[Savage and Maul have slept in the bed fully clothed, half clothed and even naked so the state of one's dress didn't particularly matter to him. He didn't find it odd that K removed coat and shoes though, letting the droid do whatever was necessary to be comfortable for what he assumed would be a long power-down session. Did he have to plug K in? Doubtful, K seemed far more advanced than even their droids.
He too could see in the dark for the most part, and the glow of his eyes stood out in the darkness of the room. Yet, his eyes lifted from K's tinkering to the space above it where the star map suddenly appeared. He'd spent some time looking at Trench's night sky, wondering at the planets beyond the one they happened to be trapped on.
For the most part, Savage had spent a life trapped on Dathomir, leaving on short trips to learn what it was to pilot or on the whim of the Night Mother's order. It wasn't until a few years ago that he had gone on his space adventure, been trained to be a Sith, found his brother and served there, only to die planet-bound as expected. Still those days with his brother had been some of the best of his life, defining his potential that had been so badly curbed by the efforts of himself and the Nightsisters.
Space had always been oddly pretty. Even now, with the star map being explained, he reached out as if to touch the stars. He felt a sense of longing to travel the hyperspace lanes again. Despite himself, a low deep purr of pleasure emerged from his throat as he examined the projection.]
The only maps of my home would be in mine or my brother's minds. I don't think the Archive would have such extensive knowledge of our space maps. [His hand dropped back to his side.] You said your kind were used to explore and colonize planets across space. Do you miss space?
[ Oh — that's genuinely disappointing, Savage and Maul lacking any maps of their galaxy. Manually programming one in isn't exactly easy or uncomplicated, but could be done if they remember enough... At least his gift seems to be appreciated regardless, if he's correctly interpreting that curious purr.
Being asked about his feelings by Savage comes as a surprise, but it isn't a difficult question to answer. ]
From the time I discovered I'm capable of having wants, dreams, a purpose of my own making... I've wanted to explore space outside the shackles of slavery. As a free person, free to travel wherever I please. Leave humanity to rot. [ Even as exhausted as he is, there's a noticeable edge to his tone when he says the latter. His resentment of humanity is something he still wrestles with, knowing that if he's ever returned to his home universe he will once again be a slave. Maybe he could fight it, if he retains any memory of Deerington, of this place. Though he'd be on his own.
When he speaks again his tone is softer, almost wistful. ] I don't think I'll ever have the opportunity. But it's a nice dream.
[ The holographic sky is slowly rotating to simulate the passage of time. Trench's moon in miniature gradually enters its blood phase, casting the room in an eerie red glow. He wants to ask Savage the same question, but there's one far more important that's been on his mind since their last conversation. ]
Perhaps the Archives have such knowledge. I can look the next time I'm there, but star maps are generally held on drives for spacefaring ships.
[That didn't mean they didn't exist, but Savage definitely didn't have them. It would be good to see space again. He might have hated Dathomir, but sometimes he missed the stars and moons that were reflected in the night sky that was so plainly home.
He was left wondering if the Pthumerian's like Nevermore could give him such information.
Yet, he filed away the need to ask as K described exploration of space with freedom, and he eased himself down to sit on the mattress edge with his knees drawn to his chest where he could set his arms on them. His eyes were still on the star map, and he could never ever be described as wistful but something about how K described exploration rang true with him.]
It's a good want, you know. When I was young, I longed for such adventures too, but I had responsibilities and when it came time for me to go on my space adventure, it was less because I wanted to and more because it was expected of me. [He understood the resentment well; humans were good for taking things.] Humans will probably encroach though. They like to be everywhere.
[He turned his eyes on K.] Perhaps you can have that opportunity here some day?
[He blinked at the question, watching the android for a long quiet moment before he was turning his eyes back to the star map and watching the celestial bodies move around in the air above his head.]
Because it's true. On Dathomir, a male has two purposes: to serve and to breed if he's considered of good stock and blessed with certain strengths. Even then, we breed as a service to our species, not because we want to. [He sighed from his nose, his purr long gone with the new topic. He was silent for a good half a minute as he considered how much to divulge further. Anxiety plucked at him. Too much? Too little? Just enough?]
Mother Talzin, the leader of the Nightsisters who rule us, she... bore me after my brother. She was never unkind to me, but my strength and contributions were nothing compared to Maul's potential. I was her spare, a tool to be used in her plans as she saw fit, and she did call upon me when was an adult but to serve her plots and then find Maul for her. She and the clan cast a spell on me to make me as I am. [He tapped his temple lightly with a claw.] I can't be certain, but there's something to reminds me of my service. It's like a whisper on the wind... so I serve. It's the only reason I was born after all.
[Finally, he shrugged his shoulders.] And when I outlive my usefulness and loyalty, I'll be killed. That's what it is to be Nightbrother.
[ The possibility of space travel in Trench is something K has considered — has longed for. He's almost certain he possesses enough knowledge to construct a vessel for it, but the biggest obstacles remain finding enough materials and the Pthumerians, who only permit Sleepers to travel so far. He'd already discovered the apparent boundaries of the sky in his spinner. But what if this world might not always be so enclosed? Perhaps one day... ]
Having the opportunity here would be... incredible. [ His response is hushed, the last word almost a sigh. He's nearly afraid to entertain the idea, with how terribly fragile hope tends to be.
He's quiet as Savage provides so many of the missing pieces to the puzzle that is his identity and past, things K has long wondered about. The exact nature of Savage's forced servitude, and why he maintains the status quo of his old life even in a place where he could have relative freedom. A place where maybe he, too, could one day freely explore the stars, if he wanted to. Because it sort of sounded like he did. ]
This isn't Dathomir. [ His gaze drifts down from the ceiling, returning to Savage. ] There are no Nightsisters, and no guarantee you'll ever encounter any again. No guarantee you'll be returned to your home universe. It's entirely possible that — this could be it, that you could spend the rest of your life here.
[ ...Ah. But it isn't so simple for Savage, and now he understands why. The spell. Something beyond his control. K knows he'd been unbelievably fortunate, in far more ways than one, to have known a literal technology deity who'd freed him from the constraints of his own slavery. Someone he'd trusted to alter the most fundamental parts of himself, his programming... someone who'd taught him how unconditional love could truly be. He wishes suddenly that Savage could have known TB too. Even if they probably would've gotten along like water and oil, considering how prickly they both could be. The thought nearly has K smiling to himself, but it's fleeting as he sits up, with effort, in order to see Savage better. ]
If there was a way to silence that whisper... would you want to? [ Or does the spell itself prevent Savage from even being capable of desiring freedom, he wonders. ] Would you want to discover a new purpose for yourself, determine your own path?
What if I did get an opportunity to explore space here, and I invited you along. Would you want to come? Or... [ He falters. ] Does the spell make it so you only want to serve?
[He wasn't entirely convinced everything would come together for space faring travel, but he could hope that they could muster a good effort. From technology to maps to their keepers of this place, the odds were stacked against them. However, K's hope was a contagious thing, and he nodded his head where he sat.]
Perhaps in time. It's not like we have anything else to work towards, and death isn't permanent.
[He turned his head to rest his chin on his shoulder where he could watch K in the darkness of the room aside from the light cast by the stars. He knew this wasn't Dathomir; few would survive the planet's rigorous attempts to kill them anyway.]
In Deerington, there was a Nightsister, the one who claimed me and hated me more than any other. And the scarred up zealots, a former Sister is among them and only recently the last Sleeper Sister left. They are more common than one would think. [Which might have forced an apprehension to take too much in the way of 'good' opportunities that this place provided. At any moment, a Nightsister could insert herself and put him under their thumb.] To my universes end, it doesn't matter if I go back there. I died there, so all I can do is return to my spot as the Fanged God's warrior.
[He reached out when K sat up to stabilize the droid as he could see how much effort the act was. Maybe he was a little surprised that K was even functional, given how the droid had slept in the streets like it was nothing to be bothered about.
Yet, the question was important, one he had thought about many times. To remove the spell, he'd return to his prior state, and would he be as able to protect Maul?]
Perhaps, yes. I would still be me but smaller and less open to the Force, but I always had the gift just did what I could to develop it subtly.
[He watched K with a curiosity, tilting his head a little where it was still resting on his own shoulder.]
Well, space is best seen with others otherwise you could go mad with the endlessness of it. Besides, you don't know what's up there and if any other planets or moons have been colonized. I would go with you... as long as my brother is safe.
[ The existence of Nightsisters in Deerington and Trench is more startling than it probably should be. He'd just assumed there weren't any, because Savage isn't currently serving one as far as he knows— and he'd assumed wrong, apparently. So they still present an active threat. Both places have had a way of bringing Sleepers' worst fears to life along with assorted other horrors and subjugation, so it really shouldn't be surprising. Frowning, he tilts his head in acknowledgement of what Savage tells him. ]
I stand corrected. [ And he's clearly unhappy with that information. That Savage is also dead in his home universe is... not good, but somehow less surprising than the rest. K knows he's on a countdown to death, himself, should the Pthumerians ever force him back to his home universe. ]
Trench is all I really have left, too. [ It's a quiet admission that he doesn't dwell on. ] Maul wouldn't protect you from the Nightsisters? Or he'd accept being forced to serve them himself?
[ It's hard to imagine. Maybe someone needs to take care of the Nightsisters for the both of them. He's heard Maul speak of his Sith master on the public network before, but it isn't clear how that relates to the Nightsisters, or if it even does. But he's always had the impression that Maul's something of a special case.
The only thing more unexpected than Savage reaching to help steady him is the acceptance of his pipedream offer to explore space with him. He glances from Savage's hand to his face with raised eyebrows. ]
You would? [ For a moment he doesn't know what to say, as though he's struggling to process that. As exhausted as he is, it isn't far from the truth; his thoughts are a bit foggy. But still coherent. This isn't a conversation he's going to forget. ] Then you should steer clear of any Nightsisters — and maybe do something about that spell, so you'll have the freedom to. So you'll have freedom, period. And your brother has others here who care about him. They could keep him safe. [ Probably.
Or maybe Maul could also come on these hypothetical space adventures, but K would prefer to know him much better first before actually entertaining the idea. ]
Three Sisters have come, two have disappeared for now. They are a secretive lot, easy to slip away into the shadows. It's easy to assume they aren't around. [As much as he didn't want to discuss it, only Maul would know the extent of what the Nightsisters might represent. Perhaps it was his personal discomfort was just that, and no Nightsister would want to choose him. He had failed so many times....
He watched K for a long silent moment then nodded his head, issuing a low sound of understanding. So both of them had no where to go beyond this place.] Is it that you're dead or decommissioned where you're from?
[He snorted at the sheer notion that his brother would serve anyone anymore. That wasn't the case these days, and he suspected that Maul would rather die than be put under the thumb of another like that.] My brother... doesn't understand many of our traditions; he didn't grow to manhood on Dathomir like I did, and he was... special. He's always been the best of us. [He sighed from his nose, giving K's shoulder a strong pat.] He'd protect me to the best of his abilities, but he had a life here, a mate, friends... I'd rather deal with Nightsisters alone.
[It wasn't that hard of a decision even if it felt extremely random. His brother wanted him to find a life for himself, so if he wanted to go into space, why couldn't he just do that without too much explanation? Space had been the first place where he had felt freedom as a young man, so he would like to experience it again if it were possible. Even just once.]
I have no wish to be close to the Sisters, and the spell... I wouldn't know how to remove or alter it. [That might require a run in with a Nightsister to discuss it, since apparently death didn't remove it these days.] Maul's supposed to be safest with me... but that has probably changed here along with everything else.
If what I've seen of my future is true— [ K bows his head for a moment, a resigned look on his face. Every glimpse into his future that he's ever gotten plays out the same. The falling snow. Outside the memory lab. Within a few days of being returned to his home universe, he'll draw his final breath there, alone and unmourned. ] I'm living on borrowed time.
[ Can't escape fate. He subtly leans into the pat to his shoulder without even thinking; it's nice. Casual physical contact is rare for him these days, and he'd previously grown so accustomed to it that he misses it now. ]
That doesn't sound very fair to your brother, going it alone like that. Doesn't matter if he has other ties here. You're his brother. [ And that has to mean something, doesn't it? For all Maul's shortcomings, he seems very loyal from everything that K's seen. ] It's what I'd want if I were in his position, anyway... a chance to choose for myself, to protect someone I care about. Especially if there might not be a way to nullify the spell. I wonder if the Archives would have anything... [ And something occurs to him. ] Is he— even aware of the spell?
[ And more importantly, does he actually condone of his own brother being used in such a way, K wonders. Surely not...? ]
But not here. You can continue on even if it isn't your home world, yes? [If K did disappear, it would simply be a fact of Trench life; anyone could appear and return to the sea after all. He valued their conversations, so he likely would have a least a moment or two of missing K.
His fingers clenched on K's shoulder when the droid leaned into the contact, at first thinking that it was because K might just pitch right over in exhaustion. So he held his hand there longer than was strictly necessary, aware that K would just fall asleep at some point.
At least the stars above would be a good backdrop for such sleep. Maybe he'd even nap for a few minutes when the time seemed right.]
You shouldn't worry about Maul. He has a habit of nosing his way into matters of mine even when I'm trying to hide them from him. [They were extremely loyal to each other, but the Nightsisters were his demons, just as Sidious was his brother's demon. They could assist but in the end, they had to be the one to defeat the enemy to their freedom.] He doesn't fully understand their threat; they were almost all dead when he returned to Dathomir. Just as I can't understand what he endured with his Master, even if I can help in my own way.
[His eyes flick away from K and then back.] He is, but how much of the nuance of the command I don't know. It doesn't affect me in ways that go against what he wants. [After all, the spell made him extra loyal to his bloodline.] I don't even know what the spell does and doesn't do.
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no subject
He too could see in the dark for the most part, and the glow of his eyes stood out in the darkness of the room. Yet, his eyes lifted from K's tinkering to the space above it where the star map suddenly appeared. He'd spent some time looking at Trench's night sky, wondering at the planets beyond the one they happened to be trapped on.
For the most part, Savage had spent a life trapped on Dathomir, leaving on short trips to learn what it was to pilot or on the whim of the Night Mother's order. It wasn't until a few years ago that he had gone on his space adventure, been trained to be a Sith, found his brother and served there, only to die planet-bound as expected. Still those days with his brother had been some of the best of his life, defining his potential that had been so badly curbed by the efforts of himself and the Nightsisters.
Space had always been oddly pretty. Even now, with the star map being explained, he reached out as if to touch the stars. He felt a sense of longing to travel the hyperspace lanes again. Despite himself, a low deep purr of pleasure emerged from his throat as he examined the projection.]
The only maps of my home would be in mine or my brother's minds. I don't think the Archive would have such extensive knowledge of our space maps. [His hand dropped back to his side.] You said your kind were used to explore and colonize planets across space. Do you miss space?
no subject
Being asked about his feelings by Savage comes as a surprise, but it isn't a difficult question to answer. ]
From the time I discovered I'm capable of having wants, dreams, a purpose of my own making... I've wanted to explore space outside the shackles of slavery. As a free person, free to travel wherever I please. Leave humanity to rot. [ Even as exhausted as he is, there's a noticeable edge to his tone when he says the latter. His resentment of humanity is something he still wrestles with, knowing that if he's ever returned to his home universe he will once again be a slave. Maybe he could fight it, if he retains any memory of Deerington, of this place. Though he'd be on his own.
When he speaks again his tone is softer, almost wistful. ] I don't think I'll ever have the opportunity. But it's a nice dream.
[ The holographic sky is slowly rotating to simulate the passage of time. Trench's moon in miniature gradually enters its blood phase, casting the room in an eerie red glow. He wants to ask Savage the same question, but there's one far more important that's been on his mind since their last conversation. ]
Why do you believe your only purpose is to serve?
no subject
[That didn't mean they didn't exist, but Savage definitely didn't have them. It would be good to see space again. He might have hated Dathomir, but sometimes he missed the stars and moons that were reflected in the night sky that was so plainly home.
He was left wondering if the Pthumerian's like Nevermore could give him such information.
Yet, he filed away the need to ask as K described exploration of space with freedom, and he eased himself down to sit on the mattress edge with his knees drawn to his chest where he could set his arms on them. His eyes were still on the star map, and he could never ever be described as wistful but something about how K described exploration rang true with him.]
It's a good want, you know. When I was young, I longed for such adventures too, but I had responsibilities and when it came time for me to go on my space adventure, it was less because I wanted to and more because it was expected of me. [He understood the resentment well; humans were good for taking things.] Humans will probably encroach though. They like to be everywhere.
[He turned his eyes on K.] Perhaps you can have that opportunity here some day?
[He blinked at the question, watching the android for a long quiet moment before he was turning his eyes back to the star map and watching the celestial bodies move around in the air above his head.]
Because it's true. On Dathomir, a male has two purposes: to serve and to breed if he's considered of good stock and blessed with certain strengths. Even then, we breed as a service to our species, not because we want to. [He sighed from his nose, his purr long gone with the new topic. He was silent for a good half a minute as he considered how much to divulge further. Anxiety plucked at him. Too much? Too little? Just enough?]
Mother Talzin, the leader of the Nightsisters who rule us, she... bore me after my brother. She was never unkind to me, but my strength and contributions were nothing compared to Maul's potential. I was her spare, a tool to be used in her plans as she saw fit, and she did call upon me when was an adult but to serve her plots and then find Maul for her. She and the clan cast a spell on me to make me as I am. [He tapped his temple lightly with a claw.] I can't be certain, but there's something to reminds me of my service. It's like a whisper on the wind... so I serve. It's the only reason I was born after all.
[Finally, he shrugged his shoulders.] And when I outlive my usefulness and loyalty, I'll be killed. That's what it is to be Nightbrother.
no subject
Having the opportunity here would be... incredible. [ His response is hushed, the last word almost a sigh. He's nearly afraid to entertain the idea, with how terribly fragile hope tends to be.
He's quiet as Savage provides so many of the missing pieces to the puzzle that is his identity and past, things K has long wondered about. The exact nature of Savage's forced servitude, and why he maintains the status quo of his old life even in a place where he could have relative freedom. A place where maybe he, too, could one day freely explore the stars, if he wanted to. Because it sort of sounded like he did. ]
This isn't Dathomir. [ His gaze drifts down from the ceiling, returning to Savage. ] There are no Nightsisters, and no guarantee you'll ever encounter any again. No guarantee you'll be returned to your home universe. It's entirely possible that — this could be it, that you could spend the rest of your life here.
[ ...Ah. But it isn't so simple for Savage, and now he understands why. The spell. Something beyond his control. K knows he'd been unbelievably fortunate, in far more ways than one, to have known a literal technology deity who'd freed him from the constraints of his own slavery. Someone he'd trusted to alter the most fundamental parts of himself, his programming... someone who'd taught him how unconditional love could truly be. He wishes suddenly that Savage could have known TB too. Even if they probably would've gotten along like water and oil, considering how prickly they both could be. The thought nearly has K smiling to himself, but it's fleeting as he sits up, with effort, in order to see Savage better. ]
If there was a way to silence that whisper... would you want to? [ Or does the spell itself prevent Savage from even being capable of desiring freedom, he wonders. ] Would you want to discover a new purpose for yourself, determine your own path?
What if I did get an opportunity to explore space here, and I invited you along. Would you want to come? Or... [ He falters. ] Does the spell make it so you only want to serve?
no subject
Perhaps in time. It's not like we have anything else to work towards, and death isn't permanent.
[He turned his head to rest his chin on his shoulder where he could watch K in the darkness of the room aside from the light cast by the stars. He knew this wasn't Dathomir; few would survive the planet's rigorous attempts to kill them anyway.]
In Deerington, there was a Nightsister, the one who claimed me and hated me more than any other. And the scarred up zealots, a former Sister is among them and only recently the last Sleeper Sister left. They are more common than one would think. [Which might have forced an apprehension to take too much in the way of 'good' opportunities that this place provided. At any moment, a Nightsister could insert herself and put him under their thumb.] To my universes end, it doesn't matter if I go back there. I died there, so all I can do is return to my spot as the Fanged God's warrior.
[He reached out when K sat up to stabilize the droid as he could see how much effort the act was. Maybe he was a little surprised that K was even functional, given how the droid had slept in the streets like it was nothing to be bothered about.
Yet, the question was important, one he had thought about many times. To remove the spell, he'd return to his prior state, and would he be as able to protect Maul?]
Perhaps, yes. I would still be me but smaller and less open to the Force, but I always had the gift just did what I could to develop it subtly.
[He watched K with a curiosity, tilting his head a little where it was still resting on his own shoulder.]
Well, space is best seen with others otherwise you could go mad with the endlessness of it. Besides, you don't know what's up there and if any other planets or moons have been colonized. I would go with you... as long as my brother is safe.
no subject
I stand corrected. [ And he's clearly unhappy with that information. That Savage is also dead in his home universe is... not good, but somehow less surprising than the rest. K knows he's on a countdown to death, himself, should the Pthumerians ever force him back to his home universe. ]
Trench is all I really have left, too. [ It's a quiet admission that he doesn't dwell on. ] Maul wouldn't protect you from the Nightsisters? Or he'd accept being forced to serve them himself?
[ It's hard to imagine. Maybe someone needs to take care of the Nightsisters for the both of them. He's heard Maul speak of his Sith master on the public network before, but it isn't clear how that relates to the Nightsisters, or if it even does. But he's always had the impression that Maul's something of a special case.
The only thing more unexpected than Savage reaching to help steady him is the acceptance of his pipedream offer to explore space with him. He glances from Savage's hand to his face with raised eyebrows. ]
You would? [ For a moment he doesn't know what to say, as though he's struggling to process that. As exhausted as he is, it isn't far from the truth; his thoughts are a bit foggy. But still coherent. This isn't a conversation he's going to forget. ] Then you should steer clear of any Nightsisters — and maybe do something about that spell, so you'll have the freedom to. So you'll have freedom, period. And your brother has others here who care about him. They could keep him safe. [ Probably.
Or maybe Maul could also come on these hypothetical space adventures, but K would prefer to know him much better first before actually entertaining the idea. ]
no subject
He watched K for a long silent moment then nodded his head, issuing a low sound of understanding. So both of them had no where to go beyond this place.] Is it that you're dead or decommissioned where you're from?
[He snorted at the sheer notion that his brother would serve anyone anymore. That wasn't the case these days, and he suspected that Maul would rather die than be put under the thumb of another like that.] My brother... doesn't understand many of our traditions; he didn't grow to manhood on Dathomir like I did, and he was... special. He's always been the best of us. [He sighed from his nose, giving K's shoulder a strong pat.] He'd protect me to the best of his abilities, but he had a life here, a mate, friends... I'd rather deal with Nightsisters alone.
[It wasn't that hard of a decision even if it felt extremely random. His brother wanted him to find a life for himself, so if he wanted to go into space, why couldn't he just do that without too much explanation? Space had been the first place where he had felt freedom as a young man, so he would like to experience it again if it were possible. Even just once.]
I have no wish to be close to the Sisters, and the spell... I wouldn't know how to remove or alter it. [That might require a run in with a Nightsister to discuss it, since apparently death didn't remove it these days.] Maul's supposed to be safest with me... but that has probably changed here along with everything else.
no subject
[ Can't escape fate. He subtly leans into the pat to his shoulder without even thinking; it's nice. Casual physical contact is rare for him these days, and he'd previously grown so accustomed to it that he misses it now. ]
That doesn't sound very fair to your brother, going it alone like that. Doesn't matter if he has other ties here. You're his brother. [ And that has to mean something, doesn't it? For all Maul's shortcomings, he seems very loyal from everything that K's seen. ] It's what I'd want if I were in his position, anyway... a chance to choose for myself, to protect someone I care about. Especially if there might not be a way to nullify the spell. I wonder if the Archives would have anything... [ And something occurs to him. ] Is he— even aware of the spell?
[ And more importantly, does he actually condone of his own brother being used in such a way, K wonders. Surely not...? ]
no subject
His fingers clenched on K's shoulder when the droid leaned into the contact, at first thinking that it was because K might just pitch right over in exhaustion. So he held his hand there longer than was strictly necessary, aware that K would just fall asleep at some point.
At least the stars above would be a good backdrop for such sleep. Maybe he'd even nap for a few minutes when the time seemed right.]
You shouldn't worry about Maul. He has a habit of nosing his way into matters of mine even when I'm trying to hide them from him. [They were extremely loyal to each other, but the Nightsisters were his demons, just as Sidious was his brother's demon. They could assist but in the end, they had to be the one to defeat the enemy to their freedom.] He doesn't fully understand their threat; they were almost all dead when he returned to Dathomir. Just as I can't understand what he endured with his Master, even if I can help in my own way.
[His eyes flick away from K and then back.] He is, but how much of the nuance of the command I don't know. It doesn't affect me in ways that go against what he wants. [After all, the spell made him extra loyal to his bloodline.] I don't even know what the spell does and doesn't do.