Show and Tell, for Melia

[K-Squared]

Hugh was early, he had a thing for punctuality. He liked to have time to prepare things for his presentations anyway. Today he had a slide show set up on his laptop which he needed to get synched with the university's projector. Not to mention artifacts. When one is the currator it helped a lot with red tape for things like artifacts. He got his display set up while his laptop booted up. A couple of the lecture's attendees wandered in. Some were obviously students, one was a TA that Hugh knew. He gave them a nod and kept working.

Today's lecture was more anthropology than archeology, but he was untroubled. Choctaw ceremonies were interesting to study anyway, but he was excited to have a painted skull in a lexan case to pass around during his lecture on the bone picking ceremony.

Once he had everything ready to go he stood and checked the microphone's position at the podium and adjusted his jacket a bit. He was wearing a dark navy suit and a black turtle neck today, formal, but not too formal. Which felt like the right choice in light of seeing one of the students wearing flip flops.

[purple epidemic]

As a regular attendee of lectures, Xanthe was more or less excited about the one she was on her way to attend. As much as she loved learning about the various cultures and spiritual practices, those who gave the presentations were usually old, monotonous and uninspiring. If it weren't for her love of lecture in general, she probably would just read the given material, but there was a sense of person that was missed in that course of action.

The weather was beautiful so Xanthe had decided to walk to her lecture from her small house on the more scenic side of town. It was only about a thirty five minute walk, and she had her comfy moccasins on anyway. Her golden brown hair was pulled back into a beautifully messy ponytail with a blue ribbon that matched her sundress, her overlarge purple purse slung over her shoulder. Large sunglasses covered her eyes and cigar was held in between her pink lips. As she approached her destination, she took one drag from the cigar she had been nursing and then threw it into the public ashtray.

As she stepped into the classroom, the golden haired woman noticed a few things. Firstly, there were more people in this lecture than she had seen at any in some time. Secondly, there were some very interesting looking things up at the front, including what looked like a colorful human skull. And, thirdly, the man standing at the front whom she supposed was the instructor was in no way old, monotonous and uninspiring looking.
Shamelessly, Xanthe gave him a good look as she took her seat and got herself settled. After a minor battle with the purple purse, she had her note pad and pen ready.

[K-Squared]

The lecture went smoothly, Hugh had a clear voice and a charismatic presence, so there weren't the usual lecture problems with people interupting, or falling asleep. No one even had a phone ring in the middle of it to his delight. He stuck with his usual formula, and had a period at the end for questions and discussion. A lot of those in attendance cleared out at that time, the bulk probably having classes to attend.

Those who stayed tended to be more serious academians.

[purple epidemic]

Among the few that stayed was Xanthe. She sat silently for a few minutes, writing out her own thoughts alongside her notes as she watched others approach the red-headed man. As a public speaker, she had to admit the man was fantastic. As one who regularly gave compliments where they were fit, she finished her jotting and, after getting her things together, made her way to the front of the class to tell her instructor just how much she had enjoyed the lecture.

Besides, she'd like to get a closer look anyway. Just for curiosity's sake, she assured herself.

[K-Squared]

Hugh was always both cordial and professional in such settings, he had a reputation to maintain afterall. He greeted every one that came up to talk and shook their hands while debating points or elaborating.

Xanthe was the last one to make it to the podium. A few of the hanger on's behind her had decided to bow out, perhaps he'd answered their questions while speaking to another.

[purple epidemic]

As the individual in front of her departed, she realized she was the last person there. For a moment, she wondered if her continued presence gave the impression she wanted to be alone with the man, but she quickly brushed it from her mind. He was a professional, wasn't he?

Walking to the podium, Xanthe gave him a winning grin. Her blue dress made her eyes glitter prettily, now that they weren't hidden behind sunglasses.
"I believe that was one of the more enjoyable lectures I've attended in some time. You gave fantastic detail about the funerary rites." She said, her sincerity apparent in her voice.

[K-Squared]

"The funerary rites are interesting to deal with, they went through some evolution both due to contact with other tribes, and later through Americanization. I'm glad you liked the lecture." He told her smiling warmly.

He did notice her winning grin. He liked to think she really had enjoyed the lecture, it was nice to think people still persued higher learning just for knowledge's sake.

[purple epidemic]

She nodded. "I doubt many Christians would approve of 'ripening' cadavers before picking away the bones, but as you said, those rites had all but disappeared by the time America was colonized. Fascinating, though." Gazing down at the skull still on the desk, she gave a crooked grin. "I much prefer their ideas of funerals, in any case. Remembering what you loved about the dead."
Her gaze returned to him. "I didn't catch your name, by the way."

[K-Squared]

"Hugh McKnight, the university says I should use my title, but I think of doctors as being able to prescribe things for people, and that's not within my scope of powers as a museum currator." He joked making light amicable banner.

[purple epidemic]

Xanthe cocked an eyebrow. "You're Mr. McKnight? I figured you'd be... uhm. Older."

[K-Squared]

"Yes, I get that a lot, though really, I'm not even always old enough to know better. I'm afraid that you have me at a disadvantage now, I don't know who you are- Miss?"

[purple epidemic]

Xanthe smiled nicely. "Xanthe Reigner, I'm a student here at the university." She adjusted her purse on her shoulder. "Do you give lectures often? I'd like to attend another."

[K-Squared]

" Miss Reigner, a pleasure to make your aquaintance.As for lectures, every six to eight weeks I give one here at the school. Every couple weeks I give one out of town. Third Monday of every month I give a short one at the museum, though those are usually on artifact preservation. I'm delighted that you'd like to attend another of coarse."

[purple epidemic]

Xanthe nodded and brushed her bangs from her face. "Yes, as I said I thoroughly enjoyed your presentation. I'll do my best to attend another." She looked down at the skull he had presented. "Spiritual practices are an integral part of my studies. I enjoy learning as much as I can."

[K-Squared]

"You should attend next week's then, if you aren't planning to already. Doctor Hollinger may be old and a bit dry, but he knows a great deal about the ritualized use of peyote, and he isn't afraid to debunk some of the myth's about it having been through some ceremonies with it.

It's also fun to take him to dinner afterwards, get him drunk and ask him questions about Central American ruin excavations and poison arrow frogs." Hugh told her.