Oh the Humanity!
"Yes, yes, m'dear. I think you've finally gotten used to your numbers," Doctor Newbury said proudly as he watched his pupil. Four long years he had struggled with teaching Shanku her arithmetic and she was finally having only the slightest difficulty with it.
"Now if we can get you to manage your liquor, we'll be set!" She shook her feathery pen at him.
"The beast within cannot be tamed," he chuckled.
"I beg to differ, my good doctor," Shanku stood with hands on her hips in as a girl.
"Gadzooks, child!" Doctor Newbury flinched. And yet, after four years, he was not used to her habit of assuming different shapes. "Warn me before you do that!"
"Be warned that I'm continuing then!" Shanku laughed and shook her finger at him. "If I can tame myself, so can you."
"But you always return to being an animal. A poor argument, m'dear."
"Allow me to finish, doctor," Shanku said and sat on the desk. "I was hatched as a beast. And as it's natural, it does not impair my judgment. Children are born to milk, not bourbon. It makes more sense when you put milk in your tea than when you partake of that stout stuff. It's not natural!"
"I fear I've taught you too well," Doctor Newbury sighed in mock-sadness.
"So it would seem at times," Shanku giggled and resumed her seat.
"Now, let's finish that arithmetic and review some grammar!"
"Of course!" Doctor Newbury agreed and oversaw the rest of her studies for that afternoon.
Notes & Commentary
January 12, 2012, Thursday
Oh the Humanity!
So who saw that one coming? Poor Doctor Newbury. Throw her overboard? Although if the sailors had been hungover overboard rather than on deck she might not be so mouthy about liquor. Shanku's about fourteen years old now. Pity the good doctor. We all know how rough it is to deal with teenagers, much less be one. (Unless some of ye readers are kids. Your day is coming!)
Doctor Newbury's wardrobe change can be attributed to his success with his book. He's still practicing medicine and studying random critters, but in fancier duds now!
It may seem odd she enjoys book work, but considering that her hunting teacher held her back and Master Woodstock was preachy, she welcomes those like Dai, Rhett, and Doctor Newbury because they take the time to explain things to her properly and answer all her questions.
Characters - Shanku Ravenwing - Doctor Newbury -
Tags - Just Another Day -
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