faderift | Sixteen books on magic spells

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Sixteen books on magic spells

WHO: Hermione Granger and rifters (or anyone who saw her note and wants to chat)
WHAT: Adelaide is having Hermione find out about magic in other worlds by interviewing rifters ~~for SCIENCE~~.
WHEN: Mid-Drakonis and onwards. There's no deadline on acquiring knowledge!
WHERE: The default is Skyhold's library, otherwise note in the subject line if your character would have arranged to meet her somewhere else.
NOTES: Nothing comes to mind; will change if necessary.

Anyone frequenting the library has probably become used to the curly-haired young girl who's claimed a small alcove as her own. She can usually be found sitting in the corner, nose buried in a book as her brow furrows, attempting to bridge the gap between her worldview and that of Thedas'. It's not always an easy task, and sometimes names and dates get jumbled, which is why she can sometimes be found just a few steps away at the nearest table, books and journals and bits of parchment scattered about as she tries to make sense out of all the reading she's done.

Still, what at first glance appears to be a mess is actually rather organized, and for however engrossed she seems to be in her work, she's always been happy to talk to new people. After all, each conversation counts towards research, even if it isn't in the particular field she's been asked to study. Go ahead and ask around for her if you don't know where to find her; chances are she's hard to miss, and many will be able to point out the inquisitive rifter if she happens to be around.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

"History has taught us that the average person expects magic to solve all of their problems, and can get very cross when they learn that isn't the case," Hermione murmurs. "There are stories about a time when the magical and Muggle communities lived together, but then... well, let's just say that witch hunts that led to burning people at the stake, public drownings, and beheadings - among other things - made us decide that it was best that most people were left blind to the idea of magic. There are all sorts of reasons for why the tides change, but they're mostly speculative." And being in Thedas doesn't make her that much more willing to try and change magic's presence in her world, either.

Hearing him talk of a darkness inside of him finally makes Hermione reach out, albeit hesitantly, fingertips just barely brushing against his knuckles. "You don't have to atone for something that you have no control over," she tells him softly. "I understand the desire to do so, but it's not a necessity. All you can do from here on out is be the best person you can be, and try to avoid becoming a victim again. Just understand that it isn't always avoidable, given that there will always be bad people in the world. In every world, it seems." Managing to crack a tiny smile, she adds, "But you seem strong enough to be able to avoid it longer than most others, so there's that."

“How terrible. It sounds like they may have treated mages even worse than they do in Thedas.” Not a whole lot better, but even their Circles are a step above outright killing them. “Though I can… I can understand how that sort of suspicion of magic can lead to terrible consequences. Someone impersonating our king attempted to destroy all of the summoners on our world. That’s the only incident I know of, though. I hope that one day you’ll be able to live more peacefully with them, but it sounds like being separate is for the best.”

The gesture surprises Kain at first, but then he realizes that he really appreciates it… and his expression says as much too. It means a lot, to him, hearing that. “I’ve been told that before… It’s difficult, though. That’s what makes mind control especially devious. I know it was an outside force and yet… it was still my own hand, still me doing those things, aware the whole time… I’m sorry.” He doesn’t mean to go into something so awful and heavy on her. He can already hear Jecht complaining at him to stop being so grim already. “I’ll keep fighting. No matter what may happen here, I’m more determined than ever to move beyond my past. Thank you… for seeing that in me.” He has full confidence in his physical strength, but after the mind control, he’s less certain of his willpower. He only hopes it’s never tested here.

"I suppose they had. It's just so far back in the past that it's hard to really fathom. Besides... many times it turned out that innocent women had been accused as witches for some petty reason or the other. So it seems that people are just liable to mistreat people in general, regardless of their magical affiliation." Not that that makes anything better, especially in light of all of the petty hatred and violence that goes on in Thedas. "For the most part, most of us can live amongst Muggles without thinking anything of it, unless the culture divide makes them think us peculiar. I'm sorry that's happened in your world, though. That's why it's important to have a government in place that can handle magical calamities like that."

The fact that he doesn't draw away from her is good, since it means that she likely hasn't done anything wrong. "Please don't apologize," she tells him softly. "If this bothers you enough that you feel a need to talk about it, you can always come to me. We all need someone to turn to here, and we can't always count on our native 'hosts' being willing or able to lend an understanding ear. Besides... it helps knowing that other people have faith in us, so I can do that for you as long as you might need it." Heaven knows she'll probably need her own encouragement before too long, especially as she tries not to get frustrated as she relearns her magic all over again.

“It is… and our current King now will ensure that no such thing happens again. He was there with me when we… when… that village was torched. That was a wake up call to the both of us that the former king had truly lost his senses. Or the one pretending to be him, anyway.” Ugh, Kain has nothing but frustration and rage toward that fiend for what he’d done. He’d truly respected the old king, despite their occasional differences in opinion. But he respects the new one, Cecil, just as well, perhaps more. “At least… you’ve found some solution for now, even if it means remaining separate, it’s allowed you both to exist peacefully.”

It’s a good thing, yes. Kain isn’t usually one for making any sort of contact, he keeps his armor up physically and emotionally most of the time. But it doesn’t mean he doesn’t need it. His comrades in the war had started really getting through to him about that sort of thing. “I’ll keep that in mind, all of it…” His tone is appreciative, despite how quietly he’s talking. “It’s worth knowing I’ve made another ally here… and likewise. Should you be in need, I promise I’ll do what I can.” It’s the least he can do, letting her know he’s more than willing to repay the favor. It’s how he does things. Repay a kindness with kindness. Return cruelty with cruelty. Though he’s trying to get better about not resorting to vengefulness and such. “It means a lot to hear that. I’ve… it’s not easy for me to discuss it. But this has helped.” He knows he’s got a lot to work on, to move past that guilt.

"I'm glad things have calmed down for you, then, in any case. We've... had recent instances of our political leadership being mind-controlled, so I know how awful it is when you realize you need to stand up and be the change that needs to happen." It's especially awful when you should be more worried about final exams than saving the world, but she doesn't bother bringing that much up. "For now, though, yes, we have fairly good relations with Muggles so long as they don't fully realize there's a whole other magical community living by their side, and while I'd like to think that one day we can live openly, seeing Thedas makes me wonder if that will ever be the case."

Hermione doesn't exactly give his hand a squeeze so much as she simply affirms her touch a bit more solidly for a few moments before drawing back. "I appreciate it. I can be stubborn about accepting that sort of help, especially from people I don't know, but... well, things have been so up in the air here that I might just need it. I'll try not to abuse it, though." With a small smile, she concludes, "I'm just happy this seems to have helped you."

“Would it be the same as in Thedas for your world’s mages? Would -or could- the non-magical… the muggles… create something like Circles? It’s hard to say. They didn’t in my world, but then they’ve all co-existed for a long time.” The Summoners are the one outlier, who’d kept to themselves in their village, but even then there’d been no trouble until the false king attacked them. “Though… people will usually distrust what’s different, unfortunately… and those who seemingly have more power…” He definitely has heard how oppressive some attitudes are toward mages in this world, anyway.

It’s helpful. He’s still troubled, as he always is about this subject, but Hermione is helping him out here, considerably. “It has helped. I promise.” He says that quietly, in a low tone as if afraid of being overheard somehow, afraid of the world somehow knowing he’s admitted to needing this. “I’m much the same way… it’s not easy. Though you’re right that being in this far-removed world changes a lot.” He sighs heavily. “I just hope I won’t run into the same problems here.,. Or worse. No matter what may happen, though, I’m prepared to fight if I must.”

"I... think instituting something like Circles would be met with a lot of resentment," Hermione admits. "And I'd hate to think what the Muggles might actually say or do once they realize the full extent of this entirely different world living right alongside them this whole time."

Shaking her head, Hermione manages a small smile and tell him, "You won't be fighting alone. If anyone tries to do something like that to you, there's no telling where it might end, and so it would be in everyone's best interest to work as a team against anything like that. After all, we're all in this together, aren't we?"

“And I thought this world had difficult politics,” Kain comments, shaking his head. He can’t imagine what that might be like, suddenly discovering that magic is real after never experiencing it. He’s always taken it for granted as something that just exists. “At least it sounds like you have plenty of safeguards and the means to keep yourselves isolated.”

They are. They’re all in this together, she’s right. As they had been together back home, against Zemus and his various threats. As they also had been together as Cosmos Warriors against Chaos. He’s had to learn that, and be reminded of it often, but it’s true. He always tends to isolate when things get bad, but he really can’t afford to if it comes to something involving mind control. “Right. No matter what may happen, that’s true. No matter our beliefs or backgrounds…” -and the Inquisition has such a wide variety of those- “...we’re all together in this. I’ll try to remember that. I’ll admit, it’s difficult sometimes to rely on others… I don’t want to burden anyone… but in this case, there’s probably no choice…”

"We have certain charms that can subtly make a Muggle's eyes turn away from magic, as well as other ways to keep hidden and memory modification charms in the event that they do see something they shouldn't see." Shifting a little, since she's no stranger to memory modification charms and the ways they can be abused, she murmurs, "Though that last one really should be a bit more heavily regulated."

At Kain's response, Hermione's smile widens ever so slightly and she comments, "It's not a burden. At least, I don't see it that way. We're keeping one another safe until we can all find our way back to our respective homes. And with Thedas in the middle of tearing itself apart, we can use all the support we can find."

Kain nods firmly and eagerly to that. “Very heavily regulated, I would think. I wouldn’t trust anything that alters the mind… but I suppose all of this has been in use for a very long time without ill effect?” It sounded like it had been a while, since those problems they’d caused long ago.

“Thedas needs us, as well, but yes, that’s true… we do need each other, for as long as we’re here. The war I was just in taught me about such matters as well. I had a hard time accepting it… I still do. But I know we ought to rely on one another as much as we can. It’s easier to think of it in that way, though, as an exchange of sorts…” If he can be useful in return for any support he needs, he’ll make sure it happens. Then he won’t feel as guilty about it.

"The only negative results of using a memory modification charm happened when someone had attempted to cast one out of a broken wand, and to be honest, he really deserved it." Even as she says it, though, she can't help feeling a tinge of sorrow for Lockhart. Deserving or not, it had been a harsh punishment, but she'd much rather he lose his memories than the alternative. Especially since the alternative would have been Harry and Ron losing their memories and never stopping the basilisk, and never helping her get un-Petrified.

Gently shaking her head, Hermione tells him, "Think of it however you need to. So long as you don't feel as though you need to go through your troubles on your own."

“At least it doesn’t usually end up so terribly.” Though Kain still finds it a bit unsettling, messing with someone’s mind like that. Still, after talking with Hermione enough, he’s got an idea that if she thinks they deserved it… they probably really did. She doesn’t see the sort to say such things lightly.

It’s something they’ve all said to him in the past… Cecil, Rosa, and his other companions back home… Jecht, Laguna, and the others during the war. After hearing it enough, it really ought to sink in. Kain nods, slowly. “I’ll try my best to remember that… especially if things become dark and difficult here. Or perhaps I ought to really think about it before it comes to that.” If it does. But Kain is realistic about things, and he knows Thedas is a harsh world to be in. He can’t expect life to always be easy here.

"No, not unless an unskilled person tries it, and even then, all it's likely to do is cause temporary confusion." Honestly, Hermione feels that memory modification should only be used to help aid fading memories, even if she'd had to use them for less scrupulous reasons. At least she'd done it with the best intentions; not everyone would do the same.

"Don't make me have to actively check in on you every so often," Hermione remarks with a small smile. "I'd much rather know that you'd seek me out - or seek out some sort of help - if it becomes necessary."

“Which is the way of things with magic overall… without the proper skill level, it has a greater chance to backfire…” Another thing that’s true enough of mages no matter the world, they always need some level of training to hone their skills.

Kain has definitely heard that before, many times, whether back home or his friends in the war. They mean well, he knows that. He has to keep that in mind, even if sometimes he has enough with being nagged. Or what he thinks of as such. “Believe me, I’ll do my best to spare you that level of concern. I promise. I don’t want to repeat the past, after all, to go through things I’ve experienced before…” Stopping something early on, going to someone who can help, is for the best. He hopes he’ll remember that if the time comes.

"That's why I'm surprised Thedas' Circles existed the way they had, rather than simply serve as a way for young mages to learn to cast spells responsibly. It's no different than teaching a child to ride a horse or tend to a farm; if they don't do it right, someone can be negatively affected in an awful sort of way."

She tries not to let her smile take on a sadder sort of edge as he continues speaking, simply shaking her head a bit. "You can always 'spare me that level of concern' by simply feeling free to drop by the library and have a chat with me. Or share small talk if we happen upon one another elsewhere. I think that's known as becoming friends in some circles. A bit presumptuous of me, perhaps, but it's better than assuming that we'll never see one another again after this."

Kain nods in full agreement. “Exactly. Mages usually need to undergo intense study to be considered ready to use their power… that’s true enough anywhere, and the responsibility to learn is theirs alone. But to lock them up…” He shakes his head. “It sounds like some may be ready to change, I hope so. Making the Circles into something more like schools seems better.”

It’s fine by him, considering where he came from… The war more than anything had taught him the importance of making friends when stuck in a foreign land. “I can do that, yes… I think you’ll see me around here a lot, anyway, as I’ve been researching the world’s dragons. And… I’d like that.” His voice gets quieter, as he’s always been less assured when it comes to social situations. But he’s hopeful about it. “I’d like to consider us friends as well.”

"It sounds more like most of Thedas was content to stifle magic than encourage its growth," Hermione notes after a moment's hesitation. "Which is silly, especially considering what they stand to gain by working with magic. But I suppose the connection mages have to the Fade is reason enough for them to be wary, at least in their minds."

If she hadn't only met Kain a few minutes earlier, Hermione might have simply hugged him for his response, glad that he's being receptive to opening up. As it is, she only grinds and gives him an enthusiastic nod, saying, "Then we're friends. And I look forward to sitting with you as we research the strange new world we've ended up in."

"Indeed so... it seems like many have let the fear of magic get in the way. There's a lot of horror it could potentially unleash, but as I was saying earlier... that depends on the mage. It seems wiser to study it closely and understand it, to know how to use it against those who would do harm..." The Fade is pretty mysterious overall, but surely they're better off knowing all there is to know about it all.

Kain gives a firm nod of acceptance. He feels... really good about that, about making another friend in this world. "So do I. And I hope I've answered what you've wanted to know. There truly is a lot to discuss on the matter."

"Pushing mages away and treating them like second-class citizens is a surefire way to garner resentment, which makes their fear something of a self-fulfilling prophecy," Hermione points out. "I'm sure there are some mages who would certainly never use their magic to harm anyone, but not everyone has been granted the infinite patience to continue smiling when they've spent their entire lives being told they don't matter."

Glancing down at her notes for a moment, Hermione shakes her head, even if she's doing so with a small smile on her face. "I'm afraid that I can't ever promise to stop asking questions; it's in my nature. But for now, yes, I think we've reached an excellent starting point."

"Exactly... I'm somewhat surprised that they didn't rise up sooner, given what they've been dealing with for so long... but I could see that there are plenty of factors at work which stopped that from happening. That oppression was such a part of what they knew." The whole system sounds like it had been so ingrained in the society, it... did explain why no one thought to challenge it. An oppressed people aren't likely to just step up and fight so easily either. "I hope it will continue to change for the better. I've known too many mages... especially back home... that I respect and care about deeply. I couldn't bear to think of them experiencing this."

Kain nods. "And I've no problem with answering them. There's a great deal about it to talk about, after all..." He pauses, adding, "And it's good, to talk about home. I wouldn't want to start forgetting it." It keeps it all in mind, so it's not so distant and unreachable.

"There seem to be a lot of... nuances to Thedas' various governments and cultures," Hermione murmurs thoughtfully. "Supposedly, there are even some mages who think that the Circles were a good idea. I'd like to think that that means that mages hadn't been mistreated in every Circle, but I'm hardly qualified to say as much one way or the other. I just hope that, whatever happens here, it's in the best interests of everyone involved, not just those with some sort of power or who happened to be favored for some reason or the other."

Unable to help chuckling just a little, Hermione shakes her head and remarks, "That wouldn't do at all. Though in all fairness, I'd like to think we won't be here long enough to forget where we came from."

"Right, I've heard that as well... that the notion of the circles is more complicated than it might seem at a glance. Those involved directly can best speak for themselves and what they need, and I hope that they do. And that the outcome is something most involved can agree upon. Not everyone will be happy in the end... but if they can improve things..." It's going to be tough, and there's good reason he's stayed far away from the world's politics. He prefers to fight things, and it's much more straightforward to deal with that sort of threat.

Kain gives a wry expression. "Well. Let's at least hope it doesn't come to that. There are enough capable people working on finding a way back that I'm sure we won't be here indefinitely." Maybe. Who knows? He's wary of getting too optimistic, but there have to be answers to be found.

Hermione has a valid interest in arguing against unjust legislation, since she aims to do something similar once she's finished her schooling. She just hopes that she doesn't end up looking at Thedas as some sort of "practice" and says the wrong thing at the wrong time and angers the wrong person. "If I thought they had any reason to listen to the advice of a rifter, I'd offer it. I don't think that will necessarily be the case, though."

The mention of being here indefinitely makes her smile falter a little, though she doesn't keep it up for long. "No, of course not. There's even less of a place for us outside of Skyhold than there are for mages or elves. The Inquisition wouldn't want us to be stuck here when there's no telling what the quality of our lives would be like in the long run."

Nodding, Kain thinks about that seriously. “It’s true… some of them still regard us with suspicion, after all, as demons who fell out of those rifts. It’s going to take a great deal of time to convince them otherwise… and even then… so many of their own don’t have too much respect.” The mages, the various races and other factions… it’s all a very disagreeable mess of sorts.

“Exactly. I could get by here if I had to, of course… I hadn’t yet planned on returning to my true home yet even if I returned to my world… but… even so…” Even so, the end goal is to return home, isn’t it? Besides, lately he’s been questioning if his whole quest back home was even worth it, if perhaps he can find some other path to atonement. But all of that is something to worry about if and when he can return.

Frowning at that, Hermione remarks, "They think us demons? Shouldn't they have some sort of... I don't know, tests for that sort of thing? Especially if people here do occasionally get possessed by demons, from what I've read?" She isn't even going to comment on the lack of respect some races get versus others, since that would brook an entirely new discussion.

"Even so, home is home," she replies simply, shrugging her shoulders slightly. "I'm sure there might be some who have no strong connections or ties to where they came from, but for most of us, at least having the option should be the bare minimum."

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