Mei nods, immediately regretting saying anything. Not the place or... time. “Y-You’re right," she croaks, voice catching on the lump in her throat. "I’m sorry. We don’t have to—I’ll just—“ her hands drop away and she smiles haplessly with a heavy sigh. “I'm being stupid. Probably just... d-drunk. It was my first time drinking and I--... I’ll be fine.”
Keep it to yourself, child. It's not a burden others want to carry.
“I’ll pay our tabs and, um, well… send Guardok a Message? To let him know we’ve gone back to the dorms?”
After splashing her face in the sink, Mei schools her features as she tracks down Ven to pay three gold, hopefully covering all of her and her floormates’ drinks so far as well Aurora and Rubina’s, with a decent tip leftover. Then she Messages Guardok and heads back to the dorms with Maeleve, still wobbly on her feet as she looks longingly over her shoulder at the dance area.
Aurora smiles again as Malvynpositions himself to face her. "Well, it's sweet you consider me a prize. But you too are a prize Mal." As the music starts she starts to dance - she acquits herself decently, but she is clearly not as talented a dancer as musician. Her eyes dart about a bit. "Seems your friends have abandoned us." With Guardokheaded to the dance floor and Rubina as well (and perhaps Knap), it appears she's referring to Mae and Mei.
The band plays fairly upbeat music. It's nothing special but everything is very rhythmic and fun. Aurora seems to get into it even though it's a drastic difference from her style. She seems to make a point of brushing into Malvyn now and then as they dance. "Well, I hadn't expected you to be so interested in dancing and taverns when I crashed into you. Quite a fortunate bit of fate," Aurora says. "Tell me Mal, what is it you hope to study here at Strixhaven?"
The purple-skinned tiefling again finds the whole situation surreal as Aurora of all people suggests he would be a prize, opening his mouth to respond but then just giving the raven-haired performer a small smile. He felt himself comforted, emboldened even by her words. It felt slightly comforting too that it seemed she wasn't quite as talented a dancer as a musician, and yet that did not seem to bother her, so why should he be bothered about not being a practiced dancer. Aurora too would probably have been seen as an outcast where he was from and yet she seemed so full of confidence. He wondered what had shaped her, if she had endured what he had but just dealt with it much better.
As Aurora mentions Mei and Mae left, Malvyn nods and briefly looks worried again. He felt a slight urge to find out if they both were okay, particularly Mei who had seemed so full of emotions tonight. While he had decided to let his own emotions on furlough from their long time imprisonment he was still wary of them letting himself, or others, down. He hoped the two girls would still turn up at the dance floor though.
Malvyn does his best moving to the upbeat music, mostly moving his arms and hips, and only taking small conservative steps, letting Aurora do the moving around for now, briefly meeting her gaze as she brushes against him, but also glancing over at Guardok and Rubina as they danced closeby. He felt no particular need to impress Aurora now, fully content with staying on his feet, but feeling more and more comfortable with the for him quite unusual environment. "How do you mean, are you saying I look like I don't belong here?"Malvyn responds with a playful teasing smile, making a few eccentric dance moves to prove her right. "I suppose time will tell if it was fortunate for everyone, but so far I have no complaints with fate." He adds with a small smile as he keeps dancing more conservatively again.
"Well, I'm here to study the nocturnal activities of some quite rare species." He answers the raven-haired girl with an academic tone, followed by a wink and a teasing smile. "And you? Are you here to study at all or just to live the life of a student to the fullest?" He continues, still with a teasing smile.
As some get up to leave and othered get up to dance, Knap’s hips twitch, tempting him to show off his goanna dance. But alas, sense gets the better of him. He yells out to Guardok and Malvyn, “I’m skipping this one, see you back at Dresar.” Knap exits hoping to catch up with Mae and Mei.
Guardok is in full dance mode now, mixing in some break dancing and more gymnastic moves, but when he hears Knap shout over just as he gets the whispered message from Mei, he almost loses his rhythm and balance. Almost.
He stops and looks around, whispering back, "Where are you Mei? Are you ok?". Being small he doesn't see her through all the other dancers, but does see Knap, who he waves to.
“I’m okay!” comes the second Message, overly chipper. “We just, um… we’re heading back. Mae and me, I mean. Sorry. Please have fun though! Maybe you could teach me some dance moves next time?”
A third Message comes through after a brief pause. “Thank you. For being you.” Another pause. “We’ll see you later, Small Tree Number Two.”
Aurora narrows her eyes at Malvyn'scomment about 'rare species'. "Hmm, an interesting claim. You do truly have a rare species right here. But the fact that you were at the Biblioplex before even orientation with no other purpose makes me think you're here at Strixhaven for the knowledge." She gives the Tiefling a smile though as she says this. "You are more than welcome to study as much as you like though," she whispers. "Myself, I am here to continue my music of course. But I absolutely will be learning and studying while I'm here!" She this last a bit indignantly.
Eventually the musicians pause a moment, shifting to a far slower song. They promise they will be back to the more up-tempo music in a moment.
Mae will simply help Mei get back to the dorm area safely and get her comfortable, before asking if she wants or needs her company, and if not, Mae will retire back to her room for the night.
As the slower song commences, the purple-skinned tiefling draws in the raven-haired performer as before in a firm hold, glancing into her eyes as he speaks. "I apologize Aurora, I didn't mean I doubted you were here to study." He says with an apologetic smile, slowly moving with the raven-haired performer to the music. "It's just that unlike me, you are so much more than a mere bookworm. As for myself you are quite right of course, I certainly came here to study, only to study in fact, but coming to Strixhaven has already shown me there are also other things I should indulge in." He says softly, trying to relax as he moves with the slow rythm of the music.
Aurora sways to the slower music. "Ah. What is on your list of indulgences Mal?" she says with a sly grin. She may not be a skilled dancer, but she does seem to have a way of moving to this song as she is pressed close to you. "Hmm, maybe Rubina is right. A nice, slow, sensual dance might be just the perfect thing to add to my act," she whispers to you. "What do you think?"
For her part Rubina says to Guardokand whoever else might listen, "Think I'll sit this one out and wait for a peppier song." She steps back over to the table, grabbing a sip of her drink.
Guardok, still stood stock still in the middle dance floor, opens his mouth to reply to each message in turn but is interrupted by the next. Finally he manages to get a word in accompanied by a chuckle at her mention again of ST2, "Night Mei, will be leaving soon as well. I just have to keep an eye on Mal".
With that, he notices the music has changed to a slower song, and watches Rubina leave the dance floor. He takes a look at Mal and Aurora and a smile crosses his face before he wanders back to the table as well, jumping up onto his chair and taking a sip of his Frost Fire, now almost empty.
"Mal and Aurora seem to be getting on quite well", he says to Rubina as he watches them for a moment before turning to face her. "Have you come across someone called Piero on your travels since you arrived?".
Rubina glances over to Aurora and Malvynas she sips slowly at her drink. "I've hardly known her a week, but I'd say that's pretty typical for Aurora. She seems very free. It is kind of attractive really." When Guardokasks about 'Piero' she says, "I don't think I've met anyone by that name. Should I have? I presume it's an acquaintance of yours?"
"You'd think he was at least an acquaintance by now, seeing as he is my room mate. But actually I have never met him. He is a bit elusive. I know he is around because he left his things in our room", Guardok replies. "I'm sure he will turn up one day", he adds with a shrug.
He takes another sip and then asks, "Does Aurora flirt like that with lots of folk then?".
Rubina nods to Guardok. "That is very puzzling to not have even seen your roommate. I wish you luck with that. Must feel strange. As for Aurora, yea, there's been a few people. Usually it's pretty minor though. She seems a bit more intent with Mal."
"Again you ask for my opinion on things I'm quite unqualified to answer, I'm flattered though."The purple-skinned tiefling says softly with a small smile, still dancing slowly, close to the raven-haired performer, more and more comfortably now. "I don't think your act needs any changes though Aurora, really I don't. As for my list of indulgencies I don't think I have one quite yet, but when I do I'm sure that hoping to spend more time with you will be at the very top." Malvyn finishes with a small smile.
As the purple-skinned tiefling the others have left the dance floor he looks around and spots Guardok and Rubina back at the table. "You know, my floor mate might be waiting for me. I'd hate to abandon you here but I think I should perhaps get some rest for tomorrow, our first day of classes after all. Maybe I'll see you at some of them?" Malvyn says with a small hopeful smile. "I could walk you back to your dorms...if you want?" He adds after a moment of undeciciveness.
After a shower, Mei does ask if Maeleve minds being in her company a bit longer and if she knows how to braid hair, as her inebriation is making it difficult to do her own. She keeps an ear out for the others' return to be sure they make it back safely. With Mae, she also gently prods the topic of Aurora and if Mae had been interested in her as well as asking about her reaction to Professor Flintwind being an Aasimar and if she knows where her own celestial heritage comes from.
When they part ways however, Mei heads quietly back out of her room to settle into the lounge with her cards and her Unseen Helper, who works to tailor her uniform to a better fit. She resists sleep for as long as she can.
"Well Mal seems to be enjoying the attention", Guardok replies to Rubina as he finishes the last of the Frost Fire. "Think that's it for me. Need to be sharp for those basic magical auras first thing tomorrow", he says with a smile.
He then looks about for Ven to double check if he owes anything.
Mae is glad to stay with Mei for a while, and while not the best at braiding hair, does her best with a basic plait. She wishes her a pleasant rest once they are done and returns to her own room to settle down for the night at last, feeling rather exhausted by then.
On Aurora:
Mae simply shrugs slightly and says that she is very different and interesting. Mae loves hearing and seeing others perform as well, so she enjoys that aspect of her.
On her heritage:
Mae doesn't know a lot, her parents were fairly secretive about how she came to be. She knows it has something to do with angelic beings from the upper planes, and her parents always referred to her as a special gift, but they never really explained what that meant. She was fairly unique where she came from so meeting another Aasimar has piqued her curiosity.
Knap does manage to follow after Mei and Mae. Ven lets Guardok know the tab had been taken care of, then the earth genasi makes his way back to Dresar Hall not far behind the other three.
Aurora seems to study Malvyn for a long moment when he mentions that he should go. Finally she smiles, saying, "Had enough studying for tonight? Well, if you ever need help with those indulgences, once you figure out the list, let me know."
Aurora glances toward Rubina. "I'd probably best see that Rubina gets back to her room. But I'm sure you know where to find me Mal! You ok getting back by yourself?"
The music has continued in the background, but the crowd is starting to thin out a bit. Back to more dance pieces for the few still dancing.
Mei nods, immediately regretting saying anything. Not the place or... time. “Y-You’re right," she croaks, voice catching on the lump in her throat. "I’m sorry. We don’t have to—I’ll just—“ her hands drop away and she smiles haplessly with a heavy sigh. “I'm being stupid. Probably just... d-drunk. It was my first time drinking and I--... I’ll be fine.”
Keep it to yourself, child. It's not a burden others want to carry.
“I’ll pay our tabs and, um, well… send Guardok a Message? To let him know we’ve gone back to the dorms?”
After splashing her face in the sink, Mei schools her features as she tracks down Ven to pay three gold, hopefully covering all of her and her floormates’ drinks so far as well Aurora and Rubina’s, with a decent tip leftover. Then she Messages Guardok and heads back to the dorms with Maeleve, still wobbly on her feet as she looks longingly over her shoulder at the dance area.
Aurora smiles again as Malvyn positions himself to face her. "Well, it's sweet you consider me a prize. But you too are a prize Mal." As the music starts she starts to dance - she acquits herself decently, but she is clearly not as talented a dancer as musician. Her eyes dart about a bit. "Seems your friends have abandoned us." With Guardok headed to the dance floor and Rubina as well (and perhaps Knap), it appears she's referring to Mae and Mei.
The band plays fairly upbeat music. It's nothing special but everything is very rhythmic and fun. Aurora seems to get into it even though it's a drastic difference from her style. She seems to make a point of brushing into Malvyn now and then as they dance. "Well, I hadn't expected you to be so interested in dancing and taverns when I crashed into you. Quite a fortunate bit of fate," Aurora says. "Tell me Mal, what is it you hope to study here at Strixhaven?"
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 purple-skinned tiefling again finds the whole situation surreal as Aurora of all people suggests he would be a prize, opening his mouth to respond but then just giving the raven-haired performer a small smile. He felt himself comforted, emboldened even by her words. It felt slightly comforting too that it seemed she wasn't quite as talented a dancer as a musician, and yet that did not seem to bother her, so why should he be bothered about not being a practiced dancer. Aurora too would probably have been seen as an outcast where he was from and yet she seemed so full of confidence. He wondered what had shaped her, if she had endured what he had but just dealt with it much better.
As Aurora mentions Mei and Mae left, Malvyn nods and briefly looks worried again. He felt a slight urge to find out if they both were okay, particularly Mei who had seemed so full of emotions tonight. While he had decided to let his own emotions on furlough from their long time imprisonment he was still wary of them letting himself, or others, down. He hoped the two girls would still turn up at the dance floor though.
Malvyn does his best moving to the upbeat music, mostly moving his arms and hips, and only taking small conservative steps, letting Aurora do the moving around for now, briefly meeting her gaze as she brushes against him, but also glancing over at Guardok and Rubina as they danced closeby. He felt no particular need to impress Aurora now, fully content with staying on his feet, but feeling more and more comfortable with the for him quite unusual environment. "How do you mean, are you saying I look like I don't belong here?" Malvyn responds with a playful teasing smile, making a few eccentric dance moves to prove her right. "I suppose time will tell if it was fortunate for everyone, but so far I have no complaints with fate." He adds with a small smile as he keeps dancing more conservatively again.
"Well, I'm here to study the nocturnal activities of some quite rare species." He answers the raven-haired girl with an academic tone, followed by a wink and a teasing smile. "And you? Are you here to study at all or just to live the life of a student to the fullest?" He continues, still with a teasing smile.
As some get up to leave and othered get up to dance, Knap’s hips twitch, tempting him to show off his goanna dance. But alas, sense gets the better of him. He yells out to Guardok and Malvyn, “I’m skipping this one, see you back at Dresar.” Knap exits hoping to catch up with Mae and Mei.
Guardok is in full dance mode now, mixing in some break dancing and more gymnastic moves, but when he hears Knap shout over just as he gets the whispered message from Mei, he almost loses his rhythm and balance. Almost.
He stops and looks around, whispering back, "Where are you Mei? Are you ok?". Being small he doesn't see her through all the other dancers, but does see Knap, who he waves to.
“I’m okay!” comes the second Message, overly chipper. “We just, um… we’re heading back. Mae and me, I mean. Sorry. Please have fun though! Maybe you could teach me some dance moves next time?”
A third Message comes through after a brief pause. “Thank you. For being you.” Another pause. “We’ll see you later, Small Tree Number Two.”
Aurora narrows her eyes at Malvyn's comment about 'rare species'. "Hmm, an interesting claim. You do truly have a rare species right here. But the fact that you were at the Biblioplex before even orientation with no other purpose makes me think you're here at Strixhaven for the knowledge." She gives the Tiefling a smile though as she says this. "You are more than welcome to study as much as you like though," she whispers. "Myself, I am here to continue my music of course. But I absolutely will be learning and studying while I'm here!" She this last a bit indignantly.
Eventually the musicians pause a moment, shifting to a far slower song. They promise they will be back to the more up-tempo music in a moment.
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 will simply help Mei get back to the dorm area safely and get her comfortable, before asking if she wants or needs her company, and if not, Mae will retire back to her room for the night.
As the slower song commences, the purple-skinned tiefling draws in the raven-haired performer as before in a firm hold, glancing into her eyes as he speaks. "I apologize Aurora, I didn't mean I doubted you were here to study." He says with an apologetic smile, slowly moving with the raven-haired performer to the music. "It's just that unlike me, you are so much more than a mere bookworm. As for myself you are quite right of course, I certainly came here to study, only to study in fact, but coming to Strixhaven has already shown me there are also other things I should indulge in." He says softly, trying to relax as he moves with the slow rythm of the music.
Aurora sways to the slower music. "Ah. What is on your list of indulgences Mal?" she says with a sly grin. She may not be a skilled dancer, but she does seem to have a way of moving to this song as she is pressed close to you. "Hmm, maybe Rubina is right. A nice, slow, sensual dance might be just the perfect thing to add to my act," she whispers to you. "What do you think?"
For her part Rubina says to Guardok and whoever else might listen, "Think I'll sit this one out and wait for a peppier song." She steps back over to the table, grabbing a sip of her drink.
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
Guardok, still stood stock still in the middle dance floor, opens his mouth to reply to each message in turn but is interrupted by the next. Finally he manages to get a word in accompanied by a chuckle at her mention again of ST2, "Night Mei, will be leaving soon as well. I just have to keep an eye on Mal".
With that, he notices the music has changed to a slower song, and watches Rubina leave the dance floor. He takes a look at Mal and Aurora and a smile crosses his face before he wanders back to the table as well, jumping up onto his chair and taking a sip of his Frost Fire, now almost empty.
"Mal and Aurora seem to be getting on quite well", he says to Rubina as he watches them for a moment before turning to face her. "Have you come across someone called Piero on your travels since you arrived?".
Rubina glances over to Aurora and Malvyn as she sips slowly at her drink. "I've hardly known her a week, but I'd say that's pretty typical for Aurora. She seems very free. It is kind of attractive really." When Guardok asks about 'Piero' she says, "I don't think I've met anyone by that name. Should I have? I presume it's an acquaintance of yours?"
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
"You'd think he was at least an acquaintance by now, seeing as he is my room mate. But actually I have never met him. He is a bit elusive. I know he is around because he left his things in our room", Guardok replies. "I'm sure he will turn up one day", he adds with a shrug.
He takes another sip and then asks, "Does Aurora flirt like that with lots of folk then?".
Rubina nods to Guardok. "That is very puzzling to not have even seen your roommate. I wish you luck with that. Must feel strange. As for Aurora, yea, there's been a few people. Usually it's pretty minor though. She seems a bit more intent with Mal."
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
"Again you ask for my opinion on things I'm quite unqualified to answer, I'm flattered though." The purple-skinned tiefling says softly with a small smile, still dancing slowly, close to the raven-haired performer, more and more comfortably now. "I don't think your act needs any changes though Aurora, really I don't. As for my list of indulgencies I don't think I have one quite yet, but when I do I'm sure that hoping to spend more time with you will be at the very top." Malvyn finishes with a small smile.
As the purple-skinned tiefling the others have left the dance floor he looks around and spots Guardok and Rubina back at the table. "You know, my floor mate might be waiting for me. I'd hate to abandon you here but I think I should perhaps get some rest for tomorrow, our first day of classes after all. Maybe I'll see you at some of them?" Malvyn says with a small hopeful smile. "I could walk you back to your dorms...if you want?" He adds after a moment of undeciciveness.
After a shower, Mei does ask if Maeleve minds being in her company a bit longer and if she knows how to braid hair, as her inebriation is making it difficult to do her own. She keeps an ear out for the others' return to be sure they make it back safely. With Mae, she also gently prods the topic of Aurora and if Mae had been interested in her as well as asking about her reaction to Professor Flintwind being an Aasimar and if she knows where her own celestial heritage comes from.
When they part ways however, Mei heads quietly back out of her room to settle into the lounge with her cards and her Unseen Helper, who works to tailor her uniform to a better fit. She resists sleep for as long as she can.
"Well Mal seems to be enjoying the attention", Guardok replies to Rubina as he finishes the last of the Frost Fire. "Think that's it for me. Need to be sharp for those basic magical auras first thing tomorrow", he says with a smile.
He then looks about for Ven to double check if he owes anything.
Mae is glad to stay with Mei for a while, and while not the best at braiding hair, does her best with a basic plait. She wishes her a pleasant rest once they are done and returns to her own room to settle down for the night at last, feeling rather exhausted by then.
On Aurora:
Mae simply shrugs slightly and says that she is very different and interesting. Mae loves hearing and seeing others perform as well, so she enjoys that aspect of her.
On her heritage:
Mae doesn't know a lot, her parents were fairly secretive about how she came to be. She knows it has something to do with angelic beings from the upper planes, and her parents always referred to her as a special gift, but they never really explained what that meant. She was fairly unique where she came from so meeting another Aasimar has piqued her curiosity.
Knap does manage to follow after Mei and Mae. Ven lets Guardok know the tab had been taken care of, then the earth genasi makes his way back to Dresar Hall not far behind the other three.
Aurora seems to study Malvyn for a long moment when he mentions that he should go. Finally she smiles, saying, "Had enough studying for tonight? Well, if you ever need help with those indulgences, once you figure out the list, let me know."
Aurora glances toward Rubina. "I'd probably best see that Rubina gets back to her room. But I'm sure you know where to find me Mal! You ok getting back by yourself?"
The music has continued in the background, but the crowd is starting to thin out a bit. Back to more dance pieces for the few still dancing.
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
After finding the bill taken care of, Guardok motions to Mal before leaving, hoping his friend is ready to go as well.