#Mastery Reflection Assignment

[divinationsanctuary19]

Your school year- Pick a picture

1 2 3

Let's see what's in store for you

1. Four of swords

This school year might feel like a blend of warmth and nostalgia, where golden moments of calm and reflection balance out the daily grind. The soft light streaming through the windows suggests that while the days may sometimes be long and tiring, there are quiet, beautiful moments of peace and connection. The setting sun hints at the passage of time, making this year feel both fleeting and significant, as if it's a chapter nearing its close but filled with the lingering warmth of friendships, shared experiences, and personal growth.

There’s a sense of introspection, with students leaning over their work, perhaps worn out by the challenges of learning but still present, still engaged. The classroom environment feels both familiar and comforting, with details like the plant on the windowsill and the chalkboard full of notes evoking a sense of routine. Yet, the light creates an atmosphere of change, signaling that this is a year of transitions, of small yet meaningful transformations, as students move toward the future while still soaking in the last moments of the present.

In many ways, this school year feels like a slow, reflective afternoon, where the pressures of academic life are softened by the golden glow of lasting memories being made—times of laughter, quiet study sessions, and shared frustrations, all colored by the light of a new beginning waiting just beyond the horizon.

I might ask: is this your last year?

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2. Eight of pentacles

This school year feels like a challenging puzzle, full of problem-solving and deep concentration, much like the image of a student facing a chalkboard filled with complex equations. The blackboard represents the countless tasks, assignments, and hurdles students must navigate, with each equation demanding focus and perseverance. This suggests that this year is intellectually demanding, pushing students to their limits, forcing them to think critically and tackle difficult concepts, much like how solving an advanced math problem requires multiple steps and layers of understanding.

The student standing at the board reflects the weight of responsibility that comes with this year, where everyone is expected to engage directly with the material and take ownership of their learning. The open book symbolizes both guidance and the need for preparation—students need to keep studying, reviewing, and sharpening their knowledge to make sense of the more intricate lessons they face.

At times, this year may feel overwhelming, as if the answers are hard to grasp, but there’s also a sense of growth, where every solution found represents another milestone reached. There’s progress through perseverance, much like how working through a math problem builds resilience and sharpens skills. This school year, though tough, is a journey of learning to solve the problems that will ultimately lead to mastery and achievement.

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3. The hermit

This picture indicates a school year marked by both challenges and growth. The winter sunset symbolizes the dwindling energy and long days of study, reflecting the fatigue and pressure that come with academic demands. Yet, the girl's determined stance atop the desk speaks of resilience and focus, indicating that despite the cold and darkness of winter, she remains committed to her goals. This year will test your endurance, pushing you to confront obstacles, but it also offers the promise of growth and deeper understanding. As the sun sets, it reminds you that even in times of difficulty, there is beauty and transformation waiting on the horizon. Embrace the struggle—it will lead to personal and intellectual strength. This year, expect periods where motivation feels dim, and progress seems slow, much like the lingering twilight before darkness. However, the card is a reminder that this is a temporary state. The key to navigating these challenges lies in harnessing your inner discipline and resilience, as represented by the girl's unwavering posture. Her determination in the face of adversity reflects the strength within you to persevere through difficulties, knowing that each step forward brings you closer to mastering both your studies and yourself. The winter sunset signals that while the external world may be harsh, there is an inner warmth and light—your own drive—that will carry you through the darkest days. The journey may be tough, but it promises a rewarding transformation, both academically and personally, as you grow through the process.

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[sleeplesssmol]

New idea: Sonetto's bizzare strength was one of the reasons SPDM paired her with Vertin.

The Foundation didn't care if the black sheep was broken by their ace. Everything would be pinned on Vertin if an incident happened.

Why were Sonetto and Vertin assigned as each other's desk mates? It could have been random, but I like to think the Foundation has a system.

I had a few ideas I like to play with.

My favorite being that they had a synergy. Sonetto's mastery of arcanum and Vertin's advanced perception complimented each other well.

The other possibility was SPDM hoping Sonetto's obedience and loyalty would rub off on Vertin. Also, she would keep Vertin in line since they were tired of dealing with the troublemaker. These ideas can exist at the same time.

However, Sonetto might excel with whoever she is with. She's just that good. As for being a good influence, their plan could backfire and Vertin could influence her to misbehave. Although, you could argue that SPDM had faith Sonetto and underestimated Vertin.

In the drabble I was messing with, the first few reasons I gave are Sonetto's POV of the Foundation. She and Vertin made a great team and SPDM saw their potential (same as in Unsaid). It's a reflection of her deep respect for the Foundation and she admires their foresight.

But Vertin sees something Sonetto overlooked: Sonetto's strength.

Sonetto could easily break her other fellow arcanists. Arcanists are fragile and Sonetto's strength is an outlier (other exceptions like Bunny Bunny also exist so while uncommin its not unheard of).

Vertin didn’t realize it at first, but as time went on she noticed she's the only one in the class able to handle Sonetto (until Sonetto learned better restraint as they grew)

Luckily, Vertin always bounces back from her injuries and from what we've seen she's pretty sturdy in combat. While Sonetto might not intentionally try to hurt anyone, we know she's passionate and her feelings get the best of her at times. We've seen Sonetto hurt Regulus, Schneider, and impulsively attack Arcana on sight. It's a pattern.

Technically, all these things could be true at the same time.

But Vertin doesn't like mentioning it because that'd be like bad-mouthing Sonetto's guardians. She can’t really vent about her feelings to Sonetto about the Foundation. Meanwhile, Sonetto is oblivious to how deep Vertin's wounds are from their upbringing because Vertin won't reveal her past. Sonetto still believes the Foundation is "doing what's best for them."

Whether Sonetto ever actually hurt Vertin or not is another question. SPDM might have forced them together, but that doesn't mean Vertin was ever injured by Sonetto. She was a fail-safe...just in case.

[bogusavathepit]

(S4) ASoIaF "Career": Maester

this career is a very simple, nonactive one meant to assist in any ASoIaF playthroughs people have, therefore it's pretty superficial. It's more a placeholder for immersion.

DESCRIPTION

As the order of scholars, healers, messengers, and natural philosophers, maesters educate new students at the Citadel of in Oldtown, a city in the Reach. House Hightower was integral in the Citadel's foundation, and continues to patronize the order. The Citadel is also financed by the lords who pay for having a maester in their service, and from certain taxes that it collects at Oldtown.

As advisers to the Westerosi nobility, the maesters have largely supplanted the Alchemists' Guild. They are sometimes called "the knights of the mind." Some may never become an official maester or even an acolyte!

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Levels

"Novice": You are a new students and have begun your education at the Citadel. Most acolytes will treat you as if you have little mindpower, and if you violate the rules of the Citadel, a maester order you to be confined to your rooms by the maesters. You may receive a more physical punishment, such as if you steal from the kitchens, a rector might put you in stocks at the Seneschal's Court, where acolytes may throw rotten vegetables at you. Act smart! To officially become an acolyte, you must earn a link for your chain by going before an archmaester to demonstrate your knowledge. If the archmaester judges your knowledge to be proficient, they will award you with a link of a metal reflecting the subject.

“Acolyte”: You have earned your first link for your chain! You can train at letters at the Scribe's Hearth, and an Oldtowner may hire you to read their letters or write their wills. When you complete your training and are prepared to take your vows to become a maester, you will put in a black-dark room with one of the Citadel's glass candles made of razor-sharp dragonglass. You must stay in that room for the entire night in darkness, unless he is able to light the candle.

Branches

"Maesters": Scholars and healers who have completed their training at the Citadel. They can be sent by the Citadel to serve at the holding of a lord throughout the Seven Kingdoms. A lord has to pay the Citadel for a maester's service, and smallfolk believe that maesters are unwilling to help them. Maesters are only found in castles; if a lord does not have a maester in his service, he is seen as unimportant. They have vowed to hold no lands or lordships, and to be celibate. Maesters wear a collar, which is supposed to remind him of the realm they serve. When they complete their education and take their vows, a maester puts aside their House name. Although they are supposed to be loyal to the seat to which they are assigned, regardless of the changes in control of that holding, old allegiances or loyalties might continue linger.

"Archmaesters": Maesters who have demonstrated mastery of a particular subject. They receive a mask, ring, and rod in the metal corresponding to the link of the maester's chain which signifies their expertise on the topic. Archmaesters teach the students at the Citadel in their subject of expertise, and they judge whether a novice or an acolyte has shown enough knowledge on their subject to receive a link for their chain. They have the right to sit on the Conclave, a council which elects the Grand Maester and determines when the seasons change. Although the Conclave puts effort into demonstrating their consideration of ability before birth, this is generally a pretense, as family status often affects their final choice for Grand Maester. The meetings of the Conclave are conducted behind closed doors at the Citadel. Each archmaester is said to carry a heavy, black iron key that will open most of the doors in the Citadel. They keep them close on their person, or hide them well.

"The Grand Maester": The office of Grand Maester was created in 5 AC by Aegon I Targaryen, who asked for an archmaester to advise him on governing the Seven Kingdoms. Sworn to serve the whole realm, the Grand Maester sits on the monarch's small council and acts as one of the royal advisers. As the Citadel's representative at the royal court of the monarch on the Iron Throne the Grand Maester is elected by the Conclave, and only the Conclave can unmake them again, although several Grand Maesters have died violently. The Grand Maester wears many interwoven maester chains to indicate their high office, but these do not reflect their true studies. Gems are woven into the chains.

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Go Check it out or Download

[citedesdames]

Through their needlework, women developed shared “techniques of the body,” bodily experiences that produced habits both shaping and reflecting the gendered society in which they lived. Most training in the “way of the needle” began in the home under the guidance of senior members of the family. Aoyama Chise learned the basics of sewing around age ten by watching her mother and by making clothes for her doll. Formal study in a needlework school run by the wife of a low-ranking samurai commenced around age thirteen. There, her first assignment was to stitch layers of used fabric together to make cloths for cleaning; next she moved on to the heavy layered soles of cotton split-toed socks (tabi). embroidery. Chōnin families sometimes sent their daughters to warrior households to learn manners and skills, including In many farming communities, preparing a young woman for her domestic and marital responsibilities also included spending time in a young women’s lodge (musume yado) or needle lodge (ohariya), where various forms of female knowledge were shared. As the name ohariya indicates, sewing was an important part of this communal exchange. There, the so-called ohariko (“needle children”) learned practical skills by watching and imitating the gestures of more senior members, and in so doing were initiated into their socially mandated gender roles."

Christine M.E. Guth, Craft Culture in Early Modern Japan: Materials, Makers and Mastery

[kronosveritas]

✨HELLO RVB FANDOM I AM ASKING FOR YOUR GUIDANCE✨

I don’t know if any of you know much about Tarot, but I am in the process of drawing an rvb tarot deck and these are my thoughts for which character should be assigned to each of the major arcana cards.

Included in parentheses after the character are some trailers generally associated with that arcana (to my understanding)

Please feel free to let me know in comments/tags if YOU think these fit/what fits better so I can potentially make the deck!

_____________ {arcana below fold} _____________

💙 Fool- Caboose (new beginning, fresh start, risk, a chance, new cycle, originality, fearlessness, travel, innocence, being green, trickster, acting foolish)

❤️ Magician- Tex (talent, skill, power, magic, control, manifest, tools, mastery, willpower, focus)

💙 High priestess- CT (intuition, feminine wisdom, hidden knowledge, secrecy, initiation, receptivity, spirituality, the inner world)

❤️ Empress- Allison (feminine power, abundance, fertility, pregnancy, marriage, creativity, receptivity, pleasure, mothering, nurturing, giving birth)

💙 Emperor- The Director (Order, structure, authority, power, boss, masculine, father, ownership, autonomy)

❤️ Heirophant- Sarge (tradition, structure, teacher, mentor, counselor, religion, dogma, advice, status quo, organization, conformity, rules, church, obedience)

💙 Lovers- Grif and Simmons (romance, partnership, love, choices, duality, opposites, union)

❤️ Chariot- Shiela (triumph, directed willpower, control, direction, movement, progress, vehicle)

💙 Strength- Carolina (strength, inner power, self control, calm, endure, willpower)

❤️ Hermit- Epsilon (inner wisdom, solitude, withdrawal, quiet, teacher or guru, research, seeker)

💙 Wheel of fortune- The Triplets, or the Chorus Rebels??? I can’t decide (luck, change, a turn of events, karma, movement, shift, improvement, fate)

❤️Justice- Doc & O’Malley (fairness, court, justice, balance, weighing options, seeing both sides, consequences, integrity, honesty, truth, law, middle path)

💙 Hanged man- Temple (sacrifice, letting go, faith, suspension, waiting, hang-ups, martyr, illusion, surrender)

❤️ Death- Felix (ending, transition, transformation, release, change, severance)

💙 Temperance- Lopez (moderation, balance, healing, alchemy, middle ground, patience, blending, harmony, guardian angel)

❤️ Devil- Meta/Sigma (bondage, materialism, negativity, slavery, addiction, stuck, jealousy, deviance, excess)

💙 Tower- Kimball (chaos, disruption, tearing down, rebuilding, uncertainty, blow, enlightenment, unexpected change, overthrow, revolution)

❤️ Star- Donut (hope, optimism, healing, balance, spirituality, health, well being, peace, wishes, vulnerability, success, balance)

💙 Moon- Wash (intuition, illusion, deception, darkness, reflection, fear, subconscious, dreams, difficulty, fear, imagination)

❤️ Sun- Tucker (optimism, success, joy, birth, happiness, health, inner child, energy, enthusiasm)

💙 World- Rooster Teeth Founders? Or Blood Gulch? Or RVB kill switch? (completion, ending, success, travel, closure, graduation, Universe, freedom, environment, rebirth)

https://www.thetarotlady.com/tarot-card-meanings/

^^possible link for meaning reference

<<I have individual assignments for nearly all the minor arcana too, but that would be far too long to post here>>

[esthelle-wanders]

if the full score trio were to get triforce pieces who would get what 👀

Oh! Ohhhhhhh!!!

This is such a cool question.

Okay, there’s two alternate routes I can see for this.

1. The Triforce pieces reflect the aspect each character most represents.

(For this, I assigned elements based on which value the trio tends to default to, or fall back on)

Emma: Courage. Taking on the impossible and fighting for what she knows is right, even when her own logic tells her it can’t be done, is pretty brave. She understands the odds, but she fights back anyway. Emma’s very much the Hero of this narrative. Courage seems like the most natural choice for her.

Ray: Wisdom. His penchant for learning and observation aside, Ray’s approach to the world is the most grounded, and arguably the most holistic, of the trio. To me, wisdom involves more than knowledge— it takes honesty, discernment, and experience. Ironically, even during his story’s darkest beginnings, Ray displays all of these.

While he’s trapped in his own twisted headspace, he still values truthfulness more than either of the others (even as he lies to them), has the most ‘realistic’ worldview, and constantly draws from experience to inform his actions.

Norman: Power. While he’s certainly brave, and might seem wiser than Ray at first, Norman’s priority is to be the one in control. He loves taking on the odds and enjoys mind games, but it always comes down to a kind of battle of wills with him. When his situation strips him of agency and/or objectifies him, we’ve seen that Norman will sacrifice both courage and wisdom to give himself some sort of power over his circumstances, even if it’s mostly an illusion.

As Emma puts it, “you’re stronger and kinder than anyone, but at the same time, you’re arrogant and a coward!” Norman’s so focused on being in control because he thinks that’s the only way to ensure his family’s lives and desires are protected. His wisdom is clouded by an ironic sort of arrogance, born from self-hatred, and by stifling his own deepest fears and insecurities, he loses himself in his own cowardice. This leaves him as the most powerful, but least balanced, member of the trio.

2. The Triforce pieces reflect the aspect each character most develops over the course of their arc.

Emma: Power. While she gets both braver and wiser over time, Emma’s relationship with power— both outside herself and her own— has the most impact on her growth. Even as she contends with others’ will to power, her deepest struggle comes from inner conflict over her own authority.

As the allies and enemies she confronts become stronger and exercise more control over her world, Emma decides that if she’s going to force her way into the future she wants, she’ll have to shoulder the responsibility for it herself. Her last major decision has her exercising an unprecedented amount of power over her enemies, her friends, and the entire cosmos— and while she understands the implications of this at the time, in the end, she never really gets to confront it (courage) or learn from it (wisdom).

Ray: Wisdom— again. Ray definitely gets braver and more powerful throughout the story— heck, learning to take risks is a major part of his arc— but his growth has more to do with expanding his worldview than it does with either his bravery or his mastery. Learning to trust others and to accept (or at least run with) things beyond his comprehension takes courage, but more than that, it takes humility and discernment, the better parts of wisdom.

Once he’s free of the poisoned environment of Grace Field, Ray’s instincts for reason, realism and loyalty have the chance to thrive, and by the end, he’s the wisest and most reliable of the trio. His memory and his experiences also give him a boost here— he’s the only character who encounters and remembers everything the readers do, in some form or another. The boy deserves a break, and all the love, and he carries so many stories inside him.

Norman: Courage. His arc follows a kind of cyclical paradox. When he first comes face to face with his own fear of death, his instinct is to deny himself that feeling, pushing himself into more and more dangerous situations, as a dehumanized tool to achieve the dreams of those he sees as better than himself (particularly Emma). Norman never gets to experience the relative freedom, and the diverse friendships, Emma and Ray meet with beyond the farms, so he spirals further and further into his black-and-white, self-destructive inner world.

Norman finally begins to grow when Ray and Emma force him to confront his own fears. From that point on, he develops the courage to admit his weaknesses, to hand over control, and to rely on the people who love him. If there were a “Dark Link” in TPN, it would be Norman’s monster to fight. After all, true courage requires you to “conquer yourself!”

Annnnd that’s a lot of words. Clearly, this was a lot of fun to think about! Many thanks for the question!

Does anyone else have thoughts?

[theofficersacademy]

At long last, the morning light comes and the last drops of rainwater remain pooled on the ground rather than pouring from the heavens. Some students prepare for the trip back to the monastery, others remain fast asleep where they are, and rescue efforts are made for those who had found themselves stranded from the main party. The Viscount offers everyone to take their time today to recover and gather themselves if need be, and as the decorations are cleaned, reality finally sets in. The ball is over, the storm has passed, and new memories, good or bad, have been born as the calendar changes over to a new date…

We hoped you enjoyed the Ethereal Ball! Now, please read the following carefully:

How To Claim Your Prizes

Your muse may keep the bracelet as a memento of the event. Viscount Menja's staff reveals to your muse that the bracelet can be unwound to be transformed into a wind chime. Bonus!

As per the event rules, you must have a separate post, page on your blog, or Google Doc with all of your collected bracelet charms. Mention of the bracelet or the corresponding charm in the interaction is all that is needed for it to count towards your total. Each bracelet must have a link to the corresponding interaction. Please double-check all of your links!

Send an ask to this blog. This should include a link to your bracelet tracker/doc and the prize you’re claiming for your muse. If you have at least one of each bracelet charm, you can choose one prize. You can find the list of Ethereal Ball prizes here (Spring tab, includes Fleeting Snow!).

Additionally, if your muse qualifies for the above, they will also be granted access to the Dancer class. This class will be treated like a modified Intermediate class, and will require 5 threads that are 400+ words as well as a drabble reflecting your muse’s journey to becoming a dancer in order to master this class. This class will grant the abilities Refresh and Dazzle upon mastery.

Lastly, Ethereal Ball interactions may continue past the end of the event, but only exchanges that were made during the month of May will be counted for prizes.

CLAIM SCHEDULE.

Please send the masterlist an ask to claim your event prizes during the allotted days for the charm assigned to your muse. Claims sent outside their respective windows will be deleted.

6/1-6/2: Seashell muses 6/3-6/4: Starfish muses 6/5-6/6: Anchor muses 6/7-6/8: Turtle muses 6/9-6/10: Pearl muses

The submission period is from 12:00AM EST the first day to 11:59PM EST the second day. We at least need to receive it during this time frame. Use the clock in the Masterlist’s sidebar to double check the date and time if you are not sure.

If you miss your window to claim your prizes, you forfeit them. Do not procrastinate.

Regular monthly claims can be sent any time, as long as they're separate from event claims.

HOW TO SEND IN CLAIMS.

When sending claims, please send separate asks for event-specific claims vs. regular claims.

Event specific claims: prizes and Dancer access Regular claims: activity point rank up, other class access/mastery

As always, please feel free to ask any questions!

Wrapping Up the Masquerade

We hope you enjoyed our rerun of the mini event within the Ethereal Ball! Now that the event is over, the mystical underwater ballroom has been closed. The mods will no longer be posting submissions to the masquerade blog, but you can reveal your muses and/or continue threads on your own blogs.

Let us know if you have any questions or concerns!

Event Feedback

As always, we earnestly welcome and solicit your feedback on your experience with this month’s event. Please take some time to fill out the feedback form here. This is coming a bit earlier this time so it doesn’t get lost in the new mission board rush.

- The House Leaders

[3ver3mber]

"Just this once more..." Arya whispered under her sharply exhaled breath. She knew all too well the cost of casting such a spell, or rather, she understood there were dire consequences. She may have been in Mystra's favor, but even a goddess' grace had its limits.

" 'Only when absolutely necessary'..." She quoted her patron's warning as she calmed herself, already feeling the taut threads of the Weave around her quivering in anticipation for her next words.

"I wish-.." Arya began, her very voice imbued with magic. She hesitated but for a moment, considering if perhaps she was making a mistake.

No, of course not - after all, this entire endeavor was to further her progress on a mission Mystra herself assigned. A test of faith, perhaps...

With her nerves steeled for the time being, she continued, brow furrowed in determination.

"I wish to find Luthen's Library." The statement pulsed through the room with a violent thrum of energy, the rippling wave in the Weave carrying on for miles. Any spellcaster worth their salt was sure to have felt the disturbance, though not much more than an off tingle in the back of their mind. In an instant, though, the blast reversed with the same force, this time entirely channeled into Arya. The impact knocked the small sorcereress onto the floor, her body writhing in pain as rapid-fire visions assaulted her mind.

The vast expanse of sand and sun, a sight she had never laid eyes on. The vision stretched itself thin, reaching as far as it could toward the object of her desire before failing.

Something was shielding the location from even a mastery level spell.

Too quickly to even process, the spell changed direction, attempting to fulfill her wish another way. She was given the aerial view of a neighboring city she had flown over before, a peculiar looking violet tent, an inquisitive raven, and... stars?

Before she could make sense of it, the visions ceased, feeling to her almost as if the very air was drawn out of her lungs. She rolled over onto her front and retched, face twisted into a grimace as she waited for the pain to subside.

Finally, she rose to her feet, albeit shakily, panting in an attempt to catch her breath. She had no time to waste- not only was her goddess counting on her, but the use of such an illegal spell had surely garnered her some unwanted attention, and she wasn't one to simply wait for trouble to find her.

Slipping her necessary belongings into her pack, Arya ducked out into the night, heading for the stables. While she had never been particularly adept at stealth due to her heritage, she did not find a need for it this night. Her short jog to her steed's stall was uneventful, other than the waves of exhaustion and nausea that persisted in the aftermath of her spell.

"Icarus, come on-" she beckoned in a hushed command, clicking her tongue a few times. The large, flame-lapped griffin sauntered out of his pen, his beak extending in a wide yawn.

"I see you've maintained your sense of urgency, hm?" She chided him with sarcasm before exhaling a small chuckle.

"Come then, we've not much time before -" It was as if her unspoken words had manifested, prompting a frustrated hiss as a guard rounded the corner on patrol.

"Go, go, go!" She whisper-yelled, hopping onto the griffins back as it began its takeoff gallop. The thumping of it's footsteps alerted the guard, but as he called out to the pair, they were already in the air, soaring away from a place Arya had once dreamed of being. As she watched her post disappear into the distance, Arya couldn't help but reflect on how quickly a dream could change and how oft they turned out to be nothing more than a fantasy.

Even still, as the wind whipped her hair and all within her vision was sky, the buzz of cautious excitement was palpable. The thoughts of her position and the consequences of desertion were left behind with the barracks. All that remained to her now was the future and what it might hold.

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After flying through the night, a familair sight sprawled out below- the city she had seen in her vision. With a sharp whistle, Arya directed Icarus downward, and the two began their descent. The blazing duo appeared to the few waking onlookers like a streaking comet against the dark cobalt sky, the sight certainly conspicuous.

Arya could not mind the stray looks any less, entirely honed on finding the blur of purple her vision had promised. It wasn't long until she spotted it, circling the area a few times before finally landing.

She slid from her steed's back with a practiced grace, heavy boots sounding with a thump against the dirt. She did not approach the tent, however, opting to simply stare at it. It was funny to her, the fact that she had just spent hours trying to find it, amd yet, now that she was here...

"...Hello? " Her mouth spoke before her brain gave it permission, and she instantly cringed at the choice of word.

'Hello? Really? A good hundred kilometers and all you could concoct in your addled mind is-' she thought to herself, though the stream of consciousness was again rudely interrupted by her far too eager mouth.

"Pardon the early intrusion, but might I speak with you?"

'Well... At the very least, that one was polite...'

{ @fortune-feather }

[fordcrownvictoria]

The Snowman Who Danced and Died: A Reflective Essay on Erich Wolfgang Korngold’s Der Schneemann

I. Musical Architecture in a Child’s Hand: A Technical Analysis of Structure and Texture

Though composed by Erich Wolfgang Korngold at the astonishing age of 11, Der Schneemann (The Snowman) is not a mere juvenile curiosity. Structurally, the piece reflects a nascent mastery of form, motivic development, and a particularly refined approach to orchestration that anticipates Korngold’s later operatic and cinematic triumphs. Despite its format as a ballet-pantomime, the work unfolds with the logic and cohesion of a symphonic tone poem, shaped by dramatic intent and sophisticated harmonic language.

Form and Narrative Architecture

Der Schneemann follows a ternary macro-structure (A–B–A′) with embedded episodes, functioning somewhat like a programmatic suite but with fluid transitions rather than clear-cut movements. The opening "A" section introduces the thematic material—a bright, scampering dance for the snowman, presented in 6/8 time and centered around G major, which functions as a psychological “home key” of innocence and magic.

This theme is structurally polythematic rather than monothematic, with two secondary ideas appearing in quick succession: a lyrical rising motif in the oboe and flute, and a syncopated descending figure in the clarinet, possibly representing the children’s anticipation. These themes are organically developed throughout the piece via fragmentation, sequence, and re-orchestration.

The central “B” section (often referred to as the dramatic core of the ballet) modulates through chromatic mediants—from G major to B♭ minor, then D♭ major, and E minor—employing enharmonic pivots rather than traditional dominant relationships. This harmonic scheme is strikingly advanced, relying on non-functional chromaticism that prefigures Korngold’s late-Romantic modernism. In this section, contrapuntal textures and expanded instrumentation appear, including divisi strings, muted trombones, and celesta interjections that create a surreal and shadowed environment.

The return of the "A′" section is not a literal recapitulation but a transformed reappearance of earlier material, now tinged with nostalgia and decay. The snowman’s theme returns in E minor—the distant relative of G major—and is harmonized with dissonant extensions (minor ninths, diminished sevenths) that signal his impending demise. This manipulation of motivic contour combined with modal inflection is one of the most remarkable features of the piece.

Motivic Development and Transformation

Korngold’s early use of leitmotivic technique is nothing short of remarkable. The snowman’s theme, a staccato dotted-rhythm figure ascending a minor sixth and falling a fourth, is a quasi-scherzando motive first stated in the violins and later presented in woodwinds and brass. Over time, this motive is:

Inverted (melodic shape reversed) in the bassoons and horns

Augmented rhythmically (doubled note values) during the snowman’s dance

Dissolved into descending chromatic fragments at his melting, mimicking physical disintegration

The children’s theme, on the other hand, remains mostly diatonic and rhythmically regular—serving as a stabilizing anchor against the snowman’s increasing harmonic volatility.

Notably, there’s an unstated third motive associated with time and entropy—perhaps not a theme in the melodic sense, but a recurring harmonic gesture: descending whole-tone chords (frequently in the strings) that disrupt thematic clarity. This anticipates Korngold’s use of harmonic foreshadowing in his later operas such as Die tote Stadt.

Orchestration and Timbre as Dramatic Function

The orchestration of Der Schneemann is not just decorative—it is narratively integral. Korngold assigns thematic material to specific instrumental families, reinforcing character and scene. The snowman’s entrance, for example, is scored with glissandi harp, celesta, and muted high strings, creating a glittering aural frost. The antagonist’s material—heavily brassy, clustered in low registers—utilizes quartal harmonies and parallel minor triads for a threatening presence.

The composer also exhibits early understanding of Klangfarbenmelodie—the technique of passing a melodic line across different instruments for coloristic variety. This is especially evident in the snowman’s farewell, where a plaintive variation of the main theme is handed from English horn to solo violin to horn, each adding an emotional shade.

Dynamic contours are finely sculpted: sudden subito pianos, terraced crescendos, and textural thinning align perfectly with shifts in mood and choreography. Korngold even employs metric displacement (e.g., accenting off-beats in 6/8 to create metric ambiguity), especially in transitional passages where magical or uncanny effects are desired.

II. A Frosted Tale: Romanticism in a Melting World

At its heart, Der Schneemann is a tender narrative about innocence, imagination, and impermanence. The storyline—two children build a snowman who magically comes to life, dances joyously, and then melts—is deceptively simple. But through Korngold’s music, it acquires the emotional weight of a miniature Romantic tragedy.

The snowman is not just a whimsical figure but a projection of the children’s dreams, a totem of joy conjured by belief. His vitality, defined musically by shimmering textures and infectious dance rhythms, is ultimately unsustainable. His death is not violent but inevitable, as natural as the changing of seasons. The melting—portrayed with descending chromaticism and thinning orchestration—becomes a poignant metaphor for transience itself.

There is a deep sense of loss, even grief, in the final bars—not just for the children, but for the ephemeral beauty the snowman represented. This aligns Korngold’s tale with the broader fin-de-siècle aesthetic, where beauty is often fleeting, and magic is tinged with melancholy. The emotional arc feels distinctly Romantic, despite its brevity and youthful origins: joy, wonder, loss, and the quiet persistence of memory.

III. A Legacy in a Snowdrift: Rediscovery and Relevance

Der Schneemann enjoyed immediate success when premiered in Vienna in 1910, and it helped propel Korngold into the spotlight, gaining the endorsement of Gustav Mahler himself. Yet today, it remains overshadowed by his later operas (Die tote Stadt, Violanta) and his influential film scores (The Adventures of Robin Hood, King’s Row).

The piece's relative obscurity may be due to its unusual form—a ballet-pantomime too short for a full evening, too intricate for casual performance. But as modern audiences re-evaluate early 20th-century composers beyond the dominant modernist narrative, Der Schneemann has begun to reclaim its place as a remarkable early work by a prodigious voice. It exemplifies the transitional moment between Romanticism and modernity, Viennese sweetness and psychological disquiet.

In a cultural climate increasingly attuned to themes of impermanence, nostalgia, and the innocence of childhood, Korngold’s snowman speaks again. His joyful dance and inevitable melting feel oddly prescient—a symbol not only of fleeting wonder, but of art’s ability to freeze, however briefly, the warmth of human imagination in the coldest hour.

[study-with-aura]

Friday, April 24, 2025

I ended up deciding to volunteer for only two hours today instead of my usual three, so I could still go today but have an extra hour to complete things. I don't know whether I will be posting tomorrow or not, as we are having a sleepover at my place for the GS Seniors to work on a badge. It's one that we have to complete at night, so it makes it easier to have everyone stay over at our place since we hold our meetings here, and we have the extra space. It's only H, E, and me, and they usually sleep in my bed with me since it accommodates the three of us. But the extra bathrooms are the helpful part. I'm excited for the sleepover since we haven't had one in a while. We didn't do it during cookie season this year since we did our cookie season a bit differently than last year. The other levels still did the booth, but we did regular word of mouth as it was easier this time around.

I also got my lit book from the library, so I can start doing physical notes with post-its. While I can't highlight in it like I do on the ebook, this is easier to see visually all at once rather than trying to scroll through all of my notes. Plus, it's kind of fun. I did decide on my literary analysis topic (working title): Haunted by Slavery: Gothic Horror and Moral Decay in Uncle Tom’s Cabin. I wanted to focus on comparison to Gothic literature since there are a lot of gothic elements in the novel, but I also really liked the moral hypocrisy aspect of it, where slaveholders twist the Bible to fit the context they want rather than reading it in the context of the Biblical period itself and the actual moral values the Bible teaches. There is so much Christian hypocrisy happening in this novel when focused on the South (but even in the North through Ophelia) that it felt too good a topic to ignore. And in a way, it does fit the gothic style as well because they use Scripture as psychological entrapment and to condone the evilness of slavery by saying that God wanted it this way, which is not true at all if you actually know the Bible. So I've combined the two.

My current working thesis: In Uncle Tom’s Cabin, Harriet Beecher Stowe employs Gothic conventions within the Southern plantation setting to construct a landscape of psychological torment and moral decay. This literary framework allows her to critique the institution of slavery not only as a system of physical oppression, but also as a reflection of the spiritual and ethical contradictions embedded in antebellum society.

Thoughts? Does it sound interesting to you? My mom is an English/French lit university professor, so I never feel I'm quite meeting her standards, but that's my perception, not hers. Plus, I'm still in high school. I think it's okay if I'm not writing at the college level just yet, since I still have two more years to go, but I am very excited about this topic! 🦄

Tasks Completed:

Algebra 2 - Reviewed systems of linear equations and inequalities

American Literature - Vocabulary quiz (100%) + copied vocabulary words + read about transitions + continued working on the final project

Spanish 3 - Read more about informal commands + practice quiz + completed virtual worksheet

Bible 2 - Read Mark 3

Early American History - Read about the impeachment of Johnson + worked on my final paper

Earth Science with Lab - Completed Milky Way lab + completed virtual lab report

PE/Health II - Read an article on what happens in the brain when the mind blanks

Art Appreciation - Completed daily critiquing assignment on Paul Cézanne's The House with Cracked Walls + read about the painting + jotted down notes about how to recognize a Cézanne, his style, and his philosophy + reviewed artists to this point

Khan Academy - Completed Algebra 2 daily mastery challenge

Duolingo - Studied for approximately 15 minutes (Spanish + French + Chinese) + completed daily quests

Piano - Practiced for two hours

Reading - Read chapters 36-40 of Uncle Tom’s Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe (second read-through)

Chores - Vacuumed my bedroom, the study, and the front room + swept and mopped the kitchen floor

Activities of the Day:

Personal Bible Study (Proverbs 4:23)

Group Bible Study (1 Chronicles 3-5)

Volunteered 2 hours at the mission

Ballet

Variations

Journal/Mindfulness

[ask-kombaealm]

Dorm Hierarchy & Ranking System

The dorm’s ranking system is built around strength, elemental mastery, and combat prowess. Every student’s rank reflects their skill, discipline, and dedication to the principles of the Kamidogu.

1. Dorm Leader (The Supreme Champion)/Fuyuki Hayami

• The strongest warrior in the dorm, chosen through combat trials and elemental mastery.

• Wields the Dorm Sigil, signifying ultimate authority.

• Has final say on dorm affairs, duels, and punishments.

• Can issue Elemental Challenges to test a student’s worthiness.

2. Vice Dorm Leader (The Guardian of Balance)/Harumi Hideako

• Second-in-command, acting as an advisor to the Dorm Leader.

• Oversees training, dorm discipline, and rank promotions.

• Resolves disputes between students and enforces the Dorm Rules.

• Often specializes in a different element than the Dorm Leader to maintain balance.

3. The Elemental Champions (Elite Fighters of the Kamidogu)

• There are six Champions, each representing a different Kamidogu Element:

• Fire Champion – The aggressive enforcer of the dorm.

• Water Champion – The strategist and adaptive fighter.

• Earth Champion – The defensive wall of the dorm.

• Air Champion – The swiftest and most unpredictable warrior.

• Darkness Champion – A master of deception and shadows.

• Light Champion – A warrior of precision and unwavering discipline.

• Champions act as mentors to students specializing in their element.

• Only the most skilled fighters can claim these titles, often through tournaments or duels.

4. Upper-Rank Warriors (Elite Disciples)

• Students who have proven themselves in combat and elemental mastery.

• Assigned leadership roles, overseeing training of lower-ranked members.

• Can challenge Elemental Champions to claim their title.

5. General Dorm Members (Aspirants & Trainees)

• New recruits and lower-ranked students still proving themselves.

• Expected to train hard and participate in dorm activities.

• Must pass trials to move up in rank.

6. Trial Initiates (Freshmen & Unranked Students)

• Newcomers who must prove their worth before being assigned an element.

• Required to complete the Initiation Trials to earn their first rank.

• Have no elemental affiliation until they pass.

Promotion System

• Students must challenge higher-ranked members in Elemental Duels.

• The Dorm Leader & Vice Dorm Leader oversee promotions.

• Champions can only be replaced by defeating the current Champion in a Rite of Combat.

• Breaking dorm rules or failing trials can result in demotions.

This system ensures constant competition, honor, and growth within the dorm, making it a true warrior's domain.

[thesims4blogger]

The Sims 4: New Game Patch (March 20th, 2025)

EA has just shared a small game update for The Sims 4 fixing a few bugs. You can find the patch notes below.

If you have auto updates enabled in Origin’s “Application Settings”, the game will auto-update once you open Origin. If you have auto-updates disabled, you will need to manually update by clicking the game in your library.

To ensure your game is up to date, check the game version found in Documents > EA > The Sims 4 > GameVersion.txt. Your game should now read: PC: 1.113.297.1020 / Mac: 1.113.297.1220 / Console: 2.11.

Sul Sul, Simmers!

We’ve pulled together a series of fixes and adjustments based on your feedback to make sure everything is running smoothly.

Thank you for your reports on the EA Forums and we hope you are enjoying Businesses & Hobbies!

–The Sims 4 Team

Bug Fixes

Base Game / Multipack

[EA Forums] Sims will now be paid hourly based on their Skill Level for offering Paid Mentoring, regardless of which packs you own.

[EA Forums] The locked camera position has been removed from the Bracelet category of Accessories in Create a Sim, now you can zoom in and out with ease.

We have advised the Burglar to avoid stealing certain objects which can’t be added back into household inventories. Your toilet stalls (and more) are now safe from being irretrievably stolen.

Cats & Dogs / Horse Ranch

The buttons to change position in Pelt Paint Mode for Cats, Dogs, and Horses are back. Your Pets can again strike a pose while you paint their harder-to-reach spots.

Businesses & Hobbies

[EA Forums] Customer Sims will now water any plants which need watering when the “Tend Garden” or “Tend and Harvest Garden” Business Activities are set, even those which are placed in planters.

[EA Forums] Employees will no longer remove paintings which are displayed on walls when the “Scrap Crafts” Employee Task is set.

[EA Forums] Ghosts will no longer attend Small Businesses unless they are set as Preferred or Required customers under the Occult Target Customer category.

[EA Forums] Fixed an issue where Group Meals were being listed for sale at the same price as Single Meals. The price for selling food on Retail Displays will now reflect the number of servings.

The projections created by the “Skillful Sleep” Skill Mastery Perk have been instructed to get back to work building skills on appropriate objects.

Fixed an issue where Classes set for employees on the Hobby Whiteboard were being reset after traveling, saving, or loading.

Sims will no longer be able to enter a Small Business lot after closing time. They don’t have to go home, but they can’t stay here.

Adjusted the cost to prepare and sell prices of some Candy Recipes to make them more profitable for sale on Retail Displays in Small Businesses.

Tattoos that contain Custom Content now have the ‘Modded’ indicator in the in-game Gallery to prevent confusion.

Pack Settings are now available for players who own only Base Game and Businesses & Hobbies, allowing you to Enable or Disable Small Business Events.

Notifications about Inaccessible Ticket Kiosks will no longer trigger on lots which aren’t assigned to the Small Business.

Creating a Preset Small Business when buying a Small Business Venue will now show the correct Small Business name in all notifications.

Fixed an issue where the Employee section of the Career Panel did not shrink down correctly when minimized.

The source of the unexplained glowing lights around Nordhaven Train Station has been identified and contained.

Fixed an issue with the Mikro’s Ribbon Mic microphone stand disappearing when zooming out.

Resolved an issue with a pair of trousers (ymBottom_EP18Chain) expanding in unexpected areas when the stomach body slider was adjusted.

[tideandtale]

Mastery Journal Entry: Reflecting on Business Venture Research Class

Going into m Business Venture Research class, my main goal was to get the understanding of how to properly do research and learn the different research methods while learning and evaluating how to launch a successful business. I was using this class as a way to develop the skills I needed to be in marketing, and how to learn about the trends within my writing industry. I also wanted to learn about the structure of my own business idea with using real data from people who already did the research, and I just had to find it to see how well I would pair off in my field.

Needless to say, this course met my expectation because it equipped me with the tools on how to conduct research with valid resources on different aspects of my writing business. I looked at many different case studies, I read different articles, and the assignments I did helped me assess the market demand and how I should refine my business model to make it better, and how to make it stand out above the others.

The key takeaway from this course would be how important it is to actually do research and make sure its thorough before putting your business out there. You want to make sure you stay on top trends and that there is a demand in the market for your business. Some of the readings I found extremely useful would be:

The Five Cs of Opportunity Identification: The five Cs would be Customer needs, competition, context, and capabilities. These principles had given me a structured format to visualize when creating my business idea.

Business Research Methods by Naval Bajpai: Specifically I want to talk about chapter 1. The chapter went over the differences between basic and applied research. The purpose of these two types of research is to help you decide to develop or contribute your knowledge. It went over the importance of the techniques and procedures for doing the research.

Startup Opportunities by Brad Feld and Sean Wise: This is another noteworthy resource I found helpful. In Chapter 3 it talks about the criteria for an opportunity. An idea but be durable, timely, attractive and it has to add value to the buyer. If it doesn't meet these four criteria's then there is no opportunity, and it won't be successful.

The Lean Startup by Eric Ries: This reading had given me an understanding about the methodology of the Lean Startup. It had focused on creating products and get feedback from customers so that we could better our business and products. This approach would be essential or me simply because with my content creation I want to create content people want, and in order to do that I would need to gather my reader's and clients feedback. It's essential to my success.

In my business, I would utilize the skills I learned in this class and apply al of the research methods and evaluations so that I can make my freelance business better and more appealing to my clients. More importantly, I would utilize the Five Cs of Opportunity Identification so I can better understand the market, trends, clients, and my readers. This would help strengthen my confidence in my ability to do proper research but also help me gain the knowledge for my writing. This class has helped me make better decisions and gave me the kills I needed to help me during my decision-making process and how to properly find opportunities for my business.

Mastery Journal

[meridien-moonquills]

Year 5. Visiting Anne Sallow

As the crisp November air rushes by, signaling the end of another semester, the looming holiday season brings with it a never-ending stream of daunting essays and overwhelming homework assignments. And as if that weren't enough, Vianka and Sebastian find themselves constantly embroiled in battles against their enemies. Amidst all this chaos and responsibility, they struggle to balance their academic endeavors, studying tirelessly for Professor Fig's notoriously challenging assignments while also finding moments of respite in the dimly lit, emerald-toned Slytherin common room

The absence of Ominis from the trio has sparked rumors and gossip among the students. Malfoy made a snide comment, saying that “it was good to see that despite his blindness, Ominis could still recognize someone as unworthy as a mudblood." Lestrange added that “this was a relief, now, I could send an owl to my father claiming that Ominis was back to normal”. Vianka, though saddened by having to part ways with Ominis, could see that this separation had a positive effect on him. For the past year, he had tirelessly defended her in front of her parents, and now at least one family is at peace. After all, I was just a mudblood in their eyes

Tensions had risen between Sebastian, Vianka, and Ominis. Sebastian felt a twinge of guilt for teasing Vianka and Ominis - perhaps I had crossed a line. But how could I make amends? He was at a loss, unsure where he went wrong and when he should apologize to Ominis.

Meanwhile, Vianka reflected on her initial goals in Hogwarts: I need to accumulate enough wealth to support my family and help them rise out of poverty. She was determined not to let any love story sway her from this path. After all, Ominis was a Slytherin heir - there was no way he would give up his throne and leave his kingdom behind to run away with a mudblood like her.

Ominis watched as his oldest friend Sebastian fell deeply for Vianka and she just throw him out of her life. But just after their intimate moment during the birthday and Halloween dance party, it was as if Vianka had already forgotten about him. Ominis couldn't help to think perhaps she only chose me out of pity due to my disability, as no other girls showed interest in me.

His suspicions were further confirmed when he found out that Imelda had spiked her pumpkin juice, causing her sudden excitement and invitations to do unspeakable things with him that night.

Feeling lost and shattered, Ominis sought out Anne for guidance. As a girl, maybe she could offer him a different perspective on Vianka's recent actions, of which he was completely clueless about. Even if Anne couldn't provide any solutions, at least he needed a shoulder to cry on.

***

Meanwhile, Sebastian and Vianka had completed their final task of subduing the Trolls for the villagers. With Vianka's newfound mastery of transfiguration and ancient magic, she was now able to complement Sebastian's impulsive fighting style. She summoned a nearby boulder with an accio spell and quickly transformed it into exploding barrels. As they enlarged in size, she hurled them at the Trolls' heads with precision. Sebastian beamed with pride as he applauded her. "Well done, well done! Finally, my training has paid off!" Vianka laughed and replied, "I couldn't have improved my dueling skills without your help!"

Sebastian waved his hand and a magical tent appeared before them. "Let's go inside," he said, gesturing towards the entrance. "We can clean up, eat some food, gather some flowers, and then head to Feldcroft to see my sister." Vianka hesitated, "Does your sister really want to see me? If this is a family event, I don't want to intrude. Your time with her is important." Sebastian reassured her, "Don't be silly, darling! I've told her so much about you in my letters. She's been begging me to introduce you to her. She would love to meet you." Vianka smiled and nodded, "I hope we can become friends." Sebastian chuckled, "Of course! You two will get along famously."

"Sebastian, what are your sister's preferences? Her personality? Her appearance? Her dreams before being cursed? I never took the time to truly understand her. Please forgive my self-absorption," Vianka reflected on how she tends to talk more than she listens, despite having two ears and only one mouth.

Sebastian patted her on the back and reassured her, "Don't worry about it, sweetie… The girl just looked like a female version of me but pale. Despite being cursed and enduring immense pain, she still managed to be playful and fun, always with a smile on her face. However, there were many differences between us... She was more similar to Ominis in many ways. Mostly they loved indoor activities such as playing gobstones, cooking. Also, they both loved cleanliness and order, while I enjoy making a mess. They also enjoyed attending classical music concerts and even won a dance competition a few times. On the contrary, we excel at rocking out and jumping around erratically."

Vianka suddenly filled her emotion bags with tension and many bad voice whispered her brain now. Good, now that Anne could cook and dance beautifully without tripling and stepping the dance partners’ feet, something that I am incapable of… Perhaps, Anne was destinied for Ominis… Afterall the three of them have closed relationships each other, there won't be any impossibility that Ominis will be attracted to Anne.

Vianka tried to maintain a calm expression as she asked, "Do Anne and Ominis both excel in dancing? Does Anne also play the piano like Ominis?" She hoped her words wouldn't give away her feelings and raise suspicion from Sebastian.

“They will work well together when Anne plays the violin. Our parents taught us classical music, and Anne excels at it. I, on the other hand, struggle a bit... you know how it is.”

Vianka's heart sank as she realized, Oh, Ominis and Anne were a perfect match

“Does she have similar behavior to Ominis? Does she also tend to adhere strictly to rules and maintain a strong moral code?”

Sebastian's grin widened, "What are you saying? Am I the rebel with a lax moral code?"

Vianka said flatly, "Sebastian, we are aware of our true identities, aren't we?"

“Yes, darling… that's it, they were always in sync with each other. Anne seemed to trust Ominis more than me, her twin brother. And unfortunately, Ominis often took Anne's advice over mine, even though I had been his closest friend for years. And please don't mention to Anne that we exhausted every possible avenue, from white magic to dark magic, from stones to ancient spells, in our search for a cure for her. She wouldn't appreciate it."

"It's not a problem. If something were to happen to my brother, I would do the same as you," Vianka responded.

Sebastian messed up Vianka's hair with a grin. "Thanks, sweetie" he said. "We have a great understanding."

"That's why you love me so much, isn't it?"

“That is true, my queen... If your love affair with Ominis doesn't work out, you can always come to me and force me to marry you instead. You have my words..", Sebastian reached Vianka hands, squeezed them, and then kissed them in the back, pretend to be a prince

"Do not let your imagination run wild. Remember, even though I am helping you, you are still under my employ."

Sebastian put on his best surrender face and knelt before her. " Yes my princess, You are such a strong, dominant woman," he said. "I would love to be your submissive."

Vianka rolled her eyes at Sebastian and gave a playful push to his chest. She could see the mischief in his expression and the dramatic way he knelt before her, grinning like a fool. “Stop, you’re such drama king”

Sebastian's laughter is infectious, filling the room with joy and mirth, his voice echoing against the walls as he continues to roll on the floor, “Yes I am the drama king but you are my queen”

***

Sebastian opened the door to his house in Feldcroft, gesturing for Vianka to come inside. She carried a bucket filled with Lily of the Valley, small and delicate white blooms that hung from slender stems with an alluring scent. Vianka had chosen these flowers after learning about Anne's personality from Sebastian; which similar to Ominis's.

As they approached the house, instead of seeing Anne and Uncle Sollomon inside, they found her with Ominis. The two were talking intimately, sitting close together and sharing a meal that they may have cooked themselves. Vianka couldn't help but think that the food smelled delicious unlike my own cooking abilities

Ominis jumped in surprise, unable to conceal his startlement as Vianka and Sebastian entered the old stone house.

Sebastian let out a sigh, clearly relieved to have found his friend. "Hey there, buddy. We've been searching for you everywhere!" Ominis remained silent, the tension between the two boys palpable.

As the tension in the room grew, Sebastian attempted to ease it by changing the subject. "Anne, this is my darling Vianka," he said with a smile. Anne reciprocated the smile and opened her arms to greet Vianka. "You're like a living doll, so beautiful, Im so pity you must stand my brother" she exclaimed. Vianka handed a flower to Anne, who was amazed. "How did you know my favorite flower? Even Sebastian can never guess."

Vianka couldn't help feeling jealous as she watched Ominis sitting closely to Anne, but she couldn't deny that she likes Anne personality.

“Sebastian mentioned to me how you differ from him,” Vianka began, gesturing towards Ominis. “He said you enjoy indoor activities like dancing and playing classical music, and that you have a passion for cooking and keeping things clean and orderly. He also mentioned your strong moral code, which is just like his.” Despite her glare, she attempted a sincere smile. “I believe those traits would be a good fit for this,” she pointed at the flowers.

Anne let out a loud laugh and patted Sebastian's shoulder. Sebastian gave a small smirk, but Ominis was feeling anxious. "That's exactly how my twin brother told you about me," she said.

"Did you actually not like it?" Vianka asked, curious about her reaction.

“Not that Ominis!” Anne said, “I was actually just trying to avoid him," Anne was gesturing towards Sebastian. "He's the real troublemaker here." Vianka joined in on the laughter, while Sebastian grinned and retorted, "Sis, you're overreacting... I'm an innocent and obedient kid, how could you accuse me like that? Sweetheart, do not believe my sister" The two girls continued laughing even harder.

Anne invited Vianka to join her and Ominis for Butterbeer at the dining table. Instead, Ominis chose to listen in on their girl talk rather than joining Sebastian for a drink of firewhisky in front of the fireplace.

Sitting side by side, the girls took turns braiding each other's hair. Anne admired Vianka's long, black locks and radiant complexion and joked, "If you keep this up, a prince charming might come knocking." But Vianka replied, "There's no time for love when I have to focus on building my fortune." The girls hugged in agreement before continuing their bonding session.

"I heard about what happened to you from Sebastian," Vianka said, her voice full of sympathy. "I'm so sorry... I hope you can find a way out of it." Anne reached over and gently brushed Vianka's hair as she replied, "It was a while ago. I've learned to cope with it now. When the pain hits, I just have to let go and accept it." She opened up about her vulnerability to Vianka in that moment.

Vianka was saying, "Now I understand why Sebastian never gave up and worked tirelessly day and night to find a solution." Vianka responded from the heart, "He did? Why would he sacrifice his youth?" To which Anne replied, "No, he was right from the beginning to never give up on you, Anne. If anything were to happen to my brother, I would do the same for him. And now, if there's anything you need, I will do everything in my power to help you." Vianka held Anne's hands in a show of empathy and emotional support.

“Thank you, Vianka,” said Anne gratefully. “Please take care of my brother while I'm gone. Now I understand why so many boys are drawn to you. You're more than just a pretty face; you have a big heart and an amazing personality.” Vianka was confused by the compliment. “So many boys? Who would fall for me? I'm a stubborn and calculating witch who can't even cook...ha ha ha,” she teased. “Oh, there was someone else, but I won't say his name,” Anne said slyly, avoiding Ominis' disapproving gaze. “And another one was Duncan Hobbhouses...”

Vianka gasped "Duncan? Duncan who?" she asked Anne, her curiosity piqued. She turned to Ominis. "He's your arch-enemy, right?" Ominis sighed and struggled to find the right words.

Anne, who had been listening in on their conversation, chimed in with interest. "So Duncan and Ominis have a history," she remarked.

Sebastian joined in, adding more fuel to the fire. "Their fights were intense and fueled by a deep-seated resentment." Vianka was confused. "But Anne, I don't think Duncan ever had any interest in me. He only asked for my help once, to obtain a venomous tentacula's leaf." Sebastian nodded knowingly. "That's why he gave you a heart-shaped stone inside the knut pouch, darling." Vianka was surprised. "Sebastian, how did you know that?" He shrugged casually. "I am your employee which did your basic accounting and calculated the revenue from that transaction."

Anne continued, "So, Amit-" but she was cut off by Vianka's interjection, "No, Amit was a dear friend". Sebastian chimed in, "My sweetheart, Amit generously provided us with an ancient interpretation of Gobbledegook while we were searching for treasure,… and dont forget he let go to you a telescope worth 50 Galleons for free". Vianka let out a sigh and turned to Sebastian, "Why are you always so calculating?" Sebastian replied, "I'm just following your example, princess". Anne laughing hard.

Ominis suddenly locked eyes with Anne, silencing her instantly. "Sebastian, Uncle Sollomon is here. Let's not cause any unnecessary commotion," she said. Sebastian quickly got up and left the group, disappearing into the snowy night.

Anne instructed, "Vianka, please follow Sebastian. He will be arguing with our Uncle, who he despised deeply. I trust in your negotiation skills and know that you can handle this." Vianka wasted no time and quickly left the house to catch up with Sebastian.

Only Ominis and Anne remained in the house. Ominis turned to her, pleading, "Can you finally support my narrative now? It’s clear they truly love each other, isn’t it?" His shoulders slumped in despair.

"Ominis, it's clear that she has feelings for you. She seemed jealous when entering this house," Ominis interjected. "But you heard that! Sebastian calling her 'darling', ‘sweetie’, ‘my queen’, ‘princess’ and leaning in to kiss her." Anne asked, "Did you actually see them kissing? And how many other girls have my brothers called darling in the past?"

Ominis wasn't sure. "Please, Anne, I ask for honesty. Don’t simply tell me what you think I wish to hear. It’s evident that she believes Sebastian is better suited to accompany her on their adventures. She loves him in return."

"I don't understand why you're so hard on yourself, but she and Sebastian have a mutually beneficial relationship. They have amassed a fortune together for their own purposes," Anne replied. Ominis still couldn't shake his doubts and slumped his shoulders.

"Ominis, After telling you my little secret, do you doubt me now?" Ominis' eyes filled with hope once again as he shook his head, resembling a happy puppy. He followed Sebastian and Vianka outside. His smile ear to ear, forget that he was once sad.

With a smirk, Anne pulled her hidden book out from under her pillow. "Living with Legilimens," she thought to herself, channeling Sebastian's expression when he had mischief on his mind.

"Ominis, Merlin I never thought he was a slave for love… I have a spicy story to share with you, Sebastian," she said coyly, mimicking his tone and intent. She immediate craft her next gossip owl to Sebastian.

[bagalois]

100 days of productivity -- 8/100

jan 26, 2025

✔ did my combinatorics reading assignment and classroom discussion prompt

daily click

that's it. it was so hard. i needed to ask my friend to basically carry me through the process of thinking outside of the box (the box being the contents of this text). but i got through it in the end....

i really seriously truly need to get better at thinking creatively / asking good questions about stuff. its a skill i've neglected, i don't know why i didn't realize this sooner, but it's obviously really important to know how to ask questions if you're gonna be a researcher

the assignment was to read section 1.1 of "enumerative combinatorics" by richard p stanley and to post a question to the class that reflects having thought deeply about the material. other students wrote stuff like "if you apply this to that then you get this ugly formula, but when you put it into desmos and wolfram alpha, blah blah blah" or "stanley's proof is extremely convoluted, when the one i came up with works much better and is also a counting argument, so why does he use generating functions here in the first place?"

i believe my professor is asking us to think one step above just learning the material, we need to consider applications and nuances and stuff. with a lot of guidance from my (music/physics) friend, i managed to cobble some kind of... minimally presentable ideas? i was like "i don't have much experience with these rings/fields structures and i know stanley says you should know the structure to know the combinatorial significance, but i just don't have that background so. that's not obvious to me" and "stanely says convergence of sequences and composition of functions are linked and significant but i don't really get it" UGHH idek man i felt like cringing and dying when i uploaded my discussion post for the entire classroom to see because i posted directly after all the smarter answers

i dont think they are deep or reflect deep thought though. like, it's deep compared to what i'm used to but it's not the same level as the rest of my classmates obviously. and it's not like i'm not working through the reading I DID THE READING I WORKED THE MATHEMATICS i just, idk i kinda grew up avoiding authority figures and figuring out everything myself. i don't know how to ask things that aren't literally verbatim "why is it like this"

most things in this world is a haze of everything i don't know. mathematics just happens to be especially friendly to people who are confused all the time, because it is consistent with internal structure, and because even mathematicians are confused a lot of the time. it just turns out, as you get more mature, you are supposed to get better at being more precise about your confusion. not a giant blanket of confusion but more like a thin cloud of confusion that has a definite shape that you can point to and know things about how uncertain you are. idk i hope future me understands my point here when you read this again.

in a moment of weakness i wondered if i might be forced to drop the course because my mathematical maturity is not up to par. it would be really mean of my prof to say i shouldn't be in the class though, and even if someone said i shouldn't be there i would say their lack of understanding and kindness means they don't deserve a spot either.

i'm taking a class because i'm supposed to learn a skill, not already demonstrate mastery of it. i just started a little further behind than the other geniuses.

sigh. i have class tomorrow. i look forwards to hearing what my professor says about all of our questions.

[beardedmrbean]

Vacuum vessel sectors for the world's largest fusion project, made in South Korea, have been delivered to the construction site in Cadarache, France.

Four of the nine vacuum vessel sectors for the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) were built in South Korea by Hyundai Heavy Industries at its large shipyard in Ulsan.

Vacuum vessels will improve radiation shielding and plasma stability by providing a high vacuum environment for the plasma. The fusion reactions will be housed in the vessel, which will also offer access to remote handling procedures.

South Korea was originally assigned two ITER vacuum vessel sectors but took on two more in 2016, increasing its responsibility to four.

Precision welding mastery

The ITER vacuum vessel plays a crucial role in nuclear fusion, creating the high-vacuum environment needed to sustain ultra-high-temperature plasma.

Weighing 5,000 tons, this massive structure is composed of nine sectors and features 44 ports for key functions like diagnostics, remote handling, heating, and fuelling. With an interior volume of 1,400 m³, the vessel offers a unique experimental arena for advancing fusion research.

Constructed in four segments per sector, the assembly process involves over 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) of precision welding. Maintaining tolerances within a few millimeters is essential to ensure the proper integration of internal components, reflecting the advanced fabrication and engineering required for such a complex structure. Its double steel walls are equipped with circulating cooling water to dissipate heat generated during operations efficiently.

The vessel’s interior is lined with actively cooled blanket modules, providing shielding from high-energy neutrons produced by fusion reactions. Some modules will also support future studies by testing materials for tritium breeding concepts, a step vital for sustaining fusion power.

According to the National Research Council of Science and Technology, by facilitating plasma confinement in a high-energy regime, the ITER vacuum vessel represents a landmark achievement in fusion technology, pushing the boundaries of sustainable energy development.

Thermal shielding breakthrough

The first vacuum vessel sector for ITER was delivered to ITER in August 2020 after it was taken off the assembly line in April 2020. The final sector sailed on August 24, 2024, and it went through the ITER gates after circumnavigating the Cape of Good Hope at the southern tip of Africa and continuing north to the Strait of Gibraltar and into the Mediterranean.

Work started on the first of the four enormous components in October 2012. Two six-meter steel slabs that were 60 millimeters thick were shaped using high-pressure water jet cutting.

The press forming was followed by heat treatment to relieve internal metal tension, machining, welding, drilling (hundreds of holes, at 11 hours per hole), and finally assembling and welding the four segments and set of ports that make up the finalized vacuum vessel sector.

ITER noted that two layers of thermal shielding are placed between the vacuum vessel and cryostat to reduce heat transfer from warm components to those operating at 4.5K, like the magnets. This setup decreases heat loads by over two orders of magnitude, ensuring the cryoplant can manage the residual heat with a practical capacity.