Culuril's Strixhaven Adventure

When Kadyr had put his hand on Chierhy's shoulder, it was just for a brief moment. He didn't seem indulgent, just happy to be among friends. Though, it's something you would have expected with male friends. 

Myala catches Chierhy's look and starts to grin just before Kadyr asks his question about fitting. He is a bit surprised at Myala's reaction. And even more so as Chierhy joins in. 

"Not a harvest festival?" he starts, seeming clearly a little confused by the comment. But he quickly moves along, realizing that both were upset. He looks at Myala first. "I did not mean to imply you abandoned your duty. And if you thought my question inappropriately, I am sorry. It was perhaps a poor joke."

Kadyr pauses a moment before he adds, "It was you that brought up the topic of flirting. And I was clearly right here, so I did not get the idea it was inappropriate."

Myala listens to what he says. She is still agitated. She starts, "Well, it was a poor joke. To say such a thing to a woman you've just met is unheard of!" She takes a breath as she seems to think through all that's being said. "I suppose my words could have given you a false sense of familiarity. And, as Chierhy indicated, I will certainly forgive you."

Kadyr smiles. "I'm glad. Thank you. And I'm sorry for the misunderstanding. To you both."

"If there are overzealous fans, here or anywhere, I'll just have to deal with it. You seem to be the only one here that seems to keep after me all the time, Mal! How should I deal with you, hmm?" Aurora replies to Malvyn, giving him a teasing smile. She finishes up her drink and gives the Tiefling a glance. "I hate to abandon you, but I think I might go see to a few things before I have to go to the Bow's End tonight. I'm sure I'll see you later?"

Bretira watches as Daxle tries, and fails, to clean off the whipped cream. "Here, let me try," she says, pulling out a small brass hemisphere with tiny holes all over the rounded side. She leans towards the gnome, sliding a small lever on the edge. Little seems to happen, perhaps a slight hint of vibration. Dax however, feels a very light prickling feeling on his face which disappears almost before he even realizes anything. "And done," the Owling says, slipping the object back into a pouch. The sticky mess is all gone now. 

(OOC - Prestidigitation cleaning ability with an Artificer twist.) 

Aspen’s ears lift slightly at Arinchu’s question, pleased by the curiosity. “A little of both.” She answers gently. “Berries are rich in antioxidants, which are helpful for recovery, immune strength, circulation. Green tea supports clarity and balance.” Her fingers twist the thread once more before tucking it neatly. “But I also just like the way it smells. Sweet, but not heavy.” A small smile curves again. “Healing should feel comforting, not medicinal.”

At Arinchu’s encouragement, Aspen’s tail gives an amused flick. “We are celebrating.” she agrees softly.

From the other side of the counter, the young man’s chuckle draws a faint grin from her. “Ah thank you.” she says warmly as he calls Mina over.

When the silver haired woman approaches, Aspen inclines her head in greeting. “Hi. We haven’t met.” She answers honestly to Mina’s question. “But Malvyn recommended you. He said you’d know your way around the menu.” She explains. "I was originally going to ask for recommendations, but found some inspiration along the way." She admits with an amused glance in Daxle's direction as he navigates his fresh bundle of joy back to the table. Of course, should Mina rhyme off some recommendations, Aspen would be happy to consider them for next time.

When Mina confirms they can make the white chocolate raspberry mocha, Aspen’s ears perk almost imperceptibly. “Yes! I’ll take that one, please.” There’s a small glimmer of satisfaction in the choice... indulgent, but thoughtful. “White chocolate raspberry mocha.” She nods in confirmation

As Mina moves to prepare the order, Aspen gently guides them aside slightly to make room for the next person, but her attention remains gently aware of Arinchu. Her tail sways once, slow and content. And her fingers continue their steady braiding, soon fastening off a finished product. Then in a silent gesture, Aspen holds the bracelet in a way to quietly ask Arinchu to help her tie it on her own wrist.

And as their drinks were ready, Aspen would accept Arinchu's before handing it off to her when she was ready for it. Now that both hands were free, she'd accept the other two beverages, Naevyn's and her own. Aspen takes a deep inhale without realizing she was doing it... Prrt... but it smelled so good. Dimple sunk deep into her cheek, Aspen bobs once in her delight, and hopefully not spill anything.

On their journey back to deliver Naevyn's tea, then locate a pair of free seats around the groups table, Aspen's tail sways with enthusiasm, which may brush against Arinchu once or twice along the way. "If you do find yourself tempted, curious, I'm happy for you to have a taste." She chimes.

Mina nods as Aspen mentions Malvyn. "Ah, yes. I work on the Strixhaven Star with Malvyn. And you're here as part of the pre-enrollment group? How did you meet Malvyn?" She is pleased with your choice and runs off to get the orders started. You note that she asks the young man you spoke to first to get the black tea and herbal tea while seeing to your drink herself. 

Arinchu, keeping attentive to the bracelet weaving, immediately makes note of the gesture for her to tie bracelet to Aspen's wrist. She reaches out, gently taking the ends and deftly tying it in place. "Is that right?" she asks softly, her eyes glancing up to hers with the question. Once she has an affirmative response, she looks back down, using her fingers to lightly urge Aspen to turn over her hand so she can observe the blossoms against her skin. "Lovely," she says. 

It does not take too long to get the three drinks. Each has its own aroma, but it is clearly the blend of chocolate and raspberry that stands out the most. "Enjoy!" Mina says brightly. Arinchu takes her drink, cupping her hands around it. A tiny smile forms at the edges of her lips as she watches the cat-eared woman inhale. And with the 'Prrt' sounds her head tilts ever so slightly.

Just as the two are stepping away from the counter, the large fire genasi comes right up to them. "Arinchu! Hello! I am Zanther Bowen!" He holds out his hand to her. "I am a part of the Intramural Gymnastics Club. Your friend Shin told me that you would be joining us next week. It is so wonderful to have new members!" Arinchu initially seems a bit taken aback by the gregarious man, though she quickly recovers. Her soft voice is quite a contrast to his enthusiastic tone. "Well, good to meet you Zanther. I'm looking forward to the gymnastics. I'm not familiar with the sport much but figure it would be a nice fit for my acrobatic skills." He responds, "Excellent. Gymnastics is not just about agility, but it's a good start. And with us, as long as you want to learn and are there to have fun then you will fit in well."  The Half-Orc nods, "Good then, I wouldn't mind having a little fun." 

Someone from across the room calls out to Zanther at that point, beckoning him over. "I should go. But see you next week Arinchu."  He then heads off to join a group of other students. 

The two finish walking over to the table, Arinchu seemingly not noticing the brushes of a tail, although the tiny smile returns. At the table, Naevyn gratefully takes the cup of herbal tea from Aspen. "Thank you so much. You are far too kind to have fetched that for me." There are still a few empty chairs at one end of the table and Aspen and Arinchu sit down there. The Half-Orc looks between Aspen and the fancy drink when the offer is made. There is a visible hesitation before she answers. "I am tempted," she says quietly. "But you don't have to give me a taste. It's your drink."  

He listens in with regards the Rose Stage Festival as Rubina explains it as well. "Are we members of the Playactor's Drama Guild allowed to enter as well?", he asks, curious as to whether he can give it a go, or if he should just be there to help out. "Happy to do either, or both".

When Shin mentions finding an Air Genasi to Zanther, he can't help but giggle. "You see Zanther, I told you that name had a good ring to it! Adding in Water just seems too much", he says, having proposed the same to Zanther at the start of the year, although in the context of a band.

"Seven outside Cloudblower Hall, check", he says in response to Shin. "And I don't think you need to be too honoured, it likely isn't quite as grand as I just made out, I have just been spending far too much time with Quentillius in the Drama Guild. You can't help but pick up a little of his gravitas", he adds with a chuckle, having picked up another word from his friends that he hopes he is using right.

He notices the little goblin seem to become a little pensive and Pinky-toe go still.

"Everything ok, Shin?", he says and looks around wondering if the little fellow was simply overwhelmed by the amount of people and strange environment. "It's pretty overwhelming, right? But you soon get used to it. Have you ever been away from home like this before?".

"Oh, I'm certainly a fan Ms. Wynterstarr, perhaps even an overzealous one, and just like an overzealous fan I'm imagining my deep affections for my idol are answered. You can of course deal with your most zealous fan in any way of your liking Ms. Wynterstarr, starting tonight." The purple-skinned tiefling playfully retorts. There was of course a grain of truth in what he had said though, the time he wasn't occupied with studies and work he was certainly following Aurora around, escorting her between her dorms and Bow's End where he spent many nights as her most devoted audience. Even his collegue with the gossip column at the star had suggested he was quite out of his league dating someone like the famous Ms. Wynterstarr. He tried his best to not be bothered by what others saw  and thought though, he was confident that Aurora saw him as more than a zealous fan.

"Your most devoted fan will of course escort you to the Bow's End as per usual Ms. Wynterstarr." Malvyn says giving her hand a quick kiss before letting go, then watching her leave before returning his attention to the others at the table. He did feel a bit lost without her in a situation like this but he tried to decide what to say and to who. Everyone seemed to be in good company and nothing sprang to mind. Not wanting to intefere he simply studies the others, Guardok and Shin, Daxle and Bretira, Arinchu and Aspen.

"You know, if you want to hear Aurora play you can always go to the Bow's End tavern tonight, it's just past the Biblioplex from here. I'm sure she would love to have you in the audience." He finally decides to say with a friendly smile to the half-orc and the fox-eared girl.

"Seven outside Cloudblower Hall, check", [Guardok] says in response to Shin. "And I don't think you need to be too honoured, it likely isn't quite as grand as I just made out, I have just been spending far too much time with Quentillius in the Drama Guild. You can't help but pick up a little of his gravitas", he adds with a chuckle, having picked up another word from his friends that he hopes he is using right.

"My esteem for the grandness of your family's legacy and your pursuit of it," Shin interjects good naturedly, "shall survive your protestations to the contrary, Guardok.  Phrases such as dust of roads pressed into skin and weight of the show shaping rock in bones being self-evidently hard to forget.  I should compliment Quentillius equally for his dramatic flair, though I was heretofore unaware that gravitas is a quality which can be 'picked up'."

He notices the little goblin seem to become a little pensive and Pinky-toe go still.

"Everything ok, Shin?", he says and looks around wondering if the little fellow was simply overwhelmed by the amount of people and strange environment. "It's pretty overwhelming, right? But you soon get used to it. Have you ever been away from home like this before?".

"What?  Oh... yes, overwhelming.  That is what I was thinking."  Shin deflects, forcing the pensive expression from his crooked face. "As you say, I have only been away from home on this one occasion.  I departed over two years back, before ever having heard of Strixhaven.  Long story.  Anyway, Zanther seems to exhibit an abundance of kinetic energy, does he not?  With him to lead us, I expect that Earth, Fire and No Wind shall truly reach great heights."

On his shoulder, Pinky-toe begins to preen herself studiously.

"Really?" Guardok replies, looking at Shin with a slight, thoughtful frown. "Maybe I used the wrong word. It’s a bit of a stretch, being surrounded by such smart folk when you're just... ordinary in that regard"

He idly taps a rhythm with his smooth, grey fingers against the tabletop, with the resultant sound a series of clinks like stone against wood. "But I do love the circus. It’s my home. I’m just here doing my best to learn what I can, so I can take back the knowledge and skills we need to make the show worthy of legends, and shine bright enough to be welcomed at any palace court. Oh dear, that sounded a little over the top again", he says chuckling at himself.

When Shin mentions how long he has been away from home, he wonders exactly how old the goblin is, and what that long story could be.

"Well, if we keep up the morning training, there will be plenty of time to hear your story", he says to Shin, hoping to be helpful. "And yes, Zanther truly is a force of nature. I hadn't noticed that his energy was kinetic, though", he says with a shrug.

"Not grand at all?" Quentillius huffs, but as he sees the look between Guardok and Rubina he relents. "I suppose it would be quite a simple feat for me to provide just the right amount of greatness to such a role."  He nods, "Perhaps then we should try some music with one of our performances. We shall have to find something suitable." 

Rubina answers the Earth Genasi's question about the Rose Festival. "Yes, many of the Drama Club members will be helping run the show. Though I think we could handle things well enough in order to allow you a turn Guardok.  I believe I was going to head up working with the 'music' part of the show. And Quentillius will probably narrate and keep things going.  If you could just help us with preparation and setup then I do think we can handle the rest." 

Aurora grins at Malvyn as she gets up to go. "Yes, I will deal with this overzealous fan tonight then. We will have to discuss just what I shall do with him."  Picking up on the Tiefling's remark about the Bow's End Tavern, she does call out towards those sitting at the end of the table. "Yes, please come listen to the music if you like. My sets usually a bit late, but it's always nice to have an audience."  The dark-haired woman then slips out of the cafe. 

Arinchu hears the remark, but rather than responding to Aurora or Malvyn, she instead looks at Aspen. "I really did enjoy her music. Would you want to go listen tonight?" 

‘That is more than fair,’ Chierhy thinks, of Kadyr’s apology, and her glance at Myala suggests as much. She hesitates, allowing Myala to admit that she may have contributed to the moment, then smiles widely. “There!,” she says, “now, let’s not dwell on misunderstanding.” She is aware of herself saying nothing about her earlier overreaction to learning of Myala’s position. ‘And yet,’ she thinks, ‘she surprised me just now too. Did Kadyr touch a sore spot?’ Chierhy’s glance falls on Myala again as she smoothly segues back to flow.

“Receptions in Koumba Saleh — in case you were wondering — are similar to those you described in your Kuropan Arko. But as for flirting —,” she glances with humor at both of her companions, “—about which you are free to ask— I have not participated in two years since Remi and I started seeing each other. My boyfriend,” she answers before the question is asked, first glancing at Myala, then Kadyr.

Kadyr gives Chierhy a polite smile when she reveals she has a boyfriend.  "He must be a very lucky man."  Perhaps there is a bit of disappointment in his look as well. "Is he here with you at Strixhaven as well?" 

Myala seems to raise a brow at the information, though her response is calm and measured. "You have been with Remi for two years now? Are you then soon to be betrothed?" She looks like she has many more questions, but after a quick glance at Kadyr she seems to abandon them. 

With a laugh then Kadyr says, "It must have been at a harvest festival that you met him then? Or at least, when you stopped participating in flirting?" 

Quote from VolcanoLair >>

"Really?" Guardok replies, looking at Shin with a slight, thoughtful frown. "Maybe I used the wrong word. It’s a bit of a stretch, being surrounded by such smart folk when you're just... ordinary in that regard"

He idly taps a rhythm with his smooth, grey fingers against the tabletop, with the resultant sound a series of clinks like stone against wood. "But I do love the circus. It’s my home. I’m just here doing my best to learn what I can, so I can take back the knowledge and skills we need to make the show worthy of legends, and shine bright enough to be welcomed at any palace court. Oh dear, that sounded a little over the top again", he says chuckling at himself.

When Shin mentions how long he has been away from home, he wonders exactly how old the goblin is, and what that long story could be.

"Well, if we keep up the morning training, there will be plenty of time to hear your story", he says to Shin, hoping to be helpful. "And yes, Zanther truly is a force of nature. I hadn't noticed that his energy was kinetic, though", he says with a shrug.

Shin smiles, relieved at the change in topic.

"I admit it is unorthodox to characterize a person in terms of their kinetic energy.  Yet I only wished to signify that a few of us hold quite still, often watching, observing, engaging in the subtlest of motions, though these may hold great significance.  To them, I attribute potential energy, with only the slightest sprinkling of kinetic.  Now, I have just met all of you, even my Cloudblower Hall floormates, yet it strikes me that Aspen there may be one who tends to exhibit such behavioral patterns.  By contrast, to others such as Zanther, always in a state of large-scale movement, bustling off to a new activity or to speak to another, I attribute kinetic energy - the energy of motion.  Quite fitting for the leader of the Intramural Gymnastics Team..."

The goblin trails off, listening to Malvyn invitation of Aspen and Arinchu to Aurora's late evening gig at the Bow's End Tavern, and Aurora's subsequent extension of that invitation to everyone at the table.  His time as an adventurer leads him to recall all sorts of performances at taverns, with performers running the gamut of skill and originality, though he suspects from from Arinchu's testimony that Aurora may be quite good.  And yet, he remembers...

"The prospect of attending your performance sounds appealing Aurora!  Yet given the expectation of Guardok putting me through my paces at dawn, I hope to narrow the implicit variance in the lateness of your sets which you allude to.  Do they tell you in advance specifically how late?"

Chierhy notices herself noticing Kadyr’s disappointment and flags this moment for later, but doesn’t hesitate. She smiles cordially at what she takes to be a standard response to her statement of relationship status.

“Yes!, he is lucky!,” she replies with a formulaic reply of her own, sharing a smile with Myala which seems to say, ‘our hearts are worth more than any boy can be entrusted with!’, “But,” she continues evenly, “I too am lucky. No, he is back home.”

When Myala mentions betrothment, Chierhy answers, “Too much ceremony. When I return after my studies here perhaps we will elope. That would suit me. Otherwise, how many hours and days of interesting research will I sacrifice in choosing a seamstress and wedding dress and symbology. No, it will be much simpler.” Her smile is convincing, to a point, but it may be apparent that she has carefully shifted the topic. She gives Myala a look that says, ‘I’ll tell you more later.’ But she carries on. “I mean, right now, I am so incredibly excited about what I can learn here. Have you both come to study something in particular?”

As she's about to leave, Aurora catches Shin's question. "We do have set times to play. Bow's End stays open to 2am on Friday and Saturday night. I usually get started around 11pm."

She is then out the door.  

"Agreed", Guardok says quickly to Quentillius, before his fellow Drama Guild member changes his mind. "Setup and prep, got it", he says giving a thumbs up to Rubina, happy to help.

He then listens to Shin, and nods along, appreciative of his explanation around kinetic and potential energy.

"Kinetic and Potential, eh? Sounds a little similar to the circus with the trapeze. We have a flyer and a catcher. The flyer provides motion and energy, but without the catcher to be an anchor they are just an accident waiting to happen", he says with a chuckle.

As the little goblin speaks to Aurora, he drains his coffee, and looks around for a clock to see what the time is.

Mina nods as Aspen mentions Malvyn. "Ah, yes. I work on the Strixhaven Star with Malvyn. And you're here as part of the pre-enrollment group? How did you meet Malvyn?" She is pleased with your choice and runs off to get the orders started. You note that she asks the young man you spoke to first to get the black tea and herbal tea while seeing to your drink herself. 

Aspen’s ears tip forward slightly at the mention of the Strixhaven Star, filing that away for later. “Oh?” There’s a flicker of quiet interest there. “That must keep you busy.” At Mina’s question, Aspen shifts her weight gently. “We met earlier today, actually.” She answers easily. “He, and Guardok, introduced themselves shortly after we arrived in Cloudblower Hall."

Arinchu, keeping attentive to the bracelet weaving, immediately makes note of the gesture for her to tie bracelet to Aspen's wrist. She reaches out, gently taking the ends and deftly tying it in place. "Is that right?" she asks softly, her eyes glancing up to hers with the question. Once she has an affirmative response, she looks back down, using her fingers to lightly urge Aspen to turn over her hand so she can observe the blossoms against her skin. "Lovely," she says. 

When Arinchu finishes tying the bracelet and asks, Aspen studies it with quiet approval. Her tail had already begun a slow, content sway the moment Arinchu first started fastening it. “Purrfect.” She murmurs, pleased. The berry toned blossoms rest against her skin like they were meant to be there. When Arinchu guides the turn her hand to admire it, Aspen moves easily with her touch, watching the way careful fingers adjust the flowers. A soft, content hum settles low in her chest. “Thank you.”
 

It does not take too long to get the three drinks. Each has its own aroma, but it is clearly the blend of chocolate and raspberry that stands out the most. "Enjoy!" Mina says brightly. Arinchu takes her drink, cupping her hands around it. A tiny smile forms at the edges of her lips as she watches the cat-eared woman inhale. And with the 'Prrt' sounds her head tilts ever so slightly.

"Thank you Mina!" Aspen calls back. The drinks are warm in her hands, fragrant and sweet. The white chocolate and raspberry rises in delicate steam, and Aspen’s ears tilt back just slightly in indulgent satisfaction as she inhales some more.

Zanther’s sudden arrival draws her attention, though she does not step in. Instead, she shifts just enough to remain beside Arinchu, letting the half-orc navigate the enthusiastic second year.

When Zanther departs, Aspen’s tail gives a small approving sway. "I'm excited for you." She says as they resume walking. “There's good enthusiasm and energy from the Gymnastics club.” Zanther and Shin's excitement had felt infectious. "I hope you enjoy yourself at Gymnastics while you exercise your acrobatic skills." Aspen smiles before musing out loud. "To be honest, I'm curious if I'll get the opportunity to witness them, along with your dancing."

At the table, Naevyn gratefully takes the cup of herbal tea from Aspen. "Thank you so much. You are far too kind to have fetched that for me." 

“You’re welcome Naevyn.” Aspen nods with a smile as she settles into a seat. "It's the least I could do for 'leaving' you there at the counter on check-in." She still felt a little guilty about it, and this small act of service is her way of reconciling that, even if it was just for her own peace of mind. "And I figured it could give you the chance to catch up with the group a bit."

The Half-Orc looks between Aspen and the fancy drink when the offer is made. There is a visible hesitation before she answers. "I am tempted," she says quietly. "But you don't have to give me a taste. It's your drink."  

Aspen's mismatched eyes linger on Arinchu for a beat. “I don’t have to...” She agrees softly. “But I like to.” She lifts the cup just slightly toward her, an invitation, not insistence. Her fingers remain steady on it, trusting Arinchu to decide. "Sharing is caring." She adds with a playful cant of her head, dimple touching her cheek.

"You know, if you want to hear Aurora play you can always go to the Bow's End tavern tonight, it's just past the Biblioplex from here. I'm sure she would love to have you in the audience." He finally decides to say with a friendly smile to the half-orc and the fox-eared girl.

Aurora grins at Malvyn as she gets up to go. "Yes, I will deal with this overzealous fan tonight then. We will have to discuss just what I shall do with him."  Picking up on the Tiefling's remark about the Bow's End Tavern, she does call out towards those sitting at the end of the table. "Yes, please come listen to the music if you like. My sets usually a bit late, but it's always nice to have an audience."  The dark-haired woman then slips out of the cafe. 

Arinchu hears the remark, but rather than responding to Aurora or Malvyn, she instead looks at Aspen. "I really did enjoy her music. Would you want to go listen tonight?" 

When Aurora’s invitation floats across the café and then fades with the closing door. Steam curls upward between their cups and Aspen turns her attention back to Arinchu. Her ears tilt, and her heart flutters, considering. The thought of the tavern. Late music. New spaces. The day still unfolding.

Aspen looks at Arinchu, really looks at her, and there’s that small dimple again. “I would.” She says gently. “It sounds lovely.” A sway of her tail underscores it.

In the moment that follows, Aspen's ears tilt, thoughtful and her tail sways once more, contemplative. Then she breaks her silence to add something that's been on her mind. “I’ve been meaning to find the gardens. Or whatever passes for them here.” She glances toward the tall windows, where the late light spills gold across the floor. “Maybe after dinner? A short walk first... Stretch our legs... See what grows here...” Her smile softens. “Then music at the Bow?” There’s a quiet spark in her eyes.

“Yes!, he is lucky!,” she replies with a formulaic reply of her own, sharing a smile with Myala which seems to say, ‘our hearts are worth more than any boy can be entrusted with!’, “But,” she continues evenly, “I too am lucky. No, he is back home.”

Myala grins as she notes the formulaic nature of the reply and then smiles more happily when Chierhy says she too is lucky. "Being away for so much will be tough. Especially after two years." 

When Myala mentions betrothment, Chierhy answers, “Too much ceremony. When I return after my studies here perhaps we will elope. That would suit me. Otherwise, how many hours and days of interesting research will I sacrifice in choosing a seamstress and wedding dress and symbology. No, it will be much simpler.” Her smile is convincing, to a point, but it may be apparent that she has carefully shifted the topic. She gives Myala a look that says, ‘I’ll tell you more later.’ 

 
At the mention of an elopement, her eyes widen slightly in surprise. But she seems get to the drift that there might be more too it. 'Definitely I need to talk to Chierhy later!' she thinks. 'I never imagined though she would have had such a long-term relationship. Imagine, two years!'

But she carries on. “I mean, right now, I am so incredibly excited about what I can learn here. Have you both come to study something in particular?”

 
"Well, Quadrix is definitely the college I am going to join," Myala says with certainty. 

Kadyr, who had been rather quiet up to now, jumps in to answer as well. "My life is devoted to the Wildmother, so I will likely pursue Witherbloom. The philosophical opposition of that college's ideals, Growth and Decay, really underly the basis of my thinking. Both are so essential to the natural world. Although I do appreciate the practical. I have a bit of ability with both alchemy and herbalism, so I might lean into that, perhaps." 

Myala nods to Kadyr, continuing. "I was going to say, I'm not set on anything quite yet, but I have read about mana and how it flows through leylines or things like these star arches. It is fascinating how the underlying mathematics describe these flows of arcane energy. And it is through understanding those mathematic formulas that you can then manipulate those energies.  Did you know, I've heard that the many of the arcane devices found at Strixhaven are powered from the mana of the snarls and star arches here.  They allow for effects that might be hard to maintain elsewhere." 

The conversation turning to more benign matters, the group soon finds themselves across the bridge and right up to the outside of the Biblioplex.  You see not far to your left the main entrance.  "What is your intended path of study, Chiehry?" Myala asks. 

Before Aspen leaves the counter, Mina seems to raise a brow when she mentions Guardok and Malvyn coming to greet them at Cloudblower Hall. "That is quite unlike Malvyn, going out and meeting new people for no reason. Very interesting." She is then on to the next customer. 

When Zanther departs, Aspen’s tail gives a small approving sway. "I'm excited for you." She says as they resume walking. “There's good enthusiasm and energy from the Gymnastics club.” Zanther and Shin's excitement had felt infectious. "I hope you enjoy yourself at Gymnastics while you exercise your acrobatic skills." Aspen smiles before musing out loud. "To be honest, I'm curious if I'll get the opportunity to witness them, along with your dancing."

"I am looking forward to Gymnastics Club! I definitely enjoy being physically active, so it should be a great outlet for that," Arinchu says. Her following response is a bit more subdued. "Oh, well I hope you would get to see me if you wanted to. Probably there will be a chance?" 

“You’re welcome Naevyn.” Aspen nods with a smile as she settles into a seat. "It's the least I could do for 'leaving' you there at the counter on check-in." She still felt a little guilty about it, and this small act of service is her way of reconciling that, even if it was just for her own peace of mind. "And I figured it could give you the chance to catch up with the group a bit."

"Ah, it's nothing," Naevyn replies. "Though you do remind me that I will have to go back to seeing if all is resolved here at some point.  But thank you again for bringing the drink." He finds a seat not far from Aspen and Arinchu. 

Aspen's mismatched eyes linger on Arinchu for a beat. “I don’t have to...” She agrees softly. “But I like to.” She lifts the cup just slightly toward her, an invitation, not insistence. Her fingers remain steady on it, trusting Arinchu to decide. "Sharing is caring." She adds with a playful cant of her head, dimple touching her cheek.

"You have already shared though," Arinchu replies as she briefly holds up her wrist to show off her bracelet of blossoms. "And I feel like I have nothing to share really. Umm, if you like to though I will taste a small sample."  She reaches out to gently take the cup, then lifts it to her lips for the briefest of sips. She lets out an ever-so-soft "Mmmm" as she passes the cup back for Aspen to take. "It is good," she says, briefly licking her lips as the flavor lingers.  "I do truly enjoy my black tea though."  And as if to make a point, she takes a brief sip from her cup as the liquid is still rather hot. As almost an afterthought, she raises up her cup, holding it towards Aspen. "You are welcome to try mine if you want. It's just... well, it's not... umm... exciting like yours." 

When Aurora’s invitation floats across the café and then fades with the closing door. Steam curls upward between their cups and Aspen turns her attention back to Arinchu. Her ears tilt, and her heart flutters, considering. The thought of the tavern. Late music. New spaces. The day still unfolding.

Aspen looks at Arinchu, really looks at her, and there’s that small dimple again. “I would.” She says gently. “It sounds lovely.” A sway of her tail underscores it.

"Excellent!" the Half-Orc says, a broad smile on her face. "Oh! And perhaps you could see me dance when we're listening to the music!" 

In the moment that follows, Aspen's ears tilt, thoughtful and her tail sways once more, contemplative. Then she breaks her silence to add something that's been on her mind. “I’ve been meaning to find the gardens. Or whatever passes for them here.” She glances toward the tall windows, where the late light spills gold across the floor. “Maybe after dinner? A short walk first... Stretch our legs... See what grows here...” Her smile softens. “Then music at the Bow?” There’s a quiet spark in her eyes.

Arinchu is now fully focused on Aspen, smiling even more at the suggestion. "I'd love to take a walk and try and find the gardens. It sounds lovely." She nods her head enthusiastically. "After dinner," she agrees. "Then the music."  She pauses for a moment, then asks, "What time is it anyhow? Do we still have time before we have to get back?" 

For those checking on the time, it is just after 1:30pm. Residents of Cloudblower Hall would recall they have to meet Shuvadri at 3:00pm.