Come to the Lake, there's a University! (IC)

by **The Selkie** » Mon Aug 16, 2021 3:30 am

Lecture Hall 111, Scuab Campus, University of Fortham.
Aai Aoi.
When I had first come here, people had thought me to be a Spiorad – the large bunny ears had been a dead giveaway. I was a Migakemujara, though, from a lovely country known as the Realm of Okunaratsuru.
Much like the Spiorad, we not only had animal features, but also the effective immortality. I used the time given to me by the Gods to study as much as I could and to this end, I had signed up for a student exchange with the University of Fortham in the Free Lands.
I was not the only exchange student, who had found his or her way into Lecture Hall 111 on this Monday Morning. I saw a few Kyrenaians, a Jalidi, a Lillo and quite a few people from nations even I had most likely never heard of.
Like all of them, I stayed at the Sócúlagh Inn, a good house with good food.
It was only a few moments until this first lecture started, Introduction to Selkie History, mandatory for all exchange students, no matter which Faculty they were part of. And there he was already, the tall and relatively impressive form of Professor Leonard Eagrasí of the Tribe of Wicklow.
He headed this exchange programme and was responsible, both for the programme and this lecture.
He moved to the lectern at the end of the room and cleared his throat. The assembly fell silent.
“Good morning, everyone. I hope, that you all settled in well and are ready to face this Trimester.”, he began and looked at all of us – I felt as if his eyes were boring directly into me. “Now, allow me to use the first half of this lecture for a bit of administrative work, we will tackle the general periods of Selkie-History after questions and a short break.
Now, first of all – welcome to the UoF!” He raised both arms as if to hug us all, a smile on his face. “I have been on student exchanges myself when I was about your age and let me tell you... the next few months will be very exciting for you. You will not only learn about the Selkie and us from first hand, but also you will teach, us about you, especially in the seminars. You will discuss, fight for your opinions, hear other views and especially listen, but you will also get to know these lands.”
He let a beat pass.
“Now, to that end, the UoF has called upon our students for volunteers.”, he said and motioned for the first row to come up to the stage, all of which were not foreign exchange students. “These are the Elaisi, your, for the lack of a better word, guides. They will be your persons of contact and they are there to help you, in case you don't know your way anymore. I am sure, that some of them will also drag you to the odd party.”
There was a round of laughs, I snorted in amusement as well.
“Ladies and gentlemen, please introduce yourselves.”
There was a small bit of shuffling until a tall young man stepped forward, black hair with a few silver streaks, strong arms and self-confidence in his step as he made a step forward and bowed his head: “I am Finnegan Bobharún of the Tribe of Galway.”, he introduced himself and rose again, “I am a member of the Marcach Team, sixth Trimester of History and I look forward to work with you all.”
Next came another young man: “Duncan Ostagha of the Tribe of Laois.”, he said, “Third Trimester of History, Master's Programme, in addition to Didactics. I am with the Swimmer Team's Reserve, so those of you, who are part of that... you know, where to find me.”
The first woman was in her mid-thirties, a mature woman with black hair, brown eyes and a motherly aura: “Good morning. I am Fiona Lánabí of the Tribe of Laois.“
With that said, she stepped back into the row and left the next one to look at her a bit surprised and shrugged. Another round of laughs as the next one stepped forward, another woman, a brunette with a soft smile and a soft voice.
“I am Aileen Lománocht of the Tribe of Fermanagh.”, she said, “I know, that some of you are with the Gardening Group, so we will see each other, but for the rest... please don't hesitate to approach me, if you need to.”
The next was a young man: “Hi, I am Aonghus Bádlatamóra of the Tribe of Sligo.“, he introduced himself, “If any of you need a recommendation for a good inn... the Sócúlagh is good, but there are better inns around.”
“Someone has the priorities sorted, I see.”, the Professor commented drily, then motioned to the last in line, a cheerful-looking blonde.
There was a spring in her step, as she stepped forward: “Hi, I am Amy Eitpheil of the Tribe of Cavan. Unlike the majority, I actually don't belong into History, but Agronomy. Please don't hesitate to approach me either way!”
“Thank you all for your help.”, the Professor told the students, who bowed their heads again and wanted to leave the stage, but he kept them. “No, no, remain for a moment.” He turned to the exchange students. “These people are there to help you. They are your persons of contact for anything not related to the University. Don't hesitate if the need arises. We had situations in the past, where this was needed and I would like for you all to remember your time here fondly, not as the time you got stabbed or something because you were in the wrong part of town.” There was a small pause, then the Professor nodded. “You can be seated now, please exchange phone numbers later.”
A minute passed until the Professor could be sure, that he had our attention again.
“Next point of order, your Student IDs.”, he said and held up a pack of credit-card sized, well, cards. “We will hand them out after the lecture, at the door, so please remain for a moment. A small note on the sideline, they allow you free use of public transport and free entrance into a lot of places, including the City's public swimming pool. Some inns also offer happy hours for students, taking these cards as proof of student-dom.” He let a beat pass. “They also are important for getting books from the University Library, which is an excellent transition to...”
A man stood up, tall and dressed in a suit. His long hair was open, his face strict as he stepped to the lectern.
“...me, I'd presume.”, he said and looked at us: “Áed Festas of the Tribe of Antrim. I am the head of the University Library. As we had that issue in the past, please be careful with the books you borrow and use the appropriate systems. If you need help, and yes, we had that case once before, please don't threaten to burn the whole library down, or even try to, but ask either at the front desk or one of the employees working there.” He let a beat pass. “Please also make use of the online catalogue, it will help you to find books you need.” He looked to the Elaisi. “If you need help finding the Library, or one of the branches, ask Mister Bádlatamóra. I am reliably informed, that he knows, where they all are.”
The young man nodded. “There's a good inn next to the Agronomy Library.”
“And now you know, why.”, the older man said and looked into the assembly. “If he can't help you either, the website has their addresses and you most likely smartphones with a map application.” He looked at his notes for a moment, then nodded. “That'd be all from me, though I will stick around if there are any questions.”
Professor Eagrasí came back and nodded.
“Thank you, Áed.”, he said and looked back at us, “Now, it was already spoken about, but Clubs – they meet at appointed times, the Morning Sport Group is 7 a.m. every morning, for example, and the Swimmer Team is at 3 p.m.. Please make sure, if you joined any, that you know when and where.”, he added and I smiled slightly. I was with the Sailing Team Reserves, so I knew, that it was 3 in the afternoon, every day I could. The Professor continued: “Fridays are generally lecture free, but don't take that as an invitation to slack off – homework needs to be done.”
He looked sternly at all of us.
I heard someone swallow deeply.
“Now...” Professor Eagrasí clapped into his hands. “...are there any questions?”

by **AHSCA** » Tue Aug 17, 2021 5:11 pm

What a chance and opportunity for young and studious Aktuala de Kino, well really just Aktuala, Coronans don't have surnames, typically, but yes a great chance for this young islander as she was getting a big chance to study abroad. University was really not a thing in AHSCA, there were a handful of specialized secondary schools for those seeking a career in say medicine, or politics but otherwise most people would likely just become common laborers, merchants, sailors, fishermen, farmers and so on. Aktula had ambitions as a writer, not so much for fiction, though she hadn't ruled it out but more along the lines of writing non-fiction, books about her home, history of the islands, culture, politics. She could maybe become a recognized historian for her nation. Well failing that, she'd join her wife on the high seas no doubt.

Now with some uh recent events she did kind of wonder if she was going to get a lot of questions about. She'd be glad to oblige but in the end really, it was still a bit of an ongoing situation that might warrant discussion further down the road so for now best not to worry much about it. 150 cm tall and 40 kg it was a bit of an ordeal to get through the crowds massing in Lecture Hall 111. She might as well be swimming up a wave, well good thing she also knew how to surf! But with a little navigating she made her way in and took her seat. It was a simple welcoming ceremony for all the new students, with various people introducing themselves, people to keep an eye out for if needed, some who were in the clubs she enlisted in as well! Exciting. Student IDs were to be issued after this so everyone would have to stick around a bit longer, well no matter first day should mean little rush and time to mingle, that's how it was in her village schools after all. "Sailing at 3, right" she quietly muttered to herself. She didn't hear a time for the Gardening Club but well that didn't seem prudent to ask as an open question on the floor so she'd maybe try to find the person. Amy Eitpheil was it? Or was she just simply a student of agriculture? Well she might have to get with her later either way, farming was another part of her life. Both she and Kei (Her lovely wife) came from that background, you could say their families were both trades as traditionally men would fish women farm and all would be happy but those roles were changing.

So many interesting people indeed this was great.

by **Marigred** » Tue Aug 17, 2021 6:32 pm

The first time she set foot into the University of Fortham, Clara York felt a little shivering. The slightly hidden eyes behind the speed stamp immediately went to lecture hall 111 for the first lesson which is Introduction of Selkie History. "I surely hope i can find some friend fast. It quite boring to be alone, just make me nervous." She murmured in her heart.

Entering the lecture hall for the first time, Clara tried not to show too much nervousness or awkwardness. She chose a place with more female students because she was more comfortable there. At first, she has been thinking what to do if she runs into problems here, yet she smiles to herself during the familiarization session. "Glad, the university has a deep thought of it. Introductory sessions to important people here are great for new students. Let's see who I may need to meet later." The second person who introduced himself, Duncan Ostagha of swimmer team reserve. "I think i am in swimmer team, better check back later. Just please glue his name in the brain. I just hope i not keep forgetting people name later. It will be awkard if everytime i have to ask someone who there are." Later, when the professor mentioned about the student id, Clara just realized that she had not got it. She looked around but no one from the transfer student wore it. Later, the professor said it will be given after class. Clara glad she didn't act out said she didn't get it yet.

The next explanation for library didn't take Clara's attention too much. Clara tried to look away. She hoped that someone might also turn to her at that time. There may be a chance they can get acquainted. At the end of the introduction, the professor asks if the students have any questions. Although there was a question on her mind, she did not know how to ask it. In the end she just follow the class and kept quiet.

by **Lux Pulchrae** » Thu Aug 19, 2021 3:56 am

Ludoviga sat patiently in her seat, listening throughout the whole introduction. Well, she looked like she was listening. Throughout half of it she was daydreaming. She had been very used to the introductory periods of class and had found them rather boring. Other than the occasional cute boy, nothing caught her attention. At least she was in a different country this time, the university was offering it so why not, right? Thank God her brother Rocco wasn't around. Ludoviga's daydreaming was snapped when the professor asked for questions. She too was not much a questions gal either, mostly because she didn't know what to ask.

Daring to do so, she raised her hand "Is the university campus available to smoke cigarettes anywhere or just certain locations?" she asked in her accented English, although it wasn't as heavy as it usually is for those from her country. "Ludoviga by the way." she smiled.

by **The Selkie** » Thu Aug 19, 2021 7:30 am

Aai Aoi.
The professor was visibly tempted to ask, if there were really no questions and to call out, that no one needed to be shy, when someone indeed asked something, a young woman sitting a bit away from me.
“Is the university campus available to smoke cigarettes anywhere or just certain locations?” There was a bit of an accent, especially, when she added: “Ludoviga by the way.”
“Generally, outside, please, Miss d'Arditi.”, the Professor replied and pointed up, at a round, white object hanging at the ceiling. “We have fire detectors all over the place and them going off is no fun. So, please, outside. Or on the roof. And please not out of opened windows.” He let a beat pass. “Speaking of which, there will be an absolutely surprising fire drill tomorrow at around 1 p.m., you might have already red it in the weekly newsletter you got from the university.”
He let another beat pass.
“Other questions?”, he asked into the round, “Now's the time, no matter how asinine you might think the question is!”

Lennja Vaito.
A Jalidi in the Free Lands – who would have thought it possible? Especially when considering, that I studied Religious Sciences and Theology in Peeoma. Fortham had a faculty for that as well, though they were more focussed on training new Priests for the Selkie-Cults.
I, on the other hand, wanted to become an Ihmiset-Priestess, continuing the traditions and customs of my people in this day and age. That did not mean, that I was opposed to new things, quite on the contrary: I sat behind a pretty modern laptop, listened to the introductory words. I also didn't wear the traditional clothing of my people, but a shirt and jeans, a light jacket under my rear end.
Not too far away, another young woman sat – well, would I meet her on the street, I would think the dark-skinned girl to be a tad on the younger side, but here we were.
She muttered something to herself and I glanced over, gave her a light smile and a nod as the Professor answered the first question.

Alrich Iotme.
I sat next to Clara York (though I didn't know her name at the time) and watched her from the corner of the eye. She seemed a bit nervous at first, but that seemed to settle once the Professor began to speak.
She seemed especially interested in Duncan, a swimmer... was she into sportsmen or did she just like his looks? I did not know.
She also seemed to twitch when the Professor mentioned the Student-IDs, although I had a feeling I knew why: The University had said, that they would give us one, but I hadn't received one yet, either. So... it was a relief, that they would be handed out after the lesson.
When the Librarian spoke, I rested my cheek on my hand, turning to her as she looked over. I gave her a wink, grinned and turned back.
While there was the Q&A-Session going on, she looked as if she had something to say, but another one gave the first question to the Professor and gave an example. Granted, not by smoking, but by how to tackle questions. The Professor then encouraged us to ask away.
I raised my hand: “What's the deadline for seminar papers?”
“Unless your professors tell you something else, it's the day before the Winter Trimester begins, so the 30th of November.”, he replied, “Extension may be granted, but you'll have to talk with your professors about that... and usually have a good reason as well.”

by **Polish Prussian Commonwealth** » Thu Aug 19, 2021 8:31 am

Rota and Otulissa
The two Prussian-Poles were initally silent, but, seemingly, for completely different reasons.

Otulissa seemed to be nearly asleep. A cup of coffee seemed to be the thin line between conciousness and the sweet oblivion of sleep. Annabelle, on the other hand, seemed alert -- a little too, alert, perhaps. She stared at the professor attentively, and drummed her fingers silently against the table as he spoke, taking down notes with her free hand.

Other than that, neither stood out much; true, Rota wore a cadet's uniform and Otulissa a pair of dogtags and a strange medal, both blended into the crowd for the most part...or, at least, would, if Otulissa were not having what looked like a bad time.

Rota glanced with a bit of concern at her fellow countryman, before raising her hand and asking a question.
"Rota, Annabelle. One; What are the medical facilities avaiable? Two; what are the local laws, as well as university rules and regulations, on arms? Knives, swords, and similar weapons in particular."

by **Lux Pulchrae** » Thu Aug 19, 2021 9:32 pm

“Who smokes on the roof?” She thought to herself. She wasn’t a chimney, but she did enjoy the smoking corner with her friends.

Ludoviga just had to look around at whoever asked such a question. She spotted them and realized of course they’d ask such a question. This might be a long trimester.

“Pardon me professor but these ID cards, where are we not allowed to go?”

by **Aaaaaa** » Thu Aug 19, 2021 9:49 pm

"I don't why you want us to dress like this... I feel like I'm going to church, or a funeral."
"Can you just stop complaining and get ready?"

Anyone outside of the room could hear two feminine voices arguing in a language they almost certainly haven't heard before. One of them belonged to a young woman with short, light brown hair. She, Meausa, had just spent the night at an Inn with a name she wouldn't even bother trying to pronounce. She and her accomplice had traveled here from a country rife with turmoil, why they ended up in the Free Lands in particular is something neither of them is entirely confident in saying. "Come on, Noeanyyn, we're gonna be late..."

The other girl, who sported an eyepatch over her left pupil, stood up and dragged herself into the simple dress her friend had prepared. "Meausa, I.. I'm starting to feel like this whole thing isn't gonna work out."
"Well, what are you going to do? Swim back to Aaaaaa?" Meausa chastised. "Come on, we don't have much time left!" Eventually, the pair made their way to the university. After a couple minutes of aimlessly wandering around, unsure of where to go or who to ask for help, they found their way to the proper lecture hall and opted to sit down next to each other in a secluded corner of the room, just in time for the first lecture of the day.
"M-Meausa, this is gonna be a disaster... I don't know anything about the Free Lands, I'm gonna fuck this up... I never did good in school..." Noeanyyn's breathing became heavier and her eyes began to water slightly, a rarity for Meausa to see. Her friend, someone who used to be an overconfident brat, a plucky young girl that was always up to try something new, has become a nervous wreck all within the span of a year. The stress of her home country, combined with several incidents that are too reprehensible for her to disclose to anyone, even Meausa herself, has left Noeanyyn as a recluse that can't stay separated from her best friend for any extended period of time.
Meausa put her hand on her shoulder. "Noean... You're going to be fine. I don't know anything about the Free Lands either, and I'm fine. I should be the one panicking, not you!" She said jokingly. Noeanyyn didn't reciprocate before the lecture officially began.

…we had that case once before, please don't threaten to burn the whole library down, or even try to…

"He's talking about you." Meausa whispered. She received a glare in response.

…Some inns also offer happy hours for students, taking these cards as proof of student-dom…

"...Happy hour?"
"Don't even think about it."
"I'm not sa-"
"Don't. Even. Think. About. It."

…the Morning Sport Group is 7 a.m. every morning…

Noeanyyn turned. "It's at 7 AM? I go to bed at 7 AM, I don't wake up at 7 AM..." Meausa shushed her.

“Other questions?”, he asked into the round, “Now's the time, no matter how asinine you might think the question is!”

Meausa suddenly remembered something both very important, and also fairly embarrassing given her countries backwards technological state. She figured it'd be best to ask the professor after the session.

by **The Selkie** » Fri Aug 20, 2021 12:50 am

Polish Prussian Commonwealth wrote:Rota and Otulissa
The two Prussian-Poles were initally silent, but, seemingly, for completely different reasons.

Otulissa seemed to be nearly asleep. A cup of coffee seemed to be the thin line between conciousness and the sweet oblivion of sleep. Annabelle, on the other hand, seemed alert -- a little too, alert, perhaps. She stared at the professor attentively, and drummed her fingers silently against the table as he spoke, taking down notes with her free hand.

Other than that, neither stood out much; true, Rota wore a cadet's uniform and Otulissa a pair of dogtags and a strange medal, both blended into the crowd for the most part...or, at least, would, if Otulissa were not having what looked like a bad time.

Rota glanced with a bit of concern at her fellow countryman, before raising her hand and asking a question.
"Rota, Annabelle. One; What are the medical facilities avaiable? Two; what are the local laws, as well as university rules and regulations, on arms? Knives, swords, and similar weapons in particular."

Lux Pulchrae wrote:
The Selkie wrote:Aai Aoi.
The professor was visibly tempted to ask, if there were really no questions and to call out, that no one needed to be shy, when someone indeed asked something, a young woman sitting a bit away from me.
“Is the university campus available to smoke cigarettes anywhere or just certain locations?” There was a bit of an accent, especially, when she added: “Ludoviga by the way.”
“Generally, outside, please, Miss d'Arditi.”, the Professor replied and pointed up, at a round, white object hanging at the ceiling. “We have fire detectors all over the place and them going off is no fun. So, please, outside. Or on the roof. And please not out of opened windows.” He let a beat pass. “Speaking of which, there will be an absolutely surprising fire drill tomorrow at around 1 p.m., you might have already red it in the weekly newsletter you got from the university.”
He let another beat pass.
“Other questions?”, he asked into the round, “Now's the time, no matter how asinine you might think the question is!”

“Who smokes on the roof?” She thought to herself. She wasn’t a chimney, but she did enjoy the smoking corner with her friends.

Polish Prussian Commonwealth wrote:Rota and Otulissa
Rota glanced with a bit of concern at her fellow countryman, before raising her hand and asking a question.
"Rota, Annabelle. One; What are the medical facilities avaiable? Two; what are the local laws, as well as university rules and regulations, on arms? Knives, swords, and similar weapons in particular."

Ludoviga just had to look around at whoever asked such a question. She spotted them and realized of course they’d ask such a question. This might be a long trimester.

“Pardon me professor but these ID cards, where are we not allowed to go?”

Aai Aoi.
The Professor dutifully answered the questions presented to him, with great care and friendliness, including from the... I was tempted to say cadet and her half-asleep companion.
He didn't seem to be bothered by the question in the slightest.
"One after the other, if you don't mind.", he said with a smile, "We have a pair of university nurses with every Campus and the University Clinic is... actually not here, but two kilometers in that direction." He pointed to the side. "Other then that, the there is the City of Fortham General Hospital and quite a few doctors. If you need anything special, like dental care, ask the nurses, they know, where the best are. Which reminds me..." He smiled into the round. "I know, that some of you don't have a student insurance from their home universities. Don't worry, the UoF got you covered. All on the Student-IDs."
He let a beat pass.
"Now, as for knives..." Suddenly, every Selkie in the room held a dagger of some description in his or her hands. The Professor shrugged. "It is customary for Selkie to carry around at least two and the University does not mind its students following that custom as long as they stay concealed until needed to cut up an apple." He looked at Rota sternly. "And only apples. Not fellow students. Larger blades, like sabres or two-handers or Tabars stay either at home or with the Marcach Team, please, but we don't have a particular ban on them. The possession of firearms by private persons is illegal in the Free Lands."
He looked at Ludoviga.
"As for where you aren't allowed to go, Miss d'Arditi, if you mean specialized rooms within the UoF, like labs or technical rooms, those are usually locked. And have corresponding signs.", he added, "If you mean no-go-areas within Fortham, there are none. Fortham is pretty safe and where it isn't, you'll learn of it soon enough."
"Sir, if I may?", Aonghus said and raised his hand. The Professor nodded, he turned to the assembly. "Try to stay away from the Lakedocks after, say, 11 p.m., it is not directly unsafe, but there are better places to be."
"Thank you, Mister Bádlatamóra.", the Professor said.

Aaaaaa wrote:"I don't why you want us to dress like this... I feel like I'm going to church, or a funeral."
"Can you just stop complaining and get ready?"

Anyone outside of the room could hear two feminine voices arguing in a language they almost certainly haven't heard before. One of them belonged to a young woman with short, light brown hair. She, Meausa, had just spent the night at an Inn with a name she wouldn't even bother trying to pronounce. She and her accomplice had traveled here from a country rife with turmoil, why they ended up in the Free Lands in particular is something neither of them is entirely confident in saying. "Come on, Noeanyyn, we're gonna be late..."

The other girl, who sported an eyepatch over her left pupil, stood up and dragged herself into the simple dress her friend had prepared. "Meausa, I.. I'm starting to feel like this whole thing isn't gonna work out."
"Well, what are you going to do? Swim back to Aaaaaa?" Meausa chastised. "Come on, we don't have much time left!" Eventually, the pair made their way to the university. After a couple minutes of aimlessly wandering around, unsure of where to go or who to ask for help, they found their way to the proper lecture hall and opted to sit down next to each other in a secluded corner of the room, just in time for the first lecture of the day.
"M-Meausa, this is gonna be a disaster... I don't know anything about the Free Lands, I'm gonna fuck this up... I never did good in school..." Noeanyyn's breathing became heavier and her eyes began to water slightly, a rarity for Meausa to see. Her friend, someone who used to be an overconfident brat, a plucky young girl that was always up to try something new, has become a nervous wreck all within the span of a year. The stress of her home country, combined with several incidents that are too reprehensible for her to disclose to anyone, even Meausa herself, has left Noeanyyn as a recluse that can't stay separated from her best friend for any extended period of time.
Meausa put her hand on her shoulder. "Noean... You're going to be fine. I don't know anything about the Free Lands either, and I'm fine. I should be the one panicking, not you!" She said jokingly. Noeanyyn didn't reciprocate before the lecture officially began.

…we had that case once before, please don't threaten to burn the whole library down, or even try to…

"He's talking about you." Meausa whispered. She received a glare in response.

…Some inns also offer happy hours for students, taking these cards as proof of student-dom…

"...Happy hour?"
"Don't even think about it."
"I'm not sa-"
"Don't. Even. Think. About. It."

…the Morning Sport Group is 7 a.m. every morning…

Noeanyyn turned. "It's at 7 AM? I go to bed at 7 AM, I don't wake up at 7 AM..." Meausa shushed her.

“Other questions?”, he asked into the round, “Now's the time, no matter how asinine you might think the question is!”

Meausa suddenly remembered something both very important, and also fairly embarrassing given her countries backwards technological state. She figured it'd be best to ask the professor after the session.

Lone von Hyemburg.
While that was going on, there was a different kind of party in the secluded corner of the room. Two other foreigners sat there, not too far away from me, who were listening to the introduction and questions as well, sharing their thoughts on what was being said... or at least I think they did, they didn't speak English.
But one seemed to be disgruntled especially when the time of the Morning Sport Group's beginning was mentioned.
I noted something down on my notepad, using pen and paper, and turned back to the Professor. The two seemed to be friends and quite concerned about something or the other. If it was a question, now was the time.
Just then, a dark-skinned young man raised his hand: "What is the language of lessons?"
"Generally, English.", the Professor replied, "While quite a few Professors allow students to write their papers in a language they feel comfortable with, especially when the language is spoken by them, too, generally, the language on Campus is English. Some lessons, especially when it comes to didactics and language lessons, are in Selkie, though. The Clubs have their own regulations as well." He let a beat pass. "Out on the street, the language is Selkie, but the majority of my countrymen know at least English. And if that fails, hands and feet."

by **Marigred** » Fri Aug 20, 2021 2:42 am

"The proffesor really kind and soft with his word huh" though Clara in her mind. Smoking cigarettes. Nothing to care. I cannot really stand the smoke. Hope they prioritize the place to smoke." While she listened to all the explanation and Q&A session, she just realized the one beside her seem to focussed at her few times. "He look like have some thought about me. Am i doing something word or wearing the weird clothe. Well, i dont know him since he is a local. Even he is foreigner, i will not know him too. Knowing someone will never hurt you. After all, he is just sit beside me, so it normal i should know who near to mine first. First come first friend." She try to be relax to make sure her voice will not shivers when speak, she face the student beside her. With the low voice, she speak "Hello there. I'm Clara."

by **Lux Pulchrae** » Fri Aug 20, 2021 3:33 am

Upon seeing others carrying their knives, she realized the original question paled in comparison to the native people. And she thought her people were crazy.

Her question was answered, responding in kind to Aonghus "Stay way from Lakedocks. Understood. Grazie" she smiled. Clearly I have to go there. Was that on purpose?

by **Aaaaaa** » Sat Aug 21, 2021 12:15 am

The two Aaaaaans eyes widened when the Selkie drew their daggers. Almost through reflex, Noeanyyn's arm shot up to act as a barrier between her friend and the rest of the students. Despite the professor explaining the Selkie tradition, she kept her arm erect, forcing Meausa to awkwardly push it back down. "It's okay... don't be so jumpy." she whispered.
Shortly after, Meausa noticed another girl, presumably a Selkie, had her head turned towards them for a moment. "Great." She thought to herself. "Now we look weird."

…a dark-skinned young man raised his hand: "What is the language of lessons?"
"Generally, English.", the Professor replied, "While quite a few Professors allow students to write their papers in a language they feel comfortable with, especially when the language is spoken by them, too, generally, the language on Campus is English…

"Right... we should probably speak English then." Meausa said quietly, switching to the aforementioned language.
"I don't even remember my Conclus English... oh, Meausa, how am I expected to learn Selkie when I can't even remember this crap?" Noeanyyn pouted, still speaking in her native tongue.
Meausa rolled her eyes. "You're probably going to get in trouble if you keep this up."
"No, seriously Meausa, I don't remember." She admitted. "I mean.. I can understand that guy, mostly, but... It's been more than a year since I had to speak it."
"You were speaking it on that Pru.ch site, though?"
"Yeah, but that's just, like, typing!"

Now that she thought of it, Noeanyyn hadn't really spoke to anyone in English when they escaped to, of course, the English-speaking nation of Lievue. "You... You really can't remember your English?"
"Not a lot.." She put her head in her hands. "Meausa... I am so fucked."
"Well..." Meausa paused for a moment. "It.. it shouldn't be too much of a problem, I'm planning on getting us one of those new phones. I'm pretty sure you can translate stuff on them." She looked around for a moment, hoping no one was giving them any looks for speaking their native language. "But for now, just try to speak English, please."
She looked around again. Almost everyone she's seen since arriving at the university has had a smartphone. She and Noeanyyn probably look like a bunch of rednecks by Selkie standards... As embarrassing as it was, she figured it may be best to ask now and get it over with.
"M-Meausa... Uuinakis." She looked towards the professor while slowly raising her hand up, and switched to English. "Um... excuse me sir, do you know where we could buy a phone? F-for school related purposes, of course..."
Save for Noeanyyn, Meausa may have had the thickest accent in the room. Yet another thing to be embarrassed of.

by **The Selkie** » Sat Aug 21, 2021 2:52 am

Alrich Iotme.
I smiled at Clara.
"Alrich.", I whispered back with a smile as the Q&A-Session went on. "Pleasure to meet you."
I moved slightly closer so that we could, if that was wished, converse without leaning over too much, also it would look less suspicious - no need to show the professor, that we were doing anything but listening to his words of wisdom.
"I'm from Ridderli.", I told her, still in the same volume, realizing, that she didn't look like a local. "Where're you from?"

Lux Pulchrae wrote:Upon seeing others carrying their knives, she realized the original question paled in comparison to the native people. And she thought her people were crazy.

Her question was answered, responding in kind to Aonghus "Stay way from Lakedocks. Understood. Grazie" she smiled. Clearly I have to go there. Was that on purpose?

Aaaaaa wrote:The two Aaaaaans eyes widened when the Selkie drew their daggers. Almost through reflex, Noeanyyn's arm shot up to act as a barrier between her friend and the rest of the students. Despite the professor explaining the Selkie tradition, she kept her arm erect, forcing Meausa to awkwardly push it back down. "It's okay... don't be so jumpy." she whispered.
Shortly after, Meausa noticed another girl, presumably a Selkie, had her head turned towards them for a moment. "Great." She thought to herself. "Now we look weird."

…a dark-skinned young man raised his hand: "What is the language of lessons?"
"Generally, English.", the Professor replied, "While quite a few Professors allow students to write their papers in a language they feel comfortable with, especially when the language is spoken by them, too, generally, the language on Campus is English…

"Right... we should probably speak English then." Meausa said quietly, switching to the aforementioned language.
"I don't even remember my Conclus English... oh, Meausa, how am I expected to learn Selkie when I can't even remember this crap?" Noeanyyn pouted, still speaking in her native tongue.
Meausa rolled her eyes. "You're probably going to get in trouble if you keep this up."
"No, seriously Meausa, I don't remember." She admitted. "I mean.. I can understand that guy, mostly, but... It's been more than a year since I had to speak it."
"You were speaking it on that Pru.ch site, though?"
"Yeah, but that's just, like, typing!"

Now that she thought of it, Noeanyyn hadn't really spoke to anyone in English when they escaped to, of course, the English-speaking nation of Lievue. "You... You really can't remember your English?"
"Not a lot.." She put her head in her hands. "Meausa... I am so fucked."
"Well..." Meausa paused for a moment. "It.. it shouldn't be too much of a problem, I'm planning on getting us one of those new phones. I'm pretty sure you can translate stuff on them." She looked around for a moment, hoping no one was giving them any looks for speaking their native language. "But for now, just try to speak English, please."
She looked around again. Almost everyone she's seen since arriving at the university has had a smartphone. She and Noeanyyn probably look like a bunch of rednecks by Selkie standards... As embarrassing as it was, she figured it may be best to ask now and get it over with.
"M-Meausa... Uuinakis." She looked towards the professor while slowly raising her hand up, and switched to English. "Um... excuse me sir, do you know where we could buy a phone? F-for school related purposes, of course..."
Save for Noeanyyn, Meausa may have had the thickest accent in the room. Yet another thing to be embarrassed of.

Lone von Hyemburg.
I will admit, that I was surprised by the sheer amount of daggers drawn, that even the happy-go-lucky-looking Amy had a vicious looking blade in her hand from one moment to the other - and I knew the Selkie, had dealings with them before.
Still, I glanced over to where one of those guys conversing in that other language had put her arm protectively over her friend - good reflexes, but, as it would turn out, unnecessary as the Selkie in the room sheathed their weapons again.
Ludoviga's reply sounded a whole lot like she would not stay away from the Lakedocks around midnight, but she was a big girl - she must know, what she was doing.
Meanwhile, I overheard, that the two others were talking about something, one was quite emotionally distressed, but the other seemed to calm her down, or at least try to. She raised her hand, introduced herself as Meausa Uuinakis (blimey, she had an accent, but then again, who am I to talk?) and asked, where she could get a smartphone - for educational purposes, of course.
The Professor smiled and nodded.
"I think that the Society for Computer Science, one of the Clubs here at the university, is making a... I think the English term would be a garage sale of old computer equipment which was donated to them for charity. I am sure, that they also have smartphones.", he explained, "If you want something newer, you might as well ask them for advice. Do we have someone from the Computer Society here today?"
He looked to the Elaisi, where Amy raised her hand.
The Professor raised an eyebrow, she shrugged.
"I might not yet be fully initiated, but I am a member.", she explained and turned to Meausa and grinned: "We'll talk during the break!"
"Further questions.", the Professor asked into the round.

by **Seleucid Pergamon** » Sat Aug 21, 2021 3:35 am

The introductory lecture went on like the first day of their classes, explanations and admonitions expressed that any university student could take in passively. Or at least, any. The three sat next to each other either relaxed or attentively. Aris leaned back nonchalantly with his arms crossed, Spiridoula sat upright and relaxed, and Eleonora leaned forward and took notes, something which Spiridoula raise an eyebrow. A thing they did take notice of were the club times, but it didn't leave Aris and Eleonora much good with little information provided. Now, all of them were awake, which not even the mass dagger-raising could even do, and with many questions passing, it was time for theirs to be answered. Chance came when someone asked if someone from one's desired club was here.

"I am interested in the Society for Computer Science," Aris raised his hand, "When are they active?"

After Aris thank a professor who answered, Spiridoula was the next to ask.

"Does the university have pepper spray that we could buy? Just in case if we are not comfortable with knives?"

It was now Eleonora's turn, prompting her to raise her hand, though quite slowly.

"Uh, what of the Archery club? And do we have to purchase these books from this catalogue?"

Hopefully, they understood what she said from her accent, which was relatively heavier than her peers.

by **Lux Pulchrae** » Sat Aug 21, 2021 3:41 am

“Oh, yes!” Ludoviga said as she remembered “Maybe I missed it but will there be a syllabus for this class? And are the phone numbers of the guides available? Just in case.”

by **The Selkie** » Sat Aug 21, 2021 4:07 am

Aai Aoi.
After the question for smartphones was answered, another guy chimed up, asking when the Society for Computer Science met in the first place. I was more interested in the Marcach Team, to be honest, and thanks to my sister's girlfriend's sister, I already had a foot in the door.
But still, the Professor turned to the blonde, who had answered the initial computer question, and asked: "Miss Eitpheil?"
"We usually meet on Fridays, 10 o'clock, Room 205 of the Siolla Campus.", she explained, "Meet me during the break and I'll give you the details."
"Thank you, Miss Eitpheil.", the Professor said and called up the next one.
"If you are uncomfortable with knives, you might want to look for a dagger.", the Professor joked, which caused a few bemused snorts and giggles. "Fun aside, we sell neither. Drugstores usually have pepperspray, though."
Next question, this time about the Archery Club and Books.
This time, the Head Librarian cleared his throat and, after a nod from the Professor, spoke: "If your Professor gave you a list of books for the lectures and seminars you will be attending, then they usually are on stock in the library. Key texts are usually assembled by the Professors, you'll find these collections on the ground floor of every Faculty Library. Usually, you don't need to buy them, unless you want to." He let a beat pass. "And please don't use them as Archery Targets."
"As for the Marcach Team... Mister Bobharún?"
"We usually meet at 1 p.m. on the Training Field a bit outside of Fortham.", he said and grinned, "You, and everyone else interested, let's meet at 10 before 1 at the Campus Gate and I'll show you the way."
I made a mental note of that, too.
Then, the next one came:

Lux Pulchrae wrote:“Oh, yes!” Ludoviga said as she remembered “Maybe I missed it but will there be a syllabus for this class? And are the phone numbers of the guides available? Just in case.”

The Professor smiled, maybe a bit sheepish.
"Actually, there won't be a syllabus for this lecture.", he said, "We'll manage without... and I will round-mail literature recommendations anyway. As for the phone numbers, they should be in the welcome package, but you can swap numbers later."

by **Lux Pulchrae** » Sat Aug 21, 2021 4:30 am

If there were a documentary crew, Ludoviga would’ve looked at the camera with an unamused expression. She didn’t mind, but she was the type that liked to know where she was going at least. “Oh ok, grazie Professor.” These celts, or whatever they be, were quite the bunch. She seemingly wrote some notes in her little planner, but there was only one note: the Lakedocks caution. The rest was scribbles and little drawings.

by **Marigred** » Sat Aug 21, 2021 4:45 am

The Selkie wrote:
Alrich Iotme.
I smiled at Clara.
"Alrich.", I whispered back with a smile as the Q&A-Session went on. "Pleasure to meet you."
I moved slightly closer so that we could, if that was wished, converse without leaning over too much, also it would look less suspicious - no need to show the professor, that we were doing anything but listening to his words of wisdom.
"I'm from Ridderli.", I told her, still in the same volume, realizing, that she didn't look like a local. "Where're you from?"

So his name is Alrich" Nice to meet you too. Glad i can find someone to speak." As soon as she realized her voice a bit high, she quickly close her mouth and watch to the front, luckily it not too loud. "Sorry my bad, too excited." While she see Alrich moved a bit closer and tell where he from. "It my first time here. Hope i can know about Ridderli more later. I from Procktria, capital of Marigred." Clara hope it doesnt lead them to something unpleasant to profesor, so she talked while her eyes watching to the front and sometime facing to Alrich, so she not seem rude. " How long have you been study here?"

by **Ausslaugand** » Sat Aug 21, 2021 11:07 am

16th August 2021
University of Fortham, The Selkie
Tall Landen Haket

There were many blessings and curses with height.

At 190cm tall, Tall L. Haket, a young Dutchman, can more easily scan his surroundings, even if it meant looking over people’s shoulders. Unfortunately for him, this is not Ausslaugand - this is a foreign country named The Selkie. From what he gathered, it was some Irish name, which if he guessed and deduced correctly, meant he was about to be entrenched in Celtic culture.

There was no way in telling or disputing this claim, especially since he was a student … again. What should have been an apprenticeship for the Antwerp Police Department (APD) mutated instead to a transfer programme for an exquisite institution called, the University of Fortham. Given the name, he expected to be in England, but here he was in this foreign country, unfamiliar with its customs, mannerisms, and traditions.

Even as he peacefully observed the Q&A-Session, it was very tempting for him to slouch back in his seat, akin to a turtle hiding in his shell. It wasn’t so much the people nor policies that he was afraid of - it was what he didn’t know or hear is what left him nervous and quiet. If it was anywhere in Europe, he would have some idea what to expect, but he had no idea what to expect in The Selkie aside from the usual school customs and traditions.

Although he continued to maintain his posture and composure, he did one of the things his country did best:

“Hark ‘nd kalm ween en twywel.”

Or rather…

“When in doubt or danger, relax and listen.”

by **Cartoonia** » Sat Aug 21, 2021 3:07 pm

The University of Fortham, The Freelands.

On her own, with no one else besides her. All alone, she walks here ‘till morning.

Or at least, she was here early to attend the Orientation of exchange students of the trimester. Life for Cathrine Isabelle Charbonneau was a rollercoaster of emotions, luck, and wit to say the least. Her childhood was filled with luxury, albeit at the expense of a few others. Her family ran an inn in the Victoria County of the City-Region of Lituria. Life was bliss for the young lass and her little sister. However, that lifestyle would take a drastic change for the worse.

A tax evasion scam created a serious problem within the local regional government, and following that was an abuse of the child foster care system. Months following one of the craziest criminal trials in the Lituria City-Region, the family was left broke, their inn shut down, and the parents arrested for extortion, tax evasion, and child abuse. With the parents released from prison in their early teens, they found themselves living in poverty. Though living on welfare doesn’t mean the end of her parents’ criminal antics, and it didn’t help that she was almost killed in a scuffle with gangs, her father’s criminal syndicate, and the authorities. She persevered with being left alone by child services with her sister, and in 2018 graduated from Victor Hugo High School with honors. She has started to study Psychology at the Sekai Meisaku Community College. It helped that the college was offering free classes for two years, as well as the Universal Healthcare Act of 1991 which granted students of all income levels free healthcare and insurance. Early 2021, through applications and scholarship grants by Cartoon House for the Cartoon Students Abroad Program, she managed to get into the University of Fortham for a semester. This is her first time traveling abroad and she hopes to gain some knowledge out of this endeavor.

Having taken a taxi from the airport to the university, this place was different from Cartoonia but somehow similar. In any case, she was happy not to be anywhere close to her parents, though she hopes her sister is alight, being taken under the care of their neighbors, Mr. Fauchelevent and her daughter (Who seems so familiar to her but doesn’t know where).

The lecture hall seemed full of other exchange students, folks that Cathrine might want to get acquainted with, but she is not very talkative much. She is sociable and can get into a conversation with friends easily, but she is one of those people who doesn’t start off a conversation and struggles to start one off. But anyway, she is here for a few things. Student I.D., Class Schedules, textbooks, and anything else for her to start her trimester here at UoF.

by **Aaaaaa** » Sat Aug 21, 2021 7:48 pm

"I might not yet be fully initiated, but I am a member.", she explained and turned to Meausa and grinned: "We'll talk during the break!"

"Oh, thank you!" Meausa smiled at the blonde. She didn't know her name, though she seemed like she'd be pretty easy to spot in a crowd, so the Aaaaaan would probably be able to catch her after the session. She quickly sat back down and looked at her shoes. Perhaps it was an overreaction, but she didn't want to look and see if anyone was smirking at her. "And now everyone knows we're a couple of hicks..." she thought.

As the professor answered more questions, Meausa began to realize just how unprepared they were for this. Aside from the things prepared by the University, the only school-related paraphernalia they had were a package of loose-leaf papers, a few pens and a backpack she and Noeanyyn collectively shared. Hopefully, the closest store would have some extra things in stock. They'd certainly have the money for it, at least.

The two continued to listen to the professor.

by **Brettenwald** » Sun Aug 22, 2021 10:27 pm

Sasha brushed a lock of flaming red hair out of his eyes before clicking a pen and writing 16-8-21 at the top of his notebook's first page in navy blue ink, and below that Introduction to Selkie History. This was going to be... an adjustment. For one, uni back home was a little less formal, though he supposed everyone was just nervy and quiet since it was the first day. Professor Eagrasí seemed like the firm-but-fair type and it'd be worth getting to know Mr.- Dr.? Honorifics mattered more for someone with Sasha's rural background -Festas since he'd most likely be in the library a fair amount. For another thing, did that girl have rabbit ears? Odd.
Duncan - swim team reserve
student ID: free public transport and entrance to places (public pool, some inns do student happy hours)
swim team meets daily at 3
seminar papers due 30-11
fire drill tomorrow @ 1
student ID covers health insurance and medical stuff

The daggers weren't much of a culture shock, seeing as how his own switchblade was reassuringly pressing into his calf from its place in his pocket.

lessons generally in English

and so on and so forth, as the professor continued to speak...

by **The Selkie** » Mon Aug 23, 2021 4:54 am

Alrich Iotme.
I smiled at the question and looked at my watch.
Whispering back, I replied: "Call it about half an hour?", I told her. "This is my first exchange Trimester, too. Kind of..."
"You two whispering back there...", the Professor called from the front, "...either you share it with the whole course or you speak about it after the class. Understood?"
"Yes, Sir, we're good!", I replied and gave Clara a wink - as soon as the Professor's attention was elsewhere, we could continue our hushed conversation... at least until we found another way for more silent communication. Maybe a private chatroom?
"Saw that.", the Professor noted for general bemusement (and my blush), then turned back to the entire group: "Alright... anyone with another question?"
Ever since he had answered Ludoviga's about a syllabus for the students, there had not been one forthcoming.
In fact, making a quick look around, the ones asking for the computer store looked sheepish, as if they believed their whole reputation was destroyed in advance (which it wasn't in my eyes, but who knew?), others were making notes, there was a lass with rabbit ears...
...it was her, who asked the next question: "In howfar do we have to pay for excursions?"
"Usually, for the train trip and entrance into what you'll be visiting, nothing. If you want souvenirs, those are on you.", the Professor explained. "Next one!"

by **Lux Pulchrae** » Mon Aug 23, 2021 6:16 pm

"May I use the bathroom?" Ludoviga raised her hand. While back home you had to ask to use the restroom, she knew in some universities and colleges you didn't even have to say anything. But she saw it polite to do so anyways. Even if she wasn't going to the bathroom at all.

by **The Selkie** » Tue Aug 24, 2021 5:15 am

Lux Pulchrae wrote:"May I use the bathroom?" Ludoviga raised her hand. While back home you had to ask to use the restroom, she knew in some universities and colleges you didn't even have to say anything. But she saw it polite to do so anyways. Even if she wasn't going to the bathroom at all.

Aai Aoi.
The Professor seemed confused at Ludoviga's question for but a moment, indicating, that it was uncommon for students around here to ask if they could go and use the bathroom, but he nodded.
"Sure, go ahead.", he said, "Left, down the hallway."
Once that was cleared, he looked into the round: "So, people, seeing that we are nearing the halfway point and no more questions are immediately jumping to your minds, I'd say, that we make a break here, ten to fifteen minutes. During that, the guides will be available, Mister Festas will be available and I will be available. Use the time wisely."

Come to the Lake, there's a University! (IC)

Come to the Lake, there's a University! (IC)

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