Tremble Foolish Mortals: The Gods and You , Class One [Period 5, Thursday]

[sideburnsofwar.livejournal.com]

The students were greeted with an empty classroom as they filed in.

Once everyone was seated, Ares appeared in a flash of blue light. "Greetings," he said. "I am Ares, God of War, and before you all start with the questions and flailing and prostrating yourself before me in worship, yes I am the Ares, and I am a real god. I'll be happy to give a demonstration to anyone who doesn't believe me." His tone suggested that while he might be happy to give a demonstrate, the person he gave it to wouldn't be.

"Now, to class. I'm assuming you all signed up because you want to learn more about the gods," Ares said, leaning against his desk. "Believe me you will. Forget the drunken ramblings of half-mad priests and madder politician, from me you'll be hearing firsthand accounts of the gods, in all their glorious and less than glorious moments. As you can see from the syllabus, we will be focusing on the Greek pantheon, otherwise known as the Olympians. Because, hey, you can't escape family."

"Because this is the first class, and I realise you may all be somewhat awed by being taught by me, a real live god, I'm going to go easy on you all, trust me, it won't happen again. Today you're just going to introduce yourself, tell the class which gods and goddesses you worship and why."

He waved a dismissive hand at the class. "Well, what are you waiting for, go on."

[ooc: OCD threads coming is up!]

[Class Roster|Syllabus|Previous Classes]

Comments

Re: During the lecture - TGaY [Class One]

[sneerkite]

Steerpike accepted the picture and examined it.

It really was a fine piece of technology, this "camera". Fascinating.

"It does look very accurate."

Re: During the lecture - TGaY [Class One]

[misshargrove.livejournal.com]

Annette smiled wide at Skeeterpeeter. Blink. Skeeterpeeter? That so did not sound right, even in her own head. She was usually so good at remembering names! Skitpoke? Seetpeek? Sneerpod? Uhg! This was going to drive her crazy!

"Most times it is. Would you like to try it?"

Re: During the lecture - TGaY [Class One]

[sneerkite]

"I would love to. You're very kind for offering."

Re: During the lecture - TGaY [Class One]

[misshargrove.livejournal.com]

Ever the sweet talking charmer!

"Well, since you work at the photo hut and all, you probably already know how to take pictures. So go ahead. Snap away!"

Re: During the lecture - TGaY [Class One]

[sneerkite]

"I know in theory," Steerpike admitted, accepting the camera. As he'd read in the books, he carefully lined up the sight on the camera to get a nice framing of Annette's face, and then pressed the shutter release.

The flash of light and faint whirring made him feel as if he ought to have just fired a weapon at her.

Re: During the lecture - TGaY [Class One]

[misshargrove.livejournal.com]

She smiled for the camera and rubbed her eyes after he took it. "It is bright, isn't it?"

Blinking, she nodded to the picture that came out. "Is it done developing yet?"

Re: During the lecture - TGaY [Class One]

[sneerkite]

Steerpike was watching the picture with undisguised fascination. "The colors aren't quite right, yet. But it is close."

Re: During the lecture - TGaY [Class One]

[misshargrove.livejournal.com]

She sided up next to him, peering down at the picture. "Neat isn't it?"

Re: During the lecture - TGaY [Class One]

[sneerkite]

"Very. We have nothing even remotely like it back in Gormenghast. Not even the Bright Carvers."

Re: During the lecture - TGaY [Class One]

[misshargrove.livejournal.com]

"What are the Bright Carvers?" She asked, interested.

Re: During the lecture - TGaY [Class One]

[sneerkite]

"They are the peasants of Gormenghast. They live in the shadows of the castle in huts and spend their time making sculptures out of wood to enter into the contest judged once a year by the Earl."

Re: During the lecture - TGaY [Class One]

[misshargrove.livejournal.com]

She raised her brows. "Sculptures of what? And what do they get if they win?" Intrigued, Annette rested her chin in her hand, her elbow on her desk.

Re: During the lecture - TGaY [Class One]

[sneerkite]

"Animals, mostly. The Earl chooses the best three. These are placed in the hall of the bright carvings, and the carvers are permitted once a month to walk the walls of the castle. The others are burned."

Re: During the lecture - TGaY [Class One]

[misshargrove.livejournal.com]

"All their hardwork burned, just because they didn't make the top three?" Her brows knitted. "And they enjoy this, just getting able to walk within the castle?"

Re: During the lecture - TGaY [Class One]

[sneerkite]

"It's considered a very high honor. I lived in the castle, and wasn't allowed to walk up along the walls. Only in the kitchens, where I worked, and the barracks where I slept."

Re: During the lecture - TGaY [Class One]

[misshargrove.livejournal.com]

"It must have been a hard life, and being rewarded with so little." Annette was having a hard time grasping the whole justice of it. To work so hard and then get nothing in return. "Did the Earl ever recognize your labor? A kind word, or praise?"

Re: During the lecture - TGaY [Class One]

[sneerkite]

Steerpike shook his head, a brief flicker of anger appearing across his face. "I never saw the Earl, not close enough to speak to him. We were below his attentions."

Re: During the lecture - TGaY [Class One]

[misshargrove.livejournal.com]

Annette saw the anger and felt for him. And she hated this Earl, whoever he was.

"Yet you were made to take care of his daily needs." She shook her head. "He doesn't deserve you, Steerpoke. I am glad you are here."

Re: During the lecture - TGaY [Class One]

[sneerkite]

It was almost worse to have it be so close to his actual name. "I am glad I'm here, as well. Thank you, Annette."

Re: During the lecture - TGaY [Class One]

[misshargrove.livejournal.com]

"You are welcome, Steer.... I'm sorry. I know I am messing your name up. Tell me again? I don't know what is wrong with me. I am always so good with names." She looked sorry, she really did.

Re: During the lecture - TGaY [Class One]

[sneerkite]

"Steerpike. You're not alone in getting it wrong."

Re: During the lecture - TGaY [Class One]

[misshargrove.livejournal.com]

She looked down. That was all he needed; to come from the dark, dank, pits of a dungeon - to here where everyone is friendly but can't even remember your name. Annette was ashamed.

"I won't forget again. I promise."

Re: During the lecture - TGaY [Class One]

[sneerkite]

"I believe you. And I do not blame you if you do mistake again. We have not had our evening. Perhaps tonight?"

Re: During the lecture - TGaY [Class One]

[misshargrove.livejournal.com]

She looked up at him and smiled. "You still want to go out with me?"

She thought for a moment. "Have you seen the posters around yet? The rock band, Teal Deer is going to be playing tomorrow evening at Carita's. It should be a lot of fun. Would you like to go with me?"

Re: During the lecture - TGaY [Class One]

[sneerkite]

"It would still be my honor to accompany such a beautiful girl as yourself."

Steerpike considered the proposed outing.

"Is there something interesting about these rocks?"