Chapter 136: Underpinning Aura
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Chapter 136: Underpinning Aura
Tala couldnt wipe the smile from her face as she entered the Constructionist Guild front entry room. The previous afternoon of plays had been amazing, the food fantastic, and the company enjoyable. She felt more relaxed and mentally level than she had inShe shook her head, still smiling. Its been years.
Even a frustrating breakfast with Mistress Odera hadnt spoiled Talas mood, despite the woman continuing to deflect anything resembling a personal question. She wants to know all about me but doesnt want me to learn anything of substance about her. She dismissed the mild irritant.
The breakfast food had been as good as always, and Tala actually felt pleasantly full, for the moment. I hope that lasts for a couple of hours at least.
Terry had watched the plays with seeming dispassion, but he had watched. Hed obviously enjoyed the food.
At the moment, he was asleep, content, on Talas shoulder.
Rane had enjoyed the afternoon as much as Tala from what shed seen. He was meeting her at the training room later that morning.
After shed finished breakfast, Tala had come to the Constructionist Guild to see if Jevin was available.
Now, a large part of her felt a bit bad coming to Jevin with her questions, especially just after Rane had so eloquently walked her through choosing a good use of her own time, and this wasnt fusing, or recovering from fusing. Even so, these things were weighing on her mind, and it would only take a quick moment to drop through and move them forward.
She was scanned, and a ding resounded from the back.
At that moment, she remembered Grent. Oh rust I really hope he isnt-
Jevin came out, speaking quietly with the two Mages accompanying him. He smiled her way. Mistress Tala. The two Mages bowed slightly to Tala and eyed Terry with a mix of curiosity and wariness but didnt speak.
Tala smiled at them but addressed the Archon directly. Oh, Master Jevin, just who I was looking for. Thank the stars.
Its good to see you, but we are just leaving.
Oh?
Yes, these two are looking for advice on creating their Archon stars.
Tala regarded the two more closely. Thats wonderful! She smiled.
Do you have any advice for the younger generation?
Tala suppressed a smile. Both of the Mages were her senior by quite a few years. Still, Jevin was giving her an opportunity to help others.
Older Mages keep implying that that is important. And if she was being honest, she was realizing more and more how much shed missed by skipping her time as an apprentice.
I wouldnt be here, if Id gone the normal route. That, arguably, might mean shed have a better foundation. No going back, now.
She nodded once, passing off her extended pause like shed been considering what to say. What do you know about Archon stars?
The woman spoke first. It is how we become Archons.
The man nodded. Some mediums are harder to forge one within, and we should choose a medium that speaks to us. If none seems to, we should use diamond.
Tala thought, nodding. Their masters didnt think theyd handle full information well They were both guides. It helped me to think of guiding the power, not forcefully, that isnt possible in most mediums. Well, unless you have it inside your bodywhich they shouldnt do. She hesitated.
They both gave her interested looks, and Jevin closed his eyes in a silent sigh.
Oops. What I mean is: you wont be able to directly control the power within your medium. You need to guide it, so that it wants to take the shape of the desired spell-form.
Looks of seeming introspection swept across the Mages faces, and Jevin smiled. Thank you, Mistress Tala. That is solid advice. He gave her a meaningful look.
Tala smiled to the Mages. Well, Ill let you two get to it. I do have a couple of quick, esoteric questions for Master Jevin. She turned to the Paragon. Could I borrow you for a minute, or should I come back?
Jevin considered her for a moment, then turned to the other two. Would you wait for me outside? Ill be just a moment.
They bowed to him, then to Tala, and departed.
Now, most mediums? He gave her a wan smile.
I apologize for that. I was thinking about working within your body versus without, but I didnt mean tolead them down odd paths.
He laughed, shaking his head. You know, theyll spend days trying to understand the bit of wisdom the Archon hinted at.
Tala grimaced. I am sorry.
He waved that off. I know. Its an odd balance. I know you took an unconventional path, though I dont know all the details. Perhaps that is a tale you could tell, but some other time.
Tala found herself smiling. Id like that.
He gave a brief, genuine smile before professionalism fell back into place. Now, I really do have to go. Your questions?
Alright, quick one first. Can you make me some inscribed darts, linked to my anchor?
Jevin considered for a moment. To trap an opponent? Of course. Thats a clever use of the anchor. He laughed slightly. Well, I suppose its very close to the original use of it, actually. He scratched his cheek, then nodded. Im sure youre aware that this use will cause the inscriptions to run out faster.
I figured as much, yeah. Can you do it?
Ill put it together. Come back tomorrow?
Her eyebrows rose. Thats soon. Well, so much for just moving it along a bit Do I really want to take time from my fusing for this?
He shrugged. Its just your bracers, in a different form.
I can fuse as much as Im able right before coming back, then use the walk down as a mental and magical break. After, I can Fuse a bit, here, then walk back. She nodded. Afternoon?
Thats when I have time, so yeah.
Will do.
She grunted. Thats something, I suppose.
He laughed. Oh, yes, your suffering is lessened because I suffer too.
Thats how we humans work, Master Rane.
He grunted. When we dont choose to be better? I agree.
Tala sighed, sitting up and pulling out her cold-water incorporator for a drink. Way to make me feel like a rusting jerk.
He opened his mouth but seemed to think better of responding. Instead, he simply shifted from one deep stretch to another.
Tala cleared her throat, a thought coming unbidden to her mind. Master Rane?
Hmm?
What form of government runs this city?
He turned to look at her, not coming out of his deep butterfly stretch. Thats seems an odd question for you.
She shrugged. I just realized that Id never really given it a thought.
He smiled. Probably a good change, I suppose. He cracked his neck, bending fully back into the stretch. There are two layers, really. There are popularly elected administrators for the day to day, and even year to year, running of Makinaven.
And the other layer?
A Guild holds carte blanche over major decisions.
Tala felt her eye twitch. Which?
Hmm? Oh. He frowned, thinking. I believe the Growers.
Tala felt herself relax.
His head shifted as he continued to consider. No, thats Retindel They have an almost identical system.
She waited for a long moment as Rane shifted stretches yet again. Finally, she cleared her throat. So?
What?
Which Guild rules, here?
Well, not rules. They-
Master Rane. She cut across him.
Something in her tone seemed to catch his attention, because he sat up straight, looking her way. Well, Im not sure, but I think it is the Constructionists. Id have to consult the Archive. He grinned, attempting to inject humor. Or I suppose we could just ask the attendant.
Tala swallowed involuntarily. Well, that makes sense, if he owns the tree already
Why do you ask?
She didnt know how to respond. IIm not sure what to say.
What do you mean? He was fully facing her, now, clearly a bit concerned by how she was acting.
I think I realized something that might be a secret
He nodded, quirking his lips to the side in thought. If you can share, Im happy to hear but dont break a promise, or put anyone in danger, to tell me.
Tala blinked at him. Thatskind. After a moments thought, she nodded. Did you notice anything odd about the power signature in the Magic surrounding Makinaven?
He shook his head. Just that it was claimed, but thats standard for a city. If anyone could just grab onto a citys power, all sorts of chaos could come about He frowned again. Your mage-sight is more sensitive than mine. What did you notice?
I think I recognize the signature of a Mages aura threading through the power. She let that hang out there. I can tell him more, depending on how he reacts.
After a considerable pause, Rane shook his head. Mistress Tala. You think youve seen a Mages power, influencing the power around all of Makinaven?
No, Master Rane. Ive recognized the signature of the aura which is the power around and throughout Makinaven.
He leaned forward. Really? Who?
A familiar voice came to her ear before she could respond. Mistress Tala. We will speak of this, tomorrow. I would appreciate your silence on the issue, until then.
Silence rang through the room as Talas entire body broke out in a cold sweat.
Mistress Tala? Rane was standing and walking towards her. Mistress Tala, are you ok? From his actions, he seemed to have not heard Master Jevins request.
Yeah. Yeah. I I might be mistaken, so can we talk about it tomorrow?
Rane was kneeling beside her, concern clear in his expression. Are you sure?
Yeah. I think that would be best. Ask me again, tomorrow night?
That seemed to help him relax a little bit. Alright. If youre sure.
I am.
He smiled and stood, holding out a hand. Want help up?
Yes. Lets spar. I need to clear my head.
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Chapter 136: Underpinning Aura
Tala couldnt wipe the smile from her face as she entered the Constructionist Guild front entry room. The previous afternoon of plays had been amazing, the food fantastic, and the company enjoyable. She felt more relaxed and mentally level than she had inShe shook her head, still smiling. Its been years.
Even a frustrating breakfast with Mistress Odera hadnt spoiled Talas mood, despite the woman continuing to deflect anything resembling a personal question. She wants to know all about me but doesnt want me to learn anything of substance about her. She dismissed the mild irritant.
The breakfast food had been as good as always, and Tala actually felt pleasantly full, for the moment. I hope that lasts for a couple of hours at least.
Terry had watched the plays with seeming dispassion, but he had watched. Hed obviously enjoyed the food.
At the moment, he was asleep, content, on Talas shoulder.
Rane had enjoyed the afternoon as much as Tala from what shed seen. He was meeting her at the training room later that morning.
After shed finished breakfast, Tala had come to the Constructionist Guild to see if Jevin was available.
Now, a large part of her felt a bit bad coming to Jevin with her questions, especially just after Rane had so eloquently walked her through choosing a good use of her own time, and this wasnt fusing, or recovering from fusing. Even so, these things were weighing on her mind, and it would only take a quick moment to drop through and move them forward.
She was scanned, and a ding resounded from the back.
At that moment, she remembered Grent. Oh rust I really hope he isnt-
Jevin came out, speaking quietly with the two Mages accompanying him. He smiled her way. Mistress Tala. The two Mages bowed slightly to Tala and eyed Terry with a mix of curiosity and wariness but didnt speak.
Tala smiled at them but addressed the Archon directly. Oh, Master Jevin, just who I was looking for. Thank the stars.
Its good to see you, but we are just leaving.
Oh?
Yes, these two are looking for advice on creating their Archon stars.
Tala regarded the two more closely. Thats wonderful! She smiled.
Do you have any advice for the younger generation?
Tala suppressed a smile. Both of the Mages were her senior by quite a few years. Still, Jevin was giving her an opportunity to help others.
Older Mages keep implying that that is important. And if she was being honest, she was realizing more and more how much shed missed by skipping her time as an apprentice.
I wouldnt be here, if Id gone the normal route. That, arguably, might mean shed have a better foundation. No going back, now.
She nodded once, passing off her extended pause like shed been considering what to say. What do you know about Archon stars?
The woman spoke first. It is how we become Archons.
The man nodded. Some mediums are harder to forge one within, and we should choose a medium that speaks to us. If none seems to, we should use diamond.
Tala thought, nodding. Their masters didnt think theyd handle full information well They were both guides. It helped me to think of guiding the power, not forcefully, that isnt possible in most mediums. Well, unless you have it inside your bodywhich they shouldnt do. She hesitated.
They both gave her interested looks, and Jevin closed his eyes in a silent sigh.
Oops. What I mean is: you wont be able to directly control the power within your medium. You need to guide it, so that it wants to take the shape of the desired spell-form.
Looks of seeming introspection swept across the Mages faces, and Jevin smiled. Thank you, Mistress Tala. That is solid advice. He gave her a meaningful look.
Tala smiled to the Mages. Well, Ill let you two get to it. I do have a couple of quick, esoteric questions for Master Jevin. She turned to the Paragon. Could I borrow you for a minute, or should I come back?
Jevin considered her for a moment, then turned to the other two. Would you wait for me outside? Ill be just a moment.
They bowed to him, then to Tala, and departed.
Now, most mediums? He gave her a wan smile.
I apologize for that. I was thinking about working within your body versus without, but I didnt mean tolead them down odd paths.
He laughed, shaking his head. You know, theyll spend days trying to understand the bit of wisdom the Archon hinted at.
Tala grimaced. I am sorry.
He waved that off. I know. Its an odd balance. I know you took an unconventional path, though I dont know all the details. Perhaps that is a tale you could tell, but some other time.
Tala found herself smiling. Id like that.
He gave a brief, genuine smile before professionalism fell back into place. Now, I really do have to go. Your questions?
Alright, quick one first. Can you make me some inscribed darts, linked to my anchor?
Jevin considered for a moment. To trap an opponent? Of course. Thats a clever use of the anchor. He laughed slightly. Well, I suppose its very close to the original use of it, actually. He scratched his cheek, then nodded. Im sure youre aware that this use will cause the inscriptions to run out faster.
I figured as much, yeah. Can you do it?
Ill put it together. Come back tomorrow?
Her eyebrows rose. Thats soon. Well, so much for just moving it along a bit Do I really want to take time from my fusing for this?
He shrugged. Its just your bracers, in a different form.
I can fuse as much as Im able right before coming back, then use the walk down as a mental and magical break. After, I can Fuse a bit, here, then walk back. She nodded. Afternoon?
Thats when I have time, so yeah.
Will do.
She grunted. Thats something, I suppose.
He laughed. Oh, yes, your suffering is lessened because I suffer too.
Thats how we humans work, Master Rane.
He grunted. When we dont choose to be better? I agree.
Tala sighed, sitting up and pulling out her cold-water incorporator for a drink. Way to make me feel like a rusting jerk.
He opened his mouth but seemed to think better of responding. Instead, he simply shifted from one deep stretch to another.
Tala cleared her throat, a thought coming unbidden to her mind. Master Rane?
Hmm?
What form of government runs this city?
He turned to look at her, not coming out of his deep butterfly stretch. Thats seems an odd question for you.
She shrugged. I just realized that Id never really given it a thought.
He smiled. Probably a good change, I suppose. He cracked his neck, bending fully back into the stretch. There are two layers, really. There are popularly elected administrators for the day to day, and even year to year, running of Makinaven.
And the other layer?
A Guild holds carte blanche over major decisions.
Tala felt her eye twitch. Which?
Hmm? Oh. He frowned, thinking. I believe the Growers.
Tala felt herself relax.
His head shifted as he continued to consider. No, thats Retindel They have an almost identical system.
She waited for a long moment as Rane shifted stretches yet again. Finally, she cleared her throat. So?
What?
Which Guild rules, here?
Well, not rules. They-
Master Rane. She cut across him.
Something in her tone seemed to catch his attention, because he sat up straight, looking her way. Well, Im not sure, but I think it is the Constructionists. Id have to consult the Archive. He grinned, attempting to inject humor. Or I suppose we could just ask the attendant.
Tala swallowed involuntarily. Well, that makes sense, if he owns the tree already
Why do you ask?
She didnt know how to respond. IIm not sure what to say.
What do you mean? He was fully facing her, now, clearly a bit concerned by how she was acting.
I think I realized something that might be a secret
He nodded, quirking his lips to the side in thought. If you can share, Im happy to hear but dont break a promise, or put anyone in danger, to tell me.
Tala blinked at him. Thatskind. After a moments thought, she nodded. Did you notice anything odd about the power signature in the Magic surrounding Makinaven?
He shook his head. Just that it was claimed, but thats standard for a city. If anyone could just grab onto a citys power, all sorts of chaos could come about He frowned again. Your mage-sight is more sensitive than mine. What did you notice?
I think I recognize the signature of a Mages aura threading through the power. She let that hang out there. I can tell him more, depending on how he reacts.
After a considerable pause, Rane shook his head. Mistress Tala. You think youve seen a Mages power, influencing the power around all of Makinaven?
No, Master Rane. Ive recognized the signature of the aura which is the power around and throughout Makinaven.
He leaned forward. Really? Who?
A familiar voice came to her ear before she could respond. Mistress Tala. We will speak of this, tomorrow. I would appreciate your silence on the issue, until then.
Silence rang through the room as Talas entire body broke out in a cold sweat.
Mistress Tala? Rane was standing and walking towards her. Mistress Tala, are you ok? From his actions, he seemed to have not heard Master Jevins request.
Yeah. Yeah. I I might be mistaken, so can we talk about it tomorrow?
Rane was kneeling beside her, concern clear in his expression. Are you sure?
Yeah. I think that would be best. Ask me again, tomorrow night?
That seemed to help him relax a little bit. Alright. If youre sure.
I am.
He smiled and stood, holding out a hand. Want help up?
Yes. Lets spar. I need to clear my head.
Chapter 136: Underpinning AuraTala couldnt wipe the smile from her face as she entered the Constructionist Guild front entry room. The previous afternoon of plays had been amazing, the food fantastic, and the company enjoyable. She felt more relaxed and mentally level than she had inShe shook her head, still smiling. Its been years.Even a frustrating breakfast with Mistress Odera hadnt spoiled Talas mood, despite the woman continuing to deflect anything resembling a personal question. She wants to know all about me but doesnt want me to learn anything of substance about her. She dismissed the mild irritant.The breakfast food had been as good as always, and Tala actually felt pleasantly full, for the moment. I hope that lasts for a couple of hours at least.Terry had watched the plays with seeming dispassion, but he had watched. Hed obviously enjoyed the food.At the moment, he was asleep, content, on Talas shoulder.Rane had enjoyed the afternoon as much as Tala from what shed seen. He was meeting her at the training room later that morning.After shed finished breakfast, Tala had come to the Constructionist Guild to see if Jevin was available.Now, a large part of her felt a bit bad coming to Jevin with her questions, especially just after Rane had so eloquently walked her through choosing a good use of her own time, and this wasnt fusing, or recovering from fusing. Even so, these things were weighing on her mind, and it would only take a quick moment to drop through and move them forward.She was scanned, and a ding resounded from the back.At that moment, she remembered Grent. Oh rust I really hope he isnt-Jevin came out, speaking quietly with the two Mages accompanying him. He smiled her way. Mistress Tala. The two Mages bowed slightly to Tala and eyed Terry with a mix of curiosity and wariness but didnt speak.Tala smiled at them but addressed the Archon directly. Oh, Master Jevin, just who I was looking for. Thank the stars.Its good to see you, but we are just leaving.Oh?Yes, these two are looking for advice on creating their Archon stars.Tala regarded the two more closely. Thats wonderful! She smiled.Do you have any advice for the younger generation?Tala suppressed a smile. Both of the Mages were her senior by quite a few years. Still, Jevin was giving her an opportunity to help others.Older Mages keep implying that that is important. And if she was being honest, she was realizing more and more how much shed missed by skipping her time as an apprentice.I wouldnt be here, if Id gone the normal route. That, arguably, might mean shed have a better foundation. No going back, now.She nodded once, passing off her extended pause like shed been considering what to say. What do you know about Archon stars?The woman spoke first. It is how we become Archons.The man nodded. Some mediums are harder to forge one within, and we should choose a medium that speaks to us. If none seems to, we should use diamond.Tala thought, nodding. Their masters didnt think theyd handle full information well They were both guides. It helped me to think of guiding the power, not forcefully, that isnt possible in most mediums. Well, unless you have it inside your bodywhich they shouldnt do. She hesitated.They both gave her interested looks, and Jevin closed his eyes in a silent sigh.Oops. What I mean is: you wont be able to directly control the power within your medium. You need to guide it, so that it wants to take the shape of the desired spell-form.Looks of seeming introspection swept across the Mages faces, and Jevin smiled. Thank you, Mistress Tala. That is solid advice. He gave her a meaningful look.Tala smiled to the Mages. Well, Ill let you two get to it. I do have a couple of quick, esoteric questions for Master Jevin. She turned to the Paragon. Could I borrow you for a minute, or should I come back?Jevin considered her for a moment, then turned to the other two. Would you wait for me outside? Ill be just a moment.They bowed to him, then to Tala, and departed.Now, most mediums? He gave her a wan smile.I apologize for that. I was thinking about working within your body versus without, but I didnt mean tolead them down odd paths.He laughed, shaking his head. You know, theyll spend days trying to understand the bit of wisdom the Archon hinted at. Tala grimaced. I am sorry.He waved that off. I know. Its an odd balance. I know you took an unconventional path, though I dont know all the details. Perhaps that is a tale you could tell, but some other time.Tala found herself smiling. Id like that.He gave a brief, genuine smile before professionalism fell back into place. Now, I really do have to go. Your questions?Alright, quick one first. Can you make me some inscribed darts, linked to my anchor?Jevin considered for a moment. To trap an opponent? Of course. Thats a clever use of the anchor. He laughed slightly. Well, I suppose its very close to the original use of it, actually. He scratched his cheek, then nodded. Im sure youre aware that this use will cause the inscriptions to run out faster.I figured as much, yeah. Can you do it?Ill put it together. Come back tomorrow?Her eyebrows rose. Thats soon. Well, so much for just moving it along a bit Do I really want to take time from my fusing for this?He shrugged. Its just your bracers, in a different form.I can fuse as much as Im able right before coming back, then use the walk down as a mental and magical break. After, I can Fuse a bit, here, then walk back. She nodded. Afternoon?Thats when I have time, so yeah.Will do.She grunted. Thats something, I suppose.He laughed. Oh, yes, your suffering is lessened because I suffer too.Thats how we humans work, Master Rane.He grunted. When we dont choose to be better? I agree.Tala sighed, sitting up and pulling out her cold-water incorporator for a drink. Way to make me feel like a rusting jerk.He opened his mouth but seemed to think better of responding. Instead, he simply shifted from one deep stretch to another.Tala cleared her throat, a thought coming unbidden to her mind. Master Rane?Hmm?What form of government runs this city?He turned to look at her, not coming out of his deep butterfly stretch. Thats seems an odd question for you.She shrugged. I just realized that Id never really given it a thought.He smiled. Probably a good change, I suppose. He cracked his neck, bending fully back into the stretch. There are two layers, really. There are popularly elected administrators for the day to day, and even year to year, running of Makinaven.And the other layer?A Guild holds carte blanche over major decisions.Tala felt her eye twitch. Which?Hmm? Oh. He frowned, thinking. I believe the Growers.Tala felt herself relax.His head shifted as he continued to consider. No, thats Retindel They have an almost identical system.She waited for a long moment as Rane shifted stretches yet again. Finally, she cleared her throat. So?What?Which Guild rules, here?Well, not rules. They-Master Rane. She cut across him.Something in her tone seemed to catch his attention, because he sat up straight, looking her way. Well, Im not sure, but I think it is the Constructionists. Id have to consult the Archive. He grinned, attempting to inject humor. Or I suppose we could just ask the attendant.Tala swallowed involuntarily. Well, that makes sense, if he owns the tree alreadyWhy do you ask?She didnt know how to respond. IIm not sure what to say.What do you mean? He was fully facing her, now, clearly a bit concerned by how she was acting.I think I realized something that might be a secretHe nodded, quirking his lips to the side in thought. If you can share, Im happy to hear but dont break a promise, or put anyone in danger, to tell me.Tala blinked at him. Thatskind. After a moments thought, she nodded. Did you notice anything odd about the power signature in the Magic surrounding Makinaven?He shook his head. Just that it was claimed, but thats standard for a city. If anyone could just grab onto a citys power, all sorts of chaos could come about He frowned again. Your mage-sight is more sensitive than mine. What did you notice?I think I recognize the signature of a Mages aura threading through the power. She let that hang out there. I can tell him more, depending on how he reacts.After a considerable pause, Rane shook his head. Mistress Tala. You think youve seen a Mages power, influencing the power around all of Makinaven?No, Master Rane. Ive recognized the signature of the aura which is the power around and throughout Makinaven.He leaned forward. Really? Who?A familiar voice came to her ear before she could respond. Mistress Tala. We will speak of this, tomorrow. I would appreciate your silence on the issue, until then.Silence rang through the room as Talas entire body broke out in a cold sweat.Mistress Tala? Rane was standing and walking towards her. Mistress Tala, are you ok? From his actions, he seemed to have not heard Master Jevins request.Yeah. Yeah. I I might be mistaken, so can we talk about it tomorrow?Rane was kneeling beside her, concern clear in his expression. Are you sure?Yeah. I think that would be best. Ask me again, tomorrow night?That seemed to help him relax a little bit. Alright. If youre sure.I am.He smiled and stood, holding out a hand. Want help up?Yes. Lets spar. I need to clear my head.
