Chapter 273: This Time
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Chapter 273: This Time
Tala sat in peaceful stillness, eyes closed, body relaxed, feeling the constant pleasant breeze against her front.
That cool sensation was suddenly joined by a counter point when the sun crested the mountains behind them, the first light of morning striking her like a physical thing.
She felt power in the light, though it was most easily explained as the heat the light brought to her skin.
She hadnt been cold, per se, but the warm touch of that light eased tension she hadnt noticed building through her long hours of barely moving.
Tala had spent most of the night in quiet meditation, focused inward separately on her repairing body and the iron now threading throughout.
They would arrive in Bandfast soon, so she took the rising sun as a cue to review what she learned.
First, and most importantly, her physical form was not regenerating as quickly as it should.
The damage shed sustained should have healed effectively instantly, but instead, it lingered as if something foundational had broken within each cell, and her magesight was becoming precise enough to detect the detritus that was surrounding her body in the dimensions of magic. At least it was precise enough when she focused with all her will and mental acuity.
Alat helped too.
The picture wasnt a good one.
-I dont think well survive long without Refining or something like it. That is a rather unhealthy aspect to our body.-
Id have thought the teleportation would clean this up, but its tied to me, to my soul.
-Yeah, its a deterioration of your body, which is soul-bound to you.-
Tala scoffed internally. One of the unspecified downsides of becoming Bound. There are some things that cant be healed in the standard way.
-Mistress Holly knows of the issue, even if not the advanced state of it. Well get it all sorted.-
Yeah. It was odd, feeling like her body was betraying her, even if that was a radically unrealistic assessment. Shed abused herself, and now there were consequences.
-Marginal misalignments in regenerative scripts, due to our imperfect nature.-
Yeah, and with every regeneration, those have been amplified. Do you have your estimate?
-Yes, as soon as I noticed your desire for independent analysis, I kept you from seeing those thoughts and calculations.-
I estimate ten years until total degradation, losing roughly a year for the equivalent of each full body regeneration.
-I estimated eleven years, but near enough, yeah.-
Merging with the dasgannach really threw everything off
-It did. Your biology is no longer really human, I suspect a similar issue to Master Jevins, but were aware of it before hand, so it shouldn't compound.-
Yup. Tell the more knowledgeable, find and enact a solution.
-Eh, we just need a perfect body, and well be fine.-
Well, well be Re-fine-d.
Alat paused for a long moment before sending a sense of disapproval. -Bad Tala, bad pun.-
It was amazing, and you know it.
But she was getting off into the weeds.
She had made some good progress. Towards that end, she purposely shifted the iron within herself towards the sun-side, darkening her skin by increasing the iron manifesting within it to increase her absorption of the warmth on this cold winter morning.
It also allowed the heat to radiate deeper, quicker, due to the properties of the iron.
She didnt need the heat, but it felt nice, especially as a counterpoint to the steady wind of their travels.
She also lifted her hand and willed some iron out through her skin, forming a blob on her palm.
It was clearly iron dust, but it moved and held together more like a liquid.
Alright, here we go. Shed been able to move the iron within her body with almost perfect precision, but this was new.
Cube.
The iron lifted in the middle just a bit, making vaguely square corners, but the result was not a cube.
The deep ache that Tala felt was familiar. Will-power and spiritual fatigue.
She groused.
-Hey! But this means its a good exercise to improve both of those things? Especially since we probably shouldnt do too much sparring or physical conditioning with these issues.-
She hadnt considered it that way. She would have, but Alat was quicker this time. Yeah, thats quite true. Id be surprised if Mistress Holly wasnt in the group were going to be talking to.
Ahead, now that her eyes were open, Tala could see Bandfast.
She allowed her focus to shift to the approaching city, and she felt a twinge in her heart.
Home.
Shed been gone a long time.
True, it hadnt even been a year, but it felt like a long time.
In one sense, Ive never actually been here. Theres not a continuity of consciousness from me to the Tala who lived in Lyns house.
-Stop that sort of philosophizing. It helps no one and can easily be extended to say that you die every time you sleep. Its just not helpful.-
Thats fair
Some of the outer defensive towers caught the light of the rising sun and almost seemed to glow in the morning light.L1tLagoon witnessed the first publication of this chapter on Ñøv€l--B1n.
The farms, orchards, and other outer signs of civilization that had been absent around Alefast, Waning, were dusted with snow, while still showing obvious signs of use.
Huh that actually makes a lot of sense.
The internal conversation had taken virtually no time in actuality, and so Tala wasnt in the middle of the exchange when she saw the people coming out of a side passage into the courtyard.
At the front of the group was Lyn who was quick walking, pulling ahead of the others.
She covered the last few feet with something akin to a leap, accompanied by an almost childlike squeal. TALA!
The older woman wrapped Tala in a tight embrace that felt more maternal than anything Tala had experienced in She couldnt remember the last time that shed experienced anything particularly maternal
Oof! What are you made of these days, girl? Lyn didnt pull back, but her squeezing embrace didnt seem to deflect Talas flesh at all. This is like hugging a statue.
-Youve not really had maternal contact recently. Certainly not since you upgraded your mind.-
Tala felt her own thoughts breaking down as she curled inward, wrapping Lyn in tight hug in turn.
-Careful! Shes fragile.-
Tala jerked slightly, keeping herself from crushing her friend even as she felt emotions roiling within her.
Keep it together, Tala. Come on. You can do this.
Rane walked up behind her and laid a hand on her shoulder. Youre home, Tala. Everything will be alright.
That broke the hasty dam shed been trying to throw up within herself, and a shudder of emotion roiled through her.
Alat had to help keep the cathartic spasms from squeezing Lyn too tightly.
At some point, Rane wrapped both women in an immense hug that was only possible because he was just so much larger than them both.
It felt like a year, and also like just an instant before she pulled back, smiling with tear-filled eyes at her friend.
Lyn similarly smiled back. I thought wed lost you. She shook her head. Welcome home.
Tala almost descended back into tears, but instead, solidified herself and nodded once. I cannot express how glad I am to be back.
She then looked around at the few other people around her, waiting patiently.
Mistress Jenna and Mistress Ingrit were the only two whod come closer, and Tala focused on those two women, for the moment ignoring other shape waiting back in the hallway.
Tala pulled a cloth from Kit to wipe her face clean as Mistress Ingrit walked forward.
Tala smiled. Thank you for all you did once you had my message.
Mistress Ingrit didnt respond, instead stepping in to give a surprisingly powerful hug.
Tala stiffened for an instant, the gesture utterly unexpected, but she didnt have any real resistances at the moment, and so after that brief hesitation, she accepted the gesture unreservedly.
The Archivist whispered for Talas ear alone. You poor dear. Youve gone through something truly awful, and there is more to come, but I am on your sideand Ill be at your sidethrough all that is left.
Tala felt a huge amount of comfort from that. Thank you, Mistress Ingrit.
Mistress Jenna came forward and gave her a quick half-hug. Welcome back, dear. There is much we need to discuss before my husband will be happy with you staying in the city, but I think we can sort it soon enough. Mistress Ingrit hasnt given details, but shes gathered quite the group. The wife of the Lord of Bandfast gestured towards the archway. Lets finish the reunions and get down to business, shall we?
Tala had returned the much older womans brief hug, taking it for a greeting rather than an offer of support or comfort. At the Reforgeds gesture, Tala finally focused on the singular figure who waited in the hallway, alone.
Child. I see youre still finding yourself in unique situations. Mistress Odera stood, bent over a cane, hunched in a way that Tala had never seen, her usual energy seemingly drained out of her. Well, dont just stand there, staring, girl. Come give an old woman a hug.
Tala crossed the distance and gave a careful hug to the woman who appeared to be the oldest person present. Now that I think about it, Mistress Odera is likely precisely in the middle of the group, age wise.
As a Mage, Mistress Odera was longer lived than a mundane, but that paled in comparison to even the shortest lived Archons natural span of years, and everyone else present was at least an Archon.
Even Lyn was more than halfway to Fused, her aura showing as a beautiful burnt orange to Talas magesight.
Tala once again had to wipe her nose and eyes. You never responded to my message.
You told me you would come to see me when you could. You asked no questions. The woman shrugged slowly. What purpose would there have been in replying?
Tala groused a bit but had to admit that Mistress Odera was correct. I was worried about you.
Then, ask a question next time. Mistress Odera hesitated, seeming almost to stutter in place. Actually, lets not have a next time, hmmm?
Id prefer that, yes.
Mistress Jenna walked forward. I will lead you to the room where the others are waiting. She grinned. Weve arranged for a large quantity of food as well, per Master Gredivs request.
Tala gave the Paragon a grateful look. Thank you, yet again.
He gave her a nod in return. I am glad to be of service and grateful to learn what you have to share.
The group followed Mistress Jenna, and Tala took the opportunity to lean over and inquire of Lyn, How are you? Are you doing well?
Well, yes, mostly. Kannis is progressing nicely, and I left her in charge of the work, today. It will be a big step if she completes it all correctly, but its more work for me, as Ill have to review it after the fact. She shrugged. Shes a good mageling, and she helped after Lyns eyes flicked to Tala and away again. I know it was probably worse for you, but I did not like you disappearing like that.
Tala placed a hand on her friends shoulder. I know, and Im sorry. I definitely didnt choose it.
Lyn nodded, giving a weak smile. I know. I really do.
They stepped out of the hallway into what seemed to almost be a lecture hall.
True to Mistress Jennas word, there were tables covered in food lining both walls.
There werent a lot of people within, but Tala saw Master Boma from the Constructionist Guild, Mistress Elnea, the current head of the Archon Council of Bandfast, and Mistress Holly waiting for them.
Additionally, quite a few more chairs were filled others, including by Master Himmal from the Wainwrights Guild, AproaMistress Oderas granddaughter, and Cazor and Jean, the Mage Hunters who Tala knew.
Mistress Holly was the first to spot Tala, and she immediately pulled out a small, obelisk looking thing, and Tala felt a prickle across the back of her neck.
The Insciptionists eyes widened as she clearly got some sort of informational download from sub-sections of Alat.
She didnt take long to scan the information before shed gotten enough of a gist to start shaking her head. Well, rust my biscuits, child. What have you done to yourself this time?
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Chapter 273: This Time
Tala sat in peaceful stillness, eyes closed, body relaxed, feeling the constant pleasant breeze against her front.
That cool sensation was suddenly joined by a counter point when the sun crested the mountains behind them, the first light of morning striking her like a physical thing.
She felt power in the light, though it was most easily explained as the heat the light brought to her skin.
She hadnt been cold, per se, but the warm touch of that light eased tension she hadnt noticed building through her long hours of barely moving.
Tala had spent most of the night in quiet meditation, focused inward separately on her repairing body and the iron now threading throughout.
They would arrive in Bandfast soon, so she took the rising sun as a cue to review what she learned.
First, and most importantly, her physical form was not regenerating as quickly as it should.
The damage shed sustained should have healed effectively instantly, but instead, it lingered as if something foundational had broken within each cell, and her magesight was becoming precise enough to detect the detritus that was surrounding her body in the dimensions of magic. At least it was precise enough when she focused with all her will and mental acuity.
Alat helped too.
The picture wasnt a good one.
-I dont think well survive long without Refining or something like it. That is a rather unhealthy aspect to our body.-
Id have thought the teleportation would clean this up, but its tied to me, to my soul.
-Yeah, its a deterioration of your body, which is soul-bound to you.-
Tala scoffed internally. One of the unspecified downsides of becoming Bound. There are some things that cant be healed in the standard way.
-Mistress Holly knows of the issue, even if not the advanced state of it. Well get it all sorted.-
Yeah. It was odd, feeling like her body was betraying her, even if that was a radically unrealistic assessment. Shed abused herself, and now there were consequences.
-Marginal misalignments in regenerative scripts, due to our imperfect nature.-
Yeah, and with every regeneration, those have been amplified. Do you have your estimate?
-Yes, as soon as I noticed your desire for independent analysis, I kept you from seeing those thoughts and calculations.-
I estimate ten years until total degradation, losing roughly a year for the equivalent of each full body regeneration.
-I estimated eleven years, but near enough, yeah.-
Merging with the dasgannach really threw everything off
-It did. Your biology is no longer really human, I suspect a similar issue to Master Jevins, but were aware of it before hand, so it shouldn't compound.-
Yup. Tell the more knowledgeable, find and enact a solution.
-Eh, we just need a perfect body, and well be fine.-
Well, well be Re-fine-d.
Alat paused for a long moment before sending a sense of disapproval. -Bad Tala, bad pun.-
It was amazing, and you know it.
But she was getting off into the weeds.
She had made some good progress. Towards that end, she purposely shifted the iron within herself towards the sun-side, darkening her skin by increasing the iron manifesting within it to increase her absorption of the warmth on this cold winter morning.
It also allowed the heat to radiate deeper, quicker, due to the properties of the iron.
She didnt need the heat, but it felt nice, especially as a counterpoint to the steady wind of their travels.
She also lifted her hand and willed some iron out through her skin, forming a blob on her palm.
It was clearly iron dust, but it moved and held together more like a liquid.
Alright, here we go. Shed been able to move the iron within her body with almost perfect precision, but this was new.
Cube.
The iron lifted in the middle just a bit, making vaguely square corners, but the result was not a cube.
The deep ache that Tala felt was familiar. Will-power and spiritual fatigue.
She groused.
-Hey! But this means its a good exercise to improve both of those things? Especially since we probably shouldnt do too much sparring or physical conditioning with these issues.-
She hadnt considered it that way. She would have, but Alat was quicker this time. Yeah, thats quite true. Id be surprised if Mistress Holly wasnt in the group were going to be talking to.
Ahead, now that her eyes were open, Tala could see Bandfast.
She allowed her focus to shift to the approaching city, and she felt a twinge in her heart.
Home.
Shed been gone a long time.
True, it hadnt even been a year, but it felt like a long time.
In one sense, Ive never actually been here. Theres not a continuity of consciousness from me to the Tala who lived in Lyns house.
-Stop that sort of philosophizing. It helps no one and can easily be extended to say that you die every time you sleep. Its just not helpful.-
Thats fair
Some of the outer defensive towers caught the light of the rising sun and almost seemed to glow in the morning light.L1tLagoon witnessed the first publication of this chapter on Ñøv€l--B1n.
The farms, orchards, and other outer signs of civilization that had been absent around Alefast, Waning, were dusted with snow, while still showing obvious signs of use.
Huh that actually makes a lot of sense.
The internal conversation had taken virtually no time in actuality, and so Tala wasnt in the middle of the exchange when she saw the people coming out of a side passage into the courtyard.
At the front of the group was Lyn who was quick walking, pulling ahead of the others.
She covered the last few feet with something akin to a leap, accompanied by an almost childlike squeal. TALA!
The older woman wrapped Tala in a tight embrace that felt more maternal than anything Tala had experienced in She couldnt remember the last time that shed experienced anything particularly maternal
Oof! What are you made of these days, girl? Lyn didnt pull back, but her squeezing embrace didnt seem to deflect Talas flesh at all. This is like hugging a statue.
-Youve not really had maternal contact recently. Certainly not since you upgraded your mind.-
Tala felt her own thoughts breaking down as she curled inward, wrapping Lyn in tight hug in turn.
-Careful! Shes fragile.-
Tala jerked slightly, keeping herself from crushing her friend even as she felt emotions roiling within her.
Keep it together, Tala. Come on. You can do this.
Rane walked up behind her and laid a hand on her shoulder. Youre home, Tala. Everything will be alright.
That broke the hasty dam shed been trying to throw up within herself, and a shudder of emotion roiled through her.
Alat had to help keep the cathartic spasms from squeezing Lyn too tightly.
At some point, Rane wrapped both women in an immense hug that was only possible because he was just so much larger than them both.
It felt like a year, and also like just an instant before she pulled back, smiling with tear-filled eyes at her friend.
Lyn similarly smiled back. I thought wed lost you. She shook her head. Welcome home.
Tala almost descended back into tears, but instead, solidified herself and nodded once. I cannot express how glad I am to be back.
She then looked around at the few other people around her, waiting patiently.
Mistress Jenna and Mistress Ingrit were the only two whod come closer, and Tala focused on those two women, for the moment ignoring other shape waiting back in the hallway.
Tala pulled a cloth from Kit to wipe her face clean as Mistress Ingrit walked forward.
Tala smiled. Thank you for all you did once you had my message.
Mistress Ingrit didnt respond, instead stepping in to give a surprisingly powerful hug.
Tala stiffened for an instant, the gesture utterly unexpected, but she didnt have any real resistances at the moment, and so after that brief hesitation, she accepted the gesture unreservedly.
The Archivist whispered for Talas ear alone. You poor dear. Youve gone through something truly awful, and there is more to come, but I am on your sideand Ill be at your sidethrough all that is left.
Tala felt a huge amount of comfort from that. Thank you, Mistress Ingrit.
Mistress Jenna came forward and gave her a quick half-hug. Welcome back, dear. There is much we need to discuss before my husband will be happy with you staying in the city, but I think we can sort it soon enough. Mistress Ingrit hasnt given details, but shes gathered quite the group. The wife of the Lord of Bandfast gestured towards the archway. Lets finish the reunions and get down to business, shall we?
Tala had returned the much older womans brief hug, taking it for a greeting rather than an offer of support or comfort. At the Reforgeds gesture, Tala finally focused on the singular figure who waited in the hallway, alone.
Child. I see youre still finding yourself in unique situations. Mistress Odera stood, bent over a cane, hunched in a way that Tala had never seen, her usual energy seemingly drained out of her. Well, dont just stand there, staring, girl. Come give an old woman a hug.
Tala crossed the distance and gave a careful hug to the woman who appeared to be the oldest person present. Now that I think about it, Mistress Odera is likely precisely in the middle of the group, age wise.
As a Mage, Mistress Odera was longer lived than a mundane, but that paled in comparison to even the shortest lived Archons natural span of years, and everyone else present was at least an Archon.
Even Lyn was more than halfway to Fused, her aura showing as a beautiful burnt orange to Talas magesight.
Tala once again had to wipe her nose and eyes. You never responded to my message.
You told me you would come to see me when you could. You asked no questions. The woman shrugged slowly. What purpose would there have been in replying?
Tala groused a bit but had to admit that Mistress Odera was correct. I was worried about you.
Then, ask a question next time. Mistress Odera hesitated, seeming almost to stutter in place. Actually, lets not have a next time, hmmm?
Id prefer that, yes.
Mistress Jenna walked forward. I will lead you to the room where the others are waiting. She grinned. Weve arranged for a large quantity of food as well, per Master Gredivs request.
Tala gave the Paragon a grateful look. Thank you, yet again.
He gave her a nod in return. I am glad to be of service and grateful to learn what you have to share.
The group followed Mistress Jenna, and Tala took the opportunity to lean over and inquire of Lyn, How are you? Are you doing well?
Well, yes, mostly. Kannis is progressing nicely, and I left her in charge of the work, today. It will be a big step if she completes it all correctly, but its more work for me, as Ill have to review it after the fact. She shrugged. Shes a good mageling, and she helped after Lyns eyes flicked to Tala and away again. I know it was probably worse for you, but I did not like you disappearing like that.
Tala placed a hand on her friends shoulder. I know, and Im sorry. I definitely didnt choose it.
Lyn nodded, giving a weak smile. I know. I really do.
They stepped out of the hallway into what seemed to almost be a lecture hall.
True to Mistress Jennas word, there were tables covered in food lining both walls.
There werent a lot of people within, but Tala saw Master Boma from the Constructionist Guild, Mistress Elnea, the current head of the Archon Council of Bandfast, and Mistress Holly waiting for them.
Additionally, quite a few more chairs were filled others, including by Master Himmal from the Wainwrights Guild, AproaMistress Oderas granddaughter, and Cazor and Jean, the Mage Hunters who Tala knew.
Mistress Holly was the first to spot Tala, and she immediately pulled out a small, obelisk looking thing, and Tala felt a prickle across the back of her neck.
The Insciptionists eyes widened as she clearly got some sort of informational download from sub-sections of Alat.
She didnt take long to scan the information before shed gotten enough of a gist to start shaking her head. Well, rust my biscuits, child. What have you done to yourself this time?
Chapter 273: This TimeTala sat in peaceful stillness, eyes closed, body relaxed, feeling the constant pleasant breeze against her front.That cool sensation was suddenly joined by a counter point when the sun crested the mountains behind them, the first light of morning striking her like a physical thing.She felt power in the light, though it was most easily explained as the heat the light brought to her skin.She hadnt been cold, per se, but the warm touch of that light eased tension she hadnt noticed building through her long hours of barely moving.Tala had spent most of the night in quiet meditation, focused inward separately on her repairing body and the iron now threading throughout.They would arrive in Bandfast soon, so she took the rising sun as a cue to review what she learned.First, and most importantly, her physical form was not regenerating as quickly as it should.The damage shed sustained should have healed effectively instantly, but instead, it lingered as if something foundational had broken within each cell, and her magesight was becoming precise enough to detect the detritus that was surrounding her body in the dimensions of magic. At least it was precise enough when she focused with all her will and mental acuity.Alat helped too.The picture wasnt a good one.-I dont think well survive long without Refining or something like it. That is a rather unhealthy aspect to our body.-Id have thought the teleportation would clean this up, but its tied to me, to my soul.-Yeah, its a deterioration of your body, which is soul-bound to you.-Tala scoffed internally. One of the unspecified downsides of becoming Bound. There are some things that cant be healed in the standard way.-Mistress Holly knows of the issue, even if not the advanced state of it. Well get it all sorted.-Yeah. It was odd, feeling like her body was betraying her, even if that was a radically unrealistic assessment. Shed abused herself, and now there were consequences.-Marginal misalignments in regenerative scripts, due to our imperfect nature.-Yeah, and with every regeneration, those have been amplified. Do you have your estimate?-Yes, as soon as I noticed your desire for independent analysis, I kept you from seeing those thoughts and calculations.-I estimate ten years until total degradation, losing roughly a year for the equivalent of each full body regeneration.-I estimated eleven years, but near enough, yeah.-Merging with the dasgannach really threw everything off-It did. Your biology is no longer really human, I suspect a similar issue to Master Jevins, but were aware of it before hand, so it shouldn't compound.-Yup. Tell the more knowledgeable, find and enact a solution.-Eh, we just need a perfect body, and well be fine.-Well, well be Re-fine-d.Alat paused for a long moment before sending a sense of disapproval. -Bad Tala, bad pun.-It was amazing, and you know it.But she was getting off into the weeds.She had made some good progress. Towards that end, she purposely shifted the iron within herself towards the sun-side, darkening her skin by increasing the iron manifesting within it to increase her absorption of the warmth on this cold winter morning.It also allowed the heat to radiate deeper, quicker, due to the properties of the iron.She didnt need the heat, but it felt nice, especially as a counterpoint to the steady wind of their travels.She also lifted her hand and willed some iron out through her skin, forming a blob on her palm.It was clearly iron dust, but it moved and held together more like a liquid.Alright, here we go. Shed been able to move the iron within her body with almost perfect precision, but this was new.Cube.The iron lifted in the middle just a bit, making vaguely square corners, but the result was not a cube.The deep ache that Tala felt was familiar. Will-power and spiritual fatigue.She groused.-Hey! But this means its a good exercise to improve both of those things? Especially since we probably shouldnt do too much sparring or physical conditioning with these issues.-She hadnt considered it that way. She would have, but Alat was quicker this time. Yeah, thats quite true. Id be surprised if Mistress Holly wasnt in the group were going to be talking to.Ahead, now that her eyes were open, Tala could see Bandfast.She allowed her focus to shift to the approaching city, and she felt a twinge in her heart.Home.Shed been gone a long time.True, it hadnt even been a year, but it felt like a long time.In one sense, Ive never actually been here. Theres not a continuity of consciousness from me to the Tala who lived in Lyns house.-Stop that sort of philosophizing. It helps no one and can easily be extended to say that you die every time you sleep. Its just not helpful.-Thats fairSome of the outer defensive towers caught the light of the rising sun and almost seemed to glow in the morning light.L1tLagoon witnessed the first publication of this chapter on Nvl--B1n.The farms, orchards, and other outer signs of civilization that had been absent around Alefast, Waning, were dusted with snow, while still showing obvious signs of use.Huh that actually makes a lot of sense.The internal conversation had taken virtually no time in actuality, and so Tala wasnt in the middle of the exchange when she saw the people coming out of a side passage into the courtyard.At the front of the group was Lyn who was quick walking, pulling ahead of the others.She covered the last few feet with something akin to a leap, accompanied by an almost childlike squeal. TALA!The older woman wrapped Tala in a tight embrace that felt more maternal than anything Tala had experienced in She couldnt remember the last time that shed experienced anything particularly maternalOof! What are you made of these days, girl? Lyn didnt pull back, but her squeezing embrace didnt seem to deflect Talas flesh at all. This is like hugging a statue.-Youve not really had maternal contact recently. Certainly not since you upgraded your mind.-Tala felt her own thoughts breaking down as she curled inward, wrapping Lyn in tight hug in turn.-Careful! Shes fragile.-Tala jerked slightly, keeping herself from crushing her friend even as she felt emotions roiling within her.Keep it together, Tala. Come on. You can do this.Rane walked up behind her and laid a hand on her shoulder. Youre home, Tala. Everything will be alright.That broke the hasty dam shed been trying to throw up within herself, and a shudder of emotion roiled through her.Alat had to help keep the cathartic spasms from squeezing Lyn too tightly.At some point, Rane wrapped both women in an immense hug that was only possible because he was just so much larger than them both.It felt like a year, and also like just an instant before she pulled back, smiling with tear-filled eyes at her friend.Lyn similarly smiled back. I thought wed lost you. She shook her head. Welcome home.Tala almost descended back into tears, but instead, solidified herself and nodded once. I cannot express how glad I am to be back.She then looked around at the few other people around her, waiting patiently.Mistress Jenna and Mistress Ingrit were the only two whod come closer, and Tala focused on those two women, for the moment ignoring other shape waiting back in the hallway.Tala pulled a cloth from Kit to wipe her face clean as Mistress Ingrit walked forward.Tala smiled. Thank you for all you did once you had my message.Mistress Ingrit didnt respond, instead stepping in to give a surprisingly powerful hug.Tala stiffened for an instant, the gesture utterly unexpected, but she didnt have any real resistances at the moment, and so after that brief hesitation, she accepted the gesture unreservedly.The Archivist whispered for Talas ear alone. You poor dear. Youve gone through something truly awful, and there is more to come, but I am on your sideand Ill be at your sidethrough all that is left.Tala felt a huge amount of comfort from that. Thank you, Mistress Ingrit.Mistress Jenna came forward and gave her a quick half-hug. Welcome back, dear. There is much we need to discuss before my husband will be happy with you staying in the city, but I think we can sort it soon enough. Mistress Ingrit hasnt given details, but shes gathered quite the group. The wife of the Lord of Bandfast gestured towards the archway. Lets finish the reunions and get down to business, shall we?Tala had returned the much older womans brief hug, taking it for a greeting rather than an offer of support or comfort. At the Reforgeds gesture, Tala finally focused on the singular figure who waited in the hallway, alone.Child. I see youre still finding yourself in unique situations. Mistress Odera stood, bent over a cane, hunched in a way that Tala had never seen, her usual energy seemingly drained out of her. Well, dont just stand there, staring, girl. Come give an old woman a hug.Tala crossed the distance and gave a careful hug to the woman who appeared to be the oldest person present. Now that I think about it, Mistress Odera is likely precisely in the middle of the group, age wise.As a Mage, Mistress Odera was longer lived than a mundane, but that paled in comparison to even the shortest lived Archons natural span of years, and everyone else present was at least an Archon.Even Lyn was more than halfway to Fused, her aura showing as a beautiful burnt orange to Talas magesight.Tala once again had to wipe her nose and eyes. You never responded to my message.You told me you would come to see me when you could. You asked no questions. The woman shrugged slowly. What purpose would there have been in replying?Tala groused a bit but had to admit that Mistress Odera was correct. I was worried about you.Then, ask a question next time. Mistress Odera hesitated, seeming almost to stutter in place. Actually, lets not have a next time, hmmm?Id prefer that, yes.Mistress Jenna walked forward. I will lead you to the room where the others are waiting. She grinned. Weve arranged for a large quantity of food as well, per Master Gredivs request.Tala gave the Paragon a grateful look. Thank you, yet again.He gave her a nod in return. I am glad to be of service and grateful to learn what you have to share.The group followed Mistress Jenna, and Tala took the opportunity to lean over and inquire of Lyn, How are you? Are you doing well?Well, yes, mostly. Kannis is progressing nicely, and I left her in charge of the work, today. It will be a big step if she completes it all correctly, but its more work for me, as Ill have to review it after the fact. She shrugged. Shes a good mageling, and she helped after Lyns eyes flicked to Tala and away again. I know it was probably worse for you, but I did not like you disappearing like that.Tala placed a hand on her friends shoulder. I know, and Im sorry. I definitely didnt choose it.Lyn nodded, giving a weak smile. I know. I really do.They stepped out of the hallway into what seemed to almost be a lecture hall.True to Mistress Jennas word, there were tables covered in food lining both walls.There werent a lot of people within, but Tala saw Master Boma from the Constructionist Guild, Mistress Elnea, the current head of the Archon Council of Bandfast, and Mistress Holly waiting for them.Additionally, quite a few more chairs were filled others, including by Master Himmal from the Wainwrights Guild, AproaMistress Oderas granddaughter, and Cazor and Jean, the Mage Hunters who Tala knew.Mistress Holly was the first to spot Tala, and she immediately pulled out a small, obelisk looking thing, and Tala felt a prickle across the back of her neck.The Insciptionists eyes widened as she clearly got some sort of informational download from sub-sections of Alat.She didnt take long to scan the information before shed gotten enough of a gist to start shaking her head. Well, rust my biscuits, child. What have you done to yourself this time?
