"All right then," he said, taking her hand, "then let me begin with an explanation."
The room around them disappeared and was replaced by an image of a Japanese temple.
"This is an ancient temple, where some of the first priestesses trained; for Shinto is largely a female magic," he said, "the power of Shinto lies in the mind and in the hands."
A woman walked into the temple, dressed in priestess clothes. She knelt before an altar.
"At lower levels, it is necessary to trace the runes that make up its magical symbols; at higher levels, all that is required is thought."
A man walked in and she turned to face him; silver bars rose around him. The image changed to that of Di casting the spell which had sent him running from her hideout.
"The latter image is Elvish magic; but the principals of power are much the same. Indeed, all magics are very similar in how they are executed. The biggest difference is blood; only those with a hint of the blood of its ancestral cultures can use each type of magic. In fact, I originally used only Shinto; it is through those who I have turned, who have willingly given me their blood, that I have gained other magics throughout the centuries."
The image faded and the room returned.
"Most humans who are strong enough to use the magics spend their entire lives devoted to it before they ever reach my level; but we have the ability to learn at three times their speed, and the strength to withstand the physical exhaustion it causes."
Tue Dec 23, 2008 5:26 pm