Culuril's Strixhaven Adventure

It was admittedly quite cute watching the couple before him talking, but also increasingly awkward for him, so the purple-skinned tiefling finishes his cappucino and discreetly rises to leave the table. It seemed some of the others would come to the tavern tonight, until then he had to figure out something to talk to them about. As he passes the counter he tries to see if there was an opening to speak briefly to Mina or if he simply should catch her later.

“Witherbloom,” Chierhy acknowledges when Kadyr describes his plans. “That does seem fitting for you. I barely know the difference between a black oak tree and a white oak. I spend so much time reading that the day is practically over by the time it occurs to me to think about the natural world. And by now I have far too many unanswered questions… or really, unasked…

“Growth and decay. That’s not so dissimilar though from my recent studies in null theory. I’ll spare you the details, haha, but the beginning and ending of things… of everything… occupies my imagination.”

“Quandrix!,” Chierhy beams, when Myala divulges her interests. “Me too!!” She utters a joyful trill deep in her chest that squeaks out uncontainable, followed by a short laugh. “And mana! Yes! I copied three pages of formulas specifically relating to the energy required to keep these things steady above us,” she gestures grandly to the wondrous star arch stones. “I’ll show them to you! It’s amazing, isn’t it?? The dimensional flow contradicts standard fractal flow algorithms and instead, following null theory’s second primary, casparates in petal-combed arteria. Unless…,” she locks eyes with Myala. “Have you also run numbers about it??”

"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", [Guardok] says with a chuckle.

Having heard of trapeze acts and believing he knows theoretically how they should work, yet never having seen one in the wild, Shin listens curiously.

"Perhaps you are right, though does the catcher truly remain nearly motionless, with very little kinetic energy?  Or do they themselves hang from the pendulously swinging trapeze on occasion and throw the flyer?"  The goblin pauses, self-aware for a moment.  "These are likely ignorant questions on my part, and apologies if so.  I believe it would provide great visual wonderment to witness such aerial feats in person, should I be so lucky one day."

"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. 

Spying his roommate Naevyn seated further along the table, Shin waves, noting that near the winged fey, Aspen and Arinchu seem to be pairing off in a way that even a goblin can find cute.  He admonishes himself for his prior choice of phrase and determines not to describe their behavior as a "mating ritual" as he had earlier in reference to Kadyr's advances towards Arinchu in the Cloudblower Hall lobby, to Arinchu's evident displeasure.  Instead:

"Guardok, you met Naevyn earlier when you and Malvyn greeted us newcomers in a socially hospitable way earlier.  Naevyn, you postulated your intention to join the Silkball Club, correct?  Some of us have found others with the same extracurricular pursuits, such Guardok, Zanther, Arinchu and I with gymnastics, but Guardok, I was wondering if you were aware of any others from your cohort who have elected to participate in Silkball?"

Shin addresses the question ostensibly to the affable earth genasi, but faces the entire table so that anyone could potentially answer.

Aspen accepts the cup back carefully after Arinchu’s sip, fingers settling around the warmth again. The pleased little mmm earns a quiet smile from her. “I’m glad you like it.” She says softly.

When Arinchu lifts her own tea in return, offering it with that slightly apologetic tone, Aspen’s ears tilt with interest. “Oh?” she hums. She leans in just slightly and accepts the cup for a brief sip, respectful of the heat to not burn her mouth, letting the flavour settle before handing it gently back. “It’s good.” She says with quiet certainty. “Simple doesn’t mean lesser.” Her tail gives a slow, approving sway. “Steady is its own kind of comfort.” Her smile punctuates this.

When Arinchu brightens at the idea of dancing at the tavern, Aspen’s dimple returns immediately. “I’d like that.” She says. “Very much.”

Her ears tilt thoughtfully when the question of time comes up. She glances toward the tall windows where the light has softened, gauging it more by the day than any clock. “I think we still have a little time.” She answers easily. "I think it's about 1:30? Then we have our meeting with Shuvadri at 3pm." 

"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 tail sways contently from his thanks. "Maybe after the meeting with Shuvadri?" The suggestion leaves her before she could catch it. They could always pit stop/support Naevyn checking in to ensure things were resolved.

Opening her mouth to ask a question that's come to mind, Aspen turned towards Malvyn, or at least where he was sitting, to see that he snuck away. So her mismatched eyes soon pan the rest of the table and she gets caught up in listening to the other students discussions and excitement.

"You’ve got a keen mind for the mechanics of it, Shin. I feel that in that sense I am most definitely the ignorant one" Guardok nods, leaning back. "The catcher does swing as well, but the 'catch' is timed for that perfect heartbeat where the catcher is momentarily motionless—right at the peak between swings. That’s the sweet spot. Once they snag the flyer, they both begin the opposite swing together. It’s a marvel of timing and trust".

He lets out a little chuckle, "It is amazing to watch, with arms, legs and tails everywhere! I never tire of it, though I’ve never been keen to try it myself. I prefer to keep my feet on solid ground".

When asked about Silkball, he frowns. "You know, I actually don't know anyone who is part of the Silkball club. I know people from the Roleplaying guild, the iron lifters and the water-dancing club. But no-one from Silkball, sorry. I bet it is fun scrambling in all that mud, though. I hope you know how to prestidigitate your clothes clean afterwards mind, Naevyn", he adds with another earthy chuckle.

Not quite finding an opening to speak to Mina, the purple-skinned tiefling decides to patiently await the right moment and returns to his seat at the table, trying again to tune into the conversations going on.

Aspen listens for a moment as Guardok describes the timing of the swing and catch. Her ears tilt this way and that as he speaks, following the explanation like leaves turning toward sunlight.

Her gaze drifts briefly to Malvyn as he settles back into his seat. “I was actually hoping to ask...” she says, voice gentle enough not to derail the conversation entirely. “Do you know if Strixhaven has dedicated gardens somewhere on campus? Or… whatever passes for them here?” Her tail gives a small hopeful sway behind her chair.

Then, remembering something else, her ears lift again slightly. “After hearing Guardok list off some people he knew from other groups, I'm curious..."  She glances between Malvyn and the others at the table. "Do any of you happen to know someone involved with the Horticultural Club?”

Mina was busy when Malvyn first came over to speak. After a few minutes she gets a moment, only to see the Tiefling had gone back to the table.  Without a pause, she walks over. "What's up Malvyn? I've gotto get backbut thought I could spare a second to come over." She glances around at the other new students also at the table. "Making new friends are you?"

When Shin mentions the Silkball Club, it catches Mina's attention. "Oh, think I saw Melwythorne. He plays Silkball." She looks around towards one of the other tables. There is a very tall dryad there who looks like a person built from bare tree branches.  Naevyn turns to look as well, intersted to see who this was. "Yep, there he is. Practically impossible to miss."

Replying to Guardok's, the Fairy laughs. "Well, I don't know that spell. But I'm sure the mud won't be too bad. Hey, think I might go say hello." And he walks off towards the tall dryad. 

By the time Aspen suggests following up on Naevyn's issue after the meeting, he's already wandered off. Arinchu grins, "I'm sure he'll appreciate the help. Later." She continues to sip at her tea as it cools a bit as she listens to the other conversations. She does seem curious about any garden that might be around the campus. 

The purple-skinned tiefling gives the fox-eared girl a surprised look at first, suprised over being spoken to it seems, his mind quickly trying to recall what she had said. "Garden...garden...yes I suppose the commons is a garden, The Archway Commons that is, it's just outside in that direction, you can see it through the windows even, not sure if it would be the kind of garden you were hoping for but it's quite nice walking there." He says with a small frindly smile, looking between the fox-eared girl and the half-orc. He knew what he was talking about. He and Aurora often took an evening stroll through the commons after her gigs.

 "Well, you know I was almost about to claim my room mate Knap was a memeber of the Horticultural club, but I realize now he probably isn't, although he really should be, he is the perfect and constant gardener and always makes sure our room is full of lovely vibrant flowers. I believe Knap has a job tending the garden in the commons though which he seems to enjoy very much. Anyway, I don't really think I know anyone there but if you're having your orientation soon then I'm sure you will be able to find recruiters there that could tell you more." He continues, realizing he talked way too much without having anything useful to tell, sinking back in his chair as he finshes and feeling awkward again. 

As Mina comes over to ask if he is making new friends, the purple-skinned tiefling nervously scratches the side of his neck. "Trying my best I suppose." He says with a weak smile. "I didn't mean to disturb you in work Mina, but I haven't had the chance to talk to you in a while, with the exams and all, but I just wanted to offer to cover the Rose Festival for the Star, I will definitely be there anyway but honestly it would also be an excuse for me to not be dragged into anything closer to the stage, or even on it." He says, the last part a bit more quiet as if being embarrased over this. Most of his friends seemed to enjoy being on a stage and at the center of attention, but he was quite content with simply being an appreciating audience for others. 

Kadyr chuckles at Chierhy's comment about oak trees. "Such fine distinctions are difficult. Though the natural world is all around us! You must at least have some appreciation for it."

Myala also is a little surprised at Chierhy's lack of time for the natural world. "I too spend much time reading, although it does have to be balanced with my training and duties. I'm hoping here at Strixhaven I can focus more fully on study though." She smiles at the thought. 

She also listens intently to the discussion of theories and calculations. Kadyr seems a bit less interested. At the menton of the formulas and putting actual numbers to the star arches that were right above them. Myala is even more excited. "Interesting. No! I had been thinking about doing that since I first saw them today. But you already have? I would love to see what you've done."

As the group talks they just pause outside of the Biblioplex. 

Guardok is glad someone could help Naevyn find a member of the Silkball club. It is always nice to know someone when you arrive to these clubs, rather than walk into a room full of complete strangers. He watches Naevyn head off towards Melwythorne, then turns back to Aspen.

Knapp was the only one who he knew as well, that might have been interested in the Horticulture Club. He gives a shrug of apology that he can't help. Looking at Aspen, not too closely of course, he thinks back to all the interesting people that has crossed his path at the circus. So far, though, she is definitely the first Fox-kin he has met. Strixhaven truly was wonderful for connecting with different species from different backgrounds, and the new first years surely increased the diversity of his acquaintances.

"Have you always had an interest in Horticulture, Aspen? That's plants and stuff, right?", he prompts, hoping to find out a little more about her, and not wanting to assume that since she seems to be a Fox-kin and likes nature that she is from the wilds. "You mentioned you were interested in Witherbloom. I have always been a little confused by that college, with its focus seeming to be split between life and death. I am sure there is more to it than that, of course", he adds.

Mina nods to Malvyn as he asks about the Rose Stage Festival. "No problem Malvyn, should work great to have you cover the festival. Though, be fun to see you on stage," she adds with a grin. "But if not a performance, then your article should be fine." She waves, "Gotta get back, talk to you later." She then hurries back over to the serving counter.

"You’ve got a keen mind for the mechanics of it, Shin. I feel that in that sense I am most definitely the ignorant one" Guardok nods, leaning back. "The catcher does swing as well, but the 'catch' is timed for that perfect heartbeat where the catcher is momentarily motionless—right at the peak between swings. That’s the sweet spot. Once they snag the flyer, they both begin the opposite swing together. It’s a marvel of timing and trust".

He lets out a little chuckle, "It is amazing to watch, with arms, legs and tails everywhere! I never tire of it, though I’ve never been keen to try it myself. I prefer to keep my feet on solid ground".

"That level of coordination, precision and timing is certainly impressive to put into practice without a safety net."  Shin chuckles.  "I find myself imbued with the absolute certainty that if I were ever to have the training, skill and determination to even consider undertaking such an activity, the Feather Fall spell would be well inscribed into my spell book and I would prepare it every day before placing one green foot on the first rung of the ladder up."

Shin glances at the dryad pointed out by Mina and smiles as Naevyn makes his way over, gratified that his fey roommate has found a fellow Silkballer.

Turning back to Guardok, he asks curiously.  "So what is your specialty at the circus, given that you prefer to keep your body in contact, or at least proximity, with the earth, as befits your ancestry?  Tumbling and gymnastics, I would hypothesize?  Bringing us full circle, I suppose."

“It took days!,” Chierhy answers regarding the math she has already solved regarding the star arch stones. “I was so curious when I read about them that I had to try to work it out,” she continues, observing the stones appreciatively. But her brow suddenly quirks. “Waaiiit…,” she says, drawing herself up to her full height as if responding to a challenge. Her gaze is internal as she talks through a formula under her breath, displeased.

She stoops and picks up a pebble then, holding it at eye level, drops it. She frowns, sharing a look with Myala and Kadyr that says, ‘you’ve got to be kidding me.’

She repeats the motion with a different pebble. Then another. Sighs.

“There should be warpage. Of the gravitational field here under the star arch stones.” She looks at Myala and chuckles. “Well. I ran the numbers. But they’re wrong. There must be some dimensional effect different here than on Wagadu. Back to the drawing board!,” she jokes. Then, cocks her head with a little “hmmm” sound that signals curiosity more than frustration. Then, she lets it go.  

“Oh—,” she comes back to the current moment. “The natural world.” She pauses and her voice gains an almost whispered, measured intensity. “I love it. With all my heart. I mean just the air out of doors is enough to distract me from other things. Like just now. Maybe we should be with the others, all at the cafe still. But I couldn't help myself. I had to feel it, smell it. If only there were two of me. One would sit and watch trees grow all day while the other did her math and research. You know?” She chuckles, a small, happy sound, delighting in the prospect of living out that dream rather than begrudging the confines of reality.

"Keeping a Feather Fall charm around sure sounds sensible to me," Guardok replies to Shin, his gaze distant as he remembers the gasps of the audience. "But if the crowds ever found out the danger of the act wasn't real... well, that’d ruin the atmosphere. It's the risk that makes the 'wonderment' stick".

He shifts in his seat, looking a little embarrassed as he rubs the back of a polished stone hand. "As for me... I’m sad to say I wasn’t one of the main attractions. Most of my time was spent on the setup—hauling poles, bracing the rigs—and providing a few magical effects here and there. I did the occasional tumbling routine with the others when they needed a solid base, but nothing that would put my name on a poster".

Then, his posture straightens, and a spark of genuine excitement lights up his eyes. "But when I go back, it’s going to be different. I’m working on a sword dancing routine. I want to elevate the drama to new heights—literally and figuratively. I’m certain that by being here at Strixhaven, I can learn more about myself and the stone I’m created from, and weave all of that into a great act! Imagine... a dance where the earth itself rises to meet the blade".

By the time Aspen suggests following up on Naevyn's issue after the meeting, he's already wandered off. Arinchu says, "I'm sure he'll appreciate the help later." She continues to sip at her tea as it cools a bit.  

A soft amused hum comes from Aspen and a little chuckle. "I think it may become a theme with him." She thinks out loud.

The purple-skinned tiefling gives the fox-eared girl a surprised look at first, suprised over being spoken to it seems, his mind quickly trying to recall what she had said. "Garden...garden...yes I suppose the commons is a garden, The Archway Commons that is, it's just outside in that direction, you can see it through the windows even, not sure if it would be the kind of garden you were hoping for but it's quite nice walking there." He says with a small frindly smile, looking between the fox-eared girl and the half-orc. He knew what he was talking about. He and Aurora often took an evening stroll through the commons after her gigs.

 "Well, you know I was almost about to claim my room mate Knap was a memeber of the Horticultural club, but I realize now he probably isn't, although he really should be, he is the perfect and constant gardener and always makes sure our room is full of lovely vibrant flowers. I believe Knap has a job tending the garden in the commons though which he seems to enjoy very much. Anyway, I don't really think I know anyone there but if you're having your orientation soon then I'm sure you will be able to find recruiters there that could tell you more." He continues, realizing he talked way too much without having anything useful to tell, sinking back in his chair as he finshes and feeling awkward again. 

Aspen’s ears perk slightly when Malvyn answers, following the direction he gestures toward the windows. She leans just enough to glance past the café glass toward the stretch of green beyond. “The Archway Commons…” she repeats softly, committing the name to memory. A small smile touches her lips. “That sounds lovely, actually.”

Her tail gives a slow, pleased sway behind her chair. “Gardens don’t always have to be carefully arranged beds and neat rows.” She adds gently. “Sometimes the nicest ones are simply spaces where things are allowed to grow.” Her mismatched eyes return to Malvyn with quiet appreciation. “Thank you for pointing it out.”

Aspen tilts her head slightly, curiosity still lingering. “And if your roommate tends it, then it sounds cared for well.” A faint dimple appears. “Perhaps will cross paths with him when exploring later.”

"Have you always had an interest in Horticulture, Aspen? That's plants and stuff, right?", he prompts, hoping to find out a little more about her, and not wanting to assume that since she seems to be a Fox-kin and likes nature that she is from the wilds. "You mentioned you were interested in Witherbloom. I have always been a little confused by that college, with its focus seeming to be split between life and death. I am sure there is more to it than that, of course", he adds.

Aspen’s ears tilt toward Guardok when he addresses her, the question drawing her attention back from the slow swirl of conversations around the table. Her tail gives a small thoughtful sway behind her chair. It was kind of him to inquire. “A little, yes.” She answers easily. “Though it didn’t start as horticulture, exactly.”

Her fingers trace lightly over the berry-toned blossoms tied around her wrist, adjusting one petal where the thread had shifted. “Where I’m from, plants were simply… part of living.” She explains. “Food, medicine, shelter, dye, tea. You learn their uses because they’re there, and because people before you learned them.”

Her mismatched eyes lift again toward Guardok. “But the more I studied them, the more I realized how much there still is to understand. How they heal. How they restore. How some can harm if used poorly.” She hums softly, thoughtful.

At the mention of Witherbloom, her expression warms rather than darkens. “A lot of people hear ‘life and death’ and think it means something grim.” She says gently. “But it’s really just the cycle. Growth, decay, renewal.” Her tail sways once, slow and calm. “Rot feeds soil. Fallen leaves become the next season’s life. Healing isn’t just about preserving something forever… sometimes it’s about knowing when to let something return to the earth so something new can grow.” A small dimple touches her cheek again. “I think Witherbloom simply studies that balance.”

She glances briefly toward the windows, where the afternoon light still spills across the commons outside. “And gardens are a lovely place to watch it happen.”

After that, Aspen settles back slightly, listening as Guardok continues conversing with Shin. Her attention lingers on him as he describes the circus and the act he hopes to build one day. A dance with the earth itself... it sounded poetic. "That sounds like a thrilling dance." She smiles.

After a moment, her gaze drifts to Arinchu, curiosity returning to something that had been quietly sitting in the back of her mind since earlier. “I’ve been wondering...” She says gently. Her mismatched eyes settle warmly on the half-orc. “Is there a style of dance you specialize in?” Her head tilts slightly as she asks. “Or do you explore many kinds the way acrobats do?” A small dimple appears again. “I imagine each one must feel different to move through.”

Myala watches Chierhy, momentarily worried until she chuckles. "Well, it's easy to miss something in such complicated calculations. Perhaps we can review the equations at some point when we have some time."  She glances up at the massive stones, floating in mid-air in near perfect alignment. "I've heard there's a snarl inside the Biblioplex. Perhaps its presence so close by has an influence?" 

Both she and Kadyr listen as she talks wistfully of splitting herself into two. "As much as I love the natural world, I think I might choose the math and research to just watching trees grow all day," Kadyr says with a grin. "Well, maybe research and not so much math, but still, I'm not sure how long I could just stare at one tree!"  

As Aspen speaks with Malvyn and Guardok, Arinchu slowly drinks her tea now that it has cooled a bit. She watches and listens to the conversations going on, not making any comments. But when the cat-eared woman turns her attention back to her, she shifts a bit, sitting up and being more attentive. A smile slowly forms on her face at the question "You make it sound like I am a professional dancer or something. I'm not."  There's a long pause before she adds, "Yet," with a soft giggle. "Really though, I dance for fun, and to just let myself move to the music. The monastery I studied at was certainly not inclined to teach dancing. But I've learned a few things on my own. Mostly ballet forms. And..."  She pauses, now looking a bit more self-conscious. "I imagine you don't know of Rootha Squallheart. But she was kind of an inspiration for me." 

The purple-skinned tiefling smiles back at the fox-eared girl, seeming pleased with having contributed with some helpful information like a good elder student should. "Oh, and there is of corse also the Book Gardens in the Biblioplex, how could I forget." He adds a bit excitedly. "I assume you will see it during your orientation. Should be a nice quiet place to study if you enjoy gardens." He did listen appreciatively to the fox-eared girl's explanation of Witherbloom philosphy about the circle of life. Perhaps it deserved a deeper understanding.

"Yes I'm sure you would find it amusing watching me fumble around on a stage, but I can assure you any competence I possess definitely lies elsewhere." Malvyn respinds to Mina with a grin. "Anything else that needs covering? I should have more free time now after the exam." He adds with a friendly smile.

Mina has nothing else at the moment for Malvyn as she hurries off.  Arinchu does catch his comment about a Book Garden and asks, "What exactly is that? Are you saying it is inside the library?" 

Bretira and Daxle chat with each other while finishing off their drinks. Naevyn ends up talking with both the dryad and another woman as well.  She is dark-skinned with bright blue eyes and a very poised demeanor. In her hair is what looks like a white flower trimmed in gold, but it actually appears to be constructed from some sort of paper, folded into a fractal pattern.  When Naevyn makes his way back to the group he says, "Both Melwythorne and Tilana are in the Silkball Club!  Turns out she is quite a master at strategies of the game. How're we doing for time?" 

Time has been passing and it is now just past 2:15pm.  It is plenty of time to get back to Cloudblower Hall, though not so much as to allow too much further exploration at the moment.