don't you worry child

There was something about having a hand in shaping the younger generations that Madame found uniquely rewarding. Though her classes weren't as vital as say, a powers' class, she still took pride in her lesson plans and instilling her students with as much appreciation for the spoken/written word and culture as she could. To meet that goal, she had to keep a close eye on all of her students and sometimes be quite hands-on with them. Classroom participation could speak a lot to what was going on with a child...

...And that was how Sabriel Phyero caught her eye.

Resistant to interact with his fellow classmates, extremely quiet, consistently tardy... All these things caused her concern. While it wasn't necessarily her responsibility to try to figure out what was wrong — a referral to a school counselor could take care of that, theoretically — she felt compelled to do it herself. You never knew what hidden gem was hiding behind the invisible walls created by antisocial behavior.

She wanted to see him flourish, simply because she believed he could. Likely, all he needed was a motherly touch, which she was happy to provide.

First things first though — she had to get him interacting with her...Which is why she decided to keep him after class one day.

The rest of her students had already made for the door, but before Sabriel had a chance to leave, she was on the move. Her slender, corsetted frame sidled into the doorway, blocking the exit with purpose. Her posture was picture-perfect, her stance firm but non-threatening.

"Sabriel, dear. I would like to speak with you for a short while. Why don't you return to your seat, hm?" A friendly, disarming smile spread across her darkly painted lips, head canted slightly as she waited patiently.

Once it was obvious that the youth would comply, Madame stepped away from the door. Her heels clicked against the floor as she moved to stand nearer to her student. Not so much to crowd, but closer than normal. Her crystalline gaze drifted over the boy, noting his posture, his body language — the lack of confidence in his movements matched the uncertainty she felt in his words.

"Hm," The lady spider intoned softly, thoughtful. "I know you are trying to be sincere, my dear, but frankly, it seems as if that's all you are succeeding at. I would love for you to really try to be punctual and try to be active and engaged in class. Before that happens, though, I feel as if we need to tackle some possible underlying problems."

Hands folded primly behind her back, Madame peered down at Sabriel, all concern and curiosity.

"I have noticed that you are distant and avoidant, Sabriel. I do not expect you to bare all your secrets to me, but I will have you know that we will figure out how to motivate you to do better in your classes and in your engagement in life, together. Maybe not right away, but..."

She gave a small shrug of her slender shoulders, then paused. She seemed to consider, before offering a soft, compassionate...

"Have you been bullied?"

She was patient, her stance shifting to something a little more gentle, a little less demanding, endeavoring to radiate understanding and compassion — even if it wouldn't be fully picked up on. Her posture remained impeccable as ever though, one hand raised to fuss over a few of her immaculate curls. Lips pursed contemplatively, she took a step nearer to Sabriel...

"I see. Then something is obscuring all your efforts, my dear. All my students deserve a chance to flourish, and it truly feels as if something is holding you back."

Reaching out, she grabbed the chair of a nearby desk and pulled it over — sitting, crossing her legs daintily, and smoothing out her bountiful skirt in a series of smooth, practiced motions. This allowed her to loom less, and be more at eye level with the youth.

"Hmm," Madame lulled out, concern and interest mixing on her pale, painted features, "Bullying is not only kid stuff," She mused, neglecting to add you are still a child, as she had found out long ago the young ones weren't particularly fond of that, "You can be harassed at any age. I have seen it many times over the years. It forces otherwise bright and brilliant individuals to the outskirts, causes them to be loners... and I will not stand for that."