A/N
Ello world! Very much alive and happy I got another chapter for you! I have fully adopted a new way of breaking up these full day segments. I finalized some additional material that will be coming down later so there's that. There is a struggle of sorts to writing, but I think the method I have adopted is helping me, finalized what I will write for the next few chapters. That and just sitting down and writing.I'll be conducting one final review after this as the transfer process does mess with things sometimes. I think I have improved a little with this so here's to hoping you enjoy!
(Schnee) Arc:
Ch. 18: Retro in schedule
-Your one to talk, aren't you 'heros' just... sanctioned murderers?
1
Weiss's Pov
…
…
…
Riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii-
My hand shoots out from under the white bedsheets to the shelf above my head and presses down on the clock traditional alarm clock. I then grab it and pull it to me, then rest my hands on the satin blue covers.
"Uuuuuaaaaaahhh"
…
Who set my alarm clock for… Six thirty?
I look to my door expectantly, but no one knocks, or cracks the door open.
Well I certainly didn't set it.
Perhaps Mr. Clutch has something to do with it? Or Winter!
Memories of previous 'wake up calls' prior to a lecture of some sort come to the surface.
I shake my head.
No. Winter is doing more of her classified things currently, besides I at would least know about her being here, and can therefore anticipate a wake up drill from her the following morning during her stay.
So it's not winter… Perhaps the staff?
I roll the clock in my hand as I right myself, then place it back on the shelf.
No. The staff that did that have been fired, unless someone new is being… immature.
Well either way… I stretch. I'm up now so might as well get prepared for… absolutely nothing? I still have a non existent schedule.
I sit in the bed as I puzzle over that matter.
Well time to make a list of what I can do then…
Actually, there will be no need for that. I need to prepare myself first.
I pivot to the right and move to the edge of the bed, before hopping off.
Now then… Shower or...hot tub…
I grimace as I stare out the window.
I really did like the hot tub.
You know I'll treat myself again!
I walk to the wall opposite my bed and open the door slightly right of the center.
Once I close the bathroom door behind me I pull my arms inside my blue nightgown and lift it off and over my head, before hanging it on the door.
2
I flip a switch on my left, turning on the lights, and then gaze leftwards towards the hot tub.
Now then… the water should take a brief moment to warm up so I won't get in right away.
I lean over to the screen on the wall next to the hot tub, passing the light switch and stop as I restart the same routine from last night.
The water begins to run as I watch in anticipation.
To think I would have the time to use this twice.
The water sloshes down from the bottom of the large hot tubs middle pit as the jets channel water that begins to form a visible current as the water level rises. As more water fills the pit, additional jets begin to activate once the water level is sufficient.
It should be fine now for me to put my feet in without getting bit by the cold.
I quickly step over into the hot tub and place my feet at the edge of the pit as I keep my legs curled up, not quite ready to lower my feet into the water.
I rest against the soft waterproofed cushion,back to the right wall, before leaning and placing my back down along the sloped curve of the hot tub.
I listened to the water flow as the sound of new jets, with their fierce and loud channeling, would disappear underneath the rising water, and when it seemed it had quieted down as the water churned underneath new jets of water would stream out.
I closed my eyes and just listened to the cycle.
"This is nice… and I'm not even in the water yet."
A sigh left me.
I glanced down toward the pit and then the ceiling as I got comfortable against the cushioning. It was firm, only allowing my to sink just enough to provide some comfort.
I tapped the still dry surface beyond the pit which I rested and pressed my finger down before Lifting my hands behind my head.
What should I do… Once I get out?
Well first I need to dry off, then tend to my hair.
Without craning my head, I eye the sink across the room, then close my eyes.
The warm water begins to pull out from the center, I jump a little as I had been lulled into the cycle of flowing water, but then lift my legs from where they had been curled and stretch them out into the central pool. Some of the water is displaced as it flows away from me, then back to me. The warm water laps between my body and the cushioning. I stretch my feet as they float on the water, sending out ripples as I lazily watched.
The water continues to rise as alongside the side of my body, rising halfway around my thighs. The area between me and the cushion is dry in a select few places as I'm now far to content to move. My hands move from behind my head and into the water. I scoop with my right hand and watch the water flow off, then close my eyes and wait.
…
…
…
The water had been rising from the center, slowly flowing outward. The moment it rose to submerge my stomach, the previously inactive jets mounted along the side began to release their streams, strengthening their flow till the small pool was now a whirlpool. The currents ran over down my body to the center, then against my side as they altered course. I pulled my knee inward,breaking the surface of the water and leaving my feet at the edge of the pit. I pull my right hand out and rest it on my forehead, shading my eyes from the lights. I open my eyes as I watch the water run between my legs, a small river between two spires. My eyes then shift downward as the water rises above my chest and then to my collar.
At this point I feel the water redirected from going around the pit to flowing inside the pit. The water level remains steady now as I can keenly feel new water entering, but also draining into the center.
That wasn't all, I could see clouds of pink begin to emerge from the perimeter. My body was slowly enshrouded as the ointments mixed in with the water. The beat of the current against my body changes as the texture of the liquids being propelled change to a milky texture with small crystalline particles scattered about. I lift my head ,moving my right hand around to the back of my head, under my hair as I run my hand along my neck. I collect my hair along my wrist and flip it to the right side of my head with a flourish. I lean forward, rising out of the water until I right myself. I run my left hand through my hair, inspecting individual strands.
Once satisfied I lean back,close my eyes, and submerge myself in the water. I listen to the currents as I run my hands through my hair, then let go and let the currents pick up from there. I can feel the ointments run along my spine, neck,eyes, and, forehead distinctly due to their former dryness. My hair streams out fully. as it's caught in the water, no longer held down by my head.
I rise out of the water just enough to breath. I reach behind me for a hand towel and wipe my eyes before placing the article back outside the hot tub. I rest and enjoy the sensations of the ointments being rubbed against the sides of my face and my hair. I arch my legs outward and let my legs float submerged over the center of the pit. I inhale and let my body float and content myself with watching my breathing as I keep myself there.
…
…
…
There.
I lift my left hand out of the water and lightly shake it, then reach out leftward to the screen and tap in some commands.
The power of the currents running along my body diminishes as the suction force near the center stays the same. The pearly pink clouds disappear down the whirlpool in a funnel as the water clears. I look over my body for a moment to take in the health shine that the ointments have worked into my skin. Once the ointments are down the drain, the water disappears far faster than it had taken to fill the tub. The water level quickly runs down from my neckline to my legs, then my stomach, and finally down the pit in a whirlpool. Feeling refreshed I stand and reach over my right shoulder for a towel and walk out of the hot tub.
3
I step out of the hot tub and flip a switch on my left next to the lights. The humid atmosphere of the room begins to disappear. I rub my face with the towel and stop once I'm by the sink. I reach underneath the counter as I kneel and pull out a stool. I step on it and ring my hair of the water in it as It twist it over the sink. It takes a few twists as I work my way from the base of my head, but the water stops flowing and I release my significantly drier hair.
With that done I step down from the stool , but leave one foot on, and begin to dry my foot with the towel. I run my towel up to my thigh and then switch feet to repeat the process. Taking care to get everything from my ankles to the inside of my knees, I finish and step off the stool, only to begin work on my stomach. I switch back between my stomach and back as I try to make sure I am completely dry. I pause for a moment.
"Now my arms."
I rub my left, then right limb. The process doesn't take long, but I make sure to thoroughly dry myself. I run the towel along my arm again, this time taking care of my hands, wrist, elbow and shoulders. Once I finish that I gaze at the mirror and turn around, observing my handiwork.
"Perfect.~"
I face the sink and wrap the towel around me, fastening it, before reaching for another that is on the left side of the sink. I fold the towel over my shoulder and then reach for my hair. Collecting my hair that had fallen to the side, I pull it behind and angle myself against the mirror to get a better look. I then pull the towel from my shoulder and place it against the base of my neck. I bend down and let my hair fall down in front as I wrap the towel around my head and then stop at my forehead. I twist the towel and wring my hair of any additional water before twisting the towel into a spiral. Once done I place the spiral against the top of my head in an elaborate ponytail. No a ponytail would originate from the back of my head this starts at the forehead…
Hmm.
With the towel on my head secure I step back onto the stool. I grab a toothbrush and some Shi-nee toothpaste. With the toothpaste in my right hand I turn up the cold water and then apply the toothpaste to the brush and quickly douse it under the faucet. I brush my teeth, refilling the toothpaste on my brush two more times before finishing.
I wash my toothbrush and then tap it against the edge of the sink before putting it away.
I step down from the stool and turn left toward the door. I step towards it and open the door, leaving it open as I walk back into my room. A slight chill runs along my bare skin. I look to my right and walk across the blue rug to the silver armoire in the corner. I swing the right , then left door open before peering at what I have.
Well first…
I grab some white undergarments,before browsing the drawers.
"It's a little cold, so something stylish,but warm."
I grab a white blouse with long sleeves , white stockings, and a layered white skirt. I then grab a royal blue cardigan sweater with four buttons and then white knee high boots.
…
It could use a little more…
I browse the armoire. Seeing if perhaps a different choice of clothes would be best.
Oh?
I pull out a silver pendant with a sapphire inlaid the center. The Schnee emblem is cast in silver and is on top of the gem. A thin piece of glass protects the sapphire, but doesn't detract from the gems beauty.
I lift the accessory up to my neck and look at the mirror.
"This will do."
I take the turn to the right, facing the door to the bathroom and walk past it to the table, where I i place the clothes.
I remove the towel around my body and dry myself one last time. I place the towel on the table and stand as I put on my underwear and then my bra… still doesn't feel right, but thankfully the material is good.
A brief memory of having to move my socks, out of a drawer and into a basket so I could find a place for my bras popped up.
It was inconvenient, but it is a sign that I'm slowly being recognized as a grown up.
I then sit down in one of the chairs and listen to the wood creak before I slip the blue stockings up my legs to my upper thighs. I reach to the left and grab the white blouse and put it over my head before lowering it. Once it comfortably rests on my I push my hands through the long sleeves till my hands become visible again and the sleeves hold around my wrist. I stand and take the blue skirt which is ruffled by the wind as the several layers flutter. I step into the item and pull it up. Two silver buttons horizontally lined off center on the left shine, serving to blend the majority of my white attire, excluding the blue cardigan sweater.
I walk back to the armoire and look at myself in the mirror. Good, good. Now then…
My eyes wander to the tower wrapped around my head. I turn to the right and walk back into the bathroom and angle left, before stepping on the stool. I tighten the towel around my hair before dropping it and picking up a comb. I run it through my hair several times before flipping my hair to the left and then run the comb down that side of my head. No knots. Good it seems the bath wasn't worse than my own caretaking I would have done in a shower. I guess that means I actually saved time? Well it is my time. All the more reason that I give myself more time to do what I want. Which is currently make sure my hair is smoothed. I refuse to have a bedhead.
I stop to run my hand through my hair. Although with such fine hair as this I would almost need to want a bedhead. I resume combing, enjoying the the sensation of the comb running through my hair.I flip my hair the other way and run the comb down the right side as I use my left hand to keep my hair in place. I alternate between several short and long strokes before putting down the comb. I gaze at my hair in the mirror. I grab my hair and hold it in a ponytail, then let it down, then put it back. I imagine the pendant around my neck and resting on my white blouse, flanked by my royal blue cardigan sweater.
…
I reach into a drawer and,from one the the boxes inside, pull out one of many ornate headbands that look like a crown. I tie up my hair and fasten the hairband. I face my head both ways as I eye the ponytail that runs down the middle of my back.
Good.
I hop off the stool and, pick up the towel,and close the door when I exit the bathroom.
I turn to the left, walk to the table near the left side of the windows and grab my blue cardigan sweater and slip it on after i place the towel next to the first. I button the four silver buttons and then grab the pendant. I lift it over my head and then around my neck. With a flourish I get my hair out from under the silver chain. I walk back to the armoire and inspect myself in the mirror before closing the doors on the armoire.
I walk across the blue rug back to the towels and pick them up and walk around my bed to the side opposite the windows and walk alongside my blue bed till I stop at the two white baskets next to the head my bed.I look at the one with a black L on it and throw in the two towels.
I brush off my hands and walk to the desk at the of my bed. I grab my scroll and pause. I brighten up and place the scroll in the right waist pocket of my sweater. From there I stop back at the table and sit in a chair to put on my white knee high boots.
Now then…
4
What will I be doing tod- Right no schedule.
I sigh. Well lets go wake up lazy brains.
I stand up and walk across the room and pull my door open. I glance down both sides of the hallway.
Normally a butler would direct me, but I guess I trully don't have a schedule. I muse as to how long this will go on.
I close the door behind me and walk across the stone floor to Heiter's room.
I reach for the door knob, stop,then reach with my knuckle towards the door.
…
What am I doing? I shake my head at the futile gesture and grab the doorknob before and twist it open.
I walk in and immediately spot his copper hair. Sleeping without a care in the… does he have the blue binder I gave him in his left hand?
Hmm.
I look at him, the binder, putting together what happened.
He took me literally and worked until he fell asleep.
I sigh. I guess lazy brains isn't… an apt name. perhaps.. Sleepy head is a fairer.
I pull myself onto the bed and remove the binder from his hand, hop off the bed and walk around to the window.
I spot a chair with a black and white robe in it.
"Oh my."
I peer at the article. Did Mr. Clutch leave this in here?
It's folded though… I guess it was intentional?
I pick up the item that is far too big for someone Heiter's age and look for a place to put it. Well the desk on my right will I place the robe down I begin to review Heiter's work.
He wrote ten of each letter up to… the letter D and he repeated the cycle… I run my hand along the paper as I add up the numbers.
11…
33...
52…
82… My hand stops on the last B he wrote.
Hmm. alright.
I look up at Heiter. I close the binder with a thump blue sheets move as Heiter wakes.
He has a look of confusion about him. I keep my eyes level with him as I call him.
"Heiter."
He looks my way, still fairly confused, not quite acknowledging me as his brown eyes remain unfocused.
"Heiter!" I snap my fingers.
Heiter shivers and then looks at me as he blinks .
"Are you awake now, you sleepy head?"
He's looking at me, but not responding.
"Are you awake?"
He finally nods his head in response as he blankly stares.
"Good, go get changed in your bathroom. We have things we need to do."
Slowly Heiter rolls out of bed in his white pajamas and then walks past me to his dresser opposite the bed. He stretches, then kneels in front of the dresser and pulls out a white polo, khakis, grey wool socks. He then reaches under the dressed and pulls out his black topsiders.
"You really like wearing that."
He looks my way, then to the bathroom and walks inside.
"Close the door."
I stand up and set the binder on the desk next to the head of his bed.
Now then… what things will we be doing?
I put my hands behind my back and walk around.
I suppose we will need to get Heiter his key. We also could start with some morning lessons on the alphabet, then I could read sign language. That would be a start.
I pause and wonder.
I suppose… The key can be dealt with at our leisure. Meaning… We need to learn more of the alphabet. I turn towards the window.
No. I shake my head. He needs to learn as fast as possible.
I...
I narrow my eyes as I gaze at the binder on the desk.
Heiter… I give you credit for studying, but considering the amount of times you had to repeat it… I need to teach him larger segments of the alphabet.
And what about me? There is no reason for me to study the alphabet so perhaps a suitable environment would be the white rose? I didn't get a chance to do my drills.
Yes that will work… I wish I had an actual schedule.
Creak
I look to the bathroom and spot Heiter fully changed into his white polo, khakis,grey wool socks and black topsiders… He has a few creases in his attire.
I walk over and pat him down.
"Turn around."
He follows my instructions.
"Raise your arms."
I pat down the side of his shirt.
I look at his khakis and frown.
"The Khakis are nice, but you need some Black Chinos. I'll see about getting you a larger wardrobe."
I give him a once over.
"There you look follow me. I need to pick my weapon up before we visit the White Rose." I walk from the bathroom door to the hallway and stop at the door. "Oh and grab your binder, don't forget something to write with. I'll be outside."
I walk out and cross over the stone floor to my room and push the door in, take a few more steps and take a knee next to the bed to grab Myrtenaster's case. "Best to practice with the real thing, right Winter?" I turn around and exit the door, careful to close it.
I look to Heiter who is holding the binder between his chest securely. I turn to the right as I keep an eye on him. "Shall we?"
The boy nods and walks after me. We make our way down the quiet hallway, my white knee high boots being the only source of sound. I stop, listen to nothing, and continue. Ok… I shrug and make a left at the end of the hallway.
I see a butler become visible on the other end of the hallway as he climbs the stairway. He immediately makes eye contact with me and I stop.
Oh wonderful...
He walks across the hallway, passing between the six evenly spaced doors in the hallway. He momentarily eyes the three staff housing doors on his left, then the communications room, unknown door, and managerial office on his right before he looks back to me.
I tilt my head as he nears and put my left hand behind my back.
When he stops in front of me he looks down to the case in my right hand.
"Your drills will need to wait young miss."
I sigh internally. I just had something planned and now this. At least when I had a schedule It wasn't interrupted.
"Well, What am I to do in the meantime?"
"You two are to visit Dr. Aquarius."
So soon?
"Mr. Clutch also tells you to wait outside once you're done until someone else comes for you.
"Fine. I'll make my way down."
I walk past the butler, feeling his gaze linger on me as I make my way down the hallway. I look to my left as I pass the Managerial office. I wonder If Mr. Clutch is inside. Maybe I should talk to him...No… I need to see that doctor. I begin to calmly go down the stairs and stop halfway down as I make a right and continue down. Out of the corner of my eye I see Heiter going down the stairs slowly. I stop and he looks up from his shoes. I look away and continue down the stairs.
5
Once on the first floor at the four way I take a right and walk halfway down the hallway. I look to the large white doors on my right and raise my knuckles. I knock three times.
…
I sigh and knock again.
…
I lower my hand to the golden doorknob, but it twists and I lower my hand to my side as the door swings inward.
A familiar blue afro framed by round glasses appears behind the doorway.
I silently gaze at the doctor.
"Right, you came. Go sit on one of the beds.I'll be with you momentarily."
Of course I came. I walk into the office, turn to the right and walk across the polished black and white checkered floor,past the withdrawn white curtain. As I do this the doctor walks to the along the shelf on the left near the entrance and picks a folder from the counter underneath it. I look back ahead and sit on the edge of one of the two beds. I place my weapon case at the foot of the bed. The doctor grabs his stool and rolls it over to me, then grabs two of three folders he had stacked on the counter. He then grabs some disposable gloves and puts them on. I then notice one of his syringes. Oh.
I sigh then heads my way after grabbing a few additional essentials.
The moment he touches me, the look on his face goes from that of impatience into a professional focus that does not match with his countenance at all.
He rolls back the cuff of my white blouse and applies some wipes. He places his left hand on my arm and the syringe against the my skin with his right.
Curiosity creeps up in me as I wordlessly watch him painlessly insert the needle and then extract blood. He removes the needle and then cleans the place. No blood emerges from the strangely nonexistent wound. I've seen it so many times, yet I wonder how he does it.
Once he deposits the syringe in a plastic bag and places that next to machinery to my right opposite the entrance He returns as he removes his gloves and deposits them in the trash. He opens a folder and places it in his lap as he sits down on the chair. He pulls out a pen from his breast pocket.
"Do you know why you're here?"
"No."
"I'm conducting a full body examination, along with some aura examinations."
"Isn't that impossible? I don't have my aura."
"You always have aura, you simply don't have it unlocked."
"Doesn't someone else normally do this though? I mean it takes awhile."
"They were fired, and it doesn't take that long."
"Ok…"
"Now then, your hand please."
My hand?
"My hand?"
"I'll be doing both of your examinations now."
Here?
"Don't we need… more equipment?"
"Your hand miss."
I extend my hand inquisitively.
He grabs my wrist and I begin to feel… weird. I notice my
bicep tense up as if a snake were constricting it, the pressure builds until it finally disappears.
The doctor then writes with his right hand and it dawns on me that he is using his semblance of water manipulation via touch.
Wonder, mixed with a sense of revulsion creep up in me at the realization, yet the semblance does describe him I suppose. I can feel… I think I feel like i'm being completely observed.
"Miss calm down."
I take a breath and water as revulsion turns back to curiosity, then pride at the fact that he belongs to the schnee's.I hate him, yet I respect him.
Suddenly he lets go and writes down more.
"That will be all, go out and send your friend in."
"That's it?" I hop off the bed and lean down to grab my weapon case.
"Yes now go. I'm busy and you don't exactly have time to linger."
I walk to the door.
What's that supposed to mean?
And when did he do my aura test?
I pull the door inward and see heiter standing outside with two adults in dark blue business suits. They aren't dressed like butlers so?
"Heiter head inside." He looks away from the two adults and heads inside. I close the door behind me and cross my arms as I look up at them.
"Well?"
The two both have blue eyes, short, wavy, ,black hair with mirroring styles. Sharp features go with their thin profiles. They are each carrying a briefcase. The one on the left has glasses. They look at eachother and I can feel some subtle conversation possibly finishing between the two before the one on the left speaks.
"Young miss. You will follow me to the study where we will begin."
"And what am I beginning?"
The adult on the left looked back to me questioningly.
"Your studies? Now come along."
I look at the other adult. Is he waiting for Heiter?
Well it looks like I have work again. With that thought in my head I turn to the left and follow.
6
I stare at the thin back of the adult as we move over back down the hallway and pass the four way. My eyes wander onto the stairway on the left before we continue down to the hallway and arrive at the study. The adult opened the door and we went inside. I saw a folder on the table, which the adult walked across the blue rug toward and then gestures for me to sit walks around the table and places the briefcase on the windowsill. He turns to me and pushes his glasses up.
I take a moment to place my weapon case next to my chair before looking up.
"Now I believe introductions are order."
Oh here we go again…
I start to attentively listen as he begins.
"I am Saphir Schuster and I will be in charge of your new curriculum. My partner you saw earlier was Schwarz Schuster. I would go into detail about our accomplishments, however that would waste our precious time."
Well thats new. I frown a little, so is he hiding something or just ignoring formalities? Is this the best Mr. Clutch could come up with on short notice? I remain silent to not interrupt his as he is one of my teachers now.
He pulls back one of the chairs at the table and gestures for me to sit as he walks around in front between the desk and the windows. Once I have taken and straightened my back seat he continues.
"Now I will cover what your new schedule will look like for the foreseeable future. Self study will begin here at seven am."
My gaze snaps to the grandfather clock on the left of the window.
7:22
I quickly turn my attention back to , who seemed to have noticed my glance.
"Given that we are past that time is partially due to the doctors requests for the young miss and Heiter."
Right he's still with that blueberry.
He then pulls a document from his folder and passes it to me. It is a spreadsheet with a full schedule.
"Since today's self study would be worthless we will cover this."
I internally agree with this.
"We will be operating on a monday to friday schedule with-yes?"
I lower my hand and tap the left and right sides of the document. "Won't I have something on the weekends?"
Mr. Schuster waves the idea off. "That is something for you to discuss with Mr. Clutch. I have been instructed to oversee your lessons from monday to friday. If you have questions regarding that it is best you speak with him."
I don't think I'll have the time for that.
"So I don't have anything on the weekends?"
The dark haired brother shook his head before looking up from the folder. "I did just say to ask Mr. Clutch? The schedules are empty on the weekends because I will not be overseeing your lessons ,therefore you will not be seeing me then. Do you understand?"
"I do."
So it is unlikely I will have the weekends off, although It may not be formal lessons…
"Good now you should also understand that you will have two separate schedules. If you look at Monday,Wednesday,and Friday you will see that they have a matching schedule. Tuesday and Thursday have their own schedule as well. Yes?"
I lower my hand into my is completely different from what I had suggested to Mr. Clutch. I struggle with what to say, but then manage. "Why the change?"
"You are referring to the change in your lesson format?"
"Yes"
Mr. Schuster closes the the folder before placing it on my desk. "It's simply a smarter format for us to work with. Your previous format is suited for certain classroom settings and because almost everyone here was taught in such a manner they naturally ascribed to teaching you similarly. Now because the instructors here are not teaching an entire classroom they will need to adjust."
That makes sense, although I feel something is missing, but can't place it.
"So I will have two separate schedules ,but won't that make it harder to learn?"
Mr. Schuster looks at me from behind his glasses, blue eyes containing some… interest in them?
"Go on."
?
I was expecting an explanation?
"Umm well if we have two separate schedules. Wouldn't … that disrupt the flow of the lessons?"
"The flow?"
My mind began to churn as I tried to elaborate.
"Well when I'm taught I would expect to… build on the lessons of yesterday, but in this model, we alternate the lesson each day. That is the flow, which I'm referring to."
There managed to explain that.
"OK well to continue with your flow metaphor, think of a pond is your state of mind, calm,cool, collected, and 's depth is your knowledge. Now imagine that I drop a pebble inside. What happens?"
A half explanation? Oh.
"Well it would create ripples right?"
"Correct and the water level rises a little?
"Yes?"
"Now what if each subject is a pond?"
What?
"It.. make ripples… wait what are you doing with the pebble?"
"Say I throw it into a pond called math."
"Well it would ripple and rise?"
"Yes, but what is happening in your mind?"
"You don't throw pebbles at people's heads Mr. Schuster, that's called stoning."
"I know, but consider the pebble is knowledge. So what happens in your mind when I throw knowledge at you."
"Well I … Listen...take notes and learn?"
"And take time to process and prepare for the next lesson?"
"Yes?"
"Meaning what does the pond need to do before I throw another pebble inside?"
"It needs… to settle?"
"Coooorrect! Now considering the schedule you see before you do you understand why you will be learning this way before I go over your class schedules?"
"I…" I stop to think for a moment. "I do."
"Good, now the next item we need to cover are the individual courses you have. On Monday,Wednesday, and Friday you will your schedule with start with self studies at 7am, word study at 8am, 9 o'clock you will have singing , followed by Political Science at 10. You will finish your morning segment with Mathematics at 11."
Soo many courses…
"And what after the morning segment?"
"You do have the schedule in front of you, pay attention now. You will have a 2 hour lunch break from 12 to 2. Yes?
I lower my hand to tap the schedule on mondays 12 to 2 lunch break area, then point to the other breaks throughout the week. "Why are the… food breaks so long?"
Saphir tilts his head, as if analysing me, then rights himself. "Remember the pond metaphor?"
"Yes? Also why do we need to speak in metaphors?"
He raises a hand and puts one finger up. "It all comes back to giving you time to prepare and settle your mind. You prepare to throw the pebble and give time for the ripples to disappear." He then raises his second finger." Metaphors serve a purpose of linking and building on previous ideas and works in a format that is often easier to understand so long as you can see the relationship. Now we don't need to speak in metaphors, but I choose to. Anything else?"
"No."
He turns away before he begins to walk around the room, almost always keeping an eye on me.
"Now you will have a 4 hour Weapon drills session from 2 to 6, followed by a 2 hour dinner break from 6 to 8. After this you will begin Language arts at 8, and have your science courses at 9. From 10 to 11 you will once more go and commit to self study before turning in. Any questions on this schedule before I explain the Tuesday Thursday routine?"
"I noticed that the Language arts and science courses are persistent throughout the week. Is that correct?"
"Yes it is."
"And the weapon drills, will I be using my personal weapon or a practice weapon?"
"That is something you will need to ask your drill instructor, now do you have questions about the schedule itself?"
"...No. Wait… I have Political sciences and mathematics after singing."
"Yes?"
"Isn't my morning schedule… "
"Go on."
"...Isn't my schedule leaning towards a morning intensive session?"
"It is."
"Wouldn't it be better to spread it out?"
"There is validity to that argument, but can you maintain the same level of attentiveness over the course of the entire day?"
"Yes."
"As we get closer to what should be bed time?"
"..."
"With no degradation to your ability to take notes and be fully engaged?"
"...It would be hard."
"Now because the difficulty is different, I wish to get what I can done while you're fresh from sleeping."
"But what off the 9 to 11 study session or evening courses?"
"They aren't back to back repetitions, and the study sessions are something you do at your pace to make sure you review and prepare yourself."
"I see."
"Is that all for now?"
"Yes. please continue."
"Very well, the seven to eleven schedule on Tuesday and Thursday will start again with a self study session at seven in the morning and be followed by a course in reading comprehension at eight. Nine will have Piano,followed by History at ten and Economics eleven. You will then have you lunch break from twelve to two before starting P.E. . You will have four hours of P.E. from two to six. When finished you will then have your two hour dinner break from six to eight before starting language arts at eight. Dust trials will begin at nine and again, from ten to eleven you will be in self study. Yes?"
I lower my hand again and tap the table as I figure how to word what I want to ask.
"Is… I have notice there is no mention of breakfast."
"You will have coffee and any other morning beverages you may need. Consider Lunch as your first official meal of the day."
My mind juggles breakfast against the unknown weekends and the larger break periods instead of the normal three ten minute 'business' meals per day. Maybe… well I have to try it one way or another. And because I have to I must do my best as always.
"Now we have talked about the schedules, but you didn't mention much of the actual classes themselves?"
"Yes that will be the job of your tutors and instructors. Now you can find me in my office during your study or meal periods. I would recommend scheduling it in advance so you can prepare outside our class sessions"
"Where is this office?"
"I will inform you… once I actually have the office. The staff here are still processing us as we arrived just this morning."
"I see. So now..?"
"Now since it is Tuesday , head through the door to my left to the library, then the second floor for your lessons. Mr. Dryman will be overseeing you reading lessons.
My reading instructor is different as well?
I push back my chair as I stand ,then collect my schedule and weapon case. I turn towards the doors leading to the library and make my way over. I once more feel something is off and pause as I frown.
I'm worrying over nothing, I shake my head lightly. I simply have a new schedule to work with. I feel a smile tug at the corners of my mouth at the thought. I can get back to demonstrating my ability to learn.
7
I push the door open and walk into the library. The morning light angles in from the smaller windows that arch far above me. Snowflakes were outlined across the room as the light shone through the painted windows both above me and through the vertical windows that decorated the walls that ,running the length of the building.
I began to walk across the cold stone floor, my white boots make my presence clear. I feel the gaze of the receptionist on the left, but continue onward. I pass between two large pillars and the sound of my boots become muffled against the dark blue rug as I begin to pass several rectangular tables. Their silver contrasts nicely with the blue on which they sit. I stop for a moment to inspect the state of tables for any imperfections… Must have been my imagination. The staff has always been good about cleaning up dust. I forget the table and move along the rug until I near another set of pillar. Once im vertical to them however I make out an entrance that leads to a large,open spiral staircase that reminds me of a castle. I look to the left. He said the second floor so… I look to the right and begin to ascend the staircase.
The staircase is a long climb and I round the pillar several times. My eyes go numb from the seemingly unchanging scenery and my ears settle to the cadence of my boots against stone until I finally see the exit. I re grip the weapon cases handle in my right hand and reach the second floor before turning to the right and exiting. I look to the left, then the right, I briefly take in the the small arcs that bridge the gap between both sides of the library's second floor. I wander around the staircase and stop at the railing, not quite wanting to cross the bridge unless I see someone who looks like a teacher. I look to the left across the empty expanse to the balcony across from me and scan the balcony like a book, but fail to see anyone. I grip a bar in the rail and momentarily wonder.
Where is he?
"Weiss Schnee."
I pivot on my heel to see a pale man with blonde hair, blue eyes and a… is his white coat shining?
I blink for a moment as my eyes adjust. No everything about him seems to shine. "Yes, and you are?"
"Savon Dryman at your service." He performs a crisp bow before continuing. "I see that Mr. Shuster is done preparing you?"
I right my shoulders. "Yes, however he only instructed that I head to the second floor."
Mr. Dryman turns to his right and begins to walk away toward the wall. I begin to follow as I listen, but he doesn't say anything until we reach a door. He opens it to reveal one of the large side rooms.
"That is all he needed to do, Now if you can set your things down and take a seat, we can get started."
The classroom is wide with the door next to the teachers desk. Morning light shines in through large rectangular windows. I walk forward and stop to look at the seating arrangement. Several rows of wooden desks, built and bolted to the floor, are lined up like an amphitheater with one row arcing behind the other at an elevated position. Three aisles are here with one on the left, right and center.
Hmmph. Obviously not built for use by a single person considering that the desks the desk on the left row is a single arc with multiple chairs along the arc.
I take a seat in the first seat in the first row on the left. I have no difficulty getting into the adult sized chair. I set my weapon case to the right of my chair and place my schedule in the rectangular compartment below the surface of the desk.
I glance up and wait for instruction.
I didn't have to wait long.
He pulls out several pieces of paper and walks across the room. He sets down a paper which I recognize a a syllabus, It is stapled to several other pages. "We will cover the first page, however the schedule is something you will review on your own time."
He then begins to write a name on the board.
Professor Savon Dryman
"Now Weiss schnee, you may refer to me as professor Dryman, I will continue your instruction as your certified reading comprehension instructor. Texts you require will be provided in the library, if you have trouble finding a book, the librarian will guide you. Once done with a book you are to return it to the library. The course will be composed of a discussion, lessons, followed by worksheets, then a reading response assignment to be turned in the next day we meet.
You will need a three ring notebook with divider, pencil holder, and paper. Classwork, homework, and tests will only be accepted in pen. You will also need index cards to be used ass flashcards."
"Grades will be compiled from the following evaluations: quizzes, notebooks, tests, homework, class assignments, worksheets, discussions and projects when applicable. Each grade will be given a point value. Tests will equal 40%, discussions and quizzes will equal 25%, homework is worth 10% and the final exam is worth 25% Your final grade will be submitted to the primary school system."
"You will need to keep your notebook. Notes help with quizzes and preparing for tests. You want to keep this up to date and neat. Make sure you bring it to class every day. You will not be able to go back to your room for this notebook."
"Let's talk about classwork and homework."
"Work will be graded either on a completion basis or a right from wrong, depending on the individual assignment. You will need to utilize class time to start your work so you can keep ahead of the workload. These will make up your daily grade along with possible quizzes to check your understanding of the work as well as class participation. All work is to have the date in the upper right hand corner. "
He then writes with chalk on the blackboard. 1-12-73 "I will always write the date in the top right corner as well as a general outline for today's lesson. Today is the exception. "
"The top line is to have the class assignment for example p24-30 of Hatchet. All work is graded the next day we meet. You will be graded by what you have on that day. Anything not receiving a perfect will not be given the chance to be improved upon. There are no retakes. Actual class work must be finished in class and shown to me before leaving the room for any it is not completed it will count as incomplete and you will receive a zero for the assignment."
"Class discussions will cover the reading previously issued after you turn in your reading response. Class participation is expected and you will be graded on preparedness. Take good notes and study and organize yourself."
"Tests will be given at the end of a section or chapter. It will be posted on the board a week ahead of time. Should you miss this refer to your schedule. Think hard on your answers, you will be provided draft paper, but your answers are final, I will count gibberish and chicken scratch as a missed mark. Make sure you have your full name , my name, date, and course written in the appropriate margins. Tests will be taken up when time runs out and not before. There will be no talking while tests are out so should you finish you will have to wait. You may not open a book or begin work so make every bit of use of your time when testing."
"Now about makeup work. Only under extreme circumstances will I allow you to turn in makeup work. It should be turned in as soon as possible."
"Our tardiness policy will be that if you are late, you may enter, but you will receive a strike and a zero on all classwork, participation, and homework turned in that day. If you were to have a quiz, test, or exam then you will be failed. If you receive 7 strikes from me then I will fail you."
"I expect in addition to primary school system rules, you are expected to be in your seat and ready to begin at 8. Be prepared with notebook,pen, and paper. I will stress that pencils are not allowed. You are to be attentive. Listen to and follow all directions. Before speaking, raise you hand and wait until you are called upon. Respect is to be observed at all times. This means, that when I am giving directions or are instructing you, you are to pay attention and listen. There will be no food and drink allowed. Everything else you need to know will be covered in the schedule. Remember that unless I am given a note from the doctor you will receive a strike for tardiness or absence."
"Any questions before we begin?"
"..."
The bit about participation comes to mind.
Well you don't need to tell a schnee to participate. I think with pride.
"No professor."
Professor dryman gives an approving nod. "Now today we will act as if we already covered our class discussion. Yes?"
I lower my hand, wanting to ask about something I realized "Does that mean that a participation grade will be given?" I say with a tinge of worry.
Professor Dryman's blue eyes give an approving look, but he shakes his head. "It is good of you to think of that, but today you were to just listen, tomorrow will be different. He walks to the board and begins to write in the top right of the board, under the date.
8
WK Sheet- Thunder
"Now today I just want to see how you think so today there will be no wrong answer, as we have taken up a fair amount of time with the syllabus we will immediately move on to starting with a worksheet."
He opens a folder he has on his desk and removes a worksheet before handing it to me. A picture of a tornado is on the top left corner of the sheet.
"Read and answer the question."
I begin to look at the top of the worksheet and spot something to do prior to that.
Name: _
Date: _
Class: _
Instructor: _
Ok.. first off.
Name: Weiss Schnee
Date: 01-12-73
Class:Reading Comprehension
Instructor: Professor Savon Dryman
Now then… I settle in and begin to read the worksheet.
What Does It Mean?
Severe storms happen in low-pressure weather systems. Warm,wet air begins rising into the air. The higher it rises, the cooler it becomes. Water vapor in the air forms drops, a process called condensation. The drops join together to form clouds, and then precipitation of some kind (rain, sleet, snow, or hail) will fall down to Remnant's surface.
Although conditions must be very specific for a thunderstorm to develop, thunderstorms remain the most common kind of extreme weather. Before a thunderstorm can develop, there have to be three conditions present: the air has to be full of moisture, there must be either an intensely heated portion of Remnant's surface sending warm air up quickly or an approaching cold front, and the warm air that is rising must be warm enough to stay warmer than the air it passes through as it rises. The moisture in the rising air condenses, clouds form and a storm begins.
A cold front happens when cold air is moving near the surface of Remnant, and it pushes warm air
up very quickly. This is often the beginning of a thunderstorm. Clouds form, and heavy rains begin
falling. Opposite electrical charges inside storm clouds separate, causing lightning to flash towards Remnant. Lightning has enough energy to heat the air all around it. This sudden burst of heat is what
causes the noise we know as thunder. Thunderstorms often bring disasters with them, including
floods, fires caused by lightning, damage from hailstones or strong winds, and even tornadoes. A
tornado is a spinning mass of air over land that can destroy virtually everything in its path.
A blizzard is a combination of strong winds and extremely low temperatures. Snowfall increases
until it is so heavy it is difficult or impossible to see. People can become lost in the snow and freeze to
death. Homes can be covered over with snow, trapping people indoors.
A hurricane is the most powerful storm known on Remnant. Forming over warm ocean waters off the
coast of the tropics, they can become gigantic swirling mixtures of air and water between 100 and
900 miles wide. Wind speeds can average about 75 miles per hour. Hurricanes do the worst damage
to coastal cities because they quickly lose their strength when they move over land. Hurricanes are so
large and powerful that they would be visible from space if such technology existed.
Organizations like VEMA (the Vytal Emergency Management Agency) and the Altesian Royal
Cross help victims of severe weather to deal with its aftermath.
According to the text, what is thunder?
I pause as I review and think about the question. I don't know when, but a pen had been placed on the desk. I reach out for it and hear a click as I bring out the point.
…
Lets see…
According to the text, thunder is
I pause as I look at the question.
Thunder is borne from a common form of extreme weather known as a thunderstorm.
…
Right inform the reader so…
Thunderstorms require three conditions: the air has to be full of moisture, there must be either an intensely heated portion of Remnant's surface sending warm air up quickly or approaching a cold front, and the warm air that is rising must be warm enough to stay warmer than the air it pass through as it rises.
My eyes move back up to the document and I continue to to write as I read.
The moisture in the rising air condenses, clouds form and a storm begins. Opposite electrical charges inside storm clouds separate, causing lightning to flash towards Remnant. Lightning has enough energy to heat the air all around it. This sudden burst of heat is what
causes the noise we know as thunder.
I look at the finished answer
According to the text, thunder is borne from a common form of extreme weather known as a thunderstorm. Thunderstorms require three conditions: the air has to be full of moisture, there must be either an intensely heated portion of Remnant's surface sending warm air up quickly or approaching a cold front, and the warm air that is rising must be warm enough to stay warmer than the air it pass through as it rises. The moisture in the rising air condenses, clouds form and a storm begins. Opposite electrical charges inside storm clouds separate, causing lightning to flash towards Remnant. Lightning has enough energy to heat the air all around it. This sudden burst of heat is what
causes the noise we know as thunder.
I put my pen down and push the article away from me. I raise my hand "Professor!?"
He gets up and walks over to pick up the worksheet as I watch expectantly.
"Good...good...goood. Alright."
"How did I do?"
"Ok. Now to improve on that. Weiss, when you start a worksheet, what is one strategy you can do in advance to help you?"
"... I can… read the question?"
"Correct and what else can you do?"
"... I can thoroughly read the document while keeping the question in mind?"
"Yes, but no. in the future you will be pressed for time regarding quizzes, classes and tests. To deal with this you need to develop better reading skills. Note this primarily applies to answering questions you can know ahead of time. Yes?"
I lower my hand. "What skill do I need?"
"You need to do two things, you need to learn to read a line and know if the paragraph has the information you desire, Reading small segments of the paper in search of keywords will help. You need to develop the ability to look at a sentence, and know what the paragraph will tell you. For example. 'Although conditions' and 'a storm begins' In paragraph two give you all the information about the paragraph before you even read it.
"Using a mixture of searching for keywords and reading the beginning and end of paragraphs will increase the efficiency of your reading. Now to answer the question which strategy would help you the most?"
"The search for keywords!"
"Correct, and why is that?"
"Because a search involving the beginning and end of paragraphs is not enough!" I answer clearly.
"Good , now the second strategy set, if the first was about searching for your answers, then the second is for deciding how to answer your question. Weiss, what is thunder according to this paper?" He lightly taps the worksheet in his hand for emphasis.
"Thunder begins with-" I stop as he raises a hand.
"Pay attention, what is thunder? Does the paper ask how thunder starts?"
I feel blood drain away from my face as I realize I got the only question wrong.
"No…"
"So do you need to write about that to answer the question?"
"No."
"And what is the question?"
"According to this paper, what is thunder..."
"And did you answer that question?"
"No..."
"Wrong, you did answer the question, however only with the last sentence. That sentence was all you needed to answer the question, now assuming you were strapped for time what just happened?"
"I wasted time?"
"Yes and how would this affect the rest of your test if you adopted the same wasteful strategy?"
"I would be pressed for time and...panic?"
"Yes!Yes you would begin to panic, rush and miss questions that you could otherwise calmy ?"
"Professor, does the wasteful portion of my answer… make me lose points?"
"Did you complete the assignment?"
"Yes?"
"Were you wasteful in answering said question?"
"Yes."
"Did you answer the question correctly?"
"Yes!"
"Then you will get full marks as you finished. Now I believe that is enough for today, I would recommend taking notes on today as you currently don't have a notebook it seems.
"I can get one today."
"Good, now for thursday, you will need to read pages one through six of Hatchet, Take a reading response sheet with you when you exit. Mr. Zimmer will be across the bridge on the other side of the building."
Whats with this impromptu class arrangment? Shouldn't I just work in the study?
"Yes professor."
I pull my schedule from the compartment under the desk and grab my case to the right before I push my chair back and stand. I exit the row and descend down the aisle before I walk next to the professor drymans desk. I grab the sheet and place it behind the schedule. I then walk to the door and pull it open. Once it closes behind me I sigh and the smile triumphantly.
I was hesitant about the idea of new teachers, but between his well kept clothes ,good posture and lessons I'm sure I can work with this, well at least Mr. Schuster and Professor Dryman. I begin to walk toward the middle of the second floor, toward a bridge.
I guess I get to walk instead of just sit in the study this way. So I will be having Mr. Zimmer for history? Well finally someone I know. I look down at the library as I pass between the pillars and across the bridge. I am not further from the library so finding materials will still be just as easy. I look back up.
9
Now where is that old man? I look for a familiar grey turtleneck, but spot Mr. Zimmer in a black tux?
Gregory Zimmer is a… portly man with a round face ,the only hair on his head is a red,graying moustache that is very bushy with small points at the end that curl upward. The man has a slight farmer's tan that never seems to go away. His large hands more suited to a woodcutter than a history teacher move about in large strides as the 6foot mans baritone voice almost shakes away any tiredness that may have still been in me.
"Why hello young Weiss."
He is the only person that refuses call me either by my name or young miss.
"Mr. Zimmer. Where will we be having class?" I cringe a little as I expect his loud voice to remain , even when he's next to me.
"Right this way!" Mr. Zimmer turns around and walks back to the hall on his side. I blink a few times, then follow as he reaches the wall and takes a right till we near a room directly across from a large spiral stairway.
I glance up and note the small plate on the door with LL 220 inscribed on it.
He opens the door and walks inside. I follow inside. The room has a floor like the previous classroom, but there is a piano against the wall on the right.
I turn my attention away from the piano and move to take a seat.
"Ah my young weiss, you will be taking a seat not there, but right here!"
I pause and turn to see that Mr. Zimmer is pointing at the piano.
I raise a puzzled eyebrow. "Isn't this a history course?"
"Why it is not! This is Piano,you will have history with me afterwards!"
He… is far to happy in the morning… wait. I look at Mr. Zimmer. He is happier than normal, and dressed differently…"
"Mr. Zimmer?"
"Yes my young Weiss?
"Did something happen?"
"Absolutely! Because I was kindly recommended for the new teaching positions in piano and singing by Ms. Dion I will be taking over these courses as well as teaching history!"
I stop.
…did father… fire…
I sigh. And now Mr. Zimmer's is the only instructor I is nowhere near as qualified to teach piano, or as quiet. I mean how is a guy supposed to be a role model for a girl like me?
And Ms. Dion… Father why?
"And…"
"Hmm!?"
I take a moment with my words.
"And why did Ms. Dion recommend you?"
"Well you see young weiss! Since Ms. Dion's contract expired it was discussed whether or not she would continue to work here. Ms. Dion, your father, and Mr. Clutch all had input on the matter and it was decided that with the new schedules coming renewal was not necessary and that you had been adequately prepared!"
"Did father say that?"
"Actually it was Ms. Dion who suggested that I take over for piano and keep an eye on your singing!"
What?!
A mixture of anger and agitation turned into confusion and an acute sense of betrayal.
"I was confused about the choice given your history-"
I then realized I had voiced my astonishment.
"-but if she says your ready then I'm certain she knows best. Now then I believe that is enough about how we ended up like this! Let's start making some music!"
Insensitive old man…
I sigh and follow Mr. Zimmer to the black piano. He pushes out the black piano stool and sits on the left.
I sigh , place my papers weapon case on the desk I would have settled behind then walk over to the piano.
I fold my layered white skirt against the back of my legs and take a seat on the right of the stool near the wall. Mr. Zimmer grabs a folder from the music rack and flips through before an instruction rings out. "Warm up with some scales young weiss!"
I reached for the black wood and grabbed the fallboard. With some effort I lifted it and an old smell of the woods came from the piano. The white keys shone with an old grandeur and I placed my right thumb on C as I took in the smell of the old wood as it dissipated. I was tempted to complain about it, but didn't. A metronome began to click at a steady pace, 160 bpm Instinctually knew from experience. Alright…
My right foot tapped at the air three times before I started with a C Major.
1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3, 4, 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4...
I settled into the melody and just enjoyed the purity of the piano. It was well tuned and responded to my trained hands as I methodically went through the scales with a steady tempo that I never deviated from. The scales at this point could never be called something difficult for me, so Mr. Zimmer was right to call it a warm up. I took my time, but I went through all of the major scales , only pausing to reposition my hand prior to starting. My left hand eventually began to work and I felt I could go faster, but there was no need for that. It wouldn't be the right count after all.
Do re me fa so.. I kept switching methods of keeping with the count to make sure I had everything covered.
Once I finished I the last decrescendo I relaxed my hands against the keys.
"Wonderful, now some exercises!"
I stared at the man. He is being sarcastic… I… I'm so tired of all of this!
A quick "Yes sir" leaves me.
He places some basic exercises that I almost find insulting.
I relax both my arms , level my fingers with the keys I lift my hands slightly and let my fingers fall to go over the exercise.
The title is Hanon & Czerny Technique :Hanon wait that's not the… oh fine I'll just get on with sight reading.
I make sure that my keystrokes are accurate. I play, but I don't as memories of various piano instructors over the years come to mind. Always a new instructor and just… I pressed that key too hard. I don't miss a beat and focus again on my handiwork. It takes time but because I play the piano so precisely I listen to the almost mechanically accurate music that comes from the piano. I missed the piano and yet I hate it. It was the reason I chose singing with Ms. Dion when I finally had a choice. However you can't take good instruction out of me, even if I don't play for a time.
...This is just so frustrating! I don't want to play right now!
If excuses made schnees do their job then we would have a use for them!
However! I need to see if...
I finish the current exercise and turn to Mr. Zimmer.
"Mr. Zimmer, I a have a question." I ask sweetly.
"Ah What question does the young weiss have for me!?"
"Could you play for a moment? My hands are cramping from not playing in a while and I was curious to listen to you play."
"Well of course! We can't have you getting cramps! Take a break while I show you how I Grreegory Zimmer play the pi-ano!
I stare blankly at him… ok now I miss history teacher Zimmer. I then force a smile and move aside.
"Ah Young Weiss you never mentioned a piece to play!?
I pause for a moment. "Play whatever comes to mind." This is also a good chance to see what his style might be and if he is suitable. Probably something loud…
"Very well!
He lowers his hands and his fingers are just as I thought too big. I sigh. Great it's going to be off.
The first note falls.
music
'RWBY / Cold (Volume 3 Credits) / Piano'
A/N: since you can't copy and paste just type in 'RWBY cold synthesia' that should do the job. Enjoy!
Also i said it awhile ago , but I'll say it again. I only own the OC's I make and story, anything else belongs to their respective owners. Now onward!
(needs 800 before )
I… classical? No thats? I don't know what I'm listening to?
Its simple. And has a several crescendos. It's very simple, but… I can't fault him for that because… He is playing by memory.
I frown. I wanted to get him for this, but I can feel that there is something in this music that isn't in my own. Is it accuracy? I feel like it's something I can relate to? But isn't music supposed to be… aha!
He isn't playing mechanically! Although perhaps the composer doesn't expect… There is no sheet music so I can't judge if he is playing as the composer wants.
I sigh and just settle in to listen.
It has an incredibly slower count than what I'm used to. His posture is… flowing and...his technique is oddly… refined.
Its simple, but I feel… like Winter left…
The piano plays a soft , gentle and perhaps melancholy tune.
I put my hands in my lap and decide to just wait on passing any judgment. I'm a singer, but I can still appreciate piano.
When he finishes I ask. What was that song about?
"Oh just an obscure something from my youth!
"Ah." of course…
"About some young heroes!"
I didn't ask...
"Mr. zimmer, how old are you?" I ask so I can get an idea of when his youth occurred.
"Why I'm 77!"
"And you were born in Atlas?" I hazard a guess considering his last name."
"Indeed!"
That explained the obscure part, considering At- Mantle's suppression of the arts and literature. Most of that was lost because of that foolishness.
I then note the minor interest at the fact that he was born a few years before the great war ended. 77 minus 73…he was four years old...and he has lived long enough to know me for one of those years…
I finish that thought, then realize he said something about 'heros.'
I shake my head at his foolishness, I expect more of a history teacher. Hero's...they don't exist, that's just a bunch of fairy tales, often exaggerated and made into myth. Primary case being Vale's 'Warrior King'.
"Also if it's about young heroes shouldn't it be different...more triumphant?"
"No this is just... fine!"
"also Isn't that a bit… sorry, but isn't 77 a bit old for you to be teaching?" I bluntly ask.
"How so young weiss!?"
"I mean shouldn't you be retired?" Most people his age should be capable of retirement.
"If retirement was what I wanted then I wouldn't be here, besides working here is good enough!"
Good enough. He says working as a personal teacher for a schnee is good enough.
I kept asking more questions as I was curious for the time one benefit of this piano class is I'm not trapped in his pace. Eventually I asked something that was bugging me.
"So how did you come to work here anyway?"
He didn't seem someone father would hire, what with his loud nature, then again he did hire the blueberry.
"Oh just a recommendation of a friend of mine! Now then I think that's enough questions for now,"- he clapped. "We are in piano class and I hope your hands are no longer cramping!?"
I look at my hands reflexively, but there had been no cramp so they were simply rested.
"Yes."
"Stupendous! Now let's continue with the exercises! We need to review and find out where you stand today!"
Right then.
I flex my fingers over the keys and look up to the sheet music. I continue where I left off, slowly sight reading through the music , this time without the metronome.
Mr. Zimmer just simply sat and nodded as he listened.
"Like I thought, Young weiss is very good at keeping count!"
"Isn't that a basic skill?"
"It can be! And what are reviewing!?
I sigh internally. "The basics?"
"Indeed! Now then remember to relax your hands and let your fingers do the work to avoid those nasty cramps!
Playing the piano is nothing new for me so the les-review passes as I continue through several pages.
"Alright!" Mr. Zimmer claps. "I believe that is enough for now, we will review more later!" He points to the regular seats in the room."get set up and we will get started with history!"
I stand and move to the wall , then make a right and cross diagonally to the front seat. I rise up one step and get behind in the row on the left , reading myself to sit. I grab my weapon case and move it to the floor next to me and place my reading response and schedule in the compartment, after that I grab my blue ,layered skirt and sit , placing my arms against the cool wood. It was a good idea to go with the a white ,longsleeve, blouse and royal blue cardigan sweater. It is quite cold… is the ac running? I listen to the dull drone in the room. yes , yes it is. I gaze down at the white stockings and knee high boots with an appreciative glance. I'm not even in Atlas, but it's just as cold inside. I squeeze my bare hands, then clasp them together. Not quite satisfied I move them from the desk to my lap.
"Young Weiss!?"
I look up from the desk ,ready and attentive as I straighten my back.
10
"Now then!" Mr. Zimmer's blue eyes shine as he walks behind the large teacher desk to retrieve some books. He walks around and hands me one of them. "Now then young weiss! We were previously talking about the glenns, however, since you are changing schedules I have decided we will start with ancient world history and move forward!"
I raise my hand and he looks at me. "But why ancient history? Aren't the Glenns a better topic because of their social reforms and modernization of their peacekeeping forces?"
"Quite so, they are an important world topic right now, however! We must take the time to look at ancient history so you may understand where they come from! Since we are covering the basics in Piano, why not History!?"
I look at the book simply titled. World History: Ancient Civilizations
I mean… well if he says so.
"So what will we cover today?"
"Why the first lesson of chapter! Now before you open the book I want to hear your thoughts. How do people record history!?"
"They write?" I ask incredulously. What kind of question-
"Yes! They tell stories about their lives and past!, now how do you accomplish this when you cannot write? How does one look at history if we can't find a printable copy to read!?"
I paused to think about that.
I was tempted to say go to a library, but that didn't answer the question properly…
Hmmm…
Hmm….
I sat there as I tried to come up with something.
Without writing… that takes away a lot of things… oh!
"What about the profession where people look at old sites?"
"Archaeologists my girl!?"
"Yes, don't they look at… tools...buildings...and other things?"
I disliked using a phrase such as 'other things' , but it worked.
"That is one way, but what about their tools and living areas do we inspect!?"
I shook my head as I didn't know that. I just knew what you would inspect.
"That is what we will be discussing today. Now first, when you think of ancient history what words come to mind?"
…
"Well I can think of ancient items…" my mind jumps around and eventually back to archaeology and what I know of it. "Fossils, The study of ancient text… no that is written word. Typically fairly old things that are… rare?" I stop once he raises his large hand.
"Indeed! Now what you covered there are artifacts, fossils, ancient writing and the fact that all historical sites are irreplaceable! Once one is damaged or destroyed it costs us a true understanding of the past! Yes young weiss?"
I lower my pearly white hand onto the desk, then my lap. "Why would someone destroy a historical site? Isn't that pointless as they offer no value, other than a historical one?"
"That is because history can be inconvenient, and historical sites can be looted. For example. Is it an inconvenient truth that both the former Kingdom of mantle and Mistral engaged in slavery?"
"That…" I'm suddenly extremely uncomfortable, then upset with my ancestors." That isn't today though?"
"But it is my young weiss! Aren't we the culmination of all our yesterdays!? If society never existed where would you be!? Would we be talking about history in a world dominated by monsters if not for their struggles, their successes, and failures? What if the kingdoms of Mantle and Mistral won the war!? Your own situation may be similar, but what of the world!? You wish to someday understand people like your father!? Well you need to not look at the Mr. Schnee of today, but the Mr. Schnee who got where he is and the circumstances that facilitated it! So your today is all the yesterdays plus one!
I had shrunk slightly into my chair in response to his morning vigor., but I more or less understood him. The point of history is to understand … the road to today.
"So is history the study of the road to today?" I tilt my head to the side as I ask, feeling my ponytail pull to the right.
"Indeed!"
I tilt my head the other way. "And about the slavery? why did that happen?"
Mr. Zimmer pauses, his mustache moves about, like a two pronged pitchfork poking at his nose. A mental image of dissatisfied slaves comes to mind."That is a topic for another day, however the secrets for that lie in their culture and environmental pressures! A study into Geology will assist you there! Now let us move on to the next question! Your response about ancient history partially mentioned ancient texts, however what would people use as a form of expression before text?
I gaze at Mr. Zimmer, then his red, curly mustache that is graying as I try to maintain eye contact while thinking. I blink away the cold as I try to think of an answer. Before text… I already said artifacts… Buildings… He said geology… Text doesn't count…
I sit and move my hands up from my lap as I cross them. Artifacts… buildings. No text and… My gaze wanders the room as I try to think of something… my eyes wander over Mr. Zimmer, the piano to the left, then back to the board. Hmm?
I stop and think more as Mr. Zimmer seems content to wait. What is text? It tells something? Wait… A memory about the glenns crops up. Parades… I stare at the desk absentmindedly as My focus is elsewhere.
The glenn parades are like the vytal festival and…
I raise a hand.
"Yes!?"
I lower my hand as I stare at Mr. Zimmer intently. "Would…" I was unsure about the question since I hadn't finished reading on the Glenns and their relation to the world as a whole now. "Are parades form of expression?"
Mr. Zimmer pauses as his red eyebrows jump for a moment. "Why yes they are!" The butterflies in my stomach leave as I sigh. "However!" They came back. "We cannot look at ancient parades, however they may have modern counterparts assuming the culture has carried on, now in the case of a Parade, what do you hear at a parade!?"
"... Music?" I ask. "But isn't ancient music also impossible to listen to?"
A finger shoots up with Mr. Laufers large , tanned hand. "Precisely! Now young weiss, what was it that was suppressed by Mantle and Mistral!?"
Oh I know this one! "Music, the arts, and free expression!" I recite with a knowledge that had practically been beaten into me.
"And when the great war ended what was the calendar and system by which children born afterward named!?
More easy questions. "The Color calendar, which uses the letters P,C,R. These stand for 'post color revolution'. The system for children was , and is referred to as 'the color rule'."
"Yes and now, what does color, have to do and ancient form of expression that we could do before paper!?"
I pause… My right hand squeezes my left in my lap as they rest on my blue layered skirt.
Hmmmmmm...
Ancient music, ancient art , ancient expression…
"Art?" I say incredulously.
"Indeed! Ancients could play music, but they could also draw!"
My mind tried to work the concept of ancients making a portrait…
I stayed quiet and listened.
"One such method they had was cave paintings." That little bit of information both made sense now as it reconciled my previous image. I hadn't know that ancients could draw, I just thought they… grunted and did what they could to get food. The mental image of a faunus comes to mind, with their supposed inhuman strengths, which had made for good labor. Not that I have actually seen one...
I raised my left hand.
"Yes young weiss!?
"So who made cave paintings and why caves?"
"Almost everyone, who could make paintings, they were made in caves to be protected from the elements,be that the cold, the blazing heat, or weather phenomena in the region!. The other reason is because these caves are where small tribes could settle down, either temporarily, or make more permanent settlements! Caves, are easy to protect against grimm, they provide shelter, and in some cases where tribes were nomadic, they would still frequent a cave as they followed migration paths of their food sources! Now that we know this you should be able to answer, how does one look at ancient history before writing and where could I find it?"
I straighten myself slightly, then clear my throat. I prepare to not completely restate what he said, but build on it as I have been taught. "By looking at ancient artifacts, and art such as paintings… carvings and..." I try to recall what I would expect to see in a museum,given my cultured background."the arts would eventually appear on things other than caves, such as pottery, statues, and other works of stonemasonry. This is because the works of a civilization, even if it's small, will express itself?"
I wasn't sure about the choice of words I went with at the end, but It was out of my mouth now.
"Correct, however all of this can be summarized into one word! A study of ancient history prior to writing is the study of!?"
...I rack my brain for a technical term, but only come up with him mentioning geology. Something out of the classroom again… my eyebrows furrow as I think.
"Surely someone as cultured as you would get this young weiss!?"
Oh now he is … haaaa… I lean back. "What is it Mr. Zimmer?"
"Why it's culture!"
I sigh as I rub my head… of course it was… he even gave me a clue, but I took it as his loud teasing, which isn't professional, but was actually a easy hint if I had paid attention.
"Now young weiss the next question is, how does geography influence culture!?"
A straightforward question, though…
"Mr. Zimmer, could you clarify the difference between geology, and geography?"
"That I can young weiss!" He walks to the desk and grabs a globe of Remnant. He walks toward me and places it on my desk. "Geology is the study of Remnant, what is is composed of, its activities, and History!" His large tanned hand points at the frozen arctic of Solitas , the deserts of Midwestern Sanus, then the swamps and cliffs of mid western Anima, the heart of Mistral. "Different forces contributed to the present shape of the continents! Geology isn't only about history though it is about the future as well so it is well and good for you to understand its importance!"
"What kind of question would a geologist ask?" I say as I look at the globe.
"They would ask, how did remnant's lands end up in their present shape and what is the land made up of!" My mind shifted to the schnee quarry.
"And what about Geography Mr. Zimmer?"
Mr. Zimmer shifts his weight from his left leg to his right. "Geography is largely dealt mostly dealt with the extent of landforms!"
Not… the best answer..
I dig a little.
"And a question you would ask…" I pause "what do you call someone who studies geography?"
"Geographers young weiss!"
"Yes, what would you ask them?"
Mr. Zimmer puts his hand on a the cliffs in Mistral "How big are these cliffs,how long are their mountain ranges!" His hands move westward. "and across the sea the three major peninsulas of eastern sanus give you have an answer to ,what is a perfect place to set up a settlement? A third question would be, how long does this river run, or how big is this bay? Is it a bay, or a gulf?"
Ok so that is what he meant by landforms.
I knew that Flachland and the Winter Retreat were in this area. There was a reason the region as a whole was called the Flachlands. Although the globe clearly stated that the northernmost major peninsula had a place called 'Cape Borrum' on the east coast in what appeared to be the mouth of a wolf?
Hmm. I have lived here ,but I don't actually know where flachland proper is within the region...or the Winter Retreat… hmm guess I've been too busy to ask or think about that question. I do know it is a port town with an industry in tourism and trade.
I lean back, right myself in my chair and place my hands in my lap.
Well that would be a useless question currently, I can look that up on my time.
I look up to a slightly wrinkled face with blue eyes and that red mustache with specks of gray.
"Mr. Zimmer, how would this relate to the schnee quarry?"
Asking a question that could related to the family business was a much better option.
"That depends young weiss, are you asking a question of Geography or Geology!?"
I debate the two as I lift my left hand, clenched. I relax my hand and roll it as I ask with an opened palm.
"What would a good question of geography be?"
"The Schnee quarry is located in solitas, and operations have largely been deregulated ,yes!?"
I lower my hand.
"How is the schnee quarry deregulated and what does that mean?"
Mr. Zimmer pauses for a moment then continues. "It means that there isn't much in the way of bureaucratic 'red tape' preventing mining of the quarry!"
I nod and lean back in my seat
"This allows competition and has resulted in companies that have better methods to mine. This resulted in the SDC acquiring the quarry during your grandfather's time. Continued competition has insured that the SDC maintain its position through a competitive edge!Yes!?"
"How is this a question?" I ask as I arch my right eyebrow.
"It isn't, I am explaining the circumstances, then I will answer the question."
"Oh I see." I say apologetically. "So?"
"So how does this relate to the Glenn Quarry!?"
A jolt runs through me as I know the answer to this. The reading I did a few days ago will help here. "The Glenn quarry is…" I try to think about the answer, but realize I know alot about it,such as the glenn quarry is the second largest, but not what kind of answer is needed for this. "Mr. Zimmer?" I ask a I need help.
He nods as he understands. "How does the policy of the Altesian and Glenn governments differ in regard to their quarries!?"
Ohhhh. I mouth as understanding comes over me. " The Glenn quarry is largely managed by the state and due to being nationalized has seen no companies competing for resources, instead those resources slowly mined from the quarry have been sold to the SDC, which then go to the market...Mr. Zimmer, does that mean that there is no competition in the Glenn quarry? I ask incredulously.
"Correct and this is one type of geographical question where you ask how policies differ in regard to a quarry due to the government territory they reside in!"
I think about all that… inefficiency that is probably going on due to poor management. One person cannot manage an entire country. Competition encourages that there are several people who are the best as what we do. It's how the SDC gained its monopoly on dust… minus the glenn quarry, but even still our reputation as the best has allowed the SDC to become the buyer of dust from the Glenns.
"Mr.-" I stop as he raises his hand and looks at his watch.
"I believe it is time for you to go and get ready for your next class young weiss! Now come thursday I want you to read chapter one ,pages 8 to 12 ,answer questions in book , and prepare for open discussion the entire class period! I would suggest you have your notebook for this class prepared like we have previously!"
I reach into the desk compartment and collect my worksheet from reading comprehension, the schedule, my weapon case on the floor and my copy of World History: Ancient Civilizations. "I should use a new notebook Mr. Zimmer?"
He nods. "Why yes young weiss!"
I look at my schedule and check what my next class is. I first find tuesday, then I look at the varying color coded words on a spreadsheet and see economics follows history. My eyes look to the left to see the time it starts is at eleven. I pull my scroll out of the right waist pocket of my royal blue cardigan sweater and check the time.
10:53
With that knowledge I lock the screen on the scroll again and place it back in my right waist pocket.
I place the schedule and reading worksheet on top of the book. I struggle to carry the weapon case by the handle in my right hand while holding everything else in the left. I turn to the left, move into the aisle,turn to the right and take a step down to the main floor before walking to the door.
Once there I place my weapon case on the floor and open the door. I hold it open with my white knee high boots and pick up the weapon case and grimace for a moment at a realization.
"Mr. Zimmer." I call out.
"Yes!?"
"Do you happen to know where my economics class is being taught?"
A serious look of contemplation appears on Mr. Zimmer's face as he rubs his curly mustache, splitting his thumb from his index finger in a V as he bounces his greying red mustache. He silently walks to the teacher desk and pulls out a folder from an open compartment where I could see several other folders. He places it on the desk and scans the contents. When I see him jump I know he has an answer.
"When you exit this room, take a right and go halfway down the hallway to room LL 214!"
"Thank you." I nod. I already knew where LL 214 was, he didn't need to say anymore. Well he is a chatterbox, though I suppose that is the job of teachers...
I exit the room and stop to just listen to it close. I sigh.
He has way too much energy. That only reminds me that I need coffee. He is a thorough teacher, so I want to learn from him, but I just... wish I could trade him for a teacher with less pointless energy.
I shake my head. Winter wouldn't think like that. Let's see… ah yes, He is a good resource so make use and treat him well…. Meaning… Just sit, listen, and be respectful.
And don't think about him anymore, I have another class to attend!
11
I look to the right and walk as I carry my things. I pass door 219 and continue. My gaze wanders from the door I pass to those ahead as I count them down. 218, 17, 16 15, and 214.
I mark that door and look to the left as I move from the right of the hallway to the middle and privy myself to the view overlooking the library. I spot the bridge I came across almost in line with my destination. I take a look down to the schedule that rests on World History: Ancient Civilizations. Hmm. I don't want to be surprised by the class again.
I see economics in blue text then look to the left on the sheet to check the time frame. 11am-12pm.
Right economics is next, splendid.I can finally get a formal education in it. Hearing the staff talk to father at dinner about business has proven informative. I suppose that it is to my benefit that a schnee always works, even when eating with the family.
My gaze jumps back to the blue text then scans down to the lunch break from 12pm-2pm. A two hour break is unnecessary. I shake my head. Winter would find time to work. Hmm. There is a suitable amount of time for me to prepare for the next courses and make my notes. I still need a three ring notebook for my classes. One or several… I'll debate that later. I look down to two of the receptionists,my vision briefly is blocked by one of the large spiraling staircases. I consider calling them out from up here, but determine it would be improper. I'll ask on my way out. I almost hear Winter tell me to quit worrying about matters not connected to my present task. I respond by looking up and angling to the right now that I am almost halfway down the hallway. I stop in front of the door and gaze up to the plate and confirm my destination.
LL 214
Right. I make sure my shoulders are rolled back and raise my chin. I puff out my chest, suck in my stomach and tighten my form. Ms. Pisets would approve.
I have done well with my posture as of late. I kept myself in good form in my classes thus far. Just keep at it. Now then. I visualize Winter, the symbol of a schnee's pride, for a moment. I feel a comforting cold come up in my mind as I calm myself.
I debate putting my shoe in the door, but immediately find the idea revolting. My shoes were not meant to be doorstops. I glance to the weapon case in my right hand, the books and papers in the cradle of my left arm and decide on a plan.
I cooly transfer Myrtenaster's large case to my left hand. With my freed right I reach out for the doorknob, that is almost level with my shoulder, on the left side of the door and grab it. I twist it and push the door inward.
The room has the exact same setup as the previous rooms and I when I close the door I check the right wall for a piano. A piano which is not there.
My eyes immediately light on the next item of interest, that being a familiar profile.
A dark blue business suit has its back presented to me as someone with short, wavy,black hair writes down something in an opened folder.
I hesitate to call a name as I can't tell who it is.
I shake my head, they aren't on a first name basis with me and they both share a surname.
"Mr. Schuster." I cooly call as if I had expected him.
The pencil stops and the folder is closed as the adult turns on the stool. A pair of glasses on the thin, middle aged face give away whom I'm speaking to.
Saphir…
"Are you ready?"
"Of course." I state calmy. I lift my right hand and relieve my left of the large weapon case. "May I take a seat, or do you need to hand me something?"
Saphir beckons to a table near his stand. "Put your things down, then come down and get a folder."
I wordlessly and cooly walk to the same desk I have used in every other room thus far. Once I take a step up the aisle and turn left I reach over the seat of the chair and place my large weapon case on the right side of the chair. With that done I then grab my schedule and reading comprehension worksheet off the top of World History: Ancient Civilizations from the cradle of my left arm.I slide them into the open compartment of my desk on the right. The history book goes in on the left.
I then exit the row and take a single step back down to the main floor. I angle to the right and walk in the direction of the door, but stop once I near the table near. I reach across the the table and huff.
I can't reach it.
I huff again and continue reaching for it.
I look at Mr. Schuster and huff at him this time. I can feel heat rising in my cheeks as I look away. Should I walk around? No. It is perfectly in the middle.
I sigh again. I wish i were tall enough that I had some room to bend, but aside throwing myself at the desk, which would be demeaning, I have little options.
I look to my left."Mr. Schuster. Will you hand me the folder?"
Bespectacled blue eyes look up from behind the wavy black hair. He looks at me, the folder, then back to me and I see understanding, then pity, then a return to neutrality.
"Of course." He then stands and walks away from his stool a few steps and reaches with his left hand and pushes the folder my way. I grab it with both hands and pivot on my heel as I turn away. I look over my right shoulder. "Thank you." After that I walk to the arc of desks and take a step up the aisle and then go into the left row. I take a seat and place the folder on the desk. My feet swing in the air for a moment as curiosity grasps me. I have a brief moment of excitement, then calm myself as I look up to Mr. Schuster. I cross my legs and wait.
Mr. Shuster had by this point walked around to the front of the desk as he carried a clipboard in his left hand and a pen in the other.
He looks at his watch on the left hand and then writes something. I calmy watch him and note when he clears his throat.
"How have classes been?"
"Fine." I answer the unexpected question.
He marks something.
"Any trouble?"
"Just one, I don't have directions." I state.
"I see, well have the teachers directed you so far?"
"Yes, They have given directions on their own and when I asked."
"I see, well enough about that. Do you know what class this is?"
"Of course ,economics. I checked the schedule."
"Good, now before you open that folder I want to hear your comes to mind when you think of economics."
I hadn't reach for it as I wasn't instructed, but…
That thought disappeared as I begin to ponder the question.
"I think the Schnee Dust Company is the first thing that comes to mind. I think of Grandpa traveling the world, finding places to mine, making connections with people across the four kingdoms and then founding several businesses."
"So you think of Nicholas Schnee and the SDC?"
"Yes." I strongly affirm. The two go together, you can't have one without the other. Without grandpa there wouldn't be an SDC and I wouldn't here right now. His hard work laid the foundation for everything.
"Understandable, and what about it makes you think of economics?"
I was caught off guard by the question, but sat and thought.
"My grandpa or the SDC itself?"
"Either."
"Well grandpa was a businessman, he sought to supply the world with dust after what had happened in the great war."
"And there was a great demand for it, modern transportation wasn't a thing back then so he saw having multiple mining sites as the answer."
I think of Mr. Zimmer's class point on geography. "Yes having all your eggs in the same basket could be a problem. Because of the transportation problem you mentioned, there was also a security issue for the mines in a postwar environment, which was managed by nearby towns,the towns also would staff the mines. Towns grew and would eventually become connected to the rail systems adopted years later."
Mr. Schuster had been writing the every now and then as we spoke and eventually raised a hand.
"Good, several economic terms could be applied to what we discussed, any idea what they are?"
I debate letting him tell me, but shake that off as I accept the challenge.
"Supply and demand, entrepreneurship, unemployment…."
"Good!" I glow. "Now tell me how would security apply to the mines?"
I lean forward slightly.
"Well there were bandits, they would attempt to steal mined dust. Either locals would be hired to provide security, or company employees would be sent once a mine was being established to work with them. If something came up then that first generation of huntsman could be hired to help.
"Yes, and security is important. Because of the difficult geography of post war Remnant, there were severe shortages, the rule of law was ignored as governments failed to act on the needs of the people. Yes?"
I lower my hand. "But wasn't the world just… dangerous back then?"
Mr. Schuster nodded. "Yes it was, and because there was a scarcity of huntsman. Because the government was footing their bill at the time there was little incentive for them to move far from where they were needed the most, which was often not the small mining towns. Nicholas Schnee made a series of choices that resulted in him being able to attract some of the huntsmen. This brought their services to the small towns operated by the SDC at the time. The goods produced by these small towns, in addition to the dust, became items the SDC would buy up and then trade. Now there are other terms I could cover, but for these first lessons I want to cover the basics."
I nodded as that seemed reasonable.
"We will cover scarcity, goods, choice, and services. This should be review, but if you have any questions, ask."
"I will."
"Good, now I will ask , what is economics? Don't give me an example, this time and try to tell me what economics itself is."
I sit there for a few moments. I lean back in my seat, cross my legs the other way and think.
"Is it… the pursuit of answering problems of scarcity?" I'm glad I always pay attention when in class.
"That is a good answer, an example of a complete answer would be something like is the study of how society chooses to allocate its scarce resources to the production of goods and services to satisfy unlimited ?"
I lower my hand. "What do you mean by 'Unlimited wants'?"
Mr. Schuster paused and gave me a look. "I'm serious."
"Oh I know." he said. "Society always wants more than it currently has. A new microwave, a new pillow, a new house. It varies by as much as people are different from each other across socio-economic backgrounds like how every snowflake is unique. You , at your age, have different wants from me.
I debate that in my head.
"What if I don't want anything?"
"Then you are a fortunate individual. That sensation, like the wind, can change after a moment, or take time ?"
I lower my hand as I things come to mind.
"...Is it possible to want something that isn't a thing?"
"As in a material object?"
"Yes." I clarify.
"Of course."
"..."
"What do you understand about unlimited wants?"
I stop at the counter and cross my legs as I put my hands on top of the desk.
"That it involves material things like clothes, and immaterial things such a goals?"
"Yes. Now there is more to that, but for now just keep in mind that most of the time we want something. And because 'everyone' wants something society is incapable of granting everyone's wants, that would be a utopia, which we do not live ?"
"Why can't society give everyone's wants?"
"Because society is not capable of meeting all of our wants. Perhaps our needs, but not our wants. That is why scarcity exists, why people make choices, provide goods and services with the limited amount of resources available."
"I see. Thank you." That was bothering me, but it makes sense, you can't ask the impossible of society.
Mr. Schuster taps the clipboard with his pen.
"That is why economics studies how society chooses to allocate its scarce resources to the production of goods and services to satisfy unlimited wants. Now a question to consider. Where does electricity come from?"
"It comes from dust Mr. Schuster." I answer.
"Correct." He points his pen at me. "After a series of processes, dust can be made to supply electricity. Now where is powdered dust sold to the public?"
He then rests his wrist on the clipboard, ready to write.
"A Dust shop!"
"Yes, now what factors should someone consider when setting up a dust shop? Where will they get their powdered dust? Powdered dust isn't natural and is carefully made from raw dust, which is a natural resource. Those who buy the raw dust and set prices for the powdered propellant are using economics as a scale, weighing the costs and benefits, to come up with the plan that sets the terms and prices for the use of the raw dust. Now this is an example that, like that snowflake I mentioned earlier, is unique. Conditions will vary and economists must do their best to account for everything. What other situations can you think off? What jobs would find economics helpful for their jobs?"
I lean back in my chair slightly, look down as I cross my arms and wonder.
"Hmm."
I mean father does work, grandpa did economics as well. I look up, with my arms still crossed and ask. "Management and secretarial roles?"
"Yes." He stops writing and brings his pen up in the air. He gently shakes it one time before continuing." "Though in actuality everyone makes economic decisions, according to their values. Now consider this, would someone buy a fur coat this time of year?"
"Yes. The cold varies here, but considering that we are in Janurary, yes."
"Even if they were in vacuo?"
"No. That would be crazy."
"And what about in Atlas? Is there a demand for warm fur coats in Atlas?"
"Yes, Always. The trips from one building to another would be worse if we didn't have something warm."
"Indeed, now what if the price of Ol' King Cold went up by one Lien for a 12 oz can?"
"Isn't one Lien not that big of a difference?"
"Right, but assume the price of something you wanted, say Ol' King Cold, went up? Considering alternatives, would it be cost-effective to buy it?"
"No."
"What if the prices of similar goods went up by a larger amount?"
"Then it would be a good idea to buy Ol' King Cold."
"Correct."
Mr. Shuster turned around and walked back to the black board on the wall. He grabbed a piece of chalk and drew a horizontal line and a vertical line to the left that connected to it. "Now this graph will tell us about the price of lumber. On left we have the prices and on the bottom here is the amount of lumber available. Assuming we had a large amount of lumber, where would it make sense to chart the price lumber.?"
I look at the graph and think about that. Supply and demand...would mean… I point to the bottom left corner from where I sit. "Would the price be low?"
"Correct." He puts a white dot near the bottom right corner and I frown. " In this graph however we have a large amount of lumber at a low price so this instance would be over to the right. Now tell me, what would happen if price of lumber doubled in Mistral, would the same amount of houses be built?"
Now before we answer this question tell me, where would I chart the new relationship between price and lumber on this graph if priced doubled?"
I point diagnonally up and to the left."Wouldn-"
I stop as Mr. Schuster raised a hand, then touched his glasses. "Don't try to do both at the same time. Tell me, where is the price doubled for lumber"
If prices went up…-doubled they would… "Would the price rise by an amount equal to the current price?"
"Correct, now how does this relate to the amount of lumber available?"
Hmm. I tilt my head as I wonder.
"You had the right idea earlier."
Hmm? Earlier? Oh!"
"Would the amount of lumber decrease?"
"By how much?"He countered.
...I looked at the graph, then hesitated. I knew where the new dot should go, but couldn't put it into words. I sat there, frustrated. That is until I decided to do something. "Mr. Schuster can I come up and place it?"
He shakes his head. "No need. Are you having trouble telling me where to mark on this graph?"
I clenched my fist briefly in my lap and then relaxed it. "Yes."
"That is good."
I stared at Mr. Schuster ,confused, It isn't good to be unable to answer a question. "Why Mr. Schuster?"
"You see this graph lacks some critical information, namely the price of lumber per unit and how many units of lumber exist. We have simply assumed plenty of lumber exists. The price could double if the amount of lumber decreased by ten units, or several hundred according to this graph." He then erases the graph. "It is important to keep in mind that there is a relationship between the factors we have on a graph and that they may not be wholly independent of each other. Now a proper question I can ask you is, if prices doubled, did demand rise, or fall?"
Oh please!
"Would that mean demand went up Mr. Schuster?"
Mr. Schuster begins to walk back around his table and stops in front of his stand.
" would happen then?How would entrepreneurs elsewhere respond?"
Well if prices had gone up and there was a demand then father would...
"Wouldn't people go to Mistral to sell lumber then?"
"Correct, until the demand, and prices went back down to an I want you to consider this. Where does the final cost in this relationship get reflected if houses are being built with this lumber?"
The mental image of a large, cliffside house comes to mind.
"...In the price of the house?"
"Correct, now here is another factor to consider, would the same amount of houses be built?"
"Well if there is a demand, wouldn't that mean houses are being built?"
"Possibly, now what would happen if the region had been hit by five waves of grimm or other natural disaster?"
I hesitated to answer that. "I don't… I don't know. Wouldn't people try to help?"
Mr. Schuster expression softened for a moment, then he continued. " That depends , Finding out the answers to such questions is part of economics. It may be a dismal science, however it is very important if we are to understand how the world works. For the disaster zone, several situations could play out. You must try to consider all the possible variables, and their relationships. Your own answers changed over time as the situation developed and you learned new open your folder."
I open it to find a worksheet.
Intro to economic terms
Name:Date:_
Write the definition of each term next to the term listed below
Economics:
Economic model:
Scarcity:
Resources:
Land:
Labor:
Capital:
Entrepreneurship:
Ceteris Paribus:
"I want you to answer these questions before our lesson this thursday."
Oh? This is surprisingly light. Meaning I can take my time with this.
"Somedays I will put things in the folder that we will use throughout the day, but today, all you need is that. Leave the folder with me when you leave, however to cover the matter of the Syllabus. We will go over that thursday before we start. I have left you a copy behind your definitions. If you have questions for me , ask them thursday."
I look, bending the top right corner of the definition worksheet to confirm the syllabus is behind and then let go. The Syllabus was stapled so that helped. I removed everything and left the folder open. "Mr. Schuster, is it fine if I leave the folder at my desk?"
"It is, Would you like me to leave it there before class begins instead of up here?"
"Yes please."
"Alright then." He then glanced at his left hand and checked the time. "We have a few minutes, but I won't hold you over." He glanced at me as I put my large weapon case on the desk, then my schedule, reading comprehension sheet and World History: Ancient Civilizations. I put my new worksheet and syllabus on top and then stand up. I collect everything, minus the weapon case, into my left arm with my book supporting everything. I grab the weapon case with my right and walk down toward the Mr. Schuster.
Rrrrrng.
I stand still and check if my scroll is vibrating. No. I look to the left as I approach the door on the right and see Mr. Schuster answer his scroll.
"Yes? Oh Mr. Dryman? Sorry 'Proffessor' Dryman. How can I help you? Yes? Yes?" He game me a signal to stop. "Yes she is right here. I see. The receptionist? Indeed. That would be best. Ok thank you for calling." He then hanged up.
"What was that about?"
"Mr. Dryman said you left your syllabus in his room. Since he is busy now he had the receptionist come get it, so before you leave the library, you should visit her. "
Well that works out.
"I will. Was that everything."
"Yes. you can go now."
I turn to the right and put the handle of the weapon case in my left hand and pull the door inward toward me. I spin on my heel counterclockwise and go around the door into upper floor of the library.
Now then… I look to ahead and on the right is the entrance to a spiral staircase. I grab the handle of the weapon case with my right hand and let the fingers of my left secure the book and papers.
I enter spiral staircase and am again reminded of a castle I look to the left and follow the stairs down. The pillar is a constant as I slowly work my way down the stone steps as I balance the weapon case in my right hand.
Going up was certainly easier.
I slow myself down as I keep having to lift the weapon case or else hit a step behind me. I awkwardly make my way down and am glad that the staircase is enclosed.
I'm not sure if my eyes accepted the unchanging view, my ears accepted the cadence of my boots or if I was preoccupied with not falling down the wide staircase with everything in tow. I pause, adjust my grip on the handle and continue downward.
I… I hope that when I'm older this gets easier. Wait. I won't have to wait that long, I'll be getting my aura unlocked! I pause again and put my weapon case down, making sure to hold my book and papers close to my chest as I cradle them in my left arm. I resist the urge to sit on the stone or my weapon case. That would be demeaning to my weapon and I.
I catch my breath and flex my hand and reach down for the weapon case again. My left fingers grip the book tightly and in a swift motion I pick up my weapon case. I raise it again and walk down, balancing myself between my weapon case, my white knee high boots that sound against the stone, and make sure not to let go of my papers that slightly flutter with each step until I'm finally on flat footing.
Finally!
14
I exit right.I stop once in the center aisle and squint with my right eye. I turn to the right and then have to squint both of my eyes.
The midday light angles in from the arch of smaller windows. Blue snowflakes were outlined across the rectangular silver tables and dark blue rugs that they stood upon. The light played differently across the silver and blue as the light shone through the painted windows both of ahead of me and through the tall windows that went flanked the library.
I walk along the rug to the main entrance, I look at the bookcases on my immediately on my right and those on the left across the tables. What I need is in there. I pass a pillar on my right, which is mirrored across the table, like the rest. The pillars, bookshelves, rooms. Only the bridges, rugs, and tables are not mirrored by something. Well that and the receptionist at her desk on the right. My boots then begin to sound out against the cold stone floor, chilled by the A.C.
I stop at the receptionists desk and place my weapon case on the floor again. I peak over the desk.
"Ms. Schnee?"
"Yes. I need books. Will you get 'The Hatchet', a dictionary, and… I was told Mr. Dryman left something for me."
"Ah yes I have that here." She places the stapled document on the desk and pushes it to me. "Would you like the books delivered to your room, or brought to the desk here?"
"My room." I don't plan on coming back if I have everything I need. I take the syllabus with my right hand and place it on the pile that I'm cradling in my left arm. "Oh! Do you carry school supplies?"
"We do."
"Great. Can you send a white three ring binder to my room, with paper, dividers, a pencil pouch , preferably already set up. I will need some strips to right subject names on as well."
"Yes , would you like extra materials?"
I pause. I could store things in the chest at end of my bed or at the bottom of the bookshelf to the right. "Yes."
"Will that be everything?"
I pause again as I review my needs. Book, I need to define some terms, writing material…
"I will need pen and pencils as will be all."
"Ok. Fiona!"
"Y-Yes Ma'am!" a younger voice responds.
I hear footsteps make their way over, the receptionist turns to me. "We can take care of things from here, you go on ahead."
"Of course."
I nod ,pick up my large weapon case and turn to the left as I walk to the door. I place my weapon case on the floor again next to the left door and pull the right door open. I'm not bringing my weapon out again. I grab it and pass through.
I glance down at the syllabus in my left arm's cradle. Well I messed up on that so any embarrassment I feel is earned.
I don't plan on staying in the study. I briefly look to the right at the large window, then the grandfather clock on the left in the corner.
12 o'clock.
Midday now. I turn to the left and pull the next door open after placing my weapon down.
I just need to go through that routine one more time then I will be in quite a fair situation.
Just keep up appearances. I walk down the hallway, make a right at the four way intersection and climb the stairs. I struggle with the weapon case a little, but reach the top , make a left and climb the second half. I ignore anything happening in the staff hallway and make the right corner until I find my room on the left. I briefly look at the plate on the top.
R-3
I then push the door inward after placing my weapon case down for the second to last time in this fashion and pick it up. I march over to my made bed and take a knee. I slide my weapon case underneath the bed and straighten myself. With that awkward weight gone I make my way around the bed and pass the door to my bathroom, I stop from going completely around the bed and place everything else on the circular silver table. I gaze up at the chandelier above the table, but decide against using it yet.
I shake my hands briefly then clasp my hands as I hold them in front. I pivot to the door. Now then… where is brea- I shake my head. Where is lunch? They didn't bring it up to my room...
I walk across the blue rug to the door and pull it open. I look to the right down the hallway, then the left. Nobody is coming bearing food.
Downstairs? Well first.
I turn around and walk back inside. I angle to the left and walk directly towards my bathroom,cutting across the room. I pass the armoire, but am quickly where I need to be. I push the white door in, then leave it open behind me as I go to the counter on the left and pull out the stool from underneath. I step on it and then reach for the soap. I turn on the faucet and let the cold water run as I clean my hands. I am what I eat and I don't plan on being a germ.
I apply the soap a second time and rinse my hands. Bubbles gather at the drain and once I'm satisfied I stop the water and check my handiwork. I take a smaller towel from a selection on the left and wipe my hands before stepping off the stool and lightly push it with my white knee high boots under the counter. I exit the bathroom and pull the door closed behind me , holding the handle with the hand towel in my hand. I angle to the exit, but before I leave I go around to the head of my bed and look at the two white baskets. I toss the hand towel into the one with a black L I turn around and finally make my way through the still opened door, deciding to leave it open for the staff from the library. The voice of the helper didn't exactly inspire confidence. That and… I still need to keep my hands clean.
I swerve to the left and feel my ponytail flip as I make my way across the stone floor to the corner. I make the corner to the right and then go down the first set of stairs, make a right and go down the second. I stop at the front entrance for a moment, but then decide to go to the right. I cross the the foyer. I passed a warm hearth a picture of mother hanged over it. I looked at it with mixed feelings. I was proud of her, but yet I was sad seeing her like this. Mom was grandpa's daughter… hmm
I stopped as I thought about something. Did mother wait for her dad to come home? Did grandpa look forward to coming home? Well I only heard good things about grandpa from mother, so…
The smell of warm food caught my attention. I looked at the portrait, then around me. I lightly waved at the woman in the picture in a gesture of farewell as I walked deeper into the the foyer, till I passed under one of several arches that left me in a hallway that ran horizontally and should be directly under the hallway where the residential rooms were.
I looked at the windows on the far wall, getting a good look at the mostly glass room that ran beneath all the inner facing rooms above. Down here they were combined into a large rectangular room that had a view of the inner courtyard. I turned to the left and passed between two large doors that had been left opened. I saw the hallway ran the same distance as the one above, but instead of the multiple doors there were four. Two on the left, two on the right, spaced out so that there was one set of double doors at each end of the hallways. Those on the right led to the glass room, but the ones on the left, those led to the dining room.
I walked across the white stone floor, my white shoes making my presence know. I hold my left arm up as If still carrying my things or a purse. I angle to the left side of the hallway as I near the first double doors. I stop once in front of it and knock. I cross my arms, then lower them when I hear someone grab the doorknob on the right from the other side and pull it inward.
"Oh Heiter, you were here..." I entered the chilled room, cooled by the A.C. I cross my arms again, this time to shelter my hands from the cold. I walked in and looked at the long silver table that ran along most of the rectangular room under a chandelier. White dishes sat on opposite ends near the middle of the table, thankfully not at the heads of the table. Dark blue drapes cover several windows that run along the wall, parted just enough to let in some of the light into the white room. I walked across the stone floor, angling to the right as i made my way to the head of the table. I paused once I realized something. "Do you know which of the dishes belongs to me Heiter?"
He shook his head from where he stood next to the door and looked to his left. Only then did I realize that someone else had been in the room.
A dignified maid with long curly rich brown hair that reminded me of fall stood on the left. Deep, green eyes looked at Heiter, then me. A pearly white hand lifted from where she held it in front at her waist. "The dishes on the left belong to you young miss." She indicated the dish with her hand, then returned it to her waist.
"I see." I turned away and walked around the tabled, then down the aisle between the far wall and the table. I stopped at the table and stood there, pulled my chair, letting it almost slide across the smooth floor just enough that I could take a seat after hopping up. I immediately grab the folded triangle that is my napkin and put it in my lap,unfolding it completely. I looked at the dish and realized I had a thin slice of quiche, Next to the small dish were green and orange cubes had been diced and served in a glass cup. A brown,sparkling muffin is off to the left on another small plate. A tall glass of water was on the right.
"Quiche lorraine , served with honeydew, cantaloupe, and a cinnamon banana bread muffin. " The dignified maid explained.
I was tempted to kindly say that I didn't ask, but…
I looked across the table and saw Heiter mimicking me as he glanced across the table that separated us.
The maid spoke up again. "Coffee and hot chocolate will be arriving soon."
I turned to the maid. "Hot chocolate?"
"Yes Heiter here wanted something different and the kitchen staff informed me that he had a known preference."
Ah I see so it was the kitchen staff… although how did she figure Heiter wanted something different?
I briefly imagine heiter managing somehow with some interruptive expressions. Probably a 'no' then many back and forths until the maid understood.
With my question answered I turned back to the dish. It was fresh from the kitchen, the quiche lorraine was hot, heat rose from it visibly in streams of steam. The heat from it was in sharp contrast to the cold of the room, generated both by the season and the AC.
I could see heiter holding his hands next to his quiche, warming them. I roll my eyes. Father or Winter would get him for that.
"Heiter keep your hands in your lap until we eat, straighten your back. There. Good."
Much better.
"Now... We wait until our drinks arrive and the food cools enough."
Ah.
I turn to the maid. "Go check on the kitchen."
She puts a hand to her chest and bows. "Yes young miss, Right away." I watch her leave through the door and turn to the right before disappearing out of view.
I turn back to heiter. "The hot chocolate and coffee should have been served with the meal." Heiter looks away for a moment. "Heiter!" I call. He needs to pay better attention to when someone is talking… "Now then…" I trail off as I realize asking him 'What were you' would be a broad question, one that he couldn't answer. Fine. I'll dumb it down. Now what should I ask…
…
…
…
…
"Are you well?"
He nods lightly.
I brighten up as I realize a good set of questions.
"Have you had classes as well?"
He nods lightly.
Let's see… 'who did he have?' No I need to stick to yes and no questions.
"Have you had trouble with the material?"
He looked up, pondered for a moment. He shook his head. Good. His face is just soo easy to read. Father or Winter usually have a calm or stoic expression most of the time. It is their choice of words that help me understand them. Heiter is different in that has to be very expressive because he can't- Oh.
Memories of how my lessons went with the usual back and forth discussions come to mind.
Straight to the point then.
"Did you have trouble being unable to speak?" I mean he can only answer yes or no questions.
He looked to me. He nodded, then shook his head.
"Yes or no Heiter?" I need a straight answer.
He nodded, paused, then shook his head.
"Heiter.." I look at the exit the where the maid left, then back to Heiter. "Yes or-?
Heiter had signaled for me to stop with his left hand, Interrupting me. He had a look of concentration on his face as he evidently struggled to tell me 'something'.
I lean back in my seat, keeping eye contact with him. I see that both of us are going to need to get better at this.
"So yes?"
He shook his head.
"So no?"
He shook again.
"Heiter you can't have it both ways with this. It's a yes or no question."
He shook his head.
"You're telling me i'm wrong?" I raise an eyebrow.
He nodded. I sighed. "Heiter it is a yes or no question. Did you have problems being unable to speak?"
Heiter didn't answer this time. He raised a hand, putting some space between his thumb and index finger.
Oh. So this is what he might have been dealing with.
"So you had some problems…"
The Winter inside me chided me about how the question didn't specifically need a yes or no response. That was just an assumption. And I knew what assumptions did.
I sat for a few moments, I readied another question, but stopped once I caught sight of the maid. She entered the room carrying a kettle, teapot and cups on a silver tray.
She went to my side first and set down the tray on my right. She expertly picked up the kettle and poured what my nose said was coffee into a cup before setting the kettle down with a clink. She then placed the cup of coffee next to my glass of water.
The maid then bowed to indicate she was leaving and neatly pivoted to the right and walked around the table. When she came back to the left on the other side she repeated the same process, Heiter was watching as well, I then noticed that he was watching me, mimicking my actions again.
Right then.
I look at the maid, then at Heiter.
I grab the napkin in my lap by two corners and lift it before settling it down in my lap again. I watch heiter pick up his napkin on next to his utensils and do the same.
Ok… Now…
I look at the lorraine quiche was yellow, fluffy and had some red pieces inside that i could see from the side. Crust was present in the bottom and at the back. The top, a slightly harder gold than the fluffy yellow below, had some small green slices that looked like miniature leaves. It seemed to have cooled enough to not be scalding.
I grab my silver knife with my right hand and my fork and the fork with my left. I raise them a little and give heiter a look. He mimics me and I give an approving nod.
Next…It's harder to do this when instructing instead of naturally as I have been taught.
I keep my utensils facing down and close to the plate. I put the tines of my fork into the end of the slice and cut it with my knife. Keeping the fork facing down, I turn it around and take a bite.
Soft, lightly salted and peppered egg that just seems to part when eating was accompanied by small crumbled pieces of bacon. The crust crisp, providing just enough of a crunch to offer variety from the softness of the egg. Finely chopped onion and cheese was what I noticed to be mixed in with the bacon, I had noticed the bacon first, but now I was getting a mixture. I could taste something else , but I couldn't identify it.
A nutritious , yet light meal. I was worried about not consulting the kitchen, but It it was for naught as usual. They know what they are doing.
I take a few more bites in the same practiced manner, not rushing to eat. I send a glare to heiter when he doesn't pay attention. He isn't eating properly every now and then. Be good now heiter!
I send another glare and this time he seems to pick up on it. I lightly motion with my hands, then look at his. I set my utensils down on the right side of the plate and take a sip from the glass of water.
I guess I should show him everything once instead… No I need to show him when to eat what is on the plate.
The cantaloupe and honeydew can be eaten with the fork. I pick up the fork with my right hand and keep my left in my lap as I sample the watery cubes, getting an orange cantaloupe first.
When my fork partially pierced the cantaloupe, water lightly parted around the intrusion. I slowly raised it to my mouth, not leaning forward and took a bite. A sweet taste distributed itself both in the cube and the water through my mouth before leaving a slightly musky aftertaste.
The light green honeydew was next and after a deliberate motion I took another bite. It was much sweeter and had a sugary taste to it. It was like a watermelon in that regard, but firmer and with a taste of honey.
I set down my fork after two more bites from the glass cup. My gaze turns to one of the banana muffin. It has a nice rounded top which I reach for. I pinch the top and remove a small portion. I slowly bring it back and take a bite. It was light, but dense with banana flavor. The cinnamon served to provide a sweet and crunchy topping.
I look to heiter again and confirm that he should take only a small pinch. He then repeats my action. He had previously taken a larger pinch of the top.
Satisfied that I had shown him how to eat his food I slowly and methodically began to work through my food , making sure to take small bites. I only ate the top of the muffin as that was the best part.
When I finally finished my meal I began to drink the coffee which had now cooled enough. I sipped in silence as the maid kept watch over me and my copper haired friend… scratch that his hair has a rustic sheen again…
Hmm. Oh well. I ignore it and continue to drink my coffee, wondering what the rest of the day will bring.
Hmm actually there is no need for that… I believe I have… Physical exercise next…
I finish a cup and have the maid refill my cup. Heiter follows suit and the maid walks around to fill his.
I frown at the thought of PE so soon. I can still feel yesterdays routines in my body. Well I will deal with that when the moment comes to pass. For now…
I begin to review my classes in my mind. I frown again. I think now... is time to go and work on that notebook and write notes. The staff should have brought the requested materials by now and I need to assemble my dividers.
I set my coffee down after having it refilled again , missing the heat it provided to my hands. I fold my napkin partially and confirm my utensils are placed appropriately before pushing myself out of my seat so that my feet are against the floor again.
I turn to the maid, making eye contact with her green eyes. "I'll be in my room."
I look back to my seat. "Have my coffee brought up to my room." I don't bother to listen to her response and pull out my scroll from my blue cardigan sweater's right waist pocket.
I unlock my screen and check the time.
12:33 pm. Plenty of time for everything. I lock the screen and put it back in my pocket. If my schedule is going to be like this at dinner then I can see why the 'extra' time. I walk around the silver table and make my way to the door, mentally switching gears as I begin to think of my classes and notebook.
It would be best if I looked at my schedule and formed my dividers based on that. I should leave some additional dividers just in case for the other classes I will have on.. I will need to ask for a second notebook for Monday-Wednesday and friday courses. No wait I might have a spare… Well I know my current classes of Reading comprehension, Piano, History and Economics so I should tailor those dividers first…
The general notes should be…
Strategies for beginning and end of paragraph, keywords, and answering the question.
How to study ancient history. How it was recorded. Differences between… geology and geography.
Then Mr. Schuster's questions about economic situations with…Ol' King cold, lumber and...societies unlimited wants…
I strain as I remember some additional things.
We did cover grandpa for a bit. Oh and that bit about slavery in history…
Ok it is a start. Now assignments… come on don't forget…
I have the Hatchet pages… one through six? Then pages 8 to 12 for World History: Ancient Civilizations. I have my reading response worksheet for the Hatchet as well and the 9… It was nice definitions for economics? I'll need to check though I'm sure I checked beforehand. I will need to make some open preparations for an open discussion in history…
Well I just need to remember this then I can write it down in a rough summary for my notes, then expand on it as I remember more from class...
A/N
Ello again! So there is the chapter! One more then I will try my test bed for the other writing style. I think the current format , which I'm presently referring to as a 'Full Life', Is working fine. There will presently be one more 'Full life' to finish the series of three chapters, then I will demo some 'Short Life' and possibly a 'short progression'. That last bit will be awhile so just look forward to the upcoming life segments! Hope you enjoyed the chapter and have a pleasant day!
11-19-17: Slight update! I will be unavailable for writing until sometime in January, I'm going to be meeting new people, and working towards a goal till then so I will be indisposed. I do have another chapter partially finished, so when I return from this excursion I will be good to go! Take care everyone!
