elnysa | voice; un: catalyst

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voice; un: catalyst

While I would think - I should think - to ask about how we've all managed living so far, here, instead I find myself gravitating to another question.

Can you tell me about the magic in your worlds? The magic we've brought with us?

I'd like to write a collection of this.

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I'm relieved to hear it. [Something like a smile eases his expression.] Knowing mine isn't the only nation without it.

But your nation has managed without it, so I would think it hardly needs it.

Managing without something and not needing it are not the same.

Our nation has managed without a government that serves the people instead of itself. It nevertheless needs one.

You want a Sacrifice, then, not a king.

[After a pause as he considers it-] Sacrifice?

There is a land, bordering the country I was raised in, that has no king. Instead they have a leader they call Sacrifice, who is raised with the understanding that they are a servant to their people. They may judge disputes and determine the best course for the nation, but they may also do things like go out during a storm to find a lost child or a wayward goat, to help move felled trees, they may take their entire population into their home in a time of crisis.

It came from a tradition of judges.

[His expression is serious as he considers this. On the one hand: leaders recognising that their duty was to the people is something he thinks is a necessity. On the other-]

There is only ever one at a time? Chosen as a child for their duty as an adult?

Edited 2018-04-12 11:32 (UTC)

Well, it is a small realm. Not even the size of a duchy in population.

[There's a pause.]

I can't say if they're chosen as children. These are questions for Kettricken, and she's still asleep.

[He nods, finding that it makes more sense to have only one for a smaller group of citizens.]

Was there magic involved, do you think? [That's something else he's unsure about. Choosing a ruler shouldn't be left to magic.]

No. Most certainly not that.

Good. [Hm. It's a lot to think about.]

Have you magic yourself?

Yes, but I don't have it reliably.

A strong man has his strength no matter where he is, an intelligent man has his mind. How is magic different?

So a strongly Skilled person might be. But I am not strongly Skilled.

[His eyebrows raise in surprise-] Can you improve through practice? Or is it fixed throughout your life?

[Enjolras has actually found some paper and a pen and is taking notes now. This is fascinating.]

Well. As an intelligent man may learn more, he may not grow more intelligent, simply wiser.

I see. I did not realise magical ability varied so.

[A month ago he'd have blushed to say something so ridiculous. Now it barely registers with a hesitation.]

Well-

I can't say in any other world. But in mine, at least.

[But that stirs something in his mind-]

From what you know of magic, could it influence a man's actions? Make him do things he would not otherwise do?

Oh, yes.

That is one of the most military aspects of the Skill. It might convince a man that he loves something he does not, or make him see things that are not there, or suggest to him that he might do something he would never consider.

Has that happened?

[The scowl is back. He knew it]

I believe so. At a celebration in Wyver some months back. A friend of mine was affected most strangely.

I would think that other worlds might have magic that's similar.

I see.

[For another long moment he's silent, thinking on what he's learned.] In your world, was there any way for men to know if they were being influenced by magic, or to stop its effects?

If they are still influenced, a strong Skill user might see it.

-still? [There's something he hadn't considered.] It lasts more than the time it takes for the magic to...

[He lapses into silence, realising he has no idea what he's asking.]

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badgerlock - 2018-04-19 10:44 (UTC) - Expand

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