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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!”
Re: Before Class
Date: 2025-07-01 11:00 pm (UTC)"Oh, joining ribbons is a simple enough task, and backing a ribbon with lace a process that could be done before a candle has lost almost any wax. I think you're right, so long as the weight of the lace is light," they said offhandedly, ruffling what would constitute as Tularemia's cheek. "What do you think, darling?" They asked her conversationally. "Shall I find you something in deep green, or are you fond of pastels? Hm?"
Re: Before Class
Date: 2025-07-01 11:19 pm (UTC)"She seems to enjoy earthen, autumn colors. Something dark might complement the bright white of her fur as well as the off-white of the lace. I do believe a deep green would look darling."
Re: Before Class
Date: 2025-07-01 11:32 pm (UTC)"I believe I was asking my client," they teased lightly, but nodded. "A scrap of ribbon will not be difficult to find, perhaps before next class. In the meantime," they booped her little nose with a finger, "You shall have to settle for your lovely lacy collar, or whatever else your master has for you."
The smile was turned to the Socialite. "And how is the master in question?"
Re: Before Class
Date: 2025-07-01 11:46 pm (UTC)"And yourself, dear Tailor? How do you fare?"
Re: Before Class
Date: 2025-07-02 12:05 am (UTC)"I manage," they said truthfully. "Sleep has only caught me when I finally allowed it to, and when it did, I had properly exhausted the mind and body enough to find real rest. The tea doesn't hurt," they added, lifting the cup again. "I brought a bit to share, should anyone still be suffering and need a small boost."
It had not been discussed for the study groups, but considering their subject, it felt wise to be prepared. Although the Tailor certainly did not have enough cups and tea for all the class. Here's hoping most of their classmates were better rested!
Re: Before Class
Date: 2025-07-02 12:19 am (UTC)"Well, somewhat better is certainly worth more than not at all. I would imagine, had you not improved at all, our gracious Emissary may see fit to drive you stark raving mad." The Socialite gestured to the Academic, unaware of what the scratching might invoke in someone more plagued, but certainly recognizing how annoying it could be normally. "An effective, if somewhat cruel method of testing for restfulness."
The Socialite smiled and leaned in to whisper. "I am unsure if you were in the room at the time, but the face the Emissary made at the notebooks was something to behold, most certainly."
Re: Before Class
Date: 2025-07-02 12:40 am (UTC)Tularemia was a quick thing, terribly quick, but there was something she did not know: The Tailor was a hunter of quick predators. And so in a movement she could not have predicted, they twisted their hand quite sharply and pinned her lithe back to the desk with a pair of fingers to her shoulders. It was not a harsh or painful pinch, and certainly with enough wriggling the Tailor would loosen the grip as to not let her become hurt, but it was an effective one. If she was a noodle, they had twirled her onto the plate with a fork.
And they were still looking at the Socialite through it. "Do you know, it makes me think a little of that terrible rhythm they play at Mahogany Hall? I remember someone said something once, along the lines of... if your enemy has an angry temperament, seek to irritate him?" They listened. "Yes, you know, I think it is that awful song. Tsk. Only a couple notes of it, at least."
Re: Before Class
Date: 2025-07-02 12:57 am (UTC)Meanwhile, in the conversation, the Socialite feigned a gasp. "You don't believe there may be subterfuge in the supply chain, do you? My, how daring, to fool with the Emissary so. And I believe it may apply to those of a choleric temperament? Oh, I remember the phrase, but never the author. Regardless, irritation is truly the path to forcing one's guard down, especially if sleeplessness has made them flighty."
The Socialite was entirely aware of the small war being waged on the desk, but paid it no mind, if only to allow it to continue.
Re: Before Class
Date: 2025-07-02 01:43 am (UTC)It was a game, of course, and they did delight in it. Soon enough they would need to stop, but in the meantime... stoat time. It was drawing the rest of their attention.
"Sorry, Maury," the Tailor said lightly, distracted, "I don't know that she'll accept any gifts or treats from me at this rate. We're building an enmity, this beast and I. Only one can win."
Re: Before Class
Date: 2025-07-02 01:56 am (UTC)As if on cue, Tularemia escaped the threat of the hand and scampered up the arm with lightning speed, her sharp, little teeth on full display. Hunter, meet little hunter, catching you off guard in your enjoyment, taking full advantage of being seen as harmless and little. Here she comes!
Re: Before Class
Date: 2025-07-02 02:20 am (UTC)The stoat was just slightly quicker on the draw, being so small and light, all the Tailor's hand could do was slip over their throat, palm out to catch any approaching teeth. They grinned, their own teeth bared at the little beast, and maybe the grin with the peligin eyes catching in the light might concern a person or a stoat, but the moment passed quickly.
"Touché," they said quietly to Tularemia. "Shall we call stalemate?"
Re: Before Class
Date: 2025-07-02 02:46 am (UTC)Re: Before Class
Date: 2025-07-02 02:52 am (UTC)Now that of all things surprised them. The Tailor was careful to try to move in their seat without dislodging her, and they glanced at the Socialite, mildly bewildered.
"Er. I appear to have gained a new hat for class. Do I..." They tried not to laugh, to do anything that would disturb the new napper. "Do I look stylish?"
Re: Before Class
Date: 2025-07-02 03:01 am (UTC)He was still laughing quietly as he leaned in to whisper: "Do you want her removed? I can take her back, it's not a worry at all."
Re: Before Class
Date: 2025-07-02 03:10 am (UTC)And with that, they settled back into their seat, with one new accessory.
You've gained 1 x Ermine Cap.
Re: Before Class
Date: 2025-07-02 03:24 am (UTC)Re: Before Class
Date: 2025-07-03 04:31 am (UTC)Maven was doing her best to hold back giggles over how adorable the whole thing was. She had never seen Tailor look so openly expressive. The closest she could remember had been that night, which made sense since they were clearly putting their hunting knowledge to use here but in a much more playful manner. But this was a much more delighted context than that, and it made her happy to see them like this.
Devil, however, had his head laying on his arms and was watching with a frown. Not an angry frown or an annoyed frown (though one could certainly read a little of those in there), there wasn't even a glare. But it was there as he watched Tailor have a playful, not-at-all-serious fight with Tularemia and look like they were having fun...
Re: Before Class
Date: 2025-07-02 03:02 am (UTC)Piper was no visual artist. Their hands were much better at playing instruments than holding pens or brushes. Still, they couldn't resist attempting to sketch the pair of adorable hunters.
They smiled, happy to see their friend making friends.