Culuril's Strixhaven Adventure

Aspen lingers just a heartbeat longer as the painted squirrel darts along the roots. Her ears perk and twitch, tracking the movement. A soft, instinctive chitter escapes her. "Hello." It was quiet and quick, the kind of sound made without thinking when something small and lively catches the eye. Her head tilts slightly, watching. Waiting, just for a moment… as if half-expecting a response. Her tail gives a small, hopeful flick behind her.

At the sound of the professor greeting Shin, one ear tilts that way, catching the exchange. That's when Aspen’s attention shifts fully, not away from the mural, but deeper into it. “…memory.” she echoes softly. Her gaze returns to the roots, slower this time. More deliberate. Not just watching now, but considering. “The roots remember…” She murmurs, almost to herself. Her fingers hover a little closer to the wall, still not touching. “And the rest is… drawn from that.” A faint breath leaves her, somewhere between wonder and recognition. Her tail gives a slow, thoughtful sway. The idea settles into her rather than passing through. “Growth built on what came before. Even in something shaped by magic.” Her dimple returns, small but certain. “I like that.”

Another series of soft chitters come from Aspen towards the critters. It was gentler this time, almost conversational. "Do you remember the student whose memory you were shaped from?" Her gaze lingers on the movement of root and branch, attentive. Curious. She waits. Only for a breath or two, but long enough to feel like she’s listening.

But then at the mention of the gardens, she nods her head firmly. "Yea. We should find the gardens while we still have time. Let's go."  She continues to move towards the hallway that leads deeper into the library, pausing only to make sure Aspen is with her.  

Only then does she shift, turning slightly back toward Arinchu as the half-orc urges them onward. The pull of the gardens, and time, returns. Aspen nods once, light and eager. “Yes! Before we run out of it.” She casts one last glance toward the mural, committing it to memory in the quiet way she does. “Maybe it will look different when we come back?” Then she trots up beside Arinchu. “Lead the way.” She says with a sway, a hint of playful trust in it.

(Speak with Animals Essentially Aspen habitually/instinctively tried speaking to the squirrel/bird as if they were real ones. Wondering if communication could work the same. Even if not, she'd have been curious to try, and to learn one way or the other. I indicated speaking with animals through italic and strike out coloured text. If it's possible she could have ritual casted it as if standing there for 10 minutes, great! Of course no worries if not, I can use up a spell slot if need be.)

Kadyr seems content with Chierhy's response as his eyes start to drift more about the room.  Myala does not seem to notice Chierhy's attention as she still seems to be focused on studying the snarl.  

"I wonder who all those statues are?" Kadyr asks, though he's already glancing over at the archways heading out from the hall opposite to where you entered. "Wonder what other wonders they keep in this place. Shall we continue our exploration?" 

None of the creatures seem to respond to Aspen's chittering. At least, none of the painted squirrels or birds do.  Arinchu watches and listens with interest, though not saying anything while she does it. When she says to lead the way though, the Half-Orc quickly moves along past the information desk. 

Past a second information desk you see a large hall in the distance. Near at hand there are numerous tables set up to both the left and right, with row upon row of shelves loaded with books just beyond.  You spot a couple of wheeled automatons carrying books to replace back on the shelves as you look.  Farther to the right seems to be even more shelves, though far more densely packed together. 

Far to your left, you catch a glimpse of greenery.  Arinchu heads off in that direction, making sure Aspen is with her. "That must be one of the gardens," she says. 

Cogwork Archivist

Quote from Culuril >>

Going in that direction, the see Shindo is already at the information desk speaking to the woman there with the oddly smoky/shadowy hair. She smiles when the Goblin introduces himself. "Shindo!" she says with a sense of familiarity. "It is good to meet you. My husband has mentioned you several times. I'm Professor Flintwind. I do know the mural was the work of several hands. It combined the work of scholars from both Witherbloom and Prismari. I understand that there are actual roots involved beneath the floor. The natural energy of those roots are enhanced with mana drawn from local sources of instability in the Weave. I understand it is a common technique here around Strixhaven to power various magic effects. In any case though, somehow the artists and mages involved used the inherent memory within the roots to derive the rest of the tree and branches and blossoms. They change with the seasons you know, just as a real tree would."  She grins, "The squirrels and birds I've heard were just extra additions from a couple of the students."  

She takes a breath, looking down at the short-statured young man. "Sorry, I hope that wasn't too much. As for other sights and sensations, the Biblioplex has many, and I always think that it's best to experience it. Feel free to roam about a bit.  But you'll have a chance to see much tomorrow during Orientation.  I will say though, this is a library. One of the most entrancing things in the universe is a good book!  Now, which book is going to be the great enchantment for you? That you'll have to figure out for yourself!" 

Shin is taken aback as the professor at the information desk introduces herself as being the wife of the Professor Flintwind to whom he owes his admission to Strixhaven in the first place.  He lurches into an odd bow and smiles his genuine but unsettling goblin smile.

"An honor, Professor Flintwind.  I hope to justify your gracious husband's decision to provide me the opportunity that he has here.  The mural's magic seems far beyond my current grasp, though as an aspirant to Witherbloom College, it is a wondrous paradigm shift to think of the roots of great trees as having memories.  It fuels my immediate speculation at the possibility of gleaning wisdom and memory from ancient living trees themselves."

"As for the exploring the Biblioplex, I hypothesize that I, and my fellow newcomers there, winged Naevyn, fox-eared Aspen initiating communications with the depicted mammals, Dax of both prodigious inventions and sweet tooth, my fellow gymnast Arinchu, and Bretira here, we all shall return to do just that.  And peruse books as well!  Though today, our time has a boundary condition of meeting with Resident Assistant Shuvadri soon..."

The goblin notices Aspen and Arinchu possibly heading to the gardens and can't help but smile, though he does consider how soon the group should turn back for Cloudblower Hall so as not to miss the 3-o'clock meeting with the owlin Resident Assistant that he speaks of.

Chierhy, too, is lost in the snarl. She glances briefly at the statues Kadyr mentions, “Mm-hmm…,” nodding cursorily at their splendidness but her attention is elsewhere.

Kadyr’s suggestion to keep moving rolls into Chierhy’s consciousness like a distant wave slowly approaching the shore. “Oh…, yes…” with effort, she turns to Kadyr, and for a moment, the memory of the energy of the snarl, like bright light in a dark place, having etched itself upon her retinae, seems to wrap Kadyr in its glow, his flowing hair matching the picture perfectly. ‘He is certainly handsome, isn’t he…,’ she thinks.

The Wagaduan gentlewoman’s vision soon settles, the image fades, and Chierhy takes a resigned breath, then checks Myala. “Shall we? It will be easy to come back here soon…”   

"It was wonderful to meet you Shindo," Professor Flintwind says to Shin. "I hope you and your fellow classmates will have many opportunities to enjoy the Biblioplex. Please let me, or any of the faculty here, know if you need assistance in the future." The Goblin steps away from the information desk, noting a nearby clock with the time just after 2:30. You figure it would take at least 10 minutes to walk back to Cloudblower Hall. 

When Chierhy turned to Kadyr, he gave her a warm smile. "Anywhere in particular you would like to go? I am at your service madam." 

Myala had also been wrapped up in admiring the snarl, though Kadyr's suggestion to go had drawn her attention. "I wonder if we have time to look for any books. Surely they must have a few that investigate the computational mana flow dynamics of this snarl. I'd like to try some the calculations ourselves of course," she adds, looking at Chiehry. "But I would like to learn a bit more about this." 

Kadyr grins, shaking his head, "I presume that whatever that was you said is more math! Let's go see what we can see!"  He leads the way out of the hall opposite from where you entered. You find yourselves at the far side of the Biblioplex and before a broad stage. It is empty at the moment, except for a few chests far back against the wall. To the right, you note two rooms with closed doors.  To the left, you catch a hint of greenery, and beyond that another room a bit larger than the ones on the other side. 

You know you had seen rows of bookshelves to either side of the Hall of Oracles when you had entered. 

As you emerge, Kadyr says, "Ah, just after 2:30. We'll have to be thinking of heading back soon." 

"We'll be back for the meeting!" Aspen calls back to Shin and the others as she trots off with Arinchu to check out the gardens. "See you soon!"

Aspen watched how Arinchu lead the way. The way she steps, the way she moves, she way she poises herself. In gentle admiration, and practice of footwork, Aspen mirrors the half-orc's stride. It didn't seem long enough before her attention was stolen by a couple of wheeled automatons putting away books. "Ohhh Dax and Bretira would love them!" She notes, pointing them out quickly. And as curious as she may be herself, she'd choose save it for another time, or for her to learn from one of her companions.

Nose in the air, Aspen quickly agrees with Arinchu's choice of direction to locate the gardens. Prrt. Her tail sways as she's lead towards them, sniffing the whole way. She'd have to sift through all the new and different smells to try and pin point the scents before they even get there. But she'd have to familiarize herself with all the new scents eventually.

In her excitement, and with a playful glance, Aspen would push a bit faster to catch up with Arinchu, and pull ahead a bit as if to suggest a little race. Honestly, Aspen was just curious to see if the half-orc would be playful with her, fully expecting Arinchu's athletic skills to shine and for her to pull ahead.

Once they would finally reach the gardens, Aspen would practically pounce into the first flower bed she spots. 

Arinchu seems curious about why Aspen is passing her up, but she catches the playful glance. With a smile, she increases her own pace, making sure to keep up with the other. You soon reach the area of greenery you glimpsed before. The space is roughly 15 ft. in diameter. At the center is a tall tree with foliage spreading out as a canopy above.  The rest of the space is covered in grass with various shrubs scattered about. A few flower beds are also located here and there with an array of brightly colored petals. 

It is the latter that Aspen heads to once they are there.  Arinchu keeps to the grass alongside. "You really jump into things it seems," she says with a laugh. "I take it you like the flowers."  The comment makes her glance at the bracelet of blossoms she's wearing. She makes a graceful pirouette amidst all the plants before flopping down to sit on the grass. She looks about, from the leaves above to the soaring ceiling of the library and the rows and rows of books. "I'm not sure I've ever seen a space like this inside a library, but it's nice!" 

There's some rustling coming from the greenery moments before Aspen pops her head back out, taking a deep dramatic inhale through her nose before opening her mismatched eyes just in time to catch Arinchu's pirouette. Their smile widens, dimple deepening and her tail gives a delighted sway. A soft giggle in tune with Arinchu's escapes Aspen, soon melting into a hum, then quieted purr. "I do when I feel comfortable and safe." She says with a light tilt of her head and flick of an ear. "I'm not immune to being a scaredy cat other times, though!" She admits with a soft chuckle.

"Mmhmm!" Aspen nods along to Arinchu's following words as she starts working her way out of the flowerbed. "There's just so much more to them..." She pets the ground as she makes her way, touch running along stems and fingering through leaves and flowers. "I think they're commonly overlooked, underappreciated, or underestimated, often seen as simply pretty, or delicate."  She was repairing snaps or damage she may have caused in her enthusiasm. "But I also think that can be a strength, a little part of what makes them special." Aspen finally reaches Arinchu, and settles in next to her. "Very pretty, of course." She smiles at her. "Flowers." Then holds a hand out to catch a flowing petal. "I imagine it can be much like music, or dance."

"Each type of flower, even colour, and arrangement, can express meaning." Mismatched eyes soon look at the petal in her palm. "And deeper in essence, they are resilient, life giving, life sustaining. The are energy in life, and in death. A cycle of rebirth." She continues. "Essential. Food. Medicine. Versatile. Fibre for rope and clothing. Dyes. Fragrance." With a breath, she blows the petal for it to continue on it's journey. Then after a beat she feels the warmth build a little in her cheeks, though her smile doesn't falter.

"I can't say I've ever seen a library, or any 'institutional' building with a space like this, either." Aspen notes alongside Arinchu's comment. "And purhaps I'm biased, but I absolutely love it too! I'd spend a lot more time studying in a library with a space like this."

Chierhy chuckles. At first she had thought Kadyr’s excessive politeness might be an urbane facade concealing subtle machinations. It still could be. But for the moment, he seems harmless. “I’m just letting the spirits lead me, Kadyr. It is all new, and the soft wonders of newness are enough for me after the snarl.” Entering what seems to be a performance hall or amphitheater with its empty stage and adjoining chambers, and seeing a greenspace beyond that, Chierhy mentions the bookshelves they’d seen before when Myala shares her desire to learn more.

“It is tempting to delve deeper and deeper. But let’s start heading back. Maybe Professor Flintwind can point us directly to Computational Mana Flow Dynamics - related reading?”

If the others agree, then Chierhy will walk between the two back the way they came.

“I think you’re right to look into mana flow dynamics. It seems that regular laws of flow and energy conservation are somehow stood on their heads here… but maybe finding out more about rules will help navigate the specifics of how they are being broken. Oh– sorry Kadyr, all right, enough of mathematics and arcana. Now you tell us, please. About the Wildmother. Is she… a goddess? Does her will extend here to Arcavios?”

Shin bows his strange goblin bow to (the female) Professor Flintwind once more as he steps away, then addresses his remaining companions.

"Given the apparent expedience of allowing Aspen and Arinchu to proceed privately along their delightfully oblique trajectory and trusting that the ellipse of their orbit shall loop them back to us in time, what say the rest of you?"  He looks to Dax, Naevyn and Bretira.

"Our time seems bounded at twenty minutes and counting to meet Shuvadri back at Cloudblower Hall, with fifteen being a safer target.  If there is anything any of you are inclined to accomplish whose expected duration is fully contained within that interval, I would be intrigued to join you!"

Pinky-toe looks up from preening herself on Shin's shoulder and the goblin seems to listen to something inside his head for a moment with a wince.

"Oh.  Also, after admonishing me for not introducing her to the professor when I introduced the rest of you, Pinky-toe also postulated the existence of another alternative.  We could ask if Chierhy, Myala and Kadyr passed this way and attempt to locate them."

Arinchu's attention had been drawn back to Aspen when she re-emerged from the greenery. She unconsciously nods at the mention of being a 'scaredy cat' sometimes. 

The Half-Orc continues listening. She watches closely as the cat-eared woman settles in next to her then softly catches the petal, examines it, and sends it along, even as she keeps speaking. She says nothing, but seems to contemplate many of the things being said. 

She finds herself just kind of watching Aspen. Then suddenly some rustling comes from the greenery not far from where Aspen had emerged. It looks like a tiny portion of a shrub comes trotting over. "You woke me up!" it says in a strange raspy voice. "Who are you? Why did you disturb me?"

Myala replies to Chiehry's suggestion to start heading back. "You are right. It would look bad to be late for our first official meeting. And we will have ready access to the Biblioplex from now on!" She seems very cheered by this last comment. 

Kadyr says, "Ok, back the way we came." He starts to lead the way back towards the entrance. Rather than pass through the Hall of Oracles, he goes around, bringing you closer to the rows upon rows of shelves of books. Even just glancing over it is hard not to be aware of the immense number of books right here next to you. And with the shelves so tall, it would be quite a chore to find anything specific. 

In response to Chiehry's query, Kadyr responds, "Well, I do still feel a connection to the Wildmother even here in Arcaivos. But even at home, the gods have placed themselves behind the Divine Gate, which separates Exandria from the Outer Planes. We of course follow their philosophies and strive to their will.  But I do notthink they exert their will as you might be thinking."

He glances at the two ladies a moment to see whether he had completely losttheir interest yet.  Evidently deciding he hadn't, he goes on. "The Wildmother is keeper of the wilderness and all it contains. The living plants, wild creatures, the land, and the sea. In basic form, she calls for protection of the wilderness and for all to exist in harmony with the world."

Without checking on the others, he goes on. "The Wildmother's lover is the Lawbearer. She is goddess of civilization, law, and peace. Together, the two promote balance between nature and civilization."

The group continues walking along, now past the hall and nearly back to the information desks. 

Even as Shin reveals Pinky-toe's suggestion to Naevyn, Bretira, and Dax, the Fairy laughs. "There you go!" He points to a spot behind the goblin, where Chierhy, Myala, and Kadyr are approaching.  

Aspen startles just a little. Her ears flick up sharply, tail giving a quick, surprised puff before settling again. The sound pulls her attention instantly, and her gaze drops to the small moving piece of shrub.

Then, it speaks.

And just like that, the surprise melts into something warmer. Aspen's expression softens, dimple returning as a quiet breath of delight escapes her. “Oh...” She murmurs, almost laughing under it, more wonder than alarm. “I’m sorry… I didn’t mean to wake you."

She lowers slightly, not crowding it, but bringing herself closer to its level. Careful. Respectful. “I’m Aspen.” She offers gently. "And this is Arinchu." Aspen reaches a hand out and gently rests it on the half-orcs arm. “We’re just visiting, having learned there was a garden within the library.” A small glance to the surrounding greenery, then back to it. “I didn’t realize someone was resting here.” Her tail gives a softer sway now, slower, curious. There’s a brief pause as she studies it, not in scrutiny, but in quiet fascination. She kind of wants to pet it, but does one simply pet a bush? She might offend it without consent. 

“I hope I didn’t disturb you too much.” Aspen offers a polite smile. "May I ask who you are? Are there others around that I should be mindful of when I go frolicking through the gardens this semester?"

"Yes, yes. I live here. Glad to have visitors. But not to get my nap interrupted!" the shrub replies to Aspen. It's a little hard to tell from his unusual voice if he's still upset or just having a conversation. 

"I am Shrub. There are two others, but they usually stay in Other Garden," it explains. "Sometimes we must move when Urz Mak Tok comes. With his Garden friends they make the place healthier."

Arinchu was also a bit surprised at the sudden appearance of a talking and mobile plant. She smiles softly when Aspen places her hand on her arm.  And she listens closely to Shrub as it speaks. "There are others like you? And you all just live here? In the Biblioplex?"

Shrub says, "Oh. We are all unique. But I live here in Garden. They live in Other Garden," it says with a shaking of its branches, as though annoyed as it already had told you this. "I don't care about Biblios. Others can have Biblios and even come here to look at them. I usually let them be. I stay quiet in wonderful greenery."

“How interesting,” Chierhy says, genuinely curious about Kadyr’s focus. “So the Wildmother and the Lawbearer work as a diametrically opposed pair, keeping Exandria in balance between them. Between nature and civilization.” She tries to picture such a balancing act between celestial powers. She has never born a strong connection to the gods of Wagadu, which had always seemed so distant and illogical. Only to the spirit energy, which was said to originate from the gods but which at any rate could be quantified and controlled – at least to some degree – and which, being subject to numbers, were therefore far more substantial and meaningful to the young wizard. But Kadyr seems to speak about the Wildmother with the same interest as Chierhy would about calculations.

“Have you always felt a connection to the Wildmother. I mean… you’re plainly passionate and knowledgeable… Oh,” her thought is interrupted, “our floormates are here!” She waves when she spots Naevyn seeming to point toward her. Suddenly Chierhy's face freezes in a rictus of horror when Shin begins to turn toward them, but only for a split second. Steeling herself, Chierhy forces a somewhat nauseated smile. "And there's Shin...(!)," she continues, her voice forcefully modulated toward friendliness but cracking nevertheless.  'You. Are. A. Diplomat. Act like one!'  She makes herself keep pace with Myala and Kadyr.

Aspen listens closely, ears tilting as Shrub speaks, following the cadence of it as much as the words themselves. Her smile softens at the mention of its nap. “I’ll be more mindful.” she promises gently. “Rest is important.” A small, knowing hum follows, like she understands that more than she lets on.

Her tail gives a thoughtful sway as Arinchu asks some follow up questions that were also on her mind. And at the mention of the Other Garden, Aspen's ears lift again, curiosity catching. “The Other garden…” She echoes softly, more to herself than anyone else, the thought already beginning to take root. "In the Archway Commons?" She wonders. "Do you visit with the others some times?"

Then, there was the mention of Urz Mak Tok, causing her head to tilt slightly. “Is Urz Mak Tok a Professor?" She can't help but ask more questions, doing her best to give space between each one so they aren't rapid fire. "When they come… and make things healthier” Aspen says carefully, picking her words with quiet interest. “What does that look like?” Her gaze drifts briefly over the surrounding greenery, as if trying to see what Shrub sees. “Do you… like it?” she adds after a beat, voice still gentle. “Or is it more something you tolerate?” Her tail gives a slow, thoughtful sway behind her.

“Your garden is beautiful.” Aspen's mismatched eyes return to Shrub, warm and sincere. “I can see why you’d like to keep it just so.” Her smile remains. “Would it be alright if Arinchu and I came to visit from time to time?” She asks after a moment, voice soft and considerate. “Purhaps… outside of your naptime.” There’s a small, apologetic tilt to her smile.

Aspen's fingers move, dipping lightly into her satchel. With a bit of care, she draws out one of the bracelets, simpler than some of the others, but still woven with quiet intention. Soft green and pale yellow blossoms, something that would sit naturally among the garden. “I’ve been making these.” she explains gently. “Little tokens.” She lowers her hand slightly, not placing it, not assuming, simply offering. “If you’d like…” A faint dimple returns. “We could be friends.” Her tail gives a small, hopeful sway behind her. “And it might help us know when we've found you.” She adds, a touch lighter now. “So I don’t wake you again.”

Kadyr says, "I've not really thought of the Wildmother and the Lawbearer as diametrically opposed. They're just focused on different things. And don't want to see the things the other values be hurt." He then listened to Chiehry's other comments before she trails off when the other floormates come into view.  

Myala had been walking along listening to Chiehry and Kadyr. Seeing the others, she continues towards the group, saying, "Good, you all made it to the Biblioplex! Did you look around a little? We should probably head back soon."

"Other Garden is here in Biblio building. I do not know of this other place. But yes, I visit there," Shrub tells Aspen. 

"Urz Mak Tok is gardener. Big creature, with great tusks. He has gardening team. There is much uprooting of foreign plants. Removal of dead material. Viscious cutting of branches," it explains. "Also adding of nutrients to soil. It is all very good after. But very messy when mant feet are trampling through."

As Aspen praises the garden, Shrub seems to look up at her. Although it's not really clear if there are eyes. "Polite guests are always welcome. I do appreciate not having my nap disturbed." When Aspen pulls out a flower bracelet, Arinchu hold out her arm towards the shrub. "See! She gave me one too."

Shrub seemed to consider the offering.  "Hmm. Fresh blossoms. Yes, the colors are pleasing. I will accept. But you must promise they not be left to completely decay. So you must return.  We can all be friends."

The Half-Orc smiles as Shrub says this. "That's great!"