two - on books and the nature of creation

[kingsroads]

I realize that some might have questions about the nature of England I inadvertently sent us to. I shall happily answer any questions one might have about my world, it's magic, my magic or anything of the sort.

But before that, I have much more interesting news. I was going to the Captain's library to try and find a book on the mechanics of ships (Capt. Crozier and Messers. Jopson and Goodsir, please give me recommendations if you have them) when I found new books in the library! Most of them seem to be after my time and a few seem quite salacious but two of them are quite familiar to me. One is a children's book from my England and the other is a book on magic I wrote myself!

The appearance of my book is notable as all copies aside from one were destroyed in my world (and I doubt this is that one copy). If we all agree with Ms. Persson's theory that this is a dream, then perhaps our unconscious mind created the books, rooms, fruit, et cetera. Which leads me to wonder: what marvels could be made if we turned our conscious minds to creation?

J.S.

Comments

Whoops, totally thought I already did this

[spookylikeafox]

[Mulder has SO MANY questions.]

How does it work? Your magic? I remember using it, but I stumbled through it. Might be better to hear from someone who seems to know what's going on.

gotta love that moment of 'swore I hit post...'

[kingsroads]

It depends on the magic! Most of my spells rely on working directly with the elements of the spell in question—by that I mean, I work directly with what I wish to change.

Gets me every time!

[spookylikeafox]

Directly with the elements?

And you can manipulate the elements here, so then anyone should be able to do it.

[kingsroads]

The elements of the spell, not elements in general. Though I can work with water, wood, and so forth, occasionally I need to work with a physical object such as a mirror or more nebulous concepts like a path to bring someone to me or the idea of seeing someone.

But yes. I believe that anyone who wishes to be a magician should be one—with proper training, of course. Few people are lucky enough to stumble into their magic.

[spookylikeafox]

And you stumbled into it? In your universe?

[kingsroads]

I did. My mentor was self-taught and helped shape my magic but I did not know I had the talent until I attempted (and succeeded) at casting a spell.

[spookylikeafox]

Has your world always used magic?

[kingsroads]

Not entirely. It had magic, the magic vanished for a while, and recently the magic has returned. Before my mentor and I attempted our revival of magic, it was tied to one man: John Uskglass, known as the Raven King or the King of the North.

[spookylikeafox]

The Raven King. That's what the book was about? I'll have to give it a read. What about before the Raven King?

[kingsroads]

There were certainly magicians before him—Merlin and Joseph of Arimathea come to mind. Likewise, fairies have always stolen people away. But magic only reached it's peak under the Raven King.

(And yes, that is what the books are about)

[spookylikeafox]

You have Merlin, too? We have Merlin! But a fictional version. Did he have King Arthur?

[kingsroads]

We did. Though I suspect our history is more akin to your fiction. He has become more of a legend nowadays instead of a figure with a definite history. As a matter of fact, some doubt he even existed and that the Merlin we think of is simply an example of a magician of old.

[spookylikeafox]

I'd love to talk to you more about your magic and your world, Mr. Strange. But I think I need to read that book first. What is your mythology about ravens? Does it all center around the Raven King?

[kingsroads]

I wouldn't say that England has a mythology around ravens. In fact, most wouldn't consider them important to begin with. I suppose my fascination with them is due to my fascination with John Uskglass.

[spookylikeafox]

Ravens have always inhabited the Tower of London in my world. The legend said that if they left, the Empire would fall. Well, when they flew away after the bombing raids in World War 2, the British Empire started to fall.

They are often messengers, too. Apollo used a white raven to spy on his lover. When it brought back bad news, he turned it black. So I guess some things really do translate between universes.

[kingsroads]

I've used them as messengers myself. For a while, magic was not practiced in England. I enlisted the use of ravens to help bring it back.