Chapter 97: More Questions
T was pleased to find out that, not only was Ingrit avable, she was the one to greet T when she entered.
Mistress T, wee back.
Mistress Ingrit, Im d to be back.
I assume that you have more questions?
Oh, yes.
Ingrit let out a bell-likeugh, smiling as she did so. Well then, right this way. We can sit in an alcove.
The Archon led T to a small, secluded table with a cushioned seat on either side. T looked at the seating warily.
It will hold you, Mistress. We are aware of your increased weight. After a moments hesitation, she continued. We would love to learn if that is beneficial at all. There is quite a bit of debate on the merits of the idea. She gave an apologetic smile. Though, I will say, most think you are causing yourself quite a bit of inconvenience, for little to no gain.
T shrugged. Ill let you know when I figure it out. She sat, Ingrit settling across from her.
Very well. The other woman seemed to consider the matter closed. One moment, please. She ced her hand on the edge of the alcove, and T watched her feed power into a hidden script.
<em>Copper?</em>
It seemed to seal off their seating area, preventing others from listening in. What do you wish to ask?
I assume you can discern theprotection I now have on my skin?
Ingrits face <em>almost</em> showed a hint of power, before she nodded. Yes. She frowned for a moment. Iron, with some sort of emulsifying agent to help it bind both to the medium of application and to your skin?
Yes. T cocked her head, frowning in confusion. What? T found herself blinking, trying to process what Ingrit had said. <em>There is no way she was able to tell that, just by looking at me.</em> How could you possibly know that, with that level of specificity?
If I was to say it was due to the exact way power reflects and refracts around you, would you believe it?
T frowned. Thats pretty hard to believe.
Ingrit hesitated a moment, seeming to consider. Would you believe its obvious by the color of your skin?
T almostughed, given the twinkle of mirth she noticed in Ingrits eyes. No.
Would you believe Im a very good guesser?
T didugh then. Well, not now, I wouldnt.
Ingrit grinned. Well, my perception helps, but there was a recipe logged by a local alchemist, which stated that it was for unknown purposes. The uses of that would theoretically match close enough to the effect I see around you.
T grunted, still smiling. Fair enough, I suppose. <em>They really do get records of virtually everything </em>Wait. Why wasnt it restricted to the Alchemist Guild, or some such?
He noted that he came to the exact form due to a Mage working outside of guild affiliation. Thus, it wasnt theirs to im.
Ahh. <em>Huh, surprisingly honest.</em> Not that shed expected anything else. Even so, it was nice. <em>Well, hes secured a loyal customer.</em> That was probably part of the purpose.
So, whats the question?
Oh! So, Master Grediv was able to see through the iron on my skin. How?
Well, as it is a mundane effect, I think I understand what you mean. If you were using an inscription, I would have to study that to provide the answer.
T nodded. <em>That makes sense.</em>
So, most magic is like a childs ball. Your iron, as it is currently applied, acts like hog-wire.
Hog wire?
A fencing made out of steel wire, arranged in a grid with moderately sized holes.
Oh! Alright; I think Ive seen that.
Good. So, what happens if you throw a leather ball against such a fence?
It bounces off.
Exactly.
T hesitated. When nothing further was stated, she cocked an eyebrow. So?
Im not a book, Mistress. You should do some intuiting, yourself. The glint of mirth was back in the other womans eyes.
FineSo, was Master Grediv forcing his mage-sight through the fence?
Precisely.
But it didnt feel the same as when others have seemingly been able to see through it.
So?
T sighed. So, their magic is finer? It fits through the fence?
Very good.
T grimaced. Is the patronization necessary?
No, but your reactions make it entertaining. Im not required to be here, after all. I have to make my own fun. Ingrit winked.
T snorted augh. Well, I guess: thank you?
You are most wee.
So, does that mean that some magics could pass through those defenses?
Absolutely, and obviously so. Any Refined, and many Fused will be able to brute force their way through, if they know they need to. You should get some forewarning because of that, though. A Paragon, such as Master Grediv, will be able to power through as a matter of course. Above Paragon? They could easily push through that defense as if it werent there, assuming they target you directly, even if they arent aware of the iron before they act. They might even be able to burn it away, entirely. Keep in mind Im speaking of blunt spell-workings. I wouldnt let anyone try to heal you through that iron unless they are at least Ascending.
<em>I suppose that makes sense. </em>And, what about finesse?
Ingrit thought for a long moment. A Fused who specializes in fine workings will be able to get through that defense one time in ten? If they know its there, that ratio might go up. It is an impediment, which is why Master Grediv likely had to force his way through. Also, hes not seen the need to update his mage-sight recently. The time of reduced efficiency just isnt worth the marginal improvement to him.
Improvement? So, we have to redo our inscriptions fundamentally as we advance?
Hmmm? Oh! No. His mage-sight is simply an older generation of the form, and weve made fairly significant advancements in that particr working, since hest modified his inscriptions.
Ahh, ok. <em>Speaking of Grediv</em> She pulled out one of the books the Archon had given her. It was still locked against her. <em>For some reason</em> How can I implement wards such as this? Im learning a lot ofsensitive things, and I like to take notes. <em>Speaking of which</em> She pulled out a notebook as well and began writing down the highlights of the answers shed already gotten.
Ingrit took the book and opened it. Yes, this should be locked information for you. She nodded. It is sufficiently guarded that I wont be required to confiscate it. Ingrit passed the book back.
Ts eye twitched even as she tucked the volume away. <em>Right Dont let my guard down too much.</em>
So, to enact these, yourself, you must be a Paragon.
why?
I am sorry, Mistress T, but I cannot tell you how.
Oh, I understand that. I want to know why. Why do you have to be a Paragon to enact these?
Ingrit hesitated, seemingly contemting. I think I can share a piece of that. She nodded, smiling. A Paragons soul is utterly cleansed of impurities, allowing for a much better connection both with the realms beyond, thus the iing power, and with this world, through their likewise pure body. That increased connection is required for workings such as this.
I didnt understand that at all.
And yet, that is all I can say.
Very wellIs there something simr I can do?
Of course!
T leaned forward, smiling expectantly.
If you use an Archive-linked te, you can lock your notes to you and you alone. Though, we would appreciate a death-use, which would allow us ess in the event of your passing.
Oh That was disappointingly simple. <em>And expensive.</em> Then, she processed thest sentence. A death-use?
Oh, yes. It is incredibly irritating when a brilliant researcher has their notes locked because they arent quite ready, yet. Then, they do their final experiment and die, their lifes work forever lost. She shook her head, sadly.
T straightened. <em>Brilliant researcher, eh?</em> That was quite a kind thing to say.
One day, you might have one or two interesting things to contribute, and wed prefer that you already had good habits in ce.
T deted. <em>And good feeling gone. </em>Terry shifted on Ts shoulder and Ingrits eyes flicked to him, briefly. <em>Well, thats as good a transition as any.</em> Has anyone ever made an arcanous animal into a familiar?
Terrys eyes opened, and he regarded T for a breath, before turning to look at Ingrit.
Ingrit regarded them for a long moment before shaking her head. First offPlease dont. Not right now.
Why?
Ingrit looked vaguely ufortable, as she shifted in her seat, a slight grimace on her face. Finally, she sighed. Im not really permitted toment on the wisdom of soul-bonds.
But you just did.
And I shouldnt have
Alright then So, an answer to my question?
Yes. Many have tried. She was giving T a very disapproving look.
How did it go?
In general? Very well.
T frowned. I dont understand
Traditionally, if an Archon desires a familiar, they find a young arcanous creature, ideally less than a year old, and raise it until they have a strong emotional bond. If that doesnt happen within a year, its toote.
And if they bond emotionally? She tossed a bit of jerky for Terry.
Then, they give the creature an Archon star.
So whats the issue?
The issue is that being soul-bound radically changes the development of the animal. Their intelligence is shifted dramatically, as well as their innate capacities for Magic. Through the power of the connection, they also be magical creatures in truth. She nodded towards Terry. His density is already high enough that he <em>should</em> have transitioned into a magical beast. I have no idea how he has so much power in such a small space and doesnt spontaneously be a being of magic.
<em>Because hes really much bigger, and youre just seeing the power in a condensed form?</em> That was probably an oversimplification. <em>But thats Terrys secret, not mine.</em> Alrightso what would happen?
Most likely? He would immediately be a magical beast, and his strength would be greater than yours. If Im seeing correctly, - and let me emphasize that its troublesome that Im unsure of that - he would immediately be able to take full control of your gate. Through your gate, he would control your Bound body. If he wished, you would be little more than a human puppet: an extension of his will.
But only if he wanted that.
Ingrit sighed. Yes. But you must realize, he will have an immediate, fundamental change to his intelligence. Even if he was utterly devoted to you now, down to his deepest impulses, those could alter when a greater than human intelligence reprocesses every event in his life, all at once.
T frowned, confused.
Ingrit made an irritated face. How different would you be if you could suddenly re-process everything youve ever experienced, as you are now? From your birth up until this moment?
T hesitated. <em>That would beweird.</em> But would it change her?<em> Maybe?</em> I think I understand the danger.
Likely not, but Ive already skirted the edge of what I am allowed to say. Her eyes had an almost pleading look to them.
T nodded, considering. When would you advise I consider soul-bonding Terry, for best result?
Ingrit grinned. That is an excellent question. I would suggest that you be well on your way to being Refined, before you truly consider that step.
<em>Fair enough, I suppose?</em> How long could that really take? Then, she thought about it. <em>Ahh, yes. That could take a while.</em> Thank you for the advice. <em>Well, Im on the topic of bonds.</em> So, speaking of soul-bonds brings artifacts to mind.
Oh? The librarian had an air of wariness about her.
If I wanted to grant sapience to an artifact, say a dimensional storage, how would I go about it?
Ingrit gave her a long, long look. You cause a lot of stress in those around you, dont you?
T leaned back at that. Isometimes? How is that relevant?
Ingrit was rubbing both her temples. Anything with sapience can exploit a soul-bond and make a y for mastery of your soul.
<em>Oh.</em> Right.
Soavoid that. Ingrit dropped her hands and shook her head. You likely dont even want that, if you truly consider it. Once soul-bound, a dimensional storage will perfectly do what you need it to, when you need it to. Why would you want it to have a separate sapience? Why would you need it to have its own personality, which could, and likely would, oppose you, on asion? <em>Best</em> case scenario, youve just created a cognizant ve, with no agency.
That is a good point
Im d you feel that way. What is your next question?
T grinned. <em>So much for not giving an opinion on soul-bonds.</em> She supposed that the information hadnt been about the bond or bonding, directly. Where are all the older Mages?
Ingrit cocked an eyebrow at her. That is much too vague a question. You are currently talking to someone older than this city.
Yes, I know that Archons are long-lived. I mean non-Archons?
Ahh. Ingrit thought for moment. If I understand your question, you are curious how many non-Archon Mages die of old age? That would be those with keystones and conscious control over their inscription activations, but without soul bonds.
No? That isnt what I was asking, but thats probably an interesting statistic.
None.
How is that possible?
Those that dont be Archons, or die of one thing or other, eventually make an attempt at integrating an Archon star, usually in theirte eighties. None have the strength-of-will to resist attempting, in the end. Roughly one in a hundred seeds, at that time. The rest begin the process of bing founts. Im d that you know of those, already. Most Archons do. Interestingly, this process ends up making up a good chunk of Archons, overall.
So, all the secrecy is for nothing? Mages still all end up there, in the end?
After decades of service and life. The secrecy gives them that. Would you take it away?
T hesitated at that and at the severity of the response. Ino. I suppose not.
Ingrit gave a single, firm nod.
T cleared her throat. Her question hadnt really been answered Oh a Mage in that age range still looks quite young, dont they?
Ingrit nodded. They are, physically,parable to mundanes in their early fifties.
<em>Well, the life expectancy of those dying of natural causes is around ny, so </em>What is the oldest a non-Archon Mage has reached?
Three hundred.
T blinked at that. That old?!
He was a singrly spectacr individual. He had his keystone and mage-sight removed when he turned a hundred and fifty. That lessened his abilities to the point that it took a hundred and fifty years before he was able to create an Archon star. He was also one of <em>incredible</em> will-power, especially with regard to mental temptations. Despite seven Archons attempting to assist his integration of the star, once he forged one, he lost the battle and sumbed.
Why did he fail?
We have no way of knowing what went through his mind, at the end, but from what we know of him, he had a love of nature and of bnce. The temptation he faced in the end was probably one of feeding the, feeding the cycle of nature. He seemingly chose to do so.
T didnt understand how that would be tempting at all. Why didnt the Archons take the star away, preventing the attempt?
Ingrit gave her a long-suffering look. To prevent the attempt forever, we would have had to imprison him. Is that a life youd want? He had a chance, and we helped him the best we could.
T felt very conflicted about that. It sounded like Ingrit had given her a <em>very</em> abbreviated ount. <em>Im not really interested in the minutia</em><em>Happier topic, please!</em> So, how long do Archons live, then?
Refined do not age, and even regress in appearance to a more idealized version of themselves. Before that? Bound appear to age at close to a tenth the rate of mundanes, Fused a tenth of that. She shrugged. Is that what you are asking?
So, those Refined and above never die of old age?
None have, to the knowledge of the Archive. Her tone seemed to indicate that meant it was a fact.
Fair enough. Then, are there any Archons still alive from the first city, or the times around then? T immediately began imagining meeting the heroes of myth and legend.
Ingrit sighed. Im sorry, that is information that I cannot share with you. But there was sadness in her eyes.
Oh T felt a bit of sadness, though she wasnt exactly sure why. <em>If they were dead, wouldnt she be allowed to say?</em> T didnt know.
I need to get to other work, soon. Was there anything else?
T nodded. Ill try to go faster. Are regenerative potions possible?
Ingrit barked a shortugh. In theory, yes, but we dont know how to make them. Those in the stories were based upon the earliest Mage healers, who used arcanous nts as facilitators for their magic healing of those they treated. To our knowledge, no true regenerative potion has ever been created.
Ohalright then. Im about to go to Makinaven; what are the best harvests on that route?
Ill get you a list. I assume you prefer that to me simply telling you?
Yes! Thank you. She was still taking notes, but a pre-made list would be faster.
What else?
What is known about eating harvests?
Ingrit opened her mouth, then frowned. Huhwell, I can tell you that ending-berries used to be consumed by our ancestors, but they began to fall out of fashion with the invention of modern inscribing, around the time of the first Leshkin War. They do not work for modern Mages for many,plicated reasons.
<em>Unless you have modern inscriptions, based on how they work.</em> T didnt smirk, not even slightly.
Other than that Ingrits frown deepened. Why would this be restricted information, through the Inter-Guild ords?
T cleared her throat. It isnt important, I suppose.
Ingrit shook her head. Well, only information on mundanes consuming harvests is restricted, which means that I must tell you to drop it, as it is not for you to pursue that subset of knowledge. She was still frowning. In any case, it is ill advised for Mages to eat harvests, but so long as the consumed item isnt naturally toxic, and doesnt have an elemental or simr type of power in it, eating it shouldnt be harmful.
What about elemental harvests that align with the Mages spell-forms?
Ingrit took a long moment to consider. So, this is an area of great debate. Some maintain that consuming such would enhance the Mage, others im that the harvests power would sh with the inscriptions, and lead to magic poisoning. She nodded once. My opinion would be that, unless there is perfect alignment between what is ingested, and the Mages inscriptions, there would be a high likelihood for some magic poisoning.
And if there was perfect, or near perfect, alignment?
Then, it would likely strengthen the natural pathways within the Mage, and make the power pulled from the harvest vastly more effective and potent. The result would likely strengthen the Mages inscriptions as well.
<em>Good to know. Thats why the ending-berries work so well, for me. </em>Alright, thank you. She thought quickly, to change the subject. <em>I need to go faster.</em> Oh! Other sapient species.
There are many. We collectively call them arcanes, though they have many, separate names for themselves and they see the term arcane for the pejorative that it is.
What?
An insult, dear. Calling them arcane is a reference to arcanous beasts. Were saying that they are little better than animals.
Ahhalright, thenWhat can you tell me about arcane cities?
Dont seek them out.
Why?
You would be forcibly turned into a fount, enved, or killed.
Even if my aura was perfectly hidden, likewise hiding my gate?
Ingrit hesitated. I have no information to share on aura-shrouded humans, entering arcane cities.
<em>Alright, so its possible, but the information is restricted.</em> Final question, then: Thank you, by the way, for all the time youve taken.
Ingrit smiled and nodded. Of course. The pursuit of knowledge is something to be encouraged.
So, in that vein, is there anything you feel I should know?
That is an interesting question Her eyes unfocused for a long moment. Finally, she nodded to herself, and returned her gaze to T. In your ce, I would join the library and learn all I could. She gestured to herself. As I have. But being you?
T nodded.
You should listen to the senior Mage protector assigned to you. She will do an excellent job instructing you where you arecking and directing you as you need.
Huhalright, I suppose.
Ingrit deactivated the privacy barrier and pushed herself out of her seat. That really is all the time I have, right now. Do you need an escort out?
No, thank you. I remember the way.
In that case: Take care, Mistress T. I look forward to your next visit.
Thank you. You take care as well, Mistress Ingrit. I hope to see you again, soon.