Chapter 245: Despair
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Chapter 245: Despair
Talas world was filled with a buzzing that was as much visual as auditory.
She vaguely felt Alat guiding her in her choice of words and actions, briefly expressing shock that she wouldnt be allowed to protect Pillar Be-thric on the venture and requesting time to process the news.
It was granted, and Tala retreated into her sanctum.
No
No.
No.
No
This cant be happening.
That was my way out. My way home.
No.
No.
No.
-Tala?-
No.
No.
No.
-Tala.-
No. No, no.
-Tala!-
Tala snapped her head up, looking around in confusion, trying to find the person who had dared interrupt her. What?
-Tala. Pull yourself together. Im in your mind.-
She groaned, lowering her head back down onto her knees.
In her brief moment of outward examination, she saw that she was sitting on her bed, curled up beside the massive window, and the sun was setting. Shed either been there for an hour or so, or more than a day.
-Just an hour. Youre not that far gone.-
Im nearly a thousand miles gone. Tala snapped back, desperation and fear tingeing her response
-So? What now?-
Now? I adjust to a life in a gilded cage, bowing and scraping to a monster who stole everything from me in a fit of childish stubbornness.
-Sure, you could do that. Or?- Alat left it hanging, the unanswered question grating on Tala.
Or? Or! I cant do anything! She paused. I cant do anything.
-Yeah, you said that. I dont think that-
No, no. You arent listening. I cant do anything. But the Pillars could be convinced. She sat up, taking her overwhelming despair and pushing it aside.
It was not overcome. It was not banished, but the flickers of hope kept it from suffocating her once again.
I need to speak to Meallain. Im out of my depth, here, and she might know what we can do.
She called up some water and ensured her face was clean and clear. She used her mirrored perspectives to check her physical state and fixed what was awry.
Thanks, Kit.
The source of water did not respond.
Tala straightened herself, hardened her resolve, and summoned the exit to her sanctum.
Tala would have a feast awaiting her return in her own sanctum, so she would be fast.
It was easy to find Meallain once Tala was back in the House of Bloods hold. She was in her office of sorts, dealing with petitions of one kind or other.
The elf looked up from her writing desk as Tala entered. Ahh, Eskau Tali. What brings you here this evening? Are you well?
Tala shook her head. Honestly, no, Eskau Meallain, Im not doing well. I am to let Pillar Be-thric go into hostile territory, alone. This goes against everything I have worked for, everything I am.
The truth and fervor of Talas words thrummed through the room, though that truth was not as the elf would interpret.
I will not stand idly by while he goes on such a mission. I should be with him. It is my duty. It is required.
Meallain gave her a sad smile and nodded. I can understand the sentiment, truly I can, but the council has spoken. There is nothing you can do about it, without their permission.The debut release of this chapter happened at Ñøv€l-B1n.
Then, how can I change the ruling? How can I gain their permission? She spoke firmly, resolved in her goal.
What do you mean?
It is my duty to be beside Pillar Be-thric. If I cannot accompany him on this mission, I dont know what I will do. Her voice and demeanor wavered on the edge of cracking as she spoke the last. Still, she hardened herself and continued, Is there anything that I could do to sufficiently impress the other Pillars, that they might change their minds? Is there anything that I can do to convince them? Anything.
Meallain looked troubled by that. While I commend your fervor, especially with regard to little Be, the word of the council is sacrosanct. It is not for us to question or seek to change.
Im not seeking to force a change. I am seeking for them to make a change, and I just want to know what I can do to make that attempt. Surely such has happened before.
Wellyes. The council does occasionally alter its rulings on an issue.
That is what I seek. How can I attempt to accomplish that?
You cant, Eskau Tali. The conclave has come to an end, the decision has been made and the Pillars are already on to other business. None have departed, but the motion is closed. Only a member of the deciding council could bring it back up, and none would be open to discussing their decision with you. They might even penalize you, or Be, if you tried. Please, dont let your ardor make things worse.
Tala closed her eyes and groaned quietly, flopping into a nearby chair. Thats a dead end then.
-What next?-
If I cant change the councils decision, there must be ways of going around the councils decision. Things have to be flexible under certain circumstances, else the House would have fallen due to unforeseen happenings.
-And if that doesnt work?-
Tala grit her teeth. Then, I can ask Be-thric if he can put any pressure on the others. He said he tried before, but maybe he can try again.
-That sounds like an unpleasant option.-
Hence, why its the last one Id choose.
-Fair enough.-
Tali?
Talas eyes snapped open, and she beheld Meallains concerned expression. The elf had set her paperwork aside, and was turned fully towards Tala.
Are you alright?
Tala shook her head. Honestly, no. II dont know how to handle this result, this decision. I never even considered the possibility, if Im being honest.
How is your head? Do you feellike yourself?
She frowned. What? Of course, I do. What is sheoh. Tala barely kept from reacting. She knows about the mind alteration. Shes concerned that this is threatening the integrity of my false mind.
-Thats an interesting angle. But I believe that if we suggest that to Be-thric, hes more likely to try to fix us than to work towards a change in the decision.-
-That thats pretty interesting, actually.-
Ill make siege orbs later.
Less than five minutes later, she found Thron reading a book in one of the gardens of her sanctum.
Tali! Good morning to you. He seemed a bit tentative in his greeting, as if trying to gauge her mood.
Why? Oh She felt herself sadden. No. I am moving forward. Thorn, I have a commission I want you to work on for me.
Oh? He perked up, seeming to have noticed her momentary dip in mood but not focusing on it.
What is the strongest, most durable metal we have available?
Honestly? The white metal from the guild-hold.
Tala blinked a few times. Wow I didnt think of that, and I should have. She chuckled, shaking her head.
Alat started laughing. -I didnt think of that either.-
Thron frowned. Tali? Is everything okay?
Well, no, but I think what I want will be easier than Id hoped. She grinned. Thank you for pointing out the obvious!
He grinned back at her. I am happy to assist.
Tala gave a little wave, then willed herself down into the underbelly of her sanctum.
Ios body was nearly finished growing, and the purple tank filled the space with a marbled, ever shifting light. Thankfully, the automaton body hadnt moved or shown any impetus to do so.
Im not here for you. Not yet. She patted the side of the tank distractedly.
Tala called one of the ingots of white metal to her and pushed her will and power into the material to begin reshaping it.
I need to deal with the armor recovered from the drake at some point. It seemed that Kit had consumed the reality drake, and her limbs oddly enough, but left the white metal for her to recover. She just needed to reshape it. Another time.
Tala focused on the ingot in her hands and formed it into a bar with a nearly triangular cross-section, but with two sides bowed outward.
More than anything, it looked like a stupidly thick scale.
That is, in fact, exactly what it was.
With an act of will and power, Tala shaved off one scale, barely a fifth of an inch thick.
-I think thats a bit too thick, given the strength of this material.-
Tala grimaced. Youre probably right.
With a sigh, she slumped just a bit. Another failure
-Hey, now. Not a failure at all. Nothings broken, nothing's done.-
Tala hesitated, collecting herself to a degree.
You know. Were going to be using this against really powerful opponents. This is a bit thicker than what my elk-leathers had covering me.
-Would a bit more thickness actually help?-
Thatsfair. She sighed. I can probably get these impressed with durability or defensive magics, but not here, not now. Plus, that would be a bit frustrating to maintain.
-Lets try the base premise of your idea before we over complicate it. I think about a tenth of an inch should be plenty thick, honestly.-
Tala shrugged, recombining the metal before severing a thinner scale.
She held the scale up to the bottom of her tunic and began amplifying the gravity of the scale towards that section of leather. It wasnt fast, but it did work.
After just a couple of minutes, she was able to remove her hand and the scale stayed in place. She would ramp it up further, and while she did that, her hands were free.
I have more capacity than this.
She severed a few more scales, having to remake one or two because of her still distracted mind, and began amplifying them all, carefully placing each.
-It looks like its working.-
Tala found herself grinning. Yes. Yes, it does.
Two hours later, she had covered most of the front of her top with small white scales.
She peeled off the vest shed formed of elk-leather and broke the leathers connection to her outfit. That will now be a good base for the scales that I can doff and done at need.
The scales clattered to the floor, and Tala let out a yelp of surprise.
She covered her mouth and closed her eyes. Get it together, Tala.
Tala shook her head, banishing the tears from her eyes before they could start to gather.
-Tala?-
Im okay. Just give me a moment.
After a deep breath, she lowered her hand, opened her eyes, and stared down at the pile, regarding the mess before her. Then, she groaned. Oh, that was foolish of me. I just substantially changed the nature of their target.
-Well, at least you have a place to work from, now. You proved the premise.-
That I do.
As each of the scales would be gravitationally attracted to a single, discrete part of the leather, they wouldnt press on her, nor harm the leather, but they would contain the amplified gravity she needed for a quick re-targetting and attack.
Rather than running around with a couple of dozen orbs affixed to her clothing, she would have a hauberk of scale-mail, ready for each scale to be a deadly projectile.
If I dont make another foolish mistake. She sighed. She didnt have time to start again. Not right then.
She had an appointment to keep with Be-thric.
Im going to need your help, Alat. I dont want to be near him right now. He was a means of escape, but now hes just the source of my captivity, no matter how opulent.
-Im here, Tala. Im not going anywhere.-
Tala took a few long breaths. It probably would have been wise to take some time to level myself earlier, eh?
-Probably, but youre coping pretty well, honestly.-
She snorted a laugh.
She didnt want to go, not now.
Be-thric was going to negotiate with one of the few other major Houses in the city for a protian weapon, and the presence of his Eskau was critical for proper presentation.
Im a symbol of power for my kidnappers. I am the mighty right hand of the one who tried to take everything I am.
-And you will smack him down with that power soon enough.-
Tala took another deep breath, nodding. I will watch for an opening. With the collar in place, I dont foresee one coming, but my eyes will be open. We will find a way to be free.
-Thats right we will.-
No one will keep me, no one will dictate my future but me.
She felt her back straighten, her stance solidify, and her head lift.
She knew it was a hollow confidence, born more of desperation than certainty, but she didnt care. She would find a way to fill the void and concoct a remedy to this disaster.
Alright. Lets do this.
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Chapter 245: Despair
Talas world was filled with a buzzing that was as much visual as auditory.
She vaguely felt Alat guiding her in her choice of words and actions, briefly expressing shock that she wouldnt be allowed to protect Pillar Be-thric on the venture and requesting time to process the news.
It was granted, and Tala retreated into her sanctum.
No
No.
No.
No
This cant be happening.
That was my way out. My way home.
No.
No.
No.
-Tala?-
No.
No.
No.
-Tala.-
No. No, no.
-Tala!-
Tala snapped her head up, looking around in confusion, trying to find the person who had dared interrupt her. What?
-Tala. Pull yourself together. Im in your mind.-
She groaned, lowering her head back down onto her knees.
In her brief moment of outward examination, she saw that she was sitting on her bed, curled up beside the massive window, and the sun was setting. Shed either been there for an hour or so, or more than a day.
-Just an hour. Youre not that far gone.-
Im nearly a thousand miles gone. Tala snapped back, desperation and fear tingeing her response
-So? What now?-
Now? I adjust to a life in a gilded cage, bowing and scraping to a monster who stole everything from me in a fit of childish stubbornness.
-Sure, you could do that. Or?- Alat left it hanging, the unanswered question grating on Tala.
Or? Or! I cant do anything! She paused. I cant do anything.
-Yeah, you said that. I dont think that-
No, no. You arent listening. I cant do anything. But the Pillars could be convinced. She sat up, taking her overwhelming despair and pushing it aside.
It was not overcome. It was not banished, but the flickers of hope kept it from suffocating her once again.
I need to speak to Meallain. Im out of my depth, here, and she might know what we can do.
She called up some water and ensured her face was clean and clear. She used her mirrored perspectives to check her physical state and fixed what was awry.
Thanks, Kit.
The source of water did not respond.
Tala straightened herself, hardened her resolve, and summoned the exit to her sanctum.
Tala would have a feast awaiting her return in her own sanctum, so she would be fast.
It was easy to find Meallain once Tala was back in the House of Bloods hold. She was in her office of sorts, dealing with petitions of one kind or other.
The elf looked up from her writing desk as Tala entered. Ahh, Eskau Tali. What brings you here this evening? Are you well?
Tala shook her head. Honestly, no, Eskau Meallain, Im not doing well. I am to let Pillar Be-thric go into hostile territory, alone. This goes against everything I have worked for, everything I am.
The truth and fervor of Talas words thrummed through the room, though that truth was not as the elf would interpret.
I will not stand idly by while he goes on such a mission. I should be with him. It is my duty. It is required.
Meallain gave her a sad smile and nodded. I can understand the sentiment, truly I can, but the council has spoken. There is nothing you can do about it, without their permission.The debut release of this chapter happened at Ñøv€l-B1n.
Then, how can I change the ruling? How can I gain their permission? She spoke firmly, resolved in her goal.
What do you mean?
It is my duty to be beside Pillar Be-thric. If I cannot accompany him on this mission, I dont know what I will do. Her voice and demeanor wavered on the edge of cracking as she spoke the last. Still, she hardened herself and continued, Is there anything that I could do to sufficiently impress the other Pillars, that they might change their minds? Is there anything that I can do to convince them? Anything.
Meallain looked troubled by that. While I commend your fervor, especially with regard to little Be, the word of the council is sacrosanct. It is not for us to question or seek to change.
Im not seeking to force a change. I am seeking for them to make a change, and I just want to know what I can do to make that attempt. Surely such has happened before.
Wellyes. The council does occasionally alter its rulings on an issue.
That is what I seek. How can I attempt to accomplish that?
You cant, Eskau Tali. The conclave has come to an end, the decision has been made and the Pillars are already on to other business. None have departed, but the motion is closed. Only a member of the deciding council could bring it back up, and none would be open to discussing their decision with you. They might even penalize you, or Be, if you tried. Please, dont let your ardor make things worse.
Tala closed her eyes and groaned quietly, flopping into a nearby chair. Thats a dead end then.
-What next?-
If I cant change the councils decision, there must be ways of going around the councils decision. Things have to be flexible under certain circumstances, else the House would have fallen due to unforeseen happenings.
-And if that doesnt work?-
Tala grit her teeth. Then, I can ask Be-thric if he can put any pressure on the others. He said he tried before, but maybe he can try again.
-That sounds like an unpleasant option.-
Hence, why its the last one Id choose.
-Fair enough.-
Tali?
Talas eyes snapped open, and she beheld Meallains concerned expression. The elf had set her paperwork aside, and was turned fully towards Tala.
Are you alright?
Tala shook her head. Honestly, no. II dont know how to handle this result, this decision. I never even considered the possibility, if Im being honest.
How is your head? Do you feellike yourself?
She frowned. What? Of course, I do. What is sheoh. Tala barely kept from reacting. She knows about the mind alteration. Shes concerned that this is threatening the integrity of my false mind.
-Thats an interesting angle. But I believe that if we suggest that to Be-thric, hes more likely to try to fix us than to work towards a change in the decision.-
-That thats pretty interesting, actually.-
Ill make siege orbs later.
Less than five minutes later, she found Thron reading a book in one of the gardens of her sanctum.
Tali! Good morning to you. He seemed a bit tentative in his greeting, as if trying to gauge her mood.
Why? Oh She felt herself sadden. No. I am moving forward. Thorn, I have a commission I want you to work on for me.
Oh? He perked up, seeming to have noticed her momentary dip in mood but not focusing on it.
What is the strongest, most durable metal we have available?
Honestly? The white metal from the guild-hold.
Tala blinked a few times. Wow I didnt think of that, and I should have. She chuckled, shaking her head.
Alat started laughing. -I didnt think of that either.-
Thron frowned. Tali? Is everything okay?
Well, no, but I think what I want will be easier than Id hoped. She grinned. Thank you for pointing out the obvious!
He grinned back at her. I am happy to assist.
Tala gave a little wave, then willed herself down into the underbelly of her sanctum.
Ios body was nearly finished growing, and the purple tank filled the space with a marbled, ever shifting light. Thankfully, the automaton body hadnt moved or shown any impetus to do so.
Im not here for you. Not yet. She patted the side of the tank distractedly.
Tala called one of the ingots of white metal to her and pushed her will and power into the material to begin reshaping it.
I need to deal with the armor recovered from the drake at some point. It seemed that Kit had consumed the reality drake, and her limbs oddly enough, but left the white metal for her to recover. She just needed to reshape it. Another time.
Tala focused on the ingot in her hands and formed it into a bar with a nearly triangular cross-section, but with two sides bowed outward.
More than anything, it looked like a stupidly thick scale.
That is, in fact, exactly what it was.
With an act of will and power, Tala shaved off one scale, barely a fifth of an inch thick.
-I think thats a bit too thick, given the strength of this material.-
Tala grimaced. Youre probably right.
With a sigh, she slumped just a bit. Another failure
-Hey, now. Not a failure at all. Nothings broken, nothing's done.-
Tala hesitated, collecting herself to a degree.
You know. Were going to be using this against really powerful opponents. This is a bit thicker than what my elk-leathers had covering me.
-Would a bit more thickness actually help?-
Thatsfair. She sighed. I can probably get these impressed with durability or defensive magics, but not here, not now. Plus, that would be a bit frustrating to maintain.
-Lets try the base premise of your idea before we over complicate it. I think about a tenth of an inch should be plenty thick, honestly.-
Tala shrugged, recombining the metal before severing a thinner scale.
She held the scale up to the bottom of her tunic and began amplifying the gravity of the scale towards that section of leather. It wasnt fast, but it did work.
After just a couple of minutes, she was able to remove her hand and the scale stayed in place. She would ramp it up further, and while she did that, her hands were free.
I have more capacity than this.
She severed a few more scales, having to remake one or two because of her still distracted mind, and began amplifying them all, carefully placing each.
-It looks like its working.-
Tala found herself grinning. Yes. Yes, it does.
Two hours later, she had covered most of the front of her top with small white scales.
She peeled off the vest shed formed of elk-leather and broke the leathers connection to her outfit. That will now be a good base for the scales that I can doff and done at need.
The scales clattered to the floor, and Tala let out a yelp of surprise.
She covered her mouth and closed her eyes. Get it together, Tala.
Tala shook her head, banishing the tears from her eyes before they could start to gather.
-Tala?-
Im okay. Just give me a moment.
After a deep breath, she lowered her hand, opened her eyes, and stared down at the pile, regarding the mess before her. Then, she groaned. Oh, that was foolish of me. I just substantially changed the nature of their target.
-Well, at least you have a place to work from, now. You proved the premise.-
That I do.
As each of the scales would be gravitationally attracted to a single, discrete part of the leather, they wouldnt press on her, nor harm the leather, but they would contain the amplified gravity she needed for a quick re-targetting and attack.
Rather than running around with a couple of dozen orbs affixed to her clothing, she would have a hauberk of scale-mail, ready for each scale to be a deadly projectile.
If I dont make another foolish mistake. She sighed. She didnt have time to start again. Not right then.
She had an appointment to keep with Be-thric.
Im going to need your help, Alat. I dont want to be near him right now. He was a means of escape, but now hes just the source of my captivity, no matter how opulent.
-Im here, Tala. Im not going anywhere.-
Tala took a few long breaths. It probably would have been wise to take some time to level myself earlier, eh?
-Probably, but youre coping pretty well, honestly.-
She snorted a laugh.
She didnt want to go, not now.
Be-thric was going to negotiate with one of the few other major Houses in the city for a protian weapon, and the presence of his Eskau was critical for proper presentation.
Im a symbol of power for my kidnappers. I am the mighty right hand of the one who tried to take everything I am.
-And you will smack him down with that power soon enough.-
Tala took another deep breath, nodding. I will watch for an opening. With the collar in place, I dont foresee one coming, but my eyes will be open. We will find a way to be free.
-Thats right we will.-
No one will keep me, no one will dictate my future but me.
She felt her back straighten, her stance solidify, and her head lift.
She knew it was a hollow confidence, born more of desperation than certainty, but she didnt care. She would find a way to fill the void and concoct a remedy to this disaster.
Alright. Lets do this.
Chapter 245: DespairTalas world was filled with a buzzing that was as much visual as auditory.She vaguely felt Alat guiding her in her choice of words and actions, briefly expressing shock that she wouldnt be allowed to protect Pillar Be-thric on the venture and requesting time to process the news.It was granted, and Tala retreated into her sanctum.NoNo.No.NoThis cant be happening.That was my way out. My way home.No.No.No.-Tala?-No.No.No.-Tala.-No. No, no.-Tala!-Tala snapped her head up, looking around in confusion, trying to find the person who had dared interrupt her. What?-Tala. Pull yourself together. Im in your mind.-She groaned, lowering her head back down onto her knees.In her brief moment of outward examination, she saw that she was sitting on her bed, curled up beside the massive window, and the sun was setting. Shed either been there for an hour or so, or more than a day.-Just an hour. Youre not that far gone.-Im nearly a thousand miles gone. Tala snapped back, desperation and fear tingeing her response-So? What now?-Now? I adjust to a life in a gilded cage, bowing and scraping to a monster who stole everything from me in a fit of childish stubbornness.-Sure, you could do that. Or?- Alat left it hanging, the unanswered question grating on Tala.Or? Or! I cant do anything! She paused. I cant do anything.-Yeah, you said that. I dont think that-No, no. You arent listening. I cant do anything. But the Pillars could be convinced. She sat up, taking her overwhelming despair and pushing it aside.It was not overcome. It was not banished, but the flickers of hope kept it from suffocating her once again.I need to speak to Meallain. Im out of my depth, here, and she might know what we can do.She called up some water and ensured her face was clean and clear. She used her mirrored perspectives to check her physical state and fixed what was awry.Thanks, Kit.The source of water did not respond.Tala straightened herself, hardened her resolve, and summoned the exit to her sanctum.Tala would have a feast awaiting her return in her own sanctum, so she would be fast.It was easy to find Meallain once Tala was back in the House of Bloods hold. She was in her office of sorts, dealing with petitions of one kind or other.The elf looked up from her writing desk as Tala entered. Ahh, Eskau Tali. What brings you here this evening? Are you well?Tala shook her head. Honestly, no, Eskau Meallain, Im not doing well. I am to let Pillar Be-thric go into hostile territory, alone. This goes against everything I have worked for, everything I am.The truth and fervor of Talas words thrummed through the room, though that truth was not as the elf would interpret.I will not stand idly by while he goes on such a mission. I should be with him. It is my duty. It is required.Meallain gave her a sad smile and nodded. I can understand the sentiment, truly I can, but the council has spoken. There is nothing you can do about it, without their permission.The debut release of this chapter happened at Nvl-B1n.Then, how can I change the ruling? How can I gain their permission? She spoke firmly, resolved in her goal.What do you mean?It is my duty to be beside Pillar Be-thric. If I cannot accompany him on this mission, I dont know what I will do. Her voice and demeanor wavered on the edge of cracking as she spoke the last. Still, she hardened herself and continued, Is there anything that I could do to sufficiently impress the other Pillars, that they might change their minds? Is there anything that I can do to convince them? Anything.Meallain looked troubled by that. While I commend your fervor, especially with regard to little Be, the word of the council is sacrosanct. It is not for us to question or seek to change.Im not seeking to force a change. I am seeking for them to make a change, and I just want to know what I can do to make that attempt. Surely such has happened before.Wellyes. The council does occasionally alter its rulings on an issue.That is what I seek. How can I attempt to accomplish that?You cant, Eskau Tali. The conclave has come to an end, the decision has been made and the Pillars are already on to other business. None have departed, but the motion is closed. Only a member of the deciding council could bring it back up, and none would be open to discussing their decision with you. They might even penalize you, or Be, if you tried. Please, dont let your ardor make things worse.Tala closed her eyes and groaned quietly, flopping into a nearby chair. Thats a dead end then.-What next?-If I cant change the councils decision, there must be ways of going around the councils decision. Things have to be flexible under certain circumstances, else the House would have fallen due to unforeseen happenings.-And if that doesnt work?-Tala grit her teeth. Then, I can ask Be-thric if he can put any pressure on the others. He said he tried before, but maybe he can try again.-That sounds like an unpleasant option.-Hence, why its the last one Id choose.-Fair enough.-Tali?Talas eyes snapped open, and she beheld Meallains concerned expression. The elf had set her paperwork aside, and was turned fully towards Tala.Are you alright?Tala shook her head. Honestly, no. II dont know how to handle this result, this decision. I never even considered the possibility, if Im being honest.How is your head? Do you feellike yourself?She frowned. What? Of course, I do. What is sheoh. Tala barely kept from reacting. She knows about the mind alteration. Shes concerned that this is threatening the integrity of my false mind.-Thats an interesting angle. But I believe that if we suggest that to Be-thric, hes more likely to try to fix us than to work towards a change in the decision.--That thats pretty interesting, actually.-Ill make siege orbs later.Less than five minutes later, she found Thron reading a book in one of the gardens of her sanctum.Tali! Good morning to you. He seemed a bit tentative in his greeting, as if trying to gauge her mood.Why? Oh She felt herself sadden. No. I am moving forward. Thorn, I have a commission I want you to work on for me.Oh? He perked up, seeming to have noticed her momentary dip in mood but not focusing on it.What is the strongest, most durable metal we have available?Honestly? The white metal from the guild-hold.Tala blinked a few times. Wow I didnt think of that, and I should have. She chuckled, shaking her head.Alat started laughing. -I didnt think of that either.-Thron frowned. Tali? Is everything okay?Well, no, but I think what I want will be easier than Id hoped. She grinned. Thank you for pointing out the obvious!He grinned back at her. I am happy to assist.Tala gave a little wave, then willed herself down into the underbelly of her sanctum.Ios body was nearly finished growing, and the purple tank filled the space with a marbled, ever shifting light. Thankfully, the automaton body hadnt moved or shown any impetus to do so.Im not here for you. Not yet. She patted the side of the tank distractedly.Tala called one of the ingots of white metal to her and pushed her will and power into the material to begin reshaping it.I need to deal with the armor recovered from the drake at some point. It seemed that Kit had consumed the reality drake, and her limbs oddly enough, but left the white metal for her to recover. She just needed to reshape it. Another time.Tala focused on the ingot in her hands and formed it into a bar with a nearly triangular cross-section, but with two sides bowed outward.More than anything, it looked like a stupidly thick scale.That is, in fact, exactly what it was.With an act of will and power, Tala shaved off one scale, barely a fifth of an inch thick.-I think thats a bit too thick, given the strength of this material.-Tala grimaced. Youre probably right.With a sigh, she slumped just a bit. Another failure-Hey, now. Not a failure at all. Nothings broken, nothing's done.-Tala hesitated, collecting herself to a degree.You know. Were going to be using this against really powerful opponents. This is a bit thicker than what my elk-leathers had covering me.-Would a bit more thickness actually help?-Thatsfair. She sighed. I can probably get these impressed with durability or defensive magics, but not here, not now. Plus, that would be a bit frustrating to maintain.-Lets try the base premise of your idea before we over complicate it. I think about a tenth of an inch should be plenty thick, honestly.-Tala shrugged, recombining the metal before severing a thinner scale.She held the scale up to the bottom of her tunic and began amplifying the gravity of the scale towards that section of leather. It wasnt fast, but it did work.After just a couple of minutes, she was able to remove her hand and the scale stayed in place. She would ramp it up further, and while she did that, her hands were free.I have more capacity than this.She severed a few more scales, having to remake one or two because of her still distracted mind, and began amplifying them all, carefully placing each.-It looks like its working.-Tala found herself grinning. Yes. Yes, it does.Two hours later, she had covered most of the front of her top with small white scales.She peeled off the vest shed formed of elk-leather and broke the leathers connection to her outfit. That will now be a good base for the scales that I can doff and done at need.The scales clattered to the floor, and Tala let out a yelp of surprise.She covered her mouth and closed her eyes. Get it together, Tala.Tala shook her head, banishing the tears from her eyes before they could start to gather.-Tala?-Im okay. Just give me a moment.After a deep breath, she lowered her hand, opened her eyes, and stared down at the pile, regarding the mess before her. Then, she groaned. Oh, that was foolish of me. I just substantially changed the nature of their target.-Well, at least you have a place to work from, now. You proved the premise.-That I do.As each of the scales would be gravitationally attracted to a single, discrete part of the leather, they wouldnt press on her, nor harm the leather, but they would contain the amplified gravity she needed for a quick re-targetting and attack.Rather than running around with a couple of dozen orbs affixed to her clothing, she would have a hauberk of scale-mail, ready for each scale to be a deadly projectile.If I dont make another foolish mistake. She sighed. She didnt have time to start again. Not right then.She had an appointment to keep with Be-thric.Im going to need your help, Alat. I dont want to be near him right now. He was a means of escape, but now hes just the source of my captivity, no matter how opulent.-Im here, Tala. Im not going anywhere.-Tala took a few long breaths. It probably would have been wise to take some time to level myself earlier, eh?-Probably, but youre coping pretty well, honestly.-She snorted a laugh.She didnt want to go, not now.Be-thric was going to negotiate with one of the few other major Houses in the city for a protian weapon, and the presence of his Eskau was critical for proper presentation.Im a symbol of power for my kidnappers. I am the mighty right hand of the one who tried to take everything I am.-And you will smack him down with that power soon enough.-Tala took another deep breath, nodding. I will watch for an opening. With the collar in place, I dont foresee one coming, but my eyes will be open. We will find a way to be free.-Thats right we will.-No one will keep me, no one will dictate my future but me.She felt her back straighten, her stance solidify, and her head lift.She knew it was a hollow confidence, born more of desperation than certainty, but she didnt care. She would find a way to fill the void and concoct a remedy to this disaster.Alright. Lets do this.
