Chapter 146: Drop the Mistress
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Chapter 146: Drop the Mistress
Tala looked around the inside of the chuckwagon, taking in the disks of wood, subtly affixed at regular intervals around the part of the chuckwagons interior that she could see. Each radiated power that just barely registered to her incredibly sensitive mage-sight. I suppose that magics meant to help in evading detection would have to be harder to detect, by its very nature.
She shook her head. Im getting lost in the weeds.
What was the core issue, here? She nodded. How do you even know Conceptual inscriptions? You arent a Mage youre not even- Shed been about to say that Amnin wasnt inscribed, but as Tala focused on the woman, she noticed a double ring of inscriptions in each of the cooks armpits. That would be painful to receive. You are inscribed.
The cook shrugged. Just two simple scripts. One to protect me from the inscriptions I work around, and another to make us magically uninteresting.
Tala glared. Do you have any idea how valuable that second spell-form would be to humanity?
It only affects things it entirely contains.
So, couldnt we use it around every city?
It is, already. Where do you think we got it?
Tala blinked at that. What?
Have you ever investigated how the cities magical systems function?
Of course not, Im not a Builder.
But isnt it interesting, how theyve created such extensive, interlinked networks?
Of course, but I can only look into so many things.
Amnin shrugged again. As you know, Im not a Mage. I can only tell you what I was taught, which wasnt much. The scripts we use are used in almost every Guild, in their most secretive facilities. She chuckled. By what I was taught, the Mages gave us these scripts when we were recognized as an official human guild.
Then, wouldnt they be on the lookout for them?
Ive no idea. Ive not interacted with any Mage besides you, discounting a few exchanged words as required for anyone in my position, that is.
So, where does your education on magic come from?
The Culinary Guild, of course.
Tala groaned. So, were training Conceptual Mages, but not actually making them Mages, and keeping them segregated and not taking advantage of them.
Aminin scoffed. Hardly. I dont want to be a Mage, Mistress. Im a cook. Just because I know what these specific inscriptions do, and can switch out pre-inscribed disks if they wear out, does not mean Im qualified to be a Mage.
Tala sat down beside the entrance, placing her head in her hands, the wooden token pressing against her forehead. Im going to need a bit to process this.
Take all the time you need. That coins for you, after all. She chuckled again. Its not like we have a lot of those laying around. Keep it powered, and youll be welcome in here whenever you wish. If you lose it, or it runs out, I cant replace it. Maybe the Guildhall in Bandfast can.
Tala groaned again. Thank you. I just need a minute. She hesitated, a few scents standing out to her as she drew in a deep breath. And bacon, and coffee.
Amnin patted her shoulder. Bacon, coffee, and a little space, coming right up.
* * *
Tala sat on the cargo wagon roof facing Mistress Odera.
The older Mage had her eyes closed, seemingly ignoring Tala as she ate.
Conceptual magic. She shuddered again. There are conceptual Mages, scattered through humanity. No, that wasnt right. Just because they could activate conceptual inscriptions didnt make them conceptual mages.
After all, I could get that time inscription, which would let me always know exactly what time it was, but that wouldnt make me a Time Mage. That actually made Tala feel a lot better.
So, just some basic conceptual inscriptions. Thats not really news. I knew that there are some human Conceptual Mages out there, somewhere, just not very many. It makes sense that items wouldnt be unheard of.
And that didnt take into account artifacts. Would we even recognize a conceptual artifact?
The average person probably wouldnt, but Archons surely wouldright?
She thought back to the inside of the chuckwagon. Shed known there was magic involved, and known exactly where to look, and it had been hard for her to see.
Nope, its very possible that conceptual artifacts are just being missed. Blessedly, artifacts didnt really survive outside of waning cities, unless a Mage was sustaining them, so there shouldnt be unknown conceptual artifacts in any city but Alefast.
Probably worth looking into.
Well, its good to see that youve stopped writing out your thoughts, but even so, you are clearly in turmoil.
Talas gaze snapped back to Mistress Odera, whose eyes were still closed.
Youre shifting, scratching, sighing, and grunting. Unless you picked up another new project, something is bothering you.
Tala sighed, then noticed shed sighed and grunted in irritation. Then, of course, she noticed that and scratched her cheek in frustration.
Mistress Odera grinned broadly. Proving my point, dear.
Tala shook her head. Fine. What do you know of Conceptual inscriptions?
Abstract or Concrete?
She thought back to her conversation with Amnin. Abstract.
Very little.
Tala glared. Concrete?
The same.
Why did you ask me to specify?
Because I was curious.
Tala scoffed but decided not to quibble. So?
So, there are a handful of items that can be made with Conceptual inscriptions. Some Abstract, some Concrete, and they are a mix of Guide and Creator.
Tala nodded, leaning a bit forward, even as she ate more of Amnins offering of placation.
Some are banned, and actively watched for. The Constructionists can make an item that draws consumer attention, giving merchants or shop owners an advantage, but that isfrowned upon. Another that is banned is one that makes the veracity of your words seem greater, regardless of the evidence. She shook her head. Not a great thing for anyone to have.
As they progressed deeper in, the air became heavy with moisture, small ponds, streams, and creeks crisscrossing the space in what was obviously a meticulously designed water system.
After an hour of travel, they found the first mushroom.
Standing about half the height of a man, the mushroom was short and squat, with a top that spread wide and sickly yellow striations throughout.
They all knew better than to get close. Theyd been briefed on the types to expect, and how to avoid the dangers.
That one releases spores that dissolve anything they touch. The only saving grace is that they are heavy enough that they fall almost straight down, and only do so if the fungus is disturbed.
It actually reminded Tala of ending trees, except that the fungis dissolution was chemical and organic in nature, rather than magical.
Id probably be fine. No reason to test it, though. There would be nothing to gain, except knowledge of her own capabilities.
Stop that, Tala. It would be colossally foolish to test your inscriptions and ending berry power against a plant. Maybe if there was something tangible to gain but only then. Maybe.
More mushrooms of varying kinds and ever-increasing sizes began to dot the landscape around them, among the trees, as they pressed on.
Here, there was what could almost be described as a road through the vegetation.
Hard-packed dirt in two obvious lines marked a clear and easy path for the wagons. There was even the occasional, simple bridge over some of the larger waterways.
Tala frowned as she examined the path. I know this is supposed to be a safer area, but isnt taking the same route each time dangerous?
It might be if anything could be waiting in ambush. This area isnt really large enough to inconvenience the largest, Magical predators. In area, its smaller than most cities.
Even with that reassurance, Tala felt deep discomfort at following such a path through any portion of the Wilds.
The forest didnt get any darker as they progressed, and as Tala examined the canopy above, she could see evidence of pruning in the upper reaches. Clearly, someone had taken a good deal of time to have a narrow range of brightness in this section of the forest.
Over the next hour, Tala began to notice great swaths of lichen-like growths, covering sections of the forest floor, seemingly decomposing the detritus on the ground. Eventually, it was a unified layer, covering everything other than the two dirt tracks that the caravan continued resolutely down.
Finally, when the light was beginning to fade, they came into a much larger clearing, centered around a massive stump that was covered with mushrooms the size of houses.
As their back rider came into the clearing, a voice filled the space.
As Tala looked around, she saw that the mushrooms, themselves, were vibrating to create the sound. The result was a deep rumble, with quite a bit of sub-vocal resonance, which vibrated in their chests, even as they heard the spoken words.
What are you doing in my woods?
Mistress Odera didnt even open her eyes. We are delivering the goods you requested, before continuing on to Bandfast.
A small woman appeared beside Tala, her voice soft and smooth. Oh, why didnt you say so.
Mistress Odera opened her eyes then, and bowed to the woman. Mistress Noelle, I presume?
Noelle waved her off. Just Noelle.
Mistress Odera hesitated. But Mistress-
Noelle cut across the older woman. Drop the Mistress, or I will end you. She gave a tight smile.
Tala almost laughed, but she couldnt see even a hint of mirth on the womans face, despite the smile.
Mistress Odera regarded the Archon for a long moment then nodded. I am Odera, and this is Mistress Tala. Master Rane is the other Mage Protector for this caravan.
Noelle grinned widely. Tala, Odera, Rane! She shouted the last, and Rane turned to regard the top of the wagon. Pleased to meet you. Her voice carried to Rane, once again out in front of the lead wagon, and he gave a marginally confused partial bow in her direction.
Tala cocked her head. So, Noelle She stopped there. It felt weird to address an Archon without their moniker. Im really settling-in to Mage social norms.
Yes, Tala? Noelles lips were pulled up into a small smile. She seemed to enjoy the lack of formality.
I assume that you are the primary Archon of these fungi-filled woods?
But of course. She gestured to herself. Cant you tell?
Tala looked at the woman more closely, then. Noelle was short, shorter even than Tala, herself. She had bob-cut, dark blonde hair that seemed perfectly clean and styled, despite the mugginess in the air. Even though her aura was held in tight, Noelle seemed to be letting just a bit out, for Talas inspection.
Tala frowned. Fused? How are you only fused? The inscriptions that she could see pointed to the woman being a Material Guide, focused on something close to plant life. Fungi, most likely. It was a guess, though likely a correct one.
Noelle leaned in close. The questions you shook be asking are: How I only look Fused, and why I want you to make that assumption. She smiled mischievously. Now, how are you magically inert, even while clearly affected by innumerable active inscriptions? After a moment, Noelle winked. Well, except your eyes. How did you manage that color? Not a ruby Archon, are you? They are oh so boring. She sighed, shaking her head as she turned to Mistress Odera, and held out her hand. Give it over.
Mistress Odera seemed to relax as she tossed her barbed, glass, Archon star to the smaller woman. Thank you.
Noelles hand twitched, and a puff of glowing powder surrounded the glass, even as it flew through the air. The powder seemed to draw out the power from the spell-form within the glass before dissolving the glass, itself. Happy to assist, Forbidden.
Mistress Odera bowed her head.
Noelle laughed, suddenly standing in front of the older Mage, grabbing Mistress Oderas chin and lifting her head. None of that. Come, you all are tired, and I want my stuff. She hesitated, then glanced to Tala. And you have so many questions to answer. She walked over to link arms with Tala. Lets go.
She moved with Tala, and Tala didnt resist, even as the little woman walked them off the edge of the wagons roof.
A mushroom sprang up under their feet and another as they progressed, each lower than the last, until they stood on the ground.
Noelle looked back towards the wagons. You! Giant!
Rane was, obviously, already staring at the two women, and he seemed utterly baffled by what was happening.
Rane!
He startled, then walked their way.
Good boy. Weve a lot to discuss, including why your souls seem to be halfway in sync with each other. Ive been trying to synchronize mushroom souls for years.
Tala gave her a puzzled look. Mushroomsouls? She decided to ignore the other bit.
Noelle shrugged. Souls, spirits, magical underpinnings that allow for the defying of natural law. Take your pick.
Tala opened her mouth to try to form a response, but Noelle snatched up Ranes arm with her free hand and took off at a brisk walk, towards the fungi-covered stump.
Come, come. Theyll unload what needs unloading.
As if at the words, Tala saw a dozen other Mages exiting the house-sized mushrooms before them. Oh, they actually are houses It was going to be a very odd evening.
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Chapter 146: Drop the Mistress
Tala looked around the inside of the chuckwagon, taking in the disks of wood, subtly affixed at regular intervals around the part of the chuckwagons interior that she could see. Each radiated power that just barely registered to her incredibly sensitive mage-sight. I suppose that magics meant to help in evading detection would have to be harder to detect, by its very nature.
She shook her head. Im getting lost in the weeds.
What was the core issue, here? She nodded. How do you even know Conceptual inscriptions? You arent a Mage youre not even- Shed been about to say that Amnin wasnt inscribed, but as Tala focused on the woman, she noticed a double ring of inscriptions in each of the cooks armpits. That would be painful to receive. You are inscribed.
The cook shrugged. Just two simple scripts. One to protect me from the inscriptions I work around, and another to make us magically uninteresting.
Tala glared. Do you have any idea how valuable that second spell-form would be to humanity?
It only affects things it entirely contains.
So, couldnt we use it around every city?
It is, already. Where do you think we got it?
Tala blinked at that. What?
Have you ever investigated how the cities magical systems function?
Of course not, Im not a Builder.
But isnt it interesting, how theyve created such extensive, interlinked networks?
Of course, but I can only look into so many things.
Amnin shrugged again. As you know, Im not a Mage. I can only tell you what I was taught, which wasnt much. The scripts we use are used in almost every Guild, in their most secretive facilities. She chuckled. By what I was taught, the Mages gave us these scripts when we were recognized as an official human guild.
Then, wouldnt they be on the lookout for them?
Ive no idea. Ive not interacted with any Mage besides you, discounting a few exchanged words as required for anyone in my position, that is.
So, where does your education on magic come from?
The Culinary Guild, of course.
Tala groaned. So, were training Conceptual Mages, but not actually making them Mages, and keeping them segregated and not taking advantage of them.
Aminin scoffed. Hardly. I dont want to be a Mage, Mistress. Im a cook. Just because I know what these specific inscriptions do, and can switch out pre-inscribed disks if they wear out, does not mean Im qualified to be a Mage.
Tala sat down beside the entrance, placing her head in her hands, the wooden token pressing against her forehead. Im going to need a bit to process this.
Take all the time you need. That coins for you, after all. She chuckled again. Its not like we have a lot of those laying around. Keep it powered, and youll be welcome in here whenever you wish. If you lose it, or it runs out, I cant replace it. Maybe the Guildhall in Bandfast can.
Tala groaned again. Thank you. I just need a minute. She hesitated, a few scents standing out to her as she drew in a deep breath. And bacon, and coffee.
Amnin patted her shoulder. Bacon, coffee, and a little space, coming right up.
* * *
Tala sat on the cargo wagon roof facing Mistress Odera.
The older Mage had her eyes closed, seemingly ignoring Tala as she ate.
Conceptual magic. She shuddered again. There are conceptual Mages, scattered through humanity. No, that wasnt right. Just because they could activate conceptual inscriptions didnt make them conceptual mages.
After all, I could get that time inscription, which would let me always know exactly what time it was, but that wouldnt make me a Time Mage. That actually made Tala feel a lot better.
So, just some basic conceptual inscriptions. Thats not really news. I knew that there are some human Conceptual Mages out there, somewhere, just not very many. It makes sense that items wouldnt be unheard of.
And that didnt take into account artifacts. Would we even recognize a conceptual artifact?
The average person probably wouldnt, but Archons surely wouldright?
She thought back to the inside of the chuckwagon. Shed known there was magic involved, and known exactly where to look, and it had been hard for her to see.
Nope, its very possible that conceptual artifacts are just being missed. Blessedly, artifacts didnt really survive outside of waning cities, unless a Mage was sustaining them, so there shouldnt be unknown conceptual artifacts in any city but Alefast.
Probably worth looking into.
Well, its good to see that youve stopped writing out your thoughts, but even so, you are clearly in turmoil.
Talas gaze snapped back to Mistress Odera, whose eyes were still closed.
Youre shifting, scratching, sighing, and grunting. Unless you picked up another new project, something is bothering you.
Tala sighed, then noticed shed sighed and grunted in irritation. Then, of course, she noticed that and scratched her cheek in frustration.
Mistress Odera grinned broadly. Proving my point, dear.
Tala shook her head. Fine. What do you know of Conceptual inscriptions?
Abstract or Concrete?
She thought back to her conversation with Amnin. Abstract.
Very little.
Tala glared. Concrete?
The same.
Why did you ask me to specify?
Because I was curious.
Tala scoffed but decided not to quibble. So?
So, there are a handful of items that can be made with Conceptual inscriptions. Some Abstract, some Concrete, and they are a mix of Guide and Creator.
Tala nodded, leaning a bit forward, even as she ate more of Amnins offering of placation.
Some are banned, and actively watched for. The Constructionists can make an item that draws consumer attention, giving merchants or shop owners an advantage, but that isfrowned upon. Another that is banned is one that makes the veracity of your words seem greater, regardless of the evidence. She shook her head. Not a great thing for anyone to have.
As they progressed deeper in, the air became heavy with moisture, small ponds, streams, and creeks crisscrossing the space in what was obviously a meticulously designed water system.
After an hour of travel, they found the first mushroom.
Standing about half the height of a man, the mushroom was short and squat, with a top that spread wide and sickly yellow striations throughout.
They all knew better than to get close. Theyd been briefed on the types to expect, and how to avoid the dangers.
That one releases spores that dissolve anything they touch. The only saving grace is that they are heavy enough that they fall almost straight down, and only do so if the fungus is disturbed.
It actually reminded Tala of ending trees, except that the fungis dissolution was chemical and organic in nature, rather than magical.
Id probably be fine. No reason to test it, though. There would be nothing to gain, except knowledge of her own capabilities.
Stop that, Tala. It would be colossally foolish to test your inscriptions and ending berry power against a plant. Maybe if there was something tangible to gain but only then. Maybe.
More mushrooms of varying kinds and ever-increasing sizes began to dot the landscape around them, among the trees, as they pressed on.
Here, there was what could almost be described as a road through the vegetation.
Hard-packed dirt in two obvious lines marked a clear and easy path for the wagons. There was even the occasional, simple bridge over some of the larger waterways.
Tala frowned as she examined the path. I know this is supposed to be a safer area, but isnt taking the same route each time dangerous?
It might be if anything could be waiting in ambush. This area isnt really large enough to inconvenience the largest, Magical predators. In area, its smaller than most cities.
Even with that reassurance, Tala felt deep discomfort at following such a path through any portion of the Wilds.
The forest didnt get any darker as they progressed, and as Tala examined the canopy above, she could see evidence of pruning in the upper reaches. Clearly, someone had taken a good deal of time to have a narrow range of brightness in this section of the forest.
Over the next hour, Tala began to notice great swaths of lichen-like growths, covering sections of the forest floor, seemingly decomposing the detritus on the ground. Eventually, it was a unified layer, covering everything other than the two dirt tracks that the caravan continued resolutely down.
Finally, when the light was beginning to fade, they came into a much larger clearing, centered around a massive stump that was covered with mushrooms the size of houses.
As their back rider came into the clearing, a voice filled the space.
As Tala looked around, she saw that the mushrooms, themselves, were vibrating to create the sound. The result was a deep rumble, with quite a bit of sub-vocal resonance, which vibrated in their chests, even as they heard the spoken words.
What are you doing in my woods?
Mistress Odera didnt even open her eyes. We are delivering the goods you requested, before continuing on to Bandfast.
A small woman appeared beside Tala, her voice soft and smooth. Oh, why didnt you say so.
Mistress Odera opened her eyes then, and bowed to the woman. Mistress Noelle, I presume?
Noelle waved her off. Just Noelle.
Mistress Odera hesitated. But Mistress-
Noelle cut across the older woman. Drop the Mistress, or I will end you. She gave a tight smile.
Tala almost laughed, but she couldnt see even a hint of mirth on the womans face, despite the smile.
Mistress Odera regarded the Archon for a long moment then nodded. I am Odera, and this is Mistress Tala. Master Rane is the other Mage Protector for this caravan.
Noelle grinned widely. Tala, Odera, Rane! She shouted the last, and Rane turned to regard the top of the wagon. Pleased to meet you. Her voice carried to Rane, once again out in front of the lead wagon, and he gave a marginally confused partial bow in her direction.
Tala cocked her head. So, Noelle She stopped there. It felt weird to address an Archon without their moniker. Im really settling-in to Mage social norms.
Yes, Tala? Noelles lips were pulled up into a small smile. She seemed to enjoy the lack of formality.
I assume that you are the primary Archon of these fungi-filled woods?
But of course. She gestured to herself. Cant you tell?
Tala looked at the woman more closely, then. Noelle was short, shorter even than Tala, herself. She had bob-cut, dark blonde hair that seemed perfectly clean and styled, despite the mugginess in the air. Even though her aura was held in tight, Noelle seemed to be letting just a bit out, for Talas inspection.
Tala frowned. Fused? How are you only fused? The inscriptions that she could see pointed to the woman being a Material Guide, focused on something close to plant life. Fungi, most likely. It was a guess, though likely a correct one.
Noelle leaned in close. The questions you shook be asking are: How I only look Fused, and why I want you to make that assumption. She smiled mischievously. Now, how are you magically inert, even while clearly affected by innumerable active inscriptions? After a moment, Noelle winked. Well, except your eyes. How did you manage that color? Not a ruby Archon, are you? They are oh so boring. She sighed, shaking her head as she turned to Mistress Odera, and held out her hand. Give it over.
Mistress Odera seemed to relax as she tossed her barbed, glass, Archon star to the smaller woman. Thank you.
Noelles hand twitched, and a puff of glowing powder surrounded the glass, even as it flew through the air. The powder seemed to draw out the power from the spell-form within the glass before dissolving the glass, itself. Happy to assist, Forbidden.
Mistress Odera bowed her head.
Noelle laughed, suddenly standing in front of the older Mage, grabbing Mistress Oderas chin and lifting her head. None of that. Come, you all are tired, and I want my stuff. She hesitated, then glanced to Tala. And you have so many questions to answer. She walked over to link arms with Tala. Lets go.
She moved with Tala, and Tala didnt resist, even as the little woman walked them off the edge of the wagons roof.
A mushroom sprang up under their feet and another as they progressed, each lower than the last, until they stood on the ground.
Noelle looked back towards the wagons. You! Giant!
Rane was, obviously, already staring at the two women, and he seemed utterly baffled by what was happening.
Rane!
He startled, then walked their way.
Good boy. Weve a lot to discuss, including why your souls seem to be halfway in sync with each other. Ive been trying to synchronize mushroom souls for years.
Tala gave her a puzzled look. Mushroomsouls? She decided to ignore the other bit.
Noelle shrugged. Souls, spirits, magical underpinnings that allow for the defying of natural law. Take your pick.
Tala opened her mouth to try to form a response, but Noelle snatched up Ranes arm with her free hand and took off at a brisk walk, towards the fungi-covered stump.
Come, come. Theyll unload what needs unloading.
As if at the words, Tala saw a dozen other Mages exiting the house-sized mushrooms before them. Oh, they actually are houses It was going to be a very odd evening.
Chapter 146: Drop the MistressTala looked around the inside of the chuckwagon, taking in the disks of wood, subtly affixed at regular intervals around the part of the chuckwagons interior that she could see. Each radiated power that just barely registered to her incredibly sensitive mage-sight. I suppose that magics meant to help in evading detection would have to be harder to detect, by its very nature.She shook her head. Im getting lost in the weeds.What was the core issue, here? She nodded. How do you even know Conceptual inscriptions? You arent a Mage youre not even- Shed been about to say that Amnin wasnt inscribed, but as Tala focused on the woman, she noticed a double ring of inscriptions in each of the cooks armpits. That would be painful to receive. You are inscribed.The cook shrugged. Just two simple scripts. One to protect me from the inscriptions I work around, and another to make us magically uninteresting.Tala glared. Do you have any idea how valuable that second spell-form would be to humanity?It only affects things it entirely contains.So, couldnt we use it around every city?It is, already. Where do you think we got it?Tala blinked at that. What?Have you ever investigated how the cities magical systems function?Of course not, Im not a Builder.But isnt it interesting, how theyve created such extensive, interlinked networks?Of course, but I can only look into so many things.Amnin shrugged again. As you know, Im not a Mage. I can only tell you what I was taught, which wasnt much. The scripts we use are used in almost every Guild, in their most secretive facilities. She chuckled. By what I was taught, the Mages gave us these scripts when we were recognized as an official human guild.Then, wouldnt they be on the lookout for them?Ive no idea. Ive not interacted with any Mage besides you, discounting a few exchanged words as required for anyone in my position, that is.So, where does your education on magic come from?The Culinary Guild, of course.Tala groaned. So, were training Conceptual Mages, but not actually making them Mages, and keeping them segregated and not taking advantage of them.Aminin scoffed. Hardly. I dont want to be a Mage, Mistress. Im a cook. Just because I know what these specific inscriptions do, and can switch out pre-inscribed disks if they wear out, does not mean Im qualified to be a Mage.Tala sat down beside the entrance, placing her head in her hands, the wooden token pressing against her forehead. Im going to need a bit to process this.Take all the time you need. That coins for you, after all. She chuckled again. Its not like we have a lot of those laying around. Keep it powered, and youll be welcome in here whenever you wish. If you lose it, or it runs out, I cant replace it. Maybe the Guildhall in Bandfast can.Tala groaned again. Thank you. I just need a minute. She hesitated, a few scents standing out to her as she drew in a deep breath. And bacon, and coffee.Amnin patted her shoulder. Bacon, coffee, and a little space, coming right up.* * *Tala sat on the cargo wagon roof facing Mistress Odera.The older Mage had her eyes closed, seemingly ignoring Tala as she ate.Conceptual magic. She shuddered again. There are conceptual Mages, scattered through humanity. No, that wasnt right. Just because they could activate conceptual inscriptions didnt make them conceptual mages.After all, I could get that time inscription, which would let me always know exactly what time it was, but that wouldnt make me a Time Mage. That actually made Tala feel a lot better.So, just some basic conceptual inscriptions. Thats not really news. I knew that there are some human Conceptual Mages out there, somewhere, just not very many. It makes sense that items wouldnt be unheard of.And that didnt take into account artifacts. Would we even recognize a conceptual artifact?The average person probably wouldnt, but Archons surely wouldright?She thought back to the inside of the chuckwagon. Shed known there was magic involved, and known exactly where to look, and it had been hard for her to see.Nope, its very possible that conceptual artifacts are just being missed. Blessedly, artifacts didnt really survive outside of waning cities, unless a Mage was sustaining them, so there shouldnt be unknown conceptual artifacts in any city but Alefast.Probably worth looking into.Well, its good to see that youve stopped writing out your thoughts, but even so, you are clearly in turmoil.Talas gaze snapped back to Mistress Odera, whose eyes were still closed.Youre shifting, scratching, sighing, and grunting. Unless you picked up another new project, something is bothering you.Tala sighed, then noticed shed sighed and grunted in irritation. Then, of course, she noticed that and scratched her cheek in frustration.Mistress Odera grinned broadly. Proving my point, dear.Tala shook her head. Fine. What do you know of Conceptual inscriptions?Abstract or Concrete?She thought back to her conversation with Amnin. Abstract.Very little.Tala glared. Concrete?The same.Why did you ask me to specify?Because I was curious.Tala scoffed but decided not to quibble. So?So, there are a handful of items that can be made with Conceptual inscriptions. Some Abstract, some Concrete, and they are a mix of Guide and Creator.Tala nodded, leaning a bit forward, even as she ate more of Amnins offering of placation.Some are banned, and actively watched for. The Constructionists can make an item that draws consumer attention, giving merchants or shop owners an advantage, but that isfrowned upon. Another that is banned is one that makes the veracity of your words seem greater, regardless of the evidence. She shook her head. Not a great thing for anyone to have.As they progressed deeper in, the air became heavy with moisture, small ponds, streams, and creeks crisscrossing the space in what was obviously a meticulously designed water system.After an hour of travel, they found the first mushroom.Standing about half the height of a man, the mushroom was short and squat, with a top that spread wide and sickly yellow striations throughout.They all knew better than to get close. Theyd been briefed on the types to expect, and how to avoid the dangers.That one releases spores that dissolve anything they touch. The only saving grace is that they are heavy enough that they fall almost straight down, and only do so if the fungus is disturbed.It actually reminded Tala of ending trees, except that the fungis dissolution was chemical and organic in nature, rather than magical.Id probably be fine. No reason to test it, though. There would be nothing to gain, except knowledge of her own capabilities.Stop that, Tala. It would be colossally foolish to test your inscriptions and ending berry power against a plant. Maybe if there was something tangible to gain but only then. Maybe.More mushrooms of varying kinds and ever-increasing sizes began to dot the landscape around them, among the trees, as they pressed on.Here, there was what could almost be described as a road through the vegetation.Hard-packed dirt in two obvious lines marked a clear and easy path for the wagons. There was even the occasional, simple bridge over some of the larger waterways.Tala frowned as she examined the path. I know this is supposed to be a safer area, but isnt taking the same route each time dangerous?It might be if anything could be waiting in ambush. This area isnt really large enough to inconvenience the largest, Magical predators. In area, its smaller than most cities.Even with that reassurance, Tala felt deep discomfort at following such a path through any portion of the Wilds.The forest didnt get any darker as they progressed, and as Tala examined the canopy above, she could see evidence of pruning in the upper reaches. Clearly, someone had taken a good deal of time to have a narrow range of brightness in this section of the forest.Over the next hour, Tala began to notice great swaths of lichen-like growths, covering sections of the forest floor, seemingly decomposing the detritus on the ground. Eventually, it was a unified layer, covering everything other than the two dirt tracks that the caravan continued resolutely down.Finally, when the light was beginning to fade, they came into a much larger clearing, centered around a massive stump that was covered with mushrooms the size of houses.As their back rider came into the clearing, a voice filled the space.As Tala looked around, she saw that the mushrooms, themselves, were vibrating to create the sound. The result was a deep rumble, with quite a bit of sub-vocal resonance, which vibrated in their chests, even as they heard the spoken words.What are you doing in my woods?Mistress Odera didnt even open her eyes. We are delivering the goods you requested, before continuing on to Bandfast.A small woman appeared beside Tala, her voice soft and smooth. Oh, why didnt you say so.Mistress Odera opened her eyes then, and bowed to the woman. Mistress Noelle, I presume?Noelle waved her off. Just Noelle.Mistress Odera hesitated. But Mistress-Noelle cut across the older woman. Drop the Mistress, or I will end you. She gave a tight smile.Tala almost laughed, but she couldnt see even a hint of mirth on the womans face, despite the smile.Mistress Odera regarded the Archon for a long moment then nodded. I am Odera, and this is Mistress Tala. Master Rane is the other Mage Protector for this caravan.Noelle grinned widely. Tala, Odera, Rane! She shouted the last, and Rane turned to regard the top of the wagon. Pleased to meet you. Her voice carried to Rane, once again out in front of the lead wagon, and he gave a marginally confused partial bow in her direction.Tala cocked her head. So, Noelle She stopped there. It felt weird to address an Archon without their moniker. Im really settling-in to Mage social norms.Yes, Tala? Noelles lips were pulled up into a small smile. She seemed to enjoy the lack of formality.I assume that you are the primary Archon of these fungi-filled woods?But of course. She gestured to herself. Cant you tell?Tala looked at the woman more closely, then. Noelle was short, shorter even than Tala, herself. She had bob-cut, dark blonde hair that seemed perfectly clean and styled, despite the mugginess in the air. Even though her aura was held in tight, Noelle seemed to be letting just a bit out, for Talas inspection.Tala frowned. Fused? How are you only fused? The inscriptions that she could see pointed to the woman being a Material Guide, focused on something close to plant life. Fungi, most likely. It was a guess, though likely a correct one.Noelle leaned in close. The questions you shook be asking are: How I only look Fused, and why I want you to make that assumption. She smiled mischievously. Now, how are you magically inert, even while clearly affected by innumerable active inscriptions? After a moment, Noelle winked. Well, except your eyes. How did you manage that color? Not a ruby Archon, are you? They are oh so boring. She sighed, shaking her head as she turned to Mistress Odera, and held out her hand. Give it over.Mistress Odera seemed to relax as she tossed her barbed, glass, Archon star to the smaller woman. Thank you.Noelles hand twitched, and a puff of glowing powder surrounded the glass, even as it flew through the air. The powder seemed to draw out the power from the spell-form within the glass before dissolving the glass, itself. Happy to assist, Forbidden.Mistress Odera bowed her head.Noelle laughed, suddenly standing in front of the older Mage, grabbing Mistress Oderas chin and lifting her head. None of that. Come, you all are tired, and I want my stuff. She hesitated, then glanced to Tala. And you have so many questions to answer. She walked over to link arms with Tala. Lets go.She moved with Tala, and Tala didnt resist, even as the little woman walked them off the edge of the wagons roof.A mushroom sprang up under their feet and another as they progressed, each lower than the last, until they stood on the ground.Noelle looked back towards the wagons. You! Giant!Rane was, obviously, already staring at the two women, and he seemed utterly baffled by what was happening.Rane!He startled, then walked their way.Good boy. Weve a lot to discuss, including why your souls seem to be halfway in sync with each other. Ive been trying to synchronize mushroom souls for years.Tala gave her a puzzled look. Mushroomsouls? She decided to ignore the other bit.Noelle shrugged. Souls, spirits, magical underpinnings that allow for the defying of natural law. Take your pick.Tala opened her mouth to try to form a response, but Noelle snatched up Ranes arm with her free hand and took off at a brisk walk, towards the fungi-covered stump.Come, come. Theyll unload what needs unloading.As if at the words, Tala saw a dozen other Mages exiting the house-sized mushrooms before them. Oh, they actually are houses It was going to be a very odd evening.
