The Art of Ma; Thursday, Second Period [12/10].

[sake_shinigami]

Shunsui had arranged a portal for the class period that day, and so when everyone was ready, he ushered them through one that would lead them to a pavillion with wide open walls, nestled in the snowy valley of a mountain beside a lake. Snow itself was drifting down slowly in large, light flakes, and a fire crackled in several braziers set around the pavillion to keep them warm, and Shunsui took a moment to appreciate the idyllic wintry scene with a contented sigh before turning to the students.

"Today, ducklings," he explained, "we are having a traditional snow viewing party, very popular with the aristocricy where I am from, which has its roots in the ideaology of the Art of Ma as we are coming to understand it in this class ♥. Of course, it has always been an easy excuse to gather together to socialize and drink," sorry, though, kids, you'll just be having tea and cocoa at your disposal that morning!, "but it was also a way to appreciate the stark beauty of a snow-filled landscape in the company of like-minded individuals, to inspire introspectives and poetry and a great deal of art. Naturally, the snow is a great blanket of a void to cover the earth and create a unique emptiness of space, the starkness of nature in its quietest time, where there is still beauty even as it slumbers and rests ♥.

"So that will be our class today ♥, to enjoy ourselves in a traditional snow viewing party, and reflect upon the nature's own mastery of the art of Ma. You may sit here and enjoy some warm beverages and each other's company while enjoying the view; there are gardens you may explore and appreciate; there are even a few skilled boatmen down by the lake who will be willing to take you out into the water for an additionally unique perspective. A venture out into the lake during a snow like this is a commmon highlight of all the best snow viewing parties, after all ♥. And, if you're feeling a bit playful, might I suggest taking a moment to create a few yukiusagi, or snow hares, which is a simple egg shape with nandina leaves for ears and red nandina berries for eyes. Often, a playful snowball fight is likely to break out during many snow viewing parties as well, but, for the sake of the exploration of ma, let us try to keep such games to a minimum ♥.

"Toward the end of the class, we will gather back here and enjoy a little more hot beverages before we head back, and share with each other any thoughts or insight you may have gained during your snow viewing ♥."

Library - Thursday

[mother_forker]

So. Constantine was back.

Which meant that for the first time in months, Eleanor showed up to do her actual job. And also sneak into Constantine's office and place certain liquor bottles in replacement for the ones she had stolen months ago.

However with the exception of a very expensive tequila, most of the replacement bottles were bottom shelf brands that no self respecting person would ever drink.

But who knows? Maybe Constantine like Mad Dog 2020.

And now she was sitting at the front desk with a vacant smile on her face ready to assist anyone who might show up.

She was of course still ignoring the pile of books that needed to be returned but at least she showed up today!

Functioning Governments, Thursday

[imafuturist]

"We're going to talk about small governments today," Steve said. "In case you didn't visit the roof of your building yet this morning, there's a reindeer up there, and it won't move."

Tony sighed and nodded. "They're loud walkers too." In case you were all wondering.

"Should something like that happen back home, who would you contact?"

"And what would happen to the reindeer?" Steve added.

"These are supposed to be functions of a working government." Supposed to be heavily emphasized, mind. Tony held his doubts with the current administration.

"So it shouldn't end up with a Cabinet position," Steve said dryly.

Tony looked physically pained by that. "So, let's discuss. How things work versus how they should work."

Intro to PE, Thursday Period One

[magnusrushesin]

It was just Magnus at the front of the class today, which was probably why there was no one there to tell him he couldn't make them watch another movie. Especially not a random movie about a holiday that he didn't even celebrate, but knew all about anyway.

"Happy Candlenights season! Uh. Cara had to deal with a reindeer and, I'm not gonna lie, I think we're gonna have reindeer steaks next week. So. Let's just watch a movie and hope that everything goes well, right? Right!"

He shouldn't be allowed on his own with this, honestly.