Chap 51 Spring Flamboyance!
Canton "Undercover" Bosco Wong on Lives of Omission Di Xun. Decide not to ruminate about critical people
I think in two days or so, the new Spring semester began. Ilkar had plenty of preparations to make last minute, so we didn't meet. I found that I had missed the rest of our friends here, must be getting soft haha! Therefore when our star Elf turned up to conduct a Chemistry Lab session, we were flabbergasted in a good way. Several of my friends gasped and whispered when he stepped in, clad in a violet robe and his silky hair was pulled into a loose tail. This color was in season now! Embroidery decorated the top part of his shirt, with diamond-shaped buttons.
Hot guy alert! Is that….? Abby signalled to us telepathically and bounced on her seat.
"Hello this is Lab 5.2. Have all of you signed the attendance sheet?" This man's melodious familiar voice asked. We echoed. Nelson snickered beside me. I blinked in disbelief, was that really- Ilkar?
"Why the shock faces? I'm still me." He smiled and people were buzzing with compliments. "Thank you. Yes, a female colleague insisted on having makeovers. I don't normally wear this color too." The elf brushed back his ponytail and peeked down at the patterns, like he didn't quite get the fuss.
Cool! While we did our experiments, Ilkar and a technician made their rounds. This first one would be solo followed by a demonstration as it was too dangerous for us. It all went well. Thrilled to know more updates, Mira and Abby grilled me after class.
"Eh I dunno. He looked the same when we came back." I repeated. We had both been severely train-lagged when we returned. His clothes were rumpled, and you get the idea. Hehe.
In a while, three figures shut the door of the theatre and chatted. Ilkar bowed to them and soon noticed us.
"Hi! No need to wait for me. What's up?" He approached and the girls gave him bear hugs.
"Who's behind the special makeover? New clothes, you look 20s, Sir!" Abby's eyes twinkled.
Ilkar's ears twitched and he patted her shoulder. "No I'm still like a grandfather. I think she's called Esther… and you'd notice the other teachers look special too." He nodded his head to some elves passing by.
Instead of asking Me, they acted as if I didn't exist. "How was the stay at her house? Tell us!"
"Ah, that. Fine, I liked it," Elf replied slowly, with a questioning glance at me. Because we wanted privacy, and Ilkar was worried about potential stalkers attention, we did not announce our vacation. Somehow they had found out. He shared about waking early, picking fruits, the jams and the general stuff and they picked it up from there. I did feel leftout- hey I'm the key person here but consoled myself that my godbrother had chosen to be with me and we really bonded! I knew he'd not go into the other details like how we argued.
"Reslin has many pets, did you know?" he prompted.
Finally they relaxed their intense verbose and listened to me. We had been walking for a while. "Oh, shall we have a bite? I think I'll just have a slice of cake." He suggested.
We chose a quiet café and some cornerseats. Since there was plenty of time and Ilkar could take time off, we did not place the orders yet. I had missed one part while ruminating. "Oh you're clever. How did you know about m.i.a?" Abby asked.
Ilkar chuckled. "I'm in the learning process. One boy asked if I'm a nerd? To embarrass me, I guess. I answered- you're a noob. Funny, I wasn't angry, all laughing. Please, teach me. Mutual learning." He made a prayer gesture.
Mira was fondling his long hair, very gently. I wondered how fast is regeneration of hair. "Ilkar, it's so nice. Wasn't it very short before?" she murmured.
"Huh? Oh that's not my hair, actually. Esther wanted me to try this look. I think she clipped it on. Later going to remove." He lifted the tail up and wiped some perspiration from his neck.
"So it's an extension? Can't tell." I squinted to see where the pins were. "I wanted to learn a spell for hair!"
He laughed, teeth white. "No no I didn't learn that type of magic! There's no such module in the Colleges. Hehe, I didn't recognize my reflection. It's quite hot and itchy." We felt sorry for him. Still, he looks Really photogenic! Since he would meet Esther to remove the accessories later, he consented to phototaking. Even without smiling, Ilkar's candid shots made us proud.
The very same day, every male and female teacher was dressed-up! Could it be some impromptu Makeover edition day for adults? When I opened my email at home, godbro had sent me a new email.
Haha, thank u for liking the new me! Esther didn't let me escape :D This color is new, maybe I'll wear next time. But not the extension hair. – Ilkar
My reply: welcome! Any clothes look natural, u r a model! Did it take long? Only when I sent it did I notice that he happened to be logged in too! So I prompted the chatbox.
But he did not answer. I called my friend and he answered rather quickly. "Yes?"
"Hey! You're online right? Do you see…." I told him about the application. He paused and then said sorry he didn't notice it. But he said might as well talk and he would shut down the thing soon.
"Quite fast, she took just an hour to do my hair. Of course I didn't want more makeup. If you girls like, I can ask if she'd like to help you."
A new Cross-module for focus groups dialogue was initiated. Consultants and teachers took turns to lead them. One aim was to ensure we polished our verbal presentation skills. Our friends changed their styles- Junos quieter, Mercun very lively! He had to be one Elf less than a hundred! Hal became serious. I wasn't sure if Algrim would host one of these as he preferred small classes. So far all these were many of us. My favourite impression and my record's more for Ilkar! Unlike the meticulous presentations he always came with, today he was empty handed except for a few sheets. He was plainly dressed and his dark hair was back to normal length.
"Here please share with your friends. Office saving paper, I'm to cover this list. Before you move on to personal questions of me alright?" He passed the papers to the students nearest and tugged the whiteboard closer. We were in a semi circle formation.
Raised hand. "Eh only talking? Need to do essays?"
"Nope. Just talking, you may write a bit on the back of the sheets. Isn't that your favourite pastime?" Ilkar replied wryly. "I'll make point forms on the board. For those who are shy, don't worry. Nobody is to mock or laugh at your friends. I want to give everyone a chance. Ok, I know some of you… so no need to give your name.
Let's begin with qn 1- your hobbies? Easy one."
Occasionally he also scribbled on his notebook and listened patiently. I knew they itched to ask him the very prickly stuff. When it came to my turn, I was able to talk steadily without blushing. I even got an applause when 'animal-whispering' came up.
"Yes she stops the dogs from pouncing on me. Cool skill! How about you, Charlene? Did I pronounce your name right?"
She was a mousy girl with short frizzy curls and spectacles. Charlene said something inaudible. Ilkar gestured with palms facing down and told them give her a chance. He wrote down her points too. "Sir what do you like doing?"
"As for me, I like to read and dream. I'm fulfilling my vision.. now of being updated, and youths. Something new and exposure to different cultures like Svartálfaheim and dwarves. Yes, Samuel?" He cocked his head and listened. Samuel Greene wanted to know if he liked us all even if we were bad kids. He was the kid with missing teeth, not always angelic. Ah, these students liked to test the limits.
Our idol considered this turning the pen in his fingers. "Sometimes I have to say… no when my limit is reached. I feel like giving up, but you have good moments, like right now. Of course I care for each and everyone of you, or I wouldn't be upset and moody when I'm ignored right?" The wise elf watched us and managed to sound neutral. If some of us were asked that, we would surely weep.
He smiled at Charlene and then me, as she was seated nearby. Another girl Rennie asked, "Did you teach at Julatsa? Any cute chics or guys?" We cracked up when Ilks added Types of people on the board, then drew simple circle faces. "Yes, over there is different with more focus on Casting and formation of mana. Nope, greying and balding old people. I didn't intend to teach at first, but there was great need. And not all of them succeeded, they quit. Some have natural penchant but went to join other magic schools. Also in between, had to be vigilant for attacks." As he talked about the serious business, his expression became intense and his throat closed up. "Alright let's come back. Next…."
To cheer him up, Jules teased about any blond friends in his 'island house'. Not understanding, Ilkar frowned, then laughed. So cute. "I don't store them! Hey you expect a mark for that? Most of my homeland, or clanpeople look like me, dark hair. Hm I think only one Elf was like Hal. Being very hot there, you'd get browning. What's the word for it?"
Someone said- tanned and he thanked her. "Now this is important, the way class is conducted. We're open to suggestion, how to perk your interest?" He got up to erase half of the board.
Suggestions of kids + Elf's remarks
a. Playing/more time "Oh I assume sports? That'd be tough, how would you concentrate? After the first energy burst, you'd be groggy. Not to mention the sweaty smell. I mean for indoors session, let me underline that." He drew a line under the keyword. I said educational films. "Yes, we can have that. Anyway I'm not doing P.E, guys." Ilkar gave them a pitying look.
B. Videoing instructors' lessons for later viewing The boy was a geek JJ, usually we saw him plugged with headphones and seeing only the laptop. JJ: "Can we? I heard from friends' schools. Like if we're sick and didn't come, but can't study from notes only." Yea, here some profs would share their notes but not did videoing yet.
Ilks asked him to repeat slowly and put it on his paper. "Sure, I can mention this at the meeting. Good idea, though… I may get nervous when you do the recording. Shy."
We reassured him he'd be okay. He sighed.
C: We promise to be Good Angels! Don't be angry! (I think Abby and Alicia said at the same time)
"That is moving. Um, I appreciate that but that'd not be realistic goal eh? Especially for the naturally talkative friends, hehe. I don't want to be angry too often. Bad for blood pressure. What about your feelings? Unhappy with us, can express so." When mentioned, Ilkar sulked and put a hand to his hip. "But to redo is for your benefit. Ah show and tell. I just got a pair of spectacles. Know why?"
We urged him please wear it! Ilkar with spectacles was the epitome of a PHD professor! "Some work is too tiny and cramp to decipher. I feel dizzy even when I wear for a while." He blinked owlishly, one finger to prop up the centre frame.
Next, a helper came to hand him some papers. "I brought examples of good writing, across all subjects. Look at this one, big enough. You can also use the white tape, though I don't mind cancellations. Joe, give me one at a time. Thank you. Nice eh?"
To prevent jealousy, he had taped over the names and just showed us the first page. The one sample of untidiness made us laugh—we knew it was Jake Pond's! He hung out with Julian's gang. "Aw mister Ilkar, sorrie!" He covered his face.
"What, you're here? I see, hm. I was upset with the black smudges of ink. Oops, I didn't mean to make you feel shy, Jake." Ilkar answered with a smile.
D: Ability for decorating of assignments "But we're not marking for art, so don't have to! Important, please don't use light green, pink, purple. My eyes suffer. Black ink or blue. Yea, it'd be ideal to have a file. You can use the same one, save money. To be considered…." He ticked the point.
E: Music in class! One of Mira's pals wanted this and she almost yipped. Elf looked distressed. "Sorry unlikely to. For half days off like Parents' week there is. I can't concentrate on my thoughts. Not sure about my colleagues. Classical? Eh… maybe. Don't get hopes up. " Probably a girl wondered if he would sing for us on stage.
To which his jaw fell open. "What? No I can't. It'd be a catastrophy! No mark for it." Ilkar shook his finger.
The time flew by just too quickly! Everyone liked him to come again. "Who's this Harry potter? I'm amazed the bad one didn't hit his specs so he wouldn't hurt them." Elf scoffed indignantly. We laughed until our tummies hurt. He sighed.
He was touched by our warm reception and couldn't wait to host us again.
"Even if it's not me, kindly don't bully them. Like Miss Adeline, she's my friend. I don't want to see her crying alright?" He warned.
Before leaving, Ilkar noticed Alicia looked sick. He calmly took her pulse. She seized the chance to swoon against his chest. "Do you need a doctor? Don't crowd her people." Together some friends helped her to lie down on the floor. My godbrother did not panic and waited responsibly until she felt better. Then her wings were unfurled. We hadn't seen that before. Alicia said something softly. Mira nodded. oh that means her health's good. "Look after her. I've to rush off now. Bye!"
One day when some of us came over, a new boy was in the kitchen. Ilkar clarified he wasn't an adopted son or refugee, hehe! Tony was here to help with chores and had cooked some nutritious food. We talked.
"So nice! I wanted to go for that focus groups-one a second time, on 23rd!" Mira remarked. I laughed. "Oh sir, did you talk about the same topics?"
He shrugged. "Um I don't think so. Form 6J didn't go into who looked cute or not back home, was more organized. Oh you were so subdued. I wanted to hear your ideas more." Elf said ruefully, and his hazels showed some dashed hope.
"I did talk. About the showing of clips." I replied. "Er, and something else…"
My girl pal explained her suggestions. That still did not convince him.
Over the weekend, he invited me to come over to help with braiding. I was pleased and surprised, as elves normally invite family members or close cousins to do this.
It was all his natural hair so Ilkar warned me nicely: 'be careful please.' His strands were smooth and easy to comb through. When I leaned closer to sniff, Ilkar discovered that.
"Andriel, what are you doing?"
"Um, nothing. Wah just nice, quite a short braid. See?" I lifted up the end of the tail.
I've black hair too and we Do look like real siblings! His smile was dazzling and reaching over, he clasped my hand. "Good. I can do for you, want?"
"Oh sure! Can I ask... Are you going for a festival?"
He rose and stroked his hair, patting the chair. I took my place, relaxing as the mage started being a salonist. Of course I provided my own comb and rubberbands. "No. I want to play this hairstyling game too. Don't be angry if I'm rough?"
Except for a small prickling, he was a natural, when he held my hair it was both firm and painless. Ilkar was silent until it was finished.
"I told Kruz about, how I left. He won't tell secrets will he?"
"No. Are you alright?" I put my arm around my friend, noticing the solemn change in his tone.
"Yea. I don't know… almost a lifetime ago yet when I saw something, remembered how rejected I felt. What is it?" He wondered when I rummaged in my bag. I had adapted his village-story into 'Little Elf Action' comic. Grinning, he said, "Hey why did you use my name? I didn't look like that! And such a modern bag, wow. How long did you take to draw this?"
"I've been meaning to show you first. For fun, not sure if I can get it published." I hugged him briefly. He flipped through.
"Thank you, it's nice, creative. But can you use another name? How about…." He began to tell me about names and historical significance. "Good luck! Maybe the English or art workshops can help you with the publishing? I want the copyright you know."
"Of course Of course! I am still on coupla projects, when I'm not revising. I'm sure, now your relatives are proud of you, Ilkar. My dad wasn't either. I can… relate."
"Thanks for… the vote of confidence, sis. Hehe not sure how I can go to sleep after, with this braid. It'll feel odd." He invited me outside to have tea. When the Raven were disbanded, Ilkar had not cut his hair for years as the climate at his College was not tropically hot. Some political problems arose too. Because I focused solely on why and how his beautiful hair was maintained, his mind was too preoccupied to get depressed. I'm proud of my achievement! On the road, they wouldn't have the luxuries of washing their hair daily. That'd make a cool detail if I decided to write a 'realistic' novel.
Still, my wise friend found it odd and pretended to be mad for giving him a migraine. "Let's see… er waist level? Where're you going with this, Phoe?"
"Curious trying to visualize how that's like. Then did other mages generally keep long hair too? Don't they have salons there? Like what Esther does." The lady's shop offered a variety of services from manicures, hair to fashion-consulting (latest addition)!
He smiled faintly, looking outside."I don't remember that much. Not sure if the shops were known as salons… some were just a chair and men cutting. Maybe I had been too concerned about affairs, we had just lost some important Councillors. And there was this Rip in the sky—other dragons were flying in..." I guided him from the serious stuff to what people generally wore. Elf dutifully answered from what he'd seen on his recent visit and couldn't pack in that much detail.
"Hm I don't want to suppress your excitement, but I'm feeling dizzy from all this. And I'm thirsty!" He scowled and folded his arms. I offered to make him some tea and apologized. Hehe.
