Adventures Class is what it's called

[Lunadrakla]

Kacey fiddled with the buckle on her satchel as she looked at the map once more. This was her first day of class and she didn't want to be walking into a classroom that she didn't belong in. After checking the map a second time, she finally deterimined that the room she was in front of was indeed The Adventurers. Taking a deep breath, she opened the door to the next step in this adventure.

She had chosen to wear a worn, black, silk sleeveless shirt that fit tight against her body with a soft leather jacket that was dyed black as well and cut where it was mainly just the long sleeves. The jacket had once been long but after a few accidents, she had simply seamed the edge and found it looked pretty cute cut to the mid-drift. A pair of black worn-out leather pants is what doned her lower half and hid the black calf-high leather boots that sported many empty knife sheaths.

She didn't like being without her weapons, she had come to enjoy the extra security they gave her. Rules were clear though and they had been good about picking her clean. She wasn't defensless without them, but they made problems easier to take care of.

Mentally pushing her pity-me crys aside, she moved into the classroom and looked around. There were students in there already, most of them gathered in groups chatting, a few of them sitting alone. Either way it helped Kacey with the slight dilemma she was facing. This was the first time she had ever been in a classroom. At least one with other people in it. It helped her to understand that the smaller desks were for the students. Shifting out of the doorway and others path, she studied the room for where might be a good place to sit.

[Acies ab Vesania]

Chaflin was one of the students sitting alone, keeping quiet amongst the others busily engaging with others they knew, he watching the others instead of interacting. Nothing in his demeanor suggests snobbishness or a disdain for others, only an easygoing curiosity and just the mildest signs of anxiety. It was clear that the unfamiliar faces inside of a new class rattled the gentle looking giant, but he maintained his composure well enough, keeping a calm presence about him nonetheless. He is perplexing in this appearance, subtle signs of meekness and worry, but a sort of caring and kindness worn in his eyes, packaged in a giant body and handsome face, typically the form belonging to an arrogant bully. To say the least, Chaflin is different from what normal expectations bring about and it to those with just slightly better than average abilities to read others, there is something far more complex about this young man than what first appears on the surface.

He notes the entrance of another young woman, someone who appeared to be at least as uncomfortable as he was, judging by her demeanor and her need to recheck her map to ensure her arrival at her intended destination. She dressed solely in black, but did not appear to Chaflin to be someone recently departing from a funeral, so her choice in attire must be a personal one, which he found interesting. Most people from his home wore simple light colored cotton and wool garbs, growing the material or shearing sheep for it and making it into light clothing for summer wear and thick and warm wear for winter. They wore simple tones, but black they mainly wore only at formal events, with white, and black alone at funerals. Here, it seemed everyone had a unique way of dressing and displaying personal tastes, some even going so far as to spend luxurious amounts of currency on things to wear, which amused Chaflin greatly.

As she is unsure and clearly wary, Chaflin gives the newcomer a warm smile, nothing flirtatious, simply welcoming and reassuring. He does so because he himself feels ill at ease and out of place, and to see someone else experiencing similar plights made him feel a little better, knowing that he did not suffer such feelings alone. Too often, he felt limited by shyness and anxiety, as if something were inherently wrong with him, something invalid that made his company insignificant. It helped to know that there were situations where the feelings were normal and experienced by others, that he was not alone in this journey, or adventure to use the classroom term, through new classes and a change in his life. Just days ago, he met new people and made new friends, experienced new sights and learned new things; nothing said this class would not be the same.

[Lunadrakla]

As Kacey canned the room, she also measured the other students for the possible threats they might be. It was more out of habit then the need to. There seemed to be only one or two students that she would have any concerns about. That’s what she thought till she noticed the giant sitting at one of the desks. Not that she missed him when she walked in but now he seemed to be squaring her up as well. At first glance she would have pegged him for the normal dull minded bulling type. At closer examination though she saw he had more friendly features that showed signs of laughter and smiles, instead of frowns and scowls. This of course made him less of a concern, not less of a threat but most that laughed and smiled along with the friendly features didn’t cause trouble as much.

Just as shewas about to push him out of her mind to assess the best sit to choose again,he smiled. This was something she hadn’t expected and it caused her to pause for a moment. Shifting her weight, she quickly came to the decision to go make friends with this giant. Well perhaps acquaintance would be a better term. Thelast friend she had was only around for two days then disappeared.

Moving towards him, she unconsciously let her hair slip in front of her left eye as she searched for any sign he might give that the smile was merely an acknowledgment and not an invitation to approach him. If a sign was made then she would simple detour around him and sit in a seat within the same sight as he was. Though if none was made then she would address him with a greeting. “Hello…I’m Kacey."

[Acies ab Vesania]

When she approached him and offered her hand in introduction, Chaflin quickly rises to his feet; standing at nearly six and a half feet and just a hair less than 300lbs, Chaflin is a massive figure who could easily intimidate others, were it within his nature to do so. In spite of how easy it would be for him to instill fear in others, Chaflin does not come across as intimidating nor scary; but instead a little awkward and nervous, taking her hand in a firm handshake with a mild bit of trepidation, and his other hand behind the back of his head. He gives her hand two polite pumps, firmly gripping her hand but without making an effort to crush her hands, showing a surprising amount of restraint and control of his own strength. Of note are his hands themselves, massive hands that easily engulf her hands, calloused and rough, the hands of a man who has spent his life working hard. Not only is the gallant giant a gentle one, but he one that appears to made of values and work ethic, willing to put in the hard day’s work and more.

“Nice to, er, meet you Kacey. I am, uh, Chaflin. I guess we’re in this class together.”

Chaflin flushes slightly, feeling sort of the fool for making such an obvious remark, when truly his intentions were just to be friendly and make light conversation, while waiting for the teacher to begin the lessons. Some might take his flushing to be a sign of nervousness around a young woman, but a true look at his body language reveals nothing of that sort at all. Rather, is that of a young man who clearly has had little interaction with people outside his former subculture. It is not that he does not notice her attractive qualities or the tight fit of her clothing, but that instead of focusing on the outside appearances, he is truly interested on what goes on within the person. Besides, he still is not ready to date others at this time.

Taking his seat again, making the poor chair squeal in protest, Chaflin blushes once more, as his seat loudly proclaims its opposition to his butt making use of it. The furniture really is ill fitted for the young man, made for the average sized student, adequate up until people of slightly larger than average stature, but certainly not for those built like an oak tree. Chaflin makes the desk look small, as if he were an average adult trying to sit at a desk designed for young adolescents. It truly is a comical sight, but he tries to play it off and certainly does not voice his discomfort; the less attention he drew to himself, the better. As it is, Chaflin feared that he might have already made himself look like a simple country bumpkin in front of this new person who was kind enough to meet him.

[Lunadrakla]

Kacey felt the shivers climb up her spine as Chaflincame to his feet. She made no outwards sign of it, though. It wasn’t that he scared her; it was simply the effect of watching a giant unfold himself to show just how much of a giant he was.

Kacey’s eyes followed him as he proceeded to rise above her. She had to look up to keep her eyes on his face since she only stood 5’8”. When his hand wrapped around hers, she could feel the marks that hard work had left behind on his palms. Apparently he was a farmer’s boy or someone that worked just as hard.

She noted the flush in his cheeks but paid no mind to it. She felt there was no reason to bring attention to it since his body language didn’t read to have an issue with her. She raised an eyebrow in question at his obvious discomfort with the seats that were provided.

Glancing around, she quickly decided to sit in the seat in front of him. For some reason she had the notation she could have him at her back and not worry. And it kept her in a reasonable close proximity to someone she ‘knew’. Since when one was in an unfamiliar place, one tried to be near something that had familiarity or association. Turning sideways in the chair so she could still talk and see him she gave him another smile while trying out the feel of his name on her tongue. “Chaflin,” She repeated it a few times while keeping an eye on him. She wanted to be sure to say it right of course.

“I guess we are in the same class together, as long as this is Adventurers?” Her voice was soft like just above a whisper much different then when she first greeted him. Then she had a confidence that spoke that she was supposed to be there, now it seemed to be much more timid in what she did. One hand returned to the buckle on her satchel while the other seemed to finger the outside of her leg like something was supposed to be there.

[Acies ab Vesania]

Chaflin watched the newcomer as she took a seat and turned back around towards him, surprising him in that she had an interest in continuing a conversation with someone like him. Equally surprising to him was the change in the pitch in her voice, from the smooth confidence of someone who appeared in control to that of an almost hushed whisper, someone showing just the slightest hint that they too felt the jitters stirred by unfamiliar situations. While she spoke, Chaflin noticed her wandering hands return to a particular part of her belt, what appeared to be a repetitive motion for her, and though naïve to some of the ways of others, Chaflin was able to surmise that she was evidently missing something normally with her.

In response to her question, Chaflin quickly pipes up,

“Oh yes, this is the right class. I was unsure myself, but I have heard a few of the other students talking about it. It is supposed to be a helpful class and they say the Professor is an interesting fellow; we’ll have to wait and see I guess. He seems to be running a few minutes late today.”

Chaflin looks back at the door, a questioning look on his face clearly expressing his wondering of the teacher’s late arrival. The staff expected punctuality of the students, but it certainly did not include that of the staff, which could choose to be late if they were so inclined. Chaflin though, was still getting used to the ways of an academy’s teaching styles, where the teachers were often less formal and relaxed in their ways, and certainly felt entitled to running a few minutes late if they were so inclined. Where Chaflin came from, the teachers were there well before the students and well after.

[Lunadrakla]

Kacey watched the look of surprise on his face as she turned around towards him after sitting down. She wasn’t sure if it was due to her sitting in front of him or the fact she was still talking to him. The way he was acting reminded her of some of the street urchins she used to talk to for information. They would act like it was a miracle that she noticed their existence and even more so that she wanted to talk to them.

A smile tugged at her mouth as Chaflin quickly replied to her question and at the same time admitted his own previous doubts about this being the right class. As Chaflin’s eyes traveled to the door, so did Kacey’s, she too wondered what could be keeping the teacher. She didn’t know what to expect of teachers in general so she couldn’t make an opinion of them yet. Turning back to Chaflin, she studied him once again as he stared at the door.

She found it entertaining to watch his face change with each new emotion that seemed to affect him. It was so different from the people she was used to dealing with. It made a feeling of protectiveness come over her which she found slightly alarming. He had strength and what seemed proper upbringing so why would she feel the need to protect him from the harsh world that they lived in? She tried to shake the feeling but for now it seemed she had to deal with it.

After a moment, she glanced around the room again before asking in her soft voice, “Is this your first year? In school I mean?” There wasn’t much to do at the moment, so she thought that she might be able to get all the information she possibly could out of this boy if she could keep him talking. Or at least that’s what she kept telling herself. She knew that asking a few questions at a time would help to keep him from clamming up,so she just started with those two and waited politely for an answer.

[Acies ab Vesania]

“I started in the second term last year, so I guess it is and it is not, all depending on how you look at it. I started as sort of a fancy, I guess you could say, following some events that happened back home. I never put much thought into an expanded education before.”

The admitted revelation causes the young man to blush slightly, as if admitting to having no prior plans for a more in depth education were a thing to make one ashamed. Which was exactly what he worried over, thinking that stating as much only painted further the picture of a young country bumpkin, ignorant in the ways of others, too socially inept and uncultured for associating with the likes of other students. In his anxious state, he finds himself running his hand through his hair again, large muscles flexing involuntarily. This serves to reveal further his massive size in direct conflict with the projected image of a shy and awkward young man holding nervous interactions with another person. Despite the blaring contradictions, he seems to be completely genuine in his diffident behaviors, truly a strangely unique individual.

Though he revealed a small part of himself, just a tantalizing hint of something to do with his life before the school, he abruptly stops at the little details already shared, highlighting what may be a sensitive area for the young man. The manner in which his voice changes while mentioning these ‘events’ only emphasizes the importance of the events in his life more so, though he does not carry on with that vein of discussion. Instead, he closes up once more, though not doing so by any rude means, only his shyness creeping out again. His hands return from the mop of hair on his head and lace together in front of himself, clutched slightly, though he appears to be fighting the urge to wring his hands together. It seems as though he may have quieted down for the immediate future, before impulsively blurting,

“Where are you from?”

He rushes as he speaks, clearly surprised by his utterance and looking fearful that such an impulsive and personal query may lead to rebuke and anger, so in response to his own question, he quickly replies,

“I mean, if you don’t mind sharing that is.”

[Lunadrakla]

Kacey listened to his words and visibly showed how she soaked the information into her memory. The more she listened to Chaflin, the more she was finding him an attraction. Not in the dating sense but as a person. His body reflected that of a strong young man that shouldn’t have too many concerns of life. His actions and speech though was bringing out the need to protect him from the problems of the world out in her.

As he brought his hand up to mess with his own hair, she timidly moved her hand up to remove her hair from in front of her eye. She let her features relax to allow her interest in what he was speaking about show. She seemed totally immersed in his short introduction before the abrupt halt.

A look of disappointment flashed across her eyes before she hid it. Her eyes followed his hand as it returned from its adventure in his hair to join its partner on the desk. The sight of watching his hands lace together and grip each other put a seed of worry in Kacey’s mind. This was a seed of worry brought by past memories that began to pull her into their grip before Chaflin yanked her free with his sudden question.

“Where am I from?” Her voice was softer than before and stayed that way for the following answer that took a few moments to come out. “I’m from….I’m from the streets. I’m from the abandon halls of an…..I was a city ward for a short while, but now I’m here.”

She looked up into Chaflin’s eyes for a moment before dropping her eyes once again to his hands. Reaching her own hands out, she timidly touched his fingers; just a brush at first but then a more firm touch as she tried to slip her fingers between his to free them from their self strangulation. If he would allow her to have his hand, she would gently turn the palm up and study the inside of his hand.

She did this to stop the temptation of memories coming back and also in hopes of learning more about him through the work lines and tattle tell signs that are left from actions of habit.

[Acies ab Vesania]

What is she doing?

Chaflin stared in wonder as she reached out to him, closing the distance between casual and personal space, crossing into thresholds commonly known as intimate spaces. She tentatively grasps his fingers, breaking their clasp over each other, seeking to pull them away and turn a single hand over, palm up, open for scrutiny. Chaflin allows her to do these things because he is too stunned to stop her, not that he is offended, only surprised that someone acted so boldly, and did so to him. Calloused and creased hands, stained by years of dirt and mud, scratched into rough surfaces by the use of tools and the shucking of corn turn to face the young woman who examines the boy’s hands. Knicks and scars decorate the surface like intricate designs on finely carved pieces, each unique and specially crafted to add just the slightest accentuation, separating it from the rest.

His palms are rough, but not without an underlying smoothness worn into his grip by many handshakes and many days spent working with animals and people. The scars are shallow and full of tales not of pain and arduous effort, but honest work and long summer days spent earning the food placed on the table. Calluses decorate the mounds of his hands like peaks of a mountain, telling of the high points in his life, for greater amounts of work meant greater rewards, both in the economy of food and home, as well as in spirit. Through the designs imprinted in the folds of his flesh, stories shared tell of all his good times and the bad. Though coarse on the outside and decorated in the marks of a hard worker, beneath the rough are hands of a loving warmth that radiates peace and gentleness, empathy and caring, depth of a human who is truly, a man.

Chaflin knows not what to make of her impulsive action, so he sits in awkward silence and allows her to do what she means to do. The actions themselves do not bother him; they are just surprising and a little off-putting. Put off a little by the belief that perhaps in this part of the world, people did not observe personal space as sacred as others did back home. The intrusiveness is easy to get over, considering that someone is willingly interacting with him and not only in response to his attempts, but seemingly interested in a genuine sense. It felt good to be the center of attention for once, though just thinking that made him feel ill at ease and a little guilty. Only the young and the sick were the center of attention, and Chaflin was neither.

He had seen both in his lifetime. The young grow out of their shortcomings, gaining capability and wisdom rapidly in time, contributing to the family, as they are able. It is nice to shower them in a little extra attention; it made him smile when the little ones smiled back at him. The ill, they often did not grow out of their conditions, particularly those who suffered true sickness, not the fleeting kind that annoy you a time or two in the cold winter months but soon leave without incident. He had seen the sort of illness that carries a person from life into death, from vibrancy to eternal sleep, and they received the focus of attention because of their inevitable passing soon to occur. He went through that once, and hoped to never relive it again.

Simply thinking about it causes his friendly features to fall just slightly, the creases of worry slanting his brows.

[Lunadrakla]

Kacey’s fingers traced and ran over every scar and smoothed out rough patch on his palm. She wanted to see it there were things that her eyes missed. She hadn’t missed the way Chaflin seemed to get uncomfortable about her taking his hand, but she didn’t think it wise to release it just yet. The idea of him gripping his hands again caused a slight tremble in her shoulders that she quickly quieted down.

After observing his palm thoroughly and getting what she was hoping an idea of what he was like, she moved his hand to sit once again on the desk but with distance between it and the other one. The story she read of hard work yet caring times, enough caring to let the calluses wear down to smoothness had her intrigued and confused.

At that moment, her ears picked up the sound of the knob turning on the door. She turned her head to look, while her fingers slid to the place on her leg where her dagger used to lay. What walked in was a man.



1.
Adventure Teacher






Mr. Bruce Hickson provides his students with a surprising and refreshing dualityo f being. On the one hand, the man is a bit of a dandy. He obsesses over cleanliness constantly, often complains about his sensitive stomach and is never seen without his monocle. On the other hand Mr. Hickson is bold, sometimes to the point of being impetuous, excessively demanding of himself and his students, strictly disciplined and, seemingly, without fear.

“I’m Mr. Hickson, your teacher for Adventurers class. Now that we have all been introduced, let us go and see what we can learn!” With that he turned and began to leave the classroom once more.

[Acies ab Vesania]

Letting her hold his hand was both an awkward interesting experience for Chaflin, who sat quietly as she inspected every element of his hand, down to the last callous and crease. He thought it strange that she put his hand at such a distance from the other, comfortably resting on the desk, yet purposely left opposite his other hand. He can almost sense her intent behind it, though in his naivety and inexperience, he still could not quite grasp what those intentions were and what they meant. He barely knew the young woman, but already she took up a great deal of his interest, the little she revealed spoke of much more yet still waiting to be displayed, and that alone caught his interest. Her mannerisms as well, spoke of history and presence, such as the way she kept drawing her hand back to a certain point, with the slightest stimulus from within the room.

Again, her hand moved to that place on her leg, as the handle to the door jingled and soon led to the portal’s opening, revealing an interesting fellow whose presence alone declared him the instructor for the course. Chaflin sits up straight, lacing his hands back together once more, only this time in a much more relaxed fashion, showing attentiveness instead of anxiety. He waits for every word the teacher has to share, sure that there would be much to learn within this class. Despite being a country boy whom by all appearances should have no academic interests or strengths, he pays close attention to the teacher and shows a keen eagerness to learn. He looks slightly disappointed, and then intrigued once more, when the first thing to come from the teacher is not instructions or lessons, but a simple bidding, to follow him outdoors.

Of course it all made sense, an adventure class taking place outside is like a class on recreational activities taking place within a yard; it is both logical and really, necessary to a degree. How could one learn about adventuring and surviving in the wild if they did not first experience what it is to be outside and on your own? Chaflin felt glad for the insight of his teacher and felt a greater level of confidence for the education he will receive. Of course, he could only hope that he would be able to quickly learn what he is taught and retain that knowledge both during the class term and in the future when he someday has need to practice that knowledge. He still felt a little worried that in the end he would both fail the class and have to drop from school, or barely pass and someday find that his poorly developed skills failed him in survival.

Worse yet, his failures could spell the difference between life and death for a companion, not just himself.

Chaflin redirects his attention to the instructor and rises from his ill fitting desk, knocking it around slightly as he tries his best to get out of the seat without appearing to out of sorts. He manages to get out without making too much noise, though his efforts are obvious and slightly comical. Fortunately, most are occupied enough with their own departures and gathering of supplies to take note of the less than graceful exit from his seat. Even still, Chaflin’s cheeks turn slightly pink, and he hurries to grab his things and make for the door, before he can do anything else clumsy or foolish. At least outside, he would have some room.

[Lunadrakla]

Mr. Hickson’s departure from the room left nothing but a feeling of uneasiness in Kacey. She had through her conversation with Chaflin, gotten a feel for the classroom and had everything planned should the ‘troubles’ hit the ceiling. Now they were told to leave and go to a completely different location.

She knew that these things happened on occasion but that didn’t mean that she had to like it. Kacey hadn’t pulled anything out of her bag, so when she was told to follow Mr. Hickson, she could have easily just gotten up and followed. Instead, she moved to the door and waited patiently for Chaflin to join her.

Walking with him outside, she followed the teacher as he led them all the way to the gates of the school and out. She hadn’t gotten a chance to explore the grounds very well yet so she had not a clue as to where they were headed.

Kacey looked up at Chaflin wondering what his opinion of all this was. Seeing outside though, made him look smaller which didn’t help her feeling the need to protect him. After a few moments though, she reached out of her comfort zone once again to lightly touch Chaflin’s arm in hopes of gaining his attention. “Where is he taking us do you think?” Her question was almost lost to the sounds of students chatting and some complaining as Mr.Hickson showed no sign of slowing down.

Mr. Hickson led them around and right into the Painted Forest Park. Once there, he paused under the foliage of a tree and waited for the students to catch up. He only waited long enough for the last student in sight to move where they might be capable of hearing before beginning his lecture. Any that were still out of sight would have to find someone to get the beginning from.

The lecture was about the difference between surviving and adventuring. Kacey watched as some of the students already had paper and utensils to write with, out. Some of the students scrambled to get some out. She simply stood there and listened. She memorized the words he said that way as to recall them later, but she would learn from his words alone.

Part of it being due to the lack of knowing how to reador write, but she didn’t feel the need to point it out in a class where all one had to do was listen.

Her fingers itched to hold the cool metal of a blade with her being completely exposed in an area where there were many places someone could hide, but she held her fingers tight onto the strap of her bag.

She didn’t notice, but she had also placed Chaflin at her back unconsciously placing the responsibility upon him to keep it safe. Her senses not only open to the actions of the teacher but to that of everything around her as well.

One thing lead to another and to another as Mr. Hickson preached. The differences between surviving and adventuring leading to the variety of talents one would like to pick up. And then to the variety of talents that Mr. Hickson would attempt to teach them. These included how to deal with people and read them or at least assess them, how to haggle, how to track, how to map, and all the other fancy things that were required to make an impressive traveler.

But what he wanted to do was first make sure they each knew how to survive. “Because an adventure isn’t too fun if you’re dead.”

[Acies ab Vesania]

Spoiler:

Sorry for the delay, I was going to post a few days ago, and then had some family issues come up that delayed me further.

The class began with the basics, teaching principals that consisted largely of common sense, but from that basic starting point, built new principals. For only being the first day, the teacher conveyed much information, imparting a great deal of knowledge. Chaflin paid close attention, scrawling down notes as he is able to find hard surfaces sufficient for writing upon his paper, other times having to settle for attentive listening and aural memorization. Again, a characteristic flies in the face of stereotypical norms founded on appearances, that Chaflin is such a careful and prepared student and not some feebleminded athlete with no academic talents. His eagerness to learn and effort put behind the attempt is admirable, regardless of his appearances.

You have to appreciate those who put efforts behind their goals.

The class goes by without event, a great deal taught and much more waiting revelation is obvious. The teacher ends the day by assigning a homework assignment, in which each student must pick a partner to take into the woods later that day, and apply some of their newly learned skills to create some basic survival tools that may aid an adventurer caught without his gear. Chaflin looks to Kacey, the only person he has met within this class and therefore built some kind of safe familiarity, and says:

"Well, if you don't mind, I guess we could be partners, you're the only person I know in this class so far, anyway."

He looks down at the ground and kicks the dirt, giving off a feeling of slight nervousness and just that hidden measure of embarrassment that overlaps nearly everything he does, as if he is unsure of whether or not his social interactions are up to par with the expected norms of other students on the campus.

[the golden flower]

-I'm just going to post here... Since this place has some activity... if that's alright.-

Ailsa Graystone still wasn't completely sure about this place. It was a beautiful campus, much larger then any of the schools that she had seen in Gaia. It seemed old as well, and filled with a lot of people trying to learn what they could about the world. Lance had hoped to help her get a fresh start on her studies here, away from Gaia where she had so much to live up too. Here, people didn't know her family. They had no idea who she was, or where she came from. They couldn't care less and she did like the idea of it. She was just worried she wouldn't fit in.

Making her way into the first class on her list, Adventure Class, she took several deep breaths. She had to keep calm, first impressions and all that. Because of that she had decided on a simple outfit for her first day of Academy learning. Her orange hair was brushed out and put up into a high ponytail, and she wore very little makeup. She had chosen her black, long sleeve cotton shirt with red trim along with blue jeans and her heavy traveling boots. The shirt and the jeans looked in fairly good condition. The boots though were heavily warm but in good condition. She kept her bookbag with her, filled with a few note boots and pens. Always need stuff to take notes on.

When she got into the classroom though, she paused. The class was already going, she had gotten there late! With a blush of embarrassment, she made her way to the teacher and apologized for her tardiness. "I promise it won't happen again."

Once the teacher had scolded her and made sure she knew that he wouldn't tolerate anymore tardiness, he let Ailsa take her seat. She was only there for a short time when they were told to get up and follow the teacher outside. At least she had gotten there soon enough not to be left behind!

Once they were outside she paid attention the best she could, writing down notes and listening close to what the teacher said. It was the first day, and he threw a lot of words at her. But once he was done, he asked them to find a partner and head out to the woods. She looked around the area, trying to figure out who to talk to. She had to find someone...

"This is going to be fun," she muttered.