Chapter 178: Crazy
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Chapter 178: Crazy
Tala was breathing hard and raggedly as she trudged through the city streets. More and more people were joining her on the thoroughfares, heading off to start their days.
Her heavy breathing wasnt because of strain from the exercise, not in the least; she was falling under the stress brought on by her memories, still swirling through her head, and the eyes that wouldnt leave her alone, despite their absence.
She shuddered involuntarily.
A passing stranger paused, seemingly noticing the reaction. Miss? Are you okay? Are you cold?
Miss? Her eyes flicked to her hands. The illusion hid all evidence of spell-forms. Right! Oh, Im fine. Thank you for asking, though. That really was quite kind of him.
Are you sure? Im almost home, and I have another coat there. Its really no trouble. He started to shift out of his large, thick, warm-looking coat. Maybe I am a little cold. Still, she couldnt take the strangers coat.
Tala held up her hands, feeling a bit embarrassed. No, really. Im fine. Im almost to where Im going.
He hesitated, then shrugged, pulling the coat fully back on. As you wish. I hope you get warm soon, though. Yeah?
She smiled. Thank you. Ill do my best.
-Tala-
-That was quite a nice man; you should give him some money.-
That would be insulting. He was just being kind. Tala waved goodbye and continued on her way.
-People always like moneyno. Thats not right. Not everyone is so focused on money. Why do you like it so much?-
Tala suspected that she knew what Alat was doing, and she was grateful for the distraction from her disturbing memories, though shed never consciously admit it. Instead, she groaned. I dont like it, per se. I find it useful, and I often have need of it. After all, it is required for basically everything I want or need.
-Right. Hed probably say the same. You should go give him some.-
Talas eye twitched, even though she knew that Alat was purposely trying to draw her mind away from less pleasant things through irritation. Too much would be showy, too little would be insulting. How much do you suggest I give him?
There was a protracted silence as Tala continued on her way. -Yeah. Lets not do that.-
Glad were in agreement.
She still had more than an hour before she had to meet with Mistress Odera for breakfast. So, she decided to run by the teleportation tower to see if Phoen was on duty, though something told Tala it was unlikely.
-Tala-
-Shes not on shift right now.-
How could you possibly know that? Despite her doubt, she stopped, stepping to the side of the street so that she wouldnt block traffic.
-The shifts are a matter of public record. Im looking at them right now. She comes on shift in a little over an hour.-
Ahh, alright then. Well, what should we do?
-Get there early, get a first breakfast, and read a book?-
As ideas go, thats good enough to go with. Tala turned and wove her way through the morning traffic, which was now in full swing, making her way to the Caravan Guildhall.
She walked through the main atrium and into the side of the building that housed the restaurant and lounge, waving a greeting to Cran from across the room as she entered, before grabbing a table in the back corner.
She mentally paused on Cran, even as she continued to settle in. Hes a Mage, not an Archon. That sat oddly with her as shed been mainly dealing with Archons of late. I suppose that most Mages are Archons?
-Tala-
-The majority are, yes.-
How can that be true? I could guess, but Id rather know.
-Well, Im not going to take the time to research it at the moment, unless you command such, but I have some informed guesses.-
Lets hear it.
-Mages age and fount-out, assuming they arent killed on the job. Archons, unless they are killed, live a very long time, slowly gaining in power.-
So, Mages are like journeymen, magelings are like apprentices, and Archons are like masters of a craft?
-More or less.-
But there are almost always more journeymen and apprentices than masters.
-Of course, because most masters arent immortal.-
Ahh, yes. That does skew things, doesnt it.
-If it helps, by majority I just mean that more than half are Archons. Its not a lot more, though the exact numbers arent a part of public record. I can put in a request?-
No, thats not necessary. Thank you though. We can drop it for now. She smiled to herself. The question I want answered, now, is what to read.
-Tala-
-I have a suggestion.-This chapter's initial release occurred on the n0vell--Bjjn site.
Do you have to proceed so many of your comments with my name?
-I could go back to DING.-
Tala jumped slightly at the sound within her own head. Yeah, please dont.
-Alright. What about: HEY! Listen!-
Tala felt her eye twitch. That would get irritating, really, really quickly.
-Then, Tala will work for now?-
For now see if you can remove that requirement?
-Ill see what I can do.-
Incidentally, we were already talking. Why did you have to get my attention again?
-You had explicitly stated that a conversation was over. Thus, I was required to treat my next comment as unsolicited.-
Tala shook her head, but was smiling. Theres a lot of kinks to work out, here, I suppose.
-So it seems.-
She looked up as the server came her way. The young mans arrival caused Talas stomach to growl.
-I know hes attractive, but keep it together. Youre an Archon, after all.-
Tala flushed, before having the realization that she didnt know if it would transmit through the illusion.
Tala finished the little booklet and was just considering what else she should read when Mistress Odera walked in.
Tala waved the Mage over and stood as she approached.
Good morning, Mistress Odera.
Good morning, Mistress Tala. Youre lookinguninscribed. What did you do?
Tala grinned, having expected something like this. Well, Ive got quite a bit to tell you, actually.
They sat and ate, chatted and discussed. The server was mildly confused when Tala ordered more food but didnt deign to comment.
Mistress Odera, as usual, had some anecdotes of dubious authenticity, but which still allowed Tala to think about the problems in different ways.
Their time was shorter than usual, as Mistress Odera had an appointment, but she expressed her appreciation when Tala let her know that the next destination Tala wanted to head towards would be Marliweather. The older woman promised to approve the venture, and be available to join Tala on it, when the request came through.
They bid each other goodbye and parted way.
Tala pulled on her gloves, moving towards the exit to the Caravan Guildhall. As she did so, she noticed Lyn and waved to the Archon, who seemed rather engrossed in her conversation with a young, bald woman. Is that a mageling?
It didnt really matter.
Well, it hadnt really mattered, until Lyn noticed Talas gesture and waved her over.
I wonder what this is about.
As she got closer, Tala got a better look at the young woman. Young, shes basically my age. New graduate? New arrival?
As Tala walked over, Lyn smiled gestured to the woman, who still hadnt turned around. Tala, this is mageling Kannis.
What? No
The girl turned around, and Tala felt herself stiffen.
-Tala.-
-The plot thickens.-
Hush.
Kannis was a student at the Academy, while Tala was there. An Immaterial Creator specializing in information exchanges and processing. Very similar to Lyn, now that I consider it.
Though, the woman lacked any sort of inscriptions at the moment. Newly arrived indeed.
Tala and Kannis had never really interacted. Kannis had been relatively popular, in a quiet sort of way, and Tala had chosen the path of utter anti-sociability.
Hello, Tala was it? Kannis held out a hand. Its a pleasure to meet you.
Tala took her hand in a bit of a daze. Its mutual, Im sure.
Her eyes darted to Terry, then away. Your pet bird is very handsome.
Hes more a friend than a pet, but thank you. She shrugged and tried to smile.
Oh! Thank you for letting me know. She glanced down at her feet. So, what do you do for the Guild? Im just graduated, and I am so excited to get started.
No. Talas mind hitched at the very possibility, threatening at the edges of her awareness. Oh, please no.
Lyn cleared her throat, seemingly deciding that it was time to interject. Kannis, its Mistress Tala. She is a dimensional Mage and a Mage protector.
Kanniss eyes widened, and she gave a formal bow. Oh! My apologies, Mistress. Her eyes flicked over Tala, and she frowned just slightly. Im sorry for whatever happened to your scripts. Im in a similar position, though I suppose my state is standard for my station.
Lyn seemed to notice the apparent absence of Talas spell-lines at that point too. Yeah, Id love to hear that story. I actually expected she shook her head, coming back to the present, but thats not pertinent at the moment.
Kannis wasnt done, however, as her frown had only deepened. Wait Did Mistress say that youre a dimensional Mage and a Mage protector?
Tala found her voice enough to respond. Thats right.
Forgive my ignorance, but shouldnt the dimensional Mage be protected beyond all else, as basically the most critical part of any caravan? Kannis seemed rather proud of her knowledge.
Tala opened and closed her mouth a few times, struggling to find something to say.
Lyn hid her mouth behind a hand, but not before Tala caught sight of a mirthful grin.
Tala cleared her throat, centering herself. While, yes, the dimensional Mage is basically the keystone of any given caravan, it is efficient to have me able to fill multiple roles, so long as I am not on the front line of defense, except in dire need.
Has that worked out well?
Tala immediately thought of the Leshkin.
Lyn was practically dying as she held in her laughter behind the young womans back.
With one notable exception, yes. Its worked quite well. Tala practically glared at Lyn around Kannis.
Oh, thats fascinating. What was the exception?
Tala returned her attention to the mageling. The Leshkin, in the southern forest. They didnt take too well to something about me, and I ended up being the target of their attacks more than once.
Leshkin? Kannis hesitated for only a moment. Oh! I remember those. We studied them in my History of Recurring Threats to Humanity class. They sounded like horribly difficult opponents.
They were. History of Recurring Threats to Humanity?
-Tala-
-You were bored in the class and never really paid attention. It was mainly a discussion class, and you participated exactly, and only, as much as was required to pass. You really werent that good a student for most of your academic career.-
OhI thought I was a good student, all things considered.
-Hardly. You excelled in every class that you care about, but those were few and far between.-
Tala grimaced, even as Kannis turned back to Lyn, who had gotten herself under control by that point. Now, Mistress Lyn, what do you think of my proposal?
Tala frowned. Whats this about Lyn? Her earlier concerns resurfaced. Why did she call me over here?
Lyn grinned at her friend. Well, Kannis, here, is asking if Ill take her on as my mageling.
Rust.
And, I think Im going to say: Yes.
Kannis gasped and clapped her hands in glee. Oh! Thank you, Mistress Lyn. You wont regret this.
Double rust. Tala knew this was more than just an addition to Lyn, else the older woman wouldnt have involved Tala at all. Shes going to live in our house
Alat just laughed, and laughed, and laughed.
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Chapter 178: Crazy
Tala was breathing hard and raggedly as she trudged through the city streets. More and more people were joining her on the thoroughfares, heading off to start their days.
Her heavy breathing wasnt because of strain from the exercise, not in the least; she was falling under the stress brought on by her memories, still swirling through her head, and the eyes that wouldnt leave her alone, despite their absence.
She shuddered involuntarily.
A passing stranger paused, seemingly noticing the reaction. Miss? Are you okay? Are you cold?
Miss? Her eyes flicked to her hands. The illusion hid all evidence of spell-forms. Right! Oh, Im fine. Thank you for asking, though. That really was quite kind of him.
Are you sure? Im almost home, and I have another coat there. Its really no trouble. He started to shift out of his large, thick, warm-looking coat. Maybe I am a little cold. Still, she couldnt take the strangers coat.
Tala held up her hands, feeling a bit embarrassed. No, really. Im fine. Im almost to where Im going.
He hesitated, then shrugged, pulling the coat fully back on. As you wish. I hope you get warm soon, though. Yeah?
She smiled. Thank you. Ill do my best.
-Tala-
-That was quite a nice man; you should give him some money.-
That would be insulting. He was just being kind. Tala waved goodbye and continued on her way.
-People always like moneyno. Thats not right. Not everyone is so focused on money. Why do you like it so much?-
Tala suspected that she knew what Alat was doing, and she was grateful for the distraction from her disturbing memories, though shed never consciously admit it. Instead, she groaned. I dont like it, per se. I find it useful, and I often have need of it. After all, it is required for basically everything I want or need.
-Right. Hed probably say the same. You should go give him some.-
Talas eye twitched, even though she knew that Alat was purposely trying to draw her mind away from less pleasant things through irritation. Too much would be showy, too little would be insulting. How much do you suggest I give him?
There was a protracted silence as Tala continued on her way. -Yeah. Lets not do that.-
Glad were in agreement.
She still had more than an hour before she had to meet with Mistress Odera for breakfast. So, she decided to run by the teleportation tower to see if Phoen was on duty, though something told Tala it was unlikely.
-Tala-
-Shes not on shift right now.-
How could you possibly know that? Despite her doubt, she stopped, stepping to the side of the street so that she wouldnt block traffic.
-The shifts are a matter of public record. Im looking at them right now. She comes on shift in a little over an hour.-
Ahh, alright then. Well, what should we do?
-Get there early, get a first breakfast, and read a book?-
As ideas go, thats good enough to go with. Tala turned and wove her way through the morning traffic, which was now in full swing, making her way to the Caravan Guildhall.
She walked through the main atrium and into the side of the building that housed the restaurant and lounge, waving a greeting to Cran from across the room as she entered, before grabbing a table in the back corner.
She mentally paused on Cran, even as she continued to settle in. Hes a Mage, not an Archon. That sat oddly with her as shed been mainly dealing with Archons of late. I suppose that most Mages are Archons?
-Tala-
-The majority are, yes.-
How can that be true? I could guess, but Id rather know.
-Well, Im not going to take the time to research it at the moment, unless you command such, but I have some informed guesses.-
Lets hear it.
-Mages age and fount-out, assuming they arent killed on the job. Archons, unless they are killed, live a very long time, slowly gaining in power.-
So, Mages are like journeymen, magelings are like apprentices, and Archons are like masters of a craft?
-More or less.-
But there are almost always more journeymen and apprentices than masters.
-Of course, because most masters arent immortal.-
Ahh, yes. That does skew things, doesnt it.
-If it helps, by majority I just mean that more than half are Archons. Its not a lot more, though the exact numbers arent a part of public record. I can put in a request?-
No, thats not necessary. Thank you though. We can drop it for now. She smiled to herself. The question I want answered, now, is what to read.
-Tala-
-I have a suggestion.-This chapter's initial release occurred on the n0vell--Bjjn site.
Do you have to proceed so many of your comments with my name?
-I could go back to DING.-
Tala jumped slightly at the sound within her own head. Yeah, please dont.
-Alright. What about: HEY! Listen!-
Tala felt her eye twitch. That would get irritating, really, really quickly.
-Then, Tala will work for now?-
For now see if you can remove that requirement?
-Ill see what I can do.-
Incidentally, we were already talking. Why did you have to get my attention again?
-You had explicitly stated that a conversation was over. Thus, I was required to treat my next comment as unsolicited.-
Tala shook her head, but was smiling. Theres a lot of kinks to work out, here, I suppose.
-So it seems.-
She looked up as the server came her way. The young mans arrival caused Talas stomach to growl.
-I know hes attractive, but keep it together. Youre an Archon, after all.-
Tala flushed, before having the realization that she didnt know if it would transmit through the illusion.
Tala finished the little booklet and was just considering what else she should read when Mistress Odera walked in.
Tala waved the Mage over and stood as she approached.
Good morning, Mistress Odera.
Good morning, Mistress Tala. Youre lookinguninscribed. What did you do?
Tala grinned, having expected something like this. Well, Ive got quite a bit to tell you, actually.
They sat and ate, chatted and discussed. The server was mildly confused when Tala ordered more food but didnt deign to comment.
Mistress Odera, as usual, had some anecdotes of dubious authenticity, but which still allowed Tala to think about the problems in different ways.
Their time was shorter than usual, as Mistress Odera had an appointment, but she expressed her appreciation when Tala let her know that the next destination Tala wanted to head towards would be Marliweather. The older woman promised to approve the venture, and be available to join Tala on it, when the request came through.
They bid each other goodbye and parted way.
Tala pulled on her gloves, moving towards the exit to the Caravan Guildhall. As she did so, she noticed Lyn and waved to the Archon, who seemed rather engrossed in her conversation with a young, bald woman. Is that a mageling?
It didnt really matter.
Well, it hadnt really mattered, until Lyn noticed Talas gesture and waved her over.
I wonder what this is about.
As she got closer, Tala got a better look at the young woman. Young, shes basically my age. New graduate? New arrival?
As Tala walked over, Lyn smiled gestured to the woman, who still hadnt turned around. Tala, this is mageling Kannis.
What? No
The girl turned around, and Tala felt herself stiffen.
-Tala.-
-The plot thickens.-
Hush.
Kannis was a student at the Academy, while Tala was there. An Immaterial Creator specializing in information exchanges and processing. Very similar to Lyn, now that I consider it.
Though, the woman lacked any sort of inscriptions at the moment. Newly arrived indeed.
Tala and Kannis had never really interacted. Kannis had been relatively popular, in a quiet sort of way, and Tala had chosen the path of utter anti-sociability.
Hello, Tala was it? Kannis held out a hand. Its a pleasure to meet you.
Tala took her hand in a bit of a daze. Its mutual, Im sure.
Her eyes darted to Terry, then away. Your pet bird is very handsome.
Hes more a friend than a pet, but thank you. She shrugged and tried to smile.
Oh! Thank you for letting me know. She glanced down at her feet. So, what do you do for the Guild? Im just graduated, and I am so excited to get started.
No. Talas mind hitched at the very possibility, threatening at the edges of her awareness. Oh, please no.
Lyn cleared her throat, seemingly deciding that it was time to interject. Kannis, its Mistress Tala. She is a dimensional Mage and a Mage protector.
Kanniss eyes widened, and she gave a formal bow. Oh! My apologies, Mistress. Her eyes flicked over Tala, and she frowned just slightly. Im sorry for whatever happened to your scripts. Im in a similar position, though I suppose my state is standard for my station.
Lyn seemed to notice the apparent absence of Talas spell-lines at that point too. Yeah, Id love to hear that story. I actually expected she shook her head, coming back to the present, but thats not pertinent at the moment.
Kannis wasnt done, however, as her frown had only deepened. Wait Did Mistress say that youre a dimensional Mage and a Mage protector?
Tala found her voice enough to respond. Thats right.
Forgive my ignorance, but shouldnt the dimensional Mage be protected beyond all else, as basically the most critical part of any caravan? Kannis seemed rather proud of her knowledge.
Tala opened and closed her mouth a few times, struggling to find something to say.
Lyn hid her mouth behind a hand, but not before Tala caught sight of a mirthful grin.
Tala cleared her throat, centering herself. While, yes, the dimensional Mage is basically the keystone of any given caravan, it is efficient to have me able to fill multiple roles, so long as I am not on the front line of defense, except in dire need.
Has that worked out well?
Tala immediately thought of the Leshkin.
Lyn was practically dying as she held in her laughter behind the young womans back.
With one notable exception, yes. Its worked quite well. Tala practically glared at Lyn around Kannis.
Oh, thats fascinating. What was the exception?
Tala returned her attention to the mageling. The Leshkin, in the southern forest. They didnt take too well to something about me, and I ended up being the target of their attacks more than once.
Leshkin? Kannis hesitated for only a moment. Oh! I remember those. We studied them in my History of Recurring Threats to Humanity class. They sounded like horribly difficult opponents.
They were. History of Recurring Threats to Humanity?
-Tala-
-You were bored in the class and never really paid attention. It was mainly a discussion class, and you participated exactly, and only, as much as was required to pass. You really werent that good a student for most of your academic career.-
OhI thought I was a good student, all things considered.
-Hardly. You excelled in every class that you care about, but those were few and far between.-
Tala grimaced, even as Kannis turned back to Lyn, who had gotten herself under control by that point. Now, Mistress Lyn, what do you think of my proposal?
Tala frowned. Whats this about Lyn? Her earlier concerns resurfaced. Why did she call me over here?
Lyn grinned at her friend. Well, Kannis, here, is asking if Ill take her on as my mageling.
Rust.
And, I think Im going to say: Yes.
Kannis gasped and clapped her hands in glee. Oh! Thank you, Mistress Lyn. You wont regret this.
Double rust. Tala knew this was more than just an addition to Lyn, else the older woman wouldnt have involved Tala at all. Shes going to live in our house
Alat just laughed, and laughed, and laughed.
Chapter 178: CrazyTala was breathing hard and raggedly as she trudged through the city streets. More and more people were joining her on the thoroughfares, heading off to start their days.Her heavy breathing wasnt because of strain from the exercise, not in the least; she was falling under the stress brought on by her memories, still swirling through her head, and the eyes that wouldnt leave her alone, despite their absence.She shuddered involuntarily.A passing stranger paused, seemingly noticing the reaction. Miss? Are you okay? Are you cold?Miss? Her eyes flicked to her hands. The illusion hid all evidence of spell-forms. Right! Oh, Im fine. Thank you for asking, though. That really was quite kind of him.Are you sure? Im almost home, and I have another coat there. Its really no trouble. He started to shift out of his large, thick, warm-looking coat. Maybe I am a little cold. Still, she couldnt take the strangers coat.Tala held up her hands, feeling a bit embarrassed. No, really. Im fine. Im almost to where Im going.He hesitated, then shrugged, pulling the coat fully back on. As you wish. I hope you get warm soon, though. Yeah?She smiled. Thank you. Ill do my best.-Tala--That was quite a nice man; you should give him some money.-That would be insulting. He was just being kind. Tala waved goodbye and continued on her way.-People always like moneyno. Thats not right. Not everyone is so focused on money. Why do you like it so much?-Tala suspected that she knew what Alat was doing, and she was grateful for the distraction from her disturbing memories, though shed never consciously admit it. Instead, she groaned. I dont like it, per se. I find it useful, and I often have need of it. After all, it is required for basically everything I want or need.-Right. Hed probably say the same. You should go give him some.-Talas eye twitched, even though she knew that Alat was purposely trying to draw her mind away from less pleasant things through irritation. Too much would be showy, too little would be insulting. How much do you suggest I give him?There was a protracted silence as Tala continued on her way. -Yeah. Lets not do that.-Glad were in agreement.She still had more than an hour before she had to meet with Mistress Odera for breakfast. So, she decided to run by the teleportation tower to see if Phoen was on duty, though something told Tala it was unlikely.-Tala--Shes not on shift right now.-How could you possibly know that? Despite her doubt, she stopped, stepping to the side of the street so that she wouldnt block traffic.-The shifts are a matter of public record. Im looking at them right now. She comes on shift in a little over an hour.-Ahh, alright then. Well, what should we do?-Get there early, get a first breakfast, and read a book?-As ideas go, thats good enough to go with. Tala turned and wove her way through the morning traffic, which was now in full swing, making her way to the Caravan Guildhall.She walked through the main atrium and into the side of the building that housed the restaurant and lounge, waving a greeting to Cran from across the room as she entered, before grabbing a table in the back corner.She mentally paused on Cran, even as she continued to settle in. Hes a Mage, not an Archon. That sat oddly with her as shed been mainly dealing with Archons of late. I suppose that most Mages are Archons?-Tala--The majority are, yes.-How can that be true? I could guess, but Id rather know.-Well, Im not going to take the time to research it at the moment, unless you command such, but I have some informed guesses.-Lets hear it.-Mages age and fount-out, assuming they arent killed on the job. Archons, unless they are killed, live a very long time, slowly gaining in power.-So, Mages are like journeymen, magelings are like apprentices, and Archons are like masters of a craft?-More or less.-But there are almost always more journeymen and apprentices than masters.-Of course, because most masters arent immortal.-Ahh, yes. That does skew things, doesnt it.-If it helps, by majority I just mean that more than half are Archons. Its not a lot more, though the exact numbers arent a part of public record. I can put in a request?-No, thats not necessary. Thank you though. We can drop it for now. She smiled to herself. The question I want answered, now, is what to read.-Tala--I have a suggestion.-This chapter's initial release occurred on the n0vell--Bjjn site.Do you have to proceed so many of your comments with my name?-I could go back to DING.-Tala jumped slightly at the sound within her own head. Yeah, please dont.-Alright. What about: HEY! Listen!-Tala felt her eye twitch. That would get irritating, really, really quickly.-Then, Tala will work for now?-For now see if you can remove that requirement?-Ill see what I can do.-Incidentally, we were already talking. Why did you have to get my attention again?-You had explicitly stated that a conversation was over. Thus, I was required to treat my next comment as unsolicited.-Tala shook her head, but was smiling. Theres a lot of kinks to work out, here, I suppose.-So it seems.-She looked up as the server came her way. The young mans arrival caused Talas stomach to growl.-I know hes attractive, but keep it together. Youre an Archon, after all.-Tala flushed, before having the realization that she didnt know if it would transmit through the illusion.Tala finished the little booklet and was just considering what else she should read when Mistress Odera walked in.Tala waved the Mage over and stood as she approached.Good morning, Mistress Odera.Good morning, Mistress Tala. Youre lookinguninscribed. What did you do?Tala grinned, having expected something like this. Well, Ive got quite a bit to tell you, actually.They sat and ate, chatted and discussed. The server was mildly confused when Tala ordered more food but didnt deign to comment.Mistress Odera, as usual, had some anecdotes of dubious authenticity, but which still allowed Tala to think about the problems in different ways.Their time was shorter than usual, as Mistress Odera had an appointment, but she expressed her appreciation when Tala let her know that the next destination Tala wanted to head towards would be Marliweather. The older woman promised to approve the venture, and be available to join Tala on it, when the request came through.They bid each other goodbye and parted way.Tala pulled on her gloves, moving towards the exit to the Caravan Guildhall. As she did so, she noticed Lyn and waved to the Archon, who seemed rather engrossed in her conversation with a young, bald woman. Is that a mageling?It didnt really matter.Well, it hadnt really mattered, until Lyn noticed Talas gesture and waved her over.I wonder what this is about.As she got closer, Tala got a better look at the young woman. Young, shes basically my age. New graduate? New arrival?As Tala walked over, Lyn smiled gestured to the woman, who still hadnt turned around. Tala, this is mageling Kannis.What? NoThe girl turned around, and Tala felt herself stiffen.-Tala.--The plot thickens.-Hush.Kannis was a student at the Academy, while Tala was there. An Immaterial Creator specializing in information exchanges and processing. Very similar to Lyn, now that I consider it.Though, the woman lacked any sort of inscriptions at the moment. Newly arrived indeed.Tala and Kannis had never really interacted. Kannis had been relatively popular, in a quiet sort of way, and Tala had chosen the path of utter anti-sociability.Hello, Tala was it? Kannis held out a hand. Its a pleasure to meet you.Tala took her hand in a bit of a daze. Its mutual, Im sure.Her eyes darted to Terry, then away. Your pet bird is very handsome.Hes more a friend than a pet, but thank you. She shrugged and tried to smile.Oh! Thank you for letting me know. She glanced down at her feet. So, what do you do for the Guild? Im just graduated, and I am so excited to get started.No. Talas mind hitched at the very possibility, threatening at the edges of her awareness. Oh, please no.Lyn cleared her throat, seemingly deciding that it was time to interject. Kannis, its Mistress Tala. She is a dimensional Mage and a Mage protector.Kanniss eyes widened, and she gave a formal bow. Oh! My apologies, Mistress. Her eyes flicked over Tala, and she frowned just slightly. Im sorry for whatever happened to your scripts. Im in a similar position, though I suppose my state is standard for my station.Lyn seemed to notice the apparent absence of Talas spell-lines at that point too. Yeah, Id love to hear that story. I actually expected she shook her head, coming back to the present, but thats not pertinent at the moment.Kannis wasnt done, however, as her frown had only deepened. Wait Did Mistress say that youre a dimensional Mage and a Mage protector?Tala found her voice enough to respond. Thats right.Forgive my ignorance, but shouldnt the dimensional Mage be protected beyond all else, as basically the most critical part of any caravan? Kannis seemed rather proud of her knowledge.Tala opened and closed her mouth a few times, struggling to find something to say.Lyn hid her mouth behind a hand, but not before Tala caught sight of a mirthful grin.Tala cleared her throat, centering herself. While, yes, the dimensional Mage is basically the keystone of any given caravan, it is efficient to have me able to fill multiple roles, so long as I am not on the front line of defense, except in dire need.Has that worked out well?Tala immediately thought of the Leshkin.Lyn was practically dying as she held in her laughter behind the young womans back.With one notable exception, yes. Its worked quite well. Tala practically glared at Lyn around Kannis.Oh, thats fascinating. What was the exception?Tala returned her attention to the mageling. The Leshkin, in the southern forest. They didnt take too well to something about me, and I ended up being the target of their attacks more than once.Leshkin? Kannis hesitated for only a moment. Oh! I remember those. We studied them in my History of Recurring Threats to Humanity class. They sounded like horribly difficult opponents.They were. History of Recurring Threats to Humanity?-Tala--You were bored in the class and never really paid attention. It was mainly a discussion class, and you participated exactly, and only, as much as was required to pass. You really werent that good a student for most of your academic career.-OhI thought I was a good student, all things considered.-Hardly. You excelled in every class that you care about, but those were few and far between.-Tala grimaced, even as Kannis turned back to Lyn, who had gotten herself under control by that point. Now, Mistress Lyn, what do you think of my proposal?Tala frowned. Whats this about Lyn? Her earlier concerns resurfaced. Why did she call me over here?Lyn grinned at her friend. Well, Kannis, here, is asking if Ill take her on as my mageling.Rust.And, I think Im going to say: Yes. Kannis gasped and clapped her hands in glee. Oh! Thank you, Mistress Lyn. You wont regret this.Double rust. Tala knew this was more than just an addition to Lyn, else the older woman wouldnt have involved Tala at all. Shes going to live in our houseAlat just laughed, and laughed, and laughed.
