Oh, this... wasn't where Ness expected this talk to go. Her smile falls, slowly, her apprehension ratcheting up as soon as it becomes clear what Hermione is talking aboutβ
and then she blinks, utterly nonplussed, as Hermione's excitement becomes clear. It's not the first time someone's had a positive reaction to her telepathyβStephen wasnt quite so effusive, but he clearly didn't consider it a bad thing for her to be capable ofβbut it's so far from the norm that she doesn't know how to respond at first. Suspicion, fear, anger: she's prepared for all of those. She has no script in place for excitement.
Even more slowly than it fell, her smile returns, hesitant and unsure.
"It's not common in FaerΓ»n either, actually. There are some Aberrations that can speak like this, through mental connection, but the magic that's available to most people is to do with mind reading, like your Legilimancy."
She tilts her head and narrows her eyes at Hermione, still bemusedβbut with growing excitement.
"You really don't mind? You're not worried I read your thoughts, violated your privacy? I didn't, for the record, and I can't, butβyou wouldn't have been angry if I had?"
If she has learned anything in her years (Merlin, years!) on the road, accompanied by people with different magical abilities and skills, it's that not everything has to be exactly the same as hers to be good.
She is trying to be reasonable here, because Ness is her friend. And Ness was faced with desperate times calling for desperate measures.
"I think I would've, because I would prefer to simply talk things out, if you have any questions for me. But when it happened, when we were down there - honestly, given the circumstances, I wasn't mad at all. More than anything, relieved that you could find a way to communicate with me."
It occurs to her to worry that Hermione could have been angry with herβbut perhaps the excitement that she's not is cushioning the habitual anxiety somewhat, because Ness dismisses the thought as soon as it forms. She asked, Hermione answered, Ness didn't and now won't do the thing that would have made her angry, that's all that matters.
"I'm so glad you feel that way," she says, "and I promiseβ"
She cuts herself off, getting up from her bed to come sit on the edge of Hermione's, looking earnestly into her eyes.
"I promise I won't use it on you without your permission outside of extenuating circumstances. You have my word."
Ness smiles, in what she hopes is a way that says she's trustworthy without trying so hard it comes right back around to suspiciousβand then blinks.
Fortunately for Ness, Hermione decided on first meeting the woman that she was trustworthy and genuine. And when she offered her friendship, she didn't do it out of nostalgia and because Ness reminds her a little of Luna, but because of how Ness is.
Smart, kind, curious, interesting. Would Hermione go to war for Ennaris Tavene? Yes, probably - but more importantly, she'd try to resolve conflict without war, for Ness.
Once Ness is sat on the edge of her bed, Hermione scoots to make her space, nodding at the request for clarification. "Oh, yes. Your magic skills are very impressive. I keep wanting to ask you to teach me, though I know it'll be futile because we're using different sources, but it's - I think you're very capable. Some of the things I've seen you do, a skilled wizard would struggle with. From my home, I mean - not from Faerun."
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and then she blinks, utterly nonplussed, as Hermione's excitement becomes clear. It's not the first time someone's had a positive reaction to her telepathyβStephen wasnt quite so effusive, but he clearly didn't consider it a bad thing for her to be capable ofβbut it's so far from the norm that she doesn't know how to respond at first. Suspicion, fear, anger: she's prepared for all of those. She has no script in place for excitement.
Even more slowly than it fell, her smile returns, hesitant and unsure.
"It's not common in FaerΓ»n either, actually. There are some Aberrations that can speak like this, through mental connection, but the magic that's available to most people is to do with mind reading, like your Legilimancy."
She tilts her head and narrows her eyes at Hermione, still bemusedβbut with growing excitement.
"You really don't mind? You're not worried I read your thoughts, violated your privacy? I didn't, for the record, and I can't, butβyou wouldn't have been angry if I had?"
no subject
She is trying to be reasonable here, because Ness is her friend. And Ness was faced with desperate times calling for desperate measures.
"I think I would've, because I would prefer to simply talk things out, if you have any questions for me. But when it happened, when we were down there - honestly, given the circumstances, I wasn't mad at all. More than anything, relieved that you could find a way to communicate with me."
A beat. "And more than a little impressed."
no subject
"I'm so glad you feel that way," she says, "and I promiseβ"
She cuts herself off, getting up from her bed to come sit on the edge of Hermione's, looking earnestly into her eyes.
"I promise I won't use it on you without your permission outside of extenuating circumstances. You have my word."
Ness smiles, in what she hopes is a way that says she's trustworthy without trying so hard it comes right back around to suspiciousβand then blinks.
"Impressed?"
no subject
Smart, kind, curious, interesting. Would Hermione go to war for Ennaris Tavene? Yes, probably - but more importantly, she'd try to resolve conflict without war, for Ness.
Once Ness is sat on the edge of her bed, Hermione scoots to make her space, nodding at the request for clarification. "Oh, yes. Your magic skills are very impressive. I keep wanting to ask you to teach me, though I know it'll be futile because we're using different sources, but it's - I think you're very capable. Some of the things I've seen you do, a skilled wizard would struggle with. From my home, I mean - not from Faerun."