Love mends even the broken parts
Listening to the alchemist’s explanation about his magic, it was impossible not to feel a little jealous. The Launceleyn—well, all the Launceleyns—had always been regarded as some of the strongest mages. So to hear just how superior the other man was made it difficult to bear. Of course, the summoner had some abilities Remi didn’t. However, he was far stronger overall, and Loren was under no illusion about that. ”Understood. And impressive.” The words were clipped and short, but it was the best he could do under the circumstances.
Then, however, the area around them changed. Instead of Deepfrost snows, it was filled with life and greenery and light and warmth and song and wind. He frowned at that, because while the alchemist could obviously summon plants, the rest of it was new. Besides, beyond a small area, it was still cold and white. Fishing his spectacles from his pocket, the summoner was unsurprised (well, surprised that Remi had done it to begin with, but unsurprised to find out how) to discover that while the plants were real, the other sights were mixed.
Of course, the summoner could still feel the warmth and the wind and hear the birdsong, a distinctly bewildering experience. ”Illusion magic?” The Launceleyn frowned. ”That’s new, right?” Still, it gave them another potential weapon for LongNight. ”Any chance that illusory light would deter them? Or does it have to be real magical light, even if it’s summoned?” Actually, that wasn’t even a guarantee. ”I guess I should tell you that I’m worried my creatures won’t be able to banish the monsters either, since none of our other efforts to replicate magic light have worked and even I don't know how my magic works, not really.” He’d told Wessex and Deimos, but he didn’t want the alchemist to rely upon the amulets, unless it was an emergency.
There was just so much they didn’t know, and they were all right: Loren hadn’t been here last year. At least it seemed that Remi was in agreement that Loren might not be enough. Indeed, the other man seemed quite willing to rub the Launceleyn’s face in that. ”I still stand a better chance than most.” Astra nudged him, and he rubbed behind her ears. ”We, I mean.” It would be hard for the alchemist to argue with that. He'd probably try, though.
However, it seemed that Remi needed to do this, or else risk Ludo’s wrath again. ”Pieces of me might not be enough either, especially since they are limited. One healing spell and two Spark Birds doesn’t seem like enough to get you through the week, especially if you’re going outside and can’t replenish them easily. That’s even more true if you won’t be alone out there.” That fact still didn’t sit right with him, but apparently he couldn’t argue with it. ”But if those in the Temple all stay indoors, and have all the pieces of me, and those who venture outside have me, it might maximize everyone’s chances of getting through this.” It was a cold hard logic from the Launceleyn, but sometimes that worked better than the other man’s kindness and compassion.
Then, however, the area around them changed. Instead of Deepfrost snows, it was filled with life and greenery and light and warmth and song and wind. He frowned at that, because while the alchemist could obviously summon plants, the rest of it was new. Besides, beyond a small area, it was still cold and white. Fishing his spectacles from his pocket, the summoner was unsurprised (well, surprised that Remi had done it to begin with, but unsurprised to find out how) to discover that while the plants were real, the other sights were mixed.
Of course, the summoner could still feel the warmth and the wind and hear the birdsong, a distinctly bewildering experience. ”Illusion magic?” The Launceleyn frowned. ”That’s new, right?” Still, it gave them another potential weapon for LongNight. ”Any chance that illusory light would deter them? Or does it have to be real magical light, even if it’s summoned?” Actually, that wasn’t even a guarantee. ”I guess I should tell you that I’m worried my creatures won’t be able to banish the monsters either, since none of our other efforts to replicate magic light have worked and even I don't know how my magic works, not really.” He’d told Wessex and Deimos, but he didn’t want the alchemist to rely upon the amulets, unless it was an emergency.
There was just so much they didn’t know, and they were all right: Loren hadn’t been here last year. At least it seemed that Remi was in agreement that Loren might not be enough. Indeed, the other man seemed quite willing to rub the Launceleyn’s face in that. ”I still stand a better chance than most.” Astra nudged him, and he rubbed behind her ears. ”We, I mean.” It would be hard for the alchemist to argue with that. He'd probably try, though.
However, it seemed that Remi needed to do this, or else risk Ludo’s wrath again. ”Pieces of me might not be enough either, especially since they are limited. One healing spell and two Spark Birds doesn’t seem like enough to get you through the week, especially if you’re going outside and can’t replenish them easily. That’s even more true if you won’t be alone out there.” That fact still didn’t sit right with him, but apparently he couldn’t argue with it. ”But if those in the Temple all stay indoors, and have all the pieces of me, and those who venture outside have me, it might maximize everyone’s chances of getting through this.” It was a cold hard logic from the Launceleyn, but sometimes that worked better than the other man’s kindness and compassion.
loren
