benthic_university | Correspondence Scholarship, Class Six [Tuesday Morning, July 15]

Entry tags:

correspondence

Correspondence Scholarship, Class Six [Tuesday Morning, July 15]

Though still moderately charred, the classroom door this week bore no suspicious marks. Students could be forgiven for muttering to themselves as they entered the class, but thankfully, all letters and sounds were free to speak.

The Ex-Disgraced Academic was at the lectern, having completed preparing several diagrams on the blackboards behind them.

“Let’s begin a crucial part of crafting proper Correspondence symbols: layering. You may have noticed two weeks ago, the way that the simple greeting was composed of the radicals for the pronoun “You,” as well as the verb “to like.” It does in fact translate as the base reassurance “you are liked.” Not a bad way to greet someone. It is, however, very formal. You see how the two radicals don’t touch? In the improper context, it could possibly be read as ‘The idea of “you” and “being liked” don’t belong within five-thousand light-years of each other.’ Hm. Not half as nice. A more casual way would look like this…” and here, they crossed the tip of To Like through the tail of You, “…there. A gentle light approaches. The meaning of this symbol will change, as the two bisect each other more closely.” The Academic wrote one across the other. “Beloved.” They raised an eyebrow. “No doubt several of you have your hearts aflutter, ready to stamp this on your next note to your latest beau. But might I offer a moment of pause before you attempt it on paper…”

The Academic erased the board. “To explain, let us turn our attention to the use of adjectives. Similarly to the prior example, the position of the adjective will denote the relationship of the adjective to the noun. An adjective which does not touch a noun can be inferred to have a weak, or even negative meaning.” The Academic pulled down a blank board, inscribed the symbol for fire, then encircled it with an odd shape. “The adjective for great, mighty. With no lines touching or intersecting, the meaning could be translated as: A fire lacking in fortitude or greatness.”

Next, The Academic picked up an atomizer, and next to the first symbol, inscribed a similar one. This time, the circle crossed through all four lines in fire. The chalk had scarcely completed its revolution, whereupon the lines blazed, and smoke billowed up from the stone.

Almost bored, The Academic doused the offending symbol, and turned back toward the class. “As you have seen, the nearer and adjective draws to a noun- here even overlapping the center of it- the more it indicates a strong correlation. A conflagration of devastating proportions/The thunderclap death of the mighty.” They gave the board another spray from over their shoulder, for good measure. “Adjectives are where we begin to cross from statements of relatively objective fact into the world of opinion, passion, and coercion. This is how it becomes a weapon.”

“Perception shapes reality, and language is a means of communicating that reality. It’s also a means of making a case that your perceived reality is the true one. And when enough people agree with you, it’s not impossible to say that reality itself can change.”

“The Correspondence is a means of arguing your case with the laws of physics itself. You’re shining a dim light into your own perspective, and allowing others to see it. Other opinions are capable of making a much stronger argument, especially those who are more fluent in the Correspondence. Eloquent folks are like that. And your only option is to become more learned and eloquent.”

“Today you will be practicing how to write the symbol for A small but merry warmth. This symbol is difficult, and can be found somewhere between the two extremes I’ve demonstrated on the board today.” The Academic went to the lectern, flipped open their own notebook, wrote something, and then placed their teacup atop it. “If you do it correctly, it will be sufficient to keep a cup of tea warm for several hours. The eternal tragedy of forgetting your cup until long after it’s gone cold? A thing of the past, if you can pull this off.” The Academic dipped from their cup, pleased with the results. “I haven’t given you a perfect example, because I want you to be careful. Mis-writing this symbol will have immediate consequences, as will most unnecessary hyperbole. Be judicious in the emphasis you place on your thoughts in The Correspondence. Be…” The Academic thought for a beat, then snapped their claws, “…temperate.”

“Allez.”

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Maven approached the two of them, "Hi Mori, hi Tularemia!" She looked at the globe cane, "This is nice! Is it new, or did you buy it recently for the leg?" As she spoke she also glanced at the texts, curious about what Mori was reading.

As Tularemia danced on the desk, barely staying still to show off her new ribbon, the Morbid Socialite smiled brightly. "Good morning! It's actually something I've had for a while and only found one of its two potential uses useful. Now, still being somewhat out of sorts, I can apply the second use!" He subtly unscrewed the top and pulled just a few inches until the base of a blade showed from out of the stick. "I'd left it in the Marshes when I was attacked, so I was unable to use it before our dear friend, the Professor, could help me through a bit of the healing, but it's been quite effective since retrieving it."

The Socialite was about to follow the same pattern of hiding as he had before with the study materials, but paused. Some time ago, the Maven had offered the Socialite assistance in this particular matter. He bit his lip, then nodded. "Do you still have the card I gave you? To give to Tularemia and follow her, should you ever wish to visit?"

Maven laughed at Tulmaria's antics, holding a hand out for her to approach, "I see you have a ribbon, you look so pretty with it. But then, you always look pretty!"

Maven's eyes widened at the reveal of the blade, "Oh my goodness, that is really neat! I've seen canes like this before and I always thought they were very special! I wish you'd told us it'd been lost out in the marsh, we could have help you find it. But I'm glad you got it back!"

She noticed the shift in the Socialite's demeanor and nodded, "Yes, I still have the card. Were you hoping to arrange a visit?"

Tularemia, even in the midst of the conversation, crawled up the Maven's arm and found a perch on her shoulder, looking as pleased as if she caught the canary.

The Socialite nodded. "Yes, sometime in the week, I would like you to visit my flat. I have a proposal for you and it cannot be made in broad company. If it may make things easier, I can send Tularemia to your house? She's an expert tracker."

Maven smiled at Tularemia, petting her with a finger as she responded, "Sure, I can do that! Is there anything you would need me to bring for the visit?"

The Socialite shook his head with a smile. "No, the only thing you need to bring is yourself. If you wish to bring otherwise, however, I certainly won't stop you."

The green and lace really did look lovely on Tularemia, the simple ribbon eye-catching against her brilliant white fur.

Maven continued giving Tularemia scritches as she said, "Would it be okay if Derek came as well? It's fine if not, since you said this is a private matter."

"Oh, yes, of course! In fact, Derek may be an asset I hadn't considered. Please, do bring him as well. I'll provide the tea." The Socialite wrote something down on a sheet of paper in shorthand.

"Yes, I believe that is a good start... Oh, as well, Jane, I do apologize for not attending outside of class study sessions. Progress on the project has been slow and, with my injuries until fairly recently, I've been unable to do much in the way of actual study and practice."

"There's no need to feel sorry," Maven assured the Socialite, "The group studies are entirely optional and your health is important to consider! I'm glad you're taking care of yourself, letting yourself heal, and not pushing yourself more than necessary."

The Socialite did laugh somewhat at that. "Well, I now have several people ready and willing to kill or horribly maim me, or at least restrain me, should I consider agitating my injuries any more than strictly necessary. And three of them can do so in horribly creative ways. I'm almost tempted to test that boundary, just to see what would happen, but I doubt my body will thank me for it."

Maven also laughed at that, "Oh goodness, those first two would be horribly counterproductive! But I suppose I can't judge too much without being a hypocrite; there have been multiple occasions I have pushed myself too much and worked through being sick, to the point Derek had to force me into bedrest and feeding me soup from Mrs Chapman's. So I understand the impulse, but even so, I'm glad you're listening to your body and others won't have to restrain you into rest." That last part was said with another giggle.

"It is a struggle against my needs and impulses, but I'm sure I'll live." Mori spotted something happening on the Maven's shoulder and laughed. "I believe someone is trying tell you something. To help her show off, perhaps.

Tularemia pattered antsily on the Maven's shoulder, lightly tugging her ear with her hair with her teeth in the direction of the Devil.

Maven laughed a little as she looked at Tularemia, "Do you want me to go over to Derek?"

Tularemia gave an exclamative squeak, insistent and demanding. She didn't just want to be taken over, she commanded it, like the general of an army five hundred strong.

"Alright, alright!" Maven said with a smile, briefly looked at Mori, "Be right back." And then took Tularemia over to Devil.

Devil look up at Maven as she approached, "What's up?"

Tularemia jumped briefly onto the Devil's head and used it to jump onto the desk, jumping in circles to excitedly show off her new ribbon. She seemed quite excited to have the both of them see her look so pretty.

Devil stared blankly at Tularemia.

Maven spoke up, gently bumping him in the side, "Doesn't Tularemia look so lovely with her new ribbon, Derek?"

"Oh!" Devil caught on, "Yeah, very cute! Very... green and frilly!"

Tularemia bounded happily over to the Devil and climbed his arm, nestling into his hair. Her little feet pattered against his head happily.

Maven giggled, "I suppose it's your turn to have the honor of the Tularemia hat! I think she looks very stylish on you."

"Pfft, anything looks stylish on me," Devil rolled his eyes. He was used to such antics from many of the animals that came and went from their home, so he left Tumlaremia on his head until she decided to leave.

Tularemia would, in fact, fall asleep up there. So much excitement and a comfy head? The Tailor had their turn multiple times, it was the Devil's turn for a new hat.

The Socialite snickered from where he sat, trying to hide it behind a hand.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Correspondence Scholarship, Class Six [Tuesday Morning, July 15]

Re: Before Class

Re: Before Class

Re: Before Class

Re: Before Class

Re: Before Class

Re: Before Class

Re: Before Class

Re: Before Class

Re: Before Class

Re: Before Class

Re: Before Class

Re: Before Class

Re: Before Class

Re: Before Class

Re: Before Class

Re: Before Class

Re: Before Class

Re: Before Class

Re: Before Class

Re: Before Class