CLASS: China during the Three Kingdoms Era

[Matrim Gallagher]

"Violence begets violence. The rebellion obviously wanted something to change, something to get the Emperor and everyone off their backs for the taxation on farming and whatnot. The truth of the matter is that history repeats itself, and we've seen this in recent times as well. Struggling economies breed change, the more the struggle usually the bigger the change. I believe blame rests on the leaders of this time. If they were the ones in power then the state of their country is entirely their own fault. It is up to the leaders to do something about it. And clearly they weren't working fast enough if rebellions grew strong. Not to mention they didn't just grow strong but they kept coming back after being brought down time and time again. If the leaders spent less time getting rid of these rebellions and more time figuring out a solution maybe they wouldn't have had to result to bloodshed for an answer. Likewise the rebellion should have done something a little less drastic to save their necks, after all most of those people were fighting to create a better quality of life, but you can't have a better quality of life without life itself, so what good is getting yourself killed in a war against your own country?" Matrim said, and for the first time ever he felt like he might have dragged on a bit too much.

So he shut up a little, he was able to apply what the teacher had been saying to recent events. Recent meaning the last few centuries as opposed to the last few years that is. After all, the schools current problems rest on the Pillars, they were responsible. If opposition came about, a group of students rebelling, Matrim wouldn't want to destroy them, he would want to speak with them to hear them out.

"The leaders should have been willing to listen to the complaints of their own people," Matrim said, "Perhaps it was the pride of the leaders that bred the situation, not the state of the country."

[Gabriel Seran]

"But thats the thing Matrim, In their Feudal Government system where the hierarchy controlled the power it was heresy to speak out against them. We can talk all we want about what they should do but the thing is power is a very hard thing to let go of..." Gabriel finally spoke out having heard enough he knew the dark reaches of the history of man, whether it be Chinese history or european all men reacted the same when there was conflict. Violence, violence was the only answer.

What he truly wanted to hear were some brilliant strategies thought out by the leaders he'd heard of ancient lore by which the Chinese were able to win battles through mental intimidation rather than through brute strength and thats what he needed to pull through with. Rebellions were the same unless you had the edge in war. It made a group of rebels into freedom fighters.

[Adrian]

"But when you look at the Yellow Turbans," Adrian broke in, speaking out 'against' Gabriel, so to speak, "you see that their leaders were, to be frank, nuts."

Adrian shrugged, getting right into the debate without a pause. "Certainly, the ruling party was a bit on the douchebag side, if you'll pardon my expression," Adrian's last comment went to the professor, asking a sort of forgiveness for dropping the term 'douchebag' so lightly, "and that's hardly something to so lightly forgive. However, what was it that brothers Zhang," Adrian would have smirked at his little play on words there, but refrained, "were called? The 'Generals of Heaven,' correct?"

Adrian looked to Professor Doloyovich for an affirmation or denial, and upon getting the affirmation, he'd continue.

"Now it might have been just a name, but it sounds to me like these guys were quite possibly religious nuts. And that brings up a whole new set of issues. How were we to know that these leaders were even looking for the freedom of their fellow man? What if they were just waging some ignorant Holy War? I mean, I'm with that chick," Adrian would say, pointing at Thirteen, "It seems a whole lot like both sides of this dispute were not without their own faults, and neither of them could really claim full respectability in their situation."

Adrian paused, and shrugged a little, jotting down a few notes of what others had said as he spoke a final addendum.

"Of course, that's probably true with any war over the course of the years."

[Professor Doloyovich]

"I find myself siding with the Yellow Turban Rebellion right now. Hunger and strife make people do many things, rebellion included. I mean... as you said so yourself, the Han Dynasty led by Cao Cao was more or less elitist."

"Ah, no. Cao Cao did not lead the Han Dynasty. He was their Prime Minister, later on, but at this point he was just a court member. Emperor Ling was the leader, though he was controlled through the Ten Eunuchs, men who were castrated and set up as advisors to the emperor. They were wealthy land owners, but in the scheme of this course, they are another beast.

But your view is a standard one for turban sympathizers. They were only acting out of the need for food, or so people say."

"I find myself in agreement with Emily, in siding with the Yellow Turban Rebellion," Ryuu spoke up, as he leaned back in his desk, "If the Han dynasty was more interested in creating lavishness only for those higher up on the social ladder, and not those who are not as well off, there is bound to be resentment, which in turn, will lead them to rebel. Starvation is a powerful motivator, and will spur on anyone to do what they need to, to feed and provide not only themselves, but their family as well. We all want something, but do not have the means to acquire it, not yet at least..."

"Hmm, good opinion. The Turban's were justified because they were only trying to provide for their families. Interesting. The Han was guilty of the corruption of favoring the elites, specifically, once again, the eunuchs, and also the major landholders during the time."

"Violence begets violence. The rebellion obviously wanted something to change, something to get the Emperor and everyone off their backs for the taxation on farming and whatnot. The truth of the matter is that history repeats itself, and we've seen this in recent times as well. Struggling economies breed change, the more the struggle usually the bigger the change. I believe blame rests on the leaders of this time. If they were the ones in power then the state of their country is entirely their own fault. It is up to the leaders to do something about it. And clearly they weren't working fast enough if rebellions grew strong. Not to mention they didn't just grow strong but they kept coming back after being brought down time and time again. If the leaders spent less time getting rid of these rebellions and more time figuring out a solution maybe they wouldn't have had to result to bloodshed for an answer. Likewise the rebellion should have done something a little less drastic to save their necks, after all most of those people were fighting to create a better quality of life, but you can't have a better quality of life without life itself, so what good is getting yourself killed in a war against your own country?

The leaders should have been willing to listen to the complaints of their own people," Matrim said, "Perhaps it was the pride of the leaders that bred the situation, not the state of the country."

"Interesting. They both were ignorant of the overall problem, so they're both to blame?"

"But thats the thing Matrim, In their Feudal Government system where the hierarchy controlled the power it was heresy to speak out against them. We can talk all we want about what they should do but the thing is power is a very hard thing to let go of..."

"Excellent point! They did live in a much less liberal form than we currently do; he who wielded the power wielded it absolutely."

"Can we disagree with both ideas? The rebellion had suitable reason certainly, but based on other examples of successful rebellion, all that has come from it is either more of the same, or civil instability."

Klaraan smiled. They were getting close. They were so close!

"Both of them are indeed wrong. No one is right in the commonly accepted sense of the word."

"were called? The 'Generals of Heaven,' correct?"

"Indeed. They were the Generals of Heaven, on the Path to Heaven"

"Now it might have been just a name, but it sounds to me like these guys were quite possibly religious nuts. And that brings up a whole new set of issues. How were we to know that these leaders were even looking for the freedom of their fellow man? What if they were just waging some ignorant Holy War? I mean, I'm with that chick," Adrian would say, pointing at Thirteen, "It seems a whole lot like both sides of this dispute were not without their own faults, and neither of them could really claim full respectability in their situation."

"As stated, and it corroborates your evidence, brothers Bao and Liang were Taoists, as was Liao, though Liang and Bao had founded their own practice.

But the finality in this all is that I agree most whole heartedly, as do most historians of this area, that it is no specific sides fault, but a combination of them all. Famine, greed, corruption, all lead to the Yellow Turban Rebellion. In the end, Zhang Jiao died of illness, ironically, and his brothers did not have the same persuasiveness that their brother did. The turbans fell apart, and resorted to the previously mentioned guerrilla warfare.

So, what happened from there? Ling continued his wastefulness, spending money the empire didn't have, and selling positions of power. Eventually he died, and his sons had a minor power struggle over the title of Emperor. Xian won, and was set up as the new emperor.

Immediately problems arose. The Eunuchs had taken Prince Bian, the losing son, hostage, and were eradicated by Yuan Shao. Dong Zhuo followed him and set up Xie as Emperor, now known as Emperor Xian.

Dong Zhuo took the boy as his own, and began ruling the land. Dong was just as corrupt as the former rulers of the Han Dynasty, and in his first power move, had the Empress Dowager He killed, as well as Prince Bian. He now held all the power, using Emperor Xian as a puppet.

With this power, however, came great problems for him. Dong Zhuo was not liked by many of the regional lords of the north and east, who rallied together against him, and his corruption. This is where many historians consider the 'beginning' of the Three Kingdoms period, as the 3 kingdoms that would arise during this period all had their founding or beginning leaders at the battle. Or, inversely, its only a minor early power coup, depending on what form of history and what sources you take. Which, I guess I should clarify,"

He pushed the mouse button, and a list of a few names popped up on the screen. Doloyovich took a deep breathe, and began speaking again,

"There is much debate between what happened in Luo Guanzhong's novel The Romance of the Three Kingdoms and the true history of the time. In this course we will look at both, as both have their merits.

So, back to Dong Zhuo (Name listed above). The coalition against Dong Zhuo was headed by Yuan Shao (listed). Under Yuan Shao, the regional lords who joined were, Han Fu, Kong Zhou, Liu Dai, Wang Kuang, Yuan Shu, Zhang Miao, Qiao Mao, Yuan Yi, Bao Xin, Zhang Chao, Zhang Yang, Yufuluo (All names listed).

These men were regional lords in the north and central China, all of whom believed that Dong Zhuo's actions in the court were hostile to the Han Empire. This is important to remember, as we already know that the Han Empire is on its last legs. The campaign and actions of Dong Zhuo are indeed the tipping point, and would ultimately lead to the disseting actions of Sun Quan and Liu Bei.

The first act was the surrounding of Luo Yang. This action caused Dong Zhuo, now in a position of extreme power with many competent men and hundreds of thousands of soldiers under his command, to feel frightened. Immediately men were sent to defend against Yuan Shao's northern attacks, headed by none other than Cao Cao. Xu Rong would defeat and actually injure Cao Cao (listed), and all attacks were repulsed, until Dong burned Luo Yang to the ground in an act of defiance, and retreat. He ordered men to assault Yuan Shu's position in Luyang, commanded by none other than the infamous former pirate Sun Jian (listed).

Here, Sun Jian was said to be partying with his men when reports came in that an enemy came. They moved their party outside, and passed around wine to the soldiers who were rank and filed outside the city. The enemy army turned tail, thinking that there were either more men inside, or more frightened of the ability of Sun Jian's men.

Jian moved to Liangdong, please forgive this map, it is colored for the three kingdoms area, and not all the names are translated exactly as I will be teaching it. However, it will give you a basic idea of where everything is." Here Doloyovich pressed the spacebar again, and a map of the 3 kingdoms area popped up ( www.geocities.com/will_hkp/map_rtk.jpg ).

"However, it was a hasty move, and the very able and much applauded Xu Rong defeated him. Xu Rong was one of Dong Zhuo's elite generals, who racked up quite a few wins against the Coalition.

Jian retreated, and then camped at Yangren, named Yan Ren on the map provided behind me. Here Hua Xiong, Hu Zhen, and the infamous Lu Bu attacked Jian. Jian was already hurting from the loss against Xu Rong, but he defeated this seemingly unstoppable force by awaiting for Lu Bu to leave the battle, as he dislike Hu Zhen. Jian captured the famous Hua Xiong, a strong warrior, and had him executed.

With that, Jian became a hero. However, not all was well. Yuan Shu was told that Jian would try to rebel against Shu should he take the former capital. Shu was a very jealous man, and cut off the supply of food to Jian's men. Jian took it upon himself to ride the entire way back to Luyang alone, to beg for the food. He shamed Yuan Shu, who reinstated the supplies, and begged for Jian's forgiveness.

Jian pushed his army north again, and into the area around Luo Yang, the capital. Repulsing attacks by both Dong Zhuo himself, as well as his adopted son Lu Bu, Jian won the day, and Luo Yang, for the Coalition. It is said that at this time, Jian found the imperial Seal, an important jade imprinting piece that was created by Qin Shu Huang Di. He is said to have kept it and passed it down to his sons.

Eventually, Jian left Luo Yang, and returned to Luyang and Yuan Shu, after seeing that the amount of defenses put in the way of Chang An, the new capital, was too much for even himself."

Doloyovich breathed deeply, and let out a long sigh. He took a sip from a bottle of water.

"I know that was a lot. However, I hope you were all listening! We're not even close to getting into the actual three kingdoms era. Now, before I let you all go, is there any questions?"

[seishounohana]

"Ah." Emily said, a bit of self realization on that error. Well, it was then greatly obvious how this was going to be for Emily, considering she had NEVER liked history or something of the sort enough to be fully interested. But history was something important to know, and Emily as an artist knew that for a fact. She took what the professor said to note and nodded, writing down notes. She felt her drowsiness slip away, as she finally got a hold of herself and, in a way, got interested.

Matrims points in the discussion were very appealing to the white-haired girl, and she just smiled. Listening in made things go with a lot more sense, something Emily appreciated. She could still use a good cup of coffee though.

The lesson continued though, and Emily couldn't help but smile at the part where Sun Jian moved the party outside and the enemy fled. He must've had a brilliant mind, or the enemy was very easy to fool.

Then the professor showed the Map. Right, now Emily remembered this; if anything, this reminded Emily of the game she liked to play on the SNES as a child. Maybe it was about time she headed out after school and bought a newer one.

"I know that was a lot. However, I hope you were all listening! We're not even close to getting into the actual three kingdoms era. Now, before I let you all go, is there any questions?"

Emily thought for a moment. Imperial seal? Nah, it probably wasn't such an important detail. If it would be significant in another time in the future, then she may hear about it again... and maybe ask further.

But now she wondered what it looked like. Must've been a great piece of art.

[Aternity]

My, that teacher does talk a lot doesn't he?

Even Thirteen's mind was kinda flailing and flipping on the information she was given...rather all at once. She was sure she would not be able to remember it all, but that's why she had that little part of her head that always went back in time. She didn't just have photographic memory. She had movie memory. In high-definition and THX surround sound. And might I add. It was pretty epic.

But there was one problem. She didn't like it to be publically known, although if anyone asked, she wouldn't deny it either. But who in their right mind would accuse her of being a psychic? Yeah. That's right. Nobody! Haha! Winsauce. But just to be sure, she set her new found knowledge aside.

"Yes...may I being a recorder to class?"

She couldn't possibly take notes...handwriting would be impossible, and any written assignments would be as well.

This was going to be difficult no doubt. Everyone had excellent opinions, and having them stored somewhere would be a great boon. But now, apparently, it was almost time to go. This class went by quick didn't it!

[Ryuu]

Ryuu looked up when he heard Thirteen's opinion, followed by Matrim's, who in turn was rebutted by Gabriel, who's opinion was challenged by Adrian, and after hearing the teacher's responses to all the opinions given, Ryuu began to change his opinion on who was right and who was wrong. Mr. Doloyovich then continued, as a list of names came up, and while Ryuu wasn't able to get down everything, he did manage to write down what he deemed important. A map then appeared on screen, as Ryuu paused in his writing to analyze it. The lecture then continued on, and back to more writing. By the time he was done, Ryuu felt like his hand was going to fall off, but he managed to get down most of what he heard. "I know that was a lot. However, I hope you were all listening! We're not even close to getting into the actual three kingdoms era. Now, before I let you all go, is there any questions?"

Ryuu looked up and saw Thirteen raise her hand, before asking if she could bring a recorder to class. Ah, that's right, she couldn't take down notes, she could listen, but that might not be too helpful for tests and exams. Once her question was answered, Ryuu raised his hand. "It seems to me, if the Han dynasty had provided for those who are not well off, then such a rebellion may have not even started. While it is true that they wanted to keep those in higher power and influence happy, if they do not help those in the lower class, the ones who are just as important as the higher class, then restlessness will eventually arise. But if they knew such an event would occur, I suppose we would never have a Three Kingdoms era to begin with and learn about. And unfortunately, the sight of absolute power can corrupt even the most humble person, if enough of it is dangled in front of them. But power and strength is not everything. Of course, if they knew all this, then where would be the history for us to learn from past mistakes, so that we would not repeat them." Ryuu then folded his arms across his chest, as he waited for class to end.

[Trizen Takano]

The professor had explained everything quite throughly and everyone seemed to know a lot about everything when it came to this country. Trizen knew when he went home he would have to do his homework, he didn't knowing what was going on. There were a lot of names he was vaguely familiar with as well, but he would do all that sort of double-checking at home.

Looking ahead, Thirteen spoke up. He still couldn't believe that the school didn't provide anything for their visually impaired. REGISTERED students who would have made clear their situation. This school really did survive on a thread. Interesting how it all worked out. And speaking of working it all out, it seemed Ryuu had a resolve about the whole thing. His friend seemed to have the whole thing down, though Trizen did disagree with the initial statement, though wouldn't comment on it. That would've taken a while and the class had a lot of people that seemed to know more than he did. Ok, not seemed to know more; DID know more.

"Well... technically, Ryuu, we probably wouldn't see the wrinkle in history if anything had changed. We'd probably be learning about something else that had to do with Chinese history if that's the case," The boy said on shrugging his shoulders, "Besides, the temptation and choice of corruption is everywhere in history. If we didn't see it in the T.K. period, we would've seen it elsewhere. And even with all that history, it doesn't affect most people. They do as they please. Walked around the school halls lately?"

He smirked. There was a lot happening in the school and everyone knew it. Everyone was apart of it one way or another. Trizen wondered what parts of it everyone was thinking about.

[Sara Quinn]

After her question... Or attempt at a question considering everyone thought it was so STUPID D< She had tried to pay a little more attention to the class. She would read the slides and manage to get through them once, and then try to reread them and then he would be on to the next one. But hey... At least she got through them at least once right? She sighed, dropping her head onto the desk. Class was almost over and she hadn't managed to take in much of it. Nice going Sara~ <3 NOT D<

He asked if there were any questions, and she looked around hopefully, praying that someone had something to ask. Preferably something about a possible test...? Had he said anything about test? She couldn't remember. DAMMIT D< She didn't think she was going to do to well on it, and she didn't want to risk asking that and have everyone think she was a bigger idiot then she already was TT.TT Wait... Was she supposed to stay after class? She dropped her head onto the desk. Damn her life. Why did it have to be so hard? Damn him... He should just let her go =_=" Maybe if she bopped him hard with her crutch... She just wanted to go home.. Class made her depressed.

[Ryuu]

"Well... technically, Ryuu, we probably wouldn't see the wrinkle in history if anything had changed. We'd probably be learning about something else that had to do with Chinese history if that's the case," Ryuu turned in his seat to look over at Trizen, who shrugged his shoulders, "Besides, the temptation and choice of corruption is everywhere in history. If we didn't see it in the T.K. period, we would've seen it elsewhere. And even with all that history, it doesn't affect most people. They do as they please. Walked around the school halls lately?" Ryuu gave Trizen a smirk, now sitting sideways in his seat. "Of course I have, even if you can't see it, it'll still be there. But it's not to say you can't try to learn from past mistakes, even if it's just a little bit."

Ryuu shrugged his shoulders casually, as he rested his arms on his thighs. "Of course, that's just my opinion. Not everyone will agree with it. People want power, but it's how you use that power that matters. You could have all the power in the world and be the strongest, but if you use the power only for selfish purposes and reasons, what makes you think your followers, or the people for that matter, will follow you? If you oppress them, they'll fight back, and they'll fight back with everything they have to resist, to gain their freedom. It happened in the past, and even in the present, it's happening." Ryuu then leaned back in his seat, still sitting sideways, as he rested his right elbow on the desk, cradling his chin in the palm of his hand as he then raised his hand, speaking once he was called on. "Will you be testing us on the material covered?" He asked, once his question was answered, he waited for class to end.

[Adrian]

Adrian listened to Ryuu and the other Asian debate the nature of power back and forth, a topic which interested Adrian greatly. Being formerly of a powerful business family, he'd like to think he knew more about it than most. Power came in many forms: Money, strength, political power.

Adrian had almost missed the conversation, he'd been so busy scribbling down notes, copying down the names on the projector screen. This gave him a thought, but he would keep it for later. After Ryuu finished speaking, but before he asked about being tested, Adrian would raise his hand and pipe in.

"Actually, Ryuu, that's not necessarily true. There's a fine line between fear and respect. One doesn't necessarily have to use their great power for a greater good, so long as their subjects think they are. People will generally believe whatever they're told as long as there's no great reasons otherwise, and sometimes even if there are. As long as those in power appear to have those qualities which the lower folk possess, they are free to use their power as they desire. Generally, it is best to be both loved and feared by one's subjects," Adrian finished, neatly paraphrasing Machiavelli.

When Ryuu would then ask about being tested on the material, and after being answered, Adrian would raise his hand for another question. Seeing that the nature of the class seemed to be much more conversational, Adrian felt no insecurity in simply asking out as he rose his hand. "Also, is there any way we could receive handouts of some or all of your Powerpoint slides?"

[Matrim Gallagher]

Sun Jian was the person Matrim liked the most out of all of these people. He seemed to be a real badass, a pirate gone hero because of a successful execution? How kick ass was that? So when the teacher asked if there were any other questions, Matrim had one that he considered to be of utmost importance, "Yeah, concerning Sun Jian, are we going to be hearing more about him? For some reason he sticks out the most for me, maybe it was because of him being this infamous pirate gone mercenary assassin-ish only to execute Hua Xiong and become some sort of war hero. He sounds like he could have been useful with the yellow ribbon, they might have been a little more successful with a man like that in their ranks."

Matrim liked this guy, and he definitely wanted to learn everything there was to know about him. If the teacher wasn't going to teach him, he'd try to find the information on his own because of how cool the guy sounded. He probably fought in a lot of battles, and even when he was a pirate he was probably one of the most kick ass pirates if he had grown to be infamous.

Man what I would give to have a shot to fight him......

Then Matrim commented on Adrian's statement, "I'm with Adrian on this. Ruling with fear alone causes rebellion, and ruling with love alone will usually make your country more of a target to be attacked than anything. But you go with a mixture of both and people will treat you like a God. I should know......"

I've felt a fear Qi and attraction Qi on one person... and for a moment she became my God.... or a God at least.

[Ryuu]

"Well of course," Ryuu began, in response to Adrian's statement, after he had heard Matrim comment about Sun Jian and ask if they were going to learn more about the pirate turned mercenary assassin, and then a hero, "It's obviously better to be both feared and loved, because if you're feared, your subjects won't rebel against you, for fear of invoking your wrath, but if you are loved as well, then your subjects will follow you willingly, and do what you ask of them. Of course, as Matrim said, both have downsides as well. The key is striking a delicate balance between the two, though I must admit, it's rather hard to accomplish such a task, a select few have managed to keep their country strong, while at the same time be loved by their people. Even to today, it's a difficult task to accomplish." Ryuu shrugged his shoulders.

"I never said my opinion was right or correct, people are free to dispute against it." Ryuu then asked about being tested on the material, once he got an answer, he saw Adrian raise his hand and ask if there was any way they could possibly obtain some or all of the Powerpoint slides shown in class. To be honest, that would help greatly. Ryuu would copy down notes in class to the best of his ability, but being able to reference back to the original slides would allow him to fill in any gaps he possibly missed. He could also use the Internet to help him, but he rather have the actual facts in front of him, a lot more accurate in his opinion. "Or if not the handouts," Ryuu piped in, his hand raised, "At least we could be sent or access the file, so we can print them out ourselves?"

[Gabriel Seran]

Gabriel sat calmly raising his voice once again, "Though you got to understand that there are different kinds of power, it all depends on which you are wanting to take." He smiled drearily, "On the one hand you have absolute power where fear is indeed necessary, people will not rise up if they have no hope, then again there are downsides to that outlook, out of fear there is desperation where it is inevitable to lose that power." Gabriel waited for a secone.

"The other however is through respect, in ways it is a weaker form but then again it has its strengths. In a lesser following you have tighter bonds better loyalties to follow. But there is always the seed of envy that grows from it sparking fear once more. So power is simply a double edged sword, either way you can suffer.'

[Professor Doloyovich]

"May I bring a recorder to class?"

Professor Doloyovich gave a hearty laugh, straight from the belly, his Russian side peaking through.

"Of course! As long as you're willing to provide the recording to anyone who wants to use it in class! Good suggestion Thirteen."

He smiled, and scribbled something down on a piece of paper in front of him. Another boy asked a question, and before he could even illicit a response, another boy charmed in. A sharp rebuke and an attempt to change the topic were met with more arguments from across the room.

A normal teacher would've immediately reigned in the conversation, attempting to retake control of the classroom. Instead, Klaraan basked in the debate that surfaced. He finally decided to address all the questions that pertained to course logistics, finally retaking the helm of the class.

"To answer all questions; there will be a quiz in one week based on the knowledge that I will impart upon you in the next few days of class. There will be a major test at the end of the period, with two other quizzes before that test, besides the one already announced. I reserve the right to spring these quizzes on you at any point in time, without fair warning, so I hope you listened.

All the slides from the powerpoint will be emailed on a weekly basis the night before class so that you may print them and take notes on the slides themselves as I lecture and we discuss.

I hope you all wrote down the correct email! I will send out today's lecture sometime tonight for you all to print. The map that I provided on the slides is very important, and I ask that you all bring that to the next class.

Otherwise... You're all dismissed! Except Sara and Emi. You two need to stay after. Thank you all for a wonderful first class. I will see you all in a few days."

Klaraan pressed a button on the elmo and the screen went blank, the projector shutting off, and the lights in the room brightening slightly. He smiled and waved to the students as they left, returning to his desk, awaiting for everyone but the two girls to leave.