folklorist | ϡ - Chapter Twenty; those who have gone missing [action/voice]

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ϡ - Chapter Twenty; those who have gone missing [action/voice]

[ There's a clear strained sigh coming from the opposite end of the transmission. A few moments later some shuffling as someone moves about in the background. ] Frederic's been...taken. He, um, has been for awhile. I-I wasn't supposed to make anyone worry, I'm terribly sorry for not saying so sooner. [ There's a clear tone of guilt in his voice. It goes against Frederic's wishes but he has been gone for awhile. Helios will pull out a chair and take a seat next to his journal. ]

I'm not sure when he'll back, but I thought his friends should know. I apologize for this--especially before the holiday. [ A pause accompanied by a sigh. ] I don't understand why they do such things in the first place.

[ Filtered Poorly, lol how does I technology, to Poland ]

Frederic left you a letter. He asked me to deliver it to you. Do you mind if I stop by?

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Mimicking plant functions? That's rather impressive for something that's inorganic and not plant like at all. You're world certainly has interesting technology, Robert. [ Even if he understands little to none of it, he is genuinely curious about it. ]

Hm then consider it done. I've already helped Frederic learn spells after all! [ Helios obviously likes this idea. It's been awhile since he's taught, especially magical theory and physics, to someone. ]

Oh! It is, isn't it? [ Just rubbing the back of his neck, yep. He does note it looking a bit confused. Helios will nod as Robert looks over one of his spells. ] Yes it is! A simple...teleportation spell actually. [ He'll go off into the kitchen for a moment. ] The water for tea needs to re-heated I'm afraid. But do make yourself at home! [ There is the clinking of cups and plates coming from the kitchen.

I would be pleased to one day show you examples of it in person, Helios - should that ever become possible to do. [Robert can tell Helios is curious and that makes him happy, actually.]

... You helped Frederic Chopin learn spells? ... And this is the same Chopin from my world? [Robert sort of stares a bit.] ... Perhaps he is not, then. Unless this implies I could learn them as well. [Slightly freaky to think about - but also mildly fascinating.]

A... teleportation spell? And simple, no less. It hardly looks simple. In fact, it reminds me much of the structure of some diatom-like organisms recovered from one of Gliese 581... Most curious.

[Robert resists commenting on the fact that if it were his home he'd be organizing the papers. In fact, it's very difficult for him to resist doing so - even though the idea of touching the paper is a minorly squicky one.]

And I certainly wouldn't mind--if, ah, it doesn't interrupt your work of course.

The famous composer, yes, but his circumstance are a a bit--complicated. [ Helios will laugh as he brings out a tray with some food on it and two cups of hot brewing tea. ]

Simple in that it's a shortwave teleportation spell. Meaning the distance one can cover is one to two miles at most. There's different patterns for different length spells. The more ground you wish to cover the more complex the spell becomes. Why I used to make some to take me halfway across the world sometimes. It all depends on which one you draw.

I'm certain that it would hardly be an issue.

Complicated? I suppose at the moment you... would be rather adverse to discussing it, though. [Robert seats himself primly near the tray, picking up the tea and sipping some.] ... Ah. I definitely could get used to fresh tea.

[The next part fascinates Robert.] How does the process of drawing actually relate to the magic? Does it serve to distort the force... somehow? [Obviously this is difficult for him to comprehend.] I am afraid I have trouble understanding how drawings would relate to magic...

Adverse? No, but I think it's best for Frederic to tell you himself when he returns. [ There's a small sad smile on his face, but it's quickly discarded as Robert asks his next question. Said features are now a brighter smile together with a nod. ]

Well it's something like incantations. Specific spells evoke specific forces and magical capabilities within said person. A fire spell will allow a person to tap into their magical capabilities and use said spell. [ He'll pick up another piece of paper with an entirely different circle drawn on it. ] Each symbol and each circle has it's own method, it's own...equipment to carry out said result. [ Helios will pause, tapping his chin as he thinks of how to relate it to something more...Robertish. A small 'aha!' will escape his lips with a snap of fingers too. ]

Think of it as a science experiment. You have several methods and procedures to abide by in order to get a result, correct? And certain chemicals work together with others to yeild said results. It's something on the same lines, only with certain symbols evoking certain forces into play.

[Robert listens, curious - if not a little skeptical, but he's seen Helios do these spells. However, he hasn't seen him use one of these spell-circle based ones before.]

Well... with procedures in science, one generally constructs a model and then aims to explore a hypothesis using said model. What you are describing seems similar in some ways... But, does everybody using these methods obtain the same result? Could I theoretically even use these symbols to do so? [Robert sort of wrinkles his brow at this.]

See, were I to model a hypothesis for you using standard equipment, in theory we would get the same results with the same conditions - or at least similar results. So is this possible to replicate in the same manner? Indefinitely, even?

Technically, yes, everyone in my world gets similar results. I'm sure you could here, I'm not sure back in your world or even mine. Magic seems to be openly obtainable by everyone here, so, who is to say you couldn't?

I think the only way to truly find out would be to test it, hm?

[Robert glances down at the paper in Helios' hands. It doesn't... look dangerous. Or magical. It looks like a diagram.

He's still curious.]

You may indeed have a point.

But would it be dangerous to test it here?

Not at all. I've actually tested it a few times. Frederic seems to have used it quite a bit as well.

Perfectly safe in terms of using it. But, ah, there's a catch. You have to um...use some blood. Yours specifically--it's a key component for such a spell.

[A momentary look of horror flickers across Robert's face.]

... My... blood? ... [Robert looks down at his small hands. They're basically unmarked.

... But... ... there are his arms. As much as he doesn't want Helios to see the scars there...]

... I see... Why would blood, of all things, be necessary for a spell?

[But Robert definitely seems curious, even if he's... reluctant. He keeps absentmindedly running his fingers over the subtle scarring on his wrists.]

[ Helios will wince a little at the other's reaction. It's not as if he wasn't expecting it though. ] Um-yes. Blood it's just...a binding agent really.

A person's blood in the most closely related thing to their soul, their mind. Wwhen transporting yourself somewhere it's best to use the one thing most closely related to you, correct? Hence the reason why blood has to be used.

[That rationale seems strange, but who is Robert to question this kind of thing? Robert's world is so different from Helios' anyway. And what exactly is a soul made of? This is the second time they've been mentioned as something real.]

... Souls, hm? [Robert's expression looks momentarily derisive, but... He sighs.] And what if one doesn't have a soul? Since... Terra never had any evidence for any.

... Still.

[Robert looks down at his hands again. The urge to learn - to know, to see this for himself - is overpowering. Finally he looks up and kind of uncomfortably levels his gaze.]

... Do you perhaps have a... sterile cutting implement?... [Robert... really does want to see if this works. Enough that he's willing to cut himself.]

Doesn't have a soul? [ Helios is oddly without an answer. Usually soulless creatures in his world were demons and the like. But now that Robert had mentioned it in his world...it was strange to think in all honesty. ]

Really I've never thought about it really. But not having a soul...hm, it's a very interesting question. [ Helios will blink, returning to the current situation. Helios will nod and go into his room to retrieve a small knife. A small flame will erupt in his palm and he'll run the blade's edge through until it glows a light orange. ]

There. Are you sure you want to? It--you don't have to.

Well, until I came here the idea of having one seemed preposterous. And then somebody spoke of being able to see souls... and now they also apparently exist in your world. [Robert sighs a little.] It can't be helped, I suppose. Maybe Terra is simply the anomaly.

[Robert watches Helios cauterize the blade. It's... disturbing, what Robert plans to do with it. Robert doesn't think he's ever cut living skin on purpose.

But... This was for the purposes of knowledge. And it was a minor wound, and only harming himself. It was ethically justifiable.]

I... wish to... test this. I would not be a scientist if I did not test hypotheses. [Robert takes the knife. turning it over in his hands. It's a weapon. It's dangerous. On Terra it would be illegal. Robert's expression is somewhere between terrified and fascinated as he studies it.]

... Is this specifically for cutting yourself with? [A strange question to have to ask, but... Robert turns the blade so the still-hot metal hovers above his skin. He doesn't want to slice into his hand - there are too many nerves and small muscles there that could be damaged. But... there's his arm. It's already damaged, after all.

After a moment of internal struggle, Robert pulls one of his sleeves up to expose part of his arm. It's not a heavily scarred part, but Helios might notice a few strange circular scars... But his attention might be distracted by Robert clumsily slicing a line in his arm; it's only a shallow cut, just enough to cause blood to well up along its length, but it's a cut nonetheless. Robert hisses slightly at the pain, and his gray eyes cloud, but his voice is oddly professionally-detached when he speaks.]

... So what do I do with the resulting wound? [It's almost as if he hasn't injured himself at all. But that might be Robert's way of dealing with the strangeness of the situation.]

All worlds have different ideas of souls I would gather. [ He watches the other carefully handing over the blade. ]

You're quite dedicated to your work. Not that I expected anything less from someone of your caliber. [ Helios nods he makes short work of drawing a chalk like circle on the floor. It comes easily to him, like he's done it a million times before, and probably has. So now there's one white circle in the middle of him living room floor. ] A-Actually it-it is. [ It makes him sound odd actually agreeing with that, but in all honest truth he rather only have one to use than several. Not that the instrument matters. Helios does watch noting the obvious discomfort but he gives the other a small acknowledging, comforting smile. He'll hold up a finger and look over at the circle he's drawn. There's an empty space in its center and Helios quickly draw a symbol on a scrap piece of paper. He'll show it to Robert with a smile. ]

Simply draw the symbol in the center of the circle and have a clear picture of where it is you want to go. An address of the place would work as well, but for now a simple mental image will suffice.

[Robert's gaze flickers from his bleeding arm to the immaculate, precise chalk-like circle marked into the floor. It's actually strangely beautiful - and it really does remind him of the delicate silicate structures of the diatom-like organisms on Gliese 581 g.

It's just so strange that it needs blood to work. But Robert figures he's already cut himself - so why not? Plus Helios' reassuring smile makes him feel a bit better about having done it.

Robert studies the symbol drawn onto the paper. It's nothing he recognizes, but it has an organic shape that reminds him of a stomach. Odd.]

Certainly. [Robert looks at the blood on his arm. Before it has a chance to congeal, he picks it up on his fingertip and begins to meticulously replicate the symbol in the closest-to-dead-centre he can muster. It's almost a ridiculous picture - Robert oh-so-carefully painting a symbol with his blood on the floor. The detached part of his mind wonders if the stain will ever come off.

A mental picture of a region, huh? Robert's mind instantly goes to the fountain in the village square. It's an easy-to-remember landmark, after all, and so significant.] The... fountain. In the village square. Is that acceptable, Helios?

Mm yes that's perfect. Now just...step inside it and concentrate. [ If it works there's going to a bright blue ring that'll glow around the outside of the circle once Robert enters it. ]

[Here goes nothing. Robert steps into the circle and closes his eyes, still aware of the blood on his arm. He concentrates as hard as possible - and for him, that's pretty damn hard - on the image of the fountain, trying to keep it as detailed as possible. He can tell there's light glowing around him - not just see it, behind his eyelids, but feel it - but he doesn't open his eyes to look. Yet. He's afraid of somehow ruining this.

Then he feels a wrenching feeling in his stomach - a sensation very much akin to the sensation of sudden motion one experiences when one stands on a moving elevator platform. And suddenly the air around him is cold.

Freezing, in fact.

Robert's eyes flicker open. He is most certainly not at the fountain. In fact, he's only a few feet away from the door of Community Building Five. Still, the fact remains is that the spell actually worked.

It's a few moments before he opens the journal and speaks into it.]

I-I... Bloody hell it worked. But I'm n-not at the fountain. In fact, I am barely outside the building.

... Still, it... I can't believe it actually worked.

[ Just a 'Ha!' from his end. ] It worked? Wonderful! I knew it would regardless of homeworlds correlation to magical attributes.

Would you like me come back down and get you? [ He sounds rather amused. Not at the other's disbelief but the fact that it actually worked! Despite the original destination not being reached it's definately a start. ]

[Don't mind Robert, he's still being stunned over here.] Ah. Yes. I would.

... Dear gods. I... I just cast magic. I cast magic. [Robert just keeps shaking his head slowly.] I... ... How many principles of physics did I just violate doing that?

It has to be at least three.

[ Helios will be down in a few moments because he practically ran down the stairs, okay? Also he's slightly out of breath as he walks outside. ]

Robert are you...alright? [ No signs of physical injury. Helios isn't sure of his mental state however. ] I'm absolutely fascinated! I honestly didn't know if it would work given what you've told me of your world. The outcome was much better than I had predicted though.

[Yeah, Robert's mental state? That's not doing too well right now. He keeps staring down at his hands, which are noticeably shaky. Just slightly. But it's enough to tell he's honestly overwhelmed with what just happened. He's nearly constantly mumbling to himself.]

... principles of conservation of energy... a-and the Heisenberg uncertainty principle, and... and... bah, I don't know... how could this happen? Terra doesn't have magic. I know it doesn't.

[He looks up at Helios almost pleadingly.]

... How did this work? Why? This isn't supposed to be possible. [A definite look of... panic, on Robert's face.] I don't understand. [And when he admits that there's a problem.]

[ Helios will be rubbing the back of his neck. He honestly didn't know how it worked but the whole thing has obviously shaken the other. ] Robert...um, perhaps it was because this isn't Terra. Luceti is known for having odd effects on people. The filial spirits, for example, let anyone regardless of being from a magicless world to use magic.

[ Helios will walk over to the other. ] You didn't make to your destination though. But it's still rather good for using it for the first time.

[After a laborious moment, Robert stands. He's still clearly unnerved, but Helios' logic does seem to be sound enough.]

... I... I thought perhaps that it was limited to only certain individuals. Like the physics here seem to be. ... [Robert takes a few slow breaths, as calm as he can make them.]

... perhaps... there is an explanation for this. Perhaps. It... It might've had something to do with the fact you prepared the spell and I simply finished it. [Really Robert is just desperately hoping that everything about Terra isn't null and void.]

True. Certain things will affect certain people more so than others. Like beings predisposed to magic. I'm certain anyone of them could preform my spell, and yet here you are semi-completing it all on your own. [ He'll walk up closer eying the other to make sure he's alright and not hurt anyway. ]

You know that actually might be the case. Considering you didn't fully reach your destination. We'd have to test it--if you'd like to try again that is. [ He says that tentatively looking back and forth between Robert and the building. ] Perhaps another time...

ϡ - Chapter Twenty; those who have gone missing [action/voice]

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