02. [video]

[theboywhodied]

[An anxious Cedric appears on screen. He looks from left to right, his mussed hair flying just about everywhere. He taps the screen to ensure that it's turned on---in his mind this somehow serves a purpose. When he's sure everything's working, he waves.]

Hello! This is Cedric again. I've talked about this with one or two of you before. I'm sorry if I'm repeating myself or it's something you've all heard before, but this is something I need to sate my curiosity about. It's just that this world is so different from what I'm used to and there are so many different types of people. If that's even the word you prefer. And sometimes we have conflicts with one another.

So I have to ask: what do you think of people who are capable of using magic? Witches, warlocks, sorcerers, casters, wizards, or whatever you choose to call them. Are they all right, do you think? Or not?

Comments

voice.

[theboywhodied]

Agreed. Looks like dark wizards are everywhere, but there are people to oppose them.

permavoiceee.

[tofindthesun]

I heard of worlds where all those who use it are feared, where magic itself is.. regulated.

[it sounds exceedingly restrictive. and confusing.]

[theboywhodied]

Mine would be one of them.

We can't use magic outside of school until we're seventeen years old, and we can't use it in public at all. So being here is very strange.

[tofindthesun]

Being able to use magic as you wish is strange? I would have thought the opposite would be..

What sort of magics are you taught? [..it's an even tone, but he's actually. quite interested.]

[theboywhodied]

Well, obviously if I wasn't able to use it at all anymore I'd feel lost. I'm of age to use magic now, but I still find it strange to use in public.

We need a broom for flight and the proper ingredients for potions, but most of our magic is done with a wand. We can charm objects to make them float, or sing, or change colour. Almost anything, really. There are shielding spells and attack spells, and fire and water spells, and light and darkness and disguise spells, and spells to transfigure items into other items.

[tofindthesun]

[...wow.]

What use has an object for singing or changing colors?

[theboywhodied]

You'd be surprised. It can be an alarm, or a beacon, or maybe you can even make a pincushion follow you while you're working on a project.

Most of my uses of that magic are just for fun, though.

[tofindthesun]

[make a what follow you.]

..I suppose, if your environment calls for an alarm. [a wailing acorn in a forest might be a.. bad idea.] I knew a wizard who made fireworks with his magic. Troublesome old fellow.

I admit it is strange to think of magic being used for.. entertainment.

[theboywhodied]

I make fireworks as well---but only for special occasions like that festival we just experienced. I know they're often a nuisance.

I'll be ready to fight when it's time, I promise.

[tofindthesun]

I think they are lovely.. but there is a time and place for such things, as always.

--Nay, I did not mean.. [briefest of pauses. it isn't a new thing, to know children barely of age who must pick up sword and shield to fight. even so, it's unsettling to think about.] I have scarce heard it used to fight as well. In these terms I would say I know only of magic used as defence, or to aid, not to maim or kill. It was not meant in admonishment.

[theboywhodied]

Ah, I understand. I think.

It's not that I'm out to kill. Our school emphasises defence, so I mostly know spells to stop the fighting as peacefully as possible.

[tofindthesun]

War tends to be difficult to end peacefully, from my experience. Perhaps especially in these kinds of circumstances. [..or maybe he just lived in a very medieval era.] ..But I commend your desire for it. A peaceful end would be good for everyone.

[theboywhodied]

I'll keep hoping for one.

Anyway, thank you for the reassurance. Good to know that I'm not automatically a threat.

[tofindthesun]

I do not see how you would be.

..Or is it about the magic?

[theboywhodied]

It is. Where I'm from, people are afraid of what they don't know.

[tofindthesun]

That is the same for most worlds, is it not? That the unknown be feared, yet the known envied or hated, or both. [not that he has much experience with any of those, but he's heard enough stories of bygone days.]

I think you are brave to allay what fears people have. And it is fortunate that those here are willing to listen.

[theboywhodied]

It is. And...thank you.