"Well, I am neither my friend..." The purple-skinned tiefling says with a warm smile. "...and while I generally prefer being prepared rather than improvising in life I promise I will have your back, as it were, if you think I can help, here or in any future adventures we might find ourselves in." He adds, giving Guardok a gentle friendly pat on the back, taking another sip of his wine while curiously glancing over at Aurora and her company. "If you're interested in performing you should perhaps talk to the girls over there." He says, looking at the satyr and the genasi, deiscreetly inclining his head towards the performer's table. He himself couldn't really come up with a reason to go there but maybe he could tag along and watch Knap and Guardok in action to see how you would properly initiate first contact with a girl. He had of course bumped into the exotic Aurora the day before but that could hardly count, he doubted she even remembered him, a part of him even hoped she didn't.

“I’m not having a big night” Knap says as Mei slips away to secure a spot on the stage. “I might stay and listen to one song but that’s it.” He slurps the last few sips of his Fizz. Tomorrow looms on the Satyr.

"That's mighty good to know, Malvyn. Thanks. I've got your back as well", he replies when Mal promises to have his back. When the tiefling discreetly motions to Aurora's table, he not so subtly turns to get a good look.

He is about to ask if they are performers, when Knap mentions he is not staying long. "Probably wise, I want to be on my game tomorrow too. We have years to figure this place out".

"Are the girls at that table performers?", he then responds to Malvyn.

"Ah yes, I believe they play in the Strixhaven Showband, I saw them practice out on the lawn in front of the Biblioplex yesterday afternoon. The dark-skinned one I think is their conductor even. Not sure if any of them are here perform tonight though of course but they are certainly musicians." The purple-skinned tiefling explains to Guardok beside him, still trying to be discreet about looking over at the showband table but likely failing miserably.

"Yes, I remember. Mei," Ven says. "We do normally book a few acts to perform most nights. Most especially for weekends. But we've got a couple tonight. They should be starting momentarily."

He pauses a moment, looking again at you.  "Were you hoping to perform? You can talk to the assistant manager about it."

"Ah, ahead of time then! That's good to know, thank you." Mei takes another sip of her ale and glances back at their table, hoping to mouth the news to them, but sees the trio all looking elsewhere. She turns back to Ven at his question and blinks up at him while dabbing ale from her lips. "Me? Oh, no no. Well..." she reconsiders, "yes. No? Um... maybe!"

It does finally occur to her that she was being pushy about Guardok performing, doing what she did with the tea all over again. Her lips twist to one side, distressed by the realization. Of course he'd rather wait and be prepared... or at least have Mae with him. She heaves a heavy sigh then smiles at Ven again. "Maybe we'll just watch tonight! Though, would you mind pointing out the assistant manager just in case?"

Guardok jumps down off his stool, "Let's go and find out if they are performing tonight. I'd rather watch them than embarrass ourselves in front of them by winging it".

With that he seemingly glides over to their table, frowning when he reaches it because he cannot quite be seen. He decides to grab a free chair from a nearby table, drag it over and turn it around so the back faces the table of the people Malvyn recognised. He then hops up and leans against the chair back.

"Hi there! I'm Guardok. My friend Mal says you are musicians", he says introducing himself and pointing back at Malvyn and waving him and Knap over. "Are you playing here tonight?". 

Malvyn watches with some anxiety as Guardok walks over to the performer's table, looking to Knap, then over at Mei still in conversation with that waiter, then at Guardok, then at those at the performer's table, then at Guardok again as he waves him and Knap over. He hesitates a moment, feeling awkward again, but he had just promised to have the genasi's back and he would look quite foolish if he didn't come over, so he quickly empties his glass of wine for courage and walks over to stand at Guardok's side, a part of him wanting to hide behind him but realizing that would not quite be possible. He gives those at the table an awkward smile, wondering if Aurora would recognize him from yesterday. "Hi...I'm Mal..." He hears himself say, his voice an attempt to sound calm and confident.

Charisma: 19

"Oh..." Ven says tenatively as Mei equivocates about whether she was performing or not. "Well, I'm sure you'd do great if you do decide to perform. But the assistant manager is over there."  He points back towards the kitchen, where you see a stout looking Owlin. "His name is Javenesh Stoutclaw."

"Guardok? Hello," Aurora says. She then looks over at Malvyn. "And you must be the Tiefling that I literally ran into outside the Biblioplex yesterday!"  She gives him a slight grin. "Good to meet you Mal."  The other woman stands, stepping over next to where Aurora sits. "I'm Rubina. I'd thought maybe the whole crashing into someone was just Aurora's excuse. But it now appears there really is an actual Tiefling that she mentioned."  Her eyes turn to Malvyn as well. 

It is then Aurora that continues, "We are all musicians, in the Show Band" she waves her hand towards Rubina and the other 3 students gathered at the table together. "But I'm the only one playing tonight. Still have a bit more than an hour until I go on though. So thought I'd get a few drinks first."

(OOC - Realizing not everyone has met Aurora and Rubina, a quick description: Aurora has pointed ears, but you don't quite think they are Elvish ancestry. Her skin is darker, but not quite Drow in appearance. She has straight black hair, black eyes, and lots of piercings - nose, lower lip, and of course several with her ears.  Rubina has black skin, and long black hair that's been pulled back tightly into a short of wavy ponytail.  I'll get pictures of NPC going soon.)  

"Wonderful, great to meet you all. It must be exciting getting to perform. How long have you both been here? We are newly arrived first years and don't really know our way around yet, and we haven't even chose any activities", Guardok explains not noticing Mal's discomfort, then turns to address Rubina directly. "Speaking of which, I heard your name mentioned as being part of the Playactors Drama Guild? If that is true it would be great to discuss it some time".

The purple-skinned tiefling blushes slightly as Aurora mentions their collosion last afternoon but a part of him is actually pleased that she remembers him at least. He notes how both girls use the word tiefling not in a derogatory tone which he has been quite used to before coming to Strixhaven. "Good to meet you too." He says to Aurora and Rubina, doing his best to sound confident, and as Guardok turns to Rubina, Malvyn dares himself to speak to Aurora, looking to find a seat as he does, trying not to stare at the girl's many piercings. They seemed unusual to him but somehow they suited her, and he wished he dared to tell her that. "I stayed and listened to you play yesterday. I know it was just a reahearsal, the first of this school year I suppose, but I would be happy to come and listen to you play, I mean the band play..." He says a bit awkwardly, but the wine certainly helps him to relax somewhat. "...I would of course bring my floor mates too. I even think Mae...I mean Maeleve will perhaps sign up for your band, or maybe she already has, I think you spoke to her earlier today." He says, remembering their brief conversation with a small smile.

Head on a swivel, Mei turns to look at the assistant manager. "Javenesh Stoutclaw," she echoes, giving him a little wave even if he's not looking their way.

She brightens at Ven's vote of confidence--even if he is likely just being polite-- and hedges bashfully. "Oh, that's very kind of you. But with all the Prismari students, there must be stars up on that stage every night. I'd be more like a... a meteor I think," she laughs and mimics the sound of something falling and then exploding. The laughter is trailed by giggles as Mei gazes down into the dregs of her glass. Did I drink it that quickly? 

Leaning gently up against the waiter's station, the wizard cocks her head curiously at Ven. "Is that why you wanted to work here? It must be nice to always have a bit of entertainment while you do! Do you perform when you're not... working... too?" The realization dawns on her face as though someone cast Light behind her eyes. "Ah! You're working. And I--Dryad's sake, I'm sorry, I must be keeping you from your other tables!"

Rubina replies to Guardok. "We've just been here a few days. We're both first-years as well, but came to get started with some band practices.  And yes, I am planning on joining the Playactors Drama Guild.  What did you wish to discuss? Are you an actor yourself?" she asks him. 

Aurora continues talking with Malvyn. "Stayed and watched did you? It really wasn't that great. But I guess if you like it."  She gives the Tiefling an odd little smirk. "Or maybe it's just you like watching?"  Her dark eyes seem to intently watch you. "I think I remember Maeleve," she says the name distinctly, repeating the way Malvyn had said it. "She off studying this evening, before classes even have begun?" 

Javenesh wasn't really looking toward Mei, so her wave goes unnoticed. Ven smiles, "A meteor? Well, isn't that a star that flies across the sky in a spectacular display? It could be quite a show!" He listens as she asks about why he works there. "Well, not specifically the music, but it's nice to be around the people and the atmosphere of the place. And since I have to work might as well be here."  

He laughs as it dawns on Mei that he's working. "Well, there fortunately are not too many tables. And I could grab you another drink if that glass there is empty," he suggests, looking at the same glass you'd been gazing at a moment before. 

You suddenly hear sounds coming from the stage out on the patio area.  It seems while you weren't paying attention a young Half-Elf girl had taken the stage, along with a Halfling boy carrying drums and a Dragonborn carrying a lute. After a brief introduction the Halfling and Dragonborn start playing, and soon the Half-Elf is singing a bright, cheery song. 

"Me?", Guardok replies shaking his head. "No I'm not an actor. I am with a circus", he says with proudly. "If you are not a member already I guess you probably won't know the answer to my question. I wondered if they do any performances or shows that are centred more around dance and physical expression, or is it all just speeches and drama? I have never acted you see, but I dance and can create some small illusions", he says and looks at her realising he is rambling a little.

"I am trying to decide between joining the Cheer Squad and Playactors is all. And then there is Quintillius, he seems a little stuck up for my taste. Sorry if he is a friend of yours".

As the music and signing starts, he twists on his chair to get a little look.

Mei stares wide-eyed at Ven as a blush creeps across her cheeks. Not a meteor destined to simply burn in the atmosphere, but a shooting star one might make a wish on... "I... oh. I hadn't thought of it like that. That's a very--" don't say romantic, don't say romantic, "poetic way of thinking about them." Her lashes flutter dreamily before she remembers herself and blinks away the feeling. Ace of Cups, indeed. "But oh, do you prefer poetry, then? If not music?" Perhaps they do spoken word performances here too. Something Knap might be interested in to prepare for Silverquill! "Sorry, ah, I'll keep talking all night if you let me, 'not too many tables' or not," she says with a self-deprecating laugh.

As he mentions her empty drink, Mei hefts it up. "Yes, please! Though maaaaybe not ale?" she asks with a sheepish smile, before hurriedly clarifying, "N-Not that it was bad! It was just my first time drinking it and it's not quite what I, um, imagined." Her features twist comically with a lighthearted grimace. "Perhaps you could... surprise me? With whatever your favorite is here?"

When the music starts up, the Dreamer gasps and glances over her shoulder towards the stage then to where her group has gone off to, then back to Ven. "It's starting," she beams with an air of innocent excitement, like a tourist that's just seen a quintessential landmark. This is just like her books when the adventurers drink together in a music-filled tavern. A bar brawl would certainly complete the effect.

Knap follows Guardok and Malvyn. He politely introduces himself to the table of new faces. He listens but doesn’t participate in conversation. Cheeks  warmed by the peach fizz, Knap smiles bashfully and wonders where that wizard went. One song and he’s out. 

As the exotic Aurora suggests he likes watching, the purple-skinned tiefling briefly freezes up, jumbled thoughts quickly going through his mind. Was that how he seemed to her, a creep, a weirdo that just wanted to watch from a distance while she and others much more confident pleasantly interacted with each other. A part of him wanted to leave, run away even, but the wine had other plans for him, this was a night for firsts and while he might regret it the knight of cups couldn't back down now.

"That would rather depend on what there is to watch." Malvyn hears himself answer, more confidently than he expected, even smirking confidently back, his fiery red eyes daring to look into the dark ones of Aurora. The wine, it seemed to have an almost magical effect. "I don't know about Mae though..." He continues, feeling more relaxed now, more confidently saying the beautiful aasimar's name. "...I would have thought she would be here, and maybe she will turn up." He adds, his fiery red eyes curiously studying the pierced performer now. "You should have seen her though, she performed in the Biblioplex earlier today. I'm not an expert in any sense but I think she's really good and I'm sure you will see her perform too in time." He says, his eyes briefly scanning the tavern to see if Mae or anyone else he recognizes had turned up now.

"Anyway, I will be happy to watch you here in a while then." He adds with a friendly smile as his attention returns to Aurora, although trying to see if he can order another glass of wine, just one more.

Ven shrugs, "Spoken word performance sounds like a question for Javenesh!  I've not seen such a performance here, but that's not to say it hasn't been done. I'm not always here!" He gives a bit of a chuckle as Mei asks to be surprised with her next drink. "Umm, well, what I like? I'm not much of a drinker, but... umm, I'll come up with something."  As Mei glances off towards the stage and her friends he asks, "Want me to bring it to your table?" 

As Malvyn briefly tenses up, Aurora seem to almost get a look of concern on her brow. But she maintains the steady gaze, watching the Tiefling. "Oh, it depends does it? Hmm." Her eyes follow his a bit as he searched the room.  She stays quiet until his attention returns to her. "You seem to be hoping Maeleve will show up."

Rubina responds to Guardok. "Quentillius? I can't say I really know him."  Aurora breaks from her conversation with Malvyn to interrupt. "Oh yea, he is stuck up." She then looks at Rubina, "The loquacious red-head from Orientation?"  Rubina's eyes go wide. "Oh! Him!"  She nods at Guardok. "Yes, I can see your hesitation. You're right I can't answer your questions for certain, but I understood the Playactors Guild mostly did plays. Even then though many might have staging for dance. Just depends on the show. Though if it is a play, you might be pressed into speaking too in additional to dancing." 

Aurora then returns her attention to Malvyn. "Well, I will be hoping you will watch me tonight. Maybe after you can let me know if I'm any sort of competition for Maeleve."  She gives him a smile. "You will stay long enough to chat after?

As Knap introduced himself, the two ladies had replied in kind.  However, as the Satyr remained silent, they had continued on with their conversations. He hears the Half-Elf wrap up the first song and the group immediately launches into a second. This too is a fairly upbeat tune, with lyrics seeming to promote the fun of dancing and late-night revelry. 

Malvyn did manage to catch the eye of a Haregon waitress who agrees to get him another glass of wine. "Be just a minute!" 

Guardok ponders for a moment before responding to Rubina, "I guess I have some thinking to do. Being able to act will certainly help more at the circus than being good at cheering. That is what the crowd are for after all".

"And if you feel the same about Quentillius then at least acting like him is not a requirement for joining", he adds with a low rumbling earthy chuckle.

Hearing Aurora suggesting he was hoping Mae was turning up, brings out a perfect goldfish imitation from the purple-skinned tiefling, not responding, not even quite comprehending. Did she care if he did? His thoughts gets jumbled again, and the wine is not helping much with getting them organized, so the tiefling doesn't even register as the pierced performer turns her attention briefly to the other discussion to point out how she feels about Quentillius. Malvyn desperately tries to make sense of what Aurora just said but is cut off in that as the pierced performer turns back to him, now asking if she will be competition and if he would stay to chat after her performance, which sends the tiefling straight back into his goldfish imitation.

Competition in what way? Was she willing to speak even more with him. This was his longest conversation with a girl ever as far as he could remember, another first for the knight of cups. An insecure part of him told him there might be a joke played on him here though, but then Aurora didn't strike him as a mean girl, awesomely cool, much too cool for him, but not mean, and just maybe she didn't care if he was a weird sinister looking tiefling, she was after all something of an outsider herself, although seemingly a quite confident one. "Yes...yes of course I will watch you...and stay to chat." The knight of cups says after a moment, offering a friendly smile in return. Whatever she had meant he was confident he would enjoy the chat. The tiefling then lets his attention go to the performance on stage, not listening too attentively, more wondering where this night was heading, glancing over at Aurora, then looking down, shaking his head with a silly smile. The night was still young and the knight of cups was on a quest now.