Knap continues grow cuttings around 4th floor. He’s taken to the thornier, thistlier greeneries.
knap has also continued lifting and is noticeably bulkier. Stronger mentally and physically. He’s felt a shift in himself, as though he’s channeling, absorbing, holding a far-off decaying force. A far off pond he once called home asks him to carry a piece of its decay. He doesn’t feel weighed down however, only empowered that he can do so.
knap has furthered his interest in magical and beastly physiologies by borrowing books from the library to brush up on beast he’s seen before and perhaps others he’s never heard of. Knap knows he ready to take that Druidic leap into the other side being creature, being beast.
Knap plans to support as many of his friends events as possible.
To say Guardok is busy is an understatement, and his floor-mates likely see very little of him outside of meal times, which he of course never misses. He also never misses his early morning constitutional and sword practice (focussing far more on the latter with limited time), which he invites Mae to attend rather than having to disappoint her. Of course, with Mae's relationship with sleep, she might not make it?
With early morning and late nights taken up with extra curricular activities, studying takes a back seat for the couple of weeks. Even at meal times he can be heard muttering lines and frequently referencing the script he carries at all times. The rest of the time when not in class is spent at the gym in the first week, where amongst the other routines he works on he develops a floor routine that very much appears like sword dancing, just without the sword.
He gets very excited when Mal mentions he wants to cover both the gymnastics competition and the play for the Star.
He intends to attend the showband show if he can squeeze it in, even if it means only catching a few minutes after his performance in the play. Either way, he will make sure to wish Mae luck the last time he sees her before she performs, and to assure her she will be amazing.
As soon as Mei sees just how busy Guardok is, and how little time he gets to himself lately, she realizes what a burden it would be to expect him to also train her in swordplay. So she fibs and claims she herself doesn’t have the time to learn anymore in the hopes it might absolve him of any guilt or obligation.
Secretly, though, in the evenings, she sneaks out to the rooftop (if it’s accessible) to practice on her own. And usually returns to bed with at least one or two new bandages.
As Knap tends to the greenery in the lounge, he may or may not notice that the dahlia Mei received is no longer there.
When Malvynoffers to cover all the events, Mina has to urge him to back off a bit. "I agree that if you want to travel out for the gymnastics competition, that would be a great one for you to cover. But let others have a chance!" she says with a laugh. "If you want to write about the Showband, that's fine too. But we might have Grayson cover the art gala. We'll see about the play. I'm sure we could get someone to do that."
Aurora listens quite attentively as Malvyn fumbles through asking her to be his date for the art gala. "Gee, Mal, you make it sound so very formal. But of course I'd go with you."
Maedoes manage to bump into Larine just the next day. "Oh. Hi. Hope everything was ok yesterday. You all seemed like you had urgent business after class." She is on her way to swim for a bit as Maeis off to rehearsal.
At rehearsal, Maewould bump into fellow flute players Rubina and Aurora. Rubina is actually the one taking charge of the session today - she's more and more taking a part in leading the Show Band group. Aurora does little more than greet Maebut otherwise doesn't really initiate any conversations with her, allowing the aasimar to decide upon any interactions. Rubina is a little more talkative. "Next week is going to be so hectic with our concert and the play! Sunday is going to be a long one. I'll just barely have enough time to get from the band performance to the theater!" She then smiles. "But I do love it. Got it all planned out."
Whenever you do manage to ask Larine about going to the art gala, at first she hesitates. "Oh? The art gala sounds rather fancy. I'm not sure. Although it does sound like it might be interesting." She sounds reluctant but it doesn't take much to get her to accept. "So, we should meet up somewhere before hand?" she asks.
When Meivolunteers to help out at the art gala event, Cadoras is shocked. "You aren't going to display anything for the event? I mean, I thought you were working on something. Anyhow, if you are going to volunteer than I shall volunteer at your side. Perhaps we might best... umm... man the snack trays? Then we can be helping and staving off our own hunger at the same time!" He laughs as he always seems to be doing.
At first Guardokwelcomes the morning sparring matches training you. (Whether her fibs about being busy puts him off training later on is up to him.) Pierodoes agree to some arcane practice battles. While not enthusiastic, he does seem willing to help out Mei.
The "drummer" mix-up on the shirts is a great hit amongst those that find out about it. Cadoras of course overhears somehow. "It's really better having that corrected look to it!" he offers with a chuckle.
With Knap's efforts, the lounge is looking much greener! Without as many pressing events, he is able to be there for his floormates and get in additional studying time.
With Guardok'sbusy schedule, all the floormates seem to appreciate the time he does manage to spend with them. Rubina is very encouraging during rehearsals. "For not having been an actor long, you've really jumped into this well. This is going to be great." With her help, she is able to explain her plan for getting from the Show Band performance to the play on time. She of course has to play in the band, you just have to get yourself there. But Rubina seems certain that you'll get there in plenty of time.
The new floor routine is a hit with Zanther. And you've progressed a great deal on your other routines as well. "You are going to be one of our keys in this competition Guardok. No doubt about it." All of the transportation to get you to the competition is arranged by the school. All you have to worry about is showing up. The group leaves late Friday to be there for the Saturday morning start.
Piero this week is still about, though most of the floormates do not seem to see him as much. It may just be a side effect of how busy everyone is.
Travel to the gymnastics event. While everything is arranged for Guardok, the rest of the floormates that wish to go will have to figure out a way to get there. The campus of course does have teleportation services and there are teleportation circles in the city they are going to. But to do that privately is a bit expensive - 200 gp per person. A carriage will take a full day travel, each way, and costs 5 gp per person.
Mae felt mildly frustrated she didn't have time to explain things better to Larine, but those thoughts were swiftly supplanted by the enthusiasm around the rehearsal. She offered genuine, pleasant words of encouragement to Rubina, having some admiration for the way she was stepping into her evolving role, and assuring her things would go according to plan, as long as the instruments didn't suddenly come to life and escape. She gave a nervous laugh suddenly and sat down quickly, exchanging pleasantries with Aurora. Truth be told she felt exceedingly awkward and unsure of herself around the raven-haired lady, and wanted to push through whatever her feelings were but only found herself more frustrated. Mostly at herself. She puts on a smile for Aurora and is pleasant toward her, but doesn't go beyond surface comments for the time being.
She nods but looks quite relieved with Larine finally accepts the invitation to go to the gala. "Oh I'm not big on fancy things either, but my floor mates are going so I said I'd go too and be supportive. I would be very glad to have you there with me, Larine. I think meeting before is a great idea. I wonder if we should eat first..." She thought a moment. "I'll check about that, but how about I come up to your floor when it's time to go? Or we can meet somewhere else if you rather..." She blushed and looked around a bit, as if some magical place to meet would suddenly spring up nearby.
Guardok gladly trains Mei each morning, and would do so as long as she turns up, assuring her that he enjoys the company. If she ever doesn't turn up, he continues his own exercises anyway.
"In the circus it is all about jumping in and getting involved", Guardok replies to Rubina. "Everyone just has to muck in and get on with it. It's not always as fun as this either". He has genuinely enjoyed the rehearsals, and is trying to absorb as much as possible to take back home and use to enhance the circus shows they put on. That way they can offer some real drama to go along with the melodramatics.
He listens to her plans for getting from the show band performance to the play, offering to help in any way she needs.
Guardok beams at Zanther's praise, "I hope it will all go like I practiced. I guess it's all different in the competition, with a crowd and judges and all. I mean, I am used to performing in front of crowds, but in the circus when you make a mistake you kind of roll with it and maybe turn it into something funny for the crowd. And then try again and get a bigger reaction on the second attempt if you succeed".
He hadn't realised it would mean travelling overnight until Zanther explains the travel details, but is excited to go on the journey and see more of this world. He just needs to make sure he packs enough snacks for the trip.
"Me?" Mei gapes, touching her nose before she points her finger back at Cadoras with a grin. "I thought you'd have sculptures to show, Mr. Fractal Savant! Should a master artist really be stooping to butlered service?" Legs tucked against her chest, she rests her chin atop her knees and takes in his smile and laughter--always a balm for her worries. "If you're really sure though? It would be fun to do it together. The, uh, th-the service! T-Together."
With a blush she stammers on, musing about what food they'll serve and if they'll get to wear fancy uniforms.
When assured she truly won't be burdening him, Mei does her absolute best to wake with Guardok for practice (though will fall asleep if they sit for even a moment's rest). She's been a student all her life, so she makes for an attentive and mindful tutee. To thank him for adding her to his already full plate, he usually finds snacks she's made lovingly bundled in fabric outside his door.
Whenever she's with Piero, Mei tries to learn more about their mysterious floormate. Starting with questions about where he learned magic to gradually more personal ones like if it was true he has a girlfriend here.
(Sorry, Mae certainly doesn't have enough gold for a private ride to the gymnastics event, but will gladly pay 5g for a ride, even if takes all day there and back.)
"Oh, um, yes, you are right."The purple-skinned tiefling says to Mina, blushing slightly over being a bit too enthisiastc about his work at the Strixhaven Star, and he settles for covering the Showband performance but would also join the carriage to the gymnastics event. He would offer to collect Aurora at her dorms to take her to the gala, also suggesting they would go somewhere to celebrate after the showband performance. He doesn't think Aurora would be interested in going to the gymnastics event but if it turns out she would he would happily pay her fare for the journey.
(Mal would have spent most of his earnings at the Bow's End tavern by now but I imagine he would still afford the carriage travel too :-)
Much as Maedidn't push much with Aurora, Aurora didn't push much with Mae. The two spoke briefly, Aurora commenting on their performance at the Bow's End the other night, and otherwise just played the music together.
Larine mostly shrugs as you offer plans for the night of the gala. "Yea, meeting wherever is great. I suppose we should eat first? Or do they have snacks and we eat after?" She finally shakes her head. "Whatever you decide Mae. But I'll be there, with you."
Zanther is very intrigued by Guardok's explanation of how performances at the circus work. "Very, very interesting! But of course, your goal is to entertain and so you improvise. Play off your mistakes. Very clever. I suppose in the competition you do not want to make a mistake into something funny. But there is the similar need to keep your head and keep going on. I wonder if your experience will prove helpful there." As the week winds down, he seems very confident in doing well in the competition.
Mina laughs, "Oh, it's fine Mal. I appreciate your enthusiasm." Aurora was hard to read as ever, but didn't seem particularly interested in the gymnastics. She tells Malvyn, "You go and support your friend," she urges. "I'll be fine for an evening or two."
"But of course I'm entering something!" Cadoras says with a laugh to Mei. "Just a small statue of fractal design. But it doesn't require me to stand there and present it or anything. I'd rather people see it and make their own mind up about the impression it leaves." He joins in on the discussion, proposing all sorts of strange combinations of food items to offer. You get the impression that he'd eat all of them, no matter how outlandish. "And I of course will be wearing a fancy uniform, whether it's expected or not!"
Piero remains mostly quiet during the couple of occasions that he joins Mei. "I certainly do have a girlfriend in Prismari. She's a second year and lives on the campus there. I presume you will be moving to the Lorehold campus next year?" Another time he responds about his education. "I had tutors that instructed me in the magic arts back home. I was quite fortunate really. But what about you? Did you say once that there were others in your family that could forsee events? What did you call it? Dreamers?"
Guardokand Meihad some very fruitful sparring sessions in the morning. At least when she stayed awake. It didn't take Guardoklong to realize that any downtime pretty much guaranteed a nap for Mei. So he got pretty good about keeping the flow going, no pauses, and no naps! For her part, Meiwas starting to learn a bit more about fighting with weapons, though she was still far from being an accomplished fighter.
Mae nodded quickly at Larine, her glow suddenly diminishing a bit. "Alright, I'll ask the others about food plans and let you know." She started to turn to leave, a flush coming over her, but then pauses briefly. "I don't suppose you have any special performances coming up, do you?" She felt her face grow hot and tried not to look directly at Larine.
Zanther's confidence is contagious, and Guardok being an optimist himself anyway can't help but feel confident as well. And if nothing else, he was going on a road trip, which for someone who had barely stayed in one place more than a week, that was in itself a blessing right now.
Mei seems surprised to find out the rumor was true--even more so that someone in Prismari is with the quite stoic and serious Piero--but tries not to make it obvious. "You should invite her to the tavern with us sometime," she grins. "Unless you're worried we'll embarrass you."
On the topic of education, Mei shakes her head. "I'm not sure... I feel drawn to Quandrix now. That was my mother's college," she says, a hint of melancholy in the words. "Will you join Prismari too? Or do you have a different college in mind? It'll be strange to all go our separate ways next year..."
When he asks about her family's trade, she nods. "Dreamers, yes! Though there's only ever one Dreamer at a time. As soon as it manifests in one of the women in my family, it fades from the previous Dreamer. My older sister should have inherited the gift--should be the one here--but..." her soft laugh is self-deprecating, though she smiles brightly at Piero, "you all got stuck with me instead!"
Pieroseems to consider the invitation to invite his girlfriend to the tavern. "Perhaps at some point I shall bring her," is all he says. "I do not image you would embarrass me. And others would only embarrass themselves." At the moment he said little more.
"In terms of colleges, I am most certainly going to join Silverquill." He then pauses, "You sound uncertain on your choice. What is it about Quandrix that interests you?"
He is very intrigued by the story of her family of Dreamers. "So now that you have this power, your mother has lost it?"
Larine nods slowly when Maementions 'special performances'. "The Intramural Water-Dancing Club is doing a performance in a couple weeks. Umm, the weekend after the play?" She pauses looking over at Mae. "I suppose you will be busy? I mean, I'm not sure how good it will be."
"The patterns," Mei says almost immediately to Piero's first question. It's in a rare display of confidence and surety that she continues. "They study them in nature and the stars. And in time and people too. And I think that goes hand-in-hand with divination. Even the most complicated or seemingly chaotic system often has a simple pattern. We just have to change the scale at which we observe to see it. That's what divination does. Observes things on a larger scale--past, present, and future. I think that's where you can find the heart of a person, in the repeating patterns--their narrative fractals--woven across their lifetime, and I--" Self-consciousness catches up to her and Mei reddens before finishing softly, "I understand why my mum chose it now."
"But, yes, she, um... she lost it. Younger than anyone in the history of our family. Which made me the youngest to gain it. I was six when I had my first Dream." Mei begins to curl into herself as she speaks. "Sometimes I worry I took it from her and th-that's why--" Her voice catches with emotion and she takes a deep breath. "My first Dream was of her death. She passed not long after."
It's after a long moment that Mei smiles far too brightly at her floormate. "What a downer, sorry! You're here to sliver my mind, n-not to hear my life story!" She laughs and begins to rise from where they rest, offering a hand to help Piero up too. "I always seem to overshare around you. Or, well... I guess I overshare with everyone but..!" Mei looks at Piero quite meaningfully, her next words heavy with weight. "...I trust you, Piero."
((If I can, I'd love to do an Insight check on how he responds to her saying that. Insight: 19+4 23))
Knap, excited for the road trip, packs and repacks his bags too many times.
Between packing his bags and repotting he notices Mei’s flower is missing.
One evening, when he finds her studying or in the lounge alone he ask’s
“hey there dreamer, I noticed your little petal friend has gone walkabout. Did you find a better spot for light?”
Knap was worried that maybe he’d not taken care or given correct instructions to care for the flower, dahlias. Though the occasional inky-smoke-from-the-mouth-phenomenon Knap experienced of late has subsided, the changes he was feeling made him wonder if he still has the organic touch.
Larine nods slowly when Maementions 'special performances'. "The Intramural Water-Dancing Club is doing a performance in a couple weeks. Umm, the weekend after the play?" She pauses looking over at Mae. "I suppose you will be busy? I mean, I'm not sure how good it will be."
"Oh! Oh okay! I, um...I don't think I have anything going on then. I'm sorry it's been so busy lately! Rehearsals and all have just gone crazy! But I would love to come see you! Just give me the details when it's a bit closer."
Piero smiles slightly at Mei's response. "Well, when you speak of Quandrix it seems like you've already decided." When she mentions 'taking' the Dreaming from her mother and her first vision was of her death, he seems quite interested. "A gift of prophesy that seems to cleverly keep itself alive. It doesn't seem that you caused anything. It was fortunate that you - this ability - realized her death was coming and you were able to receive it before it was too late!"
When you tell him that you trust him, it seems he is momentarily surprised, though he tries to hide it. "Well, thank you Mei. It means a lot to have your trust. You seem to have quite a gift. It is a great talent that you bear well." Perhaps pleased also describes his reaction - he truly does seem glad that you think well of him.
Larine slowly starts to smile as she realizes Mae is agreeing to come see her performance. "I do hope it goes well. I still get distracted, but I think I have the routine down now. I'm sorry too, I feel like I have been busy myself. Not bumping into you as much as I'd like."
Mae nods some, "Well let's make sure we bump into each other more then with all this activity! I do miss bumping into you." Mae frowned for a moment and then gently bumped her hip against Larine with a wink and giggle. "I look forward to bumping into you a lot." The words came out and she suddenly went beet red. "I mean, you know, running into you! I...uh..umm...anyway. So see you soon or...?"
(I'm ready to move on btw, no need to belabor this :P )
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Knap continues grow cuttings around 4th floor. He’s taken to the thornier, thistlier greeneries.
knap has also continued lifting and is noticeably bulkier. Stronger mentally and physically. He’s felt a shift in himself, as though he’s channeling, absorbing, holding a far-off decaying force. A far off pond he once called home asks him to carry a piece of its decay. He doesn’t feel weighed down however, only empowered that he can do so.
knap has furthered his interest in magical and beastly physiologies by borrowing books from the library to brush up on beast he’s seen before and perhaps others he’s never heard of. Knap knows he ready to take that Druidic leap into the other side being creature, being beast.
Knap plans to support as many of his friends events as possible.
To say Guardok is busy is an understatement, and his floor-mates likely see very little of him outside of meal times, which he of course never misses. He also never misses his early morning constitutional and sword practice (focussing far more on the latter with limited time), which he invites Mae to attend rather than having to disappoint her. Of course, with Mae's relationship with sleep, she might not make it?
With early morning and late nights taken up with extra curricular activities, studying takes a back seat for the couple of weeks. Even at meal times he can be heard muttering lines and frequently referencing the script he carries at all times. The rest of the time when not in class is spent at the gym in the first week, where amongst the other routines he works on he develops a floor routine that very much appears like sword dancing, just without the sword.
He gets very excited when Mal mentions he wants to cover both the gymnastics competition and the play for the Star.
He intends to attend the showband show if he can squeeze it in, even if it means only catching a few minutes after his performance in the play. Either way, he will make sure to wish Mae luck the last time he sees her before she performs, and to assure her she will be amazing.
As soon as Mei sees just how busy Guardok is, and how little time he gets to himself lately, she realizes what a burden it would be to expect him to also train her in swordplay. So she fibs and claims she herself doesn’t have the time to learn anymore in the hopes it might absolve him of any guilt or obligation.
Secretly, though, in the evenings, she sneaks out to the rooftop (if it’s accessible) to practice on her own. And usually returns to bed with at least one or two new bandages.
As Knap tends to the greenery in the lounge, he may or may not notice that the dahlia Mei received is no longer there.
When Malvyn offers to cover all the events, Mina has to urge him to back off a bit. "I agree that if you want to travel out for the gymnastics competition, that would be a great one for you to cover. But let others have a chance!" she says with a laugh. "If you want to write about the Showband, that's fine too. But we might have Grayson cover the art gala. We'll see about the play. I'm sure we could get someone to do that."
Aurora listens quite attentively as Malvyn fumbles through asking her to be his date for the art gala. "Gee, Mal, you make it sound so very formal. But of course I'd go with you."
Mae does manage to bump into Larine just the next day. "Oh. Hi. Hope everything was ok yesterday. You all seemed like you had urgent business after class." She is on her way to swim for a bit as Mae is off to rehearsal.
At rehearsal, Mae would bump into fellow flute players Rubina and Aurora. Rubina is actually the one taking charge of the session today - she's more and more taking a part in leading the Show Band group. Aurora does little more than greet Mae but otherwise doesn't really initiate any conversations with her, allowing the aasimar to decide upon any interactions. Rubina is a little more talkative. "Next week is going to be so hectic with our concert and the play! Sunday is going to be a long one. I'll just barely have enough time to get from the band performance to the theater!" She then smiles. "But I do love it. Got it all planned out."
Whenever you do manage to ask Larine about going to the art gala, at first she hesitates. "Oh? The art gala sounds rather fancy. I'm not sure. Although it does sound like it might be interesting." She sounds reluctant but it doesn't take much to get her to accept. "So, we should meet up somewhere before hand?" she asks.
When Mei volunteers to help out at the art gala event, Cadoras is shocked. "You aren't going to display anything for the event? I mean, I thought you were working on something. Anyhow, if you are going to volunteer than I shall volunteer at your side. Perhaps we might best... umm... man the snack trays? Then we can be helping and staving off our own hunger at the same time!" He laughs as he always seems to be doing.
At first Guardok welcomes the morning sparring matches training you. (Whether her fibs about being busy puts him off training later on is up to him.) Piero does agree to some arcane practice battles. While not enthusiastic, he does seem willing to help out Mei.
The "drummer" mix-up on the shirts is a great hit amongst those that find out about it. Cadoras of course overhears somehow. "It's really better having that corrected look to it!" he offers with a chuckle.
With Knap's efforts, the lounge is looking much greener! Without as many pressing events, he is able to be there for his floormates and get in additional studying time.
With Guardok's busy schedule, all the floormates seem to appreciate the time he does manage to spend with them. Rubina is very encouraging during rehearsals. "For not having been an actor long, you've really jumped into this well. This is going to be great." With her help, she is able to explain her plan for getting from the Show Band performance to the play on time. She of course has to play in the band, you just have to get yourself there. But Rubina seems certain that you'll get there in plenty of time.
The new floor routine is a hit with Zanther. And you've progressed a great deal on your other routines as well. "You are going to be one of our keys in this competition Guardok. No doubt about it." All of the transportation to get you to the competition is arranged by the school. All you have to worry about is showing up. The group leaves late Friday to be there for the Saturday morning start.
Piero this week is still about, though most of the floormates do not seem to see him as much. It may just be a side effect of how busy everyone is.
Travel to the gymnastics event. While everything is arranged for Guardok, the rest of the floormates that wish to go will have to figure out a way to get there. The campus of course does have teleportation services and there are teleportation circles in the city they are going to. But to do that privately is a bit expensive - 200 gp per person. A carriage will take a full day travel, each way, and costs 5 gp per person.
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
Mae felt mildly frustrated she didn't have time to explain things better to Larine, but those thoughts were swiftly supplanted by the enthusiasm around the rehearsal. She offered genuine, pleasant words of encouragement to Rubina, having some admiration for the way she was stepping into her evolving role, and assuring her things would go according to plan, as long as the instruments didn't suddenly come to life and escape. She gave a nervous laugh suddenly and sat down quickly, exchanging pleasantries with Aurora. Truth be told she felt exceedingly awkward and unsure of herself around the raven-haired lady, and wanted to push through whatever her feelings were but only found herself more frustrated. Mostly at herself. She puts on a smile for Aurora and is pleasant toward her, but doesn't go beyond surface comments for the time being.
She nods but looks quite relieved with Larine finally accepts the invitation to go to the gala. "Oh I'm not big on fancy things either, but my floor mates are going so I said I'd go too and be supportive. I would be very glad to have you there with me, Larine. I think meeting before is a great idea. I wonder if we should eat first..." She thought a moment. "I'll check about that, but how about I come up to your floor when it's time to go? Or we can meet somewhere else if you rather..." She blushed and looked around a bit, as if some magical place to meet would suddenly spring up nearby.
Guardok gladly trains Mei each morning, and would do so as long as she turns up, assuring her that he enjoys the company. If she ever doesn't turn up, he continues his own exercises anyway.
"In the circus it is all about jumping in and getting involved", Guardok replies to Rubina. "Everyone just has to muck in and get on with it. It's not always as fun as this either". He has genuinely enjoyed the rehearsals, and is trying to absorb as much as possible to take back home and use to enhance the circus shows they put on. That way they can offer some real drama to go along with the melodramatics.
He listens to her plans for getting from the show band performance to the play, offering to help in any way she needs.
Guardok beams at Zanther's praise, "I hope it will all go like I practiced. I guess it's all different in the competition, with a crowd and judges and all. I mean, I am used to performing in front of crowds, but in the circus when you make a mistake you kind of roll with it and maybe turn it into something funny for the crowd. And then try again and get a bigger reaction on the second attempt if you succeed".
He hadn't realised it would mean travelling overnight until Zanther explains the travel details, but is excited to go on the journey and see more of this world. He just needs to make sure he packs enough snacks for the trip.
"Me?" Mei gapes, touching her nose before she points her finger back at Cadoras with a grin. "I thought you'd have sculptures to show, Mr. Fractal Savant! Should a master artist really be stooping to butlered service?" Legs tucked against her chest, she rests her chin atop her knees and takes in his smile and laughter--always a balm for her worries. "If you're really sure though? It would be fun to do it together. The, uh, th-the service! T-Together."
With a blush she stammers on, musing about what food they'll serve and if they'll get to wear fancy uniforms.
When assured she truly won't be burdening him, Mei does her absolute best to wake with Guardok for practice (though will fall asleep if they sit for even a moment's rest). She's been a student all her life, so she makes for an attentive and mindful tutee. To thank him for adding her to his already full plate, he usually finds snacks she's made lovingly bundled in fabric outside his door.
Whenever she's with Piero, Mei tries to learn more about their mysterious floormate. Starting with questions about where he learned magic to gradually more personal ones like if it was true he has a girlfriend here.
(Sorry, Mae certainly doesn't have enough gold for a private ride to the gymnastics event, but will gladly pay 5g for a ride, even if takes all day there and back.)
"Oh, um, yes, you are right." The purple-skinned tiefling says to Mina, blushing slightly over being a bit too enthisiastc about his work at the Strixhaven Star, and he settles for covering the Showband performance but would also join the carriage to the gymnastics event. He would offer to collect Aurora at her dorms to take her to the gala, also suggesting they would go somewhere to celebrate after the showband performance. He doesn't think Aurora would be interested in going to the gymnastics event but if it turns out she would he would happily pay her fare for the journey.
(Mal would have spent most of his earnings at the Bow's End tavern by now but I imagine he would still afford the carriage travel too :-)
Much as Mae didn't push much with Aurora, Aurora didn't push much with Mae. The two spoke briefly, Aurora commenting on their performance at the Bow's End the other night, and otherwise just played the music together.
Larine mostly shrugs as you offer plans for the night of the gala. "Yea, meeting wherever is great. I suppose we should eat first? Or do they have snacks and we eat after?" She finally shakes her head. "Whatever you decide Mae. But I'll be there, with you."
Zanther is very intrigued by Guardok's explanation of how performances at the circus work. "Very, very interesting! But of course, your goal is to entertain and so you improvise. Play off your mistakes. Very clever. I suppose in the competition you do not want to make a mistake into something funny. But there is the similar need to keep your head and keep going on. I wonder if your experience will prove helpful there." As the week winds down, he seems very confident in doing well in the competition.
Mina laughs, "Oh, it's fine Mal. I appreciate your enthusiasm." Aurora was hard to read as ever, but didn't seem particularly interested in the gymnastics. She tells Malvyn, "You go and support your friend," she urges. "I'll be fine for an evening or two."
"But of course I'm entering something!" Cadoras says with a laugh to Mei. "Just a small statue of fractal design. But it doesn't require me to stand there and present it or anything. I'd rather people see it and make their own mind up about the impression it leaves." He joins in on the discussion, proposing all sorts of strange combinations of food items to offer. You get the impression that he'd eat all of them, no matter how outlandish. "And I of course will be wearing a fancy uniform, whether it's expected or not!"
Piero remains mostly quiet during the couple of occasions that he joins Mei. "I certainly do have a girlfriend in Prismari. She's a second year and lives on the campus there. I presume you will be moving to the Lorehold campus next year?" Another time he responds about his education. "I had tutors that instructed me in the magic arts back home. I was quite fortunate really. But what about you? Did you say once that there were others in your family that could forsee events? What did you call it? Dreamers?"
Guardok and Mei had some very fruitful sparring sessions in the morning. At least when she stayed awake. It didn't take Guardok long to realize that any downtime pretty much guaranteed a nap for Mei. So he got pretty good about keeping the flow going, no pauses, and no naps! For her part, Mei was starting to learn a bit more about fighting with weapons, though she was still far from being an accomplished fighter.
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
Mae nodded quickly at Larine, her glow suddenly diminishing a bit. "Alright, I'll ask the others about food plans and let you know." She started to turn to leave, a flush coming over her, but then pauses briefly. "I don't suppose you have any special performances coming up, do you?" She felt her face grow hot and tried not to look directly at Larine.
Zanther's confidence is contagious, and Guardok being an optimist himself anyway can't help but feel confident as well. And if nothing else, he was going on a road trip, which for someone who had barely stayed in one place more than a week, that was in itself a blessing right now.
Mei seems surprised to find out the rumor was true--even more so that someone in Prismari is with the quite stoic and serious Piero--but tries not to make it obvious. "You should invite her to the tavern with us sometime," she grins. "Unless you're worried we'll embarrass you."
On the topic of education, Mei shakes her head. "I'm not sure... I feel drawn to Quandrix now. That was my mother's college," she says, a hint of melancholy in the words. "Will you join Prismari too? Or do you have a different college in mind? It'll be strange to all go our separate ways next year..."
When he asks about her family's trade, she nods. "Dreamers, yes! Though there's only ever one Dreamer at a time. As soon as it manifests in one of the women in my family, it fades from the previous Dreamer. My older sister should have inherited the gift--should be the one here--but..." her soft laugh is self-deprecating, though she smiles brightly at Piero, "you all got stuck with me instead!"
Piero seems to consider the invitation to invite his girlfriend to the tavern. "Perhaps at some point I shall bring her," is all he says. "I do not image you would embarrass me. And others would only embarrass themselves." At the moment he said little more.
"In terms of colleges, I am most certainly going to join Silverquill." He then pauses, "You sound uncertain on your choice. What is it about Quandrix that interests you?"
He is very intrigued by the story of her family of Dreamers. "So now that you have this power, your mother has lost it?"
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
Larine nods slowly when Mae mentions 'special performances'. "The Intramural Water-Dancing Club is doing a performance in a couple weeks. Umm, the weekend after the play?" She pauses looking over at Mae. "I suppose you will be busy? I mean, I'm not sure how good it will be."
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
"The patterns," Mei says almost immediately to Piero's first question. It's in a rare display of confidence and surety that she continues. "They study them in nature and the stars. And in time and people too. And I think that goes hand-in-hand with divination. Even the most complicated or seemingly chaotic system often has a simple pattern. We just have to change the scale at which we observe to see it. That's what divination does. Observes things on a larger scale--past, present, and future. I think that's where you can find the heart of a person, in the repeating patterns--their narrative fractals--woven across their lifetime, and I--" Self-consciousness catches up to her and Mei reddens before finishing softly, "I understand why my mum chose it now."
"But, yes, she, um... she lost it. Younger than anyone in the history of our family. Which made me the youngest to gain it. I was six when I had my first Dream." Mei begins to curl into herself as she speaks. "Sometimes I worry I took it from her and th-that's why--" Her voice catches with emotion and she takes a deep breath. "My first Dream was of her death. She passed not long after."
It's after a long moment that Mei smiles far too brightly at her floormate. "What a downer, sorry! You're here to sliver my mind, n-not to hear my life story!" She laughs and begins to rise from where they rest, offering a hand to help Piero up too. "I always seem to overshare around you. Or, well... I guess I overshare with everyone but..!" Mei looks at Piero quite meaningfully, her next words heavy with weight. "...I trust you, Piero."
((If I can, I'd love to do an Insight check on how he responds to her saying that. Insight: 19+4 23))
Knap, excited for the road trip, packs and repacks his bags too many times.
Between packing his bags and repotting he notices Mei’s flower is missing.
One evening, when he finds her studying or in the lounge alone he ask’s
“hey there dreamer, I noticed your little petal friend has gone walkabout. Did you find a better spot for light?”
Knap was worried that maybe he’d not taken care or given correct instructions to care for the flower, dahlias. Though the occasional inky-smoke-from-the-mouth-phenomenon Knap experienced of late has subsided, the changes he was feeling made him wonder if he still has the organic touch.
"Oh! Oh okay! I, um...I don't think I have anything going on then. I'm sorry it's been so busy lately! Rehearsals and all have just gone crazy! But I would love to come see you! Just give me the details when it's a bit closer."
Piero smiles slightly at Mei's response. "Well, when you speak of Quandrix it seems like you've already decided." When she mentions 'taking' the Dreaming from her mother and her first vision was of her death, he seems quite interested. "A gift of prophesy that seems to cleverly keep itself alive. It doesn't seem that you caused anything. It was fortunate that you - this ability - realized her death was coming and you were able to receive it before it was too late!"
When you tell him that you trust him, it seems he is momentarily surprised, though he tries to hide it. "Well, thank you Mei. It means a lot to have your trust. You seem to have quite a gift. It is a great talent that you bear well." Perhaps pleased also describes his reaction - he truly does seem glad that you think well of him.
Larine slowly starts to smile as she realizes Mae is agreeing to come see her performance. "I do hope it goes well. I still get distracted, but I think I have the routine down now. I'm sorry too, I feel like I have been busy myself. Not bumping into you as much as I'd like."
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
Mae nods some, "Well let's make sure we bump into each other more then with all this activity! I do miss bumping into you." Mae frowned for a moment and then gently bumped her hip against Larine with a wink and giggle. "I look forward to bumping into you a lot." The words came out and she suddenly went beet red. "I mean, you know, running into you! I...uh..umm...anyway. So see you soon or...?"
(I'm ready to move on btw, no need to belabor this :P )