Dar Al-Badw Academy of Rulership (IC)

[Mandal and Hormuz]

Celina Scian of the Tribe of Fermanagh.
I put my elbow over the doodle just about the time the other brother pulled Hassan back.
"Never heard of it.", I said and shrugged, "Should I have? Or of any of those Charlie just mentioned?"
For emphasis, I even pointed over my shoulder.

“I think it’d be important to mark down,” Muhammad said. “After all, we are surrounded by Arabs now.”

"Na'am," said Hassan, "Atsawar we should. Even if most of them don't exist in our universe." Ali elbowed him. "If you're going to talk Arabic, at least talk fus-ha!" "What? I lived in Iraq lil waqit taweel, why should I speak anything else?" replied Hassan with a mischievous grin, obviously flamebaiting provoking Ali. He was not very good at languages and often talked in Mesapotamian Arabic (he lived in Iraq for eight years).

[The Selkie]

“I think it’d be important to mark down,” Muhammad said. “After all, we are surrounded by Arabs now.”

"Na'am," said Hassan, "Atsawar we should. Even if most of them don't exist in our universe." Ali elbowed him. "If you're going to talk Arabic, at least talk fus-ha!" "What? I lived in Iraq li waqit taweel, why should I speak anything else?" replied Hassan with a mischievous grin, obviously flamebaiting provoking Ali. He was not very good at languages and often talked in Mesapotamian Arabic (he lived in Iraq for eight years).

Celina Scian of the Tribe of Fermanagh.
"It is impolite to speak in a language, which not everyone part of the conversation understands.", I said in Selkie, the flowing cadance of the language making it sound a bit like a song.
I did jot it down, though.
"That being said...", I said, switching back to English, "...I wonder how the Great Arab Revolt would compare to the Kyrenaian Decolonization Wars..."

[Mandal and Hormuz]

"Na'am," said Hassan, "Atsawar we should. Even if most of them don't exist in our universe." Ali elbowed him. "If you're going to talk Arabic, at least talk fus-ha!" "What? I lived in Iraq li waqit taweel, why should I speak anything else?" replied Hassan with a mischievous grin, obviously flamebaiting provoking Ali. He was not very good at languages and often talked in Mesapotamian Arabic (he lived in Iraq for eight years).

Celina Scian of the Tribe of Fermanagh.
"It is impolite to speak in a language, which not everyone part of the conversation understands.", I said in Selkie, the flowing cadance of the language making it sound a bit like a song.
I did jot it down, though.
"That being said...", I said, switching back to English, "...I wonder how the Great Arab Revolt would compare to the Kyrenaian Decolonization Wars..."

After scribbling down their notes, Hassan said: "The what wars?"

[Kandex]

"Na'am," said Hassan, "Atsawar we should. Even if most of them don't exist in our universe." Ali elbowed him. "If you're going to talk Arabic, at least talk fus-ha!" "What? I lived in Iraq li waqit taweel, why should I speak anything else?" replied Hassan with a mischievous grin, obviously flamebaiting provoking Ali. He was not very good at languages and often talked in Mesapotamian Arabic (he lived in Iraq for eight years).

Celina Scian of the Tribe of Fermanagh.
"It is impolite to speak in a language, which not everyone part of the conversation understands.", I said in Selkie, the flowing cadance of the language making it sound a bit like a song.
I did jot it down, though.
"That being said...", I said, switching back to English, "...I wonder how the Great Arab Revolt would compare to the Kyrenaian Decolonization Wars..."

Honorine begun speaking, using a dry tone. "As I pointed out in the first place, though some people..." Honorine looked at Celia for a moment before looking back to the front of the class and continuing.

" ...felt the need to restate my point as if it were their own, we need to know about this Arab Revolt here, because we need to know what this school thinks is a correct answer here. I'd go as far as saying that the very fact that the teacher is talking about it makes it blatantly obvious that we should care, because the entire point of coming to this school rather than staying in our own countries is to learn about what they care about here, what any of us thinks matters where any of us come from doesn't matter unless the discussion is about us." Honorine spoke somewhat slowly, making sure to emphasize specific words. She then turned towards Celia as though directly addressing her.

"I know some of us seem pretty narcissistic and think that the history class of a foreign country should center the history of their country, but that's kind of, well, stupid."

[Mandal and Hormuz]

Celina Scian of the Tribe of Fermanagh.
"It is impolite to speak in a language, which not everyone part of the conversation understands.", I said in Selkie, the flowing cadance of the language making it sound a bit like a song.
I did jot it down, though.
"That being said...", I said, switching back to English, "...I wonder how the Great Arab Revolt would compare to the Kyrenaian Decolonization Wars..."

Honorine begun speaking, using a dry tone. "As I pointed out in the first place, though some people..." Honorine looked at Celia for a moment before looking back to the front of the class and continuing.

" ...felt the need to restate my point as if it were their own, we need to know about this Arab Revolt here, because we need to know what this school thinks is a correct answer here. I'd go as far as saying that the very fact that the teacher is talking about it makes it blatantly obvious that we should care, because the entire point of coming to this school rather than staying in our own countries is to learn about what they care about here, what any of us thinks matters where any of us come from is doesn't unless the discussion is about us." Honorine spoke somewhat slowly, making sure to emphasize specific words. She then turned towards Celia as though directly addressing her."

"I know some of us seem pretty narcissistic and think that the history class of a foreign country should center the history of their country, but that's kind of, well, stupid."

Ali and Hassan were wide-eyed, Ali in admiration and Hassan in surprise that Honorine managed to make such a speech on the spot. "Yes, exactly." they said together.

[The Selkie]

After scribbling down their notes, Hassan said: "The what wars?"

Celina Scian of the Tribe of Fermanagh.
"The Decolonization Wars.", I replied, "Basically, the Kyrenaian Colonial Empire went up in flames in a quite dramatic fashion as several colonies rebelled and the Kyrenaian Government fought the rebellions. It's a lot more complicated, actually, but yeah... that's the abridged."

Honorine begun speaking, using a dry tone. "As I pointed out in the first place, though some people..." Honorine looked at Celia for a moment before looking back to the front of the class and continuing.

" ...felt the need to restate my point as if it were their own, we need to know about this Arab Revolt here, because we need to know what this school thinks is a correct answer here. I'd go as far as saying that the very fact that the teacher is talking about it makes it blatantly obvious that we should care, because the entire point of coming to this school rather than staying in our own countries is to learn about what they care about here, what any of us thinks matters where any of us come from is doesn't unless the discussion is about us." Honorine spoke somewhat slowly, making sure to emphasize specific words. She then turned towards Celia as though directly addressing her."

"I know some of us seem pretty narcissistic and think that the history class of a foreign country should center the history of their country, but that's kind of, well, stupid."

Ali and Hassan were wide-eyed, Ali in admiration and Hassan in surprise that Honorine managed to make such a speech on the spot. "Yes, exactly." they said together.

While the two latecomers were looking at her with wide eyes (really, lad, crushing on her already?), I took the barbs thrown at me with a small smile.
I did not know, where taking her ideas and selling them as my own had been done by me (though I did agree to one of her points, so maybe she was referring to that?), I leaned back for a moment.
"There is an Auwaltian saying: Man schließt besser auf das Unbekannte, wenn man es mit dem Bekannten vergleicht.", I told her, then translating it should she not speak the language: "You better understand the unknown, if you compare it to the known." I let a beat pass. "If you believe me to be narcissistic by asking myself how the Arab Revolts would compare, have similarities and differences, with a part of history I know of - and, by the way, I'm a Selkie, not Kyrenaian - you are quite mistaken."
I let a beat pass.
"Now, you might want to remember one thing from this lesson.", I told Honorine, "The question is not, what parts of history are taught or how, but why." I made a gesture towards the teacher. "Now, our teacher told us, that the Arab Revolt matter, because, and I quote, changed the course of modern geopolitics, economics and world history." I shrugged and looked up from my notes. "Many things changed the course of modern geopolitics, economics and world history, but why is it so important for the Emirate of Dar Al-Badw?" I let a beat pass. "Maybe we should give her the chance to continue her lesson?"

[Insaanistan]

“I think it’d be important to mark down,” Muhammad said. “After all, we are surrounded by Arabs now.”

"Na'am," said Hassan, "Atsawar we should. Even if most of them don't exist in our universe." Ali elbowed him. "If you're going to talk Arabic, at least talk fus-ha!" "What? I lived in Iraq lil waqit taweel, why should I speak anything else?" replied Hassan with a mischievous grin, obviously flamebaiting provoking Ali. He was not very good at languages and often talked in Mesapotamian Arabic (he lived in Iraq for eight years).

“FusHa is the purest one today,” Muhammad joked. It was well known among Arabs that it was the Iraqi dialects that often were the closest to FusHa. Though Muhammad was not Arab, he certainly noted how much closer Uncle Mustafa’s Iraqi counterparts spoke to him in private was like MSA than any other Colloquial Arabic.
“Are you from closer to Baghdad or Basra?” he asked in accented FusHa.

[Kandex]

After scribbling down their notes, Hassan said: "The what wars?"

Celina Scian of the Tribe of Fermanagh.
"The Decolonization Wars.", I replied, "Basically, the Kyrenaian Colonial Empire went up in flames in a quite dramatic fashion as several colonies rebelled and the Kyrenaian Government fought the rebellions. It's a lot more complicated, actually, but yeah... that's the abridged."

Ali and Hassan were wide-eyed, Ali in admiration and Hassan in surprise that Honorine managed to make such a speech on the spot. "Yes, exactly." they said together.

While the two latecomers were looking at her with wide eyes (really, lad, crushing on her already?), I took the barbs thrown at me with a small smile.
I did not know, where taking her ideas and selling them as my own had been done by me (though I did agree to one of her points, so maybe she was referring to that?), I leaned back for a moment.
"There is an Auwaltian saying: Man schließt besser auf das Unbekannte, wenn man es mit dem Bekannten vergleicht.", I told her, then translating it should she not speak the language: "You better understand the unknown, if you compare it to the known." I let a beat pass. "If you believe me to be narcissistic by asking myself how the Arab Revolts would compare, have similarities and differences, with a part of history I know of - and, by the way, I'm a Selkie, not Kyrenaian - you are quite mistaken."
I let a beat pass.
"Now, you might want to remember one thing from lesson.", I told Honorine, "The question is not, what parts of history are taught or how, but why." I made a gesture towards the teacher. "Now, our teacher told us, that the Arab Revolt matter, because, and I quote, changed the course of modern geopolitics, economics and world history." I shrugged and looked up from my notes. "Many things changed the course of modern geopolitics, economics and world history, but why is it so important for the Emirate of Dar Al-Badw?" I let a beat pass. "Maybe we should give her the chance to continue her lesson?"

Honorine was emboldened by the two guys in the class crushing on her for putting Celia down. She didn't see her self as bully, but she didn't have many qualms going after someone who clearly had self confidence if it meant winning the respect of others. Had Celia showed timidity, she wouldn't have felt comfortable continuing to go at her, but as she hadn't, Honorine would be happy to keep going.

"Oh, so you want to give her a chance to continue the lesson now? Maybe you should have thought that before demanding to be told why you should 'give a damn'. It's completely normal to begin a lesson with a question to set the stage for further explanation, like if one says that something 'changed the course of modern geopolitics, economics and world history', it's pretty obvious that the next thing that'll be discussed is how it did that. On the contrary, how the Arab Revolt compares to the whatever Decolonization Wars is useless information for everyone other than yourself. For the rest of us, you're demanding an unknown to be compared to another unknown. Again, Celina, this class isn't only for you, though I'm sure that hurts you." Said Honorine with a sarcastic sneer.

[Insaanistan]

After scribbling down their notes, Hassan said: "The what wars?"

Celina Scian of the Tribe of Fermanagh.
"The Decolonization Wars.", I replied, "Basically, the Kyrenaian Colonial Empire went up in flames in a quite dramatic fashion as several colonies rebelled and the Kyrenaian Government fought the rebellions. It's a lot more complicated, actually, but yeah... that's the abridged."

Ali and Hassan were wide-eyed, Ali in admiration and Hassan in surprise that Honorine managed to make such a speech on the spot. "Yes, exactly." they said together.

While the two latecomers were looking at her with wide eyes (really, lad, crushing on her already?), I took the barbs thrown at me with a small smile.
I did not know, where taking her ideas and selling them as my own had been done by me (though I did agree to one of her points, so maybe she was referring to that?), I leaned back for a moment.
"There is an Auwaltian saying: Man schließt besser auf das Unbekannte, wenn man es mit dem Bekannten vergleicht.", I told her, then translating it should she not speak the language: "You better understand the unknown, if you compare it to the known." I let a beat pass. "If you believe me to be narcissistic by asking myself how the Arab Revolts would compare, have similarities and differences, with a part of history I know of - and, by the way, I'm a Selkie, not Kyrenaian - you are quite mistaken."
I let a beat pass.
"Now, you might want to remember one thing from this lesson.", I told Honorine, "The question is not, what parts of history are taught or how, but why." I made a gesture towards the teacher. "Now, our teacher told us, that the Arab Revolt matter, because, and I quote, changed the course of modern geopolitics, economics and world history." I shrugged and looked up from my notes. "Many things changed the course of modern geopolitics, economics and world history, but why is it so important for the Emirate of Dar Al-Badw?" I let a beat pass. "Maybe we should give her the chance to continue her lesson?"

“Yes, let’s,” Hussaina said, dissatisfied.
Muhammad whispered with a smirk on his face to Celina, “Dieser verdammte Lehrer ist verrückt. Wir sollten ihr beobachten. Und leg dich vielleicht ein bisschen mit ihr an, nein?”

[Zarnicovia nova]

Hunter arrived at class late as he was adjusting to the new time and was tired. He still looked very tired as he sat down and opened his book.

[The Selkie]

Honorine was emboldened by the two guys in the class crushing on her for putting Celia down. She didn't see her self as bully, but she didn't have many qualms going after someone who clearly had self confidence if it meant winning the respect of others. Had Celia showed timidity, she wouldn't have felt comfortable continuing to go at her, but as she hadn't, Honorine would be happy to keep going.

"Oh, so you want to give her a chance to continue the lesson now? Maybe you should have thought that before demanding to be told why you should 'give a damn'. It's completely normal to begin a lesson with a question to set the stage for further explanation, like if one says that something 'changed the course of modern geopolitics, economics and world history', it's pretty obvious that the next thing that'll be discussed is how it did that. On the contrary, how the Arab Revolt compares to the whatever Decolonization Wars is useless information for everyone other than yourself. For the rest of us, you're demanding an unknown to be compared to another unknown. Again, Celina, this class isn't only for you, though I'm sure that hurts you." Said Honorine with a sarcastic sneer.

“Yes, let’s,” Hussaina said, dissatisfied.
Muhammad whispered with a smirk on his face to Celina, “Dieser verdammte Lehrer ist verrückt. Wir sollten ihr beobachten. Und leg dich vielleicht ein bisschen mit ihr an, nein?”

Celina Scian of the Tribe of Fermanagh.
I smiled at Honorine.
"Lass, maybe we should continue this discussion once you have cooled down a bit. The heat might be getting to you.", I said almost serenely.
Little fuckwit could think herself whatever she wanted, maybe even right, but a Scian did not let anyone talk to her like that. Oh, I had the rough idea, that the two of us would be splendid friends.
When Muhammad spoke to me, I smiled.
"Mein Freund, ich lege mich mit denen an, mit denen ich mich anlegen will. Ich muss aber dazu sagen, dass das nicht der Grund ist, weswegen ich hier bin.", I told him with a smile.
My friend, I mess with those, who I want to mess with. Though, I have to add, that I am not here for that.

[Insaanistan]

Honorine was emboldened by the two guys in the class crushing on her for putting Celia down. She didn't see her self as bully, but she didn't have many qualms going after someone who clearly had self confidence if it meant winning the respect of others. Had Celia showed timidity, she wouldn't have felt comfortable continuing to go at her, but as she hadn't, Honorine would be happy to keep going.

"Oh, so you want to give her a chance to continue the lesson now? Maybe you should have thought that before demanding to be told why you should 'give a damn'. It's completely normal to begin a lesson with a question to set the stage for further explanation, like if one says that something 'changed the course of modern geopolitics, economics and world history', it's pretty obvious that the next thing that'll be discussed is how it did that. On the contrary, how the Arab Revolt compares to the whatever Decolonization Wars is useless information for everyone other than yourself. For the rest of us, you're demanding an unknown to be compared to another unknown. Again, Celina, this class isn't only for you, though I'm sure that hurts you." Said Honorine with a sarcastic sneer.

“Yes, let’s,” Hussaina said, dissatisfied.
Muhammad whispered with a smirk on his face to Celina, “Dieser verdammte Lehrer ist verrückt. Wir sollten ihr beobachten. Und leg dich vielleicht ein bisschen mit ihr an, nein?”

Celina Scian of the Tribe of Fermanagh.
I smiled at Honorine.
"Lass, maybe we should continue this discussion once you have cooled down a bit. The heat might be getting to you.", I said almost serenely.
Little fuckwit could think herself whatever she wanted, maybe even right, but a Scian did not let anyone talk to her like that. Oh, I had the rough idea, that the two of us would be splendid friends.
When Muhammad spoke to me, I smiled.
"Mein Freund, ich lege mich mit denen an, mit denen ich mich anlegen will. Ich muss aber dazu sagen, dass das nicht der Grund ist, weswegen ich hier bin.", I told him with a smile.
My friend, I mess with those, who I want to mess with. Though, I have to add, that I am not here for that.

“Ich auch nicht,” he told her.“Aber manchmal...” here he tilted his head toward the teacher, “ändern die Umstände die Dinge.”
Neither am I. But sometimes, our circumstances force things to change.
He picked up his pencil to take notes again, quite sure Celina would be a great friend. Which was good, because he frankly was already starting to hate it in Dar al-Badw.

[The Selkie]

“Ich auch nicht,” he told her.“Aber manchmal...” here he tilted his head toward the teacher, “ändern die Umstände die Dinge.”
Neither am I. But sometimes, our circumstances force things to change.
He picked up his pencil to take notes again, quite sure Celina would be a great friend. Which was good, because he frankly was already starting to hate it in Dar al-Badw.

Celina Scian of the Tribe of Fermanagh.
Ah... this was getting interesting.
"In einem gebe ich dir recht...", I told Muhammad, "...wir sollten sie definitiv ein wenig beschäftigt halten. Könnte spaßig werden."
I agree with you on one thing. We should keep her busy. Coul be fun.
Could this guy become a friend? Maybe.
This place sucked, to be honest, maybe a few friends, like Charlie, could make it bearable. Though, let's be clear from the get-go, he was not my type, looks wise. If he had the personality...
...let's see.

[Alenberg]

snip.

Charlotte glanced up from her laptop and yawned slightly, rubbing her eyes. Despite her seemingly nonchalant response to the argument whirling around her, she felt obligated to at least assist her new friend.
"I will not comment on the importance of the Arab revolution - or, as Cel put it, why we should 'give a damn'. I am sure we will be given explanations in due time. This is a question for historians anyway, and I doubt there are any qualified historians here..." She glanced at the teacher, as she said that. "That said...Comparisons of similar but disparate cases is a useful tool for historical analysis. Thus, it is perfectly legitimate to, in a conversation of the 'why?' regarding a conflict, at least mention what appears to be a somewhat similar conflict. I will not comment on the manner in which it was done or whether now is the right time, but bringing up the wars is not in and of itself wrong. That said..."

She turned to Cel intending to decisively shut Honorine out of the conversation. "I, personally, would like to know later, about the Kyrenaian Decolonization Wars. During break, perhaps?"

---

Alcott looked up from his novel, and glanced at Honorine with an annoyed glare, before looking back down at his book and continuing to read. He caught Kieran's as he did so, and made his best attempt at conveying his annoyance through his facial expressions.

...And then, he noticed Kieran's notes, and he scooted his seat closer for a better look. "Damn..." he quietly whispered. "You compose music? Shit, that's really cool. I always wanted to do that but couldn't figure it out."

[Kandex]

Honorine was emboldened by the two guys in the class crushing on her for putting Celia down. She didn't see her self as bully, but she didn't have many qualms going after someone who clearly had self confidence if it meant winning the respect of others. Had Celia showed timidity, she wouldn't have felt comfortable continuing to go at her, but as she hadn't, Honorine would be happy to keep going.

"Oh, so you want to give her a chance to continue the lesson now? Maybe you should have thought that before demanding to be told why you should 'give a damn'. It's completely normal to begin a lesson with a question to set the stage for further explanation, like if one says that something 'changed the course of modern geopolitics, economics and world history', it's pretty obvious that the next thing that'll be discussed is how it did that. On the contrary, how the Arab Revolt compares to the whatever Decolonization Wars is useless information for everyone other than yourself. For the rest of us, you're demanding an unknown to be compared to another unknown. Again, Celina, this class isn't only for you, though I'm sure that hurts you." Said Honorine with a sarcastic sneer.

“Yes, let’s,” Hussaina said, dissatisfied.
Muhammad whispered with a smirk on his face to Celina, “Dieser verdammte Lehrer ist verrückt. Wir sollten ihr beobachten. Und leg dich vielleicht ein bisschen mit ihr an, nein?”

Celina Scian of the Tribe of Fermanagh.
I smiled at Honorine.
"Lass, maybe we should continue this discussion once you have cooled down a bit. The heat might be getting to you.", I said almost serenely.
Little fuckwit could think herself whatever she wanted, maybe even right, but a Scian did not let anyone talk to her like that. Oh, I had the rough idea, that the two of us would be splendid friends.
When Muhammad spoke to me, I smiled.
"Mein Freund, ich lege mich mit denen an, mit denen ich mich anlegen will. Ich muss aber dazu sagen, dass das nicht der Grund ist, weswegen ich hier bin.", I told him with a smile.
My friend, I mess with those, who I want to mess with. Though, I have to add, that I am not here for that.

"Thanks for attempting to be considerate, but I'm fine, Celina. As for this discussion, you're right, we should stop, I think most of our classmates get me, if you don't we can always have a face to face conversation later." Honorine gave Celina a mischievous smile.

snip.

Charlotte glanced up from her laptop and yawned slightly, rubbing her eyes. Despite her seemingly nonchalant response to the argument whirling around her, she felt obligated to at least assist her new friend.
"I will not comment on the importance of the Arab revolution - or, as Cel put it, why we should 'give a damn'. I am sure we will be given explanations in due time. This is a question for historians, and I doubt there are any qualified historians here..." She glanced at the teacher, as she said that. "That said...Comparisons of similar but disparate cases is a useful tool for historical analysis. Thus, it is perfectly legitimate to, in a conversation of the 'why?' regarding a conflict, at least mention what appears to be a somewhat similar conflict. I will not comment on the manner in which it was done or whether now is the right time, but bringing up the wars is not in and of itself wrong. That said..."

She turned to Cel intending to decisively shut Honorine out of the conversation. "I, personally, would like to know. What are the Kyrenaian Decolonization Wars?"

Honorine turned her attention next to another girl, the momentum of her previous argument caring forward to a new target.

"If we don't have any qualified historians here, Celina certainly isn't one, either. I'm not quite sure it'd be all that productive getting someone who doesn't quite understand what the purpose of a 'conversation starting question' nor can infer why learning about arab history might be be important in the history class of an arab country, is someone you want to teach you about a war you know nothing about. I should say though, not recognizing that is a pretty good indicator that you might not be the best judge as to whether or not our teacher is a qualified historian, who's curriculum we should probably be caring more about if we were, in fact, sent here to learn."

[Alenberg]

removed

[The Selkie]

snip.

Charlotte glanced up from her laptop and yawned slightly, rubbing her eyes. Despite her seemingly nonchalant response to the argument whirling around her, she felt obligated to at least assist her new friend.
"I will not comment on the importance of the Arab revolution - or, as Cel put it, why we should 'give a damn'. I am sure we will be given explanations in due time. This is a question for historians anyway, and I doubt there are any qualified historians here..." She glanced at the teacher, as she said that. "That said...Comparisons of similar but disparate cases is a useful tool for historical analysis. Thus, it is perfectly legitimate to, in a conversation of the 'why?' regarding a conflict, at least mention what appears to be a somewhat similar conflict. I will not comment on the manner in which it was done or whether now is the right time, but bringing up the wars is not in and of itself wrong. That said..."

She turned to Cel intending to decisively shut Honorine out of the conversation. "I, personally, would like to know. What are the Kyrenaian Decolonization Wars?"

---

Alcott looked up from his novel, and glanced at Honorine with an annoyed glare, before looking back down at his book and continuing to read. He caught Kieran's as he did so, and made his best attempt at conveying his annoyance through his facial expressions.

...And then, he noticed Kieran's notes, and he scooted his seat closer for a better look. "Damn..." he quietly whispered. "You compose music? Shit, that's really cool. I always wanted to do that but couldn't figure it out."

Celina Scian of the Tribe of Fermanagh.
I smiled as Charlie rushed to my aid.
And then proceeded to viciously shut Honorine out.
"The Decolonization Wars were a series of conflicts fought as the Kyrenaian Colonial Empire began to break apart, both rebellions and wars of independence, as well as, in at least one case, a major civil war.", I explained, "I don't think we have the time to cover it all in sufficient detail here, mainly because the conflict went from either 1921 or 1923, depending on who you ask, to 1965 and spanned a total of eleven to twelve sub-conflicts, again, depending on who you ask." I let a beat pass. "I have a book on them with me, if you want?"
Though, apparently, Honorine didn't get the memo of our conversation being over and her being cut out of the one following. Persistent, one had to give her that.
I pointedly ignored her, though Charlie was... clearer in her phrasing.

Kieran Sloroimh of the Tribe of Louth.
"Only for the guitar.", I whispered back, blushing. "I play it myself, so it is a bit easier."
I continued doodling down some notes, hummed the sequence, then turned my pen to scratch them out. That one was not good.
"Do you play an instrument?", I asked Alcott in a whisper.

[Dar Al-Badw]

“The Great Arab Revolt, which occurred from 1916 to 1918,
created many modern Arab countries but the British betrayed their promises leading to the Palestinians being robbed of their land.
It also hastened the decline of the Ottoman Empire.”
The teacher said.

The bell then rang for the next lesson.

History for the first years, Philosophy and Religion for everyone else.

[Alenberg]

Honorine turned her attention next to another girl, the momentum of her previous argument caring forward to a new target.

"If we don't have any qualified historians here, Celina certainly isn't one, either. I'm not quite sure it'd be all that productive getting someone who doesn't quite understand what the purpose of a 'conversation starting question' nor can infer why learning about arab history might be be important in the history class of an arab country, is someone you want to teach you about a war you know nothing about. I should say though, not recognizing that is a pretty good indicator that you might not be the best judge as to whether or not our teacher is a qualified historian, who's curriculum we should probably be caring more about if we were, in fact, sent here to learn."

Said momentum crashed into a brick wall.
"And I suggest...that you take your own advice, Miss whatever your surname is. We can wave our dicks around later." Charlie shot back. She turned back to Celina, with a smile. "I'd love it! But we have a class right now. How about we discuss it over break later? I brought some proper food with me and I'd be happy to share."

Regardless of Cel's reponse to her offer, or Honorine's reply, Charlie would return to her laptop, opening the text editor again and waiting for the teacher to resume.

“The Great Arab Revolt, which occurred from 1916 to 1918,
created many modern Arab countries but the British betrayed their promises leading to the Palestinians being robbed of their land.
It also hastened the decline of the Ottoman Empire.”
The teacher said.

The bell then rang for the next lesson.

History for the first years, Philosophy and Religion for everyone else.

...which she then did. Charlie saved her notes as the bell rang, and closed her laptop. She then immediately went up to Cel. "Philosophy and religion next, right?" she asked. "And break after?"

---

"Used to." Alcott replied. "Dad made me play the piano."

[The Selkie]

“The Great Arab Revolt, which occurred from 1916 to 1918,
created many modern Arab countries but the British betrayed their promises leading to the Palestinians being robbed of their land.
It also hastened the decline of the Ottoman Empire.”
The teacher said.

The bell then rang for the next lesson.

History for the first years, Philosophy and Religion for everyone else.

Celina Scian of the Tribe of Fermanagh.
I was starting to doubt the competence of the teacher - that had little to do with the facts she spoke (I had no way of knowing, if they were correct or not, but in doubt for the defense), but about how she had handled the lesson: Instead of directing our discussion into a more fruitful direction or taking charge, she had basically let us do as we wished, let our discussion become a dick-waving contest (despite us three being girls) and finished off with a blurb, which I could find better on an Encyclopaedia.
In any case, as the bell rang for the next lesson, Philosophy and Religion (while the latter part was not of that much interest to me, the former part very much was), I looked to Charlie.

Honorine turned her attention next to another girl, the momentum of her previous argument caring forward to a new target.

"If we don't have any qualified historians here, Celina certainly isn't one, either. I'm not quite sure it'd be all that productive getting someone who doesn't quite understand what the purpose of a 'conversation starting question' nor can infer why learning about arab history might be be important in the history class of an arab country, is someone you want to teach you about a war you know nothing about. I should say though, not recognizing that is a pretty good indicator that you might not be the best judge as to whether or not our teacher is a qualified historian, who's curriculum we should probably be caring more about if we were, in fact, sent here to learn."

Said momentum crashed into a brick wall.
"Take your own advice, Miss Whatever your surname is. We can wave our dicks around later." Charlie shot back. She turned back to Celina, with a smile. "I'd love it! But we have a class right now. How about we discuss it over break later? I brought some proper food with me and I'd be happy to share."

Regardless of Cel's reponse to her offer, or Honorine's reply, Charlie would return to her laptop, opening the text editor again and waiting for the teacher to resume.

---

"Used to." Alcott replied. "Dad made me play the piano."

"Sounds like a plan.", I said and nodded, "Trying to remember where I had put the book as I turned the page in my notebook.

Kieran Sloroimh of the Tribe of Louth.
Yeah, that sucked - being forced into something was no fun.
I made a face as the bell rang, then turned to Alcott.
"Sounds rough.", I said, "Did you like it?"

[Kandex]

Honorine turned her attention next to another girl, the momentum of her previous argument caring forward to a new target.

"If we don't have any qualified historians here, Celina certainly isn't one, either. I'm not quite sure it'd be all that productive getting someone who doesn't quite understand what the purpose of a 'conversation starting question' nor can infer why learning about arab history might be be important in the history class of an arab country, is someone you want to teach you about a war you know nothing about. I should say though, not recognizing that is a pretty good indicator that you might not be the best judge as to whether or not our teacher is a qualified historian, who's curriculum we should probably be caring more about if we were, in fact, sent here to learn."

Said momentum crashed into a brick wall.
"Take your own advice, Miss Whatever your surname is. We can wave our dicks around later."

"Speak for yourself, Charlie, I believe?" Honorine quickly replied.

“The Great Arab Revolt, which occurred from 1916 to 1918,
created many modern Arab countries but the British betrayed their promises leading to the Palestinians being robbed of their land.
It also hastened the decline of the Ottoman Empire.”
The teacher said.

The bell then rang for the next lesson.

History for the first years, Philosophy and Religion for everyone else.

Honorine picked up a tablet computer that she eventually ended up taking out to take notes. She walked by Celina and Charlotte and rolled her eyes at them silently, before heading on to the next class.

[Insaanistan]

“Ich auch nicht,” he told her.“Aber manchmal...” here he tilted his head toward the teacher, “ändern die Umstände die Dinge.”
Neither am I. But sometimes, our circumstances force things to change.
He picked up his pencil to take notes again, quite sure Celina would be a great friend. Which was good, because he frankly was already starting to hate it in Dar al-Badw.

Celina Scian of the Tribe of Fermanagh.
Ah... this was getting interesting.
"In einem gebe ich dir recht...", I told Muhammad, "...wir sollten sie definitiv ein wenig beschäftigt halten. Könnte spaßig werden."
I agree with you on one thing. We should keep her busy. Coul be fun.
Could this guy become a friend? Maybe.
This place sucked, to be honest, maybe a few friends, like Charlie, could make it bearable. Though, let's be clear from the get-go, he was not my type, looks wise. If he had the personality...
...let's see.

Muhammad and his cousins (who finally entered the class after a while) left for Philosophy and Religion.

[Alenberg]

Celina Scian of the Tribe of Fermanagh.
I was starting to doubt the competence of the teacher - that had little to do with the facts she spoke (I had no way of knowing, if they were correct or not, but in doubt for the defense), but about how she had handled the lesson: Instead of directing our discussion into a more fruitful direction or taking charge, she had basically let us do as we wished, let our discussion become a dick-waving contest (despite us three being girls) and finished off with a blurb, which I could find better on an Encyclopaedia.
In any case, as the bell rang for the next lesson, Philosophy and Religion (while the latter part was not of that much interest to me, the former part very much was), I looked to Charlie.
[...]
"Sounds like a plan.", I said and nodded, "Trying to remember where I had put the book as I turned the page in my notebook.

Kieran Sloroimh of the Tribe of Louth.
Yeah, that sucked - being forced into something was no fun.
I made a face as the bell rang, then turned to Alcott.
"Sounds rough.", I said, "Did you like it?"

Charlotte nodded happily, before accompanying Cel to the next classroom, where she then took a seat and took her laptop out again.

---

Alcott shrugged as he packed his bags and left for the next class. "I liked the music. Hated having to learn it."

[The Selkie]

Charlotte nodded happily, before accompanying Cel to the next classroom, where she then took a seat and took her laptop out again.

---

Alcott shrugged as he packed his bags and left for the next class. "I liked the music. Hated having to learn it."

Celina Scian of the Tribe of Fermanagh.
I did not miss Honorine rolling her eyes at us, but replied with confusion - did she really think, that I gave a shit about what she thought of me?
In any case, new class, new spot to sit, again close to Charlie, unless she minded.

Kieran Sloroimh of the Tribe of Louth.
As we were on the way to the next class, I continued my conversation with Alcott. "Yeah, I get, what you mean... for me, it was a garage sail and an old acoustic guitar when I was seven Springs.", I smiled at the memory, "My Mother bought it under the condition, that I would practice every day. When I reached a certain level, they got me a teacher and he introduced me to electric guitars."
I grinned.
"Might play a few pieces, if there is a chance!", I told him.

[Mandal and Hormuz]

"Na'am," said Hassan, "Atsawar we should. Even if most of them don't exist in our universe." Ali elbowed him. "If you're going to talk Arabic, at least talk fus-ha!" "What? I lived in Iraq lil waqit taweel, why should I speak anything else?" replied Hassan with a mischievous grin, obviously flamebaiting provoking Ali. He was not very good at languages and often talked in Mesapotamian Arabic (he lived in Iraq for eight years).

“FusHa is the purest one today,” Muhammad joked. It was well known among Arabs that it was the Iraqi dialects that often were the closest to FusHa. Though Muhammad was not Arab, he certainly noted how much closer Uncle Mustafa’s Iraqi counterparts spoke to him in private was like MSA than any other Colloquial Arabic.
“Are you from closer to Baghdad or Basra?” he asked in accented FusHa.

"I'm from Najaf," he replied. "But my brother was born in Muscat." said Hassan as he left the class for Philosophy and Religion. "Iraqi is the best variant of Arabic."