"And a Roast Fowl."The purple-skinned tiefling politely reminds the waiter.
As Mei asks if there was anything they wanted to try that they hadn't yet, Malvyn feels his cheeks and ears heating and his fiery red eyes finding a particularly interesting spot on the barcounter. "Ehm...nothing in particular...I mean, coming to this place is nice I guess." He starts after a while, daring to look up at the others. "To be honest, I came here to study but...well Strixhaven seems full of possibilities, even for one such as me, and a part of me wants to try a little of everything."He says with a small excited smile now. "I must admit I didn't expect it but when we were in the Student actvities center I wanted to sign up for quite a few of those clubs, well, maybe not the Iron-Lifters Society..." He says with a small chuckle over how lost he would have been there. "...but just to be here to make my own decisions about everything, it's both a bit scary but also quite exciting for me." He finishes with a sincere smile, then looking a bit worried, as if feared he had opened up too much. "I'm mostly here to read though, in the Biblioplex." He adds after a moment, sounding a bit more sensible and strict again.
When Guardok's cider arrives, he holds the tankard with both hands, taking small sips.
"Very fruity", he comments on the drink to no-one in particular.
"I just want to make sure I do well", he adds when the others talk about what they want to do at Strixhaven. "I am not academic like some of you seem to be. Working in a circus is so different to attending classes and studying. A lot is riding on my doing well here, so it's a fair bit of pressure. There are some activities I think I would enjoy that would also benefit the circus as well though, so I am looking forward to those", he says, and his nervousness about being here starts to show. It isn't nerves at the new place or new people. It is all about whether he is going to be able to hack it.
"I guess we kind of complement each other", he says to Malvyn. "How about we look out for each other? I will make sure you don't just study all the time, and you can make sure I study at least some of the time", he says with a hopeful smile, raising his tankard towards Malvyn. "Anyone else want in on the pact? What do you need help with, Mei, Knap?".
Mei pulls a face over her very first taste of ale, nose wrinkled and the foamy mustache sat above her lip only adding to the look. Expectations foiled, she looks wholly disappointed then takes another sip, as though the flavor might've changed in the last ten seconds. It hasn't. Trying to be subtle, she taps a finger to the glass and changes the flavor to an elderflower cordial.
As Malvyn answers, she watches him curiously over the rim of her tankard and lights up to hear of all his hopes and the excitement in his voice--a glimpse of an inner joy protected behind the thick walls built by a cruel life. "Infinite possibilities, I should think! And it's nice to feel like you have... agency. The chance to follow each thread and see where they lead," she agrees with a melancholic smile.
At the uncharacteristic show of Guardok's nerves, she teeters her stool up on two legs again to give him a reassuring bump. "You’ll make them proud. You’re so passionate about it and the fact that it means so much to you… that will carry you far. Aaaand… it's in your cards, Jack," she grins--referencing him being that jack of all trades--and the tarot cards thrum their agreement.
"But, stars, please sign me up too!" she laughs, which turns into a hhnnggg as she strains to lift her very large and very full glass as well, ultimately giving up lest she spill it everywhere. "And oh, help? Well... my knowledge and studies have been very focused. Quite, um... niche? I suppose. So study buddies would certainly help! But I think the biggest hurdle is going to be staying awake in class.” She groans and lays her cheek against the counter and watches the streams of bubbles rise in the amber liquid, already feeling quite hopeless about her chances.
As Malvyn gets his glass of wine he at first holds it with some reverence it seems, his first, but certainly not his last he thinks. After a while he brings the glass to his lips and takes a small sip, then another one, the wine hitting his tastebuds in a most pleasant way, resulting in a pleased smile as he looks over at his floor mates.
The purple-skinned tiefling listens to Guardok and his purpose at Strixhaven. He probably felt some pressure and yet he seemed to handle it well. No one expected anything out of the tiefling, not even himself in his darkests hours, but maybe he would eventually amount to something at Strixhaven at least. At the mention of a pact the tiefling notices his hand going to to a particular tome in his shoulder bag, still hanging across his chest. Malvyn nods and chuckles at genasi's suggestion. "That sounds good to me Guardok, helping each other out, but I'm sure you will do well with your studies. I suppose we could study together before going to the tavern though." He suggests with a friendly smile. "Maybe all of us, like a study group?"
Malvyn gives the purple-haired girl a small reassuring smile over her insomnia problem. "We'll just have to make sure one of us sits next to you and nudges you when you start to doze off during classes." He offers with a friendly smile. "Or explain to the professor how you are quite short-sighted and need to lean in really close to follow along in the textbook."
Just taking another big sip, Mei ends up blowing bubbles in her ale in surprise. "R-Really, you'd do that?" she asks, blotting at her lips. "I'd hate to distract you from class. But... well, I did come up with a Plan B." She laughs preemptively, realizing how ridiculous this is going to sound as she leans in closer towards the group, "I was practicing some illusory disguises in the mirror and realized I could just..." and leans in closer still, her rear fully off the stool now, "disguise myself awake. Like, just make it look as though my eyes are open! I just need something to keep me sitting straight. And... oh."
She plops back down on the stool, seeming to realize something. "Blink. I can't make the illusion blink. So, I'd just be--" she sputters into giggles and then tries to seriously demonstrate how it would look, her eyes comically large as she stares Knap down, "staring, unblinking, at the Professor for an hour." She bursts into a fit of laughter again, "M-Maybe the textbook thing is a better idea!" She takes another long swig of her ale-that-is-dangerously-easy-to-drink, still smiling.
((Don't know if anyone else wants to use those drinking rules, but gonna use them for Mei! Round 1 CON Save (DC 10): 21! First time drinking alcohol and no lightweight here haha!))
"From this evening forth, we will collectively be known as, The Study Group", Guardok says trying to sound official as both Malvyn and Mei seem to be keen on the idea. He then takes another sip of his cider.
He laughs along at both Malvyn and Mei's plans for if she happened to fall asleep, "Both great ideas, it's just a shame I don't think I have many classes together with you both. I'd love to see the staring for sure". He starts giggling as a thought occurs to him, "I hope you don't snore!"
The purple-skinned tiefling is already starting to feel the first tingling effects of the wine, feeling slightly less worried over what the others might think of him and much more easily entertained, constantly feeling a smile tugging at his lips, even feeling a little light-headed, and he had only had half a glass yet. He laughs along as Mei describes her ludicrous plan and as she demonstrates the staring at Knap.
"To The Study Group!"Malvyn exclaims, overly excitedly, holding up his half full glass of wine in a toast to their new group, a bit of a silly smile on his face now.
As Guardok mentions not having classes together, Malvyn realizes he doesn't know who he will have classes with. For some reason he had assumed he would have all his classes with his Study Group but now he realizes that would of course not be the case. He pushes the thought of having no one he knew in his classes away for now, but he certainly hoped he would at least have some in The Study Group around him now. "Even if we don't have classes together I'm sure we can meet up in the Biblioplex to study together in the afternoons." He says, looking hopefully at the others.
"Snore!" Mei squeals at nearly a pitch only dogs could hear, her cheeks turning bright pink. "I don't snoooore!" she laughs in protest and gives Guardok a playful shove, trying to tip his stool a little. She's surprised to find the small genasi is literally built like a rock, and ends up scooting her own chair away. "I talk." And cry.
At the toast, Mei echoes, "To The Study Group!" and hefts her glass as well, face lit up over Malvyn's silly smile. He should wear it more often, she thinks. "And let's! Maybe a certain night or two every week? In the Biblioplex or fourth floor lounge?"
"And you know, I was planning to, um, consult the cards about the year ahead. J-Just a single-card spread if..." she looks shyly to each them from beneath her plum-colored lashes, knowing many people don't believe in the power of tarot, "if you'd like a reading too?" She feels the energy at her hip grow, the cards excited at the prospect of connecting to the threads of others. "I know a lot of people consider it an occult practice--and it is," she whispers with a conspiratorial smile, "but it's really a wonderful way to sharpen your inner intuition and... see things from different perspectives. No, um, n-no pressure though!"
Knap mimics the ludicrous eyeballing and takes a wee sip from his Peach Fizz. The fruity drink tingles on his tongue, distracting him from the thought of study and responsibility and the fact he won't be able to ask for the 4th floorer's notes for all the subjects he takes. "I'll need all the guidance I can get. Read away."
As Mei mentions her mystic cards the Purple-skinned tiefling feels more focused again, finding himself eager to know more about them, the word occult being one to always rouse his curiosity and his search for more esoteric knowledge. "Yes, show us our fates Mei."Malvyn chimes in with the satyr, hoping it doesn't show just how eager he is to do that, although there is a hint of anxiety there too over knowing too much of his own.
Guardok's stool does tilt a little as Mei pushes it, just not as much as hers so she doesn't notice. His eyes go a little wide as he adeptly adjusts his balance and brings it back under control.
He also joins in the toast, but still only takes small sips. In the circus getting drunk of an evening was frowned upon because there was so much to do in the early morning. Of course not everyone took that so seriously, but those that didn't looked terrible at the crack of dawn!
At the talk of a reading, he also jumps on the wagon. "Oh yes, do mine for sure". It was odd, he had always been more skeptical of Mystic Meg, but he was quite eager right now. He looks at his now only half full tankard and shrugs. He must have taken more sips than he thought.
"Will it tell me whether to join the Cheer Squad or the Playactors?".
Mei perks up as all of the boys agree, wasting no time in prestidigitating the condensation from the bartop. With a wave of her hand, the deck is quickly assembled atop her palm, their backs a whimsical design of wisteria and the edges gilded. She shuffles them with the expertise of a casino dealer--an elegant riffle, bridge, and cascade ensuring each and every card touches her fingers as she aligns herself with them. It's clear there is an aspect of showmanship to the readings, the act an art and show of love all its own.
"They can, yes!" she replies to Guardok as she shuffles and then begins to fan out the deck across the counter in an arc. "When you're choosing your card, you can keep a particular question in mind for them. But it's better to ask open-ended questions since they lead to more insight. Soooo," she pauses to think, "you might phrase it, 'how do I decide between these two clubs' or 'what should I focus on when choosing a club to join.'" She smiles over at him then blinks. "Does that make sense?"
She then gestures for them to go ahead. "I recommend running your hand above the whole deck and then back again to see if there's any card that you're drawn to. It'll almost feel like a thread in the center of your palm being pull or... like your hand suddenly feels heavy. That's a card calling to you. But, really, you're welcome to pull a card in whatever way feels most intuitive! Just keep your question in mind as you do."
((If you three wouldn't mind, roll me a d78 please and let me know the result in OOC chat or in their next RP post! Gonna pull the cards from my actual deck!))
As a few more people fill in the tavern, the waiter returns with food. The bread is simply a freshly baked long loaf of bread. The vegetable soup has a wide variety of ingredients and an aromatic smell. And the roast fowl is a generous portion of fowl, served with a bit of rice as well. "Just let me know if you need anything else. Good on your drinks still?" he hesitates just a moment to get your order, then drifts away once again.
It's still a few minutes until the performances were supposed to begin. So most the activity now is just the murmuring chatter of the other patrons.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
The fiery-red eyes of the purple-skinned tiefling watches attentively as Mei produces her mysterious deck of cards, following her every movement to discern if there was in fact eldritch magic in play here. As the purple-haired girl explains her recommendation he turns to determine a question for himself, hoping to come up with something less sinister that what his dark fate would be. That would be a question for another night.
Hardly noticing the roasted fowl being served, Malvyn prudently decides to nurse his glass of wine for some time yet, he already felt some effects and he felt he needed to stay somewhat focused still, it was only early evening yet after all.
Arcane to determine anything about the cards and Mei's use of them: 21
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Guardok listens to Mei's instructions about keeping an open ended question in mind when he chooses his card, and thinks hard on what it is he wants to know. He settles on the question, How do I make the best use of my time at Strixhaven?
He then waits for his turn before slowly running his hand over the deck, waiting to see if he is drawn to a particular card. His hand passes over the deck not once, not twice but he starts a third pass, this one with his eyes closed before eventually feeling the pull of his chosen card. He places his finger on it, "This is my card, Mei" - 30
Mei rests her chin in her hands and waits patiently for the others to connect with their cards, studying each of their faces and methods as they do so--the noise of the tavern distant in her mind. She trusts her deck implicitly to give them the guidance they need.
As Guardok connects, she smiles and wonders if his embodiment of turquoise and the earth drew the Pentacles to his hand. Her fingers brush his as she places her own upon it and he can feel the thrum of energy that briefly connects the three of them as though by thread. She slides the card out from the group to sit in front of him then flips it over.
What greets him, like an old friend come to sit at dinner and offer advice, is the Eight of Pentacles. "Oh, I hoped so!" Me traces the edges of the card with her finger. Her voice is as soft as velvet as she explains and there's something ethereal about her as she gazes down at the card with a focus that is both Here and Beyond. "Pentacles are the suit of earth. They represent the material foundations upon which we grow and develop. Health. Creativity. Our callings and trades."
"The Eight of Pentacles is a card of... apprenticeship and mastery. You see the young man there? How he labors over the coins? And there's a town in the distance--his home and family. But he's separated himself from them--from those distractions--to fully dedicate himself to this task. With the creation of each coin, his skills improve and he'll one day become a master at his craft." She drags her eyes away from the card to look at Guardok. "They offer encouragement. And recognize your commitment and the skill in your foundation. It will be laborious to do this over and over again, but be patient and remember progress does not happen overnight. This is a journey. And it will require your focus and dedication and perseverance, but you will find mastery at the end of your path."
She seems to snap out of her reverie like waking from a daydream, and smiles brightly at him. "Basically, keep doing what you're doing! Just try not to be discouraged when it takes time. It's going to be a lot of hard work--and that's what The Study Group can help with!--but stay true to your beliefs and values and each day you'll get a little closer."
The petite oracle tilts her head in thought as she considers how this might apply to the choice of clubs. "I think... regarding the clubs? They mean to say that you'll get as much out of both as you're willing to put in. Make them work for you. Could ask to create routines involving sword dancing for the cheer squad or find ways to incorporate it into a scene with stage combat with the Playactors or put on your own performances altogether! But which one would challenge you and provide more opportunities to practice both?"
Mei hops down from the stool and walks around the counter to do the same for Knap, sliding the card from the group and flipping it over in front of him.
Her eyebrows arch in surprise over its appearance. "Oooh. A Major Arcana. Drawing one of these usually means something important happened, but it was... largely out of your hands. But now you should focus now on what you can do." She looks up at Knap, eyes flicking curiously back and forth between his before they drop once more to the card, which she gently touches with reverence. "It's a card of optimism," her lips curve fondly before her expression becomes dream-like again, as though in a trance.
"The dawn which follows the darkest of nights. The Sun will bring strength and vitality back to you." She pauses, eyes glossy and unseeing. "Find your inner strength and let that be the light you shine upon others. The dark night that threatened your light--your positivity and joy--it is behind you. Only Tomorrow lies ahead. Shine your light unto others and share the beautiful, warm energy you possess. Trust it. It will guide the path to your goals and you will reap what your light helps to sow."
Mei blinks. "This is a really positive card," she enthuses. "And it connects to your power base. Not, um, not like fear-driven or egotistical power but... an inner energy that you can feel," her gaze flicks up to his, asking for permission as her hand rises to hover over his Solar Plexus, "--here. Do you feel it?" she asks quietly. "That's what's calling you to be your most authentic self. But it's also telling you to be fully present in the world around you." Her hand drops away and she straightens with a sheepish smile. It's in Sylvan she admits, "[I have a problem with that too.]"
"Oh! And you'll be working on your literal inner strength soon too!" She exhales a breathy laugh then regards the satyr in a new light. Before heading back to her stool, she gives him a little bow of her head. "I hope that helped!"
Guardok stares at the card for a long time as Mei explains its meaning. He had to admit it was crazily accurate, and Mei's insights made an awful lot of sense.
"Thank you, Mei", he manages to say, but appears otherwise lost for words as he contemplates what has happened. "I..I think I will sleep on it", he finally manages to add.
When Mei moves on to Knap, he snaps out of his reverie to become more present, keen to see what his companions reading will be. He waits for Knap to consider and respond before interrupting though.
The purple-skinned tiefling follows with great interest as Mei explains the meaning of Guardok's and Knap's cards. While he realizes the cards left ample of room for interpretation, especially for a highly skilled reader, he did feel there were mystic forces at play here too that should not be scoffed at. Too eager now to have his own destiny laid out for him, Malvyn lets his hands move over the mystical cards, taking his time, after a while finding his purple hand drawn to one of them, pulling it out of the deck while focusing on his question, then turning it over...
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"And a Roast Fowl." The purple-skinned tiefling politely reminds the waiter.
As Mei asks if there was anything they wanted to try that they hadn't yet, Malvyn feels his cheeks and ears heating and his fiery red eyes finding a particularly interesting spot on the barcounter. "Ehm...nothing in particular...I mean, coming to this place is nice I guess." He starts after a while, daring to look up at the others. "To be honest, I came here to study but...well Strixhaven seems full of possibilities, even for one such as me, and a part of me wants to try a little of everything." He says with a small excited smile now. "I must admit I didn't expect it but when we were in the Student actvities center I wanted to sign up for quite a few of those clubs, well, maybe not the Iron-Lifters Society..." He says with a small chuckle over how lost he would have been there. "...but just to be here to make my own decisions about everything, it's both a bit scary but also quite exciting for me." He finishes with a sincere smile, then looking a bit worried, as if feared he had opened up too much. "I'm mostly here to read though, in the Biblioplex." He adds after a moment, sounding a bit more sensible and strict again.
When Guardok's cider arrives, he holds the tankard with both hands, taking small sips.
"Very fruity", he comments on the drink to no-one in particular.
"I just want to make sure I do well", he adds when the others talk about what they want to do at Strixhaven. "I am not academic like some of you seem to be. Working in a circus is so different to attending classes and studying. A lot is riding on my doing well here, so it's a fair bit of pressure. There are some activities I think I would enjoy that would also benefit the circus as well though, so I am looking forward to those", he says, and his nervousness about being here starts to show. It isn't nerves at the new place or new people. It is all about whether he is going to be able to hack it.
"I guess we kind of complement each other", he says to Malvyn. "How about we look out for each other? I will make sure you don't just study all the time, and you can make sure I study at least some of the time", he says with a hopeful smile, raising his tankard towards Malvyn. "Anyone else want in on the pact? What do you need help with, Mei, Knap?".
Mei pulls a face over her very first taste of ale, nose wrinkled and the foamy mustache sat above her lip only adding to the look. Expectations foiled, she looks wholly disappointed then takes another sip, as though the flavor might've changed in the last ten seconds. It hasn't. Trying to be subtle, she taps a finger to the glass and changes the flavor to an elderflower cordial.
As Malvyn answers, she watches him curiously over the rim of her tankard and lights up to hear of all his hopes and the excitement in his voice--a glimpse of an inner joy protected behind the thick walls built by a cruel life. "Infinite possibilities, I should think! And it's nice to feel like you have... agency. The chance to follow each thread and see where they lead," she agrees with a melancholic smile.
At the uncharacteristic show of Guardok's nerves, she teeters her stool up on two legs again to give him a reassuring bump. "You’ll make them proud. You’re so passionate about it and the fact that it means so much to you… that will carry you far. Aaaand… it's in your cards, Jack," she grins--referencing him being that jack of all trades--and the tarot cards thrum their agreement.
"But, stars, please sign me up too!" she laughs, which turns into a hhnnggg as she strains to lift her very large and very full glass as well, ultimately giving up lest she spill it everywhere. "And oh, help? Well... my knowledge and studies have been very focused. Quite, um... niche? I suppose. So study buddies would certainly help! But I think the biggest hurdle is going to be staying awake in class.” She groans and lays her cheek against the counter and watches the streams of bubbles rise in the amber liquid, already feeling quite hopeless about her chances.
As Malvyn gets his glass of wine he at first holds it with some reverence it seems, his first, but certainly not his last he thinks. After a while he brings the glass to his lips and takes a small sip, then another one, the wine hitting his tastebuds in a most pleasant way, resulting in a pleased smile as he looks over at his floor mates.
The purple-skinned tiefling listens to Guardok and his purpose at Strixhaven. He probably felt some pressure and yet he seemed to handle it well. No one expected anything out of the tiefling, not even himself in his darkests hours, but maybe he would eventually amount to something at Strixhaven at least. At the mention of a pact the tiefling notices his hand going to to a particular tome in his shoulder bag, still hanging across his chest. Malvyn nods and chuckles at genasi's suggestion. "That sounds good to me Guardok, helping each other out, but I'm sure you will do well with your studies. I suppose we could study together before going to the tavern though." He suggests with a friendly smile. "Maybe all of us, like a study group?"
Malvyn gives the purple-haired girl a small reassuring smile over her insomnia problem. "We'll just have to make sure one of us sits next to you and nudges you when you start to doze off during classes." He offers with a friendly smile. "Or explain to the professor how you are quite short-sighted and need to lean in really close to follow along in the textbook."
Just taking another big sip, Mei ends up blowing bubbles in her ale in surprise. "R-Really, you'd do that?" she asks, blotting at her lips. "I'd hate to distract you from class. But... well, I did come up with a Plan B." She laughs preemptively, realizing how ridiculous this is going to sound as she leans in closer towards the group, "I was practicing some illusory disguises in the mirror and realized I could just..." and leans in closer still, her rear fully off the stool now, "disguise myself awake. Like, just make it look as though my eyes are open! I just need something to keep me sitting straight. And... oh."
She plops back down on the stool, seeming to realize something. "Blink. I can't make the illusion blink. So, I'd just be--" she sputters into giggles and then tries to seriously demonstrate how it would look, her eyes comically large as she stares Knap down, "staring, unblinking, at the Professor for an hour." She bursts into a fit of laughter again, "M-Maybe the textbook thing is a better idea!" She takes another long swig of her ale-that-is-dangerously-easy-to-drink, still smiling.
((Don't know if anyone else wants to use those drinking rules, but gonna use them for Mei! Round 1 CON Save (DC 10): 21! First time drinking alcohol and no lightweight here haha!))
"From this evening forth, we will collectively be known as, The Study Group", Guardok says trying to sound official as both Malvyn and Mei seem to be keen on the idea. He then takes another sip of his cider.
He laughs along at both Malvyn and Mei's plans for if she happened to fall asleep, "Both great ideas, it's just a shame I don't think I have many classes together with you both. I'd love to see the staring for sure". He starts giggling as a thought occurs to him, "I hope you don't snore!"
The purple-skinned tiefling is already starting to feel the first tingling effects of the wine, feeling slightly less worried over what the others might think of him and much more easily entertained, constantly feeling a smile tugging at his lips, even feeling a little light-headed, and he had only had half a glass yet. He laughs along as Mei describes her ludicrous plan and as she demonstrates the staring at Knap.
"To The Study Group!" Malvyn exclaims, overly excitedly, holding up his half full glass of wine in a toast to their new group, a bit of a silly smile on his face now.
As Guardok mentions not having classes together, Malvyn realizes he doesn't know who he will have classes with. For some reason he had assumed he would have all his classes with his Study Group but now he realizes that would of course not be the case. He pushes the thought of having no one he knew in his classes away for now, but he certainly hoped he would at least have some in The Study Group around him now. "Even if we don't have classes together I'm sure we can meet up in the Biblioplex to study together in the afternoons." He says, looking hopefully at the others.
"Snore!" Mei squeals at nearly a pitch only dogs could hear, her cheeks turning bright pink. "I don't snoooore!" she laughs in protest and gives Guardok a playful shove, trying to tip his stool a little. She's surprised to find the small genasi is literally built like a rock, and ends up scooting her own chair away. "I talk." And cry.
At the toast, Mei echoes, "To The Study Group!" and hefts her glass as well, face lit up over Malvyn's silly smile. He should wear it more often, she thinks. "And let's! Maybe a certain night or two every week? In the Biblioplex or fourth floor lounge?"
"And you know, I was planning to, um, consult the cards about the year ahead. J-Just a single-card spread if..." she looks shyly to each them from beneath her plum-colored lashes, knowing many people don't believe in the power of tarot, "if you'd like a reading too?" She feels the energy at her hip grow, the cards excited at the prospect of connecting to the threads of others. "I know a lot of people consider it an occult practice--and it is," she whispers with a conspiratorial smile, "but it's really a wonderful way to sharpen your inner intuition and... see things from different perspectives. No, um, n-no pressure though!"
Knap mimics the ludicrous eyeballing and takes a wee sip from his Peach Fizz. The fruity drink tingles on his tongue, distracting him from the thought of study and responsibility and the fact he won't be able to ask for the 4th floorer's notes for all the subjects he takes. "I'll need all the guidance I can get. Read away."
As Mei mentions her mystic cards the Purple-skinned tiefling feels more focused again, finding himself eager to know more about them, the word occult being one to always rouse his curiosity and his search for more esoteric knowledge. "Yes, show us our fates Mei." Malvyn chimes in with the satyr, hoping it doesn't show just how eager he is to do that, although there is a hint of anxiety there too over knowing too much of his own.
Guardok's stool does tilt a little as Mei pushes it, just not as much as hers so she doesn't notice. His eyes go a little wide as he adeptly adjusts his balance and brings it back under control.
He also joins in the toast, but still only takes small sips. In the circus getting drunk of an evening was frowned upon because there was so much to do in the early morning. Of course not everyone took that so seriously, but those that didn't looked terrible at the crack of dawn!
At the talk of a reading, he also jumps on the wagon. "Oh yes, do mine for sure". It was odd, he had always been more skeptical of Mystic Meg, but he was quite eager right now. He looks at his now only half full tankard and shrugs. He must have taken more sips than he thought.
"Will it tell me whether to join the Cheer Squad or the Playactors?".
Mei perks up as all of the boys agree, wasting no time in prestidigitating the condensation from the bartop. With a wave of her hand, the deck is quickly assembled atop her palm, their backs a whimsical design of wisteria and the edges gilded. She shuffles them with the expertise of a casino dealer--an elegant riffle, bridge, and cascade ensuring each and every card touches her fingers as she aligns herself with them. It's clear there is an aspect of showmanship to the readings, the act an art and show of love all its own.
"They can, yes!" she replies to Guardok as she shuffles and then begins to fan out the deck across the counter in an arc. "When you're choosing your card, you can keep a particular question in mind for them. But it's better to ask open-ended questions since they lead to more insight. Soooo," she pauses to think, "you might phrase it, 'how do I decide between these two clubs' or 'what should I focus on when choosing a club to join.'" She smiles over at him then blinks. "Does that make sense?"
She then gestures for them to go ahead. "I recommend running your hand above the whole deck and then back again to see if there's any card that you're drawn to. It'll almost feel like a thread in the center of your palm being pull or... like your hand suddenly feels heavy. That's a card calling to you. But, really, you're welcome to pull a card in whatever way feels most intuitive! Just keep your question in mind as you do."
((If you three wouldn't mind, roll me a d78 please and let me know the result in OOC chat or in their next RP post! Gonna pull the cards from my actual deck!))
As a few more people fill in the tavern, the waiter returns with food. The bread is simply a freshly baked long loaf of bread. The vegetable soup has a wide variety of ingredients and an aromatic smell. And the roast fowl is a generous portion of fowl, served with a bit of rice as well. "Just let me know if you need anything else. Good on your drinks still?" he hesitates just a moment to get your order, then drifts away once again.
It's still a few minutes until the performances were supposed to begin. So most the activity now is just the murmuring chatter of the other patrons.
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 fiery-red eyes of the purple-skinned tiefling watches attentively as Mei produces her mysterious deck of cards, following her every movement to discern if there was in fact eldritch magic in play here. As the purple-haired girl explains her recommendation he turns to determine a question for himself, hoping to come up with something less sinister that what his dark fate would be. That would be a question for another night.
Hardly noticing the roasted fowl being served, Malvyn prudently decides to nurse his glass of wine for some time yet, he already felt some effects and he felt he needed to stay somewhat focused still, it was only early evening yet after all.
Arcane to determine anything about the cards and Mei's use of them: 21
Guardok listens to Mei's instructions about keeping an open ended question in mind when he chooses his card, and thinks hard on what it is he wants to know. He settles on the question, How do I make the best use of my time at Strixhaven?
He then waits for his turn before slowly running his hand over the deck, waiting to see if he is drawn to a particular card. His hand passes over the deck not once, not twice but he starts a third pass, this one with his eyes closed before eventually feeling the pull of his chosen card. He places his finger on it, "This is my card, Mei" - 30
Mei rests her chin in her hands and waits patiently for the others to connect with their cards, studying each of their faces and methods as they do so--the noise of the tavern distant in her mind. She trusts her deck implicitly to give them the guidance they need.
As Guardok connects, she smiles and wonders if his embodiment of turquoise and the earth drew the Pentacles to his hand. Her fingers brush his as she places her own upon it and he can feel the thrum of energy that briefly connects the three of them as though by thread. She slides the card out from the group to sit in front of him then flips it over.
What greets him, like an old friend come to sit at dinner and offer advice, is the Eight of Pentacles. "Oh, I hoped so!" Me traces the edges of the card with her finger. Her voice is as soft as velvet as she explains and there's something ethereal about her as she gazes down at the card with a focus that is both Here and Beyond. "Pentacles are the suit of earth. They represent the material foundations upon which we grow and develop. Health. Creativity. Our callings and trades."
SPOT ON!! If you'd like to explore this card further: https://www.biddytarot.com/tarot-card-meanings/minor-arcana/suit-of-pentacles/eight-of-pentacles/
"The Eight of Pentacles is a card of... apprenticeship and mastery. You see the young man there? How he labors over the coins? And there's a town in the distance--his home and family. But he's separated himself from them--from those distractions--to fully dedicate himself to this task. With the creation of each coin, his skills improve and he'll one day become a master at his craft." She drags her eyes away from the card to look at Guardok. "They offer encouragement. And recognize your commitment and the skill in your foundation. It will be laborious to do this over and over again, but be patient and remember progress does not happen overnight. This is a journey. And it will require your focus and dedication and perseverance, but you will find mastery at the end of your path."
She seems to snap out of her reverie like waking from a daydream, and smiles brightly at him. "Basically, keep doing what you're doing! Just try not to be discouraged when it takes time. It's going to be a lot of hard work--and that's what The Study Group can help with!--but stay true to your beliefs and values and each day you'll get a little closer."
The petite oracle tilts her head in thought as she considers how this might apply to the choice of clubs. "I think... regarding the clubs? They mean to say that you'll get as much out of both as you're willing to put in. Make them work for you. Could ask to create routines involving sword dancing for the cheer squad or find ways to incorporate it into a scene with stage combat with the Playactors or put on your own performances altogether! But which one would challenge you and provide more opportunities to practice both?"
Knap focuses on the cards and reaches out for 37.
Mei hops down from the stool and walks around the counter to do the same for Knap, sliding the card from the group and flipping it over in front of him.
The Sun.
https://www.biddytarot.com/tarot-card-meanings/major-arcana/sun/
Her eyebrows arch in surprise over its appearance. "Oooh. A Major Arcana. Drawing one of these usually means something important happened, but it was... largely out of your hands. But now you should focus now on what you can do." She looks up at Knap, eyes flicking curiously back and forth between his before they drop once more to the card, which she gently touches with reverence. "It's a card of optimism," her lips curve fondly before her expression becomes dream-like again, as though in a trance.
"The dawn which follows the darkest of nights. The Sun will bring strength and vitality back to you." She pauses, eyes glossy and unseeing. "Find your inner strength and let that be the light you shine upon others. The dark night that threatened your light--your positivity and joy--it is behind you. Only Tomorrow lies ahead. Shine your light unto others and share the beautiful, warm energy you possess. Trust it. It will guide the path to your goals and you will reap what your light helps to sow."
Mei blinks. "This is a really positive card," she enthuses. "And it connects to your power base. Not, um, not like fear-driven or egotistical power but... an inner energy that you can feel," her gaze flicks up to his, asking for permission as her hand rises to hover over his Solar Plexus, "--here. Do you feel it?" she asks quietly. "That's what's calling you to be your most authentic self. But it's also telling you to be fully present in the world around you." Her hand drops away and she straightens with a sheepish smile. It's in Sylvan she admits, "[I have a problem with that too.]"
"Oh! And you'll be working on your literal inner strength soon too!" She exhales a breathy laugh then regards the satyr in a new light. Before heading back to her stool, she gives him a little bow of her head. "I hope that helped!"
Guardok stares at the card for a long time as Mei explains its meaning. He had to admit it was crazily accurate, and Mei's insights made an awful lot of sense.
"Thank you, Mei", he manages to say, but appears otherwise lost for words as he contemplates what has happened. "I..I think I will sleep on it", he finally manages to add.
When Mei moves on to Knap, he snaps out of his reverie to become more present, keen to see what his companions reading will be. He waits for Knap to consider and respond before interrupting though.
The purple-skinned tiefling follows with great interest as Mei explains the meaning of Guardok's and Knap's cards. While he realizes the cards left ample of room for interpretation, especially for a highly skilled reader, he did feel there were mystic forces at play here too that should not be scoffed at. Too eager now to have his own destiny laid out for him, Malvyn lets his hands move over the mystical cards, taking his time, after a while finding his purple hand drawn to one of them, pulling it out of the deck while focusing on his question, then turning it over...