Chapter 117: Espresso?
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Chapter 117: Espresso?
Tala thoroughly enjoyed her morning exercise, nestled in one of the lower branches of Makinavens great tree, even if it was after noon.
Mistress Odera really picked a great spot.
Tala was even able to find a nice level nook, off to one side, where she could open Kit in a secure manner and quickly cleanse herself of the sweat shed built up.
Terry perched beside Kit protectively while she was inside.
You know, if Im ever falling, could I just climb into Kit and wait until we land? At some point, she would have to trust someone enough to have them close her inside, so that she could see if she could get out.
That wasnt a terrifying thought.
Not at all.
Necessary evils to get greater utility out of my items. Kit was great, but Tala wanted as much utility from the pouch as she could get. And if that works, Ill have to see if I can close myself in
But that was down the road a bit. Other things were jostling around in her head, demanding her attention.
I wonder how much one of those tungsten rods costs. Another thing to ask the Constructionists about. Shed probably never need it, but she was finding herself airborne far too often to not consider it.
As she climbed back out into a cool breeze, Tala took a moment to close her eyes and just enjoy the feel of the gentle currents. Her elk leathers shifted to allow the wind through to her skin.
The sensation was amazing. So much better than the frigidness of the forest in winter. Even if the difference was not as extreme this high up. I wonder if its cooler in summer too.
She glanced at Terry as she clipped Kit back to her belt. Willing to give me a ride?
Terry grew to a comfortable size and crouched down.
Thank you. As she climbed up, she tossed him some jerky.
He snapped out, catching it with his beak before it went out of range.
Right, he doesnt want to teleport while Im on his back. Sorry about that. She tossed another much closer, and he snapped it up much more easily.
He set off at a leisurely pace, just faster than she could comfortably jog.
Tala had a thought and glanced behind them.
Terrys talons were digging into the tree for better grip, speed, and balance, just as he would the ground, below. Oh Thats-
Even as she was considering the cost that shed incur from all the damage already done, her mage-sight showed her that the wood was pulling back together, reforming and returning to its base state.
Oh, thats wonderful. She let out a relieved breath and turned to face forward once again. Where to first?
There was no contest, she needed to go see the Constructionists.
Lets go back to the third tier. We can ask for directions to the Constructionist Guild from there.
Terry bobbed his head in acknowledgement then bent lower, increasing his speed.
Might as well practice. She locked onto herself, bringing her middle finger to her thumb. Reduce.
Terry began to speed up more, seeming to relax a bit as her effective gravity decreased.
This is wonderful! She laughed joyfully.
There was an ox cart in the road in front of them, making its slow way towards the tree. When he was almost upon it, Terry pushed off to move around the obstruction, but things didnt go as expected.
Something about moving from the straight run to a sideways diversion tripped up the avian, and he began to tumble. Terry immediately flickered away, appearing in a crouch on the short wall to one side of the road. He was now the size of a cat and wore a look of profound irritation clearly on his avian face.
Tala, with her effective gravity reduced, but her momentum maintained, tumbled through the air, straight into the back of the cart, hitting with a solid thwack!
She groaned, sliding to the ground in a comically slow fashion.
It seemed that the cart had been made very well; she hadnt damaged it in the least.
The driver must have turned around to look, but obviously didnt see her. Tala heard him flick his reins, and the cart pulled away, now moving a bit faster than before.
Tala lay there in the road for a long moment, glaring at Terry.
He preened while glaring back.
I was just lighter, Terry. I still had the same inertia. She was actively returning her weight to normal.
Terry squawked and shimmied, still giving her an irritated look.
Fine. Im back to normal weight. Lets try again?
He didnt move.
I wont change my gravity while riding, not without talking to you first. Alright?
After a moment, he bobbed, and reappeared beside her, sized for easy riding.
Thank you. I apologize for throwing you off.
He shook, settling her in place, and let out a satisfied thrum. It was almost a purr but with more music to it.
Yes, you are a wonderful runner. As I said, I apologize.
He bobbed, and started out again, this time going a little slower as if a bit unsure of his footing. That quickly passed, however, as he took a few zigs and zags to get a renewed feel for it. By the time theyd passed the still plodding cart and ox, he was up to speed once more.
A few minutes later, they reached the trunk and passed through the entry tunnel. At the end of that tunnel, Terry took a hard right, down the 4 oclock spiral. His claws dug deep to facilitate the change in direction, but he pivoted perfectly, barely losing any speed.
Terry let out a quiet trumpet of triumph as he continued. If anything, he increased his speed as they moved down the sloping road.
Behind them, the wooden road fixed itself, sending out minute eddies of power, which quickly calmed, leaving no trace that the damage had ever been there.
Tala noticed that most of the customers that came up seemed to be regulars, not needing to sample before they bought a large amount of this or that tea. A few bought a selection but not many.
She took a final drink of the chamomile tea, finishing off the little cup. She couldnt help herself; she smiled and spoke her praise once again. Wonderful.
Would you like these bricks open or wrapped for longer, more secure storage?
Cost of wrapping?
Three copper, per brick.
Done.
The young boy began wrapping her selections individually in waxed paper. His expertly dexterous fingers tucked the paper back in on itself, sealing the tea away from the elements without need for string or other, additional fastener.
She handed back the empty, chamomile cup, and took another proffered cup of water. That drunk, she picked up the last sample.
It was indisputably coffee by the smell. No. Its espresso.
Now, this is brewed strong. Many will add it to water, or milk, and most like it with a bit of sugar or honey. Would you like either for your sample?
Tala breathed in deeply through her nose, reveling in the potent fragrance. No, thank you. Id rather taste it as it is, not masked by something else. It smells divine.
The older man gave a half bow. Mistress is too kind.
She took a sip, and her eyes widened. There isnt any bitterness at all.
Of course not, Mistress. He straightened himself, clearly proud of his offered goods. We only buy from the finest roasters. We do recommend that you use water just shy of boiling, so that you dont burn the grounds as you brew it.
And its much stronger than I was expecting, even with your warning. Tala found herself staring down at the black liquid. There was no other way to put it: It was strong. If the coffee she usually drank was a bucking donkey, this was a well-trained team of oxen. Smooth, powerful, amazing. How much?
This is usually brewed in smaller quantities. What you are sampling, here, was ground as finely as possible, and the espresso stays in, just as with the teas you tried. If you prepare it that way, you need one ounce for every pot. But if you intend to strain out the espresso, you wont want it as finely broken up, and you will need close to four times the amount.
Tala gave a slow smile. So, its expensive. How much?
Sixty copper per one pound brick. He said it with an easy, unapologetic smile.
Thats nearly three times as much as the more expensive tea. Ill take ten of those, as well, wrapped.
The man smiled. Wonderful! That will be ten silver and forty copper. Can I assist you with anything else?
Tala nodded. I could use a mortar and pestle along with a teapot and cup.
He laughed. Of course!
They talked about the various kinds he had available. They were of high quality but limited in selection. He apologized for that lack. He worked with other merchants to have a few in stock for the occasional customer in need, but they were not among his primary wares.
In the end, she selected a lovely, black-granite mortar and pestle and a stunningly-enameled, cast-iron teapot and matching cup.
The teapot and cup set got a raised eyebrow from the man, but he didnt comment. The look is likely because I chose iron over one of the clay or wooden versions. He must know something of Mages, I suppose. Shed been tempted by the others, but the one shed ended up picking had just been too beautiful to pass by.
The one that shed chosen was a squat thing, a bit wider than it was tall. The main color was a glossy black with the outlines of interconnected, dark-red hexagons overlaying the surface. The effect looked like ruby veins peeking through an onyx shell.
In total, the peripheral items cost her another three silver. Or it would have, if she hadnt negotiated. In the end, she got the lot for eleven silver. Still a lot more than I probably should have spent
Even so, she was happy with her purchases. Thank you, sir.
Thank you, Mistress.
Oh! Before I go, could you point me to the Constructionists Guild?
Certainly. You can find the nearest public location that I know of at the north 6 oclock of this tier.
North? 6 oclock would be south. She frowned.
Oh, my apologies. That is on the six oclock spiral, half-way to the next tier.
Ah! So, to the north.
Just so.
And do you know where the Culinary Guild can be found?
He gave her another odd look, then shrugged. The closest public location can be found at south 12 oclock of this tier. His eyes twinkled a bit.
I think Ive got it. Thank you!
She tucked her purchases into Kit, waved goodbye, and departed.
Terry flickered back onto her shoulder shortly after, and she realized that hed departed just before she approached the stall. Where were you off to?
He simply hunkered down in seeming sleep.
Well, I dont hear any screaming, so its probably fine. She shrugged and started towards the south to get onto the 6 oclock spiral. After a moment, though, she hesitated. I could just climb up one of the pedestrian tubes. It would be about a fifty-foot climb. That would be faster than going all the way south, then circumnavigating the tier.
She spun on her heel, feeling a bit of a fool, and headed back north.
She waved to the tea merchants as she passed and walked quickly towards her destination.
Tala and Terry passed through the market, and Tala did her best to not be distracted by the wide selection of items up on offer. Blessedly, she succeeded. I already spent too much time. I need to get to the Constructionists.
When she reached the twelve oclock road, she looked around, until she saw a tube-like space, inset in the wall, which had a ladder housed within.
The one she found first was marked as Down so she continued to look around, until she found the one labeled Up. She grabbed on and climbed quickly, Terry gripping her shoulder tightly.
At each level, there were large, stylized numbers beside the exit. It was a bit of an odd thing as the numbers were counting down while she climbed up.
When she reached the large 6, she stepped out onto the six oclock spiral. Just to her left, up the slope, she saw the sign for the Constructionists Guild.
Finally. Lets see if we cant get some of our questions answered. Tala found herself grinning.
Please report us if you find any errors so we can fix it asap!
Chapter 117: Espresso?
Tala thoroughly enjoyed her morning exercise, nestled in one of the lower branches of Makinavens great tree, even if it was after noon.
Mistress Odera really picked a great spot.
Tala was even able to find a nice level nook, off to one side, where she could open Kit in a secure manner and quickly cleanse herself of the sweat shed built up.
Terry perched beside Kit protectively while she was inside.
You know, if Im ever falling, could I just climb into Kit and wait until we land? At some point, she would have to trust someone enough to have them close her inside, so that she could see if she could get out.
That wasnt a terrifying thought.
Not at all.
Necessary evils to get greater utility out of my items. Kit was great, but Tala wanted as much utility from the pouch as she could get. And if that works, Ill have to see if I can close myself in
But that was down the road a bit. Other things were jostling around in her head, demanding her attention.
I wonder how much one of those tungsten rods costs. Another thing to ask the Constructionists about. Shed probably never need it, but she was finding herself airborne far too often to not consider it.
As she climbed back out into a cool breeze, Tala took a moment to close her eyes and just enjoy the feel of the gentle currents. Her elk leathers shifted to allow the wind through to her skin.
The sensation was amazing. So much better than the frigidness of the forest in winter. Even if the difference was not as extreme this high up. I wonder if its cooler in summer too.
She glanced at Terry as she clipped Kit back to her belt. Willing to give me a ride?
Terry grew to a comfortable size and crouched down.
Thank you. As she climbed up, she tossed him some jerky.
He snapped out, catching it with his beak before it went out of range.
Right, he doesnt want to teleport while Im on his back. Sorry about that. She tossed another much closer, and he snapped it up much more easily.
He set off at a leisurely pace, just faster than she could comfortably jog.
Tala had a thought and glanced behind them.
Terrys talons were digging into the tree for better grip, speed, and balance, just as he would the ground, below. Oh Thats-
Even as she was considering the cost that shed incur from all the damage already done, her mage-sight showed her that the wood was pulling back together, reforming and returning to its base state.
Oh, thats wonderful. She let out a relieved breath and turned to face forward once again. Where to first?
There was no contest, she needed to go see the Constructionists.
Lets go back to the third tier. We can ask for directions to the Constructionist Guild from there.
Terry bobbed his head in acknowledgement then bent lower, increasing his speed.
Might as well practice. She locked onto herself, bringing her middle finger to her thumb. Reduce.
Terry began to speed up more, seeming to relax a bit as her effective gravity decreased.
This is wonderful! She laughed joyfully.
There was an ox cart in the road in front of them, making its slow way towards the tree. When he was almost upon it, Terry pushed off to move around the obstruction, but things didnt go as expected.
Something about moving from the straight run to a sideways diversion tripped up the avian, and he began to tumble. Terry immediately flickered away, appearing in a crouch on the short wall to one side of the road. He was now the size of a cat and wore a look of profound irritation clearly on his avian face.
Tala, with her effective gravity reduced, but her momentum maintained, tumbled through the air, straight into the back of the cart, hitting with a solid thwack!
She groaned, sliding to the ground in a comically slow fashion.
It seemed that the cart had been made very well; she hadnt damaged it in the least.
The driver must have turned around to look, but obviously didnt see her. Tala heard him flick his reins, and the cart pulled away, now moving a bit faster than before.
Tala lay there in the road for a long moment, glaring at Terry.
He preened while glaring back.
I was just lighter, Terry. I still had the same inertia. She was actively returning her weight to normal.
Terry squawked and shimmied, still giving her an irritated look.
Fine. Im back to normal weight. Lets try again?
He didnt move.
I wont change my gravity while riding, not without talking to you first. Alright?
After a moment, he bobbed, and reappeared beside her, sized for easy riding.
Thank you. I apologize for throwing you off.
He shook, settling her in place, and let out a satisfied thrum. It was almost a purr but with more music to it.
Yes, you are a wonderful runner. As I said, I apologize.
He bobbed, and started out again, this time going a little slower as if a bit unsure of his footing. That quickly passed, however, as he took a few zigs and zags to get a renewed feel for it. By the time theyd passed the still plodding cart and ox, he was up to speed once more.
A few minutes later, they reached the trunk and passed through the entry tunnel. At the end of that tunnel, Terry took a hard right, down the 4 oclock spiral. His claws dug deep to facilitate the change in direction, but he pivoted perfectly, barely losing any speed.
Terry let out a quiet trumpet of triumph as he continued. If anything, he increased his speed as they moved down the sloping road.
Behind them, the wooden road fixed itself, sending out minute eddies of power, which quickly calmed, leaving no trace that the damage had ever been there.
Tala noticed that most of the customers that came up seemed to be regulars, not needing to sample before they bought a large amount of this or that tea. A few bought a selection but not many.
She took a final drink of the chamomile tea, finishing off the little cup. She couldnt help herself; she smiled and spoke her praise once again. Wonderful.
Would you like these bricks open or wrapped for longer, more secure storage?
Cost of wrapping?
Three copper, per brick.
Done.
The young boy began wrapping her selections individually in waxed paper. His expertly dexterous fingers tucked the paper back in on itself, sealing the tea away from the elements without need for string or other, additional fastener.
She handed back the empty, chamomile cup, and took another proffered cup of water. That drunk, she picked up the last sample.
It was indisputably coffee by the smell. No. Its espresso.
Now, this is brewed strong. Many will add it to water, or milk, and most like it with a bit of sugar or honey. Would you like either for your sample?
Tala breathed in deeply through her nose, reveling in the potent fragrance. No, thank you. Id rather taste it as it is, not masked by something else. It smells divine.
The older man gave a half bow. Mistress is too kind.
She took a sip, and her eyes widened. There isnt any bitterness at all.
Of course not, Mistress. He straightened himself, clearly proud of his offered goods. We only buy from the finest roasters. We do recommend that you use water just shy of boiling, so that you dont burn the grounds as you brew it.
And its much stronger than I was expecting, even with your warning. Tala found herself staring down at the black liquid. There was no other way to put it: It was strong. If the coffee she usually drank was a bucking donkey, this was a well-trained team of oxen. Smooth, powerful, amazing. How much?
This is usually brewed in smaller quantities. What you are sampling, here, was ground as finely as possible, and the espresso stays in, just as with the teas you tried. If you prepare it that way, you need one ounce for every pot. But if you intend to strain out the espresso, you wont want it as finely broken up, and you will need close to four times the amount.
Tala gave a slow smile. So, its expensive. How much?
Sixty copper per one pound brick. He said it with an easy, unapologetic smile.
Thats nearly three times as much as the more expensive tea. Ill take ten of those, as well, wrapped.
The man smiled. Wonderful! That will be ten silver and forty copper. Can I assist you with anything else?
Tala nodded. I could use a mortar and pestle along with a teapot and cup.
He laughed. Of course!
They talked about the various kinds he had available. They were of high quality but limited in selection. He apologized for that lack. He worked with other merchants to have a few in stock for the occasional customer in need, but they were not among his primary wares.
In the end, she selected a lovely, black-granite mortar and pestle and a stunningly-enameled, cast-iron teapot and matching cup.
The teapot and cup set got a raised eyebrow from the man, but he didnt comment. The look is likely because I chose iron over one of the clay or wooden versions. He must know something of Mages, I suppose. Shed been tempted by the others, but the one shed ended up picking had just been too beautiful to pass by.
The one that shed chosen was a squat thing, a bit wider than it was tall. The main color was a glossy black with the outlines of interconnected, dark-red hexagons overlaying the surface. The effect looked like ruby veins peeking through an onyx shell.
In total, the peripheral items cost her another three silver. Or it would have, if she hadnt negotiated. In the end, she got the lot for eleven silver. Still a lot more than I probably should have spent
Even so, she was happy with her purchases. Thank you, sir.
Thank you, Mistress.
Oh! Before I go, could you point me to the Constructionists Guild?
Certainly. You can find the nearest public location that I know of at the north 6 oclock of this tier.
North? 6 oclock would be south. She frowned.
Oh, my apologies. That is on the six oclock spiral, half-way to the next tier.
Ah! So, to the north.
Just so.
And do you know where the Culinary Guild can be found?
He gave her another odd look, then shrugged. The closest public location can be found at south 12 oclock of this tier. His eyes twinkled a bit.
I think Ive got it. Thank you!
She tucked her purchases into Kit, waved goodbye, and departed.
Terry flickered back onto her shoulder shortly after, and she realized that hed departed just before she approached the stall. Where were you off to?
He simply hunkered down in seeming sleep.
Well, I dont hear any screaming, so its probably fine. She shrugged and started towards the south to get onto the 6 oclock spiral. After a moment, though, she hesitated. I could just climb up one of the pedestrian tubes. It would be about a fifty-foot climb. That would be faster than going all the way south, then circumnavigating the tier.
She spun on her heel, feeling a bit of a fool, and headed back north.
She waved to the tea merchants as she passed and walked quickly towards her destination.
Tala and Terry passed through the market, and Tala did her best to not be distracted by the wide selection of items up on offer. Blessedly, she succeeded. I already spent too much time. I need to get to the Constructionists.
When she reached the twelve oclock road, she looked around, until she saw a tube-like space, inset in the wall, which had a ladder housed within.
The one she found first was marked as Down so she continued to look around, until she found the one labeled Up. She grabbed on and climbed quickly, Terry gripping her shoulder tightly.
At each level, there were large, stylized numbers beside the exit. It was a bit of an odd thing as the numbers were counting down while she climbed up.
When she reached the large 6, she stepped out onto the six oclock spiral. Just to her left, up the slope, she saw the sign for the Constructionists Guild.
Finally. Lets see if we cant get some of our questions answered. Tala found herself grinning.
Chapter 117: Espresso?Tala thoroughly enjoyed her morning exercise, nestled in one of the lower branches of Makinavens great tree, even if it was after noon.Mistress Odera really picked a great spot.Tala was even able to find a nice level nook, off to one side, where she could open Kit in a secure manner and quickly cleanse herself of the sweat shed built up.Terry perched beside Kit protectively while she was inside.You know, if Im ever falling, could I just climb into Kit and wait until we land? At some point, she would have to trust someone enough to have them close her inside, so that she could see if she could get out.That wasnt a terrifying thought.Not at all.Necessary evils to get greater utility out of my items. Kit was great, but Tala wanted as much utility from the pouch as she could get. And if that works, Ill have to see if I can close myself inBut that was down the road a bit. Other things were jostling around in her head, demanding her attention.I wonder how much one of those tungsten rods costs. Another thing to ask the Constructionists about. Shed probably never need it, but she was finding herself airborne far too often to not consider it.As she climbed back out into a cool breeze, Tala took a moment to close her eyes and just enjoy the feel of the gentle currents. Her elk leathers shifted to allow the wind through to her skin.The sensation was amazing. So much better than the frigidness of the forest in winter. Even if the difference was not as extreme this high up. I wonder if its cooler in summer too.She glanced at Terry as she clipped Kit back to her belt. Willing to give me a ride?Terry grew to a comfortable size and crouched down.Thank you. As she climbed up, she tossed him some jerky.He snapped out, catching it with his beak before it went out of range.Right, he doesnt want to teleport while Im on his back. Sorry about that. She tossed another much closer, and he snapped it up much more easily.He set off at a leisurely pace, just faster than she could comfortably jog.Tala had a thought and glanced behind them.Terrys talons were digging into the tree for better grip, speed, and balance, just as he would the ground, below. Oh Thats-Even as she was considering the cost that shed incur from all the damage already done, her mage-sight showed her that the wood was pulling back together, reforming and returning to its base state.Oh, thats wonderful. She let out a relieved breath and turned to face forward once again. Where to first?There was no contest, she needed to go see the Constructionists.Lets go back to the third tier. We can ask for directions to the Constructionist Guild from there.Terry bobbed his head in acknowledgement then bent lower, increasing his speed.Might as well practice. She locked onto herself, bringing her middle finger to her thumb. Reduce.Terry began to speed up more, seeming to relax a bit as her effective gravity decreased.This is wonderful! She laughed joyfully.There was an ox cart in the road in front of them, making its slow way towards the tree. When he was almost upon it, Terry pushed off to move around the obstruction, but things didnt go as expected.Something about moving from the straight run to a sideways diversion tripped up the avian, and he began to tumble. Terry immediately flickered away, appearing in a crouch on the short wall to one side of the road. He was now the size of a cat and wore a look of profound irritation clearly on his avian face.Tala, with her effective gravity reduced, but her momentum maintained, tumbled through the air, straight into the back of the cart, hitting with a solid thwack!She groaned, sliding to the ground in a comically slow fashion.It seemed that the cart had been made very well; she hadnt damaged it in the least.The driver must have turned around to look, but obviously didnt see her. Tala heard him flick his reins, and the cart pulled away, now moving a bit faster than before.Tala lay there in the road for a long moment, glaring at Terry.He preened while glaring back.I was just lighter, Terry. I still had the same inertia. She was actively returning her weight to normal.Terry squawked and shimmied, still giving her an irritated look.Fine. Im back to normal weight. Lets try again?He didnt move.I wont change my gravity while riding, not without talking to you first. Alright?After a moment, he bobbed, and reappeared beside her, sized for easy riding.Thank you. I apologize for throwing you off.He shook, settling her in place, and let out a satisfied thrum. It was almost a purr but with more music to it.Yes, you are a wonderful runner. As I said, I apologize.He bobbed, and started out again, this time going a little slower as if a bit unsure of his footing. That quickly passed, however, as he took a few zigs and zags to get a renewed feel for it. By the time theyd passed the still plodding cart and ox, he was up to speed once more.A few minutes later, they reached the trunk and passed through the entry tunnel. At the end of that tunnel, Terry took a hard right, down the 4 oclock spiral. His claws dug deep to facilitate the change in direction, but he pivoted perfectly, barely losing any speed.Terry let out a quiet trumpet of triumph as he continued. If anything, he increased his speed as they moved down the sloping road.Behind them, the wooden road fixed itself, sending out minute eddies of power, which quickly calmed, leaving no trace that the damage had ever been there.Tala noticed that most of the customers that came up seemed to be regulars, not needing to sample before they bought a large amount of this or that tea. A few bought a selection but not many.She took a final drink of the chamomile tea, finishing off the little cup. She couldnt help herself; she smiled and spoke her praise once again. Wonderful.Would you like these bricks open or wrapped for longer, more secure storage?Cost of wrapping?Three copper, per brick.Done.The young boy began wrapping her selections individually in waxed paper. His expertly dexterous fingers tucked the paper back in on itself, sealing the tea away from the elements without need for string or other, additional fastener.She handed back the empty, chamomile cup, and took another proffered cup of water. That drunk, she picked up the last sample.It was indisputably coffee by the smell. No. Its espresso.Now, this is brewed strong. Many will add it to water, or milk, and most like it with a bit of sugar or honey. Would you like either for your sample?Tala breathed in deeply through her nose, reveling in the potent fragrance. No, thank you. Id rather taste it as it is, not masked by something else. It smells divine.The older man gave a half bow. Mistress is too kind.She took a sip, and her eyes widened. There isnt any bitterness at all.Of course not, Mistress. He straightened himself, clearly proud of his offered goods. We only buy from the finest roasters. We do recommend that you use water just shy of boiling, so that you dont burn the grounds as you brew it.And its much stronger than I was expecting, even with your warning. Tala found herself staring down at the black liquid. There was no other way to put it: It was strong. If the coffee she usually drank was a bucking donkey, this was a well-trained team of oxen. Smooth, powerful, amazing. How much?This is usually brewed in smaller quantities. What you are sampling, here, was ground as finely as possible, and the espresso stays in, just as with the teas you tried. If you prepare it that way, you need one ounce for every pot. But if you intend to strain out the espresso, you wont want it as finely broken up, and you will need close to four times the amount.Tala gave a slow smile. So, its expensive. How much?Sixty copper per one pound brick. He said it with an easy, unapologetic smile.Thats nearly three times as much as the more expensive tea. Ill take ten of those, as well, wrapped.The man smiled. Wonderful! That will be ten silver and forty copper. Can I assist you with anything else?Tala nodded. I could use a mortar and pestle along with a teapot and cup.He laughed. Of course!They talked about the various kinds he had available. They were of high quality but limited in selection. He apologized for that lack. He worked with other merchants to have a few in stock for the occasional customer in need, but they were not among his primary wares.In the end, she selected a lovely, black-granite mortar and pestle and a stunningly-enameled, cast-iron teapot and matching cup.The teapot and cup set got a raised eyebrow from the man, but he didnt comment. The look is likely because I chose iron over one of the clay or wooden versions. He must know something of Mages, I suppose. Shed been tempted by the others, but the one shed ended up picking had just been too beautiful to pass by.The one that shed chosen was a squat thing, a bit wider than it was tall. The main color was a glossy black with the outlines of interconnected, dark-red hexagons overlaying the surface. The effect looked like ruby veins peeking through an onyx shell.In total, the peripheral items cost her another three silver. Or it would have, if she hadnt negotiated. In the end, she got the lot for eleven silver. Still a lot more than I probably should have spentEven so, she was happy with her purchases. Thank you, sir.Thank you, Mistress.Oh! Before I go, could you point me to the Constructionists Guild?Certainly. You can find the nearest public location that I know of at the north 6 oclock of this tier.North? 6 oclock would be south. She frowned.Oh, my apologies. That is on the six oclock spiral, half-way to the next tier.Ah! So, to the north.Just so.And do you know where the Culinary Guild can be found?He gave her another odd look, then shrugged. The closest public location can be found at south 12 oclock of this tier. His eyes twinkled a bit.I think Ive got it. Thank you!She tucked her purchases into Kit, waved goodbye, and departed.Terry flickered back onto her shoulder shortly after, and she realized that hed departed just before she approached the stall. Where were you off to?He simply hunkered down in seeming sleep.Well, I dont hear any screaming, so its probably fine. She shrugged and started towards the south to get onto the 6 oclock spiral. After a moment, though, she hesitated. I could just climb up one of the pedestrian tubes. It would be about a fifty-foot climb. That would be faster than going all the way south, then circumnavigating the tier.She spun on her heel, feeling a bit of a fool, and headed back north.She waved to the tea merchants as she passed and walked quickly towards her destination.Tala and Terry passed through the market, and Tala did her best to not be distracted by the wide selection of items up on offer. Blessedly, she succeeded. I already spent too much time. I need to get to the Constructionists.When she reached the twelve oclock road, she looked around, until she saw a tube-like space, inset in the wall, which had a ladder housed within.The one she found first was marked as Down so she continued to look around, until she found the one labeled Up. She grabbed on and climbed quickly, Terry gripping her shoulder tightly.At each level, there were large, stylized numbers beside the exit. It was a bit of an odd thing as the numbers were counting down while she climbed up.When she reached the large 6, she stepped out onto the six oclock spiral. Just to her left, up the slope, she saw the sign for the Constructionists Guild.Finally. Lets see if we cant get some of our questions answered. Tala found herself grinning.
