#lbp The Titian of the Night AU

[theizzizzy]

A Lovely Field Trip

(Warning: lots of text)

"Come on, class, line up," Newton Pud called out to his group of excited five-year-olds, his brown eyes twinkling with the patience of a saint. "Remember, we're going to the Whillobe park for our nature walk, so keep your hands to yourselves and your eyes wide open."

 Newton was known for his gentle demeanor and the way he could make any lesson into an adventure. His students adored him for his creative stories and the way his voice would rise like a king, and soften like a princess when he read to them. He was the kind of teacher who'd give you an extra gold star just for trying, and the kind of person who never seemed to have a bad day.

The field trip to Whillobe park was in full swing the moment the children left the bus, with children's laughter echoing through the trees as they ran around, and the sound of leaves crunching underfoot. Newton held up a map of the park with a smile, pointing out the path they would take. His heart, however, was racing. Not only from excitement, but also from the simple fact that the children would be learning more about nature here than in a stuffy old classroom.

They started the hike, with Newton in the back, making sure no one straggled too far behind. The trail was narrow, with tall trees on both sides creating a natural canopy that let in just enough sunlight to create speckled patterns on the forest floor. The children chattered away, their tiny hands reaching out to touch the rough bark of trees and pluck the ripe berries and leaves that hung in the brambles. Newton watched them, his eyes flickering with a hint of something unidentifiable. Was it concern, or pride? Perhaps both.

"Mr. Pud," a small voice called out, "Look what I found!" It was Ella, her pigtails bobbing as she ran back to him, clutching a peculiarly shaped stone. "It's so smooth and heavy," she said, her eyes wide with wonder. Newton took it from her, feeling the weight of it in his hand. It was unlike anything he'd ever seen before. "It's beautiful, Ella," he said, smiling at her as he gave it back. "It's probably a piece of quartz or something like that."

"Quartz? What's quartz?" A little boy, Paul, asked, curious. The rest of the group had stopped walking for the most part, wanting to hear as well.

"Quartz is a type of crystal," Newton began, his voice a somewhat gentle teacher's tone that never talked down to them, but his own excitement could definitely be heard in it as well. "It's a mineral that comes in many shapes and sizes, and sometimes it's even used to make watches tick!" He glanced at Ella, her eyes shining with amazement. "But the most important thing to remember is that it comes from the earth, and we should always treat it with respect. Now, you can keep it if you’d like, Ella, but we should keep moving, we don't want to miss any other surprises the park has in store for us."

As they continued their hike, the conversation flowed naturally between the children, asking questions about the trees, the animals, and the latest “Soaring Susie” episode. Newton listened, nodding and smiling, occasionally adding a fact or a story to their wonderings, or even asking questions of his own to get them thinking. He eventually noticed how the shadows had grown longer and the light had taken on a warm, amber hue as the sun had dipped towards the horizon. It was almost time to head back. 

“Class," Newton called out, clapping his hands to get everyone's attention. "The sun is setting, meaning it’s time for us to head back to the bus."

The children groaned in unison, their somehow still cute faces filled with the disappointment of a party ending too soon. But the promise of an episode of “Will Guy the Math dude” the next day for class perked them up faster than a squirrel spotting a nut. They scurried along the path, making dares over what happens if someone is the last one to the bus, their tiny feet kicking up clouds of dust that danced in the dying light of the day as they all ran. Newton couldn't help but chuckle at their energy as he followed at his own pace.

As they neared the bus, the chatter of the children grew louder and louder until it was a cacophony of giggles and squeals. Newton couldn't help but feel his heart swell with happiness. It had been a successful trip, and the children had learned so much.

The bus itself was a welcome sight, a yellow beacon of safety and familiarity for the children amidst the splendor of the forest. Newton helped each child board the bus, his smile never wavering as they climbed the steps, their little faces flushed with excitement from the day's adventure. The engine eventually rumbled to life, and the air brakes hissed, signaling their departure.

As it drove through the winding roads of the town, the children grew quieter, their energy spent from the day's excitement. Newton took this time to mentally prepare for the meeting with the children’s parents. He knew they'd be eager to hear about the field trip, and he had so much to share. The way the children had lit up when they saw the deer, or the way they had all sang the theme song of their favorite show. These were moments that didn't just shape their knowledge of the world, but their ideas as well.

It had been, indeed, a lovely day.

[theizzizzy]

The Titian of the Night Storybook

[theizzizzy]

here’s the entire class Newton teaches! (It’s on the smaller side since it’s more of a Special Needs class than anything)

[theizzizzy]

doodles

rock, paper, dragon lore under the cut

Feel free to use the inbox!

[theizzizzy]

a lovely little comic about some of the kids Newton Teaches

[theizzizzy]

new title for the au :3