A pre yuletide post so close to the deadline is ballsy, but I'm happy to have played a part in getting this up! Critting this monster was a pleasure and I'm happy to see Mages of Rela make another appearance in the Library.
This was a great piece! Your prose, as always, is densely packed and brimming with imagery and emotion. Loved the character and world building you accomplished here too. Particularly love the irony of Corcus attempting to help M. Red get their memories back while constantly shutting out memories( via Rook) or having them expunged altogether( ie the section when they're healing the student). It's one of several great repeating details in this piece. You can't help others if you can't help yourself, and that makes this all the more interesting to read.
Overall, well done. Can't wait til the next one Styg