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.

Comments

video;

[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.

video;

[cerebral]

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

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

video;

[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.