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

[cerebral]

I'm friendly with people, but I haven't known anyone here long -

[Except that's not true. Except - ] Could there be other explanations?

[brainiest]

Logically speaking, of course, there must be. I just assumed that it was because it's that time of the month.

[ She frowns, thinking it over. ]

Perhaps it was a gift from the king and queen just to make things a little easier here. I'd like to think they're that kind.

[cerebral]

I suppose if you're looking to recruit someone, you want them to be in tip-top shape.

[The cynicism hasn't quite gone out of him yet. Still, he sounds unsure.]

[brainiest]

Or happy. Does - do you think having your legs makes you happier, Professor?

[cerebral]

[Charles stares blankly at the locket for a moment. His happiness had stopped being relevant a long time ago and even lately the focus had been on hope and his duty to other mutants. But Hermione is expecting an answer.]

It makes things easier. I don't mean to sound ungrateful, of course - [To whoever did this. He ducks his head, trying to make sense of the things he's simultaneously trying to keep clamped down.] There are worse hurts in the world. And it would take more than one miracle to solve them.

[brainiest]

That isn't exactly what I asked. [ Her smile softens and she shifts, leaning closer to the camera. ] It might not seem important, here, but being happy? It means a lot to the people that care about you. I know you might not know them yet, but I really do think the king and queen care about us.

[ Her voice comes out a little more hesitant from this point onwards, pursing her lips before she shakes her head. ] I don't think you sound ungrateful. I think you're probably just dealing with a very surprising gift.

[cerebral]

[The only problem is he might already know one person and he overshadows any current concerns Charles might have about the king and queen.

So does the impending disappointment if it turns out Charles is only getting his hopes up over nothing.]

Yes. You're probably right.

[brainiest]

Professor, I...

[ She hesitates, a little worried and a lot confused, before she speaks. ]

Is there anything I can do? Other than the books, I mean.

[cerebral]

No, dear. But I'll be fine. [Probably.]

[brainiest]

Not even a cup of tea and some company?

[cerebral]

Well - [and Charles makes an effort to make his spirits seem roused] - that's never hurt.

[brainiest]

Then - I'll be there, if you need it. I promise.