It seems all I do these days is leave messages asking for advice. Though I suppose in this case what I'm requesting would be better termed a discussion.
[ but that's a digression. ] I'm given to understand that you're the man I should talk to about magic.
[confirming who gave him that understanding or saying anything qualifying (self-deprecating/modest, cautionary, or clarifying) would also be a digression, so sticks to,]
Where to begin? I suppose really I don't have any specific questions, but only because I don't know the right ones to ask.
This discussion is not one I typically care to... put on the table, as it were. But it bothers me. I was taught that magic was, above all else, a force for corruption and chaos. And nothing I have learned here disputes that conclusion. It is powerful, and unfair, and incredibly complicated. Too complicated to be called 'evil' and have done with it.
The quest for the right questions is in itself very wise.
I agree with you, insofar as magic is one of many manifestations of an unequal distribution of power. Wealth is another kind; heritage; class; connection; beauty; intelligence; ability to control. All of these things can corrupt. For the sake of these things are better ideals twisted and made into mere tools to increase or maintain control. Yet they can also be used to help, protect, and serve.
So while I find your premise sound, I ask, why single out magic?
[Genuine astonishment: this is the first time anyone not from Camelot hadn't been baffled by the idea that those magical might be considered different from others. Let alone someone who was unabashedly magical themselves. ]
How did you- [ Overcome the prejudice? Live with yourself? The questions seem too intrusive and he stops abruptly, tries a different tack.. ] How am I supposed to let that go? It's been months, months, and even the most harmless slight of hand still brings to mind my father's lectures.
Video. | wow, that edit.superciliousJune 8 2011, 07:29:59 UTC
[ a snort ] How long do you have?
Magic corrupts was the primary theme. Sorcery used for harmless tasks, or even for healing, was dangerous because it encourages the idea that perhaps magic isn't inherently evil. Magic is an honourless refuge. It cheats, and takes unpayable prices. The best of men would lose morality if they had such powers at their fingertips. If we didn't maintain laws against it, the realm would fall into chaos. And if the law was broken without punishment, our enemies would think us weak, and then we would be at war again.
[ His voice is dry, and whether or not he agrees with any of the above statements is not immediately obvious. ]
Never forget that the Old Religion killed your mother, Arthur, and it will do the same for you, given half a chance.
[ Not that Remus is an appreciative audience, but Arthur has always had a particular talent for mimicking his father's words. ]
I suppose, given the frequent attempts on my life by vengeful sorcerers, I was inclined to believe him.
Video. | It may come back... but I think Arthur knows all of it already ;-)lumenrelegandusJune 14 2011, 06:04:23 UTC
[nod]
It just seems to me that much of what I could say is already in your mind. Indeed, we have had something very like this conversation before. So I must ask: is there anything in particular you're seeking by way of response? Do you have any question for me?
Video - after rechecking that it's private | You could never do that ;-)lumenrelegandusJune 23 2011, 17:41:28 UTC
[that silences him for a moment; expression hard to read.
At last, a bit strangely sad a bit not sad at all of a smile]
I've been preoccupied with trying to be such an example, even-especially?-when no one was looking for one.
I hope that my actions follow my intention. If they don't, I count on friends such as you to point it out to me.
...Since nothing requires magic from me at the moment, I'll give a verbal example.
I came to the magical world by a strange path. From a young age I found the blessing to go with the curse. Some only see one or the other.
[the next hesitation is acutely clear in meaning. He's trying to figure out how to say what he's never said before.
Because it's a different world, a different lifetime; because of the relevance of the example, because to share it is the only measure of redemption it has; to live up to Tonks's expectations; because he may need someone to talk to, about Tonks; because Arthur asked right.]My family were mixed. My father used magic. My mother did not. She came from a culture, a
( ... )
[ Arthur listens quietly. Not just once; he breaks the flow of the conversation by replaying Remus' words, particularly the tail-end of his speech. All clarifications regarding his personal history seem irrelevant in the face of that single truth. ]
So in believing sorcery was dangerous and required restriction, my father created the danger.
[ Just a thought aloud; he's not even asking for confirmation. Realizing this comes with the additional understanding that others had already tried to convince King Uther of this very fact, tried and failed. ]
[ but that's a digression. ] I'm given to understand that you're the man I should talk to about magic.
Reply
[confirming who gave him that understanding or saying anything qualifying (self-deprecating/modest, cautionary, or clarifying) would also be a digression, so sticks to,]
What is it?
Reply
This discussion is not one I typically care to... put on the table, as it were. But it bothers me. I was taught that magic was, above all else, a force for corruption and chaos. And nothing I have learned here disputes that conclusion. It is powerful, and unfair, and incredibly complicated. Too complicated to be called 'evil' and have done with it.
Reply
I agree with you, insofar as magic is one of many manifestations of an unequal distribution of power. Wealth is another kind; heritage; class; connection; beauty; intelligence; ability to control. All of these things can corrupt. For the sake of these things are better ideals twisted and made into mere tools to increase or maintain control. Yet they can also be used to help, protect, and serve.
So while I find your premise sound, I ask, why single out magic?
Reply
Because that's how I was raised.
Reply
[studies Arthur a moment, wanting to leave room rather than lecture.
But then decides to add,] In my family, too.
Reply
[Genuine astonishment: this is the first time anyone not from Camelot hadn't been baffled by the idea that those magical might be considered different from others. Let alone someone who was unabashedly magical themselves. ]
How did you- [ Overcome the prejudice? Live with yourself? The questions seem too intrusive and he stops abruptly, tries a different tack.. ] How am I supposed to let that go? It's been months, months, and even the most harmless slight of hand still brings to mind my father's lectures.
Reply
[Even while asking, Lupin's expression inspires a certainty that if Arthur refuses, Lupin won't think any worse of him.]
Reply
Magic corrupts was the primary theme. Sorcery used for harmless tasks, or even for healing, was dangerous because it encourages the idea that perhaps magic isn't inherently evil. Magic is an honourless refuge. It cheats, and takes unpayable prices. The best of men would lose morality if they had such powers at their fingertips. If we didn't maintain laws against it, the realm would fall into chaos. And if the law was broken without punishment, our enemies would think us weak, and then we would be at war again.
[ His voice is dry, and whether or not he agrees with any of the above statements is not immediately obvious. ]
Never forget that the Old Religion killed your mother, Arthur, and it will do the same for you, given half a chance.
[ Not that Remus is an appreciative audience, but Arthur has always had a particular talent for mimicking his father's words. ]
I suppose, given the frequent attempts on my life by vengeful sorcerers, I was inclined to believe him.
Reply
Forgive me, Arthur, for contradicting you; but in order to proceed with a discussion I must ask for a specific question.
Reply
Reply
It just seems to me that much of what I could say is already in your mind. Indeed, we have had something very like this conversation before. So I must ask: is there anything in particular you're seeking by way of response? Do you have any question for me?
Reply
I suppose in the end I want you to lead by example, as it were. To show me that I was wrong, just through not being a zealout.
And for someone to talk to. That magician, Tonks, with her it sort of went all wrong, but she told me I'd go better with you.
[ A slight raise of the eyebrows. ]
"The best of us", were, I believe, her exact words.
Reply
At last, a bit strangely sad a bit not sad at all of a smile]
I've been preoccupied with trying to be such an example, even-especially?-when no one was looking for one.
I hope that my actions follow my intention. If they don't, I count on friends such as you to point it out to me.
...Since nothing requires magic from me at the moment, I'll give a verbal example.
I came to the magical world by a strange path. From a young age I found the blessing to go with the curse. Some only see one or the other.
[the next hesitation is acutely clear in meaning. He's trying to figure out how to say what he's never said before.
Because it's a different world, a different lifetime; because of the relevance of the example, because to share it is the only measure of redemption it has; to live up to Tonks's expectations; because he may need someone to talk to, about Tonks; because Arthur asked right.]My family were mixed. My father used magic. My mother did not. She came from a culture, a ( ... )
Reply
So in believing sorcery was dangerous and required restriction, my father created the danger.
[ Just a thought aloud; he's not even asking for confirmation. Realizing this comes with the additional understanding that others had already tried to convince King Uther of this very fact, tried and failed. ]
[ He sets his jaw. ]
I'll do better.
Reply
Always has enough energy for a genuine smile.]
I know you will. You already are.
Reply
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