Blacksmithing!; Monday, Second Period [07/17].

[special_rabbit]

"This week," said Amaya, with a grin on her face as everyone arrived and got settle din and hopefully were already automatically starting to gear up for the lesson, "is the week I've really been looking forward to doing when I thought of other blacksmithing techniques to start sharing with you all, because it's one of my favorite techniques to use when I just want to work on something really interesting with great results. Today, we're going to be learning about Damascus-style steel.

"Now," she continued, "we just called it layered steel back home, because we didn't have the same cultural context of its development here, but that's what it's commonly known as around these parts, due to the place where the technique developed. They're characterized by their distinctive patterns of banding that often resembles, as you can see here, water, though it's sometimes called a ladder or rose pattern, and when you see a blade with these markings, you can almost be assured that it will be good and strong and sharp, and that strength comes a lot from the process of making those patterns, which is what we'll be learning about today. And I sure hope you're ready to give your arms a workout today, because we're definitely going to be getting our hammer on!"

With that, naturally, Amaya launched into the basics and the process, different types and methods, and of course a few demonstrations and examples.

"Pretty easy," what a relative term!, "right? And, if anything, it can just be really useful to see how the metal reacts as you put into place these different processes. So, with that, let's get to work! You can start picking out your steels, and get started on welding them together if you wanted to do it that way, or get going on the forge if you wanted to approach it the old-fashioned way without the welding, and we'll see what kind of patterns you can come up with!"

The Care & Appreciation of Animals!; Monday, Third Period [07/17].

[in_sidon_we_trust]

"Good morning, everyone!" Sidon greeted everyone as they gathered together in Furnado yet again for another fun and exciting day of learning about animals! "I hope you've all had a wonderful weekend, and I hope you're ready to explore further into the wild world of magificient creatures that we have here at the shelter, because today, we're going to be talking about cats!"

An animal that seemed to be, unless you knew anything about the general nature of cats, suspiciously absent at the moment.

"That's right!" Sidon pumped his fist. "Cats! Of which we do have many of here at the shelter, but all of whom appear to be making themselves a bit scarce at the moment, but no worries! We shall get to that, but first, let us learn what we can about the domestic cat and things to keep in mind if you're planning on taking one home!"

Which, of course, launched Sidon into his very enthusiastic breakdown about what made cats so special, from their habits to their diet, to their quirks and fun facts about them, to the variety of ways to play with and entertain cats, which should hopefully come into play here shortly, as well as possible reasons why a cat might not be a good choice for you.

"I was hoping," Sidon did sigh a little as he shook his head and looked around, "that, much like with the puppies from last week, the cats would be eager and excited to participate, but it seems as though they've all slinked off to various parts of the shelter, but that, in and of itself, might be helpful! Cats do love a bit of hide and seek, and so let us indulge them by seeking them out! It will be a good opportunity, too, to see the breadth of personality that you see in cats, and help you try and determine which ones truly do wish to be left alone and which might be feeling a little more playful and friendly, but want you to sort of work for it first! So let's everyone go forth and find some cats and see who we can find!"

Exploring Alien Cultures, Monday

[unusual_sith]

When they got to Odessen this time, they headed for the military staging area, where Nell (assuming she's there) would be happy to see a number of Mandalorians sparring (and drinking, and arguing), with a late middle-aged woman with bright red hair and brighter silver armor watching over them. She turned and nodded to them.

"Beniko."

"Mandalore."

Lana turned back to the students. "Today, Shae Vizla, Mandalore the Avenger, will be telling you something about her people, the Mandalorians." She stepped back.

Shae snorted. "As if a few minutes is enough to say much. We're warriors. That doesn't mean we're mindless killers. We're honorable. Being Mandalorian is a promise and a way of life. We live by the Resol'nare, our law: we wear our armor, speak our language, defend ourselves and our family, raise our children as Mandalorians, contribute to our clan's welfare, and rally to the Mand'alor when called upon. We don't have any one homeland or species - anyone can be taken into a clan. And those that fail to live honorably and by our rules can be cast out. Each clan has its own leader and can have its own rules, but they all follow the Mand'alor. Not literally - we tend to be wanderers."

At this point, a number of the Mandalorians had come up to lounge nearby, several with smirks as they listened. Shae pointed at one. "K'uur, Rass, don't say a word!" He held up his hands, grinning. She looked at another. "Jekiah, I miss anything important from the last few millennia?"

"We're a bunch of unmanageable jai'galaar?" Jekiah answered wryly.

"That part goes without saying," Shae answered.

"We're the best warriors!" One of the men near him yelled out."

"Don't drink with us if you can't hold your liquor!" a reptilian piped up.

"Or eat with us if you can't take a bit of spice!" one woman added.

Shae facepalmed as she shook her head. "Making Jekiah's point for him. All right, udesii! Answer questions or take it elsewhere."