Chapter 152: Restraining Crush
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Chapter 152: Restraining Crush
Tala continued cursing herself as she was whipped backwards.
She did, however, pause her inner tirade for an instant chuckle. Ha, whipped backwards. Because Im being pulled by a whip.
She jerked to a stop, and back to the matter at hand, and immediately began moving forward after Terry, her anchor preventing her from getting any further from her partners collar and the dimensional anchor affixed there.
The strain was too great on the juggernauts weapon, and the woven length of vines frayed and shattered behind her, just leaving the length wrapped around her waist.
Tala, once again, slammed into the ground face first, her mind overcome with nausea.
Terry trilled, and Talas enhanced hearing heard him slide to a halt and juke back her way.
Because of that, her dimensional sliding came to a quick end.
That wasunideal.
Even so, she still had enemies bearing down upon her from behind. She needed to keep moving.
With a great effort of will, she pushed herself back up to stand on her own two feet, or at least, she tried.
The portion of the vine-whip that had wrapped around her was now anchored deeply into the ground, seemingly growing roots, even as it spread across her. Even with her enhanced strength, she was stuck fast.
Trapped as she was, Tala still wasnt helpless against the Leshkin who were almost upon her.
Her sphere slammed into a lessers chest, knocking it back, as her rod tripped up a warrior only a handful of feet from her.
With Flow in the form of a knife, Tala sliced across herself with almost frenzied abandon, feeling her ending power drain to defend from each cut, followed by the distinct magical signature of the elk leathers expending power to pull back together.
The vines, also, continued to grow, even as the cuts tried to pull back together. Thankfully, the heat of Flows blade, even in knife form, had somewhat cauterized the vegetation, making it much more difficult for the plant to regenerate.
Get Cut, slash, flail. FREE!
She was finally able to jerk herself out of the suffocating vines, and she stumbled upright.
Terry almost tackled her from behind, knocking her onto his back once again.
She barely caught his collar and righted herself as the avian veered to the side, and away from the jagged wave of oncoming enemies.
Blessedly, Terry was able to steer back northward, circumnavigating the screaming mini hoard.
Now on the lookout for it, Tala was able to intercept, or otherwise thwart, a myriad of thrown, or otherwise long range, attacks.
Terry outright dodged any thrown Leshkin while barely slowing.
In a couple of instances, Tala felt dimensional energies build within her friend, but they always faded without him flickering away to leave her to her fate.
His instincts are telling him to abandon me, but hes not leaving.
She suppressed the wetness in her eyes. Now was hardly the time for sentiment, and blurry vision could well get them both killed. Still, she could do nothing about the grin tugging at her face.
Despite everything, she was still keeping a tight rein on her aura, only letting it extend in specific places to allow for the manipulation of her bloodstars.
Something deep within her made her feel that it was utterly imperative to keep her aura restrained and under her control. Wisdom prevailed as she continued to listen to that deep something. If help is coming from Rane or the caravan, theyll have to find another way to find me than tracking my aura.
They were making a lot of noise, between them and their pursuers, as Tala and Terry continued their skirmishing retreat, circling north as much as possible. They can probably hear this ruckus from miles off
She really hoped that nothing else would follow that sound and find them, adding to the complexity of the situation.
Finally, when the inside edge of the tree line was in sight and the gloriously brilliant, snow-covered grasslands were before them, their progress hit a snag of monstrous proportions.
Two juggernauts slammed into the ground directly in their way, blocking the narrow path between two trees just a hundred yards in front of them.
Not seeming fazed in the slightest by their ballistic impacts, the two vaulted to their feet, weapons at the ready. Each held a tower shield that was actually on the small side for them, while still being just taller than Tala, while she rode on Terry.
The one to Talas right wielded a greathammer one-handed that was large enough that it would easily have required Rane to use two hands. The other pointed at her with a flanged mace of dark, dense wood, clearly a gesture of violent intent.
Her first thought? I want those weapons for Flow. It was an odd, disjointed thought, as shed not focused on that when surrounded by juggernaut weapons. It was probably because she was nearing the end of her mental endurance, and her thoughts were becoming less directed.
Her second thought? I really want to survive this The significance of that thought didnt register in the slightest as she immediately began mentally scrambling for a way out.
Terry could change direction and take them away, once again. After that, they could try to circle around once more, but she had no idea if it would work, or if they were being shunted towards more Leshkin or some other threat to the east.
The avian couldnt fight a juggernaut safely, and Tala certainly couldnt bypass them on her own. Hes not dying for me, not if I can help it.
She could throw her anchor once again, but given the level of intelligence the Leshkin were demonstrating this time around, they might just snatch the empowered item from the air, and shed be well and truly trapped.
She had a brief mental tableau of a juggernaut holding her anchor in one hand, while the other slammed its massive weapon into her again and again in an endless cycle until her magic ran out, and she was pulverized for the last time. I wonder how many that would actually be? Twice? Three full body heals? It probably wouldnt be more than that. I suppose it depends on the exact nature of the damage.
But she was getting distracted in a moment where she couldnt afford distraction. She did have one idea. It was out there, but it meshed with her understanding of her own magics too well not to try.
Well, lets do this, then.
Straight on, Terry. I need to try something. I think it will help get us out.
The Leshkin had turned back a few hundred yards past the tree line. So, they had escaped from their erstwhile pursuers.
The Leshkin withdrawal hadnt been a hard stop. Instead, one by one, theyd slowed down and eventually turned around to return to the forest, until the few that were still following were taken out by the Guards precise shooting.
But that was past now.
Tala was free of that ghastly forest. Im not going back. Not for a long, long time.
Shed be sad to miss out on seeing Jevin. But hell come out in 60? Yeah, sixty years or so. I can see him then.
It would definitely be better for everyone if she stayed out of that forest. At least until I can deal with Leshkin much more efficiently.
Are you ok? Ranes voice was soft but reached her easily from where he sat, cross legged, a few feet away.
Tala grunted. I think I will be. Hows the caravan?
All the Leshkin followed you. We sustained a few injuries as they departed, but not too many.
Carl?
He was mostly unharmed, but he was just trying to sit up as one of the last knights ran past. Its foot clipped the side of his head just wrong and
Talas eyes widened. Carls dead?
Ranes own eyes widened in turn. Oh! No, it just caught on his skin anddamaged it.
She frowned then. Will he be ok?
He should be, a couple of the other guards were able to grab him, then, and get him in the chuckwagon. They got the flap back in place and applied cold pressure. It should be alright until Mistress Odera wakes up. She should be able to sort him with ease.
Having your face ripped off. Tala shuddered. It put her own pain in perspective.
still didnt make it hurt less, though.
She tentatively poked at her chest, wincing at the pain.
Shed burned through her ending berry power without even realizing it, and though her inscriptions were actively working to break down the destroyed flesh and replace it with new, healthy tissue, burn wounds were notoriously hard to heal no matter the means, magical or mundane.
Rane cleared his throat and asked again. Are you sure youre going to be alright? Ive never seen you take this long to recover from something.
She grimaced. Seems that fire wins again. Stupid element. It hadnt even been fire, not really.
Fire?
Fine, fires proxy, heat.
Does it have something to do with what you did to the two juggernauts? I dont think Ive seen you use that working before.
She sighed and gave him a brief explanation.
Huh. Well, Im not surprised that it worked.
She cocked her head. Really? Not going to chastise me for doing something incredibly foolish or the like?
Hmm? No. Guides patching together spell-forms is a time-honored tradition in the heat of battle. The more experienced Mages can pull it off with little in the way of side-effects, but your consequences are in the vein of what a first attempt should produce.
She grunted. Well, Im finally average at something. She huffed a laugh.
Whats so funny?
Of all the things for me to be average at. She shook her head.
He grinned back. Well, youre alive. His smile took on more of a mischievous glint. And I have quite a few harvests for us to work with. He patted the large canvas sack on the ground beside him. I think there are a couple greatswords in here, that I can meld with Force for a bit of added magical weight. If we split the loot, Im happy to give you the other part of my share- he seemed to stumble over what he was going to say before catching himself and continuing, for a reasonable price.
She nodded. Thats right you wont just give it to me. That sounds reasonable. I think I might have a use for the armor, too. She hesitated, then laughed. I can probably use most of it, unfortunately. Id love to sell it, to get a better payout.
Dont be too sad, the Protection payout should be close to what it was for each of us, last time. Fewer injuries, no deaths, but overall fewer beasts beaten back.
She shook her head. Hard to believe that that was fewer.
More concentrated. That makes it seem worse. After a moment, he shrugged. I suppose the next two days could bring anything, though.
Tala sighed and pushed herself upright.
Terry flickered to her shoulder without otherwise seeming to move.
She scratched his head and whispered to him. Thank you, my friend. You really saved me, today.
He trilled softly and nuzzled her in return, without opening his eyes.
Louder, she addressed Rane. We should get back to the caravan.
Rane stood, offering her a hand. Thats probably a good idea.
Tala let him assist her in standing. She was exhausted. Lead the way, Master Rane.
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Chapter 152: Restraining Crush
Tala continued cursing herself as she was whipped backwards.
She did, however, pause her inner tirade for an instant chuckle. Ha, whipped backwards. Because Im being pulled by a whip.
She jerked to a stop, and back to the matter at hand, and immediately began moving forward after Terry, her anchor preventing her from getting any further from her partners collar and the dimensional anchor affixed there.
The strain was too great on the juggernauts weapon, and the woven length of vines frayed and shattered behind her, just leaving the length wrapped around her waist.
Tala, once again, slammed into the ground face first, her mind overcome with nausea.
Terry trilled, and Talas enhanced hearing heard him slide to a halt and juke back her way.
Because of that, her dimensional sliding came to a quick end.
That wasunideal.
Even so, she still had enemies bearing down upon her from behind. She needed to keep moving.
With a great effort of will, she pushed herself back up to stand on her own two feet, or at least, she tried.
The portion of the vine-whip that had wrapped around her was now anchored deeply into the ground, seemingly growing roots, even as it spread across her. Even with her enhanced strength, she was stuck fast.
Trapped as she was, Tala still wasnt helpless against the Leshkin who were almost upon her.
Her sphere slammed into a lessers chest, knocking it back, as her rod tripped up a warrior only a handful of feet from her.
With Flow in the form of a knife, Tala sliced across herself with almost frenzied abandon, feeling her ending power drain to defend from each cut, followed by the distinct magical signature of the elk leathers expending power to pull back together.
The vines, also, continued to grow, even as the cuts tried to pull back together. Thankfully, the heat of Flows blade, even in knife form, had somewhat cauterized the vegetation, making it much more difficult for the plant to regenerate.
Get Cut, slash, flail. FREE!
She was finally able to jerk herself out of the suffocating vines, and she stumbled upright.
Terry almost tackled her from behind, knocking her onto his back once again.
She barely caught his collar and righted herself as the avian veered to the side, and away from the jagged wave of oncoming enemies.
Blessedly, Terry was able to steer back northward, circumnavigating the screaming mini hoard.
Now on the lookout for it, Tala was able to intercept, or otherwise thwart, a myriad of thrown, or otherwise long range, attacks.
Terry outright dodged any thrown Leshkin while barely slowing.
In a couple of instances, Tala felt dimensional energies build within her friend, but they always faded without him flickering away to leave her to her fate.
His instincts are telling him to abandon me, but hes not leaving.
She suppressed the wetness in her eyes. Now was hardly the time for sentiment, and blurry vision could well get them both killed. Still, she could do nothing about the grin tugging at her face.
Despite everything, she was still keeping a tight rein on her aura, only letting it extend in specific places to allow for the manipulation of her bloodstars.
Something deep within her made her feel that it was utterly imperative to keep her aura restrained and under her control. Wisdom prevailed as she continued to listen to that deep something. If help is coming from Rane or the caravan, theyll have to find another way to find me than tracking my aura.
They were making a lot of noise, between them and their pursuers, as Tala and Terry continued their skirmishing retreat, circling north as much as possible. They can probably hear this ruckus from miles off
She really hoped that nothing else would follow that sound and find them, adding to the complexity of the situation.
Finally, when the inside edge of the tree line was in sight and the gloriously brilliant, snow-covered grasslands were before them, their progress hit a snag of monstrous proportions.
Two juggernauts slammed into the ground directly in their way, blocking the narrow path between two trees just a hundred yards in front of them.
Not seeming fazed in the slightest by their ballistic impacts, the two vaulted to their feet, weapons at the ready. Each held a tower shield that was actually on the small side for them, while still being just taller than Tala, while she rode on Terry.
The one to Talas right wielded a greathammer one-handed that was large enough that it would easily have required Rane to use two hands. The other pointed at her with a flanged mace of dark, dense wood, clearly a gesture of violent intent.
Her first thought? I want those weapons for Flow. It was an odd, disjointed thought, as shed not focused on that when surrounded by juggernaut weapons. It was probably because she was nearing the end of her mental endurance, and her thoughts were becoming less directed.
Her second thought? I really want to survive this The significance of that thought didnt register in the slightest as she immediately began mentally scrambling for a way out.
Terry could change direction and take them away, once again. After that, they could try to circle around once more, but she had no idea if it would work, or if they were being shunted towards more Leshkin or some other threat to the east.
The avian couldnt fight a juggernaut safely, and Tala certainly couldnt bypass them on her own. Hes not dying for me, not if I can help it.
She could throw her anchor once again, but given the level of intelligence the Leshkin were demonstrating this time around, they might just snatch the empowered item from the air, and shed be well and truly trapped.
She had a brief mental tableau of a juggernaut holding her anchor in one hand, while the other slammed its massive weapon into her again and again in an endless cycle until her magic ran out, and she was pulverized for the last time. I wonder how many that would actually be? Twice? Three full body heals? It probably wouldnt be more than that. I suppose it depends on the exact nature of the damage.
But she was getting distracted in a moment where she couldnt afford distraction. She did have one idea. It was out there, but it meshed with her understanding of her own magics too well not to try.
Well, lets do this, then.
Straight on, Terry. I need to try something. I think it will help get us out.
The Leshkin had turned back a few hundred yards past the tree line. So, they had escaped from their erstwhile pursuers.
The Leshkin withdrawal hadnt been a hard stop. Instead, one by one, theyd slowed down and eventually turned around to return to the forest, until the few that were still following were taken out by the Guards precise shooting.
But that was past now.
Tala was free of that ghastly forest. Im not going back. Not for a long, long time.
Shed be sad to miss out on seeing Jevin. But hell come out in 60? Yeah, sixty years or so. I can see him then.
It would definitely be better for everyone if she stayed out of that forest. At least until I can deal with Leshkin much more efficiently.
Are you ok? Ranes voice was soft but reached her easily from where he sat, cross legged, a few feet away.
Tala grunted. I think I will be. Hows the caravan?
All the Leshkin followed you. We sustained a few injuries as they departed, but not too many.
Carl?
He was mostly unharmed, but he was just trying to sit up as one of the last knights ran past. Its foot clipped the side of his head just wrong and
Talas eyes widened. Carls dead?
Ranes own eyes widened in turn. Oh! No, it just caught on his skin anddamaged it.
She frowned then. Will he be ok?
He should be, a couple of the other guards were able to grab him, then, and get him in the chuckwagon. They got the flap back in place and applied cold pressure. It should be alright until Mistress Odera wakes up. She should be able to sort him with ease.
Having your face ripped off. Tala shuddered. It put her own pain in perspective.
still didnt make it hurt less, though.
She tentatively poked at her chest, wincing at the pain.
Shed burned through her ending berry power without even realizing it, and though her inscriptions were actively working to break down the destroyed flesh and replace it with new, healthy tissue, burn wounds were notoriously hard to heal no matter the means, magical or mundane.
Rane cleared his throat and asked again. Are you sure youre going to be alright? Ive never seen you take this long to recover from something.
She grimaced. Seems that fire wins again. Stupid element. It hadnt even been fire, not really.
Fire?
Fine, fires proxy, heat.
Does it have something to do with what you did to the two juggernauts? I dont think Ive seen you use that working before.
She sighed and gave him a brief explanation.
Huh. Well, Im not surprised that it worked.
She cocked her head. Really? Not going to chastise me for doing something incredibly foolish or the like?
Hmm? No. Guides patching together spell-forms is a time-honored tradition in the heat of battle. The more experienced Mages can pull it off with little in the way of side-effects, but your consequences are in the vein of what a first attempt should produce.
She grunted. Well, Im finally average at something. She huffed a laugh.
Whats so funny?
Of all the things for me to be average at. She shook her head.
He grinned back. Well, youre alive. His smile took on more of a mischievous glint. And I have quite a few harvests for us to work with. He patted the large canvas sack on the ground beside him. I think there are a couple greatswords in here, that I can meld with Force for a bit of added magical weight. If we split the loot, Im happy to give you the other part of my share- he seemed to stumble over what he was going to say before catching himself and continuing, for a reasonable price.
She nodded. Thats right you wont just give it to me. That sounds reasonable. I think I might have a use for the armor, too. She hesitated, then laughed. I can probably use most of it, unfortunately. Id love to sell it, to get a better payout.
Dont be too sad, the Protection payout should be close to what it was for each of us, last time. Fewer injuries, no deaths, but overall fewer beasts beaten back.
She shook her head. Hard to believe that that was fewer.
More concentrated. That makes it seem worse. After a moment, he shrugged. I suppose the next two days could bring anything, though.
Tala sighed and pushed herself upright.
Terry flickered to her shoulder without otherwise seeming to move.
She scratched his head and whispered to him. Thank you, my friend. You really saved me, today.
He trilled softly and nuzzled her in return, without opening his eyes.
Louder, she addressed Rane. We should get back to the caravan.
Rane stood, offering her a hand. Thats probably a good idea.
Tala let him assist her in standing. She was exhausted. Lead the way, Master Rane.
Chapter 152: Restraining CrushTala continued cursing herself as she was whipped backwards.She did, however, pause her inner tirade for an instant chuckle. Ha, whipped backwards. Because Im being pulled by a whip.She jerked to a stop, and back to the matter at hand, and immediately began moving forward after Terry, her anchor preventing her from getting any further from her partners collar and the dimensional anchor affixed there.The strain was too great on the juggernauts weapon, and the woven length of vines frayed and shattered behind her, just leaving the length wrapped around her waist.Tala, once again, slammed into the ground face first, her mind overcome with nausea.Terry trilled, and Talas enhanced hearing heard him slide to a halt and juke back her way.Because of that, her dimensional sliding came to a quick end.That wasunideal.Even so, she still had enemies bearing down upon her from behind. She needed to keep moving.With a great effort of will, she pushed herself back up to stand on her own two feet, or at least, she tried.The portion of the vine-whip that had wrapped around her was now anchored deeply into the ground, seemingly growing roots, even as it spread across her. Even with her enhanced strength, she was stuck fast.Trapped as she was, Tala still wasnt helpless against the Leshkin who were almost upon her.Her sphere slammed into a lessers chest, knocking it back, as her rod tripped up a warrior only a handful of feet from her.With Flow in the form of a knife, Tala sliced across herself with almost frenzied abandon, feeling her ending power drain to defend from each cut, followed by the distinct magical signature of the elk leathers expending power to pull back together.The vines, also, continued to grow, even as the cuts tried to pull back together. Thankfully, the heat of Flows blade, even in knife form, had somewhat cauterized the vegetation, making it much more difficult for the plant to regenerate.Get Cut, slash, flail. FREE!She was finally able to jerk herself out of the suffocating vines, and she stumbled upright.Terry almost tackled her from behind, knocking her onto his back once again.She barely caught his collar and righted herself as the avian veered to the side, and away from the jagged wave of oncoming enemies.Blessedly, Terry was able to steer back northward, circumnavigating the screaming mini hoard.Now on the lookout for it, Tala was able to intercept, or otherwise thwart, a myriad of thrown, or otherwise long range, attacks.Terry outright dodged any thrown Leshkin while barely slowing.In a couple of instances, Tala felt dimensional energies build within her friend, but they always faded without him flickering away to leave her to her fate.His instincts are telling him to abandon me, but hes not leaving.She suppressed the wetness in her eyes. Now was hardly the time for sentiment, and blurry vision could well get them both killed. Still, she could do nothing about the grin tugging at her face.Despite everything, she was still keeping a tight rein on her aura, only letting it extend in specific places to allow for the manipulation of her bloodstars.Something deep within her made her feel that it was utterly imperative to keep her aura restrained and under her control. Wisdom prevailed as she continued to listen to that deep something. If help is coming from Rane or the caravan, theyll have to find another way to find me than tracking my aura.They were making a lot of noise, between them and their pursuers, as Tala and Terry continued their skirmishing retreat, circling north as much as possible. They can probably hear this ruckus from miles offShe really hoped that nothing else would follow that sound and find them, adding to the complexity of the situation.Finally, when the inside edge of the tree line was in sight and the gloriously brilliant, snow-covered grasslands were before them, their progress hit a snag of monstrous proportions.Two juggernauts slammed into the ground directly in their way, blocking the narrow path between two trees just a hundred yards in front of them.Not seeming fazed in the slightest by their ballistic impacts, the two vaulted to their feet, weapons at the ready. Each held a tower shield that was actually on the small side for them, while still being just taller than Tala, while she rode on Terry.The one to Talas right wielded a greathammer one-handed that was large enough that it would easily have required Rane to use two hands. The other pointed at her with a flanged mace of dark, dense wood, clearly a gesture of violent intent.Her first thought? I want those weapons for Flow. It was an odd, disjointed thought, as shed not focused on that when surrounded by juggernaut weapons. It was probably because she was nearing the end of her mental endurance, and her thoughts were becoming less directed.Her second thought? I really want to survive this The significance of that thought didnt register in the slightest as she immediately began mentally scrambling for a way out.Terry could change direction and take them away, once again. After that, they could try to circle around once more, but she had no idea if it would work, or if they were being shunted towards more Leshkin or some other threat to the east.The avian couldnt fight a juggernaut safely, and Tala certainly couldnt bypass them on her own. Hes not dying for me, not if I can help it.She could throw her anchor once again, but given the level of intelligence the Leshkin were demonstrating this time around, they might just snatch the empowered item from the air, and shed be well and truly trapped.She had a brief mental tableau of a juggernaut holding her anchor in one hand, while the other slammed its massive weapon into her again and again in an endless cycle until her magic ran out, and she was pulverized for the last time. I wonder how many that would actually be? Twice? Three full body heals? It probably wouldnt be more than that. I suppose it depends on the exact nature of the damage.But she was getting distracted in a moment where she couldnt afford distraction. She did have one idea. It was out there, but it meshed with her understanding of her own magics too well not to try.Well, lets do this, then.Straight on, Terry. I need to try something. I think it will help get us out.The Leshkin had turned back a few hundred yards past the tree line. So, they had escaped from their erstwhile pursuers.The Leshkin withdrawal hadnt been a hard stop. Instead, one by one, theyd slowed down and eventually turned around to return to the forest, until the few that were still following were taken out by the Guards precise shooting.But that was past now.Tala was free of that ghastly forest. Im not going back. Not for a long, long time.Shed be sad to miss out on seeing Jevin. But hell come out in 60? Yeah, sixty years or so. I can see him then.It would definitely be better for everyone if she stayed out of that forest. At least until I can deal with Leshkin much more efficiently.Are you ok? Ranes voice was soft but reached her easily from where he sat, cross legged, a few feet away.Tala grunted. I think I will be. Hows the caravan?All the Leshkin followed you. We sustained a few injuries as they departed, but not too many.Carl?He was mostly unharmed, but he was just trying to sit up as one of the last knights ran past. Its foot clipped the side of his head just wrong andTalas eyes widened. Carls dead?Ranes own eyes widened in turn. Oh! No, it just caught on his skin anddamaged it.She frowned then. Will he be ok?He should be, a couple of the other guards were able to grab him, then, and get him in the chuckwagon. They got the flap back in place and applied cold pressure. It should be alright until Mistress Odera wakes up. She should be able to sort him with ease.Having your face ripped off. Tala shuddered. It put her own pain in perspective.still didnt make it hurt less, though.She tentatively poked at her chest, wincing at the pain.Shed burned through her ending berry power without even realizing it, and though her inscriptions were actively working to break down the destroyed flesh and replace it with new, healthy tissue, burn wounds were notoriously hard to heal no matter the means, magical or mundane.Rane cleared his throat and asked again. Are you sure youre going to be alright? Ive never seen you take this long to recover from something.She grimaced. Seems that fire wins again. Stupid element. It hadnt even been fire, not really.Fire?Fine, fires proxy, heat.Does it have something to do with what you did to the two juggernauts? I dont think Ive seen you use that working before.She sighed and gave him a brief explanation.Huh. Well, Im not surprised that it worked.She cocked her head. Really? Not going to chastise me for doing something incredibly foolish or the like?Hmm? No. Guides patching together spell-forms is a time-honored tradition in the heat of battle. The more experienced Mages can pull it off with little in the way of side-effects, but your consequences are in the vein of what a first attempt should produce.She grunted. Well, Im finally average at something. She huffed a laugh.Whats so funny?Of all the things for me to be average at. She shook her head.He grinned back. Well, youre alive. His smile took on more of a mischievous glint. And I have quite a few harvests for us to work with. He patted the large canvas sack on the ground beside him. I think there are a couple greatswords in here, that I can meld with Force for a bit of added magical weight. If we split the loot, Im happy to give you the other part of my share- he seemed to stumble over what he was going to say before catching himself and continuing, for a reasonable price.She nodded. Thats right you wont just give it to me. That sounds reasonable. I think I might have a use for the armor, too. She hesitated, then laughed. I can probably use most of it, unfortunately. Id love to sell it, to get a better payout.Dont be too sad, the Protection payout should be close to what it was for each of us, last time. Fewer injuries, no deaths, but overall fewer beasts beaten back.She shook her head. Hard to believe that that was fewer.More concentrated. That makes it seem worse. After a moment, he shrugged. I suppose the next two days could bring anything, though.Tala sighed and pushed herself upright.Terry flickered to her shoulder without otherwise seeming to move.She scratched his head and whispered to him. Thank you, my friend. You really saved me, today.He trilled softly and nuzzled her in return, without opening his eyes.Louder, she addressed Rane. We should get back to the caravan.Rane stood, offering her a hand. Thats probably a good idea.Tala let him assist her in standing. She was exhausted. Lead the way, Master Rane.
