Chapter 212: Buy Yourself Something Nice
If audio player doesn't work, press Stop then Play button again
Chapter 212: Buy Yourself Something Nice
Tala was about to continue her conversation with Thorn, when a bevy of servants came into view bearing trays piled high with various foods.
I have to be Tali when others are around, or its going to seem odd. She straightened just slightly, changing her way of standing, and oddly enough, Tala felt more aloof. Huh. Theres a point to standing like a know-it-all?
-Youll have to tell me, I cant stand.-
Dont make me feel bad for you. Im never giving you command of our body. Id never get it back.
Alat scoffed. -Perish the thought! I am perfectly happy as I am, alone in the dark, watching your experiences second hand.-
Im in there with you.
-Shouting at me and then listening at the door for a response isnt the same as being in the room, Tala.-
What about when Tali is in command?
-Thats fair, actually. But now, Im alone in here. Theres only one intelligence in this mind.-
Sometimes, Alat She just shook her head, motioning to where the servants should set up the food.
There were two distinct groupings of breakfast, one much larger than the other.
Thorns food was a reasonable, if oversized, portion for a single persons breakfast. There were three massive sausages, a miniature mound of bacon, a generous bowl of fruit, some pan-fried potatoes, and a few slices of hearty, buttered bread.
It was all placed on a table that they set up for him to one side.
All of it was mundane, no more magical than the floor they walked on or the air they breathed.
Both of those things, arguably, were saturated with magic, but they werent, themselves, inherently magical.
As the dwarf thanked the servants and sat in the chair theyd brought as well, Tala noticed the large tankard next to his plate at the table.
Isnt it a little early to be drinking?
It is indeed, if you mean alcohol. Though, many of my kin wouldnt say No to a breakfast ale.
Tala frowned; she could definitely smell something sharp and tangy coming from the tankard. If not alcohol, what is it?
Acid.
She blinked a few times as the dwarf tipped the sizzling beverage back, taking a deep swig.
Tala watched power wrap around the liquid, even as it passed between the dwarfs lips, and something was drained away, seeming to spread out over the small mans body and sink into his natural magics.
What Tala caught herself. Shed been about to say, What under the stars? but Tali wouldnt use that expression. What aspect of blood are you high on? There. Thats what she would ask.
The dwarf looked her way as he swallowed. Im processing the concept of corrosion and acerbity, drawing it out of the acid and adding its conceptual weight to myself. Ill be able to do so continually until it passes all the way through my system.
Tala was at a loss for words. What?
He grinned ruefully. Theres a reason my magics so effective, Tali. I fell into the leaching tank as a boy. The only reason I survived is that I was of a High race and understood how acids worked well enough to grasp the concept. By the time they fished me out, the stuff I was swimming in was as harmless as water. Though, of course, it regained its base nature shortly after I was pulled out. Nature has its nature, after all.
She still didnt have a good response, so she just waited for him to continue.
His mirth faded a bit. Unfortunately, it so unbalanced my natural magics that Im pretty useless for anything else. I cant even implement a Recovery Perfected over anyone else, because the basic nature of my power would erode them.
Tala grinned, then. Your basic nature, eh? She chuckled.
Huh? Then, it seemed to click, and he snorted a laugh. Thats not what I meant at all.
But it was still funny.
Fair enough.
The servants had left by then, leaving behind Talas normal spread of food.
Tala sighed, walking over to the trays arrayed for her on the ground.
Dont you want a table? Or a chair?
She shrugged. A table big enough for all of this would be a pain to carry.
Oh, so you do care about servants, at least a bit.
Whats that supposed to mean? She cocked an eyebrow at him.
You didnt thank them; you didnt acknowledge them at all, except to tell them where to put our food.
Tala hesitated. Thats what Tali does, what she would have done. But she hadnt even had to check. Shed just behaved that way. Am I becoming her? Whats wrong with me?
-Calm down, Tala, you were distracted by his tankard of acid.-
Ohright.
-But you are right, Tali would have behaved that way, so you cant just brush it off.-
She sighed internally, then said what Tali would have, or near enough, Why does it matter? They have other tasks, and me slowing them down to chat, even to thank them, just makes their day longer in the end.
Thorn snorted. Sounds like the excuses of a stuck-up brat. He then froze in place, eyes going wide. II mean
Tala narrowed her eyes, knowing that Tali wouldnt have liked the comment at all. This is a chance to set the stage for our relationship going forward, and my seeming different reactions to things.
She redirected, closing her eyes and taking a deep breath. As no one was around to hear your disrespect, I will allow it. My- My- I cant say my Mastercan I? That might become problematic. You were assigned to me, and I should take what you say seriously, but speak that impertinently to me when anyone else can hear, and it will not go well for you.
Thorn swallowed unconsciously and nodded. As you say, Eskau Tali.
Is anyone around?
NoTali.
Better. She gave a forced smile.
Unfortunately, that exchange shattered the more casual atmosphere that theyd been building between them. It was to be expected, if Tala was going to maintain the fiction of being Tali, but it still grated.
Relationships are difficult enough without being fundamentally dishonest through the process
Tala dug into her food, though she didnt scarf it. Instead, she followed Talis normal pattern, when Be-thric wasnt there, and meditated as she ate, overlaying the power from the food on top of her own magics as she consumed it. There were some minor incompatibilities, extra magics that werent similar to her own, and those she discarded, using only what she could.
This is sort of like what Thorn is doing, but on a different level.
-Yeah, that acid wasnt magic, but he still pulled power from it.-
Conceptual magic is cheating.
-I bet theyd say having a functionally infinite well of power within yourself is cheating.-
Valid
Finally, when she was nearly done and Thorn had long-since finished, she looked his way. You never said why it matters?
He blinked, jerking slightly. Huh?
Was he asleep? I said, you never answered my question. Why does it matter how I treat the servants? Im not saying I disagree in principle, I just want your answer.
-Too wordy, Tala. You arent you.-
Hush.
Well. He scratched the back of his head. Servants make the hold function, right?
They do.
And they can make your life better, or they can make it worse, depending on how well they do their job, and what little things they do around it.
True, I suppose.
So, why not treat them well, so they make your life better?
Ahh, so its a selfish motivation?
He grimaced. Well, no. Thats not why I do it, but its a solid answer to your why question and a good reason why you should.
She gave him a long look, cocking one eyebrow. Because Im selfish.
He harrumphed. Because you asked for a reason as to why you should treat people with courtesy. I gave you a reason. It wasnt a commentary on your character. He crossed his arms and grimaced again.
Fine. Tala ate the last bits of her breakfast in silence.
Well, isnt this a dour gathering. Be-thrics voice rolled over the water, seeming to make the surface of the surrounding pools vibrate.
The new Pillar walked across one of the bridges, followed closely by Gallof.
Now, they just need an alabaster hue-folk to follow Gallof, and theyd have a nice, full gradient.
Alat snorted a laugh within Talas head but didnt comment.
Tala and Thorn turned to face the incoming men.
-Its a good fallback, if we cant think of anything else.-
She was passing by a smaller park, when she noticed an old turtle-man sitting on one of the benches, a staff leaning beside him, as he fed a large number of birds.
The turtles shell was iridescent, seeming to shimmer between green, blue, orange and red. There was a silvery white undertone to both the beast-mans shell and skin.
How are there not crowds of folk gathered around just to gawk at him?
-I dont know; he is quite beautiful.-
For most, the turtle simply tossed out handfuls of seeds, but one particular oddity caught her eye.
The old turtle smiled and pulled out a bit of dried meat, tossing it to the side, where a small terror bird caught it with ease.
She stopped, staring at the small bird, a grin slowly spreading across her face.
TERRY!?!
-Tala-
But Tala ignored her, ignored her own mind.
The terror bird regarded her warily as she drew near.
The turtle man looked her way as she drew close.
What do you wish of me, Enforcer of the House of Blood?
Tala felt a ripple of power wash over her.
Why would I want to bother an old turtle? She didnt slow; shed never really had interest in the beast-man to begin with.
-Huh, he just made us bored by the very idea of himBut look at him. Hes beautiful! Thats probably why there isnt anyone around him, just staring.-
Tala shook her head, kneeling down next to the small terror bird. The creature shrunk back from her as she drew near.
-Tala, the colorIts wrong.-
She slumped. I know. You arent Terry. She spoke softly.
-You could tell by its level of magic, or lack there of.- It was a mundane terror bird.
Now that Tala thought about it, shouldnt Terry have glowed like a beacon to Talis sight, if she really had seen him?
She felt a little part of her shrink back from the thought, refusing to acknowledge it.
The turtle-man was clutching his staff. So, you are not here for me? I see. His head bobbed in understanding. You seem to have lost that which is not found.
Tala frowned, pulled back for her sad thoughts. He has to be here, somewhere. What? That doesnt even make sense. Of course, if something isnt found, it is lost.
Unless what is sought finds you? The turtle gestured to the avians hopping around them in the little park. These creatures are not statues or items to be sought in some fixed location. You look for a bird whom you know?
Yes? This is really weird She almost brushed the old turtle off, but something held her back.
Does he have a name?
He does.
Then, call him.
Tala glanced around. There werent many people on the streets. She was still close to the district of doors, but shed wandered down a smaller side-street while musing.
The turtle leaned on his staff, smiling, his shell shifting through waves of purple and lilac. Well?
I feel like a fool.
-What could it hurt?-
What if someone hears?
-It wont mean anything to anyone, even Be-thric. Terry was hunting when he took us, if our last memory is correct.-
Tala cleared her throat. Terry? He probably just didnt hear me. Hes somewhere else.
The turtle nodded. Louder, if you wish the call to have meaning.
But
-Try, Tala.-
Terry!
Louder still.
But what if he doesnt come?
-What if he does?-
Tala felt tears building in her eyes as she threw back her head and shouted. TERRY!
Her voice, amplified by her enhanced lungs rang out through the park, startling the birds away, even the tiny terror bird that wasnt Terry.
As the echoes quickly died off, Tala looked around, momentarily hopeful.
The turtle-man looked around as well, then sighed. Ah, well. Your friend is not here, and mine are now gone. There are many parks in the city for you to search. He gave her a soft smile.
Tala felt her eye twitch, even as tears began to leak down across her cheeks. The shiny turtle turned and sauntered off. And here I thought he might have some sort of wise insight. She wiped at her face. I thought maybe he knew that Terry was nearby.
-Tala-
Not now. I dont want to hear it.
She flopped down on the bench, placing her face in her hands.
Where are you, Terry? Are you even alive?
Time passed and the turtles footsteps faded beyond even the ability of Talas enhanced hearing to pick up.
People passed on the nearby street, but no one else came into the park. She didnt have her bloodstars out. It was probably foolish, but at the moment, she was glad to not have to keep them in mind, keep them in place. She just sat, feeling the heaviness of her predicament.
She was alone.
Utterly.
Completely.
Alone.
Everyone she knew probably thought she was dead.
She was deep within the territory of people who hated her kind or were at least those who were opposed to their free existence.
She had nothing.
-Well get back. We have to at least try.-
I know. This is justtoo much. She shook her head against her hands. Its too much, Alat.
So, Tala sat, unmoving, and let time pass her by.
Finally, after what felt like ages, when the heat of the sun was beating down from almost directly overhead, she sighed. We need to head back to the hold.
-But we didnt get anything.-
Well just ask for something to be upgraded. There was no enthusiasm behind the thought.
Tala lifted her head from her hands and froze.
There, squatting on the ground in front of her was a small terror bird, one with achingly familiar coloring.
It had magic through its being. Not mundane.
Tala whispered in disbelieving hope. Terry?
She thought she detected a marginally different pattern of magic around his neck, as if something was hidden beneath his feathers, but it could easily have just been the birds natural magics.
The small avian trilled softly, seeming to be examining her.
No, its a trick of the light. There are more arcanous birds than just Terry. Thats not his collar. Its just another little
The bird flickered, appearing on her shoulder and headbutting her cheek.
Terry trilled happily, snuggling up against her neck.
Tala simply basked in the familiar comfort of his presence. Its me, Terry. Thank you for following me, and for waiting.
He simply trilled contentedly and snuggled in closer.
Please report us if you find any errors so we can fix it asap!
Chapter 212: Buy Yourself Something Nice
Tala was about to continue her conversation with Thorn, when a bevy of servants came into view bearing trays piled high with various foods.
I have to be Tali when others are around, or its going to seem odd. She straightened just slightly, changing her way of standing, and oddly enough, Tala felt more aloof. Huh. Theres a point to standing like a know-it-all?
-Youll have to tell me, I cant stand.-
Dont make me feel bad for you. Im never giving you command of our body. Id never get it back.
Alat scoffed. -Perish the thought! I am perfectly happy as I am, alone in the dark, watching your experiences second hand.-
Im in there with you.
-Shouting at me and then listening at the door for a response isnt the same as being in the room, Tala.-
What about when Tali is in command?
-Thats fair, actually. But now, Im alone in here. Theres only one intelligence in this mind.-
Sometimes, Alat She just shook her head, motioning to where the servants should set up the food.
There were two distinct groupings of breakfast, one much larger than the other.
Thorns food was a reasonable, if oversized, portion for a single persons breakfast. There were three massive sausages, a miniature mound of bacon, a generous bowl of fruit, some pan-fried potatoes, and a few slices of hearty, buttered bread.
It was all placed on a table that they set up for him to one side.
All of it was mundane, no more magical than the floor they walked on or the air they breathed.
Both of those things, arguably, were saturated with magic, but they werent, themselves, inherently magical.
As the dwarf thanked the servants and sat in the chair theyd brought as well, Tala noticed the large tankard next to his plate at the table.
Isnt it a little early to be drinking?
It is indeed, if you mean alcohol. Though, many of my kin wouldnt say No to a breakfast ale.
Tala frowned; she could definitely smell something sharp and tangy coming from the tankard. If not alcohol, what is it?
Acid.
She blinked a few times as the dwarf tipped the sizzling beverage back, taking a deep swig.
Tala watched power wrap around the liquid, even as it passed between the dwarfs lips, and something was drained away, seeming to spread out over the small mans body and sink into his natural magics.
What Tala caught herself. Shed been about to say, What under the stars? but Tali wouldnt use that expression. What aspect of blood are you high on? There. Thats what she would ask.
The dwarf looked her way as he swallowed. Im processing the concept of corrosion and acerbity, drawing it out of the acid and adding its conceptual weight to myself. Ill be able to do so continually until it passes all the way through my system.
Tala was at a loss for words. What?
He grinned ruefully. Theres a reason my magics so effective, Tali. I fell into the leaching tank as a boy. The only reason I survived is that I was of a High race and understood how acids worked well enough to grasp the concept. By the time they fished me out, the stuff I was swimming in was as harmless as water. Though, of course, it regained its base nature shortly after I was pulled out. Nature has its nature, after all.
She still didnt have a good response, so she just waited for him to continue.
His mirth faded a bit. Unfortunately, it so unbalanced my natural magics that Im pretty useless for anything else. I cant even implement a Recovery Perfected over anyone else, because the basic nature of my power would erode them.
Tala grinned, then. Your basic nature, eh? She chuckled.
Huh? Then, it seemed to click, and he snorted a laugh. Thats not what I meant at all.
But it was still funny.
Fair enough.
The servants had left by then, leaving behind Talas normal spread of food.
Tala sighed, walking over to the trays arrayed for her on the ground.
Dont you want a table? Or a chair?
She shrugged. A table big enough for all of this would be a pain to carry.
Oh, so you do care about servants, at least a bit.
Whats that supposed to mean? She cocked an eyebrow at him.
You didnt thank them; you didnt acknowledge them at all, except to tell them where to put our food.
Tala hesitated. Thats what Tali does, what she would have done. But she hadnt even had to check. Shed just behaved that way. Am I becoming her? Whats wrong with me?
-Calm down, Tala, you were distracted by his tankard of acid.-
Ohright.
-But you are right, Tali would have behaved that way, so you cant just brush it off.-
She sighed internally, then said what Tali would have, or near enough, Why does it matter? They have other tasks, and me slowing them down to chat, even to thank them, just makes their day longer in the end.
Thorn snorted. Sounds like the excuses of a stuck-up brat. He then froze in place, eyes going wide. II mean
Tala narrowed her eyes, knowing that Tali wouldnt have liked the comment at all. This is a chance to set the stage for our relationship going forward, and my seeming different reactions to things.
She redirected, closing her eyes and taking a deep breath. As no one was around to hear your disrespect, I will allow it. My- My- I cant say my Mastercan I? That might become problematic. You were assigned to me, and I should take what you say seriously, but speak that impertinently to me when anyone else can hear, and it will not go well for you.
Thorn swallowed unconsciously and nodded. As you say, Eskau Tali.
Is anyone around?
NoTali.
Better. She gave a forced smile.
Unfortunately, that exchange shattered the more casual atmosphere that theyd been building between them. It was to be expected, if Tala was going to maintain the fiction of being Tali, but it still grated.
Relationships are difficult enough without being fundamentally dishonest through the process
Tala dug into her food, though she didnt scarf it. Instead, she followed Talis normal pattern, when Be-thric wasnt there, and meditated as she ate, overlaying the power from the food on top of her own magics as she consumed it. There were some minor incompatibilities, extra magics that werent similar to her own, and those she discarded, using only what she could.
This is sort of like what Thorn is doing, but on a different level.
-Yeah, that acid wasnt magic, but he still pulled power from it.-
Conceptual magic is cheating.
-I bet theyd say having a functionally infinite well of power within yourself is cheating.-
Valid
Finally, when she was nearly done and Thorn had long-since finished, she looked his way. You never said why it matters?
He blinked, jerking slightly. Huh?
Was he asleep? I said, you never answered my question. Why does it matter how I treat the servants? Im not saying I disagree in principle, I just want your answer.
-Too wordy, Tala. You arent you.-
Hush.
Well. He scratched the back of his head. Servants make the hold function, right?
They do.
And they can make your life better, or they can make it worse, depending on how well they do their job, and what little things they do around it.
True, I suppose.
So, why not treat them well, so they make your life better?
Ahh, so its a selfish motivation?
He grimaced. Well, no. Thats not why I do it, but its a solid answer to your why question and a good reason why you should.
She gave him a long look, cocking one eyebrow. Because Im selfish.
He harrumphed. Because you asked for a reason as to why you should treat people with courtesy. I gave you a reason. It wasnt a commentary on your character. He crossed his arms and grimaced again.
Fine. Tala ate the last bits of her breakfast in silence.
Well, isnt this a dour gathering. Be-thrics voice rolled over the water, seeming to make the surface of the surrounding pools vibrate.
The new Pillar walked across one of the bridges, followed closely by Gallof.
Now, they just need an alabaster hue-folk to follow Gallof, and theyd have a nice, full gradient.
Alat snorted a laugh within Talas head but didnt comment.
Tala and Thorn turned to face the incoming men.
-Its a good fallback, if we cant think of anything else.-
She was passing by a smaller park, when she noticed an old turtle-man sitting on one of the benches, a staff leaning beside him, as he fed a large number of birds.
The turtles shell was iridescent, seeming to shimmer between green, blue, orange and red. There was a silvery white undertone to both the beast-mans shell and skin.
How are there not crowds of folk gathered around just to gawk at him?
-I dont know; he is quite beautiful.-
For most, the turtle simply tossed out handfuls of seeds, but one particular oddity caught her eye.
The old turtle smiled and pulled out a bit of dried meat, tossing it to the side, where a small terror bird caught it with ease.
She stopped, staring at the small bird, a grin slowly spreading across her face.
TERRY!?!
-Tala-
But Tala ignored her, ignored her own mind.
The terror bird regarded her warily as she drew near.
The turtle man looked her way as she drew close.
What do you wish of me, Enforcer of the House of Blood?
Tala felt a ripple of power wash over her.
Why would I want to bother an old turtle? She didnt slow; shed never really had interest in the beast-man to begin with.
-Huh, he just made us bored by the very idea of himBut look at him. Hes beautiful! Thats probably why there isnt anyone around him, just staring.-
Tala shook her head, kneeling down next to the small terror bird. The creature shrunk back from her as she drew near.
-Tala, the colorIts wrong.-
She slumped. I know. You arent Terry. She spoke softly.
-You could tell by its level of magic, or lack there of.- It was a mundane terror bird.
Now that Tala thought about it, shouldnt Terry have glowed like a beacon to Talis sight, if she really had seen him?
She felt a little part of her shrink back from the thought, refusing to acknowledge it.
The turtle-man was clutching his staff. So, you are not here for me? I see. His head bobbed in understanding. You seem to have lost that which is not found.
Tala frowned, pulled back for her sad thoughts. He has to be here, somewhere. What? That doesnt even make sense. Of course, if something isnt found, it is lost.
Unless what is sought finds you? The turtle gestured to the avians hopping around them in the little park. These creatures are not statues or items to be sought in some fixed location. You look for a bird whom you know?
Yes? This is really weird She almost brushed the old turtle off, but something held her back.
Does he have a name?
He does.
Then, call him.
Tala glanced around. There werent many people on the streets. She was still close to the district of doors, but shed wandered down a smaller side-street while musing.
The turtle leaned on his staff, smiling, his shell shifting through waves of purple and lilac. Well?
I feel like a fool.
-What could it hurt?-
What if someone hears?
-It wont mean anything to anyone, even Be-thric. Terry was hunting when he took us, if our last memory is correct.-
Tala cleared her throat. Terry? He probably just didnt hear me. Hes somewhere else.
The turtle nodded. Louder, if you wish the call to have meaning.
But
-Try, Tala.-
Terry!
Louder still.
But what if he doesnt come?
-What if he does?-
Tala felt tears building in her eyes as she threw back her head and shouted. TERRY!
Her voice, amplified by her enhanced lungs rang out through the park, startling the birds away, even the tiny terror bird that wasnt Terry.
As the echoes quickly died off, Tala looked around, momentarily hopeful.
The turtle-man looked around as well, then sighed. Ah, well. Your friend is not here, and mine are now gone. There are many parks in the city for you to search. He gave her a soft smile.
Tala felt her eye twitch, even as tears began to leak down across her cheeks. The shiny turtle turned and sauntered off. And here I thought he might have some sort of wise insight. She wiped at her face. I thought maybe he knew that Terry was nearby.
-Tala-
Not now. I dont want to hear it.
She flopped down on the bench, placing her face in her hands.
Where are you, Terry? Are you even alive?
Time passed and the turtles footsteps faded beyond even the ability of Talas enhanced hearing to pick up.
People passed on the nearby street, but no one else came into the park. She didnt have her bloodstars out. It was probably foolish, but at the moment, she was glad to not have to keep them in mind, keep them in place. She just sat, feeling the heaviness of her predicament.
She was alone.
Utterly.
Completely.
Alone.
Everyone she knew probably thought she was dead.
She was deep within the territory of people who hated her kind or were at least those who were opposed to their free existence.
She had nothing.
-Well get back. We have to at least try.-
I know. This is justtoo much. She shook her head against her hands. Its too much, Alat.
So, Tala sat, unmoving, and let time pass her by.
Finally, after what felt like ages, when the heat of the sun was beating down from almost directly overhead, she sighed. We need to head back to the hold.
-But we didnt get anything.-
Well just ask for something to be upgraded. There was no enthusiasm behind the thought.
Tala lifted her head from her hands and froze.
There, squatting on the ground in front of her was a small terror bird, one with achingly familiar coloring.
It had magic through its being. Not mundane.
Tala whispered in disbelieving hope. Terry?
She thought she detected a marginally different pattern of magic around his neck, as if something was hidden beneath his feathers, but it could easily have just been the birds natural magics.
The small avian trilled softly, seeming to be examining her.
No, its a trick of the light. There are more arcanous birds than just Terry. Thats not his collar. Its just another little
The bird flickered, appearing on her shoulder and headbutting her cheek.
Terry trilled happily, snuggling up against her neck.
Tala simply basked in the familiar comfort of his presence. Its me, Terry. Thank you for following me, and for waiting.
He simply trilled contentedly and snuggled in closer.
Chapter 212: Buy Yourself Something NiceTala was about to continue her conversation with Thorn, when a bevy of servants came into view bearing trays piled high with various foods.I have to be Tali when others are around, or its going to seem odd. She straightened just slightly, changing her way of standing, and oddly enough, Tala felt more aloof. Huh. Theres a point to standing like a know-it-all?-Youll have to tell me, I cant stand.-Dont make me feel bad for you. Im never giving you command of our body. Id never get it back.Alat scoffed. -Perish the thought! I am perfectly happy as I am, alone in the dark, watching your experiences second hand.-Im in there with you.-Shouting at me and then listening at the door for a response isnt the same as being in the room, Tala.-What about when Tali is in command?-Thats fair, actually. But now, Im alone in here. Theres only one intelligence in this mind.-Sometimes, Alat She just shook her head, motioning to where the servants should set up the food.There were two distinct groupings of breakfast, one much larger than the other.Thorns food was a reasonable, if oversized, portion for a single persons breakfast. There were three massive sausages, a miniature mound of bacon, a generous bowl of fruit, some pan-fried potatoes, and a few slices of hearty, buttered bread.It was all placed on a table that they set up for him to one side.All of it was mundane, no more magical than the floor they walked on or the air they breathed.Both of those things, arguably, were saturated with magic, but they werent, themselves, inherently magical.As the dwarf thanked the servants and sat in the chair theyd brought as well, Tala noticed the large tankard next to his plate at the table.Isnt it a little early to be drinking?It is indeed, if you mean alcohol. Though, many of my kin wouldnt say No to a breakfast ale.Tala frowned; she could definitely smell something sharp and tangy coming from the tankard. If not alcohol, what is it?Acid.She blinked a few times as the dwarf tipped the sizzling beverage back, taking a deep swig.Tala watched power wrap around the liquid, even as it passed between the dwarfs lips, and something was drained away, seeming to spread out over the small mans body and sink into his natural magics.What Tala caught herself. Shed been about to say, What under the stars? but Tali wouldnt use that expression. What aspect of blood are you high on? There. Thats what she would ask.The dwarf looked her way as he swallowed. Im processing the concept of corrosion and acerbity, drawing it out of the acid and adding its conceptual weight to myself. Ill be able to do so continually until it passes all the way through my system.Tala was at a loss for words. What?He grinned ruefully. Theres a reason my magics so effective, Tali. I fell into the leaching tank as a boy. The only reason I survived is that I was of a High race and understood how acids worked well enough to grasp the concept. By the time they fished me out, the stuff I was swimming in was as harmless as water. Though, of course, it regained its base nature shortly after I was pulled out. Nature has its nature, after all.She still didnt have a good response, so she just waited for him to continue.His mirth faded a bit. Unfortunately, it so unbalanced my natural magics that Im pretty useless for anything else. I cant even implement a Recovery Perfected over anyone else, because the basic nature of my power would erode them.Tala grinned, then. Your basic nature, eh? She chuckled.Huh? Then, it seemed to click, and he snorted a laugh. Thats not what I meant at all.But it was still funny.Fair enough.The servants had left by then, leaving behind Talas normal spread of food.Tala sighed, walking over to the trays arrayed for her on the ground.Dont you want a table? Or a chair?She shrugged. A table big enough for all of this would be a pain to carry.Oh, so you do care about servants, at least a bit.Whats that supposed to mean? She cocked an eyebrow at him.You didnt thank them; you didnt acknowledge them at all, except to tell them where to put our food.Tala hesitated. Thats what Tali does, what she would have done. But she hadnt even had to check. Shed just behaved that way. Am I becoming her? Whats wrong with me?-Calm down, Tala, you were distracted by his tankard of acid.-Ohright.-But you are right, Tali would have behaved that way, so you cant just brush it off.-She sighed internally, then said what Tali would have, or near enough, Why does it matter? They have other tasks, and me slowing them down to chat, even to thank them, just makes their day longer in the end.Thorn snorted. Sounds like the excuses of a stuck-up brat. He then froze in place, eyes going wide. II meanTala narrowed her eyes, knowing that Tali wouldnt have liked the comment at all. This is a chance to set the stage for our relationship going forward, and my seeming different reactions to things.She redirected, closing her eyes and taking a deep breath. As no one was around to hear your disrespect, I will allow it. My- My- I cant say my Mastercan I? That might become problematic. You were assigned to me, and I should take what you say seriously, but speak that impertinently to me when anyone else can hear, and it will not go well for you.Thorn swallowed unconsciously and nodded. As you say, Eskau Tali.Is anyone around?NoTali.Better. She gave a forced smile.Unfortunately, that exchange shattered the more casual atmosphere that theyd been building between them. It was to be expected, if Tala was going to maintain the fiction of being Tali, but it still grated.Relationships are difficult enough without being fundamentally dishonest through the processTala dug into her food, though she didnt scarf it. Instead, she followed Talis normal pattern, when Be-thric wasnt there, and meditated as she ate, overlaying the power from the food on top of her own magics as she consumed it. There were some minor incompatibilities, extra magics that werent similar to her own, and those she discarded, using only what she could.This is sort of like what Thorn is doing, but on a different level.-Yeah, that acid wasnt magic, but he still pulled power from it.-Conceptual magic is cheating.-I bet theyd say having a functionally infinite well of power within yourself is cheating.-ValidFinally, when she was nearly done and Thorn had long-since finished, she looked his way. You never said why it matters?He blinked, jerking slightly. Huh?Was he asleep? I said, you never answered my question. Why does it matter how I treat the servants? Im not saying I disagree in principle, I just want your answer.-Too wordy, Tala. You arent you.-Hush.Well. He scratched the back of his head. Servants make the hold function, right?They do.And they can make your life better, or they can make it worse, depending on how well they do their job, and what little things they do around it.True, I suppose.So, why not treat them well, so they make your life better?Ahh, so its a selfish motivation?He grimaced. Well, no. Thats not why I do it, but its a solid answer to your why question and a good reason why you should.She gave him a long look, cocking one eyebrow. Because Im selfish.He harrumphed. Because you asked for a reason as to why you should treat people with courtesy. I gave you a reason. It wasnt a commentary on your character. He crossed his arms and grimaced again.Fine. Tala ate the last bits of her breakfast in silence.Well, isnt this a dour gathering. Be-thrics voice rolled over the water, seeming to make the surface of the surrounding pools vibrate.The new Pillar walked across one of the bridges, followed closely by Gallof.Now, they just need an alabaster hue-folk to follow Gallof, and theyd have a nice, full gradient.Alat snorted a laugh within Talas head but didnt comment.Tala and Thorn turned to face the incoming men.-Its a good fallback, if we cant think of anything else.-She was passing by a smaller park, when she noticed an old turtle-man sitting on one of the benches, a staff leaning beside him, as he fed a large number of birds.The turtles shell was iridescent, seeming to shimmer between green, blue, orange and red. There was a silvery white undertone to both the beast-mans shell and skin.How are there not crowds of folk gathered around just to gawk at him?-I dont know; he is quite beautiful.-For most, the turtle simply tossed out handfuls of seeds, but one particular oddity caught her eye.The old turtle smiled and pulled out a bit of dried meat, tossing it to the side, where a small terror bird caught it with ease.She stopped, staring at the small bird, a grin slowly spreading across her face.TERRY!?!-Tala-But Tala ignored her, ignored her own mind.The terror bird regarded her warily as she drew near.The turtle man looked her way as she drew close.What do you wish of me, Enforcer of the House of Blood?Tala felt a ripple of power wash over her.Why would I want to bother an old turtle? She didnt slow; shed never really had interest in the beast-man to begin with.-Huh, he just made us bored by the very idea of himBut look at him. Hes beautiful! Thats probably why there isnt anyone around him, just staring.-Tala shook her head, kneeling down next to the small terror bird. The creature shrunk back from her as she drew near.-Tala, the colorIts wrong.-She slumped. I know. You arent Terry. She spoke softly.-You could tell by its level of magic, or lack there of.- It was a mundane terror bird.Now that Tala thought about it, shouldnt Terry have glowed like a beacon to Talis sight, if she really had seen him?She felt a little part of her shrink back from the thought, refusing to acknowledge it.The turtle-man was clutching his staff. So, you are not here for me? I see. His head bobbed in understanding. You seem to have lost that which is not found.Tala frowned, pulled back for her sad thoughts. He has to be here, somewhere. What? That doesnt even make sense. Of course, if something isnt found, it is lost.Unless what is sought finds you? The turtle gestured to the avians hopping around them in the little park. These creatures are not statues or items to be sought in some fixed location. You look for a bird whom you know?Yes? This is really weird She almost brushed the old turtle off, but something held her back.Does he have a name?He does.Then, call him.Tala glanced around. There werent many people on the streets. She was still close to the district of doors, but shed wandered down a smaller side-street while musing.The turtle leaned on his staff, smiling, his shell shifting through waves of purple and lilac. Well?I feel like a fool.-What could it hurt?-What if someone hears?-It wont mean anything to anyone, even Be-thric. Terry was hunting when he took us, if our last memory is correct.-Tala cleared her throat. Terry? He probably just didnt hear me. Hes somewhere else.The turtle nodded. Louder, if you wish the call to have meaning.But-Try, Tala.-Terry!Louder still.But what if he doesnt come?-What if he does?-Tala felt tears building in her eyes as she threw back her head and shouted. TERRY!Her voice, amplified by her enhanced lungs rang out through the park, startling the birds away, even the tiny terror bird that wasnt Terry.As the echoes quickly died off, Tala looked around, momentarily hopeful.The turtle-man looked around as well, then sighed. Ah, well. Your friend is not here, and mine are now gone. There are many parks in the city for you to search. He gave her a soft smile.Tala felt her eye twitch, even as tears began to leak down across her cheeks. The shiny turtle turned and sauntered off. And here I thought he might have some sort of wise insight. She wiped at her face. I thought maybe he knew that Terry was nearby.-Tala-Not now. I dont want to hear it.She flopped down on the bench, placing her face in her hands.Where are you, Terry? Are you even alive?Time passed and the turtles footsteps faded beyond even the ability of Talas enhanced hearing to pick up.People passed on the nearby street, but no one else came into the park. She didnt have her bloodstars out. It was probably foolish, but at the moment, she was glad to not have to keep them in mind, keep them in place. She just sat, feeling the heaviness of her predicament.She was alone.Utterly.Completely.Alone.Everyone she knew probably thought she was dead.She was deep within the territory of people who hated her kind or were at least those who were opposed to their free existence.She had nothing.-Well get back. We have to at least try.-I know. This is justtoo much. She shook her head against her hands. Its too much, Alat.So, Tala sat, unmoving, and let time pass her by.Finally, after what felt like ages, when the heat of the sun was beating down from almost directly overhead, she sighed. We need to head back to the hold.-But we didnt get anything.-Well just ask for something to be upgraded. There was no enthusiasm behind the thought.Tala lifted her head from her hands and froze.There, squatting on the ground in front of her was a small terror bird, one with achingly familiar coloring.It had magic through its being. Not mundane.Tala whispered in disbelieving hope. Terry?She thought she detected a marginally different pattern of magic around his neck, as if something was hidden beneath his feathers, but it could easily have just been the birds natural magics.The small avian trilled softly, seeming to be examining her.No, its a trick of the light. There are more arcanous birds than just Terry. Thats not his collar. Its just another littleThe bird flickered, appearing on her shoulder and headbutting her cheek.Terry trilled happily, snuggling up against her neck.Tala simply basked in the familiar comfort of his presence. Its me, Terry. Thank you for following me, and for waiting.He simply trilled contentedly and snuggled in closer.
