Part 867: Tharja A

I've assembled the last of the implements for the rite, Mother. I'm finally going to learn to learn to cast hexes.

I'll make a useful assistant yet, just watch!

.....

Er, Mother?

...I've changed my mind. There will be no rite tonight.

What? But...

I won't be teaching you the dark arts. Now put those implements away.

But why? Wh-what did I do? Do I lack the talent? Am I in your way?

You have a frightening amount of talent. Your innate magical potential is vast. Even that talisman I made turned you into an entirely different person! One couldn't hope for a greater vessel to shape into a curse slinger. ...And you could never be in my way.

Then why?

...I think I've come to understand the motives of my future self.

What?

I don't want you dealing in hexes. The dark arts carry with them tremendous risks. My future self knew as much...

You think that she has worried for my safety? That... she loved me?

Can't say. Not about her, at least. ...But I love you, if that helps.

Mother...

Just don't expect me to say it often! ...Or maybe ever again. And just because hexes are off the table doesn't mean I have nothing to teach you. There are more ways than hexing to skin a cat. ...Or other things. Heh. So pay attention, and try to follow along.

Oh yes, ma'am!