Chapter 142: Departing Makinaven
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Chapter 142: Departing Makinaven
Tala found herself a bit nervous as she approached the third tier, Makinaven, Constructionist Guildhall for the last time, at least this trip. Shed found what she hoped was a good whiskey the day before, shortly after purchasing the chocolates. So, she had both gifts ready to hand. I hope theyre well received.
She did not want to interact with a bunch of people. So, before she reached for the door handle, she spoke under her breath. This should trigger however he monitors the city. Master Jevins aura is extended-
Mistress Tala? Master Jevins voice sounded in her ear. What are you doing? What are you doing here? We dont have an appointment, do we?
No, I just wanted to stop by to say goodbye. I leave tomorrow.
Oh, sure. Come on back.
The door opened in-front of her, and she walked through with a small smile. Thank you.
The standard scan and ding washed over her, but she ignored it. That does remind me, I need to refresh my iron salve before we leave, tomorrow.
Master Jevin only had to direct her once when shed hesitated, unsure of which hallway to take.
She walked into his workshop and glanced back. It feels like you change the path to get back here, every time I come. Im usually very good at finding my way.
I have better uses of my time than ensuring Im undisturbed by those whove visited in the past. He gave her a mirth filled smile.
Something in his glance made her hesitate. After a moment, she started nodding. By the stars, you do! You do rearrange the passages to get back here.
He shrugged, dropping the pretense. Only when necessary. Some people have no boundaries. He lifted an eyebrow at her. So, did you really just come by to say goodbye?
She smiled in return, reaching into Kit. That and to give you these. She produced a small cask, and a wrapped box that looked miniscule beside the two-gallon mini-barrel. Tala set them on one of the central tables and stepped back. Thank you for all your help and advice.
Master Jevin walked forward, an unreadable look on his face as he examined the gifts.
You said you liked caramel liqueur chocolates and full-bodied whiskey. She gave an uncertain laugh. It turns out that there are a lot of things that fall into those two categories, so I hope I choose well.
He glanced her way. You bought me chocolate and alcohol?
She frowned. Well, I didnt think of it in that way
No. I He shook his head, waving off his own previous comment. Thank you, Mistress. That was very kind.
She shrugged. You said you liked these, so. She shrugged again.
Master Jevin seemed genuinely thrown.
Are you alright?
I Yes. I believe so. He picked up the small barrel. This is an excellent vintage.
Yeah, thats what the master distiller said. She smiled tentatively. Its an eight-year-old, smoked-maple bourbon.
That is a really excellent choice.
Good. It certainly cost enough Ten silver was five days of food money for her, now that Mistress Odera and the Caravan Guild were covering one meal a day.
He unwrapped the box of chocolates, looking inside.
Tala tsked. Im curious.
Hmm? He looked up from the open box.
Did you need to open it to see inside?
Oh, no. But it is nice to see with my eyes, rather than just my aura.The initial instance of this chapter being available happened at N0v3l.Bin.
She found herself nodding. Yeah, I can understand that.
Master Jevin capped the chocolates and regarded her, once again. This is really too much, Mistress Tala.
She waved that off. It cost less than any number of things Ive bought from you.
Its not the cost, Mistress, its the thought. He smiled, again. Thank you, truly.
Well, youre welcome. Tala looked around a bit awkwardly. Okaywhat now?
Would you like a glass?
She thought about it for a moment, then felt a smile tugging at her lips. You know what? Yes. Thank you. Id like that very much.
Tala and Master Jevin spent the early afternoon sitting in his armchairs, sipping whiskey and talking of things of little note.
Finally, Master Jevin let out a long sigh. Im afraid I do have some work I simply must get done. He stood, offering her a hand up.
She took it and stood. Thank you, again, for all youve done for me. She huffed a short laugh. For all youve done for all of us. Tala shook her head. It sounds ridiculous.
He shrugged. Life is often a bit ridiculous. Thank you, for the gratitude. He smiled. Now be on your way. His smile widened into a grin. I hope to see you back here before too long.
Count on it.
* * *
Tala stood at the top of Makinaven, on the platform on which shed figured out she could fuse.
Terry stood beside her, just large enough for her to comfortably rest her right hand at the base of his neck, on his collar.
Rane was on her other side, arms crossed as he looked out at the surroundings. This is magnificent!
She looked his way, a self-satisfied smile unhidden on her lips. Still think it was a waste of time to climb up here?
Absolutely not. I couldnt have been more wrong. We should have come here earlier and often.
Tala decided not to say anything further.
The gray light of pre-dawn was slowly coloring towards day. The day of their departure.
I wouldnt have it any other way. I ask simply that you dont train to exhaustion.
That sound very reasonable. She was, at that very moment, fusing in the background. Her magic moving through the now intimately familiar patterns of drawing her body, spirit, and gate closer into unity. I wonder if this will be at all useful, once Im done fusing.
Rane had touched base with Mistress Odera earlier, and he was to be the vanguard, staying just about a dozen yards in front of the oxen, at least for the first part of the journey.
The caravan was passing out through the gate, and Tala was about to pull out her bloodstars to begin working with them and her attempts at stable orbits, when the wagons ladder creaked. Her eyes snapped to the front corner of the their vehicle, in time to see a man pull himself into view.
He came up the ladder with quick, powerful motions, stopping to bow towards the two Mages, a half-eye kept on Terry, while the terror bird regarded him in turn.
Mistresses. I request a ride out of the city.
Mistress Odera seemed to be examining him. Who might you be, and why do you request a ride?
Tala did her own inspection. His gate made his humanity beyond question. His keystone labeled him a Mage, and his realness gave him a mid to high Archon feel, though his aura was tightly controlled. As is proper.
Her own aura was extending a perfect foot from her in every direction, mirroring her form as precisely as she could as a starting point for her chosen exercises.
The Archon was dressed simply, more like a forester or a hunter than a Mage, but his short sleeves left heavily inscribed forearms exposed, making his Magic clear at a glance. In addition, he had a coiled line at his belt. It didnt look like cloth or leather. If she had to guess, Tala would have said it was some sort of empowered metal, and it seemed to be linked to him.
A soul bound weapon of some kind? That supported him being an Archon at least.
He nodded to them both. I am Zakrias.
Master Zakrias, I am Odera, and this is Mistress Tala.
He bowed again to each. Mistress Odera, Mistress Tala, a pleasure to make your acquaintance.
Polite for someone who just jacked a ride. Tala quirked a smile. So, Master Zakrias, to what do we owe the pleasure?
Im heading to the west to hunt and harvest, and I will be on my own two feet for the foreseeable future, so I thought letting a wagon work for me for a couple of hours would be a boon.
Mistress Odera nodded at that. I can understand that. Please, join us.
Tala tilted her head in interest as Zakrias sat. He chose a spot near them, not too close, and well away from Terry. She pointed to the avian. Hes Terry.
Familiar?
No, friend.
Zakrias gave her an interested glance but didnt inquire further.
So, are you with the Harvesters Guild? Tala did her best to not lean forward. Ive not met a harvester before.
I am, yes.
Very nice! Better to get his thoughts than whatever guild official would be working the reception if I inquired there. Whats that like?
Well, its dangerous but enjoyable work. He stretched up, then leaned back on his hands, planted behind himself. I have to know myself and my abilities to the utmost, and I still dance with death every single time I go out.
He was clearly a bit self-satisfied, but he likely had a right to be. To Talas eyes, he had the look of one whose appearance was influenced by magic, meaning he looked far too young for how well he carried himself. So, you meet fascinating new life-forms and then kill them?
Zakrias smiled a bit quizzically. That about sums it up, yeah. Though, I try to know my opponents before I kill any. There is a delicate balance to be had, and over harvesting can rust up a whole region. His expression darkened. Some idiot wiped out a good portion of the apex predators to the south of the city, and its been chaos in that region for weeks.
Tala swallowed involuntarily.
Dont look away, dont let him know it might have been you.
She cleared her throat. Dont panic; it could have been someone else. What happened?
He shrugged, irritation clear on his features. They somehow lured in so many creatures that I found what amounted to a small pond of blood.
Well, thats an exaggeration. Ornot me? Thatsgruesome.
Tell me about it. I found it because a bunch of Leshkin were swarming the area, and I had a bounty on their arms.
She swallowed. Did they come for me, or the blood? She had her iron salve back in place, but she still was not looking forward to going back into the forests for an extended period. Then, she processed what hed been saying. Waitarm? Do you mean weapons or arms? She waved one arm to demonstrate her meaning.
Oh! Weaponry, sorry for the confusion. He grinned. Anyway, whoever had caused the blood bath had royally ticked the Leshkin off too. I came upon them as they were beginning to sweep the surrounding woods. He shook his head. As I said, all sorts of things can be thrown out of whack when you dont know what youre doing.
Tala glanced to Terry and found him regarding her with what could only be a mischievous glint in his eye. Tala glared back, then tossed a bit of jerky over the side of the wagon.
The avian flickered after it, then to Talas shoulder.
The Archon frowned at her. Thats an odd thing to train your friend. If I throw a treat away, come to me?
Mistress Odera chuckled. Oh, he went for the treat. Coming to her was his own decision.
Zakrias cocked his head for a moment, then his eyes widened. Oh, youre an old one, arent you?
Terry trilled, then resolutely tucked his head down to return to seeming sleep.
Tala cleared her throat, desperate to change the subject away from what was most likely the aftermath of her escapade. You dont know that. But she did. So, whats that on your belt? A weapon, right?
He glanced down. Ah, yeah! This is a beauty. He pulled the coil from his belt.
Its not a whipright?
No, but thats in the right direction. At its basic level, its just a cord, but the center is a tightly braided strand of muscle fibers. It lets me use it almost like an appendage.
She blinked at him. What for?
Well, Im an Immaterial Guide. I focus, generally, on kinetic energy, and my inscriptions excel at manipulating, and increasing, it in anything I can touch.
Tala found herself nodding. And that counts. She indicated the empowered cord.
And this counts. He grinned. Nearly unbreakable and can be healed back together with relative ease if it ever truly is overcome.
A bit like me, I suppose. This was going to be an interesting couple of hours.
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Chapter 142: Departing Makinaven
Tala found herself a bit nervous as she approached the third tier, Makinaven, Constructionist Guildhall for the last time, at least this trip. Shed found what she hoped was a good whiskey the day before, shortly after purchasing the chocolates. So, she had both gifts ready to hand. I hope theyre well received.
She did not want to interact with a bunch of people. So, before she reached for the door handle, she spoke under her breath. This should trigger however he monitors the city. Master Jevins aura is extended-
Mistress Tala? Master Jevins voice sounded in her ear. What are you doing? What are you doing here? We dont have an appointment, do we?
No, I just wanted to stop by to say goodbye. I leave tomorrow.
Oh, sure. Come on back.
The door opened in-front of her, and she walked through with a small smile. Thank you.
The standard scan and ding washed over her, but she ignored it. That does remind me, I need to refresh my iron salve before we leave, tomorrow.
Master Jevin only had to direct her once when shed hesitated, unsure of which hallway to take.
She walked into his workshop and glanced back. It feels like you change the path to get back here, every time I come. Im usually very good at finding my way.
I have better uses of my time than ensuring Im undisturbed by those whove visited in the past. He gave her a mirth filled smile.
Something in his glance made her hesitate. After a moment, she started nodding. By the stars, you do! You do rearrange the passages to get back here.
He shrugged, dropping the pretense. Only when necessary. Some people have no boundaries. He lifted an eyebrow at her. So, did you really just come by to say goodbye?
She smiled in return, reaching into Kit. That and to give you these. She produced a small cask, and a wrapped box that looked miniscule beside the two-gallon mini-barrel. Tala set them on one of the central tables and stepped back. Thank you for all your help and advice.
Master Jevin walked forward, an unreadable look on his face as he examined the gifts.
You said you liked caramel liqueur chocolates and full-bodied whiskey. She gave an uncertain laugh. It turns out that there are a lot of things that fall into those two categories, so I hope I choose well.
He glanced her way. You bought me chocolate and alcohol?
She frowned. Well, I didnt think of it in that way
No. I He shook his head, waving off his own previous comment. Thank you, Mistress. That was very kind.
She shrugged. You said you liked these, so. She shrugged again.
Master Jevin seemed genuinely thrown.
Are you alright?
I Yes. I believe so. He picked up the small barrel. This is an excellent vintage.
Yeah, thats what the master distiller said. She smiled tentatively. Its an eight-year-old, smoked-maple bourbon.
That is a really excellent choice.
Good. It certainly cost enough Ten silver was five days of food money for her, now that Mistress Odera and the Caravan Guild were covering one meal a day.
He unwrapped the box of chocolates, looking inside.
Tala tsked. Im curious.
Hmm? He looked up from the open box.
Did you need to open it to see inside?
Oh, no. But it is nice to see with my eyes, rather than just my aura.The initial instance of this chapter being available happened at N0v3l.Bin.
She found herself nodding. Yeah, I can understand that.
Master Jevin capped the chocolates and regarded her, once again. This is really too much, Mistress Tala.
She waved that off. It cost less than any number of things Ive bought from you.
Its not the cost, Mistress, its the thought. He smiled, again. Thank you, truly.
Well, youre welcome. Tala looked around a bit awkwardly. Okaywhat now?
Would you like a glass?
She thought about it for a moment, then felt a smile tugging at her lips. You know what? Yes. Thank you. Id like that very much.
Tala and Master Jevin spent the early afternoon sitting in his armchairs, sipping whiskey and talking of things of little note.
Finally, Master Jevin let out a long sigh. Im afraid I do have some work I simply must get done. He stood, offering her a hand up.
She took it and stood. Thank you, again, for all youve done for me. She huffed a short laugh. For all youve done for all of us. Tala shook her head. It sounds ridiculous.
He shrugged. Life is often a bit ridiculous. Thank you, for the gratitude. He smiled. Now be on your way. His smile widened into a grin. I hope to see you back here before too long.
Count on it.
* * *
Tala stood at the top of Makinaven, on the platform on which shed figured out she could fuse.
Terry stood beside her, just large enough for her to comfortably rest her right hand at the base of his neck, on his collar.
Rane was on her other side, arms crossed as he looked out at the surroundings. This is magnificent!
She looked his way, a self-satisfied smile unhidden on her lips. Still think it was a waste of time to climb up here?
Absolutely not. I couldnt have been more wrong. We should have come here earlier and often.
Tala decided not to say anything further.
The gray light of pre-dawn was slowly coloring towards day. The day of their departure.
I wouldnt have it any other way. I ask simply that you dont train to exhaustion.
That sound very reasonable. She was, at that very moment, fusing in the background. Her magic moving through the now intimately familiar patterns of drawing her body, spirit, and gate closer into unity. I wonder if this will be at all useful, once Im done fusing.
Rane had touched base with Mistress Odera earlier, and he was to be the vanguard, staying just about a dozen yards in front of the oxen, at least for the first part of the journey.
The caravan was passing out through the gate, and Tala was about to pull out her bloodstars to begin working with them and her attempts at stable orbits, when the wagons ladder creaked. Her eyes snapped to the front corner of the their vehicle, in time to see a man pull himself into view.
He came up the ladder with quick, powerful motions, stopping to bow towards the two Mages, a half-eye kept on Terry, while the terror bird regarded him in turn.
Mistresses. I request a ride out of the city.
Mistress Odera seemed to be examining him. Who might you be, and why do you request a ride?
Tala did her own inspection. His gate made his humanity beyond question. His keystone labeled him a Mage, and his realness gave him a mid to high Archon feel, though his aura was tightly controlled. As is proper.
Her own aura was extending a perfect foot from her in every direction, mirroring her form as precisely as she could as a starting point for her chosen exercises.
The Archon was dressed simply, more like a forester or a hunter than a Mage, but his short sleeves left heavily inscribed forearms exposed, making his Magic clear at a glance. In addition, he had a coiled line at his belt. It didnt look like cloth or leather. If she had to guess, Tala would have said it was some sort of empowered metal, and it seemed to be linked to him.
A soul bound weapon of some kind? That supported him being an Archon at least.
He nodded to them both. I am Zakrias.
Master Zakrias, I am Odera, and this is Mistress Tala.
He bowed again to each. Mistress Odera, Mistress Tala, a pleasure to make your acquaintance.
Polite for someone who just jacked a ride. Tala quirked a smile. So, Master Zakrias, to what do we owe the pleasure?
Im heading to the west to hunt and harvest, and I will be on my own two feet for the foreseeable future, so I thought letting a wagon work for me for a couple of hours would be a boon.
Mistress Odera nodded at that. I can understand that. Please, join us.
Tala tilted her head in interest as Zakrias sat. He chose a spot near them, not too close, and well away from Terry. She pointed to the avian. Hes Terry.
Familiar?
No, friend.
Zakrias gave her an interested glance but didnt inquire further.
So, are you with the Harvesters Guild? Tala did her best to not lean forward. Ive not met a harvester before.
I am, yes.
Very nice! Better to get his thoughts than whatever guild official would be working the reception if I inquired there. Whats that like?
Well, its dangerous but enjoyable work. He stretched up, then leaned back on his hands, planted behind himself. I have to know myself and my abilities to the utmost, and I still dance with death every single time I go out.
He was clearly a bit self-satisfied, but he likely had a right to be. To Talas eyes, he had the look of one whose appearance was influenced by magic, meaning he looked far too young for how well he carried himself. So, you meet fascinating new life-forms and then kill them?
Zakrias smiled a bit quizzically. That about sums it up, yeah. Though, I try to know my opponents before I kill any. There is a delicate balance to be had, and over harvesting can rust up a whole region. His expression darkened. Some idiot wiped out a good portion of the apex predators to the south of the city, and its been chaos in that region for weeks.
Tala swallowed involuntarily.
Dont look away, dont let him know it might have been you.
She cleared her throat. Dont panic; it could have been someone else. What happened?
He shrugged, irritation clear on his features. They somehow lured in so many creatures that I found what amounted to a small pond of blood.
Well, thats an exaggeration. Ornot me? Thatsgruesome.
Tell me about it. I found it because a bunch of Leshkin were swarming the area, and I had a bounty on their arms.
She swallowed. Did they come for me, or the blood? She had her iron salve back in place, but she still was not looking forward to going back into the forests for an extended period. Then, she processed what hed been saying. Waitarm? Do you mean weapons or arms? She waved one arm to demonstrate her meaning.
Oh! Weaponry, sorry for the confusion. He grinned. Anyway, whoever had caused the blood bath had royally ticked the Leshkin off too. I came upon them as they were beginning to sweep the surrounding woods. He shook his head. As I said, all sorts of things can be thrown out of whack when you dont know what youre doing.
Tala glanced to Terry and found him regarding her with what could only be a mischievous glint in his eye. Tala glared back, then tossed a bit of jerky over the side of the wagon.
The avian flickered after it, then to Talas shoulder.
The Archon frowned at her. Thats an odd thing to train your friend. If I throw a treat away, come to me?
Mistress Odera chuckled. Oh, he went for the treat. Coming to her was his own decision.
Zakrias cocked his head for a moment, then his eyes widened. Oh, youre an old one, arent you?
Terry trilled, then resolutely tucked his head down to return to seeming sleep.
Tala cleared her throat, desperate to change the subject away from what was most likely the aftermath of her escapade. You dont know that. But she did. So, whats that on your belt? A weapon, right?
He glanced down. Ah, yeah! This is a beauty. He pulled the coil from his belt.
Its not a whipright?
No, but thats in the right direction. At its basic level, its just a cord, but the center is a tightly braided strand of muscle fibers. It lets me use it almost like an appendage.
She blinked at him. What for?
Well, Im an Immaterial Guide. I focus, generally, on kinetic energy, and my inscriptions excel at manipulating, and increasing, it in anything I can touch.
Tala found herself nodding. And that counts. She indicated the empowered cord.
And this counts. He grinned. Nearly unbreakable and can be healed back together with relative ease if it ever truly is overcome.
A bit like me, I suppose. This was going to be an interesting couple of hours.
Chapter 142: Departing MakinavenTala found herself a bit nervous as she approached the third tier, Makinaven, Constructionist Guildhall for the last time, at least this trip. Shed found what she hoped was a good whiskey the day before, shortly after purchasing the chocolates. So, she had both gifts ready to hand. I hope theyre well received.She did not want to interact with a bunch of people. So, before she reached for the door handle, she spoke under her breath. This should trigger however he monitors the city. Master Jevins aura is extended-Mistress Tala? Master Jevins voice sounded in her ear. What are you doing? What are you doing here? We dont have an appointment, do we?No, I just wanted to stop by to say goodbye. I leave tomorrow.Oh, sure. Come on back.The door opened in-front of her, and she walked through with a small smile. Thank you.The standard scan and ding washed over her, but she ignored it. That does remind me, I need to refresh my iron salve before we leave, tomorrow.Master Jevin only had to direct her once when shed hesitated, unsure of which hallway to take.She walked into his workshop and glanced back. It feels like you change the path to get back here, every time I come. Im usually very good at finding my way.I have better uses of my time than ensuring Im undisturbed by those whove visited in the past. He gave her a mirth filled smile.Something in his glance made her hesitate. After a moment, she started nodding. By the stars, you do! You do rearrange the passages to get back here.He shrugged, dropping the pretense. Only when necessary. Some people have no boundaries. He lifted an eyebrow at her. So, did you really just come by to say goodbye?She smiled in return, reaching into Kit. That and to give you these. She produced a small cask, and a wrapped box that looked miniscule beside the two-gallon mini-barrel. Tala set them on one of the central tables and stepped back. Thank you for all your help and advice.Master Jevin walked forward, an unreadable look on his face as he examined the gifts.You said you liked caramel liqueur chocolates and full-bodied whiskey. She gave an uncertain laugh. It turns out that there are a lot of things that fall into those two categories, so I hope I choose well.He glanced her way. You bought me chocolate and alcohol?She frowned. Well, I didnt think of it in that wayNo. I He shook his head, waving off his own previous comment. Thank you, Mistress. That was very kind.She shrugged. You said you liked these, so. She shrugged again.Master Jevin seemed genuinely thrown.Are you alright?I Yes. I believe so. He picked up the small barrel. This is an excellent vintage.Yeah, thats what the master distiller said. She smiled tentatively. Its an eight-year-old, smoked-maple bourbon.That is a really excellent choice.Good. It certainly cost enough Ten silver was five days of food money for her, now that Mistress Odera and the Caravan Guild were covering one meal a day.He unwrapped the box of chocolates, looking inside.Tala tsked. Im curious.Hmm? He looked up from the open box.Did you need to open it to see inside?Oh, no. But it is nice to see with my eyes, rather than just my aura.The initial instance of this chapter being available happened at N0v3l.Bin.She found herself nodding. Yeah, I can understand that.Master Jevin capped the chocolates and regarded her, once again. This is really too much, Mistress Tala.She waved that off. It cost less than any number of things Ive bought from you.Its not the cost, Mistress, its the thought. He smiled, again. Thank you, truly.Well, youre welcome. Tala looked around a bit awkwardly. Okaywhat now?Would you like a glass?She thought about it for a moment, then felt a smile tugging at her lips. You know what? Yes. Thank you. Id like that very much.Tala and Master Jevin spent the early afternoon sitting in his armchairs, sipping whiskey and talking of things of little note.Finally, Master Jevin let out a long sigh. Im afraid I do have some work I simply must get done. He stood, offering her a hand up.She took it and stood. Thank you, again, for all youve done for me. She huffed a short laugh. For all youve done for all of us. Tala shook her head. It sounds ridiculous.He shrugged. Life is often a bit ridiculous. Thank you, for the gratitude. He smiled. Now be on your way. His smile widened into a grin. I hope to see you back here before too long.Count on it.* * *Tala stood at the top of Makinaven, on the platform on which shed figured out she could fuse.Terry stood beside her, just large enough for her to comfortably rest her right hand at the base of his neck, on his collar.Rane was on her other side, arms crossed as he looked out at the surroundings. This is magnificent!She looked his way, a self-satisfied smile unhidden on her lips. Still think it was a waste of time to climb up here?Absolutely not. I couldnt have been more wrong. We should have come here earlier and often.Tala decided not to say anything further.The gray light of pre-dawn was slowly coloring towards day. The day of their departure.I wouldnt have it any other way. I ask simply that you dont train to exhaustion.That sound very reasonable. She was, at that very moment, fusing in the background. Her magic moving through the now intimately familiar patterns of drawing her body, spirit, and gate closer into unity. I wonder if this will be at all useful, once Im done fusing.Rane had touched base with Mistress Odera earlier, and he was to be the vanguard, staying just about a dozen yards in front of the oxen, at least for the first part of the journey.The caravan was passing out through the gate, and Tala was about to pull out her bloodstars to begin working with them and her attempts at stable orbits, when the wagons ladder creaked. Her eyes snapped to the front corner of the their vehicle, in time to see a man pull himself into view.He came up the ladder with quick, powerful motions, stopping to bow towards the two Mages, a half-eye kept on Terry, while the terror bird regarded him in turn.Mistresses. I request a ride out of the city.Mistress Odera seemed to be examining him. Who might you be, and why do you request a ride?Tala did her own inspection. His gate made his humanity beyond question. His keystone labeled him a Mage, and his realness gave him a mid to high Archon feel, though his aura was tightly controlled. As is proper.Her own aura was extending a perfect foot from her in every direction, mirroring her form as precisely as she could as a starting point for her chosen exercises.The Archon was dressed simply, more like a forester or a hunter than a Mage, but his short sleeves left heavily inscribed forearms exposed, making his Magic clear at a glance. In addition, he had a coiled line at his belt. It didnt look like cloth or leather. If she had to guess, Tala would have said it was some sort of empowered metal, and it seemed to be linked to him.A soul bound weapon of some kind? That supported him being an Archon at least.He nodded to them both. I am Zakrias.Master Zakrias, I am Odera, and this is Mistress Tala.He bowed again to each. Mistress Odera, Mistress Tala, a pleasure to make your acquaintance.Polite for someone who just jacked a ride. Tala quirked a smile. So, Master Zakrias, to what do we owe the pleasure?Im heading to the west to hunt and harvest, and I will be on my own two feet for the foreseeable future, so I thought letting a wagon work for me for a couple of hours would be a boon.Mistress Odera nodded at that. I can understand that. Please, join us.Tala tilted her head in interest as Zakrias sat. He chose a spot near them, not too close, and well away from Terry. She pointed to the avian. Hes Terry.Familiar?No, friend.Zakrias gave her an interested glance but didnt inquire further.So, are you with the Harvesters Guild? Tala did her best to not lean forward. Ive not met a harvester before.I am, yes.Very nice! Better to get his thoughts than whatever guild official would be working the reception if I inquired there. Whats that like?Well, its dangerous but enjoyable work. He stretched up, then leaned back on his hands, planted behind himself. I have to know myself and my abilities to the utmost, and I still dance with death every single time I go out.He was clearly a bit self-satisfied, but he likely had a right to be. To Talas eyes, he had the look of one whose appearance was influenced by magic, meaning he looked far too young for how well he carried himself. So, you meet fascinating new life-forms and then kill them?Zakrias smiled a bit quizzically. That about sums it up, yeah. Though, I try to know my opponents before I kill any. There is a delicate balance to be had, and over harvesting can rust up a whole region. His expression darkened. Some idiot wiped out a good portion of the apex predators to the south of the city, and its been chaos in that region for weeks.Tala swallowed involuntarily.Dont look away, dont let him know it might have been you.She cleared her throat. Dont panic; it could have been someone else. What happened?He shrugged, irritation clear on his features. They somehow lured in so many creatures that I found what amounted to a small pond of blood.Well, thats an exaggeration. Ornot me? Thatsgruesome.Tell me about it. I found it because a bunch of Leshkin were swarming the area, and I had a bounty on their arms.She swallowed. Did they come for me, or the blood? She had her iron salve back in place, but she still was not looking forward to going back into the forests for an extended period. Then, she processed what hed been saying. Waitarm? Do you mean weapons or arms? She waved one arm to demonstrate her meaning.Oh! Weaponry, sorry for the confusion. He grinned. Anyway, whoever had caused the blood bath had royally ticked the Leshkin off too. I came upon them as they were beginning to sweep the surrounding woods. He shook his head. As I said, all sorts of things can be thrown out of whack when you dont know what youre doing.Tala glanced to Terry and found him regarding her with what could only be a mischievous glint in his eye. Tala glared back, then tossed a bit of jerky over the side of the wagon.The avian flickered after it, then to Talas shoulder.The Archon frowned at her. Thats an odd thing to train your friend. If I throw a treat away, come to me?Mistress Odera chuckled. Oh, he went for the treat. Coming to her was his own decision.Zakrias cocked his head for a moment, then his eyes widened. Oh, youre an old one, arent you?Terry trilled, then resolutely tucked his head down to return to seeming sleep.Tala cleared her throat, desperate to change the subject away from what was most likely the aftermath of her escapade. You dont know that. But she did. So, whats that on your belt? A weapon, right?He glanced down. Ah, yeah! This is a beauty. He pulled the coil from his belt.Its not a whipright?No, but thats in the right direction. At its basic level, its just a cord, but the center is a tightly braided strand of muscle fibers. It lets me use it almost like an appendage.She blinked at him. What for?Well, Im an Immaterial Guide. I focus, generally, on kinetic energy, and my inscriptions excel at manipulating, and increasing, it in anything I can touch.Tala found herself nodding. And that counts. She indicated the empowered cord.And this counts. He grinned. Nearly unbreakable and can be healed back together with relative ease if it ever truly is overcome.A bit like me, I suppose. This was going to be an interesting couple of hours.
