"It does seem more logical than the alternative," Solomon agreed. The theory of the lifestream supported it, as well; certain currents through certain universes were bound to match one another far better than others. There were some Necromancers who had even proposed a connection between true-names and the lifestream, though Solomon didn't have an opinion on such a theory as yet. Maybe that would change.
He considered her request for a moment. It might not be impossible. It might not be possible. Their lack of control items would make it highly unlikely she'd achieve anything, even if she was capable of it. And that wasn't even getting into the politics and theology of the issue. There was no Temple here, and Hayley was hardly familiar with their doctrine. One could argue that gave him free rein to teach who he liked. One could also argue that gave him further onus to maintain the integrity of their knowledge.
Of course, those of the Temple likely to argue the latter where the ones who tended to be idiots, and Solomon so very rarely paid them any mind unless their stupidity was an active danger. "I could try," he said at last, "but the situation is, unfortunately, somewhat more complicated than showing you a few magic tricks. Magic, in my world, is a limited institution to begin with. That is an additional disadvantage, whether you're receptive to interdimensional sorts of magic or not."
He tilted his head ruefully down at the bench and the way the shadows against the wall had, over time, become a touch less defined. Like a straight edge, turned furry due to overuse. "There is the additional fact that Necromancy is among the most difficult disciplines to learn. Powerful, yes, but difficult. Usually we use a control item to help us manipulate shadows. Even if you were capable of using Necromancy as I know it, you'd find it very difficult to do so without a training item. I would need to find the materials and have one forged for you."
Which may be possible. He didn't yet know what sort of resources the turtle had, and as long as the item was small, there was potential.
"If none of that puts you off--" He would be disappointed and less inclined to teach her if it did put her off. "--then certainly, I can look into it. In the meantime, there is a different method of using magic I can teach you. Anyone can learn it, but it does have its uses."
no subject
He considered her request for a moment. It might not be impossible. It might not be possible. Their lack of control items would make it highly unlikely she'd achieve anything, even if she was capable of it. And that wasn't even getting into the politics and theology of the issue. There was no Temple here, and Hayley was hardly familiar with their doctrine. One could argue that gave him free rein to teach who he liked. One could also argue that gave him further onus to maintain the integrity of their knowledge.
Of course, those of the Temple likely to argue the latter where the ones who tended to be idiots, and Solomon so very rarely paid them any mind unless their stupidity was an active danger. "I could try," he said at last, "but the situation is, unfortunately, somewhat more complicated than showing you a few magic tricks. Magic, in my world, is a limited institution to begin with. That is an additional disadvantage, whether you're receptive to interdimensional sorts of magic or not."
He tilted his head ruefully down at the bench and the way the shadows against the wall had, over time, become a touch less defined. Like a straight edge, turned furry due to overuse. "There is the additional fact that Necromancy is among the most difficult disciplines to learn. Powerful, yes, but difficult. Usually we use a control item to help us manipulate shadows. Even if you were capable of using Necromancy as I know it, you'd find it very difficult to do so without a training item. I would need to find the materials and have one forged for you."
Which may be possible. He didn't yet know what sort of resources the turtle had, and as long as the item was small, there was potential.
"If none of that puts you off--" He would be disappointed and less inclined to teach her if it did put her off. "--then certainly, I can look into it. In the meantime, there is a different method of using magic I can teach you. Anyone can learn it, but it does have its uses."