Chapter 155: Back in Bandfast
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Chapter 155: Back in Bandfast
Tala took a long couple of minutes to completely come down from the adrenaline released by the butchery shed just enacted.
Terry took that opportunity to devour the traditionally discarded parts of the corpses. He even went so far as to carefully splay open those that she hadnt already bisected and remove the innards cleanly. To do this, he used a talon almost like a gut hook, the rounded top facing inward to glide across the underlayers as the sharper point and interior laid the creature open. He cracked the sternums with casual ease.
After severing the esophagus, he grabbed that and pulled, dragging all the guts free before devouring them in their entirety.
The whole sequence was carried out with disturbing familiarity, once again demonstrating his monstrous strength and incredible dexterity.
Wait Terry, if you can do that, why did you devour so many of the slain in the forest? When we went out to hunt.
He regarded her for a long moment, then trilled, gave an avian shrug, and went on to the next fallen beast.
Tala felt her eye twitch. You didnt know I wanted the bodies
He didnt look towards her but squawked in a way that conveyed that hed thought that obvious.
Dont think about it, Tala. That moneys gone and wont be coming back. She again watched him devour an animals guts.
That doesnt seem healthy Tala would have guessed that at least the stomachs and intestines would be bad to eat. At least what was in them.
But what did she know? Terry seemed to regularly ingest animals whole. He probably just processes the entirety into power somehow.
When he was done, and she was centered once more, Terry returned to stand before her, looking around at the six, massive carcasses laid out around them
He trilled questioningly.
What am I going to do with them?
He bobbed a nod.
She gave him a confused look. Terry dont you know?
He shook himself.
A grin stole over her face. Jerky, Terry. I want to increase our dwindling supply of jerky.
Terry froze in place, then looked around once more, taking time to stare at each downed thunder cow or bull. Finally, he trilled in happy triumph, almost seeming to dance in a circle.
Tala found herself laughing. Come on, we need to find a way of transporting these. She hesitated, then groaned. Im an idiot, again
Terry seemed quite pleased and continued to flit about, trilling and chirping.
Any ideas?
He stopped, looking between her and the carcasses. Finally, he flickered to her side and nuzzled Kit.
I could probably make that work, but Id have to cut them into basically long strips. She looked between the bodies and finally sighed. I can probably get them in fourths. Kit can open wide enough for that.
With no time to waste, Tala used Flow to carve the already bisected cow down until it was roughly as big around as Kits opening, and much, much longer.
She wouldnt have been able to do so, with a mundane tool, but Flow sliced through with little effort.
It took quite a bit of finagling to get the long quarters in, but she did it in the end.
Tala looked at the five other bodies in despair. All but one were larger than the cow shed just dealt with.
Terry let out a musical squawk, looking up the hill from which theyd looked down on the thunder cattle.
Tala turned to see a couple of mounted guards looking down on them. She waved up and shouted a greeting. Hello!
One waved back and shouted in return. Greetings, Mistress. Good hunting, I see. They rode the couple hundred feet down to her.
She glanced around herself at her acquisitions. Good hunting, indeed. She tilted her head in consideration. Is the caravan close?
Just a bit south, on the other side of this rise, Mistress.
Good, they kept to the anticipated path. Could you send for Master Rane? I need him, just briefly, to help transport these.
The sergeant with whom shed been speaking nodded and sent the other man to do just that.
You were sent to check up on me, yes?
Nothing so brash, Mistress. We were meant to see if you needed assistance.
Uh-huh. She cocked an eyebrow at the man.
And it seems that you did.
She let her eyebrow fall and forced a smile, stifling a grimace. Fair enough, sergeant. Thank you.
He gave a seated bow. Our pleasure to assist, Mistress.
* * *
They arrived at the outskirts of Bandfast just as the sun touched the far horizon, behind them. The light seemed to paint the walls a stunning red-ish orange.
The sight brought a smile to Talas lips, and she felt a bit of her tension slip away. We made it.
The trip through the farmlands was largely unremarkable. There was some work being done in the winter fields but not much. Most of what was being done was contained to the occasional greenhouse.
If Tala remembered correctly, there were a series of growing chambers under the city that operated year-round. I wonder if the entrances are out here, to keep the agriculture all linked, or in the city.
She could look into it, or ask, but she decided she didnt actually care that much.
Their arrival seemed to fall near the end of the workday, as many workers were coming from their tasks, and walking the road back to the city proper.
The familiar crack of defensive magics took an arcanous bird from the sky on the far side of the city, and Tala felt her smile widen.
Terry, for his part, was contentedly curled on her shoulder, showing no concern for the death of so similar a creature. Not that Tala expected him to care. If he gave any thought, I bet it was just a desire to eat it.
His collar was topped off and clearly still fully functional.
They rolled through the western city gate and turned into the nearest work-yard.
He shrugged, smiling a bit at that. It makes some sense, but weve still a lot we can learn from each other.
Undoubtedly, but if were going on the next route together, well have plenty of time for that on the road.
True.
Besides, theyll train with you too, dont forget. Mages who are willing to train with the Guard arent that common.
He nodded. True enough.
Well, then. See you, tomorrow?
Yeah. Midmorning? At the Guards compound we went to last time?
That sounds great. Tala gave him a quick hug goodbye, which he returned on reflex, and set off into the city.
Behind her, Rane stared after her, seeming mildly confused.
Huh, why did I do that? She shrugged. Whatever. To Lyn!
* * *
Tala stood in the darkened street, illuminated by well-spaced streetlights, staring at the large building, which stood less than a block from Lyns house, on the opposite side of the street.
Wasnt this whole block a park? She felt an odd pressure from the building, but that might have just been the mass of humanity crowded within and the light and noise spilling out onto the otherwise quiet, evening street. I suppose a tavern isnt that odd to see here, but I would have sworn that it wasnt
She shook her head, continuing on. Ill ask Lyn.
A couple of minutes later, and she was standing outside the familiar door. It was locked, but that was no barrier. Tala pulled out her key and opened the door, stepping inside. Lyn?
The lights were on, subtle magic flowing through the air along with the light. Thats a bit odd.
Lyn, are you here? She looked closer at the magical lights, and noticed that the light they emitted had a hit of magic lingering within. Like how magical fire carries a signature. Shed never really noticed it, before. Holly did say that my senses would continue to improve. Ill have to ask her, I suppose.
A thump, reminiscent of a heavy book being set down on a side-table preceded that of bare feet, running through the house. Tala? Lyn pulled to a halt just out of arms reach.
Tala frowned. Are you okay?
Lyn straightened a bit, cocking an eyebrow. Am I okay? She shook her head. You dont write. You dont send word. I had to find out about your delay in Makinaven third hand, Tala. She met Talas gaze, directly. Lyns eyes were filled with barely contained irritation. Im your guild contact, your landlord, and your friend.
Tala opened her mouth but found herself speechless. She was completely on the back foot. Shes right. IIm sorry, Lyn. Youre right. I should have let you know, somehow.
The older woman looked marginally shocked but didnt respond right away, so Tala continued.
Im planning on looking into Archive tablets, and that should let me communicate more effectively, going forwards. I truly am sorry. I didnt even consider letting you know, and I should have.
Lyn sighed and nodded, clearly still a bit frustrated, but not willing to press the issue.
Tala scratched the back of her head self-consciously. Then, an idea struck. Oh! Let me make you some tea. I got some in Makinaven, and I think youll like it.
The mention of tea seemed to lift Lyns mood. Ha! Tala, thats brilliant, and a cup sounds wonderful. Thank you. She stepped forward and gave Tala a hug.
Tala returned it, hesitantly. What is with the hugs, this evening?
I really did miss you, Tala. Lyn still sounded a bit frustrated, but Tala didnt doubt the sincerity of the sentiment.
And I you.
Lyn linked arms with Tala, drawing her into the sitting room.
Tala took a deep breath, reveling in the scent of the place. There wasnt anything specific that stood out, but it just smelled right.
So, will you need help selling the tea you brought back?
Tala gave her an odd look. What?
The tea. Do you already have a buyer, or will you need help?
I just bought tea for myself. Why would I have brought extra?
Lyn turned to regard her. Oh Tea is one of Makinavens primary exports. This season? Its easy to make a thirty to fifty percent profit, if you have the right buyers here. More if you sell it to end users yourself, but that takes time that I think you dont want to spend. You can make more with specific types or producers, less if its growing season, here.
Tala groaned. I even bought more for myself, as I was leaving. And I even have some money
Im sorry, Tala. We never really discussed possible trade-goods on your routes. Lyn patted her arm. Come, now. It wasnt something we were thinking of, because you wereless financially well off. It sounds like thats changed?
Tala shrugged. You could say that. She remembered recording her most recent payout.
Seventy gold, one-hundred and forty-eight silver, and fifty copper.
She shook her head in realization. One moment.
Tala pulled a small notebook from Kit and flipped to the furthest page with writing on it. I didnt carry over the conversion. Seventy-one gold, forty-eight silver, and fifty copper.
There. Sorry about that, I just realized that I neglected to do something. She sighed. I do have another payment due on my debts tomorrow, too.
Lyn gave a small smile and cocked an eyebrow.
Tala grinned. And I owe you twenty silver for this months rent. She grimaced, then. Do I owe any late fee, or anything?
Lyn laughed, taking a seat in one of the chairs. Lets have some tea and call it even. She hesitated. I mean, if thats alright. I dont mean that youre obligated to-
Tala held up a hand, smiling. That sounds wonderful. I want to hear whats been going on with you.
Lyn smiled in return, clearly relaxing a bit. Only if you tell me of your adventure, after.
That sounds wonderful.
The night wore on as the two friends spoke and spun tales. They laughed as the chamomile tea flowed, keeping throats wet and words flowing. After all, it took a lot to fully discuss their nearly two months apart.
In the end, they didnt get to their respective beds until after midnight.
It is good to be home.
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Chapter 155: Back in Bandfast
Tala took a long couple of minutes to completely come down from the adrenaline released by the butchery shed just enacted.
Terry took that opportunity to devour the traditionally discarded parts of the corpses. He even went so far as to carefully splay open those that she hadnt already bisected and remove the innards cleanly. To do this, he used a talon almost like a gut hook, the rounded top facing inward to glide across the underlayers as the sharper point and interior laid the creature open. He cracked the sternums with casual ease.
After severing the esophagus, he grabbed that and pulled, dragging all the guts free before devouring them in their entirety.
The whole sequence was carried out with disturbing familiarity, once again demonstrating his monstrous strength and incredible dexterity.
Wait Terry, if you can do that, why did you devour so many of the slain in the forest? When we went out to hunt.
He regarded her for a long moment, then trilled, gave an avian shrug, and went on to the next fallen beast.
Tala felt her eye twitch. You didnt know I wanted the bodies
He didnt look towards her but squawked in a way that conveyed that hed thought that obvious.
Dont think about it, Tala. That moneys gone and wont be coming back. She again watched him devour an animals guts.
That doesnt seem healthy Tala would have guessed that at least the stomachs and intestines would be bad to eat. At least what was in them.
But what did she know? Terry seemed to regularly ingest animals whole. He probably just processes the entirety into power somehow.
When he was done, and she was centered once more, Terry returned to stand before her, looking around at the six, massive carcasses laid out around them
He trilled questioningly.
What am I going to do with them?
He bobbed a nod.
She gave him a confused look. Terry dont you know?
He shook himself.
A grin stole over her face. Jerky, Terry. I want to increase our dwindling supply of jerky.
Terry froze in place, then looked around once more, taking time to stare at each downed thunder cow or bull. Finally, he trilled in happy triumph, almost seeming to dance in a circle.
Tala found herself laughing. Come on, we need to find a way of transporting these. She hesitated, then groaned. Im an idiot, again
Terry seemed quite pleased and continued to flit about, trilling and chirping.
Any ideas?
He stopped, looking between her and the carcasses. Finally, he flickered to her side and nuzzled Kit.
I could probably make that work, but Id have to cut them into basically long strips. She looked between the bodies and finally sighed. I can probably get them in fourths. Kit can open wide enough for that.
With no time to waste, Tala used Flow to carve the already bisected cow down until it was roughly as big around as Kits opening, and much, much longer.
She wouldnt have been able to do so, with a mundane tool, but Flow sliced through with little effort.
It took quite a bit of finagling to get the long quarters in, but she did it in the end.
Tala looked at the five other bodies in despair. All but one were larger than the cow shed just dealt with.
Terry let out a musical squawk, looking up the hill from which theyd looked down on the thunder cattle.
Tala turned to see a couple of mounted guards looking down on them. She waved up and shouted a greeting. Hello!
One waved back and shouted in return. Greetings, Mistress. Good hunting, I see. They rode the couple hundred feet down to her.
She glanced around herself at her acquisitions. Good hunting, indeed. She tilted her head in consideration. Is the caravan close?
Just a bit south, on the other side of this rise, Mistress.
Good, they kept to the anticipated path. Could you send for Master Rane? I need him, just briefly, to help transport these.
The sergeant with whom shed been speaking nodded and sent the other man to do just that.
You were sent to check up on me, yes?
Nothing so brash, Mistress. We were meant to see if you needed assistance.
Uh-huh. She cocked an eyebrow at the man.
And it seems that you did.
She let her eyebrow fall and forced a smile, stifling a grimace. Fair enough, sergeant. Thank you.
He gave a seated bow. Our pleasure to assist, Mistress.
* * *
They arrived at the outskirts of Bandfast just as the sun touched the far horizon, behind them. The light seemed to paint the walls a stunning red-ish orange.
The sight brought a smile to Talas lips, and she felt a bit of her tension slip away. We made it.
The trip through the farmlands was largely unremarkable. There was some work being done in the winter fields but not much. Most of what was being done was contained to the occasional greenhouse.
If Tala remembered correctly, there were a series of growing chambers under the city that operated year-round. I wonder if the entrances are out here, to keep the agriculture all linked, or in the city.
She could look into it, or ask, but she decided she didnt actually care that much.
Their arrival seemed to fall near the end of the workday, as many workers were coming from their tasks, and walking the road back to the city proper.
The familiar crack of defensive magics took an arcanous bird from the sky on the far side of the city, and Tala felt her smile widen.
Terry, for his part, was contentedly curled on her shoulder, showing no concern for the death of so similar a creature. Not that Tala expected him to care. If he gave any thought, I bet it was just a desire to eat it.
His collar was topped off and clearly still fully functional.
They rolled through the western city gate and turned into the nearest work-yard.
He shrugged, smiling a bit at that. It makes some sense, but weve still a lot we can learn from each other.
Undoubtedly, but if were going on the next route together, well have plenty of time for that on the road.
True.
Besides, theyll train with you too, dont forget. Mages who are willing to train with the Guard arent that common.
He nodded. True enough.
Well, then. See you, tomorrow?
Yeah. Midmorning? At the Guards compound we went to last time?
That sounds great. Tala gave him a quick hug goodbye, which he returned on reflex, and set off into the city.
Behind her, Rane stared after her, seeming mildly confused.
Huh, why did I do that? She shrugged. Whatever. To Lyn!
* * *
Tala stood in the darkened street, illuminated by well-spaced streetlights, staring at the large building, which stood less than a block from Lyns house, on the opposite side of the street.
Wasnt this whole block a park? She felt an odd pressure from the building, but that might have just been the mass of humanity crowded within and the light and noise spilling out onto the otherwise quiet, evening street. I suppose a tavern isnt that odd to see here, but I would have sworn that it wasnt
She shook her head, continuing on. Ill ask Lyn.
A couple of minutes later, and she was standing outside the familiar door. It was locked, but that was no barrier. Tala pulled out her key and opened the door, stepping inside. Lyn?
The lights were on, subtle magic flowing through the air along with the light. Thats a bit odd.
Lyn, are you here? She looked closer at the magical lights, and noticed that the light they emitted had a hit of magic lingering within. Like how magical fire carries a signature. Shed never really noticed it, before. Holly did say that my senses would continue to improve. Ill have to ask her, I suppose.
A thump, reminiscent of a heavy book being set down on a side-table preceded that of bare feet, running through the house. Tala? Lyn pulled to a halt just out of arms reach.
Tala frowned. Are you okay?
Lyn straightened a bit, cocking an eyebrow. Am I okay? She shook her head. You dont write. You dont send word. I had to find out about your delay in Makinaven third hand, Tala. She met Talas gaze, directly. Lyns eyes were filled with barely contained irritation. Im your guild contact, your landlord, and your friend.
Tala opened her mouth but found herself speechless. She was completely on the back foot. Shes right. IIm sorry, Lyn. Youre right. I should have let you know, somehow.
The older woman looked marginally shocked but didnt respond right away, so Tala continued.
Im planning on looking into Archive tablets, and that should let me communicate more effectively, going forwards. I truly am sorry. I didnt even consider letting you know, and I should have.
Lyn sighed and nodded, clearly still a bit frustrated, but not willing to press the issue.
Tala scratched the back of her head self-consciously. Then, an idea struck. Oh! Let me make you some tea. I got some in Makinaven, and I think youll like it.
The mention of tea seemed to lift Lyns mood. Ha! Tala, thats brilliant, and a cup sounds wonderful. Thank you. She stepped forward and gave Tala a hug.
Tala returned it, hesitantly. What is with the hugs, this evening?
I really did miss you, Tala. Lyn still sounded a bit frustrated, but Tala didnt doubt the sincerity of the sentiment.
And I you.
Lyn linked arms with Tala, drawing her into the sitting room.
Tala took a deep breath, reveling in the scent of the place. There wasnt anything specific that stood out, but it just smelled right.
So, will you need help selling the tea you brought back?
Tala gave her an odd look. What?
The tea. Do you already have a buyer, or will you need help?
I just bought tea for myself. Why would I have brought extra?
Lyn turned to regard her. Oh Tea is one of Makinavens primary exports. This season? Its easy to make a thirty to fifty percent profit, if you have the right buyers here. More if you sell it to end users yourself, but that takes time that I think you dont want to spend. You can make more with specific types or producers, less if its growing season, here.
Tala groaned. I even bought more for myself, as I was leaving. And I even have some money
Im sorry, Tala. We never really discussed possible trade-goods on your routes. Lyn patted her arm. Come, now. It wasnt something we were thinking of, because you wereless financially well off. It sounds like thats changed?
Tala shrugged. You could say that. She remembered recording her most recent payout.
Seventy gold, one-hundred and forty-eight silver, and fifty copper.
She shook her head in realization. One moment.
Tala pulled a small notebook from Kit and flipped to the furthest page with writing on it. I didnt carry over the conversion. Seventy-one gold, forty-eight silver, and fifty copper.
There. Sorry about that, I just realized that I neglected to do something. She sighed. I do have another payment due on my debts tomorrow, too.
Lyn gave a small smile and cocked an eyebrow.
Tala grinned. And I owe you twenty silver for this months rent. She grimaced, then. Do I owe any late fee, or anything?
Lyn laughed, taking a seat in one of the chairs. Lets have some tea and call it even. She hesitated. I mean, if thats alright. I dont mean that youre obligated to-
Tala held up a hand, smiling. That sounds wonderful. I want to hear whats been going on with you.
Lyn smiled in return, clearly relaxing a bit. Only if you tell me of your adventure, after.
That sounds wonderful.
The night wore on as the two friends spoke and spun tales. They laughed as the chamomile tea flowed, keeping throats wet and words flowing. After all, it took a lot to fully discuss their nearly two months apart.
In the end, they didnt get to their respective beds until after midnight.
It is good to be home.
Chapter 155: Back in BandfastTala took a long couple of minutes to completely come down from the adrenaline released by the butchery shed just enacted.Terry took that opportunity to devour the traditionally discarded parts of the corpses. He even went so far as to carefully splay open those that she hadnt already bisected and remove the innards cleanly. To do this, he used a talon almost like a gut hook, the rounded top facing inward to glide across the underlayers as the sharper point and interior laid the creature open. He cracked the sternums with casual ease.After severing the esophagus, he grabbed that and pulled, dragging all the guts free before devouring them in their entirety.The whole sequence was carried out with disturbing familiarity, once again demonstrating his monstrous strength and incredible dexterity.Wait Terry, if you can do that, why did you devour so many of the slain in the forest? When we went out to hunt.He regarded her for a long moment, then trilled, gave an avian shrug, and went on to the next fallen beast.Tala felt her eye twitch. You didnt know I wanted the bodiesHe didnt look towards her but squawked in a way that conveyed that hed thought that obvious.Dont think about it, Tala. That moneys gone and wont be coming back. She again watched him devour an animals guts.That doesnt seem healthy Tala would have guessed that at least the stomachs and intestines would be bad to eat. At least what was in them.But what did she know? Terry seemed to regularly ingest animals whole. He probably just processes the entirety into power somehow.When he was done, and she was centered once more, Terry returned to stand before her, looking around at the six, massive carcasses laid out around themHe trilled questioningly.What am I going to do with them?He bobbed a nod.She gave him a confused look. Terry dont you know?He shook himself.A grin stole over her face. Jerky, Terry. I want to increase our dwindling supply of jerky.Terry froze in place, then looked around once more, taking time to stare at each downed thunder cow or bull. Finally, he trilled in happy triumph, almost seeming to dance in a circle.Tala found herself laughing. Come on, we need to find a way of transporting these. She hesitated, then groaned. Im an idiot, againTerry seemed quite pleased and continued to flit about, trilling and chirping.Any ideas?He stopped, looking between her and the carcasses. Finally, he flickered to her side and nuzzled Kit.I could probably make that work, but Id have to cut them into basically long strips. She looked between the bodies and finally sighed. I can probably get them in fourths. Kit can open wide enough for that.With no time to waste, Tala used Flow to carve the already bisected cow down until it was roughly as big around as Kits opening, and much, much longer.She wouldnt have been able to do so, with a mundane tool, but Flow sliced through with little effort.It took quite a bit of finagling to get the long quarters in, but she did it in the end.Tala looked at the five other bodies in despair. All but one were larger than the cow shed just dealt with.Terry let out a musical squawk, looking up the hill from which theyd looked down on the thunder cattle.Tala turned to see a couple of mounted guards looking down on them. She waved up and shouted a greeting. Hello!One waved back and shouted in return. Greetings, Mistress. Good hunting, I see. They rode the couple hundred feet down to her.She glanced around herself at her acquisitions. Good hunting, indeed. She tilted her head in consideration. Is the caravan close?Just a bit south, on the other side of this rise, Mistress.Good, they kept to the anticipated path. Could you send for Master Rane? I need him, just briefly, to help transport these.The sergeant with whom shed been speaking nodded and sent the other man to do just that.You were sent to check up on me, yes?Nothing so brash, Mistress. We were meant to see if you needed assistance.Uh-huh. She cocked an eyebrow at the man.And it seems that you did.She let her eyebrow fall and forced a smile, stifling a grimace. Fair enough, sergeant. Thank you.He gave a seated bow. Our pleasure to assist, Mistress.* * *They arrived at the outskirts of Bandfast just as the sun touched the far horizon, behind them. The light seemed to paint the walls a stunning red-ish orange.The sight brought a smile to Talas lips, and she felt a bit of her tension slip away. We made it.The trip through the farmlands was largely unremarkable. There was some work being done in the winter fields but not much. Most of what was being done was contained to the occasional greenhouse.If Tala remembered correctly, there were a series of growing chambers under the city that operated year-round. I wonder if the entrances are out here, to keep the agriculture all linked, or in the city.She could look into it, or ask, but she decided she didnt actually care that much.Their arrival seemed to fall near the end of the workday, as many workers were coming from their tasks, and walking the road back to the city proper.The familiar crack of defensive magics took an arcanous bird from the sky on the far side of the city, and Tala felt her smile widen.Terry, for his part, was contentedly curled on her shoulder, showing no concern for the death of so similar a creature. Not that Tala expected him to care. If he gave any thought, I bet it was just a desire to eat it.His collar was topped off and clearly still fully functional.They rolled through the western city gate and turned into the nearest work-yard.He shrugged, smiling a bit at that. It makes some sense, but weve still a lot we can learn from each other.Undoubtedly, but if were going on the next route together, well have plenty of time for that on the road.True.Besides, theyll train with you too, dont forget. Mages who are willing to train with the Guard arent that common.He nodded. True enough.Well, then. See you, tomorrow?Yeah. Midmorning? At the Guards compound we went to last time?That sounds great. Tala gave him a quick hug goodbye, which he returned on reflex, and set off into the city.Behind her, Rane stared after her, seeming mildly confused.Huh, why did I do that? She shrugged. Whatever. To Lyn!* * *Tala stood in the darkened street, illuminated by well-spaced streetlights, staring at the large building, which stood less than a block from Lyns house, on the opposite side of the street.Wasnt this whole block a park? She felt an odd pressure from the building, but that might have just been the mass of humanity crowded within and the light and noise spilling out onto the otherwise quiet, evening street. I suppose a tavern isnt that odd to see here, but I would have sworn that it wasntShe shook her head, continuing on. Ill ask Lyn.A couple of minutes later, and she was standing outside the familiar door. It was locked, but that was no barrier. Tala pulled out her key and opened the door, stepping inside. Lyn?The lights were on, subtle magic flowing through the air along with the light. Thats a bit odd.Lyn, are you here? She looked closer at the magical lights, and noticed that the light they emitted had a hit of magic lingering within. Like how magical fire carries a signature. Shed never really noticed it, before. Holly did say that my senses would continue to improve. Ill have to ask her, I suppose.A thump, reminiscent of a heavy book being set down on a side-table preceded that of bare feet, running through the house. Tala? Lyn pulled to a halt just out of arms reach.Tala frowned. Are you okay?Lyn straightened a bit, cocking an eyebrow. Am I okay? She shook her head. You dont write. You dont send word. I had to find out about your delay in Makinaven third hand, Tala. She met Talas gaze, directly. Lyns eyes were filled with barely contained irritation. Im your guild contact, your landlord, and your friend.Tala opened her mouth but found herself speechless. She was completely on the back foot. Shes right. IIm sorry, Lyn. Youre right. I should have let you know, somehow.The older woman looked marginally shocked but didnt respond right away, so Tala continued.Im planning on looking into Archive tablets, and that should let me communicate more effectively, going forwards. I truly am sorry. I didnt even consider letting you know, and I should have.Lyn sighed and nodded, clearly still a bit frustrated, but not willing to press the issue.Tala scratched the back of her head self-consciously. Then, an idea struck. Oh! Let me make you some tea. I got some in Makinaven, and I think youll like it.The mention of tea seemed to lift Lyns mood. Ha! Tala, thats brilliant, and a cup sounds wonderful. Thank you. She stepped forward and gave Tala a hug.Tala returned it, hesitantly. What is with the hugs, this evening?I really did miss you, Tala. Lyn still sounded a bit frustrated, but Tala didnt doubt the sincerity of the sentiment.And I you.Lyn linked arms with Tala, drawing her into the sitting room.Tala took a deep breath, reveling in the scent of the place. There wasnt anything specific that stood out, but it just smelled right.So, will you need help selling the tea you brought back?Tala gave her an odd look. What?The tea. Do you already have a buyer, or will you need help?I just bought tea for myself. Why would I have brought extra?Lyn turned to regard her. Oh Tea is one of Makinavens primary exports. This season? Its easy to make a thirty to fifty percent profit, if you have the right buyers here. More if you sell it to end users yourself, but that takes time that I think you dont want to spend. You can make more with specific types or producers, less if its growing season, here.Tala groaned. I even bought more for myself, as I was leaving. And I even have some moneyIm sorry, Tala. We never really discussed possible trade-goods on your routes. Lyn patted her arm. Come, now. It wasnt something we were thinking of, because you wereless financially well off. It sounds like thats changed?Tala shrugged. You could say that. She remembered recording her most recent payout.Seventy gold, one-hundred and forty-eight silver, and fifty copper.She shook her head in realization. One moment.Tala pulled a small notebook from Kit and flipped to the furthest page with writing on it. I didnt carry over the conversion. Seventy-one gold, forty-eight silver, and fifty copper.There. Sorry about that, I just realized that I neglected to do something. She sighed. I do have another payment due on my debts tomorrow, too.Lyn gave a small smile and cocked an eyebrow.Tala grinned. And I owe you twenty silver for this months rent. She grimaced, then. Do I owe any late fee, or anything?Lyn laughed, taking a seat in one of the chairs. Lets have some tea and call it even. She hesitated. I mean, if thats alright. I dont mean that youre obligated to-Tala held up a hand, smiling. That sounds wonderful. I want to hear whats been going on with you.Lyn smiled in return, clearly relaxing a bit. Only if you tell me of your adventure, after.That sounds wonderful.The night wore on as the two friends spoke and spun tales. They laughed as the chamomile tea flowed, keeping throats wet and words flowing. After all, it took a lot to fully discuss their nearly two months apart.In the end, they didnt get to their respective beds until after midnight.It is good to be home.
