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Lessons of Dynasty Part 1: Abecedarian	By : JohnDoe Category: +A through F > Exalted RPG Views: 470 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: White Wolf, Exalted and Exalted 3rd Edition are all trademarks of White Wolf Publishing AB, and official characters, names, places and text are copyrighted by White Wolf. I do not own Exalted and I'm not making money from this fiction.

Chapter List
- 6
- 7
- 8
Chapter 6 – Getting Out of Trouble

“Master Ganan,” Rowena runs down the hallway to catch up with the instructor, who turns and regards her sternly.

“No running in the corridors,” He reproves sternly.

Rowena gives a slight bow of apology, “I’m worried that you might have gotten the wrong impression… about me? Sir?”

“Mmm-huh?”

“You see… I tried to read the Annales Gildas last night… but Miss Danireya stopped me.”
Ganan purses his lips, “She… ‘stopped you’?”

Rowena wilts a little, “She destroyed it, master, in front of me.”

Ganan draws himself straight, “She did, did she? Well, I shall investigate this matter. Follow me.” And with that he starts clack-thumping his cane in the direction of the library.

A brief flutter of hope rises in Rowena, turning into an icy pit as it dawns on her exactly how the instructor plans to investigate. She sulks after him, already realising that this is not going to end well for her.

****

The naneke librarian has no trouble directing Ganan to the area where Reya and Udi are studying.

Reya smiles as Ganan and Rowena approach, “We got your books for you,” She says to Rowena, gesturing to a pile of reading. A copy of the Annales Gildas sits on top. Reya curtseys to Ganan, “Thank you for bringing Rowena back to us Master Ganan, did she get lost?”

Ganan stares hard at Reya, “Miss Rowena alleges that you destroyed school property in an effort to stop her from studying last night. Is this true?”

Reya balks, “I had hoped that Rowena would join me to study after class, but she disappeared! When she finally made it to the library, we had a fight because she’d rather hang out with her roommate than study with me, and she stormed off.”

“Is that so?” Ganan turns and raises an eyebrow at Rowena.

Rowena picks up the Annales and turns it over in her hands. There’s no sign of water damage on this book. She looks down at her feet.

“Lying to a teacher?” Udi reproves with “tsk-tsk”.

“I note,” Ganan says pointedly, shifting his attention back to Reya, “That you haven’t actually denied the allegation?”

Reya looks Ganan straight in the eye, “Well, I do deny it. We had a fight. Tempers flared. Things were said in anger. But no school property was destroyed. The library had ten copies of the Annales Gildas and it still has ten copies.”

On the revelation that there were multiple copies of the book – and that Reya knew there were multiple copies – Rowena lets out an involuntary squeak. Ganan looks back at her.

“You didn’t think to check if there was another copy? No, don’t answer that,” He sighs, “It’s somewhat suspicious that you’ve been counting the books on the shelf-”

Reya interrupts, “We came here straight after class, and seeing as there were twelve students and only ten copies of the book, Udi and I decided to share. I don’t see what’s suspicious-”

Ganan raises a warning hand silencing her, “I do not appreciate interruption. But there’s a very simple way to check which of you is telling me the truth… and which is lying.” His gaze rests on Rowena as he makes this final statement before he turns smartly on his heel and ambles away.

****

Reya and Udi round on Rowena, “I suppose Instructor Ganan was waiting for you inside the toilets and forced you to tell him about last night?”

Rowena’s mouth opens and closes but no words come out.

Udi thumps her open palm, “Reya, remind me, what is it that snitches get?”

Reya waves her off, “Rowena is our friend. She snubbed us by refusing to study with us. So, we got even, and then we could be friends again. Now she’s tried to get us in trouble – all she needs to do is apologise and make it up to us. Each of us. Separately. But there’s no need for violence, is there Ro?”

Rowena shakes her head and squeaks out a “no”.

Reya claps her hands together and Udi reluctantly stands down. “Good, come sit next to me and you can read your books, we have everything you need,” Reya gently pats the seat close to her and Rowena cautiously takes a seat, “I don’t bite, Ro! As I said, we’re friends. Yes?”

“Yes?”

“Yes!” Reya says, firmly, nodding her head, “Now, do friends try to get friends in trouble? No?”

“No?”

“No! So, to make things up with me, all you need to do is tell Instructor Ganan that you were lying and apologise for wasting his time. Oh, do address him as Master Ganan, I believe he likes that.”

“But if I-”

Reya cuts her off, “Don’t want to be friends?”

Rowena flushes bright read and drops her gaze to the ground again, “Alright, I’ll do it.”

Reya stands and walks behind Rowena. She brushes off the girl’s lapels and straightens her uniform, “Then the two of us are square,” She lays her hands heavily on the girl’s shoulders, “Just as soon as I get that apology.”

“I’m… sorry Miss Danireya, I shouldn’t have tried to get you in trouble… Goddess?”

Reya leans in close to Rowena’s ear, “Good girl,” She whispers, before placing a light kiss on her cheek, “All is forgiven. Udi?”

Udi thinks for a moment, “Get out your history notes!”

Rowena pulls out her work and flips to Shogunate History. Udi gets out her calligraphy brush and ink and in the margins of Rowena’s work, painstakingly, almost lovingly, draws a penis. It’s hard to tell, but Rowena’s skin is redder than her hair.

“Just draw another… five? Of these – you can make them bigger or smaller, whatever suits your taste. And make sure you put ‘C.F.G. + R.R.’ on every single page of your work, in a nice love heart. Neatest handwriting now, none of this scratchy quill business that we use for tests: time honoured, loving, delicate calligraphy please with your best ink brush.”

“Just in the margins, mind,” Reya adds quickly, “No need to spoil your notes or make them illegible – just a little added decoration. No-one is going to see your personal notes, except you and the people you study with: just a little harmless embarrassment, like you embarrassed us.”

Rowena nods and with a trembling hand starts to doodle on her work. Reya and Udi go back to studying.

****

“Librarian, I have some questions!” Ganan says firmly to the naneke, who bows upon his approach, “Those three girls, they were in here last night?”

The librarian turns its insectoid head, “Miss Danireya and Miss Ludila came directly after class to secure the reading you set for them. Miss Rowena did not join them until later that night.”

Ganan nods, “Anything… suspicious about them?”

“Miss Rowena did not stay long. And when she left, she was clearly upset, I believe the girls had got into a fight.”

“About the Annales Gildas?”

The librarian hurries over to its desk and produces five books, “As per your explicit instructions, I removed five copies of the Annales Gildas from circulation, leaving only ten on the shelves for your students. These are the five I removed, nine are on the cart to your left, waiting to be reshelved, and Miss Danireya checked out the remaining copy when she arrived this afternoon. It is certainly possible that Miss Danireya and Miss Ludila decided not to share their copy of the book with Miss Rowena.”

Ganan bends over inspects the fourteen books – certainly none of them have been ‘destroyed’. One of them looks brand new – as if it has never been opened. “They’re all here…” He mutters under his breath.

The librarian continues, “Miss Danireya was here late into the night. When she left, she seemed quite concerned that her friend not get into trouble. I… cannot claim to have all the facts, I do not know why you have taken an interest in these girls, but might I encourage you not to reprove Miss Rowena too harshly.”

Ganan stands straight, looking peeved.

The librarian bows, “I do not mean to overstep-”

Ganan waves the demon off, “No, it’s fine. I… value you input librarian. The custodians are essential to the running of the school and I respect your insight. I am... inclined to let this pass. Thank you.” And then he adds, speaking to himself, “If she was up late into the night studying the Doom, that explains how she did so well on the test.”

The librarian clicks its mandibles together, the demonic equivalent of clearing its throat, “I beg your pardon, Prince of the Earth, but I do not believe I saw Miss Danireya studying the Doom of Emperors – I overheard her say she’d already read it. She spent the bulk of her time trying to decipher the Art of Sorcery.”

“Really?” Says Ganan, with clear surprise, “Remarkable. Do you think she-?”

“No, Prince of the Earth, she was not able to divine its contents. She asked for it again this evening, however. It is possible that she may be able to decipher it… given time.”

Ganan smiles to himself, “Now that would be interesting.”

****

Ganan returns to the girls. His heavy tread is not subtle. Rowena makes to put her writing things away.

“Finished?” Reya asks casually, without looking up from her books.

Rowena frantically returns to trying to deface her work before Ganan comes back. She does not succeed. Hurriedly, she covers her notes with the Annales Gildas.

“I think I’ve a clear picture of what happened last night,” Ganan announces on his return, “Would any of you like to change their story?”

All three girls turn their attention to Ganan. Rowena timidly puts her hand in the air.

“I would like… to recant. I didn’t do the reading… it was m-my fault. Not R-r-r-Miss Danireya’s. I’m sorry I made up a story: I didn’t want to get in trouble.”

“Hmm, well,” Ganan says. He stoops over Udi and plucks the book from her hand. It’s the Dsoni Canon – the compilation of Immaculate Texts he set for reading this morning. He returns it to her wordlessly, satisfied that the girl isn’t up to anything suspicious. He circles the girls and stops behind Reya – she is not working on today’s reading but has gone back to the Art of Sorcery. Scribbled notes on rough rice paper describe a translation key – or at least try to. “Completely wrong,” He remarks offhand as he takes the notes without asking and leafs through them, “You’d be better served by today’s readings. Circle back to it.” Finally, he stands behind Rowena. He picks up the unopened copy of the Annales she was using to hide her notes, “Well, Rowena, it was mature of you, I suppose to confess. It would have been more mature not to waste my time in the first place. Or, Dragons forfend, to actually spend your time studying.” And with a swift movement he returns the Annales and scoops up her defaced lecture notes. He flicks through them dispassionately then returns them, “Your notes are not as comprehensive as I would have liked – it’s like you’ve spent half my lecture daydreaming. Perhaps Miss Danireya can help you fill in the blanks. If you really want to avoid getting into trouble, I would suggest you spend more time doing the reading and less time decorating your work.”

He pauses, “I do not believe that any of you are entirely innocent: consider this a warning. I do not tolerate disruption to the learning environment, and you’ll find your other lecturer’s far less permissive than me. Another incident had better not be brought to my attention, am I understood?”

“Yes, Master Ganan.” The girls chorus.

Ganan stomps off.

Udi hands Rowena back her brush, “Well, go ahead and finish!”

“Yes, m-miss, s-sorry for t-trying to g-get you in t-trouble t-too.” Rowena stammers as she finishes defacing her work.

****

Having learned from the night before, it’s well before midnight when the trio turn in. Reya and Udi walk Rowena to her door before heading to their own dorm.

Clack-thump-thump.

“I’ll catch you up,” Reya says to Udi, leaving her bewildered outside of their dorm room, as she jogs after the noise.

Udi throws her arms in the air, “Don’t stay out all night, I need my bedtime kisses!”

Reya smirks to herself as she follows the sound. Clack-thump-thump.

The 90-pound girl barrels face first into the 400-pound man made of bronze. It ends as one might expect.

“Are you alright, Danireya?” Ganan asks, extending a hand to help her off the ground.

“I’m fine, sir,” Reya says, taking Ganan’s hand and pulling herself up with one arm whilst rubbing her face with the other, “I heard a noise. I didn’t expect to find an instructor prowling round by the girl’s dormitory.”

Ganan bristles and stands straight, “I can assure you; my conduct is entirely proper-”

Reya throws her hands in the air, “I’m sure it is. Mother has told me that many young students get their first instruction in matters of love at Secondary School from the more experienced-”

“This isn’t a matter of love!” Ganan says quickly.

“Ah, purely physical instruction then-”

“Yes! Wait! No! Nothing sexual, I’m just…” His eyes narrow, “You’re mocking me, aren’t you?”

Reya smiles at him, “Just a little, sir. What are you doing, if I may ask?”

“I was simply-” Ganan begins before catching himself, “No, I don’t think it’s appropriate that you ask.”

Reya grins devilishly, “Well, I certainly wouldn’t want you to do anything ‘inappropriate’ with me.” She says as she sashays closer to him.

Ganan looks at her confused for a moment, then a dawning realisation hits him slowly, “I don’t do that sort of thing. Whether it’s appropriate or not.”

Reya balks, “At… all?”

Ganan’s brow knits, “Not with children, no.”

“Wow,” Reya says under her breath, taking a step back, “Okay… I mean I am-”

“I know exactly how old you are, Danireya. It is my fond hope that your friend Rowena has a boyfriend who just happens to share my initials and is blessed with a more… fashionable… manhood than my own, but should any of your friends also be harbouring an… unrealistic romantic interest in me, I would grateful if you disabused them of that notion.”

“I’m such an idiot!” Reya curses, “I thought the reason you didn’t sleep with her was because you wanted me.”

“Sleep with whom?” Ganan says, confused.

“You can reject me, but don’t insult me! Rowena came to see us at the library last night and we got into a big fight. She said she didn’t have to study because she’d just seduce you for a good test score. Then she did badly on the test and went to see you in private, and then she obviously tried to seduce you and when that didn’t work she tried to get me in trouble instead!” Reya wails, suddenly distraught.

Ganan has to stop and think about this. He’s reasonably confident Rowena was not trying to seduce him… but then, he hadn’t realised Danireya was trying to and Rowena had made all those doodles over her work…

“That… what?” Ganan says at last, “I think that your imagination has got the better of you. You had better go to bed.”

Reya’s demeanour suddenly flips back to cheerful, “Okay!” She looks Ganan over from top to bottom, “If you change your mind, you’re more than welcome to join me?” She adds in a sultry tone.

Ganan snorts, “I have literally no interest. Try again in seven years, Danireya.” He turns and walks away. Clack, thump, thump. Muttering under his breath, “Daana’d save me from teenage girls.”

Reya watches the history teacher shamble away, pleased with how she’s expertly laid the groundwork for Rowena’s next torture, should the girl step out of line again. Yet something niggles at her wounded pride – she of course had absolutely no intention of sleeping with someone so old but being flatly turned down and dismissed as a child? That was just insulting. Literally no interest!

****

Next morning begins, as every morning, with callisthenics and martial arts training. Mistress Hironi is not as punishing toward Reya, partnering her with Harite (who is closer to limited ability) instead of the best student in the class.

“Enlighten me, Harite,” Reya asks as they practice together, “Are we even in the same weight class?”

“Umm, what do you mean?” Harite asks, shyly.

“Combat sports are divided by weight; how much do you weigh?”

“About… 130-pounds?” Harite shifts uncomfortably.

“Ah, so we’re not in the same weight-class. Well, you’ll just have to go easy on me.” Reya smiles at the girl as they continue the exercise. Whilst Harite is not exactly good at unarmed combat, the larger girl is able to convincingly keep Reya at bay. “I’m starting to feel this is a little one-sided, Harite.”

Harite shrugs, “It’s not my fault that I’m bigger and stronger – I don’t even exercise!”

Reya chuckles in genuine amusement as she futilely tries to flip the much larger girl over her shoulder, “Then how do you keep such a powerful physique?”

Harite giggles back, “I don’t know, I like to eat.”

Reya snorts as she heaves at the girl’s arm, not budging her an inch. Hironi glares at them and gestures for them to swap positions. “What’s your favourite- OOF!”

Harite easily flips Reya over her shoulder first time. She lands heavily on the ground. Hironi gives a small smile of approval before moving on.

“My dad has this cookie recipe. It’s not as good when I make it, but it’s still really good.” Harite offers Reya a hand up.

“I’ll have to try them some time,” Reya says offhandedly as she stands, she rubs her aching body, “Thanks for taking it easy on me, Harite”. The lesson is over and it’s time for breakfast. She smartly decouples from Harite to find Udi.

“Oh, okay!” Harite calls after her, “You can call me ‘Hari’ if you like?”

Reya pointedly ignores her, but Udi picks up on it:

“Eww, gross, are we friends with fatties now?”

Reya jerks a thumb at Udi’s martial art’s partner, “I don’t know, are we going to start hanging out with your cousin Evede?”

Udi pushes Reya playfully, “Shut up! I’m not related to that freak! I don’t pick who we practice with!”

“Well, neither do I!”

Rowena trots over to them and tries to join in the conversation, “I had to practice with him.” She says pointing at Solu. She smiles weakly.

Udi smiles cruelly, “You know, he’s a good match for you? Is he your boyfriend?”

Rowena stammers, “N-no, I mean… he’s weird and gross. Like how your p-partners are also so uncool?”

“Un. Cool.” Udi repeats back slowly, “I… why do we let her hang out with us?”

Reya shakes her head, “She’s doing her best. Let’s get breakfast.”

Udi pats Reya’s stomach, “Not too much breakfast, or you’ll end up like Hari!”
- 6
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Lessons of Dynasty Part 1: Abecedarian