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

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]

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

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!"

"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.

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?"

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

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

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

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

"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."

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.

"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."

"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?"

"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."

"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?"

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."

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."

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."

"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.

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

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."

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

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?"

"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?"

"Oh." She was pleased by his compliment but blushed nonetheless. "Thank you, Steerpike. That was a very sweet thing to say."

Annette did not laugh over the rock comment, but she did smile. "No, it is not actually rocks. It is a music group, a band. They play music and their type of music is called rock. It is usually loud and fast and exciting."

Steerpike nodded slowly, filing this information away. "In that case, I would like to see this rock band. I thank you for being kind enough to explain these things to me."

Re: During the lecture - TGaY [Class One]

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