❰ that strikes a chord in adalia — she wasn't born a worrier, but somehow usually she's the one thinking the terrible thing so other people don't have to. and then following through on that terrible thought and making the hard call, so other people can keep their hands clean.

it's a familiar sentiment, is all, though christine seems not to take it to the extremes adalia is more familiar with. ❱

It is different, yes — in some areas, of course, it's not entirely dissimilar. There are many stories, fictional and otherwise, of young sorcerers being cast out of their homes when it comes to light they have magic. This is usually in more rural areas, where people are more likely to blame a bad crop or a rabid animal on a sorcerer.

❰ might that have been what happened to adalia? there's no way of knowing, but she hopes not. she hopes she was loved. ❱

In more urban areas, placers of higher learning, magic is highly prized. There are entire universities for teaching magic — not Circles, but schools, which you can leave at your leisure. No one treats you like a bomb about to go off, no one decides how your life must be lived for your own good —

❰ chill, adalia. a deep breath, and then, more coolly — ❱

It's different, yes.