You aren’t sure whether to laugh or to cry.

If you were able to shake your head you would, out of sheer bewilderment.

“You may have a lot of information about me.. but whatever makes you think I have that kind of knowledge.. you are mistaken! I’m no scholar. Magic is a tool I can wield.. a weapon. I can no more tell you it’s secrets than I can forge a sword, or design armour! And even if I could, what in the realm makes you think I would? ”

Grimmauld listens with a half smile, shaking his head at your words.

“I think your motive will become clear in time. As to how, why it’s quite simple dear Jennara. We don’t require you to decipher magical ritual or unwright the laws of spellcraft. In fact we have half of the solution already. Look at this.”

He directs your gaze to the mirror on the wall and makes a gesture. To your amazement your reflection begins to swell and move. Suddenly you aren’t watching a perfect echo of the room opposite the mirror, the view is pushing in focussing on you.. moving in toward your chest. You gasp both at the wonder of whatever magical means is bringing the crystal clear vision to life, and also at the discomfort of having a great deal of attention at your breasts. Your confusion and uncomfortableness grows as the gnome leans in with gnarled fingers to part the grey silk against your flesh. But you forget your embarrassment moments later as he uncovers your heart rune, clearly moving with your heartbeat. But instead of the clear indelible lines of the runes you have known for most of your life, a coppery coloured metallic band sits directly over, and somehow into the complex knot.

“As you see, during your inactive period we have been doing some.. modification. It has taken decades of work to learn to interface our runescript with your elven constructs. And truth be known we still don’t understand the half of it. But enough to make certain modifications. For instance, you’ll find that any desire you have to immolate myself or Marissa here by magical means will be wishful thinking. And there are other effects..”

You stare in disbelief, only vaguely hearing the words.. a feeling of intense violation rushing through you like nothing you’ve ever felt on a battlefield, no matter the enemy or outcome. You have a sudden urge to test his words.. to strike out at your enemy whatever the cost. Grimmauld is absorbed in examine his device but Marissa reads your eyes and sees the fire within.

“Calm yourself Jennara. His words are blunt but he speaks no lie, magic will not aid you here. Only by helping us can you help yourself.”