[voice]

[ursulamajor]

[Ursula's voice crackles over the network. She sounds curious as ever. After all, some interesting things have been raised. Things related to... magic. Ursula has a thread of excitement running through her entire voice when she speaks.]

Hello, my fellow Dreamers!

I'm quite curious about magic in your worlds. I was a professor of magic, in my home world, and I understand it can vary considerably. Not to mention the native Talents...

What was it like, where you came from? Do you practice magic? Do you know someone who does? Inquiring minds.

[a beat]

That's me. I'm the inquiring mind. Th-that was kind of lame, huh?

Comments

[ursulamajor]

No, they typically do not. One is born with the potential for magic, but it has to be learned. Even when it seems sudden... there is a reason. Finding an artifact, or the like.

Have you had a chance to experiment with your Talent, yet?

[perfectenn]

[A few seconds of silence as he considers his answer.]

I'm not certain I have one. The world I'm from doesn't have magic.

[ursulamajor]

Ah... I heard they can be associated with a mark, which appears on your body?

[...which is a little awkward to say.]

[perfectenn]

[He hesitates, not for embarrassment, but rather reminding himself that having a tattoo here does not spell the end of his career and standing in society.]

Yes, I've found one. But I haven't felt different, and nothing strange has happened. [Correcting in a droll tone:] Nothing I had control over, at least. I assume you didn’t willingly use magic to travel here either?

[ursulamajor]

I didn't, no. I think that's universal.

It may be that... something will prompt your Talent to reveal itself? But that's a guess--it's different than how magic manifests on my world.

[perfectenn]

How so? If people are born with the potential for magic, what training is involved to realize it?

[ursulamajor]

Everyone could use magic, where I'm from, though... how much and how well varied a lot. We had tests to determine magical aptitude.

Here... I am not sure how it might differ.

[perfectenn]

I see… you have a lot to learn as well.

[And back to his brisk, professional tone,]

I hope your research goes well. If you haven’t already visited the local Academy, I recommend looking into their library. There are many books on magic from both Dreamfolk and native writers.

[ursulamajor]

Oh, do they? I will have to visit! I have been very curious.

Do you go there often?

[perfectenn]

When I can. The scholars there have been helpful in explaining the Dreaming and realms.

If you mention magic around them, prepare for many questions. They are enthusiastic on the topic, especially non-native forms.

[ursulamajor]

Hmm. I think that would only be fair! I'd have a lot of questions for them, too.

It would be an information exchange!