Rubina speaks up even as Aurora is still awaiting a response from Malvyn. "The music is amazing - really lovely. But it's all so dark. I'll bet you could do some stunning dances. Like a little reel or jig or something."  From the look on her face it's hard to read if she's being serious or teasing. 

Guardok appears a little oblivious to Mei's emotional state as the buzz he feeling distracts him. When she asks about dancing, he looks down to his drink.

"I said this was my last drink, and so it will be. But it isn't finished yet", he replies with a broad smile. With that he takes out his maracas and starts playing a little cha cha cha on them whilst doing a little upper body dancing, standing up on his chair so he has a little more room. "Anyone else up for dancing when the next band appears?".

Not as embarrassed as usual by how easily she's brought to tears--though she does wonder how the others, clearly moved themselves by the song, keep their emotions on a leash--Mei is quickly distracted by the new developments at the table. No doubt there will be time later for the lyrics and story to haunt her sleep. She watches Guardok dance with a smile, though her attention is briefly drawn to Aurora's intensity as she returns to the table. 'I don't really care what folks think...' How much easier her own life would be if she could manage the same. 

Her eyes dart curiously between the three in question and Mei cocks her head, perhaps not as subtle as she thinks she is in trying to read Aurora's microexpressions and divine the reason behind such a line of questioning. Jealousy? A test? Or just a competitive nature? Her hand touches the cards at her hip, feeling for a suggestion of energies from the other woman while the other scrubs roughly at her wet face, and as Guardok waits for answers about dancing from the others. 


((Can Mei try to insight check Aurora for an intent behind that question to Malvyn about Mae puhleaassee? Insight: 15))

The purple-skinned tiefling was still genuinely impressed with how confidently the dark pierced performer had taken the stage in this new environment, not that anyone had seemed particularly judging around here, in fact Strixhaven seemed to be a place for everyone, where everyone could be appreciated for what they were. He also envied Aurora for not caring too much what people thinks. Malvyn pretended he didn't at times but the truth was he cared, too much perhaps behind that scowling face he sometimes put on. He couldn't help but wonder though what it meant when Aurora said she didn't care what people think and yet she had seemed interested in his opinion for some reason.

As Aurora seems to ask him to compare her performance to that of the aasimar's, Malvyn seems a little bit uncomfortable answering it as they both are there at the table now. It hadn't been often that anyone asked him about his opinion, on anything, and Aurora asking him to compare what was almost uncomparable to him seemed almost surreal. "I...I'm not sure I would know enough to compare the both of you, ehm your music I mean. Your performances were both more impressive than anything I have heard before I think..." the tiefling says, hoping to be reasonably polite and diplomatic. "...but I meant what I said, your music did touch me in a way I could not even imagine music could." He says with sincerity and a hint of sadness in his voice even. "So while I'm not sure why you would want my quite unqualified opinion I must say yes, your performance does hold a candle to Mae's." He finishes with a polite smile, hoping the dark pierced performer was content with his answer, but he couldn't shake the feeling he there was something in the social interaction that was lost on him. He had a lot to learn, and some of it would be hard.

As Guardok mentions dancing, the purple-skinned tiefling squirms uneasily in his seat. He had never danced, ever, wasn't that something for skilled performers? Guardok was of course, but he must have understood that the tiefling was not. "Um, perhaps..." Malvyn mumbles, not sure what to say. He wanted to continue to say yes and allow himself to explore new firsts tonight but he wasn't sure it would be polite to leave Aurora as she just got off her performance. She didn't strike him as a dancer, at least not to cheerful music, but if she decided to dance he would definitely have to too.

Mae smiled pleasantly in her semi-tired state as Aurora returned to her seat near them all. "Oh no, that was really lovely! I don't know why people were so rude and talking while you were performing. I think your instrument choice matched your song set perfectly. And yes! Why can't everyone just enjoy the music!? That's why we're there!" She calmed back down again, "If nothing else you certainly seemed to have put a spell over on my flatmate here. I think your candle glowed fierce tonight, Aurora, even if it may be a different color than what some like, I thought it was wonderful." She beamed a bit at Aurora unintentionally in her admiration.

She turned from the two darker people and gave a light smile at Guardok, "I'm sure we'd all appreciate the change of pace as well, especially this one." And she nodded at Mei who was clearly getting lost in...herself? She leaned over to Mei then and put a hand on her shoulder, "Are you alright Mei?"

Chastened by Mae’s mention of rude people talking during Aurora’s performance—she was one of them after all—Mei flushes pink and gazes shamefaced down at her lap.

When the Aasimar puts a hand on her shoulder, she looks up at her wide-eyed. “M’fine, sorry!” she rushes, quickly affixing a smile in place as she scrubs a sleeve over her cheek. “Just being, um… soppy. As usual. I guess I’m a little too susceptible to music—er, well… everything, huh?” Mei pulls down her sleeves, as though that might hide the heart she tends to wear there. Always overflowing, just like the Ace of Cups. “Maybe another drink would help,” she reasons with a taut little laugh as she glances around for Ven. 

Looking back at their group, but not wanting to interrupt Aurora and Malvyn, she asks, “Do all of you write your own songs too?” She finds herself curious where each of them draw their inspiration from. Guardok with his upbeat rhythms certainly seems like he would have a different muse than Aurora with her haunting melodies or even Mae with her ethereal voice.

Aurora's melancholy melodics brought Knap to sombre reverie. When the final song is sung Knap applauds Aurora all the way back to her seat. Without realising the sleepiness catching up on him Knap lets out a large yawn followed by an adorable hiccup and an even more adorable burp. "Ohhh pardon me! The Peach Fizz's we used to make back home were more peach than fizz, not used to this mix. But yeah, I think I'm getting tired ya'll." Knap looks around nervously as he begin to recognise those rose-cheeked signs of inebriation.  "We have a big day tomorrow..." Knap fishes for further acknowledgement of where things might be heading. He's happy to stick around for a little longer. But he notes to himself to interrupt any further drink purchase made by Mei. 

(Mei can certainly attempt Insight Checks whenever she wants.  No guarantee on results of course!) 

Mei struggles to read the relatively blank slate of Aurora's face. It seems mostly that she's interested to know what Malvyn thinks of her music ability. It's unclear what her purpose in that might be.

"Well, I am glad my music was able to touch you, Mal," Aurora says, her hand for a brief moment lightly brushing Malvyn's shoulder. Her attention then seems pulled over to Mae however as she compliments her performance. "You liked it? It means a lot. And from all that Mal has said about your singing earlier, you must be a remarkable talent as well."  She steps a little bit closer to Mae, her voice getting softer. "I really hope you'll give me the opportunity to enjoy a performance from you one day." Her eyes remain fixed on Mae.  "You really think I have Mal under my spell? I'd thought it was perhaps you who had him under your spell.  I could certainly understand why he would be." 

As Mae's attention turns to Mei, Aurora turns back to Malvyn. "So, perhaps you are going to dance?" she asks Malvyn. "What do you suppose will help you make up your mind?" she asks as she gives him a tiny smile. 

Rubina jumps in to answer Mei's question. "Aurora there's the only one I know of that writes her own songs. I usually just stick to performing them.  Though I imagine at a place like Strixhaven there's all sorts of students writing their own music. It's kind of exciting to think about!" She glances over as Guardok starts to dance. "I'd join you guys if you're going to go up and dance. If that's ok."  

Mae both blushed and got a look of confusion on her face as Aurora talked to her. "Oh? I mean a chance to perform with another talented musician like yourself would be welcome for sure!" Her eyes flicked to Mal for a second then back to Aurora. "I've seen that look in their eyes before, perhaps...too often. But I had no idea I was putting a spell over him, nor was it intended. I sang a few lines earlier today during orientation, that's all." She blushed again though, "I'm really not that special though, you are much more exotic I think!" As Aurora turns away Mae puts a hand on Mei, "I'm not sure more drinks are what you need tonight."

Mei also gradually realizes that after all her tears, she had grabbed her empty glass.  There is still a completely untouched glass of Peach Fizz right there next to the other!  

(Post #837 it's dropped off.  Post #840 Mei picks up an empty glass with melted slush - which must have been the remains of the Frost Fire.) 

Mei hides a giggle behind her hand at Knap's melody of bodily functions and asks in earnest, "Too tired for dancing?"

She then looks between her two companions and can’t help but “:3” at how this mysterious singer-songwriter has so smoothly set them both to blushing. She could certainly learn something from her technique. The diviner glances at Rubina with a pursed smile and nods in agreement, “It’s an amazing talent! I'd love to learn how to write or play.” She can't help how her eyes glisten in admiration at Aurora.  

At Mae’s mention of her not needing another drink, Mei gapes and protests, "Whaaa? But I still haven't tried the Blue Streak! It's special," she reasons, as though she has to collect them all. "What do I need tonight, then?" In a teasing whisper with a playful waggle of her brows, she adds "A pretty, dark-haired singer flirting with me?" Inadvertently teasing herself, she blushes at the thought.

The purple-skinned tiefling's fiery red eyes curiously follows Aurora as she steps closer to the aasimar and he watches them with a small smile. They looked quite astonishing together he thought and he had expected no less since seeing them together earlier. He finds himself feeling strangely uncomfortable with them talking about how they both had him under their spell now, was that how he had behaved? He certainly didn't feel like being under any spell, although admittedly Aurora's music had moved him in an unexpected way. He shakes his head and looks down to his nearly empty glass of wine, his cup soon empty. He would most likely be burnt severely if he came any nearer the dark pierced performer now but something kept him from leaving her side. Maybe she had cast a spell on him after all he thought and smiled briefly to himself, seeking confidence in the last of his wine, the image of the card Mei had dealt him...and his hand seeking the dark tome in his shoulder bag, his fiery red eyes flaring up with new resolve to stay his course. Better to experience the pleasant torment of her quite teasing company a while longer than to stay devoid of feelings.

"Well, considering I am under your spell now I can only expect you to make my mind up for me..." Malvyn responds to the dark pierced performer, his fiery red eyes flaring with confidence again, flashing a small smile that slightly bares his sharp fangs. "...I admit I am curious though if you are as confident on the dance floor as with everything else you are endeavouring to do tonight." He adds, standing up now and offering his purple hand to lead her into the dance, his eyes daring her to follow him now.

Aurora's smile actually widens a bit at Malvyn's confidence. In a low voice she says, "Of course I will come with you, Mal. And I suppose once again you can be the judge of my talents. I do hope you are not disappointed."  She firmly grasps his hand as she stands.  Once on her feet though, she gives a glance back towards Mae. "Mal, do you really think we should leave the radiant Mae here all alone though?"  She then speaks to the Aasimar. "And I hope I do not have to wait too long to hear that voice of yours."  She says it in a way that makes it sounds like she's sad Mae had not sung for her right here in the last few minutes. 

Just before she steps away, Aurora's eyes shift over to Mei. "You know, I might be able to make that happen. But you'll never know if you don't come dance with us." After all her comments, she has to hurry to keep up with Malvyn.  Once she does catch up alongside him, she wraps her arm around his. "This should be fun, Mal," she whispers into his ear. 

Rubina just shakes her head, watching Aurora from where she's sitting. "She's a bit much sometimes," she says with a smile, glancing at Guardok. "Anyway, you were going to go dance right? I think I might join as well." 

Aurora                                                                             Rubina
     

Guardok is still shaking his maracas and doing his thing standing on his chair, half observing the conversation play out between Aurora,  Mal, Mae and Mei. He isn't oblivious to the not so subtle subtext even though he doesn't fully understand what is happening.

He smiles back at Rubina, "I will take your word for it. Somehow, I don't think I am fluent in whatever language those four are speaking". With a chuckle he leaps off his chair, "Dancing it is though. Come on Knap, a bit of a dance and then I will head back with you. What do you say?".

With that he heads towards the dance area, where he does his best Saturday Night Fever style dancing.

Thinking Aurora means she might be able to teach her how to write and play music, Mei doesn't seem to even consider the possibility her whisper had been overheard. "Really? Oh, I'd love that, thank you!" she calls after her, excited at the prospect.

She watches Aurora walk off with Malvyn, who seems to be embracing the advice of his card, then flushes over how her lips brush his ear. Of course they'd all prefer a confident woman to a silly girl—a rose to a rosebud. Who wouldn’t? Mei looks down at herself: at her ill-fitted uniform and boots that at least aren’t ridiculous slippers this time. Her hair is a mess and her lack of sleep and abundance of tears are surely obvious on her face, eyes dark-rimmed and swollen. How could she ever hold a candle to the other women at this table? 

Her love that overflows from the Ace of Cups… it’s never been for herself.

As Guardok and Knap leave the table, Mei also rises from her chair and announces, “I’m going to use the restroom!” and wobbles, blinking in confusion as the world seems to tilt ever so slightly beneath her feet. With a smile too wide and eyes too crinkled, she starts to head back into the tavern, calling over her shoulder, “I’ll meet you all in the dance area! Save some boogie for me!” But she's not headed for the restroom. Perhaps, if she has another drink, she can just let go and enjoy the rest of the night. No more thinking about how she compares to others, or her parents, or the attack, or the darkness with teeth.

Just one more is... probably fine.

Mae watches Mal and Aurora walk off to dance together with a somewhat blank expression, before catching Mei as she declared her intention to use the restroom, even catching up to her as she left. "I'll go with you!" She called out and strode up beside the besot girl. "More drinks are not going to be your answer, Mei. Trust me on this. You can sample their offerings another night. Not to mention you are not going to feel to well tomorrow maybe, especially if you keep going now. Come back to the dorm with me. We'll get you cleaned up and in bed for some good sleep, alright? Let the others have their fun tonight, life will be waiting for us tomorrow to embrace it." Mae gently urges Mei to retire for the night, but then regardless of her answer, will leave the tavern and head back to her room for bed.

Mei, surprised that Maeleve followed, corrects her course so it seems as though she was actually headed to the bathrooms. She looks at her floormate with wide eyes as she pushes into the restroom, taking in all that she says, though a bit delayed. Touched by her request and care, Mei realizes that she's right and she's being irresponsible. Even if she would love to stay for just one dance and wishes Mae would join her--that they could all have fun together before the studying begins--chasing this feeling into the night isn't the answer.

She gazes up at Mae, studying her expression, remembering how it had gone blank as Aurora walked off with Malvyn. Was she hurt by it? A protective little spark for her friend is lit at the thought, flaring hot in her chest. But as soon as Mae suggests going to bed, the spark is extinguished, her heart plunged back into the dark. She mashes the heels of her hands against her eyes as though that might dam the flow of tears from falling for the umpteenth time today. 

"I'm afraid to sleep," she cries, her voice tiny under the weight of that truth and fear. 

As Malvyn reaches the dance floor with Aurora holding his arm he makes a twist to have her facing him, his left hand firmly holding her right while his other hand goes to the small of her back, his face close to hers, his fiery red eyes gazing into hers, just as in the book in the study room. "You are clearly very confident playing these games Aurora, but somehow I get the sense you are not a competitor at all but rather the prize for those who dare to compete." He says with a confident smile now, close enough and quietly enough for others not to overhear his words over the music, making a few conservative steps and moves to the music as he leads the raven-haired performer into the dance. "While I don't quite know this game yet I am happy to learn." He adds with a small smile, then with another twist of his hand letting go of the the raven-haired performer to allow them both to dance freely together with Guardok and Rubina and anyone else finding their way onto the dance floor.

In the corner of his eye the purple-skinned tiefling notices Mei and Mae leaving the patio, giving him a brief troubled look as he had hoped they would be dancing too...

Mae caught the end of Mei's words and stopped as she turned. "Afraid to sleep? Why? Was that something about earlier? I'm sorry I don't remember exactly what it was. But this sounds like a conversation better suited for another place, or perhaps another time. If you really would rather stay and drink yourself to sleep, I won't stop you." She held a concerned, somewhat worried look on her face. She had certainly seen her share of people trying to drown their sorrows and fears in drink, and she pitied every one of them. To be plagued by things that you feel like drinking was the only answer was a terrible fate she wouldn't wish on anyone.