"And you, Erskine," Merlin returned, withholding his amusement at the man's reaction. It wasn't hard, with the light illuminating the room, its oiliness, and the knowledge that Gabe was so badly hurt that even his glory was tainted. So, respect aside, he turned almost immediately back to China, managing a slight smile.
"You flatter me, my dear. Raphael is exhausted; he needs the extra energy to heal Gabe properly. For that, I need to tap into the safehouse's sigils and tie them into the circle." He lifted the chalk-spear, using its point to indicate teh circle in a broad sweeping motion. "The circle will create a pool of magic from which Rafe can draw, fuelled by the safehouse, myself, and whomever else is willing to offer their magic."
It meant there was no direct transition of power, and gave each individual the control to offer--even subconsciously and instinctively--only as much magic as they could each afford. Whatever was left would return to them and prevent them from being exhausted. "Of course," he continued, "the very last thing we want is the safehouse to lose integrity, and we will need to tailor each person's circle to their individual magic for maximum efficiency and to enable them to take back whatever is left." He set the tip of the spear down and looked back to China. "How would you suggest we proceed?"
It was complicated. Merlin knew that. But using the safehouse as a foundation, Rafe would have that much more to take, would be able to heal Gabe that much better. And Gabriel, Merlin knew, would never countenance anyone giving their magic at risk of backlash. Nor would Rafe or Merlin themselvse. All safety measures had to be taken.
no subject
"You flatter me, my dear. Raphael is exhausted; he needs the extra energy to heal Gabe properly. For that, I need to tap into the safehouse's sigils and tie them into the circle." He lifted the chalk-spear, using its point to indicate teh circle in a broad sweeping motion. "The circle will create a pool of magic from which Rafe can draw, fuelled by the safehouse, myself, and whomever else is willing to offer their magic."
It meant there was no direct transition of power, and gave each individual the control to offer--even subconsciously and instinctively--only as much magic as they could each afford. Whatever was left would return to them and prevent them from being exhausted. "Of course," he continued, "the very last thing we want is the safehouse to lose integrity, and we will need to tailor each person's circle to their individual magic for maximum efficiency and to enable them to take back whatever is left." He set the tip of the spear down and looked back to China. "How would you suggest we proceed?"
It was complicated. Merlin knew that. But using the safehouse as a foundation, Rafe would have that much more to take, would be able to heal Gabe that much better. And Gabriel, Merlin knew, would never countenance anyone giving their magic at risk of backlash. Nor would Rafe or Merlin themselvse. All safety measures had to be taken.