Mariana brought a friend to poetry night. The girl carried her notebook and her pen. "Welcome to the library, Astrid." She said to her companion. "Try not to get lost."

There was a nod.

"I have a generally good sense of direction, although it is my first time. This...is a big library" she commented as she looked up and around "shall I just wander while you go to your poetry?"

"You can do whatever. I am not going to make you hear some crappy poetry." Mariana shrugged.

"I do not mind poetry but I wasn't sure if it was invite only" Astrid also shrugged "plus I would need to locate my recipe books. I shall observe I suppose."

"It's open... we read poems and share our creations to people who don't criticize you for who you are." She started walking to a small meeting room. "Follow me...if you want."

With a shrug Astrid followed. It might be worth hearing some poetry before going book hunting after all.

Mariana smiled for just a micro second, something rare on the girl. It was just a small group, 3 people. "Hey Karen, Michelle, John... Brought an aquintance."

"Hey Mariana... Cool." Michelle waved. "S'up..." John greeted. "Awesome... Welcome." Karen smiled.

The pink haired girl gave the group a small wave.

"Yo. I won't disturb don't worry. Just kind of new in town."

"Yeah... should we just start." She took out her notebook. "Simon was telling me he didn't understand what's up with poetry and not being direct with what people feel."

Astrid found somewhere to the side to sit. Not looking at anyone specifically, she didn't want to make anyone feel uncomfortable like they had a surprise audience

Mariana opened her notebook and started to read.

"Dark knives of poison thrown
Mark a spot unknown
Drip of blood from a wall
the monster goes and howls

Ideas flow in weird ways
Things that glow and fade
Life is gone away

Run from death we want
but it never will stop following
Time flies when we are worrying
So worry no more little ant."
Mariana closed her notebook and took a bow.

Astrid listened intently as the poem was read out, studying the girl reading it out as she did so. It was a fascinating piece, the tone adding to its intrigue.

When it finished she looked over the rest of the room to see reactions. She was curious if these were the standard.

"Mariana... You continue to make these weird dark poems... They are really cool and all but you should stop." Michelle seen to be the leader of the group.

"I doubt Mariana could write something colorful." Karen replied.

"I think it was kind of cool... 'sides, we aren't here to judge." John defended her style.

"I am not that kind of poet..." She turned to Astrid. "I think I should show you where the cookbooks are."

Astrid frowned as she stood up.

"Circles are supposed to be welcoming places for people, and you judge or worse be cruel" her red eyes focused intently on Karen "shame on you. If you want to be bully, don't join circles. Go hang out on street corners."

She nodded to Marina.

"Thank you. I liked your poem."

"Don't worry, Astrid. Some people don't know good poems even if they are staring at their face." Mariana gave a devious smirk. "Come on... they are these nice books that I want you to see." Mariana moved slowly toward the cooking section.

Astrid held the stare for a few moments more before nodding and turning away.

"Ok, let's go" she said, following the other girl.

"What kind of books do you like?" She said to make conversation.

"I read a lot of fantasy novels, although it was difficult to get hold of books where I lived. I think my favourite book was written by an American author, Mists of Avalon?" Astrid checked to see if the other girl knew it "what do you read?"