The Ex-Guardian Novitiate

Octavia was spending a good chunk of her shift at the axe range. Wednesdays tended to be quiet, and it was chilly and snowy outside, so might as well get some exercise while keeping half an eye on the bar in case anyone needed her for something that Tiny couldn't handle.

Or just didn't want to handle Tiny. Octavia wasn't going to judge.

[ooc: Open!]

throughaphase posting in

The class today met at Caritas, during the day, with no Tino, no zombies (don't ask where they were, it's a game mystery), just an empty bar except for them.

"So. Edible glitter," Kitty began. "I think we might do two weeks on this, but today we're going to be making drinks. It's not like craft glitter, this is made of things like sugar and additives, so it's safe for you to eat or drink. We're going to be doing mocktails today, because it's class during the day, but stuck around after and I'm happy to let you play around with the real stuff. I've got a few recipes you can try, or you can get creative and do your own thing."

stykera posting in

It’s Wednesday again and it’s still cold.

*chittering*

Some of us don’t have fur.

*chittering*

Just because the coat is made of fur doesn’t…nevermind.

Anyway. Let’s talk about what happened in the cold at the school yesterday. Feeding Yourself 101 learned to make grilled cheese and tomato soup. I don’t think I’ve ever made my own tomato soup. Maybe I should try. Ethics had a discussion about being an expert in things and that being a problem.

*chittering*

You cannot hear Ignis sighing from here, be quiet.

And Basic Training went to…a jungle in Antartica with dinosaurs in the Danger Shop…

Nothing from the dorms but the porg has had notes lately and doesn’t seem too sad.

In the town Lucifer was not playing “Margaritaville” while thinking of warm vacation destinations. It’s a good idea, going somewhere warm. Tino probably agreed at Caritas since Kitty was annoyed at him for being dressed like he was going to Antarctica but not a jungle there.

That’s all I have for now. I’m going somewhere warmer until it’s time for class later.

thatsmysword posting in

fandomhighdorms

Mutt loved the snow.

Any second Henry was outside, the bloody dog would roughhouse right through it, leaping into piles and running in wild and happy circles all over.

"Ah, look at him, Pebbles," he said, as he patted the horse on her snout. "Someone's having a good time of it." A pause. "Not quite like you and me, I reckon. I don't know about you but I'm freezing."

Aye, the pourpoint with the modern coat did work wonders, but still. "Suppose we should finish our walk quickly, then? I do know you need to stretch your legs and everything, but there's a limit with this weather, aye?"

The horse whinnied.

"Right, right," he said, as he resumed walking again. "Message received."

[[ open ]]

afraid_of_marshmallows posting in

Hey there, Fandom. What's up, it's ya girl, Arden Finch, trying once more to figure out why people settled this far north. Yes, I know the entire Eastern seaboard got hit with this storm, but it's not like it's warmer up here.

Anyway, here I am with today's news of yesterday's people who actually went out and did things, which, just to be clear, is crazy talk. In School, Squirrel! was cancelled because Professor Sims knows what's up. No matter how hard I hoped for it, Beginning Gourmet Techniques was not cancelled and taught us how to clarify butter and make a roux and a béchamel sauce. Tasks! also remained uncancelled, but they got to destroy a cake out of it.

No Dorms, presumably because everyone was hunkered down, and very little in Town for the same reason. Professor Vess refused to leave her bed for work, makes perfect sense, Caleb went to his shift at Furnado which doesn't, though I will grant that the animals need someone to take care of them, and Professor James Stark was at the Clinic admiring a giant snow crab.

And we're not doing an extended goodbye, so just enjoy Brujas by Princess Nokia while I sign off.

sith_happened posting in

"There is no ignorance, there is knowledge," Anakin said. "The second portion of the Jedi code."

"Which is not saying a Jedi knows everything, despite the value and mystique in having that kind of reputation," Ahsoka said. "But an acknowledgement of the idea that you should always be learning, of turning ignorance to knowledge."

Anakin nodded. "You never know everything," he said. "Especially in your twenties."

"Except when you're a teenager, because then you know everything." Some things were universal, even among the Jedi. "But the first step to true knowledge and wisdom is knowing that you don't know how much you don't know."

"And learning to accept that," Anakin added. "You may have pockets of expertise -- I'm pretty good with a lightsaber and with anything I can convince to fly, but terrible at bantha care."

"Whereas I have a certain knack for community organising," and euphemisms. "But some of my other social skills can be rusty."

"Some," Anakin said dryly.

Did Anakin want to get I to the whys of that choice?

"Some," Ahsoka repeated.

He did not. "Some is good," he backtracked. "Where are areas in which you excel, and how could they become blindspots?"

throughaphase posting in

Kitty was here.

Tino was also here. Though you'd be forgiven if you didn't see him, bundled under his many layers and heavy parka. She thought he was being a little ridiculous, but that was Tino for you.

Though after the second time he broke a glass because he couldn't hold it in his mittens, she did finally snap, "If you want the heat turned up, just say so!"

[Open!]

my_own_advocate posting in

"It is weeks like this," Lucifer told Tiny, "That I miss LA."

He ignored the expectant eyes fixed on him.

"Or the Bahamas," he mused, lifting his drink. "Perhaps we could go to the Bahamas. No, not you, Tiny," he added, "Me. And Duke. And Octavia."

And-- he eyed the piano. For a moment, just a hint of a second, he was struck by an... insane urge. A desire. A--

"I am not playing Margaritaville on the bloody piano," he said, and then, "Oh no, Duke really is getting to me," and then, "Tiny! Bring me a scotch!"

He tossed aside his cocktail in disgust.

[[ open ]]

knightinshinarmor posting in

Gambit had missed class last week. He wasn't going to mention it if the students didn't.

"Welcome back," he greeted as the students arrived. The Danger Shop was set up to resemble a humid jungle environment today. "And welcome to the Savage Land." He looked around at the trees. "Or a reasonable approximation, I guess. It's a jungle in here, but out there?" He gestured over his shoulder at the edge of the treeline. "Out there is Antarctica. Trust me, you don't want to be out there. Not unless you've got ice powers or something."

Or you were possessed by an energy ghost and had a god-like alternate self around to rescue you when even the energy ghost couldn't help, anyway.

"What's a jungle doing in Antarctica? One of life's little mysteries. And anyway, the fact that this is a jungle ain't the most important bit."

An uncanny -- but not Uncanny -- roar sounded in the distance.

"That's a t-rex," Gambit said cheerfully. "You'll also find sabertooth tigers, giant crocodiles, and basically any other big prehistoric predator you can think of out here. They ain't gonna argue with you. They're not gonna care if you agree with them or not. They just gonna eat you. Kill or be killed, kids -- or run away and hide, that's a good option too." He grinned. "Have fun, neh?"

[open]

carbsliftthespirit posting in

"Chilly out there, isn't it?" Raiden asked his students. "My brother's refusing to leave his warm cozy bed, but that's not unusual for him anyway. Still, glad you made it to class! Today we're going to learn about the perfect combo for a cold day: a grilled cheese sandwich and tomato soup. Now, these are easy recipes, but you don't even have to get this complicated! There's nothing wrong with heating up a can of tomato soup, and a grilled cheese is where a slice of American cheese really shines. But we're gonna get just a little complicated, okay? I've got some different cheeses besides what the recipe calls for, so you can pick your favorite grilled cheese option, and you'll get to use a stick blender; it's fun. Like a boat motor for your food. Let's get started!"

throughaphase posting in

There was no Kitty visible when the students got in today. Not because she wasn't there but because sometimes you had to add a little mystery. The Danger Shop was programmed as usual, with them in their individual little simulations, starting with a decorated cake on the table in the study, with an envelope in front of it.

Destroy this cake. Most beautiful destruction wins. Your time starts now.

stykera posting in

fandom_clinic

It was warmer, at least. And it wasn't snowing at the moment. But it was still very much winter and Stark was bundled up against the cold and carrying hot coffees into the clinic again.

He did pause outside the door to admire the snow sculpture of a crab someone had made.

"Snow crab?" he asked once he got inside and set down the tray of coffee cups. "Who made it?"

Stabby, who was wearing mittens and a hat that appeared to be handmade for him, shrugged in a crabby way.

"It was there when we got here. A mystery sculpture by a mystery artist."

The clinic was open, it was warm inside, the crab probably hadn't made a large snow version of himself, and the alien was in.

sharp_man posting in

Some instructors might be wimps, but Hannibal was not one of them. He rather enjoyed this weather; it gave him a chance to wear his warm clothing.

He would hear no slander against his hat!

He nodded and waved his students over to his counter at the front.

"We'll be discussing a number of sauces and techniques later in the semester, and you will need to know some techniques before we begin on them. The first is called a roux. A roux is flour and salt cooked together; it can be used as a base for some recipes, and some of the techniques it uses will help with others, such as gravy or gelatin."

"Our roux starts with clarified butter." He put a square block of butter into a small pot and began heating it. "Standard butter consists of butterfat, milk solids, and water. Clarifying it removes the water and milk solids. Clarified butter can get much hotter without burning, which makes it very good for frying." He demonstrated how to skim the butter as it cooked, leaving only the part they wanted.

"Once we have our clarified butter, we can start on the rest of the roux. A good roux is essential to many sauces. It helps to thicken them and adds some flavor. It's important not to burn it, and to make sure that the fat and the flour mix evenly." He showed how to finish making it.

"After that, the next challenge you face with any sauce, particularly as a beginner, is avoiding lumps. You must add the liquids slowly, and it helps if they're cold. If you add them too quickly, or too much at once, it won't be pretty."

After he'd demonstrated the proper technique, he nodded to them. "Today we'll be making a béchamel sauce, and you'll be clarifying your own butter and making the roux. Please let me know if you have any questions."

intheeyeofthebeholding posting in

This morning, everyone in the class had been sent a message.

Sometimes the distractions are too much. I'm not going out in this weather. Stay home.

Jon was cold, still emotionally sore from his conversation a few days ago with Liliana, and disinclined to go out in this. Enjoy a day off, class! Or do like your instructor and curl up in a ball under the covers and stay warm.

not_a_haint posting in

It might still be cold, and the snow might be a challenge (though still pretty), but the animals at the shelter still needed caring for.

He might not be afraid of dogs anymore but he found that he was still more of a cat person. Maybe it was the accoustics, but the cat room was so much quieter. Though the dogs seemed happier to see him.

When everything was cleaned and everyone was fed and watered, Caleb checked on one particular feline resident. There was a very frightened kitten he had decided to try to befriend. Last time it had spat, and hissed, and slapped at his hand (thank goodness he'd taken the precaution of wearing a thick glove). He'd kept his distance, just putting a bit of food nearer to it.

Today it didn't seem outwardly any friendlier but it didn't bat at him immediately when he reached in to change the bedding. He got some treats and once again placed them near the poor kid.

"I know darlin'." he said. "I'm sorry. But I promise, you're safe."

The shelter is open.

throughaphase posting in

Good morning, all. This is Kitty, who had a little battle of wills with the squirrels because I didn't want to go out and I think they didn't want to go out, and anyway, I lost. Go, me. While I'm out, let's get through some notes!

In the dorms-

*porg*

-Saris was in the common room with breakfast and a book. In town, Gregorith braved the elements to get to the museum, and Stark had a snow day at JGOB, looking up warm places. Which might me what I spend most of my day doing.

Anyway, I'm done. Stay warm!

imafuturist posting in

Okay, the snow? I could do without the snow. Let's just get this over with so I can continue to try dragging a Husky indoors when they don't want to be.

Hi. This is Tony Stark with... the bit of news from yesterday. Caleb attempted to make pizza in the dorms with Sairis stopping in to see what he was doing before they compared notes on musical instruments.

But that's all there is. Please stay warm, folks.

[helps if you hit post BEFORE going to shovel snow]

sairis posting in

fandomhighdorms

Even if he didn't have chores now, Sairis couldn't help but get up early. With no pigeons or garden to tend to, he went straight for breakfast. Bacon, eggs, and fried bread were comforting and familiar.

Since he was using what was apparently everybody's food, it only seemed right to make enough for anyone else who might come later, too.

Then he was sitting down with breakfast and tea and reading a book he'd gotten from the library. He only understood about half of it, but he thought he was at least getting an idea of how things worked.

[Open common room!]

stykera posting in