in tenebris est veritas.
“It is a matter of philosophy. An idea about the truth of the world, which has served me in my magical practice and my survival in this world. You would do well to compare mine to others, and see which guides you best.” She leans toward Pihu, reading at the energies around her with quick-moving eyes. The magic Chaele hopes to summon requires this scrutiny, this preparation, until her eyes lock on some narrow spot just over the Attuned’s shoulder. “You are part of the collective intention whether you like it or not. By mere virtue of your existence.”
Then she reaches abruptly for that same spot behind Pihu’s ear, wrapping her hand around something unseen and pulling on it, as if on a rope. The webbing of raised runes on the shaman’s arms seems to darken then, faint shadows elongating in the midafternoon sun. The darkness rises like wisps of smoke from her flesh, then coalesces into a black thread that snakes around Pihu’s neck and torso. With every inch it travels, it slowly sucks the energy from its target.
Chaele watches the other woman's eyes closely now, studying the effects of her magic.
---
(Dark magic was used on Pihu with permission.)
Then she reaches abruptly for that same spot behind Pihu’s ear, wrapping her hand around something unseen and pulling on it, as if on a rope. The webbing of raised runes on the shaman’s arms seems to darken then, faint shadows elongating in the midafternoon sun. The darkness rises like wisps of smoke from her flesh, then coalesces into a black thread that snakes around Pihu’s neck and torso. With every inch it travels, it slowly sucks the energy from its target.
Chaele watches the other woman's eyes closely now, studying the effects of her magic.
---
(Dark magic was used on Pihu with permission.)
