001 ▲ video.

[sylvan]

[The video comes at an odd angle, all wild waves of vivid green hair, occasionally rocking nauseously to reveal pale, creamy skin and the flash of dark blue eyes or part of a nervous but friendly smile -- much like the voice that comes over the airwaves.]

I've... never used something like this before, so I hope it's working! [Her laugh comes soft, chiming a few times before dissipating. The screen shakes and a slender hand comes into view, gesturing as she speaks. Slowly her appearance becomes a little more visible; a sideways angle of about two-thirds of her face comes into focus. Though the angle is odd, it's clear that she is an attractive woman and while uncomfortable, she radiates warmth.]

I'm not really sure where I'm going with all of this, I hadn't had much of a plan in mind when I started. [Another soft laugh that implies she's lost in more than one sense of the word. It doesn't reach her eyes, nor does the smile any longer.]

I do have a question, though, if no one minds it. What now?

Comments

[sylvan]

I think adaptability is more important than raw power. Something weaker used repeatedly as a battle tactic can end up working more in your favor than something a bit heavier, especially if what you're up against is immune to that one specialty.

I use Black Magic. And I'm a summoner, too. I haven't tried everything out yet, though. Oh and I'm pretty handy with a whip!

[notquitedracula]

I'm going to go out on a limb and assume you don't mean black magic as in sacrifices, high rituals and the many forms of devil worship. If you do, we're going to have to have an unpleasant talk. Now, if you mean it as in... say, attack magic as opposed to healing, then I don't have any problems with that.

...I have a friend you'd get along well with. He's good with a whip, too.

[sylvan]

Oh gosh, no! I just use elemental, offensive magic! [ She genuinely looks perturbed by the possibility of this, although she doesn't quite know what "devil worship is" beyond perhaps the worship of imps or something of the sort, she's certain that the combination of the rest and his tone implicates something rather nasty... ]

Ah, really? Are they here?

[notquitedracula]

Good. You may want to be a bit more careful about your phrasing; not everyone has as open a mind as I do. Some of them can be downright nasty about the subject. [Why no, Eraqus, he's not talking about you; you can totally ignore the burning ears and sneezing fit.]

The main thing to remember is that 'black' magic has some really, really bad connotations to some people, so you may wanna be more specific in the future. Calling it something neutral, like elemental for example, is much less likely to get you odd looks or worse. [How much worse? Well, people used to get burned at the stake for practicing even healing magic where he's from...]

Sadly, no. I wish he was; he might not be able to make any more sense of this than I can, but at least I can rely on him if things go bad.

[sylvan]

But that's what it's called. I used to be able to use White Magic, too, but I lost the ability when I became a more powerful Black Mage. [ It honestly didn't even occur to her that there was anything wrong with her phrasing. ]

I... [ It's a little scary to her. A world where a skill that practically defines who she is happens to be uncommon? And worse, the name of it has been stolen and misused? ] I understand. It... It never occurred to me that there was anything wrong with something I spent my whole life learning, using, and helping others with...

[ She likes the friend conversation more. ] Oh. Well, maybe he'll come here, too!

[notquitedracula]

It's not that what you know is wrong - it's that the name has different meanings in other worlds. Honestly, I wouldn't worry too much about it - just be ready to explain to the more zealous ones what it is you actually mean when you say black magic.

[Yeah, the friend part is definitely more palatable.] Maybe. There are a few others I'd like to see here, as well; or better, who I'd like to be back home with.

[sylvan]

That's so strange! [ She has some difficulty believing this, if only because it goes against everything she knows. ] But I'll be careful. I don't mind explaining my abilities, especially when it means something negative elsewhere.

I think I can understand that.