Discussion with the rune mage

You all freeze as Marcus walks in. He’s wearing a sleeveless vest and jeans, and cuts a rather intimidating figure. While not heavily muscled, his arms are completely covered in the runic tattoos that he uses to cast spells.

He looks at you three a moment, and then bursts into laughter. “You should see your faces! Calm down, you’re not doing anything wrong. We know that Josh plans to make a portal, and I’m not so naive as to think he’s going there for a holiday.”

You shrug, unsure what to say. Marcus pulls up a chair to join you. He looks at Kali. “Based on what Rachel has told us, you must be Kali. I must say, you look lovely. The angel look suits you.”

Kali blushes. “T-thank you. Yes, I am Kali.”

Marcus smiles at her, then turns to you. “Meanwhile, every time I see you you radiate even more power. I shudder to think how powerful you’ll be in the old world.”

You already know some of this, but you ask anyway. “Why is that? I know the old world has more magic, but why would it affect me so much?”

Marcus raises an eyebrow. “Sometimes I forget that you’re mostly self-taught. Different types of mage draw in magic differently. For example, most of my magic comes from within. For you, you draw on ambient magic around you. In the old world, there’s much much more of that. For me, the old world is like...switching your car from regular to premium. For you, it’s like switching from regular to strapping a rocket on the roof.”

Everyone laughs at the absurd comparison, but it’s something worth thinking about. “That explains a lot about how I felt so powerful while I was there.”

Marcus nods. “It’s part of the reason Trevor didn’t want to send you.”

“Wait, he didn’t? But isn’t he the boss?”

“He’s the council head, yes, but the director is the boss. Trevor is the public face because he’s human. At least he looks human.”

You stare at Marcus. “Ok, now you need to explain that.”

Marcus chuckles. “I figured. Trevor Brightwind is at least two hundred years old. He was a paladin in the old world, and he lived in the kingdom Halid rules now. Hates him. It’s one of the reasons he’s here. And one of the reasons he opposed letting you go. But the director overruled him.”

He turns to Rachel. “I’m surprised you didn’t tell him this.”

Rachel blushes. “I was a bit...distracted.”

“Ahh, yes. So, did you ask him yet?”

“Actually, he asked me first.”

Marcus grins. “Sooo...how did it go?”

Both of you blush, and he laughs. “That well! Rachel, you need to share details later. Anyway, I’ve only met the director a couple times, and he’s masked and cloaked always. I’m fairly certain he’s not human, but he is immensely powerful.”

You nod. “Thanks, Marcus. You’ve been very helpful!”

Marcus grins. “Hey, what can I say, I’m a fan of your work. We’re the good guys, remember? Besides, we mages need to stick together. Let’s get a drink sometime.”

“Of course! And you can tell me about yourself next time, since you know all my secrets.”

“Not all, I’m sure. But absolutely! See you around, and be nice to Rachel, or else.”

He gives you a faux serious glare, then gets up, laughing as he leaves.

You chuckle. “I like him. Good guy.”

Rachel nods, and Kali smiles. You stand, and give Rachel a kiss. “We should get going too, big plans today.”

Rachel looks at you askance. “Nothing dangerous, I hope?”

You wave away her concern. “No no, just training and things like that.”

Rachel smiles. “Ok then! I’ll see you and the girls later. Take care you two.”