"Magic is, in it's simplest form, the harnessing and manipulation of the magical energy that flows through all people, places and things, to achieve a specific measured effect. Magic exists everywhere, and while there are some machines and technology that can harness it, most magic requires the will of a living, sapient being to be harnessed, though it can be harnessed in differing ways dependent upon the mind doing so," Talcu said as he seemed to shift into a meditation posture on the floor of Louise and Montmorency's room. " How does this compare to your culture's view of magic?"
"Well, we learn at the academy that Magic is the Ability to perform differing spells based upon ones Magical Affinity," Louise began to explain. " All magic is intrinsically connected to life, as well as ones blood. Only Elves can use nature magic, while humans of noble blood can use the four elements of Fire, Water, Earth and Wind. The Fifth element, Void, has not been used since the Founder himself"
"I see," Talcu said simply as a hand rose to his chin as if in thought. "This may sound rude, but please do not take it as such, but such beliefs sound rather, constrictive."
"How so?" Montmorency asked, clearly curious rather than insulted by his choice of words.
"Hmm, how to explain it. . . . yes. Magic as we know it is classified into different groups according to what form of effects and types of reactions and end results they can create. These are often referred to as schools. These schools are Abjuration, Conjuration, Divination, Enchantment, Evocation, Illusion, Necromancy, and Transmutation. From the sound of it, most magic in your lands is likely Evocation, but if that is all your people know, then it feels strange at best, and pathetic at worst."
"Well, Transmutation tends to be part of Earth magic, and Healing as Water magic," Louise spoke up. "Is that not how things are?"
Talcu was silent for a few seconds before raising a hand, a ball of flame forming above his palm, dancing like a firefly. "I am forming this flame through imagining it as a mere magical effect, it is a mere illusion, not evocation. While knowing about minerals may indeed assist in transmuting one material to another, knowing biology can allow one to have an easier time healing others or themselves. Knowing how water moves, may help with manipulating blood and the like, and may even be able to speed healing, but I would assume its effects in such a matter would be fairly limited."
"That . . . is true I think," Montmorency said after a tense ew seconds. "Healers have to concentrate constantly while healing soemone, and they can only heal cuts and bruises when alone. "
"What about regenerating limbs?"
"No, healers cannot do that, and even sickness is difficult for most."
"I am not surprised if they are using just an understanding of Water and a medieval technological understanding of the body," Talcu said with a nod. "Do you see now why I view your cultures magic as, constrictive?"
"It sounds that way, but . . " Louise paused for a moment as the ship shook slightly. "What do the classifications of your magic actually mean? You said Halkeginian magic is Evocation?"
"Ah yes, I should explain that so you understand where I am coming from better," Talcu said with a nod as he dismissed the flame and instead created a floating globe of light that illuminated the room brightly. "Abjuration is magic that protects people through creating barriers, shields, and removing harmful effect and environments. Conjuration transports things, whether people, items, or potential energy, from one place to another. Divination magic allows one to see the past or future, and allows them a modest ability to manipulate events around them. Enchantment magic effect people minds, changing perceptions for good or bad, tending to be compulsion or charms. Evocation magic is wholly about the manipulation of energy, often to spectacular effect, and include throwing bolts of lightning an flame. Illusion magic conversely is all about crafting what does not exist to make people see things not there. Necromancy is magic that revolve around death, unlife and life-force, while finally, Transmutation magic's focus on changing things from one state to another, or changing something's properties."
Both Louise and Montmorency were silent as they stared at Talcu, their faces painted by confusion and wonder in equal measure.
"So, which do you use then?" Louise asked after a few more seconds of silence.
"What do you mean?" Talcu asked as he looked at Louise in slight curiosity.
"Well, what kind do you use?" Louise asked as she pointed to the floating globe of light. "You said the flame earlier was an illusion, so is that light the same?"
Talcu stared at Louise for a moment before lightly laughing for a moment.
"What is so funny?"
"Apologies, I thought I had made it clear, but considering your own cultures magic I should have known better," Talcu said as he managed to stop laughing. "What I have described are classifications for the types of magic that exist in the universe. They do not limit anyone to using only one or two certain types. The only thing that makes a form of magic less or more likely to be used by someone is their own mind and opinions, and what connects them to magic and how they perceive it."
"What do you mean by what connects them?" Montmorency asked curiously. "Is magic not something effected by bloodlines here?"
"Bloodlines can give one a certain affinity for magic and can play a part in how much potential one might have, yes, but it is not the deciding factor," Talcu explained as he shifted his seating a bit, pushing himself up against the door further. "Those who use magic are of many kinds, but the Starfinder Society does have a way of classifying people according to how they might fight for their beliefs. Magic included. Mystics like myself are the most common users of magic. There are also Evolutionists, and Vanguards, who use it to enhance their abilities, Precogs who use it to focus upon the future and past, Witchwarpers who are connected to great fonts of sentient power, and Technomancers, who use magic to influence technology. As a mystic myself, my connection is o the Akashic Records, a great well of information of all things and places."
"That . . . . That sounds, Complicated," Montmorency said as she looked down at her hands. "And, all magic is like that? even ours?"
"I would suspect it follows the same rules and could be categorized similarly with more research yes."
" . . . . . then, what would we be classified as?" Montmorency asked warily, earning a small snort from Louise.
"Well, that would depend on what sort of magic you use, for what purpose, and what drives you, perhaps."
"Perhaps?" asked Louise.
"Yes, it is not a concrete or perfect system, but knowing that could allow me to illuminate such a thing to us."
"My magic explodes no matter what spell I try to use," Louise said darkly. " Every professor at the academy gave up trying to teach me, and no books of any kind helped."
"Truly? How strange. Perhaps the wrong medium or intent then?" Talcu pondered before glancing to Montmorency. "And you?"
"I- I use water magic, my whole family does. Mostly for potion making and healing."
"Potion making and healing. Transmutation and conjuration possibly. Yes that will," Talcu stopped as he reached back with one of his hands, then another, before sighing. "Of course I. . . . I have a minor artefact capable of helping discern ones magical inclination, but like a fool I forgot it in my quarters," He said as he got up to his feet, a hand sliding over the door control and making it open up. "I will return shortly."
Neither girl was able to speak as Talcu left, the small light disappearing a few seconds after the door closed, putting them back into dim red darkness.
" . . . .to think even their magic is more advanced than Halkeginia's," Montmorency said, finally breaking the silence.
"It's not surprising. The more I think about it, the more likely it seems that the church is stopping things from changing. I wouldn't be surprised if there were void mages but the church kept them locked up."
"Maybe. . . . .hey, do you, think he can tell us more about we could actually do?" Montmorency asked hopefully. " I mean, just knowing that ee could do more with our magic could-"
"Well, you probably could," Louise said abruptly interrupting Montmorency as she heaved a heavy sigh. "I'll probably just blow up his artefact. You'll probably learn how to be a stronger healer though."
"And maybe you will be able to cast things,"
"Not likely."
"You never know. Maybe you are secretly a void mage, or can use magic like the other ones he mentioned?" Montmorency suggested.
"Considering how long some of the professors tired to teach me before giving up, I'm just as happy to assume I just can't use magic," Louise said with a sigh. "It would probably make things easier for me if I wasn't worrying about it."
"Well, yes, but what if-" Montmorency began to say, only to be interrupted by the ships announcement system.
To all personnel. Void combat has been completed in our, and our allies victory. No Starfinder society ships have been destroyed, and ship to ship boarding procedures are beginning. We will be heading to the planet for ground strike assistance. Estimated time to landing, three hours. Grounds teams be prepared.
" . . I, uh, that's good right?"
"Being that they came here to stop slavers, probably," Louise said just before the doors buzzer went off.
"I'll get it," Montmorency offered as she hopped off her bed and tapped the console. The door slid open and Talcu stepped in a moment later as Montmorency returned to her bed.
"Apologies, but I have the artefact," Talcu said as he held up a stone in one hand. The stone was a hexagonally carved stone that seemed to shimmer and shift where its colors and sparkles were, and as it sat in his hand the two girls found their eyes drawn to it. As if it was familiar.
"What, what is it?"
"This is an Aeon Stone, one of the invariable hundreds of types that exist. This one is magically focused to change color according to what inclination of magic one might have," Talcu said as he took out a small book while holding out the stone. "You see how when I hold it, it seems to sparkle in many colors? The sparkle is denoting my connection to the Akashic, while the multitude of colors marks my abilities as a Mystic." He then held it toward Montmorency. "Here, you try."
Montmorency gently and nervously reached forward and picked up the gem. As soon as she did she felt a sort of, euphoria fill her that she did not understand, but perhaps more importantly, she noticed that the gemstone shifted. Its multitude of colors stayed the same, but the sparkling effect changed from the sparkle of stars to ripples of faint blue and white that seemed to move across it in a pattern.
"Hmmm, a Mystic more in tune with the ways of healing," Talcu said with a nod. "Not unexpected, but it means I could teach you if you would like?"
Montmorency stared at the stone for a second before looking to Louise. "You try!"
"I don't think it will-"
"TRY, IT!" Montmorency pressed, an almost wild look in her eyes that made Louise pause.
She then stood up and took it from Montmorency. In an instant she felt something different, something changing, though she could not tell what. And perhaps more interesting at the moment was that the gem did change. Its multicolored look shifted to one of silver and yellow in a gradient, small cracks of green all over it that seemed to hum, as if releasing electricity into the air.
"Hmm, interesting, Talcu hummed as he walked over and looked at the stone. "According to this you have the potential of a Technomancer. No wonder your spells explode, your magic was likely trying to discharge energy from machinery but there was none to be found so instead it detonated energy of magical natures."
"Wait, hold on, just, hold on a second," Louise said as she shook her head, one hand then grabbing it as if she was in pain. Which wasn't far off as her headache was still present to some degree. "You, you are saying that my attempts at casting spells exploded, because I was trying to cast magic that I knew nothing about? That was trying to effect things that were not there?"
"That seems the most reasonable explanation to me yes." Talcu responded with a nod. "Honestly you having an Affinity for the path of a Technomancer is a good thing, because we have a fellow crewman who is Technomancer, and he and I are the only ones with a magical proclivity to-"
"Wait, so, so you are saying I can do magic!?" Louise almost screamed.
"I . . . yes. That is what I am saying," Talcu said hesitantly, confused by Louise's sudden emotion.
"I . . . I can use magic. . . .I'm, not a failure?" Louise said, though her tone was more like a question as he eyes began to water and she began to cry.
And seeing this Montmorency got up and sat down on Louise's bed, holding her close an prompting Louise to lean into Montmorency, burying her face in her chest as she cried.
"Uh, should I, go?" Talcu asked with an uncomfortable look.
"It wasn't anything you did, but that might be a good idea for now," Montmorency said as she slowly held Louise's head.
Talcu simply nodded and moved to leave, hearing Louise say just one sentence as he left.
"If, if I can use magic, I f I could, all this time, why did I have to go through all of that?!"