WINTER TERM OPENING CEREMONY AND CLASS START

[thewatchers]

WINTER TERM OPENING CEREMONY AND CLASS START
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The snowfall has only intensified as Daybreak moves into the first day of Winter Term classes. A school-wide orientation will be held in the auditorium, followed by an open period where tours will be given to new students by student volunteers. After a noon lunch in the main hall, short introduction classes will be held where the syllabi will be distributed and professors can give a brief overview of what they’ll be covering over the term.

A. ORIENTATION ASSEMBLY

With a new school year comes a fresh address. The orientation assembly is one of the few times that the Headmistress and High Seer, Mila Duchene, speaks to the gathered faculty and students about their purpose and why they’ve been found and gathered here. About how Nightfall looms ever closer, and how together they will be the flames who light the coming darkness.

It is, in the manner of many orientation speeches, fairly long-winded. Those who have been here for more than a year have likely heard this speech before, though it’s slightly more urgent this time. Maybe it’s a good time to get to know the people on either side of you a little better while the Headmistress talks, because you’ll be here for a while. Or maybe you’ve planned ahead, and you have something to entertain you at orientation - much to the shared entertainment or dismay of others in your vicinity, perhaps.

Or you could actually be listening to the speech. It’s up to you.


B. SCHOOL TOUR

For students fresh to the academy, the sprawling nature and architecture of Daybeak Academy can be quite intimidating. Fortunately, helpful student volunteers have been tapped to help escort the new students around and give them a feel for campus. Student volunteers are typically chosen for both their experience on campus and helpful nature. While some scripts are provided, students are encouraged to ad-lib and put their own spin on campus and what they like about it. New students are, of course, encouraged to ask as many questions as they can to make sure they fully understand and familiarize themselves with the campus as quickly as possible.

C. SNACK STATION

During the first three days after the Holiday break, throughout the campus grounds are small stations manned by the kitchen staff and volunteers, the smell of hot chocolate, cider, and frying bread fills the air, stirring the appetite and promising warmth on this cold winter’s day.

Every booth has hot chocolate, some spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, others rich and creamy, but always with an option for marshmallows, peppermint bark or caramel drizzles - with non-alcoholic hot cider for those with an allergy to chocolate. For food options, naturally being France there are crepes of all types and beignets on offer, with jam- or custard-filled berliners, while those looking for a more savory fare will be treated to rissoles - a fried bread stuffed with minced meat or bechamel sauce and cod.

While the drinks are on tap and readily available, it may take a few moments to get the treats out, so might as well make conversation while a fresh batch is made.

code bases by tricklet

Comments

[saltsweet]

[ Videl tilted her head just slightly toward Gohan, but kept her eyes on the podium. ]

It will be as long as you don't fall asleep. [ She warned in a whisper. ] We're supposed to be setting a good example.

[ And that's a lot to ask of Videl. She's hardly the most professional teacher at this school and isn't usually that worried about appearances. But when the Headmistress tells you to set a good example at the orientation ceremony, you do as she says. (Or you don't, and she tells you later that she foresaw your failure in a vision.)

Surely this is almost over. Videl stealthily pulls her cell phone out of her pocket to check the time. ]

[superscholar]

I'm trying.

[ He really was trying, was the worst part. But for as much effort as he was putting into it, he could only just barely keep his eyes open. Maybe after this, he should go get some coffee with Videl, just to get some energy...

So, as subtly as the rather tall teacher could, he leaned over and whispered: ]

Do you um... wanna get some coffee after this?

[saltsweet]

Gladly. [ She replies in a hushed tone. A good cup of coffee is exactly what she needs after these agonizing hours of listening to the same orientation speech they hear every term. You know something is boring when even Gohan is bored.

And Gohan can take an interest in most anything... except sitting still and doing nothing. Sitting still while reading or studying?---Totally fine. Listening to a lecture on something new?---Sure, he can take notes during it. But watching a movie, play, or anything he's heard before?---Nap City.

Videl could almost cheer when the Headmistress steps away from the podium and the lights come back on, signaling the end of orientation. She surges to her feet and stretches her arms high above her head. ]

I swear that gets longer every term.

[superscholar]

Well, I mean... it wasn't that bad...

[ Said the man that almost fell asleep through the orientation, and needed hushed warnings from his wife to stay awake through it all. Leave it to Gohan to try and find something good to focus on. ]

But I think I'm ready for some coffee now. [ He offered her his hand, smiling. ] Shall we?

[saltsweet]

[ "It wasn't that bad..."

Videl gives her husband A Look; the exasperated kind that simultaneously can't believe he said that and knew he was going to say that. But rather than argue, she just shakes her head and places her hand in his. ]

Let's go. I've got an hour before I need to be anywhere.

[ The first day of term is always relatively relaxed, even at an elite school like Daybreak. All Videl has on her schedule for today is to rendezvous with the professor she will be aiding this semester. ]

[superscholar]

[ Gohan withered at the look, staggering a little. Yeah, it sounded dumb when he said it, but leave it to Videl to make it obvious exactly how dumb it sounded. He let out a sheepish chuckle, rubbing the back of his neck as they made their way out of the orientation, walking along campus. ]

By the way, I wanted to ask you something.

[saltsweet]

[ As they walked, Videl swung their clasped hands back and forth a little bit. It made her feel like a kid on a date. ]

Sure. What's up, Gohan? [ She asked without breaking stride, looking out over the bright snowy campus. ]