Oneiromancy Is The Loneliest Number (Thel)

Thel's first class is business as usual, a few girls he doesn't recognize talking to him about his dorm room and the mountains with mixed interest. Ophelia stares out one of the windows, not even in high enough spirits to be snarky. The curriculum is more of the same when the teacher does at last manage order. The class took to different human political heirarchies and the posturing that occurred in monarchies, feudalism, and in more modern social structures. A short break, then an interruption in second period. Over the intercom, the headmistress requested all classrooms report to the main hall.

Whispers and rumor took hold. It was rare she addressed anyone but faculty, but to interrupt class was unheard of.

When everyone was settled in the main hall, Headmistress Papillon took the stage with Jasmine to one side of her. "Welcome girls, for those of you who have not had the pleasure of meeting me in person, which would be most, I am Madame Papillon, Headmistress of some of the finest schools in all the regions. I have called you all together today for an announcement. Having spoken with the battling faculty, due to the weather, and the state of the grounds, Contest Battling courses have been postponed indefinitely pending re-evaluation."

She turned at the podium to face towards one of the windows. "As you are all no doubt aware, things have taken a turn for the worse. It is why I am gleefully prepared to announce our first ever schoolwide public works project. As the best and brightest Olivine has to offer, we carry the pride of this city with us, and the abilities necessary to see it through these dark times."

The murmurs are very mixed. There are a few self entitled protests, some piqued curiosities, and the odd self serving wonder of what good does it do me?

"With that in mind, going forward we will have half days for class, and half days for field work. Rental Pokemon appropriate to your assigned tasks may be checked out as normal and are to be returned in the same well groomed condition they leave the property in. To that end, several rooms nearer the rental outbuilding will be reserved and cleared. I will have no tolerance for my babies being returned a mess. Without further ado then, here is Olivine's gym leader, Jasmine, to present the daunting task laid out before us.

The gym leader steps up as the Madame moved aside and clears her throat softly to silence the remaining whispers. "Olivine stands beyond several small islands and the main coastline running from the south of Johto, here. As the storm moves north, if the Pokemon causing it isn't stopped first, it will continue to gain in strength. The lighthouse sea wall will need to be extended across the length of the beach, and elevated. Digging Pokemon will be required to set up underground drainage. Homes will need to be reinforced against the wind, particularly their windows. Workers, ourselves included will need to be fed and rested. Madame has graciously agreed to give attendence credit to anyone working shifts on the city during classes. I have agreed to award my badge as a symbol of station to anyone volunteering a significant amount of time. This comes with it my personal gratitude and recommendation should you seek out future employment or schooling beyond our fine academy."

This seemed to stir more of the room, as Jasmine's gym was notoriously difficult.

Having made her proposal, Jasmine stepped down from the podium, and Madame returned. "We will be giving you the remainder of second period to discuss among yourselves who wants to invest in this opportunity, and any teams or ideas you would like to furnish as part of this. Lunch will be served at its usual time, at which time those on signups for our first school project will meet in the main entrance hall. Until then, adieau."

With Madame and Jasmine retreating from the hall, discussion broke out in earnest. Violet moved to sit beside Thel. "This is amazing!". She seemed really excited. "Sure they had to put a bribe in there to get people to go along with it, but YES!"

"I wouldn't dream of missing this." Violet cheered, though her enthusiasm is tempered by Thel's sudden course woes. "They've been listening along the back wall." She calls his attention to the standing assembled in the hall, now chatting amongst themselves and preparing to move about their business till evening classes resume. "I'm sure your instructor will be understanding, this is a really volatile time after all."

"Well Miss Lucasta... You can complete your assignment today, or take an extension but there are stipulations." She adjusted her glasses and leaned against the fine molding that ringed the sitting area. "I am not often one to accept late projects, but I suspect with Miss Jasmine's lucrative offer there won't be many students remaining to host for when the time comes. It would mean the immediate judgement of the faculty, rather then your peers. Likely three, minimum. The alternative, being that you sign on for the culinary team on Friday, and host for the school that evening. I will, of course, provide you with assisting students and faculty as necessary to make the quantities of food required. The seating, planning, and meal choice will entirely fall to you during that time, however."

"A proper response, but take care not to let concern eke into your tone." Alice corrected with a small smile. "This is a fine opportunity either way. Last minute cancellations, additional guests, dramatic shifts in menu or the tone of the event or its guests. It brings back memories." There was a wistfulness about her. "I will see that you are contacted by the necessary parties by the end of the day. Till then, consider what you will wear as hostess to peers your own age, how many courses the meal will be, and what you intend to serve. There are a wealth of resources on the subject at your disposal."

"It sounds like you have a very busy week ahead of you then. On the plus side, it will be less formal and you'll have help." Violet encouraged gently. "Bigger gatherings are considered less intimate affairs, so a number of rules are relaxed. You won't need to know everyone's names, or address them by their particular titles. The dishes won't need to be made on a per individual basis, catering to needs. The scrutiny and quality of everything comes down just a notch or two."