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{{Moving to Monday, a school day. You all can retropost scenes you were involved in or not. Up to you. Can't get upset b/c you've all had ample time to finish whatever scene you're in or PM me to let me know why you can't post.}}

Refinement Class...

Evermore had just run to her first class of the day. She had just made it into the room when the soft bell rang three times to alert students and professors to the beginning of the class hour.

When she sat down in her desk in her skirt school uniform, she sighed in relief and sagged momentarily.

However, she quickly jumped and sat up straight when the professor at the front of the classroom hit the top of her teacher's desk with her long slender teacher's pointer stick. The professor stood with perfect posture, perfectly-curled blond locks, and a perfectly-pressed skirt suit. Her name was Miss Simons and she had been the Refinement Class professor for five years. She was the best one Bai Ching had ever had, and also the most strict.

When she spoke, her voice was firm yet soft. She said that a proper young lady never raised her voice unless in danger. That didn't mean that she could not take command of a class, though. Her softly-spoken heated words could make a centaur kneel to the ground in submission. It was true. Some of the students had seen her do so when she had helped the Magical Creatures professor round up some creatures.

"Alright, class. Today we will be reviewing the proper way to sit as well as the proper way to walk. Many of you have forgotten your basics and I will not tolerate this sloppiness."

Her fierce eyes focused on Evermore behind her small, perfect spectacles. "And Miss Evermore, I suggest you leave the cafeteria a few minutes earlier so that you will arrive on time. However, if you cannot arrive on time, then I insist you walk in late as a lady. Of course you will receive a detention slip, but that is better than running in like a handicapped horse."

A few of the other students started to giggle, but Miss Simons quickly rapped the stick on her desk again. Instant silence followed.

Evermore nodded her head and looked at Miss Simons with an apologetic face.

"Yes Miss Simons. I will remember that."

Miss Simons nodded curtly. "Good. Now then everyone, sit as you remember being taught weeks ago."

{{Any student can be in the class if you want to join in. biggrin }}

Evermore bit her bottom lip to keep from laughing at Caroline's entrance. Pretty sure that had just made her morning. She really needed that. Also, it took the pressure off of her now. But, as Miss Simons approached Caroline's desk, Ever proceeded to scoot over as much as she could, away from Caroline's desk, which was right beside hers.

Miss Simons looked down at the young woman over the top rim of her spectacles and her perfect red lips were pursed slightly.

"Miss Caroline Enlil, I resume?"

Miss Simons' facial expression did not change, which made Evermore actually wince slightly.

Miss Simons spoke again in her soft, firm voice. "I believe you arrived at Bai Ching yesterday, Miss Caroline. I was informed of your greenhouse incident, so I did not expect you until today. However, I would like to know why you are late arriving to your first class. It makes for a very poor first impression."

Ever looked around the classroom, trying to find another desk to sit in. Dammit, there weren't any!

Miss Simons simply arched an elegant eyebrow at Caroline's words. "I see. Well since you seem to think you know what is best and most important for this class, then why don't you fill us all in as to what you know about refinement?"

She stood to the side and gestured up to the front of the classroom. "Please, share with us all."

Miss Simons listened to Caroline and then nodded when she was done.

"You make a very good point with unrefined minerals and rocks, Miss Caroline. I, too, agree that they are much more attractive and useful. It is almost a pity that we are not rocks."

Some of the girls in class began to giggle at their professor's response, but they immediately stopped when Miss Simons held up her hand to them. She was still looking at Caroline.

"I also would assume, Miss Caroline, that you know the newest of rocks do not contain nearly as many minerals as older, larger rocks do, correct?"

Miss Simons smiled softly. It was not mocking or sarcastic. It was a real smile, polite.

"They may contain the same type of minerals, Miss Caroline, but larger, older rocks contain more of them. They have had the time to absorb and become layered with more."

"Also, as you said, older rocks can become weathered and ugly. Though, according to your last speech, you said that the weathered rocks that are not smooth and 'perfect' have more character and are, thus, not ugly. They are more interesting."

"Also, if you want to discover what the core essence of the rock is without destroying it, the best way to do that is to polish those rocks and sand their jagged, discolored edges. By doing that, it simply takes away the unnecessary imperfections and reveals the true essence of the rock, the inner core. It allows that rock to shine more and stand out from the other jagged rocks."

..... Oh, she was good.

"That is a point of opinion Miss Simons, as different folks will always be attracted to different things. I personally prefer my rocks jagged and crusty, with an edge. It's rather a pity we aren't rocks, right?"

Caroline grinned. It wasn't about who was right. It was never about who was right. Both sides were always right in their eyes, so it was pointless. No, it was about who got their word out the best.

"Unfortunately, I still believe that much of what many consider refined behavior is useless. I don't trust those people. I can never trust someone who holds their heart behind a veneer of society's expectations."

Miss Simons grinned at Caroline, actually grinned, and began to walk toward the front of the class again.

"Exactly right, Miss Caroline. Thank you for reiterating much of what I said. In fact, you have done such a good job and you have so much enthusiasm that I would like you to be my teaching assistant. Yes, I will go see Headmistress Krause this afternoon and have her draw up the papers."

Once she was behind her teacher's desk again, she nodded to Caroline's desk. "Please have a seat again, Miss Caroline. Thank you again for letting us know what you think."