Chapter 272: Sapphire Disc
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Chapter 272: Sapphire Disc
Tala stood back up after sending the note to her siblings for their birthday.
While she was composing it, Mistress Ingrit had sent her a short inquiry, so shed told the Archivist that she was on her way to Bandfast in the company of Masters Grediv and Rane.
There. Thats done for now.
She didnt want to be distracted by her surroundings. Thus, she narrowed her focus and turned toward Master Grediv. So, combining two already soul-bound items?
The Paragon glanced her way, then to either side. They were moving through the pass, incredibly steep slopes on either side. Not one for taking in the scenery?
Fine Tala did look around, then. It was stunning.
Behind them, she saw the rolling, lightly forested plains running down from the mountains to Alefast, Waning, and beyond where the trees all but disappeared, and in the far distance, the forest proper where the trees returned in sudden force.
Before them lay a wide valley between stark mountains, sloping down toward the west, toward Bandfast.
It was an idyllic scene not marred by anything to her normal sight.
The angle is wrong to see the caravan campsite just north of this pass, and it doesnt seem like any caravan is passing below us at the moment.
Her magesight, however, showed swirling storms of power, making the zeme utterly chaotic in the area. The mountains were filled with magic, the centuries of human cities circling the region had built up quite the reserves within the land itself.
It wasnt free-floating, and as such couldnt be claimed by an arcane. Somehow, the world itself had laid claim to the magic. Thats probably how it can then sustain magical beasts.
But she was letting her mind wander.
Dont let yourself get distracted.
-Yes, that would be quite out of character.-
Hush, you. It is beautiful, and I would like to know what you have to say.
Master Grediv quirked a smile.
Rane sat off to one side on their wide, but not overlarge, disc.
He briefly cracked an eye open, glanced towards Master Grediv, and closed it once again.
Listening without being obvious, eh? I wonder if hes soul-bound anything else? She could try to figure it out, but now was hardly the time.
Master Grediv finally nodded and sat cross-legged, gesturing for her to do the same.
She did.
A soul-bound item is a magical item that is bound to your soul.
She gave him a flat look.
He gave her a happy, slightly smug, smile. What each one of those words is, in actuality, really matters, though.
That caused her to frown, before she slowly nodded. Like my elk-leathers. They are one item while really being numerous pieces, physically.
Precisely, yes. We can address that side of things first. Your elk-leathers have been bound on a spiritual, or magical, level and are thus a magical item for want of a better descriptor.
So, a magical item is anything that is spiritually or magically one?
For the most part, yes.
But wouldnt that mean that, after the bond, I am spiritually and magically one with that item?
Ahh, and you immediately focus on the least part, as usual.
She grinned sheepishly, and Rane smiled without opening his eyes.
Master Grediv waved placatingly. I dont mean that negatively, Mistress Tala. You have drilled right to the heart of the matter. What I am about to describe is not literally true. Do you understand?
A metaphor, yes.
Yes, good. So, there exists a network of ties, each one of your soul-bound items is linked to your soul and to each other. Together, you are a group all bound as a unit.
She nodded and didnt interrupt.
The same goes for me. Now, as a hypothetical, what would happen if you and I were to marry?
Tala frowned, putting aside the awkwardness of the question. We would soul-bond.
Yes, and our soul-bound items?
Her head tilted to one side. They would intermesh? All connecting to each other in one big wibbly-wobbly, ti
He held up his hand. Im going to stop you right there. That is what would be expected to happen based on the previous metaphor, but remember, its not a perfect analogy.
She nodded, clearly following what he was trying to say.
Instead, a singular link would be made between our souls, the weight of which would be the sum total of our power and the power of bound items.
So, they add to the link, without being a part of it?
In a sense, yes.
Sure, I suppose that makes sense. How is it relevant?
He smiled. Why is there a difference between binding an item and a person?
She opened her mouth to answer, then hesitated. There was an obvious answer but was it really that simple? Finally, she decided to just go with it, Our minds?
Precisely. If we married, you would want to bond with me, and I you, not our soulbound items, just each other.
But items dont have minds.
Exactly. So, when theyre brought into a bond, they just bond.
Hence, the network of connections.
Yes. And that gets complicated and exponentially more complex as you increase the number of bonds you have.
So, bonding someone or something with a mind is less stressful on your soul?
So, she ate mechanically.
Rane turned to his mentor. What happened?
Extreme magic oversaturation. An unrefined body simply cant take the level of power she started to pack into it. It was too much, too quickly.
But shes been completely covered in iron before.
She hasnt, not really. Youve learned a little about the nature of reality, Rane. Before, her iron covering was not a unified, unbroken layer between her and the rest of reality. Now? Now that it is basically a part of her? Well, its unprecedented, so I dont know, but in theory it should be far closer to perfect.
Would it really make that much of a difference? Rane was frowning, clearly trying to understand.
Master Grediv gave his student a reproachful look. A pressure tank with a steady ten percent rate of leakage will reach equilibrium at a much lower pressure than one with a one percent rate of leakage, assuming the same rate of in-flow. I would hazard a guess that Mistress Talas earlier versions of iron covering were in the forty to sixty percent range. Now? What we just saw? Id guess it had at most a ten percent leakage.
So, she tried to quadruple her power density almost instantly.
At the very least, yes.
No wonder it didnt go well Rane hesitated, then, when he opened his mouth to speak again, Tala finally stirred, speaking before he could.
Not your fault. She grimaced and tried to scrape the awful taste off her tongue with her teeth.
The two men turned to regard her as she slowly pushed herself up.
That rusting hurt, but Ill survive.
Rane quirked his signature smile, seeming to relax further. I figured that much when you started eating.
Tala grunted at that. Fair enough. I still think Im more not right than right. Im glad were not getting to Bandfast today.
Master Grediv nodded. Yes, you should use the time to recover.
Tala gave him a baleful look even as she continued eating. After you answer my rusting question.
He hesitated, then laughed. Oh! Yes, I suppose I havent answered, have I?
No. No, you have not.
Well, I wont know until we fully explore your bond to the dasgannach, but in theory?
She nodded, swallowing and taking another bite.
You should be able to combine it with your body in a way that few have ever been able to do with two soul-bound items. Though, I wouldnt recommend it before you Refine. You are already obviously capable of things your body just cant handle. Id hate for you to make it worse.
I should do that soon, regardless.
Master Grediv shrugged. Well run some tests. I would bet that Mistress Holly will want to tweak your scripts at least marginally, and even with your rather impressive throughputdont think I havent noticed, by the way, and you will explain eventuallyyou will need at least a couple of weeks for the new scripts to shift your natural magical patterns.
Tala shrugged. Soon is good enough. Its important, not urgent, and Id rather do it right.
Master Grediv cocked an eyebrow, his surprised skepticism obvious.
Rane smiled, the look almost congratulatory, as if shed said something specifically worthy of note.
-Unusually wisely said, Tala. Well done.-
Tala glared back, ensuring that the sentiment was reflected inward as well. Rusting jerks, I hate all of you.
Finally, she just shook her head. Ive had a long few months, and I am looking forward to taking a slower pace for a little while.
Rane nodded. I can understand that. Was it really that awful in Platoiri?
Tala grimaced. Yes and no. It was strange, being in a place against my will, but holding the lives of most of those around me in my hands. I felt like a press-ganged judge. It was She frowned. Wait.
Rane titled his head, waiting just as shed asked.
I never said what city I was in.
Color drained from the Fuseds face. I you didnt?
She narrowed her eyes. No. I didnt.
Did I?
-No. You didnt.-
Yeah, I thought not.
So? How did you know the name?
Rane looked at a loss. I I cant say.
Rane, so help me. You will tell me or
He held up his hands. I apologize, Tala, but I truly cant.
Master Grediv cleared his throat. If I may, Mistress Tala?
Tala wasnt sure what she was feeling, but she rounded on Master Grediv. What. There was no question involved, only irritation.
Rane refused to give up when most others did, after your disappearance. I dont know all the things he sought, but I do know that, around three months ago, he returned, sure that you were alive, and unable to tell anyone more than that. He petitioned to be allowed to venture south and was denied. Even so, he maintained that you were alive and that you would have a chance to make your escape sooner rather than later.
Rane was a funny shade of red, but he wasnt saying anything.
Tala looked back and forth between the two men before finally throwing her hands up in surrender. Fine. I wont press. I need to eat.
And so, she ate, while the sapphire disc continued its rapid journey toward Bandfast.
The afternoon turned to evening, and Master Grediv gathered their attention. I can continue on through the night, and we will likely reach Bandfast before dawn, or we can put down for the night and be on our way at first light. Well still get to Bandfast well before noon.
Rane shrugged. Ive no preference either way. Tala?
She sighed, the food Rane had procured for her long since consumed. Id prefer to arrive sooner rather than later. We could slow down just a bit, to arrive around sunrise? No need to cause a ruckus by arriving in the dark.
Master Grediv hesitated, then nodded. Very well. That is quite possible.
The disc slowed down noticeably, but not over-much, and they continued their journey uninterrupted.
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Chapter 272: Sapphire Disc
Tala stood back up after sending the note to her siblings for their birthday.
While she was composing it, Mistress Ingrit had sent her a short inquiry, so shed told the Archivist that she was on her way to Bandfast in the company of Masters Grediv and Rane.
There. Thats done for now.
She didnt want to be distracted by her surroundings. Thus, she narrowed her focus and turned toward Master Grediv. So, combining two already soul-bound items?
The Paragon glanced her way, then to either side. They were moving through the pass, incredibly steep slopes on either side. Not one for taking in the scenery?
Fine Tala did look around, then. It was stunning.
Behind them, she saw the rolling, lightly forested plains running down from the mountains to Alefast, Waning, and beyond where the trees all but disappeared, and in the far distance, the forest proper where the trees returned in sudden force.
Before them lay a wide valley between stark mountains, sloping down toward the west, toward Bandfast.
It was an idyllic scene not marred by anything to her normal sight.
The angle is wrong to see the caravan campsite just north of this pass, and it doesnt seem like any caravan is passing below us at the moment.
Her magesight, however, showed swirling storms of power, making the zeme utterly chaotic in the area. The mountains were filled with magic, the centuries of human cities circling the region had built up quite the reserves within the land itself.
It wasnt free-floating, and as such couldnt be claimed by an arcane. Somehow, the world itself had laid claim to the magic. Thats probably how it can then sustain magical beasts.
But she was letting her mind wander.
Dont let yourself get distracted.
-Yes, that would be quite out of character.-
Hush, you. It is beautiful, and I would like to know what you have to say.
Master Grediv quirked a smile.
Rane sat off to one side on their wide, but not overlarge, disc.
He briefly cracked an eye open, glanced towards Master Grediv, and closed it once again.
Listening without being obvious, eh? I wonder if hes soul-bound anything else? She could try to figure it out, but now was hardly the time.
Master Grediv finally nodded and sat cross-legged, gesturing for her to do the same.
She did.
A soul-bound item is a magical item that is bound to your soul.
She gave him a flat look.
He gave her a happy, slightly smug, smile. What each one of those words is, in actuality, really matters, though.
That caused her to frown, before she slowly nodded. Like my elk-leathers. They are one item while really being numerous pieces, physically.
Precisely, yes. We can address that side of things first. Your elk-leathers have been bound on a spiritual, or magical, level and are thus a magical item for want of a better descriptor.
So, a magical item is anything that is spiritually or magically one?
For the most part, yes.
But wouldnt that mean that, after the bond, I am spiritually and magically one with that item?
Ahh, and you immediately focus on the least part, as usual.
She grinned sheepishly, and Rane smiled without opening his eyes.
Master Grediv waved placatingly. I dont mean that negatively, Mistress Tala. You have drilled right to the heart of the matter. What I am about to describe is not literally true. Do you understand?
A metaphor, yes.
Yes, good. So, there exists a network of ties, each one of your soul-bound items is linked to your soul and to each other. Together, you are a group all bound as a unit.
She nodded and didnt interrupt.
The same goes for me. Now, as a hypothetical, what would happen if you and I were to marry?
Tala frowned, putting aside the awkwardness of the question. We would soul-bond.
Yes, and our soul-bound items?
Her head tilted to one side. They would intermesh? All connecting to each other in one big wibbly-wobbly, ti
He held up his hand. Im going to stop you right there. That is what would be expected to happen based on the previous metaphor, but remember, its not a perfect analogy.
She nodded, clearly following what he was trying to say.
Instead, a singular link would be made between our souls, the weight of which would be the sum total of our power and the power of bound items.
So, they add to the link, without being a part of it?
In a sense, yes.
Sure, I suppose that makes sense. How is it relevant?
He smiled. Why is there a difference between binding an item and a person?
She opened her mouth to answer, then hesitated. There was an obvious answer but was it really that simple? Finally, she decided to just go with it, Our minds?
Precisely. If we married, you would want to bond with me, and I you, not our soulbound items, just each other.
But items dont have minds.
Exactly. So, when theyre brought into a bond, they just bond.
Hence, the network of connections.
Yes. And that gets complicated and exponentially more complex as you increase the number of bonds you have.
So, bonding someone or something with a mind is less stressful on your soul?
So, she ate mechanically.
Rane turned to his mentor. What happened?
Extreme magic oversaturation. An unrefined body simply cant take the level of power she started to pack into it. It was too much, too quickly.
But shes been completely covered in iron before.
She hasnt, not really. Youve learned a little about the nature of reality, Rane. Before, her iron covering was not a unified, unbroken layer between her and the rest of reality. Now? Now that it is basically a part of her? Well, its unprecedented, so I dont know, but in theory it should be far closer to perfect.
Would it really make that much of a difference? Rane was frowning, clearly trying to understand.
Master Grediv gave his student a reproachful look. A pressure tank with a steady ten percent rate of leakage will reach equilibrium at a much lower pressure than one with a one percent rate of leakage, assuming the same rate of in-flow. I would hazard a guess that Mistress Talas earlier versions of iron covering were in the forty to sixty percent range. Now? What we just saw? Id guess it had at most a ten percent leakage.
So, she tried to quadruple her power density almost instantly.
At the very least, yes.
No wonder it didnt go well Rane hesitated, then, when he opened his mouth to speak again, Tala finally stirred, speaking before he could.
Not your fault. She grimaced and tried to scrape the awful taste off her tongue with her teeth.
The two men turned to regard her as she slowly pushed herself up.
That rusting hurt, but Ill survive.
Rane quirked his signature smile, seeming to relax further. I figured that much when you started eating.
Tala grunted at that. Fair enough. I still think Im more not right than right. Im glad were not getting to Bandfast today.
Master Grediv nodded. Yes, you should use the time to recover.
Tala gave him a baleful look even as she continued eating. After you answer my rusting question.
He hesitated, then laughed. Oh! Yes, I suppose I havent answered, have I?
No. No, you have not.
Well, I wont know until we fully explore your bond to the dasgannach, but in theory?
She nodded, swallowing and taking another bite.
You should be able to combine it with your body in a way that few have ever been able to do with two soul-bound items. Though, I wouldnt recommend it before you Refine. You are already obviously capable of things your body just cant handle. Id hate for you to make it worse.
I should do that soon, regardless.
Master Grediv shrugged. Well run some tests. I would bet that Mistress Holly will want to tweak your scripts at least marginally, and even with your rather impressive throughputdont think I havent noticed, by the way, and you will explain eventuallyyou will need at least a couple of weeks for the new scripts to shift your natural magical patterns.
Tala shrugged. Soon is good enough. Its important, not urgent, and Id rather do it right.
Master Grediv cocked an eyebrow, his surprised skepticism obvious.
Rane smiled, the look almost congratulatory, as if shed said something specifically worthy of note.
-Unusually wisely said, Tala. Well done.-
Tala glared back, ensuring that the sentiment was reflected inward as well. Rusting jerks, I hate all of you.
Finally, she just shook her head. Ive had a long few months, and I am looking forward to taking a slower pace for a little while.
Rane nodded. I can understand that. Was it really that awful in Platoiri?
Tala grimaced. Yes and no. It was strange, being in a place against my will, but holding the lives of most of those around me in my hands. I felt like a press-ganged judge. It was She frowned. Wait.
Rane titled his head, waiting just as shed asked.
I never said what city I was in.
Color drained from the Fuseds face. I you didnt?
She narrowed her eyes. No. I didnt.
Did I?
-No. You didnt.-
Yeah, I thought not.
So? How did you know the name?
Rane looked at a loss. I I cant say.
Rane, so help me. You will tell me or
He held up his hands. I apologize, Tala, but I truly cant.
Master Grediv cleared his throat. If I may, Mistress Tala?
Tala wasnt sure what she was feeling, but she rounded on Master Grediv. What. There was no question involved, only irritation.
Rane refused to give up when most others did, after your disappearance. I dont know all the things he sought, but I do know that, around three months ago, he returned, sure that you were alive, and unable to tell anyone more than that. He petitioned to be allowed to venture south and was denied. Even so, he maintained that you were alive and that you would have a chance to make your escape sooner rather than later.
Rane was a funny shade of red, but he wasnt saying anything.
Tala looked back and forth between the two men before finally throwing her hands up in surrender. Fine. I wont press. I need to eat.
And so, she ate, while the sapphire disc continued its rapid journey toward Bandfast.
The afternoon turned to evening, and Master Grediv gathered their attention. I can continue on through the night, and we will likely reach Bandfast before dawn, or we can put down for the night and be on our way at first light. Well still get to Bandfast well before noon.
Rane shrugged. Ive no preference either way. Tala?
She sighed, the food Rane had procured for her long since consumed. Id prefer to arrive sooner rather than later. We could slow down just a bit, to arrive around sunrise? No need to cause a ruckus by arriving in the dark.
Master Grediv hesitated, then nodded. Very well. That is quite possible.
The disc slowed down noticeably, but not over-much, and they continued their journey uninterrupted.
Chapter 272: Sapphire DiscTala stood back up after sending the note to her siblings for their birthday.While she was composing it, Mistress Ingrit had sent her a short inquiry, so shed told the Archivist that she was on her way to Bandfast in the company of Masters Grediv and Rane.There. Thats done for now.She didnt want to be distracted by her surroundings. Thus, she narrowed her focus and turned toward Master Grediv. So, combining two already soul-bound items?The Paragon glanced her way, then to either side. They were moving through the pass, incredibly steep slopes on either side. Not one for taking in the scenery?Fine Tala did look around, then. It was stunning.Behind them, she saw the rolling, lightly forested plains running down from the mountains to Alefast, Waning, and beyond where the trees all but disappeared, and in the far distance, the forest proper where the trees returned in sudden force.Before them lay a wide valley between stark mountains, sloping down toward the west, toward Bandfast.It was an idyllic scene not marred by anything to her normal sight.The angle is wrong to see the caravan campsite just north of this pass, and it doesnt seem like any caravan is passing below us at the moment.Her magesight, however, showed swirling storms of power, making the zeme utterly chaotic in the area. The mountains were filled with magic, the centuries of human cities circling the region had built up quite the reserves within the land itself.It wasnt free-floating, and as such couldnt be claimed by an arcane. Somehow, the world itself had laid claim to the magic. Thats probably how it can then sustain magical beasts.But she was letting her mind wander.Dont let yourself get distracted.-Yes, that would be quite out of character.-Hush, you. It is beautiful, and I would like to know what you have to say.Master Grediv quirked a smile.Rane sat off to one side on their wide, but not overlarge, disc.He briefly cracked an eye open, glanced towards Master Grediv, and closed it once again.Listening without being obvious, eh? I wonder if hes soul-bound anything else? She could try to figure it out, but now was hardly the time.Master Grediv finally nodded and sat cross-legged, gesturing for her to do the same.She did.A soul-bound item is a magical item that is bound to your soul.She gave him a flat look.He gave her a happy, slightly smug, smile. What each one of those words is, in actuality, really matters, though.That caused her to frown, before she slowly nodded. Like my elk-leathers. They are one item while really being numerous pieces, physically.Precisely, yes. We can address that side of things first. Your elk-leathers have been bound on a spiritual, or magical, level and are thus a magical item for want of a better descriptor.So, a magical item is anything that is spiritually or magically one?For the most part, yes.But wouldnt that mean that, after the bond, I am spiritually and magically one with that item?Ahh, and you immediately focus on the least part, as usual.She grinned sheepishly, and Rane smiled without opening his eyes.Master Grediv waved placatingly. I dont mean that negatively, Mistress Tala. You have drilled right to the heart of the matter. What I am about to describe is not literally true. Do you understand?A metaphor, yes.Yes, good. So, there exists a network of ties, each one of your soul-bound items is linked to your soul and to each other. Together, you are a group all bound as a unit.She nodded and didnt interrupt.The same goes for me. Now, as a hypothetical, what would happen if you and I were to marry?Tala frowned, putting aside the awkwardness of the question. We would soul-bond.Yes, and our soul-bound items?Her head tilted to one side. They would intermesh? All connecting to each other in one big wibbly-wobbly, tiHe held up his hand. Im going to stop you right there. That is what would be expected to happen based on the previous metaphor, but remember, its not a perfect analogy.She nodded, clearly following what he was trying to say.Instead, a singular link would be made between our souls, the weight of which would be the sum total of our power and the power of bound items.So, they add to the link, without being a part of it?In a sense, yes.Sure, I suppose that makes sense. How is it relevant?He smiled. Why is there a difference between binding an item and a person?She opened her mouth to answer, then hesitated. There was an obvious answer but was it really that simple? Finally, she decided to just go with it, Our minds?Precisely. If we married, you would want to bond with me, and I you, not our soulbound items, just each other.But items dont have minds.Exactly. So, when theyre brought into a bond, they just bond.Hence, the network of connections.Yes. And that gets complicated and exponentially more complex as you increase the number of bonds you have.So, bonding someone or something with a mind is less stressful on your soul?So, she ate mechanically.Rane turned to his mentor. What happened?Extreme magic oversaturation. An unrefined body simply cant take the level of power she started to pack into it. It was too much, too quickly.But shes been completely covered in iron before.She hasnt, not really. Youve learned a little about the nature of reality, Rane. Before, her iron covering was not a unified, unbroken layer between her and the rest of reality. Now? Now that it is basically a part of her? Well, its unprecedented, so I dont know, but in theory it should be far closer to perfect.Would it really make that much of a difference? Rane was frowning, clearly trying to understand.Master Grediv gave his student a reproachful look. A pressure tank with a steady ten percent rate of leakage will reach equilibrium at a much lower pressure than one with a one percent rate of leakage, assuming the same rate of in-flow. I would hazard a guess that Mistress Talas earlier versions of iron covering were in the forty to sixty percent range. Now? What we just saw? Id guess it had at most a ten percent leakage.So, she tried to quadruple her power density almost instantly.At the very least, yes.No wonder it didnt go well Rane hesitated, then, when he opened his mouth to speak again, Tala finally stirred, speaking before he could.Not your fault. She grimaced and tried to scrape the awful taste off her tongue with her teeth.The two men turned to regard her as she slowly pushed herself up.That rusting hurt, but Ill survive.Rane quirked his signature smile, seeming to relax further. I figured that much when you started eating.Tala grunted at that. Fair enough. I still think Im more not right than right. Im glad were not getting to Bandfast today.Master Grediv nodded. Yes, you should use the time to recover.Tala gave him a baleful look even as she continued eating. After you answer my rusting question.He hesitated, then laughed. Oh! Yes, I suppose I havent answered, have I?No. No, you have not.Well, I wont know until we fully explore your bond to the dasgannach, but in theory?She nodded, swallowing and taking another bite.You should be able to combine it with your body in a way that few have ever been able to do with two soul-bound items. Though, I wouldnt recommend it before you Refine. You are already obviously capable of things your body just cant handle. Id hate for you to make it worse.I should do that soon, regardless.Master Grediv shrugged. Well run some tests. I would bet that Mistress Holly will want to tweak your scripts at least marginally, and even with your rather impressive throughputdont think I havent noticed, by the way, and you will explain eventuallyyou will need at least a couple of weeks for the new scripts to shift your natural magical patterns.Tala shrugged. Soon is good enough. Its important, not urgent, and Id rather do it right.Master Grediv cocked an eyebrow, his surprised skepticism obvious.Rane smiled, the look almost congratulatory, as if shed said something specifically worthy of note.-Unusually wisely said, Tala. Well done.-Tala glared back, ensuring that the sentiment was reflected inward as well. Rusting jerks, I hate all of you.Finally, she just shook her head. Ive had a long few months, and I am looking forward to taking a slower pace for a little while.Rane nodded. I can understand that. Was it really that awful in Platoiri?Tala grimaced. Yes and no. It was strange, being in a place against my will, but holding the lives of most of those around me in my hands. I felt like a press-ganged judge. It was She frowned. Wait.Rane titled his head, waiting just as shed asked.I never said what city I was in.Color drained from the Fuseds face. I you didnt?She narrowed her eyes. No. I didnt.Did I?-No. You didnt.-Yeah, I thought not.So? How did you know the name?Rane looked at a loss. I I cant say.Rane, so help me. You will tell me orHe held up his hands. I apologize, Tala, but I truly cant.Master Grediv cleared his throat. If I may, Mistress Tala?Tala wasnt sure what she was feeling, but she rounded on Master Grediv. What. There was no question involved, only irritation.Rane refused to give up when most others did, after your disappearance. I dont know all the things he sought, but I do know that, around three months ago, he returned, sure that you were alive, and unable to tell anyone more than that. He petitioned to be allowed to venture south and was denied. Even so, he maintained that you were alive and that you would have a chance to make your escape sooner rather than later.Rane was a funny shade of red, but he wasnt saying anything.Tala looked back and forth between the two men before finally throwing her hands up in surrender. Fine. I wont press. I need to eat.And so, she ate, while the sapphire disc continued its rapid journey toward Bandfast.The afternoon turned to evening, and Master Grediv gathered their attention. I can continue on through the night, and we will likely reach Bandfast before dawn, or we can put down for the night and be on our way at first light. Well still get to Bandfast well before noon.Rane shrugged. Ive no preference either way. Tala?She sighed, the food Rane had procured for her long since consumed. Id prefer to arrive sooner rather than later. We could slow down just a bit, to arrive around sunrise? No need to cause a ruckus by arriving in the dark.Master Grediv hesitated, then nodded. Very well. That is quite possible.The disc slowed down noticeably, but not over-much, and they continued their journey uninterrupted.
