audio; un: Sabriel.Abhorsen (After Newt's post)

[bindsthedead]

I have some good news, and a request.

I've worked with Doctor Geizler, and it seems that some types of magic are effective against the infection- except I'm not sure it's an infection. Spells designed to purge magical corruption seem to be effective- particularly when combined with Finn's blood. More ordinary curative magic, the kind I was taught to use against ordinary infections doesn't work.

[Which raises even more questions about the origin of the infection. If it came from the orb, what does that say about the orb's nature? Or is this just a consequence of misusing it?]

But while that combination helps more than either alone, it's not a cure. For that, it's likely we'll need more magical power- either from So-Yeon and the orb, or from other mages among our number- or preferably, both.

If anyone here has some experience in the matter of purging magical corruption, we could use your help. The more of us working together, the greater the chance we can devise a true cure.

[There's a long pause before her next words, one born of hesitation. Sabriel's regret- the one she's here to undo- is the death of her friends and classmates. Schoolgirls who'd died because they'd needed more mages to open Kerrigor's coffin, and they'd been the only ones nearby. If she takes on students... Sabriel's not sure if she'll end up sending them into harms way too.

Except they're all in danger already, just by the nature of their mission. And future missions will probably put them in danger too.]

Or if you lack such experience and wish to learn... The magic I use can be passed on by baptism, and taught. Charter Magic takes time and dedication to master, and carelessness can be dangerous to both the mage and anyone around them- but more magical help would be useful, and the sooner people start learning, the sooner they can work up to learning the relevant spells.

Comments

[bindsthedead]

Really? That's... part of how I was taught that the Charter works.

[To the extent theology was discussed at all.]

[directrix]

Our teachings were a little more...structured.

[ An entire religion, in fact. ]

A great deal was expected of us, to show our devotion, prove ourselves worthy.

[ Something she's started to question now more than ever. ]

[bindsthedead]

Really? My magical education was mostly about casting spells.

And we discussed the ethics of it, of course. My father was always sure to discuss that.

[directrix]

I believe, perhaps, our education might stand to be a bit more like yours. Put the focus back on our craft rather than some unseen benefactor.

And young witches these days rarely seem to understand the cost of their actions

[bindsthedead]

I admit, sometimes, in the heat of the moment... It's hard to remember that just because you can do something doesn't mean you should. But that was a lesson I had to learn when studying necromancy.

[Just because you could call souls from Death, and put them into bodies, didn't mean it was at all advisable or remotely sane.]

[directrix]

A lesson too many learn too late. It's a relief to hear you use your abilities responsibly.