Library [29.02]

[vkandis-son.livejournal.com]

Unlike the last time Karal had opened the library during a school break, this time he actually knew it was a break.

But he was beyond sick of sitting in his room, and there was still a lot of work to be done. So, after feeding Trenor, Karal gathered up a stack of notes and scrolls, and Altra Jumped them to the library.

He wasn't expecting anyone to stop by, but the library was open, with a very engrossed Karal occupying one of the tables.

[ooc: No OCD, but it is totally open]

Comments

[vkandis-son.livejournal.com]

"Too much," he replied, sinking back into his chair with a sigh. "Magical theory from more schools than I knew existed, treatises on lists of idea that didn't work, maps of areas damaged by storms, weather patterns." As he spoke, he touched different things on the desk - a book, a sheaf of parchment, a scroll, and he kept his voice light. "I could run back to my room and fetch more. I actually have books for fun there."

[spring-lost.livejournal.com]

Cable digested the information for all of an instant, and came to a single conclusion--. "You're preparing for a disaster." A storm of some kind, by the sound of it.

It wasn't going to help him with his current issue, but his interest was piqued.

[vkandis-son.livejournal.com]

"My world is in the middle of one," he said quietly. "And there is not enough time." He stared at his hands, resting on the cover of Master Levy's notebook, very far away for a moment, and then he was back.

Looking up at Cable, he managed a small smile. "Forgive me. You said you wanted quiet and here I am talking at you."

[spring-lost.livejournal.com]

"There's rarely 'enough time'." Karal got a thoughtful look for his troubles. "You work with what you've got." And then to Karal's materials, just briefly, before Cable glanced up at him again. "A storm?"

[vkandis-son.livejournal.com]

"I, yes. Mage storms," he explained, which was no explanation at all. "I don't want to trouble you, though."

[spring-lost.livejournal.com]

"I'm asking," Cable returned, as if he either didn't expect or hadn't heard an argument.

[vkandis-son.livejournal.com]

Karal leaned back in his chair, head bowed while he organised his thoughts. It never occurred to respond to that statement with anything but compliance.

Habits of obedience were deeply ingrained. "There are storms of magic sweeping across my world. They do great damage and destruction, disrupt active magics and twist the physical world. Animals have been transformed into monsters, the weather patterns are disrupted, winter is like nothing that has ever been seen. And they grow worse." He glanced up at Cable. "There is a magical breakwater in place, protecting the countries of the Alliance, but it is weakening. It can last no more than three months."

[spring-lost.livejournal.com]

"So there would have to be a way for these storms to be disrupted." The body of knowledge regarding this topic that had gathered in the back of Cable's mind was entirely too small to work any real options of his own, but he let the matter linger there, searching for connection. "Where do they come from?"

[vkandis-son.livejournal.com]

"From several thousand years in the past, so far as anyone can tell. There was a Cataclysm, a release of intense magical force, in the physical world and in the spirit planes." He unconsciously touched the notes that detailed that. "Knowing has so far not helped find the answer."

[spring-lost.livejournal.com]

"Making the storms errant pockets of old magic?"

Magic. It was always magic, on this island.

[vkandis-son.livejournal.com]

"Perhaps." He rubbed his forehead. "They are waves, and they must come from somewhere. There are many ideas, but none yet know where exactly they're coming from."

[spring-lost.livejournal.com]

He made an understanding noise, dragging his eyes back to the material Karal had collected. "It's always hard dealing with what you don't understand."

[vkandis-son.livejournal.com]

"And being so far away." He sighed and pulled his notebook closer. "But this is my duty, so I will read it, I will remember it, and I will try and see a pattern, an answer, where none has yet been found. Glory, at this point, I'd be content with knowing the right question."

[spring-lost.livejournal.com]

"Usually a good start." The information settled, and he found his own mind trying much the same-- but that was common. "'How do we stop it' tends to be front of the line."

Cable studied the boy, tamping down on his natural inclination to reach for the information in his mind-- the intrusion wasn't necessary, and he was loathe to do it unless it was. "If they're waves, they emanate from somewhere." Pause. "And possibly run out, but I wouldn't want to stretch the metaphor too tight."