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Day 0:

It was the end of a warm day and the sun would set within the next hour. Many young people had gathered in the main hall of the school for the welcoming speech and dinner. The air was filled with the conversations of reuniting friends that hadn't seen each other all summer and first years that shyly introduced themselves to one another and asked questions about where to go. The latter were gathered and instructed by Master Shang Gua about where to sit and how to behave. [i]"You sit down and be quiet. And don't speak when the headmaster speaks! I'm keeping an eye on you!"[/i] He said in his stern and squeaky voice. [i]"Especially you!"[/i] He threatened the kid that looked the most harmless and frightened. 
A voice of honey interrupted him. [i]"Master Shang, please don't scare our students away before we ever get the chance to teach them something."[/i]
[i]"That's Master Gua to you Miss Leanara Blackwater! And these kids are going to be nothing but trouble if we don't keep them under control!"[/i]
He leaned toward her and hissed softly: [i]"we've already been too soft on the kids from last year, and look where that took us!"[/i]
Miss Lea could recall a prank the students pulled on Master Gua, but she doubted if that was because he was too soft. Rather the opposite. 

[i]"He doesn't mean it that way"[/i] She said to the students as warm as she could, trying to comfort them a bit. [i]"Welcome to Lion Turtle Bending School. I'm Miss Lea"[/i] She said with her widest smile and a subtle wink after she had sent Master Gua away with the message that the Headmaster was looking for him. Which ofcourse, she had made up to lure him away from the children. [i]"I hope Master Shang didn't give you the wrong impression. We're not all like that here. Why don't you come sit here with me?"[/i] She continued and pointed at the nearest empty table. [i]"Headmaster Saigei is about to begin his welcoming speach"[/i]

Teachers were lining up in front of the room and an old man with white beard politely asked for silence. The large hall went silent in an instant. 

[i]"Welcome everyone at the beginning of yet another year here at Lion Turtle Bending School."[/i] Headmaster Saigei spoke with his usual, slightly hoarse voice. [i]"I'm happy to see that so many new and familiar faces will be joining us again this year. As for the first years: most of you arrived today, so you haven't had the chance to settle down yet. After the welcoming ceremony, Master Kuruk and Miss Finnalock will show you to the boys and girls dormitories respectively."[/i] He gestured to the duo on his left to make clear whom he was speaking about and he pauzed for a moment.

Even though he truly felt happy and proud about starting the year again with so many ambitious students, he was also worried about their safety since the attacks on the harbor this summer. He still could see the remains of the buildings there, crystal clear before his mind's eye. He cleared his throat to dismiss the memory and continued: [i]"Also new this year is the pro-bending arena we raised in the pond in front of the school. You will be able to sign up as a team and compete in the schooltournament."[/i]

The list of anouncements went on. New teachers, old teachers, rules, where to find schedules. Nothing too important. 

[i]"And now it's time to eat."[/i] He ended his welcoming speach. Plates were brought to the table with all kinds of delicious smelling foods. 
Now the students would have some time to eat, chat and mingle.

Tomorrow, classes would start.