Scars Make Us Whole

"Battlemages," Jigano murmured, frowning and nibbling his lip. The news was reason for concern, but not unexpected after what he had learned from Edy already. The mention of illusion magics was news, though, and he looked up to give Vai a crooked smile and a nod of gratitude. "It's more than I had before to work with. Every little bit helps, and I appreciate it. Even if it didn't carry over strictly between worlds, knowing what they used to have and do provides a possible guide to what they may seek out again here. Illusion magic exists on Caido, and is something a mage can learn, along with the elements, creation and destruction, healing and life drain." He nodded to Vai, suspecting that she had personal experience with, or had personally witnessed, most of them in action.

He started to nod relief that she agreed with his plan, but her pertinent point brought him to a halt, and the frown returned as he gave a slow nod of acknowledgment. "That's... very true. It was the Tulmhainar's magic that caused the bugs and vines last time, I think. She had been badly hurt by those who had gone through before and was trying to protect herself. The serpent I would like to try and save seemed more of a physical guardian than a magical one, but it is possible that he might also react out of instinct... or that there might be something else entirely down there." He hesitated, then sat back, giving Vervain a tired ghost of a smile. "But how do we plan to protect ourselves from something we don't know exists? It's... difficult to say, aside from warning people that the plants might not be the only problem, and to stay wary and watch each other's backs."