Chapter 166: Brutal
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Chapter 166: Brutal
Tala and Rane walked over to one side of the Mages training area and through a door before walking up a flight of stairs to a small room that overlooked the private arena.
There were a few seats set up so that people could watch the goings on, but neither of them sat.
They stood and watched as another set of Archons fought, but Tala didnt really register what was happening. Instead, she was waiting for Rane to say something. He obviously would, at some point.
Ive been doing that this whole time, havent I
So, what did she want?
I dont want a relationship. I dont want to have a family. The pain caused by her own family still loomed too large, though she knew, more and more, that she had and was likely over reacting to hard choices made in a difficult situation.
But she didnt want to face that either.
Is it fair to expect Rane to wait for me to be ready? She hesitated. Do I want him to?
Rane still hadnt said anything.
Tala gave him a grimacing glance.
He saw her move and smiled her way before turning back to gaze out at the fight, below.
She looked back as well, once more folding into her mind and her own thoughts.
Why isnt he saying anything?
She kept herself from growling.The origin of this chapter's debut can be traced to N0v3l--B1n.
Why am I not saying anything?
She did growl at herself, then, but internally. Gahthis is giving me a headache
Rane finally took a deep breath and let it out slowly. Im glad that were in a place where we can just be here, watching a fight together in silence, and it isnt weird.
Tala felt her eye twitch. The one on the far side from Rane, of course.
I did want to talk to you, though.
She gave a tight-lipped smile but didnt turn. Mmhmm?
Id like to go to dinner with you, just the two of us.
She shrugged. Sure. I have to eat, after all.
Rane huffed a laugh. True enough. After a moment, he nodded as if to himself. I want to be clear. I want us to get dinner, not as friends.
Tala turned to him and sighed. I knew what you meant, Rane.
He hesitated, caught with his mouth open. No further sound came out.
Now or never, Tala. I need you to understand a few things: I dont want anything more. Not right now, maybe not ever. Casual cant exist in light of eternity. She shook her head. We could both live for thousands of years, if not longer. That feels like an eternity at the moment. She sighed. So, I dont want casual, and Im not in a healthy place for anything serious.
He shrugged. I can understand that. What do you need?
She shook her head again. Rane, I cant give you a list of things I need before I go on a date with you. There isnt one, and even if there was, it wouldnt be fair to give you a to-do list.
So, you need time, more than anything. It wasnt a question.
It really isnt fair to ask you to wait for something that may never come.
He shrugged again. You arent asking me to. Your answer is simply: Not now. I hear you. Beyond that, if I wait its on me. Fair?
Yeah that is fair. She gave him a searching look. You are having far, far too well-crafted responses to all of this.
Rane blushed, looked away, and scratched the back of his head. Well Mistress Aproa pretended to be you, and I practiced
Tala blinked at him a few times, then snorted a laugh. That sounds like something Mistress Odera would do.
He grinned in return. Yeah. Turns out, like grandmother like granddaughter.
So, it would seem.
They went back to looking at, but not really watching, the fight below.
Only a short time later, Rane cleared his throat. So do you have any interest in me?
Tala sighed loudly, but Rane held up his hands defensively.
I dont mean now, of course. We just settled that I understand that now is No. I mean: is this something that could ever work out, or am I just not of interest to you, no matter the circumstances? He pointed between them to indicate what he meant by this.
Tala reddened, not looking at him. There is nothing objectionable, no.
Rane snorted a laugh. Thats probably as good as I can hope for.
She reflexively punched him in the shoulder, not hard enough to be considered an attack.
Even so, he staggered to the side a bit, the blow having pushed him off his footing.
Huh, that might be a weakness, though he probably doesnt regard me as an opponent, at the moment. She shook her head. Now was not the time to be thinking of how to overcome him in a fight.
Rane rubbed his shoulder, not trying to hide the motion. Ow.
She glanced his way, suddenly feeling guilty. Sorry I didnt really think before I did that.
He shrugged. Its fine. Doubt it will bruise.
She smiled self-consciously. Even so. I apologize. I shouldnt have done that.
He smiled in return and dipped his head but didnt say anything else.
They lapsed back into silence for an extended time, watching the match finish up.
Finally, as the winner was announced, Rane broke the silence. So, dinner?
She gave him another searching look.
As friends. I know thats all it can be. He didnt add: for now, but Tala heard it anyways.
Should I keep my distance? Pull back? She didnt want to lose one of the better friends shed made since leaving the Academy. She huffed a laugh internally. Not that I had any good friends before that. Sure. Invite others?
To no ones surprise, Rane won as the rogue. What was a surprise, however, was that the rogue won every round. With the restriction of non-harm they were each able to hold their own well enough to force the containment group to hurt them in order to end the fight.
All in all, it was an amazingly fun afternoon of training.
I could have been doing this the whole time?
True, not every skill Tala wished to work on was practiced that afternoon, but every one that she did work on was much advanced by the exercises.
Ill have to think of ways for the group to compete on the other skills I need to improve. The addition of new contests was encouraged. Each game they played had been added by one member or another of the group over the last years of on and off group training.
Everyone but Tala required the healer at some point during the day, and Tala actually received much more healing than the rest, even if hers was self-administered.
She did ask the healer to take a brief look at her when a building headache wouldnt go away, but nothing was found to be amiss. So, Tala just bore through and guzzled water.
As the day wrapped up, Tala and Rane invited the others to join them for dinner, but each had other plans for the nightly meal. So, they all went their separate ways, agreeing to meet up again the next day.
Tala and Rane went and got cleaned up in private bath rooms, meeting up half an hour later.
She stood out of a stretch from against the wall as he came out, having finished a bit before him. Lets go see if Lyn wants to join us.
He paused, then shrugged. Sure.
That decided; they turned to go, only to be stopped by Terry.
He flickered to Talas shoulder and bumped her cheek.
Whats up, Terry?
He flickered to the corner, curled up and let out a dramatic sigh, then returned to her shoulder and trilled.
Oh! Getting bored, bud?
He trilled again.
Well, maybe we can have you join in? Tala looked to Rane.
Rane hesitated once more, then grinned. Lets do it. I think he could add a lot to both the morning and evening training sessions, if the others are okay with his participation.
Tala smiled back at Terry. How does that sound?
Terry squawked contentedly and curled back up.
That decided, Terry seemed much happier, and the three headed for Lyn and Talas home, Rane and Tala chatting about small things along the way.
When they got close, Tala once again marveled at the lack of evidence for the massive syphons foiled hunting ground as they walked beside the perfectly maintained park. Terry went so far as to flicker over to the spot that the syphon had stood and poke around with his nose.
Rane didnt comment on Terrys actions and as Tala thought about it, she realized that it really wasnt out of character for Terry to flicker off to a random location for a moment.
Instances of passing curiosity? Or does he often sense things that I completely miss?
Oh! Ranes exclamation pulled her out of her thoughts. Someone went to investigate the ruin you opened up and we reported.
Really? What did it turn out to be? Did they say?
He nodded. Just an old storeroom from a cycle or two back. Still there was a small finders fee. He gave a soft chuckle. Though in this case its mainly a thank you for not investigating yourselves fee. He pulled out a gold coin and handed it to her.
Really? That much just for finding a random old cache?
Rane shrugged. They want such things reported when found, rather than having random Mages delving into places like that and trying to scrap together enough remnants to make it worth the time. The professionals are safer, faster, and more efficient.
Tala grunted. Makes sense, I suppose.
Terry flickered back to her shoulder, and she scratched his head before tossing some jerky.
Well, thank you. After a moment, she asked, You got a part, too, right?
Hmm? Oh, yeah. We found it together, and thats what we discussed.
Good.
With that, their time was up; they had arrived; their walk was done.
Tala let them in, and they found Lyn reading.
Do you just sit there, reading, when Im not around?
Lyn looked up. Well, good evening to you, too.
Tala grinned. Evening, Lyn.
Rane gave a shallow bow. Good evening, Mistress Lyn.
Lyn shook her head, placed a bookmark into her page, and set the book on a side table. So, whats up?
Dinner? Tala put a playful hint to the word and was rewarded by an amused smile.
Why not. Lets go eat.
It was a pleasant late-afternoon. The three of them ate slowly, though Tala much more quickly than her companions, and they talked of small things: Life in the city, new plays, new magelings, and so much else.
There were apparently a smattering of new mageling arrivals, those who had graduated in the weeks after Talas departure from the Academy and who had chosen Bandfast as a destination.
One had even joined the Caravan Guild as an apprentice clerk. So, there was a reasonable chance of them seeing the new arrival, given Lyns job and Talas breakfasts with Odera.
Oh, breakfast deal, how I will miss thee.Unless She could always get the food, then have it for lunch? She groaned internally, her head was still aching, and it was making it hard to focus on such things.
Lyn mentioned offhandedly that the teleportation rooms were still in a stir from one or two arrivals coming in naked in the last few months. Though apparently, it had been intentional on the part of the mageling.
Tala quickly changed the subject.
Rane suggested that they see the occasional play here in Bandfast, and Tala heartily agreed. They had been incredibly pleasant, effective diversions in Makinaven, and she saw no reason to forgo the mental breaks now that she was back in Bandfast.
Even so, it was still not quite evening when their meal drew to a close, and they stood to go.
Lyn stretched contentedly. Didnt you need to go to the Archive, Tala?
Yes, yes I did. Do you two want to come?
The other two Archons exchanged a glance before grinning. Of course!
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Chapter 166: Brutal
Tala and Rane walked over to one side of the Mages training area and through a door before walking up a flight of stairs to a small room that overlooked the private arena.
There were a few seats set up so that people could watch the goings on, but neither of them sat.
They stood and watched as another set of Archons fought, but Tala didnt really register what was happening. Instead, she was waiting for Rane to say something. He obviously would, at some point.
Ive been doing that this whole time, havent I
So, what did she want?
I dont want a relationship. I dont want to have a family. The pain caused by her own family still loomed too large, though she knew, more and more, that she had and was likely over reacting to hard choices made in a difficult situation.
But she didnt want to face that either.
Is it fair to expect Rane to wait for me to be ready? She hesitated. Do I want him to?
Rane still hadnt said anything.
Tala gave him a grimacing glance.
He saw her move and smiled her way before turning back to gaze out at the fight, below.
She looked back as well, once more folding into her mind and her own thoughts.
Why isnt he saying anything?
She kept herself from growling.The origin of this chapter's debut can be traced to N0v3l--B1n.
Why am I not saying anything?
She did growl at herself, then, but internally. Gahthis is giving me a headache
Rane finally took a deep breath and let it out slowly. Im glad that were in a place where we can just be here, watching a fight together in silence, and it isnt weird.
Tala felt her eye twitch. The one on the far side from Rane, of course.
I did want to talk to you, though.
She gave a tight-lipped smile but didnt turn. Mmhmm?
Id like to go to dinner with you, just the two of us.
She shrugged. Sure. I have to eat, after all.
Rane huffed a laugh. True enough. After a moment, he nodded as if to himself. I want to be clear. I want us to get dinner, not as friends.
Tala turned to him and sighed. I knew what you meant, Rane.
He hesitated, caught with his mouth open. No further sound came out.
Now or never, Tala. I need you to understand a few things: I dont want anything more. Not right now, maybe not ever. Casual cant exist in light of eternity. She shook her head. We could both live for thousands of years, if not longer. That feels like an eternity at the moment. She sighed. So, I dont want casual, and Im not in a healthy place for anything serious.
He shrugged. I can understand that. What do you need?
She shook her head again. Rane, I cant give you a list of things I need before I go on a date with you. There isnt one, and even if there was, it wouldnt be fair to give you a to-do list.
So, you need time, more than anything. It wasnt a question.
It really isnt fair to ask you to wait for something that may never come.
He shrugged again. You arent asking me to. Your answer is simply: Not now. I hear you. Beyond that, if I wait its on me. Fair?
Yeah that is fair. She gave him a searching look. You are having far, far too well-crafted responses to all of this.
Rane blushed, looked away, and scratched the back of his head. Well Mistress Aproa pretended to be you, and I practiced
Tala blinked at him a few times, then snorted a laugh. That sounds like something Mistress Odera would do.
He grinned in return. Yeah. Turns out, like grandmother like granddaughter.
So, it would seem.
They went back to looking at, but not really watching, the fight below.
Only a short time later, Rane cleared his throat. So do you have any interest in me?
Tala sighed loudly, but Rane held up his hands defensively.
I dont mean now, of course. We just settled that I understand that now is No. I mean: is this something that could ever work out, or am I just not of interest to you, no matter the circumstances? He pointed between them to indicate what he meant by this.
Tala reddened, not looking at him. There is nothing objectionable, no.
Rane snorted a laugh. Thats probably as good as I can hope for.
She reflexively punched him in the shoulder, not hard enough to be considered an attack.
Even so, he staggered to the side a bit, the blow having pushed him off his footing.
Huh, that might be a weakness, though he probably doesnt regard me as an opponent, at the moment. She shook her head. Now was not the time to be thinking of how to overcome him in a fight.
Rane rubbed his shoulder, not trying to hide the motion. Ow.
She glanced his way, suddenly feeling guilty. Sorry I didnt really think before I did that.
He shrugged. Its fine. Doubt it will bruise.
She smiled self-consciously. Even so. I apologize. I shouldnt have done that.
He smiled in return and dipped his head but didnt say anything else.
They lapsed back into silence for an extended time, watching the match finish up.
Finally, as the winner was announced, Rane broke the silence. So, dinner?
She gave him another searching look.
As friends. I know thats all it can be. He didnt add: for now, but Tala heard it anyways.
Should I keep my distance? Pull back? She didnt want to lose one of the better friends shed made since leaving the Academy. She huffed a laugh internally. Not that I had any good friends before that. Sure. Invite others?
To no ones surprise, Rane won as the rogue. What was a surprise, however, was that the rogue won every round. With the restriction of non-harm they were each able to hold their own well enough to force the containment group to hurt them in order to end the fight.
All in all, it was an amazingly fun afternoon of training.
I could have been doing this the whole time?
True, not every skill Tala wished to work on was practiced that afternoon, but every one that she did work on was much advanced by the exercises.
Ill have to think of ways for the group to compete on the other skills I need to improve. The addition of new contests was encouraged. Each game they played had been added by one member or another of the group over the last years of on and off group training.
Everyone but Tala required the healer at some point during the day, and Tala actually received much more healing than the rest, even if hers was self-administered.
She did ask the healer to take a brief look at her when a building headache wouldnt go away, but nothing was found to be amiss. So, Tala just bore through and guzzled water.
As the day wrapped up, Tala and Rane invited the others to join them for dinner, but each had other plans for the nightly meal. So, they all went their separate ways, agreeing to meet up again the next day.
Tala and Rane went and got cleaned up in private bath rooms, meeting up half an hour later.
She stood out of a stretch from against the wall as he came out, having finished a bit before him. Lets go see if Lyn wants to join us.
He paused, then shrugged. Sure.
That decided; they turned to go, only to be stopped by Terry.
He flickered to Talas shoulder and bumped her cheek.
Whats up, Terry?
He flickered to the corner, curled up and let out a dramatic sigh, then returned to her shoulder and trilled.
Oh! Getting bored, bud?
He trilled again.
Well, maybe we can have you join in? Tala looked to Rane.
Rane hesitated once more, then grinned. Lets do it. I think he could add a lot to both the morning and evening training sessions, if the others are okay with his participation.
Tala smiled back at Terry. How does that sound?
Terry squawked contentedly and curled back up.
That decided, Terry seemed much happier, and the three headed for Lyn and Talas home, Rane and Tala chatting about small things along the way.
When they got close, Tala once again marveled at the lack of evidence for the massive syphons foiled hunting ground as they walked beside the perfectly maintained park. Terry went so far as to flicker over to the spot that the syphon had stood and poke around with his nose.
Rane didnt comment on Terrys actions and as Tala thought about it, she realized that it really wasnt out of character for Terry to flicker off to a random location for a moment.
Instances of passing curiosity? Or does he often sense things that I completely miss?
Oh! Ranes exclamation pulled her out of her thoughts. Someone went to investigate the ruin you opened up and we reported.
Really? What did it turn out to be? Did they say?
He nodded. Just an old storeroom from a cycle or two back. Still there was a small finders fee. He gave a soft chuckle. Though in this case its mainly a thank you for not investigating yourselves fee. He pulled out a gold coin and handed it to her.
Really? That much just for finding a random old cache?
Rane shrugged. They want such things reported when found, rather than having random Mages delving into places like that and trying to scrap together enough remnants to make it worth the time. The professionals are safer, faster, and more efficient.
Tala grunted. Makes sense, I suppose.
Terry flickered back to her shoulder, and she scratched his head before tossing some jerky.
Well, thank you. After a moment, she asked, You got a part, too, right?
Hmm? Oh, yeah. We found it together, and thats what we discussed.
Good.
With that, their time was up; they had arrived; their walk was done.
Tala let them in, and they found Lyn reading.
Do you just sit there, reading, when Im not around?
Lyn looked up. Well, good evening to you, too.
Tala grinned. Evening, Lyn.
Rane gave a shallow bow. Good evening, Mistress Lyn.
Lyn shook her head, placed a bookmark into her page, and set the book on a side table. So, whats up?
Dinner? Tala put a playful hint to the word and was rewarded by an amused smile.
Why not. Lets go eat.
It was a pleasant late-afternoon. The three of them ate slowly, though Tala much more quickly than her companions, and they talked of small things: Life in the city, new plays, new magelings, and so much else.
There were apparently a smattering of new mageling arrivals, those who had graduated in the weeks after Talas departure from the Academy and who had chosen Bandfast as a destination.
One had even joined the Caravan Guild as an apprentice clerk. So, there was a reasonable chance of them seeing the new arrival, given Lyns job and Talas breakfasts with Odera.
Oh, breakfast deal, how I will miss thee.Unless She could always get the food, then have it for lunch? She groaned internally, her head was still aching, and it was making it hard to focus on such things.
Lyn mentioned offhandedly that the teleportation rooms were still in a stir from one or two arrivals coming in naked in the last few months. Though apparently, it had been intentional on the part of the mageling.
Tala quickly changed the subject.
Rane suggested that they see the occasional play here in Bandfast, and Tala heartily agreed. They had been incredibly pleasant, effective diversions in Makinaven, and she saw no reason to forgo the mental breaks now that she was back in Bandfast.
Even so, it was still not quite evening when their meal drew to a close, and they stood to go.
Lyn stretched contentedly. Didnt you need to go to the Archive, Tala?
Yes, yes I did. Do you two want to come?
The other two Archons exchanged a glance before grinning. Of course!
Chapter 166: BrutalTala and Rane walked over to one side of the Mages training area and through a door before walking up a flight of stairs to a small room that overlooked the private arena.There were a few seats set up so that people could watch the goings on, but neither of them sat.They stood and watched as another set of Archons fought, but Tala didnt really register what was happening. Instead, she was waiting for Rane to say something. He obviously would, at some point.Ive been doing that this whole time, havent ISo, what did she want?I dont want a relationship. I dont want to have a family. The pain caused by her own family still loomed too large, though she knew, more and more, that she had and was likely over reacting to hard choices made in a difficult situation.But she didnt want to face that either.Is it fair to expect Rane to wait for me to be ready? She hesitated. Do I want him to?Rane still hadnt said anything.Tala gave him a grimacing glance.He saw her move and smiled her way before turning back to gaze out at the fight, below.She looked back as well, once more folding into her mind and her own thoughts.Why isnt he saying anything?She kept herself from growling.The origin of this chapter's debut can be traced to N0v3l--B1n.Why am I not saying anything?She did growl at herself, then, but internally. Gahthis is giving me a headacheRane finally took a deep breath and let it out slowly. Im glad that were in a place where we can just be here, watching a fight together in silence, and it isnt weird.Tala felt her eye twitch. The one on the far side from Rane, of course.I did want to talk to you, though.She gave a tight-lipped smile but didnt turn. Mmhmm?Id like to go to dinner with you, just the two of us.She shrugged. Sure. I have to eat, after all.Rane huffed a laugh. True enough. After a moment, he nodded as if to himself. I want to be clear. I want us to get dinner, not as friends.Tala turned to him and sighed. I knew what you meant, Rane.He hesitated, caught with his mouth open. No further sound came out.Now or never, Tala. I need you to understand a few things: I dont want anything more. Not right now, maybe not ever. Casual cant exist in light of eternity. She shook her head. We could both live for thousands of years, if not longer. That feels like an eternity at the moment. She sighed. So, I dont want casual, and Im not in a healthy place for anything serious.He shrugged. I can understand that. What do you need?She shook her head again. Rane, I cant give you a list of things I need before I go on a date with you. There isnt one, and even if there was, it wouldnt be fair to give you a to-do list.So, you need time, more than anything. It wasnt a question.It really isnt fair to ask you to wait for something that may never come.He shrugged again. You arent asking me to. Your answer is simply: Not now. I hear you. Beyond that, if I wait its on me. Fair?Yeah that is fair. She gave him a searching look. You are having far, far too well-crafted responses to all of this.Rane blushed, looked away, and scratched the back of his head. Well Mistress Aproa pretended to be you, and I practicedTala blinked at him a few times, then snorted a laugh. That sounds like something Mistress Odera would do.He grinned in return. Yeah. Turns out, like grandmother like granddaughter.So, it would seem.They went back to looking at, but not really watching, the fight below.Only a short time later, Rane cleared his throat. So do you have any interest in me?Tala sighed loudly, but Rane held up his hands defensively.I dont mean now, of course. We just settled that I understand that now is No. I mean: is this something that could ever work out, or am I just not of interest to you, no matter the circumstances? He pointed between them to indicate what he meant by this.Tala reddened, not looking at him. There is nothing objectionable, no.Rane snorted a laugh. Thats probably as good as I can hope for.She reflexively punched him in the shoulder, not hard enough to be considered an attack.Even so, he staggered to the side a bit, the blow having pushed him off his footing.Huh, that might be a weakness, though he probably doesnt regard me as an opponent, at the moment. She shook her head. Now was not the time to be thinking of how to overcome him in a fight.Rane rubbed his shoulder, not trying to hide the motion. Ow.She glanced his way, suddenly feeling guilty. Sorry I didnt really think before I did that.He shrugged. Its fine. Doubt it will bruise.She smiled self-consciously. Even so. I apologize. I shouldnt have done that.He smiled in return and dipped his head but didnt say anything else.They lapsed back into silence for an extended time, watching the match finish up.Finally, as the winner was announced, Rane broke the silence. So, dinner?She gave him another searching look.As friends. I know thats all it can be. He didnt add: for now, but Tala heard it anyways.Should I keep my distance? Pull back? She didnt want to lose one of the better friends shed made since leaving the Academy. She huffed a laugh internally. Not that I had any good friends before that. Sure. Invite others?To no ones surprise, Rane won as the rogue. What was a surprise, however, was that the rogue won every round. With the restriction of non-harm they were each able to hold their own well enough to force the containment group to hurt them in order to end the fight.All in all, it was an amazingly fun afternoon of training.I could have been doing this the whole time?True, not every skill Tala wished to work on was practiced that afternoon, but every one that she did work on was much advanced by the exercises.Ill have to think of ways for the group to compete on the other skills I need to improve. The addition of new contests was encouraged. Each game they played had been added by one member or another of the group over the last years of on and off group training.Everyone but Tala required the healer at some point during the day, and Tala actually received much more healing than the rest, even if hers was self-administered.She did ask the healer to take a brief look at her when a building headache wouldnt go away, but nothing was found to be amiss. So, Tala just bore through and guzzled water.As the day wrapped up, Tala and Rane invited the others to join them for dinner, but each had other plans for the nightly meal. So, they all went their separate ways, agreeing to meet up again the next day.Tala and Rane went and got cleaned up in private bath rooms, meeting up half an hour later.She stood out of a stretch from against the wall as he came out, having finished a bit before him. Lets go see if Lyn wants to join us.He paused, then shrugged. Sure.That decided; they turned to go, only to be stopped by Terry.He flickered to Talas shoulder and bumped her cheek.Whats up, Terry?He flickered to the corner, curled up and let out a dramatic sigh, then returned to her shoulder and trilled.Oh! Getting bored, bud?He trilled again.Well, maybe we can have you join in? Tala looked to Rane.Rane hesitated once more, then grinned. Lets do it. I think he could add a lot to both the morning and evening training sessions, if the others are okay with his participation.Tala smiled back at Terry. How does that sound?Terry squawked contentedly and curled back up.That decided, Terry seemed much happier, and the three headed for Lyn and Talas home, Rane and Tala chatting about small things along the way.When they got close, Tala once again marveled at the lack of evidence for the massive syphons foiled hunting ground as they walked beside the perfectly maintained park. Terry went so far as to flicker over to the spot that the syphon had stood and poke around with his nose.Rane didnt comment on Terrys actions and as Tala thought about it, she realized that it really wasnt out of character for Terry to flicker off to a random location for a moment.Instances of passing curiosity? Or does he often sense things that I completely miss?Oh! Ranes exclamation pulled her out of her thoughts. Someone went to investigate the ruin you opened up and we reported.Really? What did it turn out to be? Did they say?He nodded. Just an old storeroom from a cycle or two back. Still there was a small finders fee. He gave a soft chuckle. Though in this case its mainly a thank you for not investigating yourselves fee. He pulled out a gold coin and handed it to her.Really? That much just for finding a random old cache?Rane shrugged. They want such things reported when found, rather than having random Mages delving into places like that and trying to scrap together enough remnants to make it worth the time. The professionals are safer, faster, and more efficient.Tala grunted. Makes sense, I suppose.Terry flickered back to her shoulder, and she scratched his head before tossing some jerky.Well, thank you. After a moment, she asked, You got a part, too, right?Hmm? Oh, yeah. We found it together, and thats what we discussed.Good.With that, their time was up; they had arrived; their walk was done.Tala let them in, and they found Lyn reading.Do you just sit there, reading, when Im not around?Lyn looked up. Well, good evening to you, too.Tala grinned. Evening, Lyn.Rane gave a shallow bow. Good evening, Mistress Lyn.Lyn shook her head, placed a bookmark into her page, and set the book on a side table. So, whats up?Dinner? Tala put a playful hint to the word and was rewarded by an amused smile.Why not. Lets go eat.It was a pleasant late-afternoon. The three of them ate slowly, though Tala much more quickly than her companions, and they talked of small things: Life in the city, new plays, new magelings, and so much else.There were apparently a smattering of new mageling arrivals, those who had graduated in the weeks after Talas departure from the Academy and who had chosen Bandfast as a destination.One had even joined the Caravan Guild as an apprentice clerk. So, there was a reasonable chance of them seeing the new arrival, given Lyns job and Talas breakfasts with Odera.Oh, breakfast deal, how I will miss thee.Unless She could always get the food, then have it for lunch? She groaned internally, her head was still aching, and it was making it hard to focus on such things.Lyn mentioned offhandedly that the teleportation rooms were still in a stir from one or two arrivals coming in naked in the last few months. Though apparently, it had been intentional on the part of the mageling.Tala quickly changed the subject.Rane suggested that they see the occasional play here in Bandfast, and Tala heartily agreed. They had been incredibly pleasant, effective diversions in Makinaven, and she saw no reason to forgo the mental breaks now that she was back in Bandfast.Even so, it was still not quite evening when their meal drew to a close, and they stood to go.Lyn stretched contentedly. Didnt you need to go to the Archive, Tala?Yes, yes I did. Do you two want to come?The other two Archons exchanged a glance before grinning. Of course!
