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benthic_universityAs the students filed in, The Academic arrived, wheeling a book cart. On one side, stacked high, were a number of small boxes. The purveyor’s whole name wasn’t legible, but from the classroom seats, the words “-Educational Picture Postcards and Assorted Souvenir Stationery” were boldly visible.” The other side of the cart had still more boxes, and something bottled and unforgettable gleamed inside. The Academic quickly folded those boxes closed, walked to a far side of the room, and closed them into a filing cabinet, before securing it with a rather nasty-looking correspondence lock.
“You’ll get that when you’re good and ready,” The Academic drawled, returning to the cart and lifting another box, “but the world’s finest pigments mean nothing at all without the proper…” and here they dropped the box thudding on the nearest bench: “paper!”
From the trim, tidy packaging, they produced a series of twee, doily-covered notebooks. Their pupil contracted at the garish sight, lips drawing back into a hiss. Suspiciously, they thumbed through the contents, relief diluting their disgust.
“Wretched and garish as they are, each of these are filled with fifty sheets of F.F. Gebrant’s Flame-Resilient Paper. These are professional-quality materials, and can safely accommodate three correspondence symbols at a time, as well as any English notes you might take alongside the symbols. The covers may be too precious by half, but you oughtn’t be. I can avail myself of a practically bottomless source, so use them up and ask for more as you require.”
“Let’s break them in with some fairly standard notes in English, shall we?” Chalk hit board, and the lecture began. "I want you to start thinking about what The Correspondence can do for you. Let us start with the two major skill sets: Crimson Engineer, and the Epistolant."
"The Crimson Engineer invents and develops technology. There are numerous subfields, any of which is well worth your consideration.”
“Aerosenautics is the application of Crimson Engineering to sustained flight. This is a very lucrative and currently developing field, due to increased interest in airships after the recent failed invasion by some misguided sects of Starved Men. The Khanate and the Iron Republic have made impressive strides and impressive craft, but I have personally overseen the work of genius minds here in London. You will not go hungry; and the miracle of flight is a rare privilege attainable by these slim few.”
“Locksmith. A simple name for the single most in-demand trade we’ll discuss today. Why do so many people want locks crafted in correspondence? It's such a specific usage! Well, the public has it in mind, and anyone with anything important to store- especially things that are hard, cold, and inflammable- love to have new safes. This occupation will net you plenty of jobs, both in the locking and unlocking of carefully-tuned safety mechanisms.”
“Our subject can also be applied to living organisms, through a surgical field known as Batbiorangilogical Studies. It is a more precise surgical field than Shapeling Arts, but it is also significantly more lethal when mishandled. Shapeling Arts involve the transmission and absorption of vital essences. Batbiorangilogical studies involve meticulous surgical comprehension.”
“Of course, there is room for generalists. But studying with colleagues is the best way to improve your skills, so it’s fine to pick a focus and change later.”
"On the other side, there are those who study The Correspondence with a strict linguistic focus.” Was that a wry smile? Could there be a hint of bias in this next bit? These are Epistolants. Rather than breaking the laws of physics directly, Epistolants avail themselves of the power of the written word as an art form. This makes use of the natural suggestive charms of both Correspondence and other tongues, meaning that there are no limits. All forms of communication can be utilized: written, spoken, sculpted, painted, auditory, textile, really, anything at all!”
“The dangers of this focus are more commonly mental and spiritual. Philosophical truths will reveal themselves to you. But more frequently, mistakes will cause useless information to burn itself into your mind, masquerading as items of vital importance. And a careless or wicked writer may do this, purposefully, to others.”
“Pure Epistolography is in letter-writing. Those who cannot read nor write will hire scribes to write for them. You'll frequently pick up work in simple english. But there will be nothing simple about your english. It will not be your duty to take simple, word-for-word dictation, but to communicate the feelings of the sender to the recipient.”
"Transchromators convey meaning from Correspondence to another language. In your cases, most likely English. You'll need to do a little of that, no matter which discipline you choose. However, as the name suggests, transchromators also must be capable of handling correspondence in its purest form: light and heat itself. Yes, this does require obtaining a license to handle otherwise illegal contraband, such as mirrorcatch boxes of sunlight."
“Poets/Composers. Based on the themes which have been popular in the past decade, I can confidently state that there is still a rich and thriving future in celestial and uplifting correspondence poetry. Something to bring light to weary and tired souls. Especially if you're musically inclined.”
“Legal work. You are not to break the laws, but to weave them. This will bring you into frequent contract- er, contact, with our infernal neighbors. If you like the challenge of technicality, there are no more suitable frontiers.”
"Now, I have neglected to mention it, but there is another option: You could, also, teach." Suddenly animated with false joy, they gestured, making no attempt at all to hide the bitterness chrining just below the surface. "If you've nothing at all better to do, why not waste your precious years of good health decomposing into a husk well before you'd ever considered shopping for your first set of tomb-bandages? What a lark! What joy!" The Academic seemed to come to their senses, remembering that they did in fact have a colleague here in class, who sometimes saw fit to wear bandages. They coughed awkwardly. “Well. I suppose there isn’t anything of itself wrong with teaching. If you’ve the choice to do it, that is.”
The thought lead into something much more soothing, and a new, satisfied expression taking its turn in the Academic’s eyes. “However, when I am at my regular occupation, then I am what is referred to as an "Emmistolant." In all avenues of life, it is not what you know, but who you know. And facilitating that communication is my trade. I need not hide myself behind my letters, nor remain cooped up in dry study. My travels take me to all corners of The Neath, discussing any number of strange matters with any type of person.”
“Every being is useful. They need only be introduced to the people who can make use of them, or to help their skills flourish. Misused as I am in this class, this administration has got one thing correct: For each of the professions I've described, I could see fit to write your chipper young careers a letter of introduction or referral.” The Academic paced the room. “But my recommendations hold more weight than the tonnage of a Standing-Stone at The Hurlers. I do not lift my pen without very good reason, and only the students whom I trust not to embarrass me on a grotesque and personal level will be ferried along to my lofty contacts. However, if you can manage some measure of esteem in this class, the one bright spot in this whole laughable summer would be in connecting those worthy with future careers as Correpondents."
A hint of pride. The Academic spoke honestly, genuinely hoping to write several letters by the end of the course.
“Now, if you’ve done your homework, you should be fresh and ready for this week’s tasks. If not, then you are going to have a very taxing morning, indeed. For the rest of today, you’ll be communicating with each other, using nothing but your current understanding of the correspondence, and the syllabary from the board.”
The Academic walked from one side of the boards to the other, pushing each up, revealing a large set of simple correspondence symbols. Unlike last week’s grid, this array did not trigger any immediate effects. The danger would likely come- as they’d been warned week one- in the night. As the Academic pushed the final board, they turned their heel in a very funny way, and gestured with their off hand. Their sleeve flowed behind the arm in a rather peculiar way. Almost like an additional limb.
“Proper Correspondence Symbols layer these in a way you aren’t quite ready for yet. So instead, you’re going to practice with a different format: Subject, verb, object. Using this simple “SVO” structure, find a partner and communicate in short sentences, no longer than three words long. You should be able to safely inscribe any number of these symbols on a single sheet without turning your notebooks to tinder, so have at it. See what you can learn with such a limited vocabulary. And only communicate this way. I don’t want to hear a single word of The Empress' English until the end of practice time.”
The Academic pointed over to a sitting-area they’d prepared. “That verbal luxury is reserved for each of you, one at a time. Come over when you’re ready, and discuss your classroom goals, and which focus might’ve caught your ear.”
“The rest of you, get to it!”
“You’ll get that when you’re good and ready,” The Academic drawled, returning to the cart and lifting another box, “but the world’s finest pigments mean nothing at all without the proper…” and here they dropped the box thudding on the nearest bench: “paper!”
From the trim, tidy packaging, they produced a series of twee, doily-covered notebooks. Their pupil contracted at the garish sight, lips drawing back into a hiss. Suspiciously, they thumbed through the contents, relief diluting their disgust.
“Hm. Well. The paper is of the requested quality. That’s enough, I suppose.” The Academic passed a notebook to the nearest student, and gestured for that student to pass it down, in turn. Soon enough, each student was in possession of a notebook.
“Wretched and garish as they are, each of these are filled with fifty sheets of F.F. Gebrant’s Flame-Resilient Paper. These are professional-quality materials, and can safely accommodate three correspondence symbols at a time, as well as any English notes you might take alongside the symbols. The covers may be too precious by half, but you oughtn’t be. I can avail myself of a practically bottomless source, so use them up and ask for more as you require.”
“Let’s break them in with some fairly standard notes in English, shall we?” Chalk hit board, and the lecture began. "I want you to start thinking about what The Correspondence can do for you. Let us start with the two major skill sets: Crimson Engineer, and the Epistolant."
"The Crimson Engineer invents and develops technology. There are numerous subfields, any of which is well worth your consideration.”
“Aerosenautics is the application of Crimson Engineering to sustained flight. This is a very lucrative and currently developing field, due to increased interest in airships after the recent failed invasion by some misguided sects of Starved Men. The Khanate and the Iron Republic have made impressive strides and impressive craft, but I have personally overseen the work of genius minds here in London. You will not go hungry; and the miracle of flight is a rare privilege attainable by these slim few.”
“Locksmith. A simple name for the single most in-demand trade we’ll discuss today. Why do so many people want locks crafted in correspondence? It's such a specific usage! Well, the public has it in mind, and anyone with anything important to store- especially things that are hard, cold, and inflammable- love to have new safes. This occupation will net you plenty of jobs, both in the locking and unlocking of carefully-tuned safety mechanisms.”
“Our subject can also be applied to living organisms, through a surgical field known as Batbiorangilogical Studies. It is a more precise surgical field than Shapeling Arts, but it is also significantly more lethal when mishandled. Shapeling Arts involve the transmission and absorption of vital essences. Batbiorangilogical studies involve meticulous surgical comprehension.”
“Of course, there is room for generalists. But studying with colleagues is the best way to improve your skills, so it’s fine to pick a focus and change later.”
"On the other side, there are those who study The Correspondence with a strict linguistic focus.” Was that a wry smile? Could there be a hint of bias in this next bit? These are Epistolants. Rather than breaking the laws of physics directly, Epistolants avail themselves of the power of the written word as an art form. This makes use of the natural suggestive charms of both Correspondence and other tongues, meaning that there are no limits. All forms of communication can be utilized: written, spoken, sculpted, painted, auditory, textile, really, anything at all!”
“The dangers of this focus are more commonly mental and spiritual. Philosophical truths will reveal themselves to you. But more frequently, mistakes will cause useless information to burn itself into your mind, masquerading as items of vital importance. And a careless or wicked writer may do this, purposefully, to others.”
“Pure Epistolography is in letter-writing. Those who cannot read nor write will hire scribes to write for them. You'll frequently pick up work in simple english. But there will be nothing simple about your english. It will not be your duty to take simple, word-for-word dictation, but to communicate the feelings of the sender to the recipient.”
"Transchromators convey meaning from Correspondence to another language. In your cases, most likely English. You'll need to do a little of that, no matter which discipline you choose. However, as the name suggests, transchromators also must be capable of handling correspondence in its purest form: light and heat itself. Yes, this does require obtaining a license to handle otherwise illegal contraband, such as mirrorcatch boxes of sunlight."
“Poets/Composers. Based on the themes which have been popular in the past decade, I can confidently state that there is still a rich and thriving future in celestial and uplifting correspondence poetry. Something to bring light to weary and tired souls. Especially if you're musically inclined.”
“Legal work. You are not to break the laws, but to weave them. This will bring you into frequent contract- er, contact, with our infernal neighbors. If you like the challenge of technicality, there are no more suitable frontiers.”
"Now, I have neglected to mention it, but there is another option: You could, also, teach." Suddenly animated with false joy, they gestured, making no attempt at all to hide the bitterness chrining just below the surface. "If you've nothing at all better to do, why not waste your precious years of good health decomposing into a husk well before you'd ever considered shopping for your first set of tomb-bandages? What a lark! What joy!" The Academic seemed to come to their senses, remembering that they did in fact have a colleague here in class, who sometimes saw fit to wear bandages. They coughed awkwardly. “Well. I suppose there isn’t anything of itself wrong with teaching. If you’ve the choice to do it, that is.”
The thought lead into something much more soothing, and a new, satisfied expression taking its turn in the Academic’s eyes. “However, when I am at my regular occupation, then I am what is referred to as an "Emmistolant." In all avenues of life, it is not what you know, but who you know. And facilitating that communication is my trade. I need not hide myself behind my letters, nor remain cooped up in dry study. My travels take me to all corners of The Neath, discussing any number of strange matters with any type of person.”
“Every being is useful. They need only be introduced to the people who can make use of them, or to help their skills flourish. Misused as I am in this class, this administration has got one thing correct: For each of the professions I've described, I could see fit to write your chipper young careers a letter of introduction or referral.” The Academic paced the room. “But my recommendations hold more weight than the tonnage of a Standing-Stone at The Hurlers. I do not lift my pen without very good reason, and only the students whom I trust not to embarrass me on a grotesque and personal level will be ferried along to my lofty contacts. However, if you can manage some measure of esteem in this class, the one bright spot in this whole laughable summer would be in connecting those worthy with future careers as Correpondents."
A hint of pride. The Academic spoke honestly, genuinely hoping to write several letters by the end of the course.
“Now, if you’ve done your homework, you should be fresh and ready for this week’s tasks. If not, then you are going to have a very taxing morning, indeed. For the rest of today, you’ll be communicating with each other, using nothing but your current understanding of the correspondence, and the syllabary from the board.”
The Academic walked from one side of the boards to the other, pushing each up, revealing a large set of simple correspondence symbols. Unlike last week’s grid, this array did not trigger any immediate effects. The danger would likely come- as they’d been warned week one- in the night. As the Academic pushed the final board, they turned their heel in a very funny way, and gestured with their off hand. Their sleeve flowed behind the arm in a rather peculiar way. Almost like an additional limb.
“Proper Correspondence Symbols layer these in a way you aren’t quite ready for yet. So instead, you’re going to practice with a different format: Subject, verb, object. Using this simple “SVO” structure, find a partner and communicate in short sentences, no longer than three words long. You should be able to safely inscribe any number of these symbols on a single sheet without turning your notebooks to tinder, so have at it. See what you can learn with such a limited vocabulary. And only communicate this way. I don’t want to hear a single word of The Empress' English until the end of practice time.”
The Academic pointed over to a sitting-area they’d prepared. “That verbal luxury is reserved for each of you, one at a time. Come over when you’re ready, and discuss your classroom goals, and which focus might’ve caught your ear.”
“The rest of you, get to it!”
Time With the Teacher
Date: 2025-07-01 01:42 am (UTC)Re: Time With the Teacher
Date: 2025-07-01 07:43 am (UTC)They had been taking notes diligently, if a little uneasy as they were suddenly reminded that yes, this week was about personal application, and they hadn't been able to give it as much thought at they had meant to. But then, oh, then--
Then the Academic had said the word textile, and the Tailor's eyes had gone very, very wide with interest.
(That was an option? That was an option?!?!?! What fabric could maintain Correspondence? How could it be applied? What would it do? Oh the things one could SAY with clothing, and with Correspondence being a language of nature, what could it say about the wearer, and, and, this was a THING they could MAKE? With their HANDS???)
They'd forced themself to lock back into note taking, but a very large portion of their mind was preoccupied with "where are the textiles, what are they, can I see them, oooooh please I want to see them". They worried at their lower lip, trying to focus on the terminology and logistics. In full caps they wrote the word: TRANSCHROMATOR. They underlined it twice. Left a note: needs a license.
That was the correct category, right? Because clothing was a type of language, at the end of the day. Another note: (Double check this is right!!)
Their scribbling was almost frantic for its enthusiasm. They were struck with the sweet sensation they had experienced when their little pencil sketches had been approved of by their soon-to-be-master, when they had paddled out to zee with pounds upon pounds of bait to try to lure out a massive beast and complete their rite. It was the warmth of ambition.
They could throw themself into this. Impress the Emissary enough to be pointed into the fields where they would properly flourish. Dress the finest and the strangest in the Neath. They could fulfill their title and set new trends in fashion. They... might be getting a little ahead of themself.
But hey, they liked to dream big.
Following the note taking, the Tailor tried to suppress just how overt their newfound enthusiasm was when they got to their feet and approached the Academic's sitting area. Their notebook was still tight in their hands--they'd forgotten to set it down in their eagerness. Now was certainly not the time to be shy, but were they too eager? Was it foolish?
"Emissary? You said that Correspondence could be expressed through the textile, did I understand that right? I thought I should clarify, because--" (because they loved their work, because they wanted to be able to apply this to their work, because if it was possible) "--I was under the impression trying to apply it to something like fabric could be disastrous. But if not, then I'm--" (desperately eager to know more) "--extremely interested in pursuing that field. Clothing is an incredibly versatile language with layers, and," (control, find control) "I know you already understand that very well." (Flattery! Play up the flattery! Also, it's just generally true! Have you SEEN how this individual dresses?)
Re: Time With the Teacher
Date: 2025-07-01 09:26 am (UTC)But identifying The Tailor’s enthusiasm was no masterstroke of spycraft. Excellent. No need to waste time dancing around the subject.
“The Correspondence can be applied to fabric, so long as one has the correct stuff. I’m not surprised that you’ve been told it can’t be done; that range of substances isn’t particularly easy to obtain. But for the bespoke realm of fashion, there really is no price too high to achieve true novelty. Pins and jewelry can be forged in the shape of correspondence symbols. Flame-resistant fabrics exist, and embroidering with a strong, metal-based thread can complete a very sturdy garment. Hides bear correspondence well; I myself have designed countless tattoos for Bohemians, and none of them have immolated themselves yet. To my knowledge.” The Academic was already scribbling something illegible down into a notebook. They punctuated it with a series of single words and question marks. “And on the side of utility, custom articles of clothing might be assisted with correspondence engravings. Safety-wear for other Correspondents, scientists, or those undergoing dangerous and specific field-work.”
“Do you find yourself more inclined toward engineering or communication?” And with that, The Academic’s full attention was on The Tailor.
It wasn’t a question of if The Academic could find The Tailor the specific vocation they wanted. The uncertain link was whether The Tailor would be motivated enough to take the leap of faith, specify, and grab it.
Re: Time With the Teacher
Date: 2025-07-01 03:57 pm (UTC)"Communication, almost certainly communication. I won't deny a passing interest to the practice of utility, but at the end of the day focusing on getting ideas and impressions across is what interests me the most."
They did not waver despite the full gaze of that eye on them, already focused on what the Academic had mentioned. If there was one thing the Tailor was not lacking in, it was motivation. Oh, and they'd already begun training on metal embroidery, what good fortune!
"I'm willing to broaden whatever horizons in my field that you would think necessary, obviously. I'm always trying to expand my skills in the craft, and while I know your focus is of course Correspondence and making connections with the people who know the work, know that any craftsman you might point me towards will have an extremely attentive student. It doesn't matter how far from the common and current fashion or trade might be. If it's related to the construction of an outfit, down to the materials, I'm happy to do it."
Okay, that might be a bit much. It was important to focus. But maybe what they focused on was about what a whole outfit might say about someone, and every element of it played a role. They tried to say as much, "My interest and focus has always been on what clothing can say about the person wearing it, what their priorities are and who their alliances are with. Every aspect of it draws me. While I'm probably getting a little ahead of myself, I want to connect as many fields as I can."
They would go to b____y Polythreme to study for half a YEAR if they needed to!
Re: Time With the Teacher
From:Re: Time With the Teacher
From:Re: Time With the Teacher
From:Re: Time With the Teacher
From:Re: Time With the Teacher
Date: 2025-07-01 10:14 am (UTC)"Transchromatology, that's what caught my attention the most." The Professor started, very aware of how much the Academic valued their time. "Specially when it could be applied to translating from one spectrum region to another. Which wavelength conveys which meaning within the light? Would the message change when refracted? Can its inner "words" be separated by difraction? The Neathbow has those properties because of their wavelength? Speaking Correspondence through the Neathbow? The possibilities make my mind wander, and I'd love to know, or even discover, more!"
Their tone became all the more excited as it went on, unable to hold their thirst for the greatest mysteries.
Re: Time With the Teacher
Date: 2025-07-01 01:39 pm (UTC)“The Neathbow is so commonly rendered via pigments and dyes, each sourced from an incredibly specific location! In order to produce a flame, sourcing the appropriate fuel for the right chemical reaction would be necessary, wouldn’t it? Though I suppose filtering through a theatre gel, coloured lens, or use of mirrors could also cause a beam of light to take on a new, refracted wavelength…” The Academic is supposed to be taking notes for later reference. The Academic is supposed to be thinking of personal connections. Instead, they’ve turned their notebook to a new page and have begun rough diagrams.
“Neathbow colours are- if we’re accepting the extraterrestrial bias- a perversion of the natural light spectrum. But that in and of itself is a factor of Red Science! It’s really an exquisite metaphor for the fundamental basics of argumentative light, and therefore, disputed reality!” They comb their hair back and roll an elegant sleeve out of the way. They set aside their current pen- very pretty and tidy- and remove a larger one with variable nib, beginning to use it to diagram out symbols in their notebook. “It’s -“
They’re reaching for their monocle- to adjust it?- when their one good eye constructs to a pinpoint pupil. It flicks one way, then the other, remembering that they are not in a lab, but in a classroom.
Thank goodness the other students hadn’t seen that.
The Academic recomposes themself, swapping pens, fixing their sleeves, turning the notebook page back to take notes.
“But what you need isn’t someone fripping about with their head in the stalactites. You already have a position and laboratory here at The University. That means that you’d require the listening ear of someone with considerable funds for research. Would you find yourself to be more interested in researching those basic principles, or in seeing a project through to development of a completed product?”
It’s not disappointment there on The Academic’s face. They’re still interested in this discussion; it may not be shop talk, but it is necessary groundwork, and they like drawing this kind of connection too. But there’s some other emotion in the mix as they focus in.
Re: Time With the Teacher
Date: 2025-07-01 01:57 pm (UTC)"I am thinking on starting to establish a theoretical base solid enough to allow further development. Neathspectroscopy, correlating wavelength with Law, temperature, meaning and effect. Measuring the light produced by Correspondence and how can it be hued to affect the results... A potential practical application?" There the Professor couldn't help but smile a bit wickedly, little pedipalps slightly visible within. "Law Spectrometry. How to sort the Laws enacted upon an object by interpreting how the argumentative light reacts to it. And this will, in turn, allow for a more solid application of further Laws via light directly..."
A pause, looking significantly at the Academic. They've come here for orientation after all. They have to be interested, they have to get in the place of someone willing to buy this idea.
Re: Time With the Teacher
From:Re: Time With the Teacher
From:Re: Time With the Teacher
Date: 2025-07-01 02:03 pm (UTC)He waited for the Academic to be alone, before tentatively approaching the small seats.
The Blemmigan was held in their hands, someone might say to avoid it wrecking havoc on the course notes, but the shaky fingers and nervous demeanor hinted its function to be another one.
‘Buona giornata, Emissary’
He waited for a simple nod of encouragement before perching on the tip of the cushion.
‘Voi…’ he coughed, clearing his throat.
‘I apologize, my thoughts are all over the place today. But the lecture… aerosenautics, wasn’t it? That caught my attention the most. I would be elated to know more about it, the idea of taking flight…’
They removed the goggles, they forgot to be wearing them. Their eyes were twinkling with excitement.
‘…it has always fascinated me. And I already delve into the organic side of it, wing evolution and biological advantages and organic mechanisms that grant such a gift… But taking flight by a creation of my own making? That’d be…’
His fingers jolted wrapped around the Blemmigan, and it squeaked, annoyed. The Scientist flinched. ‘Oh, I’m so sorry, so sorry…’ With ink stained fingertips, they proceeded to soothe it as an apology, but when they looked up again, it was very clear at the bottom of those tired eyes: wonder, curiosity, and even more, determination.
Re: Time With the Teacher
Date: 2025-07-01 04:17 pm (UTC)“Salve,” they responded, eyes crinkling, the greeting delivered equally to the little fungus as to the Scientist.
“Primarily, development of airships has been focused on military pursuits. A noble and vital defensive profession that kept all of London from suffering a cataclysmic fate some years ago. However, now that the cat’s out of the bag, more nations have been openly displaying the fruits of their labor. Airships are also frequently used on the roof for trade.”
“Not that you need to spend too much consideration on the matter what your ships would be used for post-assembly. A merchant vessel will need to be just as capable of dodging the perils of the roof as a military vessel winding its way through battle.”
“For an end-of-class project, might you be interested in a practical study of some kind? Building your own model from scratch, or else improving on an existing model could be both satisfying and attractive to prospective employers.” Their uncovered eye reflected back a little of the light in The Scientist’s own: “And why wait when you could get something airborne within the next two months?”
Re: Time With the Teacher
Date: 2025-07-01 06:09 pm (UTC)‘Why wait for the mediocre result of someone else, when I can personally take care of the excellence? Richtig, Emissary! That sounds like the perfect challenge, I’m going to make sure you won’t be disappointed! Maybe there is other literature about the Correspondence I could use to deepen my knowledge and apply it to mechanics, and I could ask our physics colleagues for their supplies, and if my theories about chiroptera are correct then the Correspondence should…’
The next sentences were a flurry of suppositions about bat wings’ bone structure and sigils written to be reconstructed at need. Flammable? Probably. The Dean will likely regret thinking that following the Academic’s lectures could teach Benthic’s newest professor how to conduct non-destructive research.
Re: Time With the Teacher
Date: 2025-07-01 04:25 pm (UTC)"I will admit, dear Emmisary," he began, "that I am caught between two paths. On the one hand, I am a poet and a linguist at heart. To communicate emotion and intention effectively through the use of the Correspondence would, in an ideal world, be my first choice, whether that be in epistolary practices, poetry, or, if I may be so bold, emmistolant. However, necessity requires me to pursue batbiorangilogical studies. The reason I joined this class in the first place, the reason I ever came to the Neath. I have... other paths I can walk to reach this goal, but I honestly believe the Correspondence may assist in propelling my work beyond what I've been able to do thus far. However, your method of teaching, the lessons we've learned as of this class period, has excited the linguist in the inner mind, urging me closer to a desire to communicate and help others communicate.
"And here do we reach the dilemma. To pursue the arts and epistolation, which I may not otherwise have a chance to pursue? Or to follow what I came here for, purely by necessity and not by passion?" It was a genuine question, one that the Socialite prayed the Academic could offer insight towards.
Re: Time With the Teacher
Date: 2025-07-01 06:23 pm (UTC)Hesitation. Annoyance? The Academic seemed somewhat embarrassed to even say this next bit aloud. Their cheeks crinkled, cringing, and though they prevented a claw from clothing the bridge of their nose, the gesture was attempted.
“…the two studies needn’t be as separate as you might worry. Batbiorangilogical studies include a…startlingly specific surgical field which focuses upon the retention and communication of information. If that would interest you.”
“Poetry, thankfully, is a popular field, and even if you choose not to focus on it for this course or your grander pursuits, it would be a matter of the smallest simplicity to recommend you to a number of flourishing Bohemian communities.” They inclined their head. “As a means of spending your hours not otherwise engaged with your Great Work.”
Re: Time With the Teacher
Date: 2025-07-01 07:12 pm (UTC)His palms were outstretched, pleading and imploring. "If you claim it is impossible, that there is no feasible way to push the laws of reality that far, not with the Correspondence, then I will shift course. I will employ my growing understanding of the language elsewhere and avoid beating my skull against the brick wall that is the limitations of science and our understanding of it. But if there is some sliver of hope, some small, almost invisible crack in our understanding that one may slip through, then I plead for the opportunity to pry it open, the resources with which to utilize it, and the like minds that may assist in progress.
"I trust, Emissary, that you will answer me honestly and directly, no softening of the truth."
Re: Time With the Teacher
From:Re: Time With the Teacher
From:Re: Time With the Teacher
Date: 2025-07-01 04:36 pm (UTC)But make their way they did. They sat stiffly in the free chair. This close, and on an even level, Thursday was once again reminded of how bloody tall the Professor was. Even now they has to tilts their head just enough to make eye contact. The ache of their neck made them frown. Could they ask the university to cover any medical costs incurred by the teacher's unwieldy height?
Wait. They're here to discuss their career, not their neck pain.
A long sigh, and then they began. "I don't think I actually know where to go with this? But I need to do something." Thursday rolled their cane shaft between the palms of their hands. "I like language, and I think I enjoy puzzles? I feel like..." they trailed off, losing the focus in their eyes. "There's something shaping this world, shaping us, using people as puppets and this language..." A dramatic gesuture, halted midway. "What the hell do i do with it? I'm not, I don't, textiles aren't my thing, and building things doesn't speak to me? But does language give someone like me..." They seemed frazzled, hopping from one subject to the next. There was something they were trying to convey, but it seemed that they were unable to get it out. "I want to change... things." The words fell flat. Still not it, but it was the closest they had.
Re: Time With the Teacher
Date: 2025-07-01 06:47 pm (UTC)“A puzzle indeed, but at least we have a hefty clue to set us off on a solid lead! You want to change things, and one would assume for the better, hm?” The mirth risked taking on a condescending quality, but at least The Academic’s desire to help was genuine. “Our city has no end of heartbreaks in all shapes and sizes. If I might pose two very dangerous and unfashionable questions to you:”
“Which problem strikes you as the most wretched? And do not answer with an air toward your own image. I don’t want a philosopher’s answer on the chiefest evil known to London. I want to know the answer of which evil is most loathsome, most abhorrent to your heart. If you could write enough sigils to change the world, what would your heart demand it be?”
“Take your time, we have plenty of it. Answer me that, and then my second question:” There was zero judgement in their tone as they continued-
“How many of your other ideals would you compromise to make that a reality?”
And then, as though this hadn’t been an intensely high-concept and intimate ethical and emotional quagmire to posit to an acquaintance of four weeks, The Academic folded their fingers together and waited, the very image of patience.
Re: Time With the Teacher
From:Re: Time With the Teacher
From:Re: Time With the Teacher
From:Re: Time With the Teacher
Date: 2025-07-01 07:57 pm (UTC)And when she was ready to talk with the Academic she made a list of all the prospective things she might think to ask about, both regarding what they said and that might apply but weren't mentioned.
When she sat down she was immediately apologetic, "I'm sorry, this is probably going to be a little scattered, but I had a few things I wanted to further ask about that I was interested in."
(OOC: She asked each subject one at a time, but for the sake of simplicity I'm putting them all here)
"This is of particular interest to me because my current occupation is as a Doctor; you mentioned something called Batbiorangilogical Studies. I have never heard of such a study, you mentioned it's surgical in nature? How does the Correspondence aid in it? Also, are there any other medical applications that could benefit from knowing the Correspondence?"
----
"Also, you mentioned the use of Correspondence in poetry and music. I have... a couple of of experiences with this-" at that she looks mildly embarrassed, as if it was a rather scandalous memory, "so I know there are certain hazards to using the Correspondence in this way. So if one were interested in furthering their knowledge of the Correspondence in an artistic sense, what would be the best way to do so?"
----
"There were a few things you didn't mention but I was curious about whether there were any ways the Correspondence could be usefully applied to them. One of the subjects I have an interest in is horticulture, and while I know it is difficult to maintain such things down in the Neath-" but not impossible, as she knows from her time with the True Horticultural Society and assisting the Summer Schoolmistress, "-I was curious if you knew of any way the Correspondence could be used for this that wouldn't result in them... well, burning up?"
----
"Lastly, something of a recurring topic in the class has been the dreams and nightmares we get from working with the Correspondence. I confess that I have an ongoing interest in dreams, the meanings behind them, good ways to manage them considering how pervasive issues with sleep seem to be in London, and everything related to Parabola as a result. It was to the point that I have considered shifting my career to Silverer, but it's something I've been unsure about. Anyway, my point is that while I know the Correspondence has the negative side effect of inducing nightmares, are there any positive applications that someone who frequently ventures into Parabola could use? Or even outside of Parabola, in everyday London?"
Re: Time With the Teacher
Date: 2025-07-01 08:52 pm (UTC)The conversation continued.
“Risk is inherent to any Correspondence Study, poetry being no exception. The only way to mitigate it is via sheer linguistic prowess. Thankfully, this requires far less specialized equipment than the Engineering disciplines. The same basic study methods bear out well here: communication with other linguists, frequent practice, and large amounts of water on hand to prevent inevitable mistakes from consuming more at a time than an afternoon of your best efforts.”
And finally, The Academic toyed with their pen, pondering. “Truth be told, the effects of nightmares are not wholly deleterious. Most unpleasant things have silver linings, even when those linings are cosmogone. Nightmares are the mind making connections, and certain pathways may need to be open to comprehend the deepest mysteries of this language. To be beset with visions is to have one’s mind open and ready to learn things which cannot be understood elsewhere.” And then their face turned sour. “But more nightmares will not equal a greater understanding. A little at a time is good. A slow enough pace to keep track of what is entering- and exiting- your mind.”
Re: Time With the Teacher
From:Re: Time With the Teacher
From:Re: Time With the Teacher
Date: 2025-07-01 08:30 pm (UTC)"I assume," he starts, eyes fixed on the Academics
claws, so perfect for rendingwell manicured nails, "that this is where I am supposed to say that regarding to my career, I am most interested in the application of the Laws and the Locks." Those capital Ls are audible."Do not misunderstand me. My professional interest exist and I am more than ready to acknowledge that there is always more to learn in both these avenues. However..."
The voice of self-perseverance yells at him to shut his redacted mouth. The 'However...' has been too much already. While the Mycologist performs the metaphorical stuffing that voice into the forgotten cupboard in which it has been for the most of his life, in the physical realm he takes a breath.
"Currently of my greatest interest is the... I believe thou hast called it a 'strict linguistic focus'. I am aware of the well-documented research our curriculum is meant to adhere to, and in the light of it my curiosity is regarding only the written word."
"Furthermore, and this pertains to the class in no way whatsoever," folded from his notebook the man pulls out a theatre ticket. A musical, staged on this Friday in a small venue in Veilgarden - not enough of a name to have a reputation, whether good or bad.
"I gave my word I would offer one to everyone here. It felt wrong not to include thee, even though I have my doubts. The play, from what I have heard, is of entry-level quality, although not in poor taste."
Please pretend I am not having this conversation, his face seems to say.
Re: Time With the Teacher
Date: 2025-07-01 09:58 pm (UTC)The Academic finished speaking, then blinked in confusion as they were handed the ticket. As the mortification spread across The Mycologist’s face, The Academic looked from the expression, to the ticket and back…
Before releasing a bark of laughter loud enough to be heard across the room. There was no time to try to withdraw the ticket; the academic ferried it away inside an inner pocket, mouth stretched into a positively wicked grin.
“Of course. I will clear my evening in anticipation, and could not imagine missing it.”
Oh. Oh no. They weren’t being sarcastic. You vaguely remember that Correspondents frequently write public reviews of the shows they go to see, and that scathing reviews sell exceptionally well for the periodicals which print them. In every day and age, folks love to attend the public vivisection of art found wanting.
Oh god oh no you gave the YouTuber their next three-hour essay review I am SO SORRY-Re: Time With the Teacher
From:Re: Time With the Teacher
Date: 2025-07-01 10:19 pm (UTC)"I suppose my base interest in The Correspondence falls somewhere between pure locksmith 'curiosity' with nothing suspicious in that regard what-so-ever of this you can be so surely certain and I suppose Embassy contracting...? And even then I hadn't been seeking a course but thus far your classes have been, well, a highlight."
They flashed a puckish smile, demeanor cracking into something far less formal. "It's rare to see my favorite penpal in the flesh, and the gravitas in which you give lectures is astonishingly close to your writings!" They mused a moment, finger to their chin in thought; "I suppose that's what you were saying though, about linguistics driving home feeling." They chuckled hoarsely before clearing their throat and holding their palms up flat to their professor. "Apologies for the lack of professionalism for that moment, Emissary, I've greatly been enjoying your class and the interesting characters it drew in!"
Meanwhile The Pupil's bird caused a small ruckus back at their desk, scattering papers and chattering at passing by students.
Re: Time With the Teacher
Date: 2025-07-02 03:01 am (UTC)“My dear Pupil. Whatever sort of interest could lie between “locksmith” and “Embassy posting?” “ They tutted. ”You’re going to get yourself into a frightful mess of trouble, my little ray of cosmogone sunshine. Still…” The Academic uncapped their pen.
“…which Embassy?”
They were all but placing their arms akimbo, shaking their head and smiling, like some overly-indulgent relative.
“You will still need to earn the recommendation, however. Especially if I’m to throw away a perfectly good contact on this heist.” They sighed. “Any chances I could get you to accept a posting with a master locksmith first? There are some deeply nasty locks nowadays which insist upon a final death to open, and I’d rather like you to be able to recognize them on sight, and be capable of providing them with some target other then yourself.”
Re: Time With the Teacher
Date: 2025-07-01 11:13 pm (UTC)Granted, the thing from last week had done...
Well, he didn't really know what it did.
There were things he had already known. It was his native language, of course he understood it. But now it felt like he had a... better understanding of it? Somehow?
Before it was like walking a familiar path so many times, all while having your eyes covered, and you didn't even need to think about where you were going anymore because you just knew it so well and so comfortably.
(With all the shit he didn't know, that everyone dogged on him for not knowing or for doing differently, for being different, at least there was that bit of certainty he had)
But now... it was like he wasn't even aware of how his eyes were covered but was becoming more and more aware of it.
He hated this so much.
He sat across from the Academic, but didn't look at them. He couldn't think of a single thing to say, he was just staring off into the distance. He didn't look angry or defiant. He seemed tired, but not like from a lack of sleep. Just... resigned.
Re: Time With the Teacher
Date: 2025-07-02 02:41 am (UTC)“Now. What to do with you.”
“I confess, I’ve been having difficulty understanding your presence here. Most students who attend are grateful for the opportunity, and eager to make good use of it.” Their lips pursed, intent on the Devil as though he was Alexander’s own knot.
The Academic did not yet seem nearly frustrated enough to attempt the proverbial solution.
“Are you merely here to tag along after Doctor Rosewood? Looking to be a better partner or assistant?” They gestured with the pen, cap glinting. “Or do you have goals of your own regarding this subject?”
A sardonic smile. “I don’t expect you to bear your heart or your secrets to me. But with your existing knowledge of The Correspondence, you should really be an asset to the class. If you want to remain at odds, I suppose I can’t stop you. We could return to arguing over the virtues of argot versus grammar. But I’d have to warn you that even that won’t make you the most exceptional figure in the room.” The Academic looked to The Devil’s new and flowery notebook. Any bonhomie melted away, revealing intense vexation, and they all but spat. “The award for “irritant in the extreme” is nigh-impossible to supplant.” Then the irritation followed suit, and all that was left was a tired sigh. “There must be something you want to be able to do with The Correspondence. Some skill of your own you wish to improve. Another professor might only want to drill their own methods into your skull. But I would much rather understand your own goals and terms and uplift them, instead of merely repeating my own knowledge at you for two more months.”
The Academic frowned. They weren’t quite sure that all the graceful discussion in the world would cross through to The Devil. If this conversation were taking place on a rooftop in spite, then a race or fistfight might serve better to communicate. But The Academic wasn’t sure they’d have the ability to hold back if incensed. Or that The Devil would be the type to forgive them if The Academic did.
Communication. Often tricky.
Re: Time With the Teacher
From:Re: Time With the Teacher
From:Re: Time With the Teacher
From:Re: Time With the Teacher
Date: 2025-07-02 12:31 am (UTC)Likely, the Tailor and everyone else would assume the Piper would specialize in music. It was in their name, wasn't it? But there was a reason they were so often called the Lied Piper, even if they ommitted the adjective as often as possible. Though they hadn't replaced it entirely, if only because nothing else had quite the same ring to it.
A more skilled poet would have been able to. But the Piper was hardly a poet, and just as hardly a musician. They liked to experiment, to shock and surprise - but their work wasn't, as they say, good. There was a reason their meager wealth was from rat-extermination scams, and not from their performances.
Still, if it was only quality they were concerned about, they would have specialized in music easily. They could improve. They had all the time in the world. Art was subjective. And any art involving explosions and fire was bound to find an audience somewhere, even if only among the revolutionaries.
Yes, if you'd asked them before last week, that would have been their choice, easily.
But.
The way their mind had expanded upon reading those boards. The way those symbols still stood out, clearly, in their mind - it didn't matter that most of the meaning had been uncomfortable, at best. They remembered. For the first time in years, they might actually be able to keep information from leaking out the holes in their head.
It was exciting. It was terrifying. Half of their work relied on their ability to forget. Ciphers, names, faces - anyone could trust the person who physically couldn't leak confidential information, most of the time. Details became blurred minutes after the Piper lost focus, if they didn't write them down.
(Of course, their incident with the Tailor was a stark reminder that sometimes, forgetting the wrong information made it all too easy to spill a secret. They were fortunate enough to not have made this mistake as stronger pieces moved them across the board.)
Was that the real reason for their hesitation, then? They'd been pawned around for so long. It was easier that way. Other people knew what they were doing. Easier to let the pieces fall where they may. Easier to conform to the image accidentally thrust upon you. What was the difference between a face and a mask?
They didn't know. They didn't remember.
But they wanted to try something new. Something they chose on purpose, rather than something they stumbled into, for once. They could always find a way to incorporate Correspondence into their music later on their own time. But for now -
"I want to study nightmares," they blurted when they finally took their turn with the professor. "I mean. How the Correspondence affects our memories, and emotions, and subconscious - is that something I can learn about? Is there - something I can do with that?"
It sounded foolish when they said it out loud. They were no psychologist, even if they had been a doctor, in another life. And it wasn't like they terribly wanted to see patients again. The only person they cared much about curing was themself.
They cleared their throat to apologize, to say it was nothing, that they really meant they wanted to put Correspondence in their art, because hacking in an emotional punch would be sure to net them an audience - but under the professor's piercing eye, the words dried up.
They wished they'd grabbed the spraybottle of water off their desk. Though they would probably also be too intimidated to drink it under the professor's direct observation.
Re: Time With the Teacher
Date: 2025-07-02 03:40 am (UTC)“Now, to be blunt: the study of dreams and nightmares is the purview of a Silverer, a vocation much outside the bounds of Correspondence study. As a matter of absolute fact, language itself is difficult within dreams. Language is, after all, an attempt to assign signifiers. Dream is the realm of pure meaning, without need of abstraction or communication.”
“However, the power of art to induce dreams and evoke emotion is equally well known. Musical patterns can overpower the faculties. Certain religious orders understand that power, or else why would they bar their flocks from practicing or composing outside of worship? Correspondence translates well to meter and verse.”
“I suppose a Silverer could combine knowledge found within Parabola with Correspondence writings shown to the dreamer upon waking. The use of signs from inside the nightmares could be recontextualized to soothe…or to possibly exacerbate.”
Re: Time With the Teacher
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