Sign Language Academy

[Firestar]

It was known that people of specific races, gender, and nationality had a problem, a problem they were born with or even had developed over time or just by accident. Those people have what is called Hearing Imparedness or Deafness. These people have a way of speaking never seen within the empire, many people could try to speak with the deaf but could not succeed for the sheer purpose of having to use hand signals as a way of speaking. That made it difficult on them until one faithful day, outside the city gates of Zinn'Sunn, a travelling group had made camp and within a few brightenings had built up a small village. The thane of the city decided it best that those who wished to speak with these people learn a new type of language called Sign Language. The people of the village began to enter the city gates for shopping purposes or to just meet new people, but that was hard.

One person from the group named, Micella, took a chance, a chance never before taken in the history of Zinn'Sunn. She marched into the Aediles Office, obtained a city permit for property, then marched into the thanes office, obtained his permission to build a school, then she hired a construction crew to begin development of the new school. The construction began immediately, many passed by wondering what school was going to be built right next to the Zinn'Sunn Academy. A sign had been posted only a few days before hand.

The sign read:
"All be known, the Sign Language Academy will be open to the public within a few days. People wishing to learn Sign Language will have the chance of a lifetime, free sign up and free classes for the first 15 students to sign up within the first two days of being open."

Signed: Micella

The construction crew worked long and hard to get the school finished on time. By the time it was complete, the school left many in awe at its wonder in size and beauty.

The academy had been built up to 7 stories high, the building itself was made of a smooth marble, white marble to be exact. The windows covered by curtains keeping the bright suns from filtering into the rooms to make them too hot for the students. The building had an octagon shape with 3 entrances, the first entrance is directly north from the north gates, the second entrance is south east from the south gates or east gates, and the third entrance is south west from the south gates or west gates. The main entrance was the north entrance, the double doors are made of a light marble allowing for easy opening, the windows within the doors have an odd shape to them, the glass makes out what looks to be a closed fist then the other window makes out what looks to be the index finger straight up with the thumb out to the left of the index finger making what many took to be an 'L', below that was what they meant, the letters 'SL'.

Upon entering the building up the 4 stairs, the doors swing wide giving room for a giant to enter, the ceiling of the first floor was high enough to provide room for almost a full grown dragon to enter. Walking the marble hallway to the front desk, a young woman stands waiting for the first student. Obviously not deaf for she heard the footsteps of the soon to be student enter the school. Once to the desk, she speaks slowly just in case the person she is speaking with might be deaf and wishes to learn sign language.

"Serale......I am Tyrella.....how may I help you?" She knew exactly why this student was here but she wanted to know from them why they had entered the Sign Language Academy.

Once the person had answered, Tyrella responded, "Please read this, you will need to know exactly what takes place here."

OOC: Please read Sign Language Academy Pamphlet

[Toshi]

[color=sky blue]18 Optia 11 PF[/color]
Toshi had seen the construction crews putting the finishing touches on the new building while he was exploring the Academy grounds a brightening ago. Now, on his way to the training fields to meet with his shortsword instructor, the sign by the northern door caught his observant eye. Changing his direction, he moved closer to take a look.

"All be known, the Sign Language Academy will be open to the public within a few days. People wishing to learn Sign Language will have the chance of a lifetime, free sign up and free classes for the first 15 students to sign up within the first two days of being open." He considered the offer - there MUST be a catch! Deciding he wanted to know more, he pushed open the light marble door on the left and entered the marvelous building.

After closing the door and crossing the immense marble hall with his typical silent stride, he bowed gracefully to the young woman standing by the desk. As he straightened, he heard her introduce herself as Tyrella. "Serale Miss Tyrella. I am Toshi, an Academy student. I saw your sign promising free instruction, and wondered if I could ask a few questions." he said. "The most important is whether this 'new' language can extend ideas to other races - ones which I do not know (or have the vocal capacity for)? For I do have someone" (here the image of Ironbeard, the dwarven smith at the Fireforge smithy comes to his mind) "that I would like to engage in conversation with, and having an alternate medium would make things much easier."

Taking a deep breath, he accepted the pamphlet and glanced at it quickly. Offering a wry grin, he said, "I expect I am in the 'beginner' category! And I know how hard it is to get started in a city like Zinn'Sunn. I'd be willing to pay the full 125 crown tuition, if you wish." There was no hint on his countenance about his own money worries - after all, there was still the job opening over at the Bibliotheca that he had asked about...

"I am almost late for the training fields this brightening - but I will return when my class is ended for the day. Can I come back and discuss payment terms ... and class schedules, if I am accepted?" he asked Tyrella.

Last edit to insert Time Stamp information.

[Firestar]

Tyrella bowed humbly, "Yes sir, you may, but I can tell you now that we will only accept your money as a donation for what we offer is what the students get."

[Toshi]

Toshi couldn't believe his ears. A free course? And since he had forgotten to account for the cost of cleaning supplies, he was actually coming up a little short of the full tuition.

A donation, though? I can't take something for nothing... Aloud, he responded, "Very well. I will be back tomorrow morning - if that is acceptable to you. Or tell me when your classes begin, and I'll be sure to be here. I'd very much like to begin learning this new 'language' you teach."

"And I will make a donation to your coffers at that time, as well." Toshi hadn't said how much, but he would see what his sash held...

[Toshi]

Here it was, [color=sky blue]the second of Ioannes[/color] already! Time certainly was moving swiftly past the young human. Toshi hurriedly entered the north door once more, forgetting to close it firmly behind him.

He moved quickly but quietly up to where Tyrella waited beside the desk and bowed deeply to her. As he resumed his courteous upright posture he said, "Serale, Miss Tyrella. You are looking lovely today! I'm not sure you remember me - I was speaking to you about entering your course but had a small matter that required immediate attention. However, I promised I would return and - well, here I am. I can even make a small donation to the new academy."

Toshi dipped his hand into his sash pocket, and brought out 50 crowns. Extending his hand, he spread them on the desk where they would be quite visible to Tyrella. I hope she'll think that's enough... I won't get paid by Axia for another five brightenings!

"As I had mentioned earlier, I want to enrol in your 'beginner' level program. I believe it is listed in the pamphlet as SL101."

He stood calmly in front of the desk, not crowding Tyrella. A shy smile played quietly around his lips, and his hands hung loosely at his side.

[Firestar]

Tyrella smiled broadly, "Yes I remember you, 50 crowns is plenty. Thank you very much. Now to get you started, the class will be begin tomorrow morning early. So be here prepared to learn."

[Toshi]

When Toshi woke up the next day, he didn't do it slowly, as he had been wont to do for the last cycle or so. He actually bounded upright, nearly giving himself a headache from slamming his forehead against the low ceiling in his sleeping chamber. Today's the start of my Sign Training with Tyrella! he thought. A glance out the window gave him the reason for his awakening - the sun was just cresting to the east, across the rooftop of the Fireside Forge. It was early enough that even the dwarven proprietor - Ironbeard - hadn't opened his doors yet.

Quickly nibbling a small meal from a ration portion, he felt some possible stomach cramps acting up. I am REALLY going to have to do something soon about getting some real food in this place. These trail rations are starting to make my stomach cramp. But not today! Today was Sign Language Day!

Toshi cleaned up and left, locking the door on his way out and pocketing the key. With a light step, he moved across the Kestrel District until he finally rounded the corner before the Sign Language Academy. He literally bounded up the steps to the north door, only to stop and take a deep breath before putting his palm on the marble surface. With a smile already on his lips, he opened the door to find Tyrella already behind the desk.

He waved to her - his right hand describing a smooth arc from his left shoulder to his right, palm toward her. As he commenced walking toward her, he said "Serale Miss Tyrella. A beautiful day, is it not? Not so beautiful as you, of course..." Toshi stopped beside the desk and executed one of his trademark bows. When he rose, his smile widened even further. "I am here, as directed. Early, and ready to learn."

Meanwhile, his mind was busy picking up details from Tyrella's posture, particularly the way she held her arms, hands and fingers. Unconsciously, his fine motor control worked to mimic her positioning - resulting in a fairly close approximation. "Where do we begin?" he asked.