Watching the professor add information next to each one of the runes of his name, Siriana did the same for hers.

Kalaya scratched out her name on a piece of parchment before carefully studying each symbol and writing it out.

When she finished she looked at it for a moment, unsure why she had written out the same information about the A 3 times. Shrugging she looked up at the professor and waited for the lesson to continue.

When Amber looked up from her parchment, she noticed the professor adding further information next to the runes. She looked down at hers, and after consulting her text book, added further information.


http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g1..._runes/ans.gif- Ansuz - Knowledge, Communication, Creativity, Intellectual Pursuits, New Interests, Divine Protection, Spiritual Awareness. Element: Air
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g1..._runes/man.gif - Mannaz - Family Unity And Assistance, Change In Direction, Steady Progress, Overdue Success, Deception, Authoritarianism, Jealousies, Modesty. Element: Air
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g1..._runes/ber.gif - Berkanan - Creativity, Partnerships, Stimulation, Excitement, Awareness, Teaching, Caring, Good Health. Element: Earth.
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g1..._runes/ehw.gif - Ehwaz - Movement, Travel, Confidence, Excitement, Cooperation, Adaptability, Sensuality. Element: Earth.
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g1..._runes/rad.gif - Raido - Travel, Agreeable Companions, Discussions, Negotiations, Reunions, Messages, Curb Any Excesses, Favorable Legal Activity. Element: Air
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g1..._runes/geb.gif - Gebo - Good Fortune, Success, Happiness, Partnership, Sharing, Favorable Emotional Period, Recognition, Tolerance Called For. Element: Air
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g1..._runes/ans.gif - Ansuz - Knowledge, Communication, Creativity, Intellectual Pursuits, New Interests, Divine Protection, Spiritual Awareness. Element: Air
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g1..._runes/alg.gif - Algiz - Unexpected Assistance, Career Opportunities, Perseverance, Fortunate New Influences, Danger From Complacence, Successful Social Life, Good Health, Strong Psychic Period With Many Premonitions. Element: Air
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g1..._runes/ehw.gif - Ehwaz - Ehwaz - Movement, Travel, Confidence, Excitement, Cooperation, Adaptability, Sensuality. Element: Earth.

When she had finished, she put her quill back down and thought about what other information the Professor might like to see.

Jackie wasn't sure whether she should do her full name or shortened version, so she settled with writing her full name:

J- http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g1..._runes/jer.gif (Jera)
A-http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g1..._runes/ans.gif (Ansuz)
C-http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g1..._runes/ken.gif (Kanuo)
Q-
U-http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g1...t_runes/ur.gif (Uruz)
E-http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g1..._runes/ehw.gif (Ehwaz)
L-http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g1..._runes/lag.gif (Laguz)
I-http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g1..._runes/isa.gif (Isa)
N-http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g1..._runes/nau.gif (Naudiz)
E-http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g1..._runes/ehw.gif (Ehwaz)
She had done her whole name except Q. She raised her hand.

"Professor, what is the rune for Q? Or should I just do Jackie instead?" she asked.

Kay started writing random phrases on the bottom of her parchment. She wondered what the homework would be.

Since their professor had left no homework so far, Lauren went back to translating her name. She had no idea what homework would be given for this class but, if this happened to be it, she wanted to get the biggest head-start as possible. She added the rune translation of her surname, as well as the name of each symbol and its meanings. It took a lot of extra work, but it just looked so neat - it was worth it. Satisfied, she put her quill down for good and reclined back in her chair.

Touy was fasinated with Rune and so she readied her self to the task.

T http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g1..._runes/tiw.gif tiwaz -- Tiw, the god of battles and legislation. Protector of warriors and mariners. Courage, compassion.
O
U http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g1...t_runes/ur.gifuruz -- Physical or mental strength, health. For a man - male virility, manhood. For a woman - fertility, femininity, womanhood.
Y http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g1..._runes/ehw.gifehwaz -- horse,beast of burden, steed or mount. Momentum, Speed.

Touy hope that she was understanding this but she wasn't sure that there was only one meaning for the for her ou.

Brianna followed the professor by adding notes next to her name. It seemed like a good idea to follow the professor.

B http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g1..._runes/ber.gif{ Growth. Fertility. Re-birth. New life. A new broom. Physical beauty or stature}
R http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g1..._runes/rad.gif{ A journey, arrival, departure. Union or re-union. Events concerning travel or vehicles.}
I http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g1..._runes/ihw.gif{ Yew tree, archer's bow, weapon. Magic, deflection, prevention.}
A http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g1..._runes/ans.gif{ Knowledge. Wisdom. Communication. The mouth. A message.}
N http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g1..._runes/nau.gif{need,want, craving. demand, deprivation, compulsion, desire}
N http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g1..._runes/nau.gif {need,want, craving. demand, deprivation, compulsion, desire}
A http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g1..._runes/ans.gif{ Knowledge. Wisdom. Communication. The mouth. A message.}


As she looked down at her name, she wasnt sure if the symbol for i was correct. She finished writing the note beside her name and waited for further instruction.

Having finished writing, Professor Opteryx turned to see that most of the students had taken the cue to follow in suit with quiet amusement.



"If you can't find a specific letter in the chart, try a letter that represents the sound. For example there are two runes that can be used to represent the letter 'Y', but which one to use depends on the sound of the letter 'Y' in the word--for example, the 'Y' in my name makes more of an 'I' sound, hence the usage of Ihwaz."

"I see most of you have written down the meanings of the particular rune too, and those of you that haven't yet can write them down as we continue.

"A person's name is considered a very important part of that person, whether it be in magical or non-magical terms. In much of ancient magic as well as muggle folklore, it is said that if a wizard or witch knew the name of a person they had power over him or her, and so it was common practice for wizards and witches of ancient times to protect their real name and come up with a nickname instead.

"That in itself has little to do with Ancient Runes, but as an activity I thought it would be interesting to convert our names into runic script and find out what our names might mean if they were cast as a runic spell, and if they somewhat matched our personalities." Professor Opteryx gestured vaguely to his name on the board.

"For example, my name could be interpreted to mean that I am rather protective or have some protection from something, that i am fast, like to deal in games of chance and mysteries, yet i can be rather disruptive, and I have an element of magic in myself, and am on a journey somewhere. Of course, given the various meanings each rune has, the interpretation could be quite different. Also, if I had added my last name to the string, it would become a lot more complicated to interpret."

"So, would any of you like to try and interpret what your name implies when in runic script? Come on, don't be shy now."

"In that case, try converting what you feel is your real name or what you prefer to be called by and see the differences in the two results," Opteryx suggested with an understanding nod.

Brianna sat there and thought then said very quietly " my name might imply that i have physical beauty, i'm departing from somewhere, i have magic ability, i am smart, i really desire something and that i'm wise". She then raised her hand and asked " What should i say if i have meanings repeat because there is multiple letters that repeat in my name?". After she asked it she became a little confused at her own words.

Deciding, like Professor Opteryx, that including her last name may make things a bit stickier to interpret, Lauren focused on her first name and the meanings she had scribbled next to each rune.

Lauren raised her hand, confident in her quiet assessment of each rune. "I'll take a shot at it!" She put her quill down and positioned her notes between herself and her professor. "I'm not sure what the Laguz may mean - I like to swim, though, and I've always felt more comfortable at the beach than anywhere else, so I'll just say that for now." She moved to the "A" in her name. "Ansuz definitely fits my personality: I love to learn, to find new bits of knowledge every day that I didn't know before, and to relate those to my life. But I also enjoy teaching those things to others, so I suppose that's where 'mouth' and 'the message' come into play." She was on a roll now, breezing right through the letters and symbols that made up her name. "Uruz reminds me of my strong sense of self, my pride in being female, and my focus on being healthy. Raido may mean something more significant than I'm making it out to be, but I've interpreted this symbol as my aspiration to travel during my life. I have a list of destinations that I hope to see that is astoundingly long, but somehow I know I will make it to those places. Traveling is just ... I don't know, it's like inside of me, and it's always been a part of me. Ehwaz confuses me, because I don't think I'm fast or horselike," Lauren laughed. "I suppose that could mean that I'm forward-thinking, driven, and forceful with my future and with things that concern my well-being? Maybe?" She scrunched her nose. Her interpretation of Ehwaz didn't come out quite as she had hoped. But she finished well, adding, "I definitely know what Naudiz reflects in me: I never want to settle, and that makes me always thirst for more. More knowledge, more success, more happiness, more comfort. More everything."

"It might mean that the particular rune's influence is stronger on your name, or it might be that there's another interpretation of the rune in combination with the rune before or after it."

Prancie sighed in releif; he hadn't made her tell her real name. "Thank you sir." She set to work translating


Prancie raised her hand, "Okay, so I guess if Prancie were my name, I would be Mysterious, on a journy for knowledge, I want wholeness, and I don't like horses?"

She was astounded at the fact that this was true!

Touy raised her hand and said my name is a variation on Tui so I intreped it that way and I think it means:That I'm strong and couragous yet feminine and supportive.

Jordana raised her hand, even though she wasn't very sure that her interpretation of her name was correct; she decided to just give it a try. "I suppose that my name can mean that I have something to do with the Harvest. Not sure if that can be related to the fact that many members of my family are agriculturally inclined. Also my family is very close, and not too long ago, my Great Grandfather past away which he left many of his possessions, and inheritance to our family. Also I enjoy traveling, and the adventures that happen along those journeys, yet its always a comfort to go back to what you know, which is home. I have many desires and goals in my life that I hope to achieve, but I know that these will not be possible without me being able to extend my knowledge about myself and the world around me." she gave the Professor a faint smile as she sat back in her chair. She knew she was probably dead wrong, but trying never hurt anyone.

Ariana thought she'd give it a try. She knew she wouldn't get it right though, but gave it a shot.

She looked up and saw that everyone was now guessing at what their name meant. She looked down at her parchment, squinting her eyes closed and thought about it, then raised her hand and said shyly,

" Hmm, well I have a lot of 'A's in my name, so I guess that means that either that rune is special to me, or it just means I really am needing knowledge and communication?" She looked down and continued, "THe R could mean that I like to travel, which is true, I love flying on airplanes and trains, so I guess that works well forme." "THe I is strange, since I'm not the type of person who likes violence, I try to stay away from it mostly...the N means that I crave attention, I need it to survive, which is true. I am not a popular person, and feel that I need all the attention I can get." Ariana stopped and looked down again, thinking she had messed up big time. It was all so confusing to her.

Kalaya listened to the people around her give their interpretations of their name in ruinic form while she studied her own. Hesitantly she raised her hand and began speaking. "My name is Kalaya, first off. And my ruinic form of the name suggests that I like fire, possibly even enlightened by or around it. I also communicate wisdom and knowledge to others, probably through my words. The water rune suggests that I enjoy being around or in water, that I find it cleansing in a way. Having Ansuz and Jera together could possibly mean that I like to see accomplishment, or fruiton, for my words. Since Ansuz is repeated 3 times in my name I would guess that it's influence is the strongest on me," she suggested, although she guessed there wasn't a 'right or wrong' way of doing this part.

A- Ansuz - Knowledge, Communication, Creativity, Intellectual Pursuits, New Interests, Divine Protection, Spiritual Awareness. Element: Air
M- Mannaz - Family Unity And Assistance, Change In Direction, Steady Progress, Overdue Success, Deception, Authoritarianism, Jealousies, Modesty. Element: Air
B- Berkanan - Creativity, Partnerships, Stimulation, Excitement, Awareness, Teaching, Caring, Good Health. Element: Earth.
E- Ehwaz - Movement, Travel, Confidence, Excitement, Cooperation, Adaptability, Sensuality. Element: Earth.
R- Raido - Travel, Agreeable Companions, Discussions, Negotiations, Reunions, Messages, Curb Any Excesses, Favorable Legal Activity. Element: Air

Amber scrawled her name and its corresponding Runes and their meanings on a piece of red-and-white striped paper, writing with a black minimarker. Every so often, she paused to lean back, toss her voluminous blonde-brown hair over her slight shoulder, look to the ceiling, tap her pen on the paper and think.

When Am was finished, she thought about the Rune meanings and their relevance to her. Knowledge, Communication? Not so much. Creativity? Definetly.
Family unity and assistance? Am snorted. As if! Her family was so large, she sometimes forgot her brother's or sister's names! Jealousy... Am had to agree. Last year she'd been insanely jealous of two girls who she knew very well. It was old tides now, but
she remembered.
Parterships. No way. Am had only ever really, really liked ONE guy, and just her luck, he'd disappeared. But it no longer hurt to think of Lex, he was now only a fond memory. If he ever returned, Am had nothing to fear.
Confidence. Well, now that was prominent. Last year, Am had been nothing but a tiny, meaningless, everybody's-bestie nothing with no self confidence or esteem. Now she'd changed. She was brimming with confidence!
Agreeable companions? Amber had many. Ajay, Jordana, Phoebe, Rosalie, Whende, Harry, Charlotte... to name a few.

Am smiled at the thought of them. Her friends meant the world to her, no exceptions.
She smoothed down her new robes, which hung elegantly off her new-look body, and looked around the room. There had to be SOMEONE to talk to.

Am turned around, her extremely long, newly dyed blonde-brown hair whipping the faces of the people on her left. She'd heard a familiar voice! "Phoebe!" she whispered violently, "OMG! How was your summer?" she asked, grinning through pearly white teeth.

Amber Fields had changed alot over the summer. The sun had blessed her with a few freckles and skin a shade darker, and her previously chocolate eyes had just the slightest hint of green in them. Her naturally strawberry blonde hair had been dyed to a darker blonde-brown honey shade, and it was longer and now sported a sideswept fringe. Am was taller, more grown up and a whole lot more confident - not to mention so over Lex. She wasn't surprised Phoebe hadn't spotted her - she looked like a whole new person!

Phoebe heard someone say her name who she had never met before, well at least that was what she could remember. "Hi, I'm sorry but I don't think I'm the right Phoebe but Hi anyway, sorry what is your name?" She asked