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Soon after he began training, Viren asked about dark magic. He remembered it being listed as one of the types in one of Nisha's books, and he wanted more understanding of the relationship between primal and dark magic.
None of the other apprentices could tell him anything meaningful. When he declared the next logical step was to ask the High Mage, Nisha fixed him with a doubtful frown.
"I don't know... If she wanted us to know about it I think she would have taught us... I don't want you to get into trouble when you just got here."
Viren did want to follow all the rules, written and unwritten, so he held off asking. Nisha helped him search through the library when they had time off from lessons. But all the reference emphasized that learning dark magic could be harmful or disastrous without proper guidance. That led Viren to argue that he really should ask the High Mage and Nisha reluctantly agreed, but begged him to take no for an answer.
Viren had tried to be prepared for a negative reaction but he was still surprised by the vehement response.
"That is a foul, disgusting practice! It defiles mages and corrupts their magic. It sullies everything they touch. It is desecration and sacrilege. We don't mention it in polite society, ever. Don't bring it up again!"
"I'm sorry, I don't understand. Why?"
"Your unfortunate background hasn't provided you with an understanding of how decent people regard these things." Her disdainful, patronizing tone made Viren's skin crawl. "But don't fret, you're not too old to learn."
Having had to swallow his rage in the moment, Viren unleashed it later recounting the incident to Nisha while they smashed vugstones from the river, searching for specific types of crystals best suited to focus primal spells.
"If it's dangerous, then tell us what the risks are! If people think it's immoral, tell us their arguments! Don't just declare it filthy and forbidden and expect us to be satisfied with that answer!"
"You're right! But I think you'll have to get used to that kind of thing if you stay here..."
Viren continued studying in secret. He understood that knowledge could be power, and forbidden knowledge even more so.
None of the other apprentices could tell him anything meaningful. When he declared the next logical step was to ask the High Mage, Nisha fixed him with a doubtful frown.
"I don't know... If she wanted us to know about it I think she would have taught us... I don't want you to get into trouble when you just got here."
Viren did want to follow all the rules, written and unwritten, so he held off asking. Nisha helped him search through the library when they had time off from lessons. But all the reference emphasized that learning dark magic could be harmful or disastrous without proper guidance. That led Viren to argue that he really should ask the High Mage and Nisha reluctantly agreed, but begged him to take no for an answer.
Viren had tried to be prepared for a negative reaction but he was still surprised by the vehement response.
"That is a foul, disgusting practice! It defiles mages and corrupts their magic. It sullies everything they touch. It is desecration and sacrilege. We don't mention it in polite society, ever. Don't bring it up again!"
"I'm sorry, I don't understand. Why?"
"Your unfortunate background hasn't provided you with an understanding of how decent people regard these things." Her disdainful, patronizing tone made Viren's skin crawl. "But don't fret, you're not too old to learn."
Having had to swallow his rage in the moment, Viren unleashed it later recounting the incident to Nisha while they smashed vugstones from the river, searching for specific types of crystals best suited to focus primal spells.
"If it's dangerous, then tell us what the risks are! If people think it's immoral, tell us their arguments! Don't just declare it filthy and forbidden and expect us to be satisfied with that answer!"
"You're right! But I think you'll have to get used to that kind of thing if you stay here..."
Viren continued studying in secret. He understood that knowledge could be power, and forbidden knowledge even more so.