Punching up, Hitting down

Enn

“Friar,” he spoke up, eyes still focussed on the paper on his desk, his free hand tapping on the wood. “Are you up for a little excursion?” Osin had called Friar up to Enn’s office for unknown reasons, the tall man just as unaware of Enn’s plans as Friar was. It was earlier on the day than usual for the man to be scheming, curtains in the office half-closed to keep the glaring sun out. He finally looked up after his question, putting his elbows on the desk to rest his chin on his gloved hands. “We’re going to visit a little scientist who’s been making interesting progress regarding removing magic from mages.” His tone neutral, though by the subject it was obvious he wasn’t in favour of this kind of science. “I’m very curious about the why. And I figured you might be curious about the, hm, opposite of this research. Surely if he can do one, he can do the other.” Actually, Enn wasn’t sure about that. But it was good to have your companion have their own motivation, and not just join out of obligation. Friar might not need it as much as some of his other people, but he stood by his methods. From his informant it didn’t seem like this “Prhycora” figure would be too hard to intimidate. Young, lithe, and a healing mage. A magic very useful to Enn when it came down to it, and he did not want to start on the aggressive route.

Perhaps they could convince Prhycora to keep his research between him and Sangre Mar. But there was a history with the Order and this lad, and that usually made things a little trickier. And that’s where the muscle, Friar, would make for a good, convincing backup. “Unless you have any other ideas or information, I’d like to leave in about an hour. I doubt you need to prepare for a knife fight, from what I can tell you could take this man down with just your left arm. But I’d still like you to only resort to intimidation tactics as a last resort.” (355)

Friar

Friar’s steps were surprisingly quiet for a person of their stature, though the clanking of the swords at their sides most definitely gave them away. Enn’s door was open, and, having been summoned, they stood outside, waiting for their leader- and friend- to speak. An excursion, eh? Instantly, Friar’s heart began to beat just a bit faster. There was nothing they loved more than fighting, protecting the dream they shared. It kept the agony at bay- so long, it had been, and yet it still felt so raw around the edges, this hole in their heart. They gave a quick, sharp nod. “You know I love getting out of here whenever possible. I can train as much as I want, but there’s nothing like getting involved.” The excursion’s reason shocked him. A way to rid mages of their powers? In the hands of an Order mage? With Miriam in charge, it was only a matter of time before that research would fall into her hands, and those people trapped in Namarast would be doomed to lose something so inherently part of them. And then the opportunity to have magic of his own… something that could have prevented the loss of his family, and could help protect others from losing theirs. “Interesting stuff, this research…” he muttered, thinking. “Definitely dangerous in the wrong hands, and useful to us in its opposite form.” (edited)

An hour to get ready was far more time than they needed. “Of course, Enn. I’ll be lightly armored with my swords by my side.” They ran through the armor they would want- likely just pauldrons and wrist guards, perhaps their lightest greaves. A chestplate would be too much, as would a helmet, boots, or their cuisses. But the rest could easily be passed off as an aesthetic touch, except the weapons- but they would not be parted from those. Not ever. Hopefully it didn’t come across as too much. “I’ll meet you here in an hour, if that’s alright?” (331) (edited)

Enn

“I agree, very interesting. A bit too interesting to ignore. I’d rather not wait until the Order has their grimey hands on him, if we’re not already too late for that.” Enn spoke with an exhale, a final glance at the papers in front of him before his bright red eye focussed on Friar. “Here is fine. An hour, I’ll see you then.” An hour was perhaps a little more than what Enn needed too, but he wanted to get a few other small things done just in case. He had a few scenarios in mind, in case this Prhycora wasn’t feeling like cooperating. One was kidnapping, absolutely. But before he did anything rash like that, he did have to make sure the man had the research he was looking for to begin with. Ah, thoughts, plans, good to think ahead. Long sleeves, a high collar, black with gold buttons; a staple outfit for Enn as he was joined by Friar an hour later. The cane he had in his hand was slim and inoffensive, but some details gave away it was custom made. Red accents, the theme of a wave in the little elements and wood grain. He gave Friar a small nod of his head as they started their walk through The Mar, and later through Faline. Enn didn’t mind walking so much, cane or no cane, and he knew the place they were heading wasn’t very far off, but still in a far nicer part of Faline. The building they came upon was nestled in between some larger ones, covered in plants, and from what the outside told Enn he’d expect an old lady to come out. He knew that wouldn’t be the case, nor did he expect anyone to come out of it exactly. His informant had given him a time of day to expect the man to be home, and confidently, Enn simply knocked on the door. (322)

Prhycora

Within the delightful little house on the bright little street, Prhy was blissfully unaware of the storm that waited outside their door. Today was the first day in a few weeks things had been slow enough for them to close up early and set about to assessing their medicine stores and going about restocking and making more. All that morning they’d been cleaning up the front waiting room and working on tinctures, powders, pills and teas. However, all the while they had to dodge the kittens, Nougat and Flint who unlike the other felines which were happily outside dozing in the sunshine, had decided it’d be good to stay inside where it wasn’t quite so hot and muggy. The scraggly little demons had decided to chase the broom like it was possessed by the soul of a fish, or bird, or something they thought was immediately edible. Prhy had been amused at first, enjoying the shenanigans for a little while until they nearly knocked over the big aloe plant he’d had to move to the floor to dust around. So when the knock at the door came, it was the perfect excuse to usher the little gremlins out the door, and maybe let a little more air in to let the place breathe a little. With all their cleaning they’d stirred up enough dust to cause everyone including theirself and their familiar to sneeze. Tulsi yawned and stood up to stretch in her place at the window, flexing her wings before she curled up once more and went back to sleep as Prhy passed her by. They spared her a smile, gently patting her head as they scooped up the three kittens and tugged the door open, humming all the while. .

The smile froze, then faded a bit when Prhy saw who was on the other side of the door. “Ah… hullo.” They nudged the kittens outside then swallowed, having just spotted the person bearing more than one sword. It wasn’t uncommon for people to carry weapons, by Fate it was fairly common, but Prhy wasn’t quite fond the air this duo had about them. The two seemed far too business like to not have a reason to be at the door. “Is there something I can help you with? I’m afraid the practice is shut down for the day. I’m out of most medicines for the time, so if it’s not urgent I’ll have to ask you to wait for another day or two.” They forced their smile to stay, eyes flickering over both of them while they searched for some token or sign of who had sent them. They didn’t look like the Order, Prhy almost let out a breath of relief at that. (456) (edited)

Enn

Caught off-guard by the cats suddenly emerging past his legs, Ennn briefly faltered from his usual cold composure. Three cats?? Did this man always toss cats at strangers- ah, never mind. Catching Prhy’s expression was enough for him to get back into his role, glad to see he got the right person. For the shortest moment, Enn caught onto his eyes going to Friar’s swords, his demeanour changing in reply to the sight. He had a good mind to him, but Enn didn’t want him to retreat. “Ah, yes, as a matter of fact you could help us. Apologies about the sudden visit, Prhycora, and for visiting so well armed. As an obvious mage,” he spoke, waving a hand at the physique of his face, “I can’t be taking any risks. I come here with a business proposal I believe you will be interested in.” The sign he gave Friar was a subtle one. And at this point, all he asked was for the bigger man to make sure Phry wasn’t going to be throwing the door in their face. “Getting funding for any research related to magic can’t be easy right now. I’d like to assist, if you’d be so kind to hear us out?” His eyes didn’t leave Phry’s face, taking in account any twitch that could be betraying the other mans’ thoughts. (225) (edited)

Friar

Prhycora was certainly not what Friar expected. The three kittens shuffled around their feet, aiming to get to the outside world, except for the one who decided that Friar’s boot ties made a lovely toy. A glance down by the tall, pale soldier revealed the little calico, batting at the loose leather thong that hung from the completed knot of their boots. A swift, passing smile touched their face at the adorable kitten, and for now, Friar would let it play. Who knew- perhaps they would come home with a new pet today. They certainly would not mind that turn in events. The sign from their employer was certainly subtle, the slightest of glances and nods, and Friar took up his position, angling his body towards the open door, leaving his foot in place as best he could so that the kitten could still enjoy its playtime. His armored arm came to rest on the door frame, leaning against it in what could be called a casual move, one ankle crossing behind the other, the kitten following the movement and batting at the moving tie. His hip slid up against the door frame, bearing most of his weight, and his planted foot stood in the path of the closing door. He knew his size would not allow the mage to close the door, no matter what. He had trained long and hard for so long to grow his strength. With a slightly threatening smirk, he spoke. “S’best for all of us if you let us in, Prhycora.” At odds with the threatening air about them, the little calico continued to play with the boot strings. (275) (edited)

Prhycora

Prhy stared up at the looming giant, eyes darting between them and the short man. They leaned heavily on the door, halfway to keep it shut, halfway because they were startled at the sudden conversation topic and felt the slightest bit weak in the knee. Research. They were aware of only one type of research that they were doing that would garner showing up with muscle and what felt like a threat. ”Ah. Ah… I see.” The young doctor glanced towards the stairs then back towards the two before deciding to just, let go of the door and step back. It was obvious there would be no way for them to close it so they figured the best course of action was to just… let it swing open and hope the so called funding wasn’t a lie. ”Please, step inside.” They stated, after the door was already wide open. Prhy stepped further back into the room, scooping up Tulsi from her place in the window and holding her close before they made their way across the waiting room to stand awkwardly near the hallway leading deeper into the practice, almost as if to keep the others from going back there. ”You must forgive me for being startled, you see I’ve been trying to keep it a secret.” The smile was gone from their features, and their already fair skin was nearly as pale as wax paper. Their tone was a bit odd, wobbling between obvious distress, frustration and an attempt to be polite and professional. (255)

Enn

Friar played his part perfectly, even managing to ignore a kitten at his feet. So dedicated to the cause. There were few others with resolves like his. Enn didn’t need to add anything to his guard’s words. The tall man was right, it would be best. And at the slightest sign of Prhycora budging, Enn’s placating smile turned into a grin. “Thank you, läkare, we won’t be any trouble.” He bowed his head ever so slightly as he just waltzed in, his coat flaring behind him. The first thing that came to his attention was the amount of cats. He had no issue with cats, the opposite more so, but wasn’t this man a doctor? He had to be cleaning up nearly daily to make sure his clients didn’t die of sepsis due to cat hair. Or maybe Enn wasn’t a doctor, and he didn’t know much about this job. Prhycora seemed to continue the cosy theme from the outside, though it was looking pretty sterile, a little more sparse on the plants. He kept an eye on the doctor as he seemed to have a tough time keeping himself composed, and Enn took notice. He put his hands on his back in reply, making himself seem as harmless as possible. His magic had long creeped on and checked out Prhycora’s; healing, as he had been informed. “In Faline, the walls have ears. The trick is in getting the right ears to hear your secrets before the wrong ones do. I also believe we haven’t introduced ourselves properly, my name is Enn Marren’Vik, and this is my companion, Friar.” He added a flourish of his hand towards the taller man upon the introduction. With that, he folded his hands into one another, ready to head into the next part of this interaction.

“Now, the cat’s out of the bag,” cats. Many cats. “and I have a question for you. A healing mage looking for a method to get rid of a mages magic. Somehow that feels like- hm, a contradiction.” He had started to walk as he spoke, one hand behind his back as the other one motioned with his words. “But I’d like to know why this is the research you decided to dedicate your time to.” (378)

Prhycora

Won't be any trouble? Really. And they supposed interrupting them in the middle of cleaning and restocking was a kindness? Prhy bit their tongue to keep the sour retort back, instead taking a deep breath and scratching at the nape of Tulsi's neck. Their eyes trickled down, briefly locking on the shiny buttons before their golden eyes flicked up again. "It's more apparent that they have eyes where eyes don't belong." Prhy stated with a tsk. "I haven't spoken a word of this. Not aloud." They stopped scratching their familiar now, too ruffled to keep it up. "So kind of you to share your names. And if you must call me anything, you may call me doctor. Just doctor." They eyed the mage for a long minute before glancing up towards Friar. "Really?" The tone was flat but acrid, seething to the core. "Evidently your ears have trouble hearing, or your eyes seeing. I don't want to get rid of magic. It's suppressants. I'm sure you can see what's happening to mages right now, what people are doing to them, what the Order is pressuring them into." Prhy's hands curled into fists, their knuckles blanching as their fingers buried into their familiar's feathers. "If there was a way, that mages who needed to could hide it without fear that it might flare up, if there was a way people didn't have to fear their own magic as they learned to control it… maybe there wouldn't be as many monsters. Maybe more people wouldn't lose their homes like they have, like I did when I was young." Prhy shook their head. "People who see my magic, don't see someone trying to help. They see fire, and feel fear." They took a deep breath and let it out slow, a haunted look flickering through their gaze as their memories turned back to the tower. "And as corruption takes a hold in me, the scarier the flames become. To myself, and anyone I try to help." Their gaze sharpened and they lifted their chin. "So you can't stop me if that's what you're here to do." (353)

Friar

At the man’s invitation inside, Friar backed up, waving his boss inside, before reaching down and picking up the squirming bundle of fluff, putting it on his shoulder, where its claws dug into the leather pauldrons. Friar’s eyes lit up at the cats inside- so many of them! A slight smile formed before Friar could turn it into a smirk. Oh, he would love to spend days here. But that was not what they were there for. They took up a position behind Enn’s left shoulder, their eyes monitoring the situation. This “doctor” was someone desperate- and desperation could lead to quick action, destructive action. Their right hand rested on that sword- they would use their left, but the kitten lay on that shoulder, nestled in his wavy hair. “Magic suppressants, you say?” they said, their brows furrowing for a brief moment. “Who is to say that the Order will not get their hands on it and force mages to take it? Why bother researching this when it is too risky if it falls into the wrong hands? Certainly the-” they paused, their voice turning snide with a soft sneer on his lips- “benefits would not outweigh the real and present dangers.” A soft snort left Friar’s lips. This line of research was dangerous- too dangerous. They would not put it past that damned Archon Miriam to force the mages trapped in Namarast to take it. And then… what would happen to them? They would still certainly be trapped, not allowed to leave Namarast, even with their magic suppressed. And if they were trapped in the wooden city of mages without magic, what kind of life would that give them? A piss-poor one. And then there was the question of the opposite of this man’s research- what if one could be given magic? And what would it take for this doctor to turn to that research instead? If he had only had magic back then… perhaps he could have saved his family, killed that damned noble sooner. But they could not change the past. They could only fight for the future- and magic in Friar’s hands was all too good a tool. (362) (edited)

Enn

“Doctor it is.” Hit a nerve, huh. Enn kept up his smile, listening to Prhycora explain his intentions. And as he did, Enn leaned his cane against the wall of the waiting room, sitting down on one of the chairs. He clearly kept his attention on the doctor, finding his reasoning aligning with his own. “Now now,” he started, lifting up a hand towards Friar. “At the core, we’re all doing the same thing here, which is helping the mage population. Whether or not I agree with your thinking, doctor, comes second to that.” And he didn’t. There was a large flaw in the doctors thinking to Enn. Mages should not need to hide and putting the responsibility on them was cruel. Anyone could be cruel unintentionally, as it turned out. Before he could continue, a cat jumped on his lap. Enn didn’t flinch, but it did visibly distract him. It was a brown tabby with green eyes, and it’d started purring before Enn had done anything at all. So he gently poked the white mark on his nose.

“Yes. So, I do agree that if the Order gets their hands on you, we’ll all have a bigger problem. So I want to strike up a deal with you. We can offer a certain degree of protection, and I will personally see to it that you and your research are safe. I can help fund it as well, so you don’t need to worry about an income as you work.” Enn had started to pet the cat as he spoke, the critter seemingly happy for any attention. “Så många katter..”
“In trade, you exclusively deal with me in regards to your research. I will also give you directions, though nothing that overrides our shared goal. You want to help mages, right?” His eyes lifted up from the cat, back to Phrycora, “so do we. I assume you also believe The Order should not get involved in this.” He had a hunch. The connections this man might’ve had to the Order were history, and he like many others, was trying to stay out of their hands. (355)

Prhycora

Prhy looked up at Friar. "And every action you've ever taken has been 100% risk free?" They jerked their head to the side, raising one hand and waving it vaguely. "Do you really think I haven't considered how dangerous this could be? How horrible it could be if it fell into the wrong hands? And I would like to ask, do you really think the Order doesn't already have someone trying to do what I'm doing?" They buried both hands in Tusli's fluff once more, the familiar eyeing the strangers through half lidded eyes. “I’ve spent many, many long evenings thinking about this. I didn’t just jump in head first with no clue of what I was getting into. I know it’s not going to only be used for its intended purpose.” Their temper calmed for a moment as Enn started to speak, their attention snapping away from the big fellow with the kitten and down to Sage then up towards Enn's face. "I wouldn't object to a little protection. I can't exactly protect it very well on my own." Their gaze trickled around the room suddenly, as if it all might disappear in a second. When they spoke again, it became apparent why. "My plan has always been to burn it all down if I had to." They blinked, expression shifting. “I don’t want to get involved with the Order. But I do not like the idea of being yanked around by little puppet strings. I don’t know a thing about you. You say you want to help mages, how can I know that’s really what you want. Or is this the sort of thing where I don’t get to know, I don’t get to ask, I don’t get to find out? I understand that I’m just a little no one, and I don’t get to know everything, but if you don’t have some sort of proof that you’re actually helping people I don’t want to consider accepting your so called help.” .

They took a deep breath and then shook their head. “My research isn’t for sale. I am comfortable with my current income. I am willing to consider a deal, but I won’t be pushed around and I won’t stop what I’m doing.” They stated firmly, letting out a shaky breath. “I know it would be bad if this fell into the wrong hands. But I’m not in charge of what will happen in the world. If I were-” They let out a quiet little laugh, the sound full of anxiety “the world wouldn’t look like this.” (429)

Friar

The little man’s anger was laughable. “I know damn well this is dangerous, doctor." He snorted, shaking his head. “I’ve been in fucking danger more times than I can count. We do not have time for my fucking sob story here, but believe me- I know. Nothing is risk free. But this?” He waved a hand in the area, as if to try and capture with a broad movement the space in which Prhy did his research. “This is beyond foolish. Far too risky. From researching something that harms mages more than helps, to doing it within earshot of the damned Order.” The anger faded somewhat as they reached up to stroke the kitten nestled in the hair by their shoulder. This was not Siregal. This was not that damned noble’s palace. This was not their past, watching their family starve while they could do nothing- were forced to do nothing- to help end it. A sigh left their lips, hand dropping down from the kitten’s fluff. “We want to help mages. They have suffered so much at the hands of those above them. Hell, look at me- a non-mage who is neck deep in the fight. Those seem to be few and far between these days.” .

Their nose wrinkled at the man’s questions. Wasn’t there a saying somewhere of not looking a gift horse in the damned mouth? “You won’t know everything. There are things we do that you won’t want to be a part of, almost surely, and the less you know about it, the better. But we can and will help protect you to keep this shit out of the Order’s reach, if you accept it, and perhaps-” they stole a glance at Enn- “even if you don’t, though it may not be by means you like. I would prefer if you researched the opposite, but…” they trailed off, looking to Enn for guidance. They had said too much, done too much. But by the Patrons, they could not understand this tiny man. He should have just taken the damn offer of protection, not begun to question everything they were doing. And if only he would take the coin offered… then he could research what Friar wanted. Friar could, maybe, get their hands on magic so that they could be more than a fucking bodyguard. “I’m the brawn of this shit. Not the brains,” they said, returning to their place behind Enn’s chair, where they always seemed to end up. “That’s his part. But even I can tell that you shouldn’t push against this offer. We are sticking our necks out for you. Don’t make us regret it.” (441) (edited)

Enn

Enn listened. His eyes were on Prhy as he voiced his doubts, and he sent the cat on his lap on their way with a gentle prod. Hard to keep focus when a critter wants your attention otherwise. “I’m happy to show you. I understand your doubts and concerns, doctor, and I wouldn’t say you’re a no-one at all.” If anything, he could be making it big with his work. “At this moment, I mostly focus on providing a living space for mages afraid to be taken away, some even outright in hiding from the Order. Hopefully we can find ways to give back to these mages too, to give them a better chance of defending themselves.” “I think you’re misunderstanding my intentions here, and that’s on me. We come barging in as a pair of strangers demanding your attention and time, talking about deals and money. You’re a mage like me, caught in a difficult spot because of some people in power deciding we’re no longer safe to be around. And there’s mages who agree with it too. Figuring out who is on your side is,- a risk. Not always one worth taking.” His attention went to Friar’s small tirade, and his constant cussing made Enn break a smile. This man would never pretend to be anything he wasn’t, putting up a façade of any kind just wasn’t like him. “Forgive my companions wording, Friar here has been by my side since the civil war in Siregal. It’s an important topic to him too, mage or not. I have no intention for this to get heated.” Enn continued, grabbing his cane, and getting back up on his legs with his hands resting on the rounded top. “What would the world look like, if you had a say, doctor?” He was genuinely curious, wondering if he was as much of a dreamer as he kind of came across like to Enn. (274)

Prhycora

Prhy listened to Friar’s words, barely. They were half way to the point where they were too frustrate to listen. And the moment research of the opposite kind was mentioned, they couldn’t keep quiet. "And you can promise no one would abuse that ability? No vigilante would go around turning people into mages without their consent? You're being selfish if you think that isn't going to be just as dangerous. It sounds to me as though you're only willing to justify something that would directly help you, without even considering how it may be abused. But that's not even possible I don't think. I am a doctor, I work with the tangible. I can't perform…. Whatever it would take to make that happen." They lifted their chin. “I am aware what I am doing is risky. But I am also aware that it may help. All medicine can be dangerous if put into the wrong hands, that isn’t something new. That isn’t something that can be changed.” They paused, suddenly giving way to thoughts on the matter, a look of horror crossing their features as they thought about it. "Besides. How could I even test something like that? If I could even figure out something somewhere that would give you magic?" They shook their head hard. “No, no no. What I am doing now, I can test on myself, no one needs to get hurt during the process. I couldn’t promise that for anything else.” Their shoulders relaxed and they pinned Friar with a softening gaze. “I don’t inherently disagree, but magic isn’t always the solution. And thinking back to what if’s if you had it then won’t help. I’ve been there. I didn’t always have this…” They struggled for words. “whatever it is.” They paused once more before breathing out an apology. “I’m sorry for whatever you went through.” .

Their temper now in ruins, the young doctor was more ready to listen and hear now than they had been at the beginning of this little conversation. Their posture relaxed and they even let Tulsi hop down, the half-swan, half-cat abomination making her way back to the window without a word. She seemed content that things were safe. Prhy took a breath. “I apologize for maybe making this more difficult than it needs to be. But yes, the interruption and introduction didn’t exactly inspire the most confidence that you truly don’t mean any harm.” They fiddled with the edge of their sleeve, they paused, fingers freezing at the question. “What would it look like? There wouldn’t be nearly as much death, or nearly as much pain. Magic wouldn’t be this cursed thing, it wouldn’t be seen as a blessing or a curse. It just would be… normal. Without the hatred or the pain.” They shook their head. “But that’s just a thought, a distant dream. The impossible.” (477)

Friar

They had said enough. The doctor was now compliant, at least as much as Friar thought he could be, and seemed sure of his plans. Nothing Friar could say would change him. As to his inability- or likely refusal- to work towards granting non-mages magic, it stung. Some optimistic thing inside Friar’s chest withered and died, a blankness falling over their features, perhaps with a tinge of darkness- the darkness of long-held hopes dying. The apology for “whatever had happened to them-” the death of their whole family, and Friar unable to do anything to stop it- was appreciated, but not enough. Nothing could bring them back, and Friar now knew that only their swords could fix the problem. But the doctor’s words still required a response, so a strangled, quiet “thank you. Appreciated,” left their lips, and then they glanced down at the floor, taking a moment to bring their emotions under wraps. They could do nothing to support Enn if they lost themselves to tears, so they settled themself into nothingness. It was better than feeling the depth of emotions in their soul at the moment, better than wallowing in the continued grief of their loss. They stood in silence for the rest of the conversation, their eyes flicking around, their ears listening not on the conversation, not necessarily, but all around, trying to ensure that no one lingered outside any door or window, or passed too near the shop. But the dream of the doctor… it was a wonderful dream. To have magic and not be feared, to conquer corruption, to ensure that everyone was equal, magic or not- it was something worth fighting for. Though their voice was soft, perhaps a tiny bit frayed with the tears choked down, they spoke. “It’s not a bad dream, doctor. And not impossible. Difficult, yes. Requiring work, yes. But not impossible.” Their pale eyes met the doctor’s own. “In a world of magic, nothing is impossible.” (327)

Enn

Hm, the topic of giving magic to non-mages interested Enn as well, though he agreed with Prhy on most of it. Who would that benefit, really? He wondered how many turned-mages would really appreciate that power once they’d realized the price to pay. But would it be impossible? Was anything truly? “You’re testing on yourself?” Enn suddenly questioned out loud, well aware Prhy’s magic was healing. Then again, it made sense, who else would he experiment on? Enn couldn’t imagine a volunteer for it, not with his people at least. But surely there were mages with magic less.. Less useful, his thoughts wanted to settle on. “Ah, apologies, you’re a healer, no? It just seems like such a risk in case it goes wrong and you lose that ability to help people. But I understand it wouldn’t be easy to find volunteers for such research and keep it quiet.” Friar’s change of mood wasn’t hard to catch onto, but Enn wasn’t the best empath. Instead, he let the man quietly deal with it by himself, only chiming in after he had spoken up. “Exactly. And there are plenty of tales of people gaining mage status later in life, Friar. That too is not impossible. For now though, doctor, how about we meet again another time? Let today’s conversation sink in a little, and meet on neutral ground at another time. I can show you around the Mar after, if you’d be so inclined.” It’d be better to round this off now. Let any high emotions shimmer back down, revisit in the future. And if Prhycora decided to disappear off of the face of the earth, well, Enn had other methods left. (281)

Prhycora

The young physician glanced over at Enn, staring owlishly for a moment before giving a nod. "Yes. I couldn't exactly ask anyone else. It might not be safe in this current form and I'm not willing to put anyone else at risk." They paused for a long moment, weighing their next words as though they could be unsafe to say. "So far, it's not working quite how it needs to. The effects last briefly, only five minutes at this point. And even then it only makes it minutely more difficult to call upon my magic." They glanced down. "I work at night, during hours I am less likely to receive patients in need of urgent care. And even then, it's not every night that I am able to test something." They'd been burning the candle at both ends, that was clear enough. Their next words though were a bit quieter. "Besides, if I can't save someone without my magic, do I really deserve to be called a doctor?" They glanced up, blinking but clearly not looking for an answer. Their shoulders fell just a touch and they glanced over at Friar. "It might be… but in a world like this I can't help but hesitate that it might be possible. I guess I've been turned into a bit of a skeptic." They let out a half amused breath. Prhy never would've thought they'd ever say that about theirself. Now that they had they felt faintly solemn about the matter. "I do hope though." Prhy's gaze snapped back to Enn. "Yes, that sounds like an agreeable decision." The Mar. That didn't sound the most pleasant but they weren't about to say that aloud. "I have quite a bit to think about. But whatever time seems to work best, let me know. I'll try to ensure a somewhat clear schedule if given proper warning." They took a deep breath before glancing around, reaching to scoop up Sage, who'd spent the last two minutes pestering them for attention. "And really, I am sorry for putting up such a fuss." (346)

Enn

Fair enough, yes, that made sense, and yet he felt Phry should hone his magic. Not experiment with reducing it. Though Enn couldn’t really offer himself either, only a mage by proximity. “We can talk about possible volunteers sometime, feels like something that’d be very good to try on an elemental mage.” How did you test healing? He rather not think about that. The existential crisis question he left in the air. Enn had thoughts about that, about being a doctor if you can’t save people without magic. He didn’t even call himself a mage when in company of only non-mages, even if his eye clearly said something else. “You didn’t put up any unreasonable fuss at all.” Being reassuring or empathetic wasn’t exactly his strong point, but he had to say it. “I will let you know a good time through a letter soon. Will be doing a bit of research on my own to give you a proper proposition.” And he had thoughts on how to ensure Phry’s safety as well, but that’d come in the future. Finally he waved Friar to follow him outside as they left. Enn found himself mostly deep in thought, only to find himself distracted by something moving on Friar’s shoulder. Finally looking up, the green eyes of a small calico kitten looked back at him. “Really? Well I hope the doctor’s alright with that. I’m not changing any litter.” Enn muttered, a slight shake of his head as they continued their route back. (251)