video | both courts

[cerebral]

[It's been two days since Charles had regained feeling in his legs again. The note pinned on his door had been vague and at first he'd thought it was another trick, or something temporary. Since then he'd been slipping by invisibly using his telepathy when possible in order to avoid attention while he made sense of the change. Acceptance was still an ongoing process.

But he'd also started to think about contingency plans, which is why he's making his first appearance on the network.]

I'm not exactly equipped for life in this land. Where I'm from, we haven't used horses to get around in seventy-odd years and nobody learns archery or how to swordfight anymore except for sport. It's a bit of a disadvantage, given the circumstances.

So. I need teachers. [The irony of being the pupil for once is not lost on him.] And if you've met me, and you're wondering how - well. That issue seems to have been taken care of.

[He drums his fingers a few times on the table from nervous energy and gives a quick smile. But moving on - ]

In another matter altogether, I would be grateful if anyone would be willing to share with me what magic is like in their world since it's woven into everyday life here and seems to vary so much. It's a new concept for me but I'm interested in learning more if you have the time and the patience.

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[undividing]

[ since charles has met at least one elf before, this one probably isn't much of a shock. of course, she's a little different-- all pale golds, with those unusual (probably ritual) scars on her face, but still. recognizable.

she offers a small, warm smile. ]

I expect that you will hear a hundred different answers regarding magic.

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[cerebral]

[Different, yes, yet possessing another sort of otherworldly beauty. Charles returns the smile.]

Fortunately, I'm willing to hear all of them.

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[undividing]

[ that earns a bright little laugh. ] You must be patient indeed, then. In my world alone, the answer varies from race to race, sometimes from person to person. .. I fear, though, that I will be of little help. For my people, what others call magic is.. is breath, is life. We are tied to the earth, and the earth is a part of us. I think.. it can be quite difficult, explaining something that is so intrinsically a part of you.

[ she lifts her hand, wiggling her fingers lightly. ] Fortunately, should we one day meet in person, I can show you.

[cerebral]

That's a very old idea in some parts of my world - that everyone is connected to the environment and the cosmos, although it's not quite so literal as your circumstances. But the idea of a force that is both external and internal interests me. It's very different for people in my world with extraordinary abilities.

[His smile widens at the finger wiggle.] I'd like that.

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[endurecer]

[ Reyna's very nearly tempted to mention how some people do learn to do just that, but she resists. Instead she has a slight smile betraying her amusement. ]

It's a large disadvantage just when it comes to defending yourself. [ She pauses, wondering if she ought to offer before deciding it wouldn't hurt. ] I'm better with a spear but since I only have my dagger from home— I could teach you how to properly use a sword.

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[cerebral]

Well, I know how to throw a punch. [He's not completely useless. Only about 67%, when you don't include telepathy.]

That sounds very siege of Troy. If you don't mind my asking, how long have you been training? [Because Reyna looks about half his age and his old man pride is delicate.]

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[endurecer]

And that will be very useful if your opponent doesn't a weapon. [ That's a step up from nothing, okay, she'll take it even if she has to mock a bit. ]

I'm partial to siege of Alesia, but siege of Troy works fine. Officially? Four years in a modern Roman legion. Unofficially— longer than that. [ Sixteen year old demigods, man. Any other time and she might be a little offended but— her world isn't everyone else's and she knows that. ]

[cerebral]

To be fair, I don't get into fights very often. [Just the Cold War and changing the future.]

[As for the other part of what Reyna says - ] Ah. [It would be something like that.] Those are impressive qualifications.

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[brainiest]

You know I'm here if you want a lecture of magic from my world, Professor.

[ She pauses, unsure, before - ]

Taken care of?

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[cerebral]

Does that mean you'll be giving me a reading list? [It starts as a joke, but - ] Because actually I wouldn't mind that.

[At Hermione's question, however, he puts a filter on their conversation.] It seems I can walk again.

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[brainiest]

Only if you want one. I do have some of my books from home with me. I could lend you them.

[ Her expression softens, looking pleased, excited. ]

Did you use a boon? Or did someone heal them?

[cerebral]

Any recommendations are welcome. And if you're alright lending something from home, then of course. I promise I'll take good care of them.

[Boons? He shakes his head.]

I haven't done anything to receive a boon. I woke up and found a note pinned to my door a little later. [A frown.] Is that usual? To be given something without earning it.

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[plantboy]

[He doesn't know this man. It's easy to ignore him, but instead Briar's smile is a hint of a mischievous one when he decides to answer.]

It's the reverse for me. Magic's in everything we do. Healers take care of the sick, magic preserves our food, we even have magic enough to tell us what the weather will be.

It's odd to hear all this strange talk of different modes of travel to me. Horses or caravans for us.

[cerebral]

I could explain to you how we do those if you like. I don't know if you've ever heard of them, but I have a friend who helped design and build a prototype of a jet. [Fair's fair.]

[depicted]

Oh, congratulations, Mr Xavier! [He is very happy for him!]

If you should need help learning to ride, I'm already teaching a friend and wouldn't mind helping you as well. It's a great deal of fun besides, and one should learn to get along with one's mount as soon as one can.

[cerebral]

Thank you. [He's thankful for Dorian keeping it short and sweet.]

I'm welcoming any and all help. I haven't ridden a horse since I was a child and I've never really had a lot of exposure to animals. [The horse is probably more afraid of you than you are of it, Charles.]

[depicted]

Animals are far easier company than people; I am certain you will have no trouble with them. [Says the boy raised in the constant company of hunting horses and hounds.] If you like, you might pick a time of day when there is much sunlight left, for when you would like to try.

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[aureinsof]

[Emil brightens up.]

I can teach you about monsters. I form pacts with them all the time. It seems like people don't really know how to deal with them.

As for magic... [He frowns slightly. At least this man doesn't come from a world of magic then. But it's still amazing how many humans can use it here.] ...I can't really use it myself but I know about how it works in my world.

[cerebral]

I'm happy to listen to either. But - pacts with monsters? [That doesn't sound like a metaphor.]

[bethmoras]

You are from the ... modern world? With computers and skyscrapers and everything that entails.

[ You've already met Nuala, Charles. So it shouldn't be too much of a surprise for her twin to pop up on the feed, a thoroughly male version of the princess. ]

[cerebral]

Yes. [Although computers have only recently stopped being the same size as buildings.] It's nineteen-seventy-three where I'm from, if that means anything.

[bethmoras]

[ He shakes his head, strands of pale hair sliding across his shoulders. ]

Not really. The nineteenth of your centuries saw the rise of machines and industry and, as far as I have noticed, the late twentieth isn't much better. Just more advanced. What interests me is your ... acknowledgement of limitations. Not everyone has the intelligence to do so, or seek to correct it.

What kind of weapon are you looking to learn?

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[cinnamoned]

I believe I've some experience in archery and horseback if you need someone to help teach you. Though I suppose more important is congratulations if this means your legs have....recovered.

[Even if Snow isn't entirely sure how.]

As for the magic, I know my stepmother knows some from home, Regina. She is in the other Unseelie court. Like I told you, I'm not really the one to ask on that.

[cerebral]

Thank you. [He'd offer more of an explanation, but he's not really sure himself beyond ~magic~ and ~mysterious benefactor~ ]

I'll take you up on your other expertise then. Mr Gray's offered to take me riding as well, although believe me I need all the practice I can get as quickly as possible and often. But yours is the first offer of archery.

[cinnamoned]

I'm sure. It can take a lot of practice but you'll manage. Horses do seem for the most part the means of travel around here unless one has other ways, magic or the like. Which not all of us do. But I'm happy to help teach you, there are weapons in the armory that we can use and the stable horses are available for us as well. So there's no need to worry about buying a bow or a horse for this, unless you wanted to later.