The Halls of Medeia - Prologue

[steveflam]

Of course, we will not go into details of Sumerian of Cryptology in our lessons, not in sixth form anyway. So what do you expect from school this year? I have seen you in class and out of it. You are always running for something. What do you look for?"

"Hrrmmm. I expect to take this chance I have been given by my benefactor and learn as much as I can. I am certain to assure he has made the right decision by giving me this chance ter be 'ere. I am mostly self taught, never been ter school.

I look for information, knowledge. Don know how old I'll live but I want ter have experienced as much as I can in my life. You learn something new every day I think. I am still gettin used ter bein aroun people me own age quite frankly."

He takes a sip of his tea, before continuing.

"So far I've met gypsies who ain't impressed me much ter be honest. Miss Fairfax wants Mr Niles ter be my an Christine's watchdog." He shrugs, adding.

"So, thass purty much me answer. Sorry if I dont ask u anythin, not used ter bein around people like I said."

[Alastor]

At breakfast, Niles sits with one of the livelier groups of students. He suspects that those exhilarated by confrontation are more likely than the rest to be associated with a controversial political movement, and so he interjects with the occasional question to see whether any of them know of the suffragists at the school.

Gather Information:

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[dice]0[/dice] + 9

[A G Thing]

Christine takes a seat not far from George and the others and joins in friendly conversation. She had arrived a little late but otherwise seems in good spirits even though she does not initiate any conversation right away. She seems to be between bites of breakfast and any snippets of conversations quietly mouthing the words and nodding to a rhythm of some song in her head.

[Alastor]

At some point during the morning's conversation, Niles looks up from the faces of the others at his table and sees the headmistress looking in their direction, a curious expression on her face.

For a moment after catching her eye, he hesitates, but then he motions to Miss Fairfax to join them for a moment.

"We were after having a friendly discussion." he says if she approaches, "on the role of women, beyond the domestic sphere.

"Ya must have given some thought to the subject yourself; is there anything ya'd like to say to enlighten us on the topic?"

[Ail]

When Emilia finishes her breakfast, having realized that Niles did not quite understand her looks, she approaches the table the young priest is sitting at and retorts with a smile.

"An interesting question, to be sure, but for another time, I'm afriad. I hope you have received my message, I await you in my office."

She gives a nod and farewell, and leaves.

His efforts to learn the political ideas of the students are mixed. Niles gets a clear picture that they come from high strata of the society, with the majority showing a conservative nature or little taste for political questions. There are however some who seem to enjoy discussing alternatives, but there are no organized groups in support of particular causes.

Even among the girls, Niles can not find organized suffragist groups. Apparently, Francis is the only one beginning an awareness campaign that as the year progresses might bear some fruit.

Leander nods as George speaks.
"Well, it's very well. If you want to get used to people, just try to be with them and mingle.
I will be glad to help you if you like, you have a spark I can see."

Then he turns to Christine

"Hello Christine, I have seen you in our class. What is it that interests you the most?"

[A G Thing]

Christine stopping herself from eating her toast, politely looks Leander in the eyes as he speaks and begins to answer his question with a bit of thought which is seen blended with a smile on her face.

"Oh... Hello Leander. I saw you in class as well, but just did not think to speak to you yet. Though I also noticed your group talking on the lawn before but I have been busy. But to answer your question... Well... I guess I have to say that music, acting and the thrill of performance is my goal for my career and education... But I do like exploration and adventure... Always been interested in traveling and seeing more of the world. I also have to say I have a bit of interest in politics and philosophy but more because I don't agree with the divisions in class, race, gender or any other idea of one person being worth more than another. Don't know if anyone agrees really beyond Frances but it is a modern world coming now. I say we have to join it with modern ideas and ideals. Still, any reason your asking about such? What about you?"

Christine waits patiently though takes another bite of her toast and drinks a bit of tea as well. She had been listening in around the table so she only heard small amounts of what had been said between him and George as small talk and her own thoughts had kept her interest scattered. She did wonder if he was recruiting for something as his question had seemed quite leading, but figured he would tell her if he was.

[Ail]

Leander hears Christine politely, then his mouth breaks into a sort of mocking smile.
Non-chalantly, he says

"Well, I guess then I am the sort of person you should dislike, I'm afraid." He giggles.
"You see, my father is rich and powerful, and has strong ties with the establishment. I am sure he views my education as a stepping stone for a later job as a politician, although you could rightfully ask why he hasn't put me in Rugby or Eton, with a view for an Oxbridge placement later on."

Now he smirks.

"I guess it doesn't matter, this school is new but has apparently strong backers and a plan to cater to the wealthy and offer a first-grade education. And as far as I am concerned, that is what is important. It is the learning that motivates me. Regarding the politics of it all...

Well, as you'd expect I have been brought up in conservative environment, and taught the ideals of a class society. I am surely not as ready as you to accept new ideas for a new world, as I believe in tradition. But I am ready to discuss and be confronted by other points of view. Fairly! So I would enjoy talking to you or George or Frances on such matters. I like the debate, the meeting of minds. And I bear no ill-will towards those with opposing views."

He smiles more openly now.

"I only asked because you two interested me. I was surprised by George's rebellion, so to say, and by your friendship in following him. It was striking, it was different, and I felt that maybe you feel uneasy in the school. I thought I might be able to make you feel better here if you need assistance, that's all."

[Ail]

While Niles is listening to the students trying to understand about them, he hears some stories of their circus visits.
He hears satisfied stories of the diversions they saw and went in. Organized performances each night attracted the most audience, which revelled in the shows put by clowns, acrobats, dancing bears walking on balls and barrells, trained horses and even two panthers. There were dwarves with a number of slapstick commedy; a strong man bending iron bars or balancing a slender ballerina, juglers, equilibrists and even a woman performing magic tricks.

Outside of the main show, many of the performers doubled as merchants: the magician performed mesmerism and mentallism sessions, while the strong man offered to wrestle against passers-by. Brave visitors could even be the "target" in a knife-throwing tent, if they wished. But there were also more prosaic activities, like drinking and cards games, throwing balls or even shooting for prizes.

In the middle of all this, some gypsy youngsters from the camp tried to join in and peddle their own products, but the circus did not take kindly to that. There was opposition, strong words, and the beginning of a brawl, with some students loudly protesting against the gypsies. There was a brief scuffle and light exchange of blows until the gypsies were finally driven away. But that was the only serious incident of that night.

The opinion of some students in the halls was, basically, "good for them, those gypsies are all thieves anyway!"

[steveflam]

George will tell Leander.


"I don't need noone's 'elp mate. I ain't here ter make friends, I'm here ta learn. It happens me n Christine are friends. She earned it like I earned bein 'er friend. I ain't done no rebellion or nuthin. I just spoke me mind is all. I got in trouble fer it
too. Father Niles is gonner be me escort/follower arounder pain in tha arse cuz a me actions person."

He looks at Niles if he close enuff, showing his disagreement to the whole thing to the priest.


"Pardon me." He rises and walks over to the Headmistress' table with purpose.

"Excuse me, mum." he addresses the headmistress "I was wondering, what do I do if I am no longer hungry but wish to study. Is it permitted to bring books to read 'ere? I know I am not allowed to leave until the meal hour is over."

[Ail]

Leander answers very curtly.
"Suit yourself, then. It's your loss."

He rises, nods to Christine and leaves.


Spot check for George, DC=12

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As George approaches the table, he can see Victoria repress a slight tremor, a surprise at his move, as if he had invaded her space.

Emilia is surprised, and as Victoria is about to say something, she must have done something to her under the table, because the younger sister remains silent.
Emilia speaks:

"You like to read, eh George?" She pauses for some seconds, considering his question.
"I suppose it would not be a problem if you brought your books here, then."

[A G Thing]

Christine responds to Leander with a disarming smile and a pleasant tone of voice.

"I am fine as well with school. George was not sending a message and neither was I. He left and I followed. We both got in trouble. I've been in that situation before alone at previous schools. It is not fun."

"As for my disappointment. I am only disappointed when intolerance breeds contempt in others. So as long as your traditions and grand ambitions don't harm or enforce themselves upon others why should I think badly of you. If you truly are open to talk then I think we should. As long as there is talk there is a chance for good things to happen. So when you tell me traditions are what you support it worries me that is not true."

Having listened to the conversation, she straightens her glasses but speaks up just as Leander rises to depart. "Leander. Just don't take it too hard with George. He is not the most social soul, but he is a good person. He just doesn't like the games others play in conversations. I don't mind talking in circles a bit. But he doesn't." She smiles a bit quite happily with the funny thought.

She waits till George returns but looks over at him talking with Victoria and Emilia. She smiles and wonders at what adventures they will have and then turns back to the others at the table. Looking to Niles Christine wonders if she just caused the father more trouble than they should have but it passes in a wash of new thoughts.

"So father... You ready for tea this Sunday?" Christine smiles a bit thinking about her previous tea visit and how she had practiced that cake recipe. Of course she had new questions to ask about.