hadriel | 001 [Video]

[So, Ruby's been here awhile but hasn't bothered to make many comments--or any posts--on the network. But she's definitely been stalking them, and learning as much as she can about Hadriel and the people in it.

So that's why she feels confident in making this post, opening with a friendly smile and broadcasting from one of the abandoned shops.]

Hi, everyone. I've met some of you here, but for those I haven't talked to yet, I'm Ruby.

[She smooths a small segment of her hair between her fingers, looking as innocent and nonthreatening as possible.]

I'm helping out with the pickling and jamming and other food preservation efforts now that we have the new orchard, but that's not really what I wanted to talk about. Something totally different, actually.

[She pauses a moment, like she's gathering up her nerve to continue.]

I've seen that a whole lot of people here have magic, or supernatural powers, or some combination of them. I know that there's a lot of reasons why you might want to be private or secretive about them--I have been--but those of you who don't mind sharing, I thought it might be useful to what each other knows. Maybe we can even figure out ways to combine our skills.

[Mostly Ruby wants to know what other people are capable of and how she can use that to her benefit but close enough, right? RIGHT?]

Some of the magic in my world is teachable, too, so I'm willing to talk to anyone who might be interested in that. I can't guarantee anything, but the more we can all take care of ourselves the safer we'll all be.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

A very powerful witch could destroy something, and I think angels have a power like that. But I've never seen either in person.

[That type of destruction is unusual, at least in Ruby's experience.]

[ Oh. Interesting. ]

This is not magic, though many would have you believe that.

Oh? What do you call that, then?

[She's genuinely curious, though she believes she might know the answer; she has a natural power from her species that is very similar to the first one Wanda displayed.]

[ She shrugs, a little helplessly. ]

Telekinesis, perhaps? I don't know.

[Ruby extends a hand gracefully, reaching out toward the rock that had been embedded in the now destroyed tree. It float from the ground, drifting lazily through the air toward them.]

That's what we call this in my world, though exploding things with it is a little much.

[ She's met a few telepaths, but no other telekinetics. Wanda watches Ruby move the rock with her hand in open fascination. ]

It was a conduit. It would have taken more power to break it directly.

That makes sense.

[She lets the rock settle back to the ground once again when it reaches them, resting gently at their feet.]

Is this your primary power, or do you have others?

[It's light and curious, not a judgement either way.]

I read minds.

[ Perhaps Ruby will notice Wanda can't with her or not, either way, there is little point lying. ]

[She doesn't notice immediately and so this statement actually concerns her a bit, but she hides that well enough.]

Wow, that's a big one. Also really rare, where I'm from.

[It would've made her life--and afterlife--a whole lot easier.]

It is rare everywhere, it seems.

[ A beat. ]

So, what magic will you teach me?

[Ruby considers that question for several seconds. It's a risk to show her too much, but at the same time Wanda is obviously powerful on her own. She's already a threat if she wants to be, so showing her something dangerous doesn't add much risk on Ruby's side.

On the other hand, the potential benefits to being on good terms with Wanda are much better.]

Somehow I doubt you'll be too impressed with protective charms, like I've been showing the others. So maybe the opposite; you seem like you can handle anyone or anything immediately threatening, so how about a way to fight back long range?

[A hex bag carrying a curse is simple and very effective.]

[ She nods. Ruby strikes her as guarded and sensible, even if Wanda can't read her mind these are traits she respects. ]

That is a good idea. When should we start?

[Ruby smiles at that.]

We can start whenever you want. Actually putting together the spell can be a challenge, especially with things being as limited as they are here, but I can go over the general idea and should you ever need to use one later later you'll know how to finish it.

001 [Video]

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