitation to speak of the introductions than a quiz. She has a sense that Myala feels out of her depth. In Koumba Saleh, she would be eaten alive. But here, she is the only other human she has met. Sisterhood, perhaps, stands for something? At least it is worth exploring.

Zanther gave Guardok a broad smile as he mentions new gymnastics recruits. "Yes! I had heard we would have new students joining us next week. You have already met them? Are they here?"  He gives a glance around, appraising the cafe for faces he didn't recognize.  "Ah! I see newcomers in the line! How grand! I would love to meet them."

Quentillius jumps in as he hears the comments about the fourth floor group not being as close as they started out. "Guardok, I think it only makes sense that you have gravitated towards spending your time with a far more esteemed group of companions here." There's the briefest of glances over to Malvyn, though he never uses the Tiefling's name. "I'm not sure it was much of a loss for most, and some seem to still linger about.  But it is a shame we have not seen Mei about more. She is well?" he asks. 

Aurora had nodded to Malvyn, confirming it was Rubina that was going to be the band conductor. But she seems to catch Guardok's mention of Mae. "Patch things up with Mae? Why? What happened?" She seems genuinely concerned about the situation. She glances over at Malvyn a moment, wondering whether he too knew about this. She realizes that with exams and studying they really hadn't had a lot of time to catch up on things. She looks at both, as she asks, "Does this somehow have something to do with your trip to the Lorehold campus the other day?"  

Arinchu returned Aspen's smile as she held the door the Firejolt open for her. "Thank you again," she says.  Her blush seems to have mostly faded by now and she glances about the large space. She spots the pair of older students they had just met, sitting at a table with others and her eyes seem to widen a bit in surprise. She lingers near the door, waiting as the cat-eared woman holds it.  

As he and Shin arrive at the cafe, Naevyn tips his head to Aspen. He has just finished eating the last of his chocolates and is sucking the remaining chocolate from his fingers. "Mmmhmm," he comments to the woman kindly holding the door.  The fairy chuckles a bit as he returns to his conversation with Shin. "I do like 'Brilliantest'. I'll have to work that into the name one day. Oh, and I do have a great sword."  He grins as he adds, "At least, I like it. It's really a longsword. Which for me, is quite a long sword. Though not so long as a greatsword!" 

As they chat, Naevyn and Shin make their way inside. They see Guardok and Malvyn already seated, while Bretira and Daxle are in line working their way towards the counter to order. 

With everyone inside that seems to be coming, Aspen is relieved of holding the door and heads to lean in towards Arinchu. The Half-Orc nods absently at the comments, seeming focused on the table where the two older students are now seated. Once there is a lull, Arinchu says, "Do you see that? That is Aurora Luna Wynterstarr over there." She sounds a bit in awe and simply follows Aspen as she goes over to the table. It is clear much of her attention is focused Aurora. "Oh, I'm Arinchu," she says after the other introduces herself to the other newcomers. 

Once Chierhy has let Aspen know where they are going, Myala and Kadyr go along with her towards the Biblioplex. The walk along the avenue does not give rise to that much flora to observe, though there are small flowerbeds here and there near the buildings. With the coming of spring, most are in full bloom with bright colors. To Chierhy, there are certainly a couple that seem rather foreign to her. The star arch is certainly a wonder, especially as you get closer to it.  The stones are truly massive, and it is hard to imagine how much weight each one must be. Yet they all hang in the air, perfectly aligned into an arc. 

To the question of remembering everyone's names, Kadyr is the first to jump in with a response. "Today has been quite a number of people! I definitely remember you two!" His tone is light as he smiles at his response. "Plus Bretira and Arinchu. Then there were... hmm..."  

Without much hesitation, Myala picks up the thread. "That is Miss Bretira Moonfall and my roommate Miss Arinchu Turri. Bretira's roommate is Miss Aspen. And then we have your roommate Kadyr, Mister Daxle Copperwhistle. Then Shindo's roommate, Mister Naevyn Astildrasaea."  She gives Kadyr a satisfied smile as she rattles off the names. "And of course," she turns to Chierhy, "you have little Miss Ifetayo with you and Miss Uchechi." 

She is quiet for a moment before she says, "I know the two other older students were Malvyn and Guardok. I admittedly did not quite get their full names." She looks a little disappointed in herself. "I find that mnemonics do not always help me, as it just means remembering additional information along with the essential information." 

"I must say, I don't know that I have really gotten to know anyone much thus far beside the two of you," Myala continues. "Though I did spend a bit of time chatting with Arinchu as we unpacked. I think she's going to be a good roommate," she says with a smile. "She comes across as very quiet though."  She then grins briefly, "Though she seemed quite interested to have met our cat-eared floormate, Miss Aspen. She was a bit more animated speaking of her."   

She then looks at Kadyr, "And she didn't seem too fond of having met you. I think you made quite a first impression on her. Not a positive one though!"  

Kadyr shakes his head. "I was nothing but nice to Arinchu. I've no idea why she was so prickly about my introductions." 

The purple-skinned tiefling merely lets out a small disappointed sigh at the comments from the arrogant red-haired poser. Q hadn't really changed, and Malvyn couldn't quite fathom how Guardok managed to put up with him, although the genasi was of course not the one still lingering about. He struggles to stop himself from telling the obnoxious actor that their purple-haired floormate had the good taste to spend her time with Cadoras rarher than other less sincere suitors.

"Well, there was an argument the other day, before the visit to Lorehold, although even before that I feel Mae had spent most of her time with Larine and almost stopped participating so I'm not really sure what is going on with her. I should have told you but I thought you had perhaps met Mae yourself at the tavern or something. It will probably be good for Mae to pick up band practice again. Anyway, perhaps you should go and see Mae and she'll fill you in, I think she could use some friendly advice and I don't think I am the best suited to give it." Malvyn answers Aurora with sincere concern.

The purple-skinned tiefling perks up slightly as Aspen and Arinchu comes over to their table, seeming almost amused over the half-orc's attention on Aurora, leaning back a bit to let her be center stage now, instead looking up at the fox-eared girl with the mismatched eyes, doing his best to share what he knew about what was popular at the cafe. "I'd like to get better advice but I'm afraid I can't say much from own experience, I tried the quadrouple cappucino when I first got here and got stuck with it, a creature of habit and not much for exploring new things I have to admit." He says with a weak smile, feeling a bit awkward over not being able to even slightly impress a new student. "Ask for Mina at the counter and she'll give you all the advice you could ask for." He adds with a small friendly smile. For some reason he started thinking about Mei again, how she had encoraged him to try new things when they both first arrived, and he realized he had relapsed into his old ways, perhaps it was time to try something other than his usual cappucino, either way, he felt things were changing with him.

"Stick around, hopefully they will come and say hi", Guardok replies to Zanther. "You can give them your club recruiter speech a little early, perhaps", he adds with a smile.

When Quentillius responds about his more esteemed group of companions, he doesn't react to the thinly veiled insult, but does respond. "I don't know, Q. I find having a mixed group of friends is quite nice. I mean, you lot are all so different, it really keeps life interesting".

"So, how do you feel about playing the stick in the band now?", he says, leaning across to speak to Rubina about her conducting.

"I am not sure what this is, but I like it", he replies when the request for advice comes in. "What did you get for me, Ru?".

He has no more really to add regarding Lorehold Campus or Mae, beyond what Mal had said. 

Aspen's ears tilted slightly toward Arinchu, waiting for the echo of response that didn’t come. When Arinchu doesn’t respond to the sincerity about her dancing, Aspen comes to realize the absence of her presence in the moment has passed, and there's been a shift of focus. The faint, excited sway in her tail quieted into still. 

“That is Aurora Luna Wynterstarr over there.”

Aspen follows her gaze and smiles faintly at the tone in Arinchu’s voice. The half-orc seemed caught in the gravity of the table ahead, in the dark-haired student with the red necklace. She gives space for Arinchu have that moment of admiration. So when Arinchu introduces herself a heartbeat after Aspen does, Aspen subtly shifts her weight, just enough to make sure Arinchu remains included in the conversational circle. Aspen's introduction, and offer to get anyone something, had already drifted out, settling somewhere among the hustle and bustle and dissolved into the movement of conversation.

There was a small pause inside her, but Aspen continued to listen, to watch. Her gaze moved easily across faces. The table already had its rhythm. She was just hearing it for the first time. The tail that had been loosely curled along her thigh is now held at the end, fingers petting and fidgeting with it as she eavesdropped on the second years conversations.

Then Malvyn answered. “I’ll ask for Mina, then.” She replied lightly with a polite dip of her head in quiet thanks.

“You should sit with her, if you'd like.” Aspen suggests quietly to the half-orc fixated on Aurora with a polite smile.

Continuing to listen as the conversations flow, Aspen let the words wash over her, storing names and fractures and loyalties the way she stored seeds. After a few moments of lingering, Aspen would step back slightly. “I’m going to brave the line.” She says softly mindful to not interrupt too much, and to excuse herself. “Before it grows.” With that, she moves to pad her way over to the line.

On the way by, Aspen pauses by Shin and Naevyn. "Can I get you anything while I join the others in line?" She offers so that the gesture doesn't seem reserved for one social circle.

Aspen ears flicked toward the menu board again, and her nose lifted faintly as another wave of coffee-steam rolled past. And when she would find herself in line, either next to Dax and Bretira, or a little behind, she'd eventually let go of her tail and return to working and weaving the last of the bracelets she had started this morning.

Aurora tells Malvyn, "With Mae not working at the Bow's End I've not really seen her outside of class. But, I guess I could try to talk to her." 

Quentillius seems oblivious to any reaction on Malvyn's part. He does appear to listen to Guardok's comment, giving him a brief nod.  It's hard to tell whether he really took any of the feedback to heart though. 

Rubina seems excited about conducting. "It should be fun. It will give me a chance to really get into how all the parts fit together and understand the nuances of the composition. I'll miss playing, but I'll maybe have to find a way to play on my own. But I am definitely looking forward to this!"

When Guardok asks about his drink, Rubina says, "Just a caramel mocha. Simple. You like it?"

When Aspen suggests Arinchu sit with Aurora, she looks at the cat-eared woman with a startled expression. Subtly she shakes her head 'no', stepping to place Aspen between her and the table. 

Aurora though seems to have noticed the Half-Orc's attention. "Do we know each other?" she asks in a friendly tone. 

"No," Arinchu replies in a quiet voice. Her hand reaches out to rest on Aspen's arm for moral support as she peeks around her. "It's just, you're Aurora Luna Wynterstarr, aren't you? The singer?"

Aurora gives a laughing smile. "I am. It's nice to meet you Arinchu. Have you heard my music then?"

The Half-Orc manages a nod then says, "Just a couple times. I really enjoyed it." 

When Aspen then mentions getting in line, Arinchu asks her in almost a whisper. "Mind if I come with you?" It almost sounds like a plea. It also seems that at that moment she realizes her hand had been resting on her arm. She swiftly pulls it away as her face flushes red again. "Oh! I'm so, so sorry!"

As Aspen passes by Shin and Naevyn, the fairy answers, "An herbal tea would be nice. That's so kind of you." Soon she reaches the line. Dax and Bretira are a bit ahead but nearly ready to order. The Owlin though sees you and urges you to come forward to join then. "My pardon," she tells those behind her. "They are with us."

"Perhaps you will find the orchestra to be your new instrument." Malvyn comments with an encouraging smile to Rubina.

He watches with some amusement the exchange between Aurora and the seemingly somewhat wynterstarrstruck half-orc, then watch her as she leaves again together with the fox-eared girl. "A new fan for you dear. Or is she an old one? Where did she hear you play you think?" The purple-skinned tiefling asks the raven-haired plenty-pierced woman beside him with a curious smile. He knew Aurora had her fans and was considered a rising star on the musical scene, his collegue with the gossip column at the Strixhaven Star had told him as much. He couldn't help but wonder how she would handle true fame when it eventually came to her, and how he would handle it?

Quote from Culuril >>

Once Chierhy has let Aspen know where they are going, Myala and Kadyr go along with her towards the Biblioplex. The walk along the avenue does not give rise to that much flora to observe, though there are small flowerbeds here and there near the buildings. With the coming of spring, most are in full bloom with bright colors. To Chierhy, there are certainly a couple that seem rather foreign to her. The star arch is certainly a wonder, especially as you get closer to it.  The stones are truly massive, and it is hard to imagine how much weight each one must be. Yet they all hang in the air, perfectly aligned into an arc. 

To the question of remembering everyone's names, Kadyr is the first to jump in with a response. "Today has been quite a number of people! I definitely remember you two!" His tone is light as he smiles at his response. "Plus Bretira and Arinchu. Then there were... hmm..."  

Without much hesitation, Myala picks up the thread. "That is Miss Bretira Moonfall and my roommate Miss Arinchu Turri. Bretira's roommate is Miss Aspen. And then we have your roommate Kadyr, Mister Daxle Copperwhistle. Then Shindo's roommate, Mister Naevyn Astildrasaea."  She gives Kadyr a satisfied smile as she rattles off the names. "And of course," she turns to Chierhy, "you have little Miss Ifetayo with you and Miss Uchechi." 

She is quiet for a moment before she says, "I know the two other older students were Malvyn and Guardok. I admittedly did not quite get their full names." She looks a little disappointed in herself. "I find that mnemonics do not always help me, as it just means remembering additional information along with the essential information." 

"I must say, I don't know that I have really gotten to know anyone much thus far beside the two of you," Myala continues. "Though I did spend a bit of time chatting with Arinchu as we unpacked. I think she's going to be a good roommate," she says with a smile. "She comes across as very quiet though."  She then grins briefly, "Though she seemed quite interested to have met our cat-eared floormate, Miss Aspen. She was a bit more animated speaking of her."   

She then looks at Kadyr, "And she didn't seem too fond of having met you. I think you made quite a first impression on her. Not a positive one though!"  

Kadyr shakes his head. "I was nothing but nice to Arinchu. I've no idea why she was so prickly about my introductions." 

“Impressive,” Chierhy says, holding Myala’s eyes just long enough to convey sincerity before returning to scan her surroundings. “My list is the same as yours. Although,” she chuckles amiably, “as you say, the formulae that help me track them probably take up more brain space than the actual names. Still…,” she straightens her posture once again, momentarily, “in Koumba Saleh it is exceptionally rude to forget the name and associated titles of those we meet. At least,” she says, thinking of her townsman boyfriend Remi, “at least among the lesser nobility such as my family. It is all too easy for the slightest misstep into a viper’s nest teeming with those seeking advantage…”

Chierhy, who was on the 9th floor when Arichu and Kadyr met down in the lobby, is reminded of her first meeting with Shin, when she came close to letting out a shriek of terror. ‘Speaking of missteps…,’ she thinks, but does not say. “I… was not there,” she replies, diplomatically, “but I think we must face the facts. Each of us comes from a home different from the others. And in each of our homes, greetings are performed in different ways. I am surprised, to be honest, that a fight hasn’t broken out, for a fond greeting to one person could be a reprehensible slight to another. Do you know what I mean?” She laughs lightly, not really having expected a fight. “I am thinking about the various clans and other peoples of Wagadu, but extrapolating to present circumstances seems… not a stretch?“ She looks to the others as she moves toward her conclusion. “The point is, on top of nervousness and excitement, it makes sense not to be too concerned about first impressions. We’re too different and don’t even know our differences yet.” She ends with a sympathetic glance at Kadryr.

As the trio of Chierhy, Myala, and Kadyr continue on, they get to a point where the avenue reaches a bridge that passes across to the area just outside the Bibliopex. There is a very steep drop and you can see the area below is filled with numerous towers and buildings much like the campus above. There are also watefalls, flowing from someplace near the library and spraying a fine mist down into the depths and rivers and canals below. 

Myala smiles at Chierhy's praise of her memorization of the names. As she continues on about her home in Koumba Saleh, she listens closely. In the conversation though she picks out one part, 'lesser nobility', and ponders over it. She nods as the comments continue regarding differences and about differences between their different homes. It gives her pause for a moment as she considers her response. But finally, she decides. "Your Koumba Saleh sounds somewhat similar to my Kuropan Arko. And it is considered absolutely essential to know the names of all those you might meet. Especially for someone in my position. You see, I was a member of the guard company that served the royal family. I have been present for a few receptions with rather large attendance." 

She paused, curious as to Chierhy's reaction. In her homeland, being a member of the royal guard was an extreme honor. And certainly, only those from esteemed families would be considered for such posts. Yet they were definitely not nobility. Nor even lesser nobility as Chierhy had identified herself as. 'Would it be the same in her homeland?' she wondered. 

Kadyr had just listened thus far. The mention of being a member of the royal guard though brought a look of surprise from him. "I have to say, I do not think that is the usual path to Strixhaven University! Although, do your people employ folk that use magic to be their guards? Although, the Ashari I lived with in Zephrah have druidic fighters called skydancers that use elemental magic to defend the area." 

"Well, no, we do not normally use magic for defense. I am well trained to use standard weapons," Myala says. "I have studied magic a bit on my own. And have learned a few spells. I hope to learn more here." 

Kadyr nods, "A noble pursuit." He then turns back to Chierhy. "I will try to take your words to heart. Perhaps whatever negative first impression I made with Arinchu can be remedied in time." He shrugs. "But it seems we three at least got off to a good start at least!" 

Shin grins his crooked, bemused goblin grin, finding himself both pleased to discover that he likes his new roommate, and really all the Strixhaven students he has met.  Even Kadyr, whose willingness to take seriously his proposed hypothetical on looping sequences impressed Shin.

For the moment however, since he is not ordering anything at the cafe counter, and does not know the other more experienced students, the goblin finds himself with no one obvious to speak with.  Which is nothing new for Shin, as it happens.  He people watches for a few beats, noting that Chierhy, Myala and Kadyr must have made a sortie to explore further, perhaps to this Biblioplex.  A worthy excursion, in his estimation.

Eventually, the goblin wanders over in the direction of Guardok, since the thought of drilling at swordplay with someone likely more skilled than Shin has left him with a sense of both anticipation and slight dread.  He waits politely for a break in the conversation as the earth genasi is clearly in the midst of discussing matters  with his friends, including orchestral maneuvers with the elegant dark-skinned woman.  After a moment he clears his throat.

"Guardok, I hope my intrustion intersects with a natural ebb in your conversation so as to minimize social impropriety."  He smiles toothily at Guardok, Malvyn and their gathered friends who he does not know.  To the latter group, he inclines his head respectfully.  "Hello, I am Shin, one of the new pre-enrollees and a fellow gymnast like Guardok, I surmise.  In fact, I was just going to ask him..."  The goblin trails off, looking a bit nervous for once.

"So Guardok, when you conveyed to me just a short while earlier that you train before breakfast, I was ah... attempting to apply inductive reasoning to hypothesize specifically how early you meant?"  Shin ventures, clearly both eager and yet also dreading a pre-dawn ass-whupping.

"Conducting sounds perfect then", Guardok replies to Rubina as he nods to indicate he likes the drink. "Maybe can I corporate some music into the next Drama Guild performance so you don't miss out?", he then suggests.

"Oh, hi Shin", he says turning to Shin as he hears his name mentioned. It takes him a moment to try and decode what the goblin was asking, and decides to hone in on the key words he does fully understand. "Yes, gymnastics. You should really say hello to Zanther here, he pretty much runs the gymnastics club", he says by way of introduction to the fire genasi.

"And this is Rubina, Aurora and Quentillius", he adds, making sure to do the full round of introductions.

"And training, right? What time, yeah? Well, first class is at 9, and I do like my breakfast, so have to leave time for that, so I normally start at 7 at the very latest. A run followed by sword practice, a wash and a hearty breakfast and I am good to go for the day", he explains quite energetically, as if even talking about it makes him feel invigorated. "Of course I could probably start earlier if I have some company to keep it more interesting. I used to get up earlier back at the circus. It's a bit of a cushy life here to be fair".

"How about you, Shin? What is your normal routine?".

"No," Arinchu replies in a quiet voice. Her hand reaches out to rest on Aspen's arm for moral support as she peeks around her. "It's just, you're Aurora Luna Wynterstarr, aren't you? The singer?"

The warmth of Arinchu's hand having found Aspen's arm had registered immediately. A soft prrt escaped her as her tail gave a soft, content flick in response, the motion subtle but evident. It felt as though Aspen could have, may have, been an anchor in that moment for her. Aspen's hand would have started to move to settle on the half-orcs when Arinchu startled herself and pulled away.

When Aspen then mentions getting in line, Arinchu asks her in almost a whisper. "Mind if I come with you?" It almost sounds like a plea. It also seems that at that moment she realizes her hand had been resting on her arm. She swiftly pulls it away as her face flushes red again. "Oh! I'm so, so sorry!"

“There’s nothing to apologize for.” Aspen said softly, dimple appearing with the warmth in her smile. "And of course you can come." She answered, as though the question had never required asking. She'd like that. Thus with the hand that had been reaching out, Aspen uses to loop her arm through Arinchu's to begin their journey towards the line.

As Aspen passes by Shin and Naevyn, the fairy answers, "An herbal tea would be nice. That's so kind of you." 

Naevyn’s request had reached her shortly after her ask. "Of course." Aspen would nod affirmatively. “I’ll see what they have." She notes before adding. "I usually take mine with a bit of honey. Do you?” She'd ask, having waited for his response prior to continuing.

Bretira are a bit ahead but nearly ready to order. The Owlin though sees you and urges you to come forward to join then. "My pardon," she tells those behind her. "They are with us."

As they near the line and Bretira gestures them forward, Aspen inclines her head in thanks. “Are you certain?” She asks politely, giving those behind them a quick glance as well. Then she steps them into place along with the owlin. It was a little 'frontsies backsies' in the kindest manner. "Thank you Bretira." She smiles. "I'm fortunate to have been paired up with a great roommate, and floormates." She notes, tail giving a small easy sway.

"Have you decided already what you'd like to order Bretira? Dax?" Aspen asks once they had settled in line with them. She'd ease the slack on her linked arm with Arinchu to give her the freedom continue to hold on at her leisure. Of course at any time she could have, and can, return her arm to herself. Mismatched eyes look to the half-orc as well. "Anything for you?" At first Aspen was thinking of a herbal tea as well, with honey of course. However, since she heard Rubina ask Guardok if he liked the Caramel Mocha, that's what's been on her mind.

While they wait in line, Aspen shifts her satchel forward with her free arm and withdraws a half-finished bracelet. Her fingers resume their quiet weaving, steady and precise. She's threading a berry-toned blossoms into place with the occasional glance sideways at Arinchu.

Thinking back to the way Arinchu’s voice had shifted when she said Aurora’s name... The way admiration had loosened her edges... The way she’d stepped back when she may have felt too seen... Aspen’s expression softens, and her ears tilt slightly, thoughtful. There had been something sweet in it. Did she look up to her? Aspire to be like her? Work with her?

Thoughts, and inspiration, drift in unannounced. If Aurora sings… And Arinchu dances… Perhaps some day, there could be an opportunity for collaboration? Aspen’s tail gives a slow, contemplative sway. She doesn’t muse it aloud quite yet, but she tucks the possibility away like a seed, wondering if it would be something she'd like to do.

Quote from VolcanoLair >>

"Oh, hi Shin", he says turning to Shin as he hears his name mentioned. It takes him a moment to try and decode what the goblin was asking, and decides to hone in on the key words he does fully understand. "Yes, gymnastics. You should really say hello to Zanther here, he pretty much runs the gymnastics club", he says by way of introduction to the fire genasi.

"And this is Rubina, Aurora and Quentillius", he adds, making sure to do the full round of introductions.

"And training, right? What time, yeah? Well, first class is at 9, and I do like my breakfast, so have to leave time for that, so I normally start at 7 at the very latest. A run followed by sword practice, a wash and a hearty breakfast and I am good to go for the day", he explains quite energetically, as if even talking about it makes him feel invigorated. "Of course I could probably start earlier if I have some company to keep it more interesting. I used to get up earlier back at the circus. It's a bit of a cushy life here to be fair".

"How about you, Shin? What is your normal routine?".

Shin waves and bobs his head politely in greeting as he's introduced to Zanther, Rubina, Aurora and Quentillius, though his beady red gaze and crooked countenance remain unsettling as always.  He addresses them all briefly before focusing on Zanther, then back to Guardok.

"A positive development in my day to meet all of you!  Congratulations on completing your final examinations, a position I unequivocally hope to emulate at the same time next term.  Zanther, I am eager to join the gymnastics club you lead and contribute in any way I am able, as I am sure my fellow neophyte Arinchu over there by the counter is as well.  Such a stipulation in my case bearing the caveat that a portion of the genesis for this professed enthusiasm is correlated to my own imperative to train as vigorously as realistically feasible, lest I fail my erstwhile bladesinging master utterly."

The goblin hesitates once more.  "Speaking of training, ah... Guardok... to be s-sure, such a morning itinerary sounds... sounds great!"  (Shin doesn't exactly look like it sounds great to him, and the queasy expression on the goblin's face comically renders it even more off-putting.)

"I... I'm usually more of an afternoon man, er... goblin myself, but no... no, no 7am would be ideal to encourage a suitably active engagement of our circulatory systems.  And other systems.  Specify a location and I will attend."  Shin taps the rapier at his hip as if to reassure himself it's still there.

By this point the small grey owl perched on the goblin's shoulder is looking at him with a gaze that appears to be laughing directly in Shin's face, briefly turning her round eyes towards the Earth Genasi as if to say thank you... I literally cannot wait to see all this happen tomorrow morning...

"Oh, my apologies," the goblin blurts out, suddenly remembering his manners after having been distracted by the prospects of Guardok's proposed early training regimen.  "This is my owl familiar Pinky-toe, who I suspect will be a most eager spectator of ours at dawn."

Attempting to recover and possibly redirect the topic of conversation, Shin swallows and asks Guardok weakly, "were... were you really in a circus?"