shiroi_tiger: (Observant)
Nathan Algren ([personal profile] shiroi_tiger) wrote in [community profile] fandomhigh2009-05-20 10:38 pm
Entry tags:

Culture Shock, Thursday, 5/21, Period 2

Algren wasn't even going to wait particularly long after the students gathered around the main campfire today before launching into his lecture. He was just patient that way.

"As I said in the last lesson, there are four basic stages to culture shock. Today, we'll be focusing on the 'Wonder' stage, which typically includes 'jet-lag' as well." He made a bit of a face at the phrase. It was still relatively foreign on his tongue. "I'm certain we've all gotten over the trip here. And if you haven't, I'd seriously consider looking into writing a nasty letter to whoever manages whatever method of transportation you used."

Algren allowed himself a moment to be amused at that notion. Of course, he'd gotten to Fandom via leaky rowboat. He'd also written himself many angry journal entries since.

"The Wonder stage of culture shock is really just what it sounds like. You're in a new place, be it a new town, state, country, or world, and everything seems fresh and exciting and different. You might be moving in, or you might just be passing through, but you're discovering this new place for the first time. For all intents and purposes, you're a tourist until the shiny newness wears off some."

He smirked faintly and gestured toward a box of island maps and binoculars sitting on the ground beside him.

"It's possible that you haven't managed to get this stage out of your systems yet, considering how many of you are new to the island. I'm giving you the chance to do so now. The maps are marked with points of interest that you might want to investigate on the island. The binoculars, for those of you not in the know, will make things that are far away appear closer than they actually are if you hold them to your eyes. I'm giving you the remainder of class to visit as many of the locations on that map that you care to visit."

A beat.

"And just so you don't think that this is a throwaway class and I'm giving you free reign over the rest of the period, I have a box of cameras here. You point this end at what you want to take a picture of, and you hit the button. It's apparently what modern tourists do. And it means that I get photographic evidence that you guys did your assignment today. Feel free to make the photos as touristy as you wish. Take it in. Welcome to Fandom."

[Please wait for OCD! OCD is up! Have at thee!]

Re: The Preserve: Stone Angels [5/21]

[identity profile] bigdamndestiny.livejournal.com 2009-05-21 03:29 pm (UTC)(link)
That earned him a look that was almost murderous. The stoic, it seemed, was working wonders.

"They can't be dangerous if we're sent off to see them here."

Re: The Preserve: Stone Angels [5/21]

[personal profile] bitchprince 2009-05-21 04:51 pm (UTC)(link)
"Then you shouldn't have a problem looking at them," Arthur said, glancing up at him, "Right?"

Re: The Preserve: Stone Angels [5/21]

[identity profile] bigdamndestiny.livejournal.com 2009-05-21 05:24 pm (UTC)(link)
"Of course not." But they were rather eerie...

Re: The Preserve: Stone Angels [5/21]

[personal profile] bitchprince 2009-05-21 06:42 pm (UTC)(link)
"Well," Arthur said, in the spirit of logical conclusion, "Off you go, then."

Re: The Preserve: Stone Angels [5/21]

[identity profile] bigdamndestiny.livejournal.com 2009-05-21 09:35 pm (UTC)(link)
"Right." Arthur was too kind.

Merlin took a breath and moved closer to them and found... Yes. Still made of stone. Nothing moving about.

Re: The Preserve: Stone Angels [5/21]

[personal profile] bitchprince 2009-05-21 09:38 pm (UTC)(link)
"Is anything happening?" Arthur asked, from his perch.

Listen, if Merlin was in actual danger, he was in perfect position to run in and save him. Not that he felt any need to prove anything to Merlin through deeds or anything.

Re: The Preserve: Stone Angels [5/21]

[identity profile] bigdamndestiny.livejournal.com 2009-05-21 09:43 pm (UTC)(link)
"Nothing so far!" Merlin called back, tapping one on the arm. "I think they're actually just stone."

Re: The Preserve: Stone Angels [5/21]

[personal profile] bitchprince 2009-05-21 09:45 pm (UTC)(link)
Arthur exhaled. "Well, that's a shame," he said, lowering the binoculars. He began to walk towards Merlin.

Re: The Preserve: Stone Angels [5/21]

[identity profile] bigdamndestiny.livejournal.com 2009-05-21 09:49 pm (UTC)(link)
"Ha, ha," Merlin replied dryly. "I'm so pleased you're concerned for my safety."

Re: The Preserve: Stone Angels [5/21]

[personal profile] bitchprince 2009-05-21 09:51 pm (UTC)(link)
"I was hoping for something dangerous," Arthur informed him, in case that hadn't been obvious. Once he'd reached Merlin, he stopped moving.

Re: The Preserve: Stone Angels [5/21]

[identity profile] bigdamndestiny.livejournal.com 2009-05-21 09:53 pm (UTC)(link)
"Certainly not something I'd want to see come to life," Merlin said, poking at one yet again. It was terribly scientific.

Re: The Preserve: Stone Angels [5/21]

[personal profile] bitchprince 2009-05-21 09:55 pm (UTC)(link)
"Stop poking it, Merlin," Arthur ordered, "It'd be a shame if you lost an arm."

Re: The Preserve: Stone Angels [5/21]

[identity profile] bigdamndestiny.livejournal.com 2009-05-21 09:58 pm (UTC)(link)
"It's not alive."

Re: The Preserve: Stone Angels [5/21]

[personal profile] bitchprince 2009-05-21 10:01 pm (UTC)(link)
"Nevermind," Arthur said, "Poking inanimate objects is perfectly sensible."

Re: The Preserve: Stone Angels [5/21]

[identity profile] bigdamndestiny.livejournal.com 2009-05-21 10:02 pm (UTC)(link)
"What harm could it do, anyway?"

Re: The Preserve: Stone Angels [5/21]

[personal profile] bitchprince 2009-05-22 03:39 am (UTC)(link)
Arthur may not have been genre-savvy as such, but he did shoot Merlin a look.

Re: The Preserve: Stone Angels [5/21]

[identity profile] bigdamndestiny.livejournal.com 2009-05-22 03:54 am (UTC)(link)
"...what?"

Re: The Preserve: Stone Angels [5/21]

[personal profile] bitchprince 2009-05-22 03:56 am (UTC)(link)
He rolled his eyes. "We'll be leaving, Merlin," Arthur decided, "Before you get your hand bitten off by a magical statue or something."