[Day1-Class1] Introduction to the language of flowers (open)

Trying his best not to attract attention on himself, nah, he just opened the door, bowed to everyone present and sat in one of the back desks. He then got his mobile and started texting.

Genji politely ignored Yoruga's lateness. After all, he was simply a student at the moment and he knew Umeko would handle the tardiness if she felt it needed. Instead, he focuses on reading over the documents the sensei handed out and trying to learn with the class... even if he wasn't getting any sort of graded credit for doing so.

Umeko made no mention of the late arrival, nodding at the scorpion's quick answer with a smile. "Indeed, Chiyo-chan. The snowdrop is a well known representation of the meaning of hope." The teacher's smile widened at Tsuki's words, and she chuckled. 

"Getting a bit ahead of my presentation, Kakita-san." She said gently, beaming at the Crane. "But you are indeed quite correct." She placed the snowdrop back down, and picked up a second flower, which was more like a series of small blue flowers on a stalk. "This one is called the bluebell flower. It should be known to most of you, as it has been imported to Rokugan hundreds of years ago. It's a rather popular little flowers in gardens. It's meaning is generally considered to be one of gratitude. However, in certain context, the bluebell can also express humility." 

She placed the bluebell with the snowdrop, reaching for a third plant on her desk, which was more a cluster of small flowers of a deep violet shade. "Now this one is interesting. The verbena flower is a very strong plant that is well known for it's drought-resistant properties. It also comes in quite the variety of colors. The most popular tones are dark colors like this one, blues, purples and reds, as well as the more commonly seen pink and whites." Her eyes glanced over the students, pausing a moment for the benefit of those that were quickly scribbling her words. "The verbena, like many flowers that come in varying colors, has various meaning depending on it's color. More specifically, the pink variety is used when speaking of family union. The more general variety of blues and whites mean sensibility, or enchantment. The one that interests us today, however." She said, raising the purple cluster. "Is this one, which stands for cooperation." 

Again, she placed the flower with the others she had already went over, leaving only a white rose, which she held up. "This one should need no introduction. Roses have gained in popularity in the last century, and are now used widely in advertising, in clothing and accessory designs and more. As with the verbena, roses also have different meanings depending on their shade. Pink for grace, gratitude, happiness. Black usually for death, farewell and rebirth, though it can also mean hatred. Yellow is a very interesting one, as it can both mean jealousy and betrayal, or friendship. Red, of course, for passion, love, beauty. And white." She turned the one she was holding. "Is usually used to represent innocence. However, it has a slightly lesser known meaning of devotion."

She'd spoken slowly, hopefully giving the students enough time to note her words if she wished to. Her words held in the air for a moment, as she reached under her desk, pulling out a basket the contained a few more of each flowers, as well as some strands of grass and various leaves that could be used to fill a bouquet. She quickly picked one cluster of the purple verbena, placing three white roses around it in a triangular pattern. Adding a few strands of green, she followed the arrangement with the bluebell and snowdrops, alternating them in a circle around the center of roses and verbena. She finished it with large hosta leaves which she folded back on themselves, before wrapping all the stalks together with some florist tape. The whole thing had barely taken a minute, and she produced a glass vase to display the finished bouquet in.

"Now, let us study what this bouquet means, despite Kakita-san having already given us the answer." She said with a smile. "As we already explained, the snowdrop represents hope, and the bluebells gratitude. The verbena is symbol of cooperation, and within the context of the flowers that surround it, the white rose would be understood to mean devotion. If one was to receive this arrangement, they could therefor pull the following message from the sender; I hope we can cooperate and thank you for your devotion."

Okay Umeko, that's cute, but in front of the whole class? Really? It's not the worst, a teacher using such a familiar honorific with a student who has already taken this class a couple of times in the past. She's kind of earned the right to use it.

She went on to explain every component of the bouquet, then how it all came together and established meaning. She did have a knack and a half with flowers. The Bayushi bit back a hint of jealousy. One of the things she always found herself frustrated with is that she could never get into gardening herself. She had a bit of a black thumb; no surprise. As much as she liked flowers, she couldn't keep a plant alive to save her life. All of Umeko's flowers are so healthy and vibrant, as if taunting her. 

Maybe that's the reason she always felt keen on messing with the almost-Mantis. Well, that and finding it fun in general.

"That's very sweet of you, Umeko-sama. A most meritorious arrangement."