Room 211, Sunday Evening

[seeks_truth]

It had taken more time to move all of her things than Cassandra had entirely anticipated: her armor and equipment were happy, and she had gathered more books over the past year or so than she had thought. And of course, there were the bookshelves they had bought at the Isle of IKEA, which now took up most of the room. Still, as Cassandra put down the last of her book on their joint 'already read' shelf, it had been a good day's work.

"This is perfect," she said, stepping back from the shelves.

She appreciated her and Lucille's handiwork for a moment longer.

[[ open post, open door! ]]

Comments

[seeks_truth]

"Or blood mages."

Cassandra, that was offensive.

[crimson_sister]

"Do you think there are blood mages in this world?" Lucille sounded doubtful.

[seeks_truth]

"There could be?" Cassandra offered. "It does dabble in magics."

[crimson_sister]

Lucille was still doubtful, but she chose not to question further.

"How does one recognize a blood mage?"

[seeks_truth]

"They perform magic acts using blood," Cassandra said dryly.

[crimson_sister]

That sounded... fascinating. Lucille understood that wasn't the best reaction though, so she said: "Their own or someone else's?"

[seeks_truth]

"Either," Cassandra said mildly. "Acts of magic performed using blood - any blood - has a greater ability to open gateways to the Fade, among other things. It is very dangerous."

[crimson_sister]

"They seek power then, those who use it? Is that what that mage, Anders, does?"

[seeks_truth]

"I saw him try it once," Cassandra said, "But he was clearly an amateur."

Or he wouldn't have given up so easily.

[crimson_sister]

"Does that mean he is less dangerous? Or more so because he doesn't know what he is doing?"

Blood magic sounded... intriguing.

[seeks_truth]

"Both," Cassandra said, heaving a sigh. "But it does mean he was rather easy to subdue."

She hadn't even had to go into her special skills.

[crimson_sister]

Lucille would have liked to know more about Cassandra's special skills.

"Even of there are no blood mages in this story, we should write one where they appear. Perhaps the heroine could fall in love with one of them, and then have to kill him when she realizes what he is and that he has deceived her."

Lucille thought it was a rather romantic plot, although tragic.

[seeks_truth]

They involved being able to set people's blood on fire WITH HER MIND?

Cassandra blinked. "That is rather... morbid, and terrible," she said. "Though... it may well be interesting. It would be proof of the heroine's moral fibre."

[crimson_sister]

Lucille would find that SO HOT. Pun totally intended.

Sometimes their tastes differed. "She has a strong sense of moral, of course," Lucille said. "Based on her own convictions. Perhaps she could later find her true love?"

[seeks_truth]

"Perhaps," Cassandra said. "Or perhaps her quest is so important that she must make such sacrifices. I suppose it is not terrible to find one's self alone."

[crimson_sister]

Lucille would find it terrible to be alone. "Maybe a true friend instead? Love does not need to be of the romantic kind. The strength of friendship could help her make the right choice."

[seeks_truth]

"Perhaps her friend could convince her of the necessity of killing her lover?" Cassandra proposed.

[crimson_sister]

"She would most likely need support in such a decision," Lucille agreed.

[seeks_truth]

"Then we have our story," Cassandra said thoughtfully. She smiled a touch. "Even if I am a terrible writer."

[crimson_sister]

"I'm not sure I believe you," Lucille said, looking across the room at Cassandra. "But we should write it together."

[seeks_truth]

"Whatever subtlety is required in turning a phrase, I assure you, I do not have it." She had more or less come to terms with that. "But I imagine you could write quite beautifully."

[crimson_sister]

"We could still make up the story together," Lucille said. "But should I return to reading? I'm curious to see what will happen."

[seeks_truth]

"If you wish," Cassandra said, smiling. "Though you could also tell me how you envision the opening chapter of our book."

[crimson_sister]

Lucille didn't mind staying with the story they had just started. "Perhaps she should meet the blood mage? Is there a place where they are likely to be found?"

[seeks_truth]

"Caves, sewers, the bottom rungs of the cities, wherever they can hide and plot," Cassandra muttered.