Magna City Shining Congress – Main Lobby

[Namohysip]

"As you say, lad. Anyway. That brings me to the third prong of the trident, as it were. Ahaha. There's this novel notion that both Radiance and Shadow are, how might you put it... 'Fundamental energies'. We've made some fascinating observations about their use, especially in combination with each other. Quite the phenomenon, both energies in a single personage."

A keen eye would notice that Mhynt's expression had darkened significantly. She suddenly seemed more closed off and cold, slinking to the background even as the conversation had moved forward.

Mhynt, Owen said gently. Mhynt, we're here. It's Owen.

Mhynt silently held her breath. Her claws dug into her arms, but only for a moment.

This is Forlas. You're in Forlas. It's sunny outside.

Sunny outside. It's sunny outside. Mhynt let out her breath. Let in another. Then returned to a more careful, even stance again. Zena had, thankfully, had the foresight to bubble her way between Mhynt and Arthur, keeping her out of direct line of sight. Perhaps to others less familiar with her, it simply seemed like Mhynt was thinking deeply about something.

"Shadows and Radiance coming together," Mhynt said, "is unstable. You will lose yourselves before finding it. And that is the best outcome."

 

[Jackie Cat]

"I prefer to think of it less like negligent divinity and more like... nature being sick. [...] The world's fabric is frayed.

"[...] f you ask me, the fact that interventions are disproportionately strong relative to this world's inhabitants is part of the problem. So, us pushing harder and harder is more likely to blow things up than fix anything."

"Shadows and Radiance coming together is unstable. You will lose yourselves before finding it. And that is the best outcome."

"How interesting," murmured Arthur. "You've had some experience on that front, I take it?"

Laura coughed lightly into her paw, and swallowed hard. "Y-yes." (Shit, what did she call this guy? Just 'Arthur'?) "We've seen their potential to make people lose their minds, or cause serious harm. We've seen visions of past events, where massive Radiance caused artificial natural disasters. Everyone we've met with experience has warned us about how dangerous these energies can be, one way or another."

Arthur nodded gravely. "Well, we'll just have to be all the more careful. We are, of course, taking every sensible precaution already." He peered from beneath a prominent brow at the Wayfarers. "I must note that you all do not turn away from using these powers in battle."

Laura's ears flicked back. "Well, we keep each other in check. And our time here is... only temporary."

"Unless it isn't," replied Arthur, inclining his head cannily. "Are there none among you who might not leave Forlas, in the end...?"