[ That's interesting. Istredd considers, thumbing a hand across his bearded jaw, because he does think he knows what's going on, but how to approach it takes a little bit of maneuvering. And if the possession is coming up Mat's mind as a reason, it probably is important. ]
In our training, our mentors let someone fail their first attempt at magic, so we can see what happens to them. It corrupts their body or harms them. It's a harsh lesson, but not a fatal one. We learn then and there that magic can kill you and others if used improperly, and some mages start to understandably fear using it.
[ It's a glimpse into how dark the experience Yennefer and Istredd had through training. It's only the first lesson too. The Brotherhood has no interest or experience in treating people gently. They are there to be formed into perfect magical weapons and nothing less. The two of them survived the process and not everyone does. He doesn't sound upset about it, merely stating facts. ]
Being possessed by dark magic, before you ever used it for the first time? That can affect you deeply, Mat. That feeling can stick with you, corrupt how you view it. There is nothing wrong with being afraid of magic. It's dangerous. It's overwhelming. And you didn't choose to have it.
[ Istredd is trying to frame is so that Mat understands he's not implying his fear is a weakness or that it's something he should be ashamed of. He believes that a healthy fear of the kind of power that they can use is good. He told Wilhelm the same thing. Taking magic seriously is imperative in order to be safe. ]
You've come a long way, but there is no magical block in you, Mat.
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Date: 2023-08-07 09:14 pm (UTC)In our training, our mentors let someone fail their first attempt at magic, so we can see what happens to them. It corrupts their body or harms them. It's a harsh lesson, but not a fatal one. We learn then and there that magic can kill you and others if used improperly, and some mages start to understandably fear using it.
[ It's a glimpse into how dark the experience Yennefer and Istredd had through training. It's only the first lesson too. The Brotherhood has no interest or experience in treating people gently. They are there to be formed into perfect magical weapons and nothing less. The two of them survived the process and not everyone does. He doesn't sound upset about it, merely stating facts. ]
Being possessed by dark magic, before you ever used it for the first time? That can affect you deeply, Mat. That feeling can stick with you, corrupt how you view it. There is nothing wrong with being afraid of magic. It's dangerous. It's overwhelming. And you didn't choose to have it.
[ Istredd is trying to frame is so that Mat understands he's not implying his fear is a weakness or that it's something he should be ashamed of. He believes that a healthy fear of the kind of power that they can use is good. He told Wilhelm the same thing. Taking magic seriously is imperative in order to be safe. ]
You've come a long way, but there is no magical block in you, Mat.