Chapter 286: No Place for Deception
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Chapter 286: No Place for Deception
Tala sighed, nodding as she reached the end of what she had to say, Thats a pretty good summary, I think.
It had taken a few hours, and noon was approaching.
Nadro had only interrupted once to ask if she was alright with him eating as she continued. Shed agreed, and theyd both eaten off and on throughout her tale.
She obviously hadnt been able to give many details, but she had been able to hit the highlights of her homelife, her time at the Academy, her first contracts, her reunion with her siblings, her capture and time as an Eskau, and finally, her return to the human cities.
Wow thats a lot when thought of all together like that.
-Well, it did take you a while to convey it. I dont think Ive heard you talk that much ever.-
I suppose thats true.
Nadro had listened throughout, only interrupting the once. Even then, he seemed to have chosen carefully, and only interjected at a natural pause.
Early on, he had pulled out a slate and writing implement, seemingly taking notes as Tala monologued.
Even with the writing, he had maintained a good amount of eye contact, easily conveying that he was listening intently without staring her down.
Now that Tala was done, he took a few moments, glancing at his notes occasionally, but also looking out the window once again. Finally, he nodded to himself.
Thank you for sharing all that you did. I cannot fully understand all that you have experienced. It is possible that no one alive can, despite the horrors of this world. Even so, I have heard you, and I appreciate the vulnerability and forthrightness.
He then fell silent once again.
For some reason, Tala felt a wave of relief. As she considered, she realized that shed been afraid he would immediately try to fix her, or tell her that he knew what shed gone through, or try to get details from her, or any number of other things.
He hadnt.
He had simply listened.
Thank youshe took a sip of her refreshed teafor listening.
He smiled and nodded again. Of course, Mistress.
There was another long moment of silence.
Nadro seemed to be contemplating, before he finally decided what to say, So, there are several things that we can do, now.
Oh? Tala felt herself tense slightly. Is he going to try to fix me, now?
The look in his eyes was one of utter sincerity. First, you could tell me what you want to accomplish, and I can advise you.
Tala grunted at that, but she felt herself relax just a bit. That doesnt sound too bad, though I dont know what I actually want
He smiled. We could also simply schedule to meet up again and talk further. I am happy to listen to anything that you want to discuss.
She shrugged. That would probably be nice, but it didnt seem like what she needed.
I could also give you my opinion of one or two things that I believe might help you.
Tala sighed and nodded. There it was, an attempt to fix her, but somehow, it didnt feel that way. Rather, it felt like a friend offering advice, rather than someone trying to make her right. That actually sounded relieving. Honestly, I feel like Im so deep in this that I dont know where to start.
So, would you like us to try that last option, then?
She smiled. Kind of him to double check. Yes. Please.
He smiled. In that case, I have two suggestions.
Tala sat up a bit straighter, leaning forward just slightly.
From your story, my understanding is that you have an Archive attached division within your mind. You called her your alternate interface, and Alat is the name she prefers.
-Well, he did hear at least some of what you said.-
It would be pretty hard for someone to hear my story without knowing who and what you are.
-Thats fair.-
I do. What of her?
I have something similar, though he goes by Retson. A small smile pulled at the mans lips, likely due to some personal knowledge regarding the name. If you are willing, I think that Alat and Retson should speak via the Archive. It shouldnt cause any disruption to you or me, and it will help your alternate interface process as well.
Tala shrugged again. I have no issue with that. Let me check.
Alat?
-Sure? Might be interesting.-
Dont let him convince you to give me the boot, eh?
Alat sent a huff. -Of course not, Tala.-
Yeah, thats fine.
Good, I will set up that communication.
-Done!-
Tala smiled. Seems like its done.
It is. Archive connections are a wonder. He smiled, seemingly at a simple joy.
-Oh this guy is exactly like Nadro.- There was a minute a pause. -Ha! This should be fun.-
Tala stretched her neck slightly to either side, growing hesitant again. What was the second thing?
Nadro leaned forward, seeming to purposely relax as he set his hands on his own knees. My advice would be to confront Tali directly, and deal with that splinter of your mind once and for all.
Tala stiffened. Why?
He gave her an understanding smile. You have a segregated part of your mind that you absolutely reject. Holding that within yourself isnt healthy or good for your long-term health and growth. He leaned back and took a sip from his own mug. In a sense, we are each many different people. Who we are with one group versus another. Who we are in battle. Who we are when holding a child. But they are all us. We cannot divorce them from ourselves or from eachother. We cannot reject who we are. A warrior should be gentle with a babe. Do you know what that means?
Not hurting the child?
He chuckled. Quite, yes. But gentleness, specifically? Do you know what that means?
Soft?
Some would say that, yes. But in truth, gentleness is strength under control. If you dont have strength, you cannot keep it under control, thus you cannot be gentle. So, the warrior is strong whether on the battlefield or when holding his infant. In both places he acts differently, but in both places he is using his strength in a controlled manner to accomplish what he wishes. He is the same person, though he acts differently.
Hallowed Shed been right before, he didnt have any inscriptions, but he didnt need them. At least, he didnt need them anymore.
In the brief unveiling, shed seen his natural magics thick with power and detail. The dimensions of magic around the man were carved as deeply as any shed ever glimpsed, though she couldnt interpret them at all.
There had been so, so much in that brief glimpse that as Tala processed through all of it, she didnt notice noon come and go.
It was mid-afternoon before she shook herself free of her rumination and stood once more.
-Are you ready?-
Tala nodded to herself. She could deal with the existential questions brought up by finding such a powerful human later. Tala already had thousands of questions, but it was not the time. Most of them likely overlapped in one way or another, regardless.
Yes. It is time to deal with Tali.
Less than a minute later, Tala was sitting on the hill shed occupied the previous night.
-I believe I can do what youre thinking.-
Good. Lets do this.
Alat used the same method that allowed her to show Tala books that werent really there to create a duplicate of Tala in her own vision.
No, not a duplicate. Tali.
The woman sat with closed eyes, her posture subtly different than Talas own. Her head tilted down just a bit, showing default subservience. At the same time, her shoulders were a bit straighter, her confidence more prevalent and obvious than it was for Tala.
-Were ready for your part.-
Tala nodded, moving a bloodstar to hover in the center of the apparitions head. She then mirrored her perspective onto the bloodstar and handed access to and control of that perspective over to Alat.
Alat, in turn, activated the part of their mind that was Tali and passed the perspective to the false personality.
Talis eyes snapped open, immediately focusing on Tala. They widened in shock, but just for a moment.
The Eskau had a phantom of Flow in her hand in an instant, even as she lunged to plant the blade through Talas throat.
Tala didnt react as the weapon passed harmlessly through her. Fascinating. Could you make me feel that?
-Now is hardly the time, Tala. This is harder than you might assume, maintaining the illusion for you both.-
Fine, fine.
Tali.
The woman stopped, looking down at her weapon in confusion.
Sit. There is much we need to talk about.
The Eskau glared but dropped into a seated position. Tala could practically hear what the woman was thinking.
-Oh! I could let you hear, if you want.-
Tala almost said, Yes. but that could be confusing, and it would be against the spirit of what she was trying to do. No, but thank you.
What magics have you worked to protect yourself from me, imposter?
Tala sighed. I am Tala. You and I are the same person, Tali. More accurately, I am the person who was kidnapped and erased so that Be-thric could create you.
Tali laughed. Master has no need of disloyal creatures, and anyone willing to say such a lie cannot be considered loyal.
Be-thric is dead.
Tali paled. What? That is no. Thats not possible.
By my hand. Or, as you would see it, our hand.
She flushed red with anger. Liar. I would never hurt him.
They had kept that memory locked away from Tali, as there really was no reason try to reconcile it for the fake personality, given Tala had never intended to use her again. Please let her see the memory.
Tali gasped, eyes widening again and the wash of color in her cheeks draining away. Lies. Horrid, obviously false lies.
Tala shrugged, sighing with deep weariness that shed not really noticed creeping up on her. I dont need you to believe me. I dont need anything from you. I dont need you at all.
Tali growled but didnt say anythingseemingly quite off balance stillbefore Tala continued.
I conjured you up
-Excuse me, you?-
Do you really think that it will make things easier if I tell her about you?
-Fair-
As I was saying, I conjured you up for very specific purposes, and nothing more.
She narrowed her gaze, obviously wary. What would those be?
To say goodbye, and to tell you that Im sorry that you were created to be abused and subjugated. Your existence was a lie from the beginning. You are a lie, created to control me. Nothing more.
Tali opened her mouth, rage building on her features, but Tala lifted her hand, and Tali was unable to speak.
Thank you.
-Hey, this is easier on me.- Alat sent a shrug.
We will not meet again. There was a long pause while the other woman silently raged. Tala knew that she would be heard when she spoke, despite Talis actions, I forgive you, Tali. You were as much a victim as I ever was. I forgive you. Tala gave a soft, mournful smile. Goodbye.
The apparition vanished, and Tala felt something break down within her mind.
In that moment, everything that Tali had experienced slammed into Talas consciousness, and the memories rushed through her as if she were back in that time, again. She was a passenger, forced to watch as she acted out a horrid play.
Before, shed had the memories there, separated and isolated. She could reference them, but she was only able to access them in a theoretical sense.
Now?
Now, Tala lived them.
She threw her head back and screamed at the sky, feeling every emotion, every lie, every death.
She screamed, and the world within Kit trembled at the force of it.
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Chapter 286: No Place for Deception
Tala sighed, nodding as she reached the end of what she had to say, Thats a pretty good summary, I think.
It had taken a few hours, and noon was approaching.
Nadro had only interrupted once to ask if she was alright with him eating as she continued. Shed agreed, and theyd both eaten off and on throughout her tale.
She obviously hadnt been able to give many details, but she had been able to hit the highlights of her homelife, her time at the Academy, her first contracts, her reunion with her siblings, her capture and time as an Eskau, and finally, her return to the human cities.
Wow thats a lot when thought of all together like that.
-Well, it did take you a while to convey it. I dont think Ive heard you talk that much ever.-
I suppose thats true.
Nadro had listened throughout, only interrupting the once. Even then, he seemed to have chosen carefully, and only interjected at a natural pause.
Early on, he had pulled out a slate and writing implement, seemingly taking notes as Tala monologued.
Even with the writing, he had maintained a good amount of eye contact, easily conveying that he was listening intently without staring her down.
Now that Tala was done, he took a few moments, glancing at his notes occasionally, but also looking out the window once again. Finally, he nodded to himself.
Thank you for sharing all that you did. I cannot fully understand all that you have experienced. It is possible that no one alive can, despite the horrors of this world. Even so, I have heard you, and I appreciate the vulnerability and forthrightness.
He then fell silent once again.
For some reason, Tala felt a wave of relief. As she considered, she realized that shed been afraid he would immediately try to fix her, or tell her that he knew what shed gone through, or try to get details from her, or any number of other things.
He hadnt.
He had simply listened.
Thank youshe took a sip of her refreshed teafor listening.
He smiled and nodded again. Of course, Mistress.
There was another long moment of silence.
Nadro seemed to be contemplating, before he finally decided what to say, So, there are several things that we can do, now.
Oh? Tala felt herself tense slightly. Is he going to try to fix me, now?
The look in his eyes was one of utter sincerity. First, you could tell me what you want to accomplish, and I can advise you.
Tala grunted at that, but she felt herself relax just a bit. That doesnt sound too bad, though I dont know what I actually want
He smiled. We could also simply schedule to meet up again and talk further. I am happy to listen to anything that you want to discuss.
She shrugged. That would probably be nice, but it didnt seem like what she needed.
I could also give you my opinion of one or two things that I believe might help you.
Tala sighed and nodded. There it was, an attempt to fix her, but somehow, it didnt feel that way. Rather, it felt like a friend offering advice, rather than someone trying to make her right. That actually sounded relieving. Honestly, I feel like Im so deep in this that I dont know where to start.
So, would you like us to try that last option, then?
She smiled. Kind of him to double check. Yes. Please.
He smiled. In that case, I have two suggestions.
Tala sat up a bit straighter, leaning forward just slightly.
From your story, my understanding is that you have an Archive attached division within your mind. You called her your alternate interface, and Alat is the name she prefers.
-Well, he did hear at least some of what you said.-
It would be pretty hard for someone to hear my story without knowing who and what you are.
-Thats fair.-
I do. What of her?
I have something similar, though he goes by Retson. A small smile pulled at the mans lips, likely due to some personal knowledge regarding the name. If you are willing, I think that Alat and Retson should speak via the Archive. It shouldnt cause any disruption to you or me, and it will help your alternate interface process as well.
Tala shrugged again. I have no issue with that. Let me check.
Alat?
-Sure? Might be interesting.-
Dont let him convince you to give me the boot, eh?
Alat sent a huff. -Of course not, Tala.-
Yeah, thats fine.
Good, I will set up that communication.
-Done!-
Tala smiled. Seems like its done.
It is. Archive connections are a wonder. He smiled, seemingly at a simple joy.
-Oh this guy is exactly like Nadro.- There was a minute a pause. -Ha! This should be fun.-
Tala stretched her neck slightly to either side, growing hesitant again. What was the second thing?
Nadro leaned forward, seeming to purposely relax as he set his hands on his own knees. My advice would be to confront Tali directly, and deal with that splinter of your mind once and for all.
Tala stiffened. Why?
He gave her an understanding smile. You have a segregated part of your mind that you absolutely reject. Holding that within yourself isnt healthy or good for your long-term health and growth. He leaned back and took a sip from his own mug. In a sense, we are each many different people. Who we are with one group versus another. Who we are in battle. Who we are when holding a child. But they are all us. We cannot divorce them from ourselves or from eachother. We cannot reject who we are. A warrior should be gentle with a babe. Do you know what that means?
Not hurting the child?
He chuckled. Quite, yes. But gentleness, specifically? Do you know what that means?
Soft?
Some would say that, yes. But in truth, gentleness is strength under control. If you dont have strength, you cannot keep it under control, thus you cannot be gentle. So, the warrior is strong whether on the battlefield or when holding his infant. In both places he acts differently, but in both places he is using his strength in a controlled manner to accomplish what he wishes. He is the same person, though he acts differently.
Hallowed Shed been right before, he didnt have any inscriptions, but he didnt need them. At least, he didnt need them anymore.
In the brief unveiling, shed seen his natural magics thick with power and detail. The dimensions of magic around the man were carved as deeply as any shed ever glimpsed, though she couldnt interpret them at all.
There had been so, so much in that brief glimpse that as Tala processed through all of it, she didnt notice noon come and go.
It was mid-afternoon before she shook herself free of her rumination and stood once more.
-Are you ready?-
Tala nodded to herself. She could deal with the existential questions brought up by finding such a powerful human later. Tala already had thousands of questions, but it was not the time. Most of them likely overlapped in one way or another, regardless.
Yes. It is time to deal with Tali.
Less than a minute later, Tala was sitting on the hill shed occupied the previous night.
-I believe I can do what youre thinking.-
Good. Lets do this.
Alat used the same method that allowed her to show Tala books that werent really there to create a duplicate of Tala in her own vision.
No, not a duplicate. Tali.
The woman sat with closed eyes, her posture subtly different than Talas own. Her head tilted down just a bit, showing default subservience. At the same time, her shoulders were a bit straighter, her confidence more prevalent and obvious than it was for Tala.
-Were ready for your part.-
Tala nodded, moving a bloodstar to hover in the center of the apparitions head. She then mirrored her perspective onto the bloodstar and handed access to and control of that perspective over to Alat.
Alat, in turn, activated the part of their mind that was Tali and passed the perspective to the false personality.
Talis eyes snapped open, immediately focusing on Tala. They widened in shock, but just for a moment.
The Eskau had a phantom of Flow in her hand in an instant, even as she lunged to plant the blade through Talas throat.
Tala didnt react as the weapon passed harmlessly through her. Fascinating. Could you make me feel that?
-Now is hardly the time, Tala. This is harder than you might assume, maintaining the illusion for you both.-
Fine, fine.
Tali.
The woman stopped, looking down at her weapon in confusion.
Sit. There is much we need to talk about.
The Eskau glared but dropped into a seated position. Tala could practically hear what the woman was thinking.
-Oh! I could let you hear, if you want.-
Tala almost said, Yes. but that could be confusing, and it would be against the spirit of what she was trying to do. No, but thank you.
What magics have you worked to protect yourself from me, imposter?
Tala sighed. I am Tala. You and I are the same person, Tali. More accurately, I am the person who was kidnapped and erased so that Be-thric could create you.
Tali laughed. Master has no need of disloyal creatures, and anyone willing to say such a lie cannot be considered loyal.
Be-thric is dead.
Tali paled. What? That is no. Thats not possible.
By my hand. Or, as you would see it, our hand.
She flushed red with anger. Liar. I would never hurt him.
They had kept that memory locked away from Tali, as there really was no reason try to reconcile it for the fake personality, given Tala had never intended to use her again. Please let her see the memory.
Tali gasped, eyes widening again and the wash of color in her cheeks draining away. Lies. Horrid, obviously false lies.
Tala shrugged, sighing with deep weariness that shed not really noticed creeping up on her. I dont need you to believe me. I dont need anything from you. I dont need you at all.
Tali growled but didnt say anythingseemingly quite off balance stillbefore Tala continued.
I conjured you up
-Excuse me, you?-
Do you really think that it will make things easier if I tell her about you?
-Fair-
As I was saying, I conjured you up for very specific purposes, and nothing more.
She narrowed her gaze, obviously wary. What would those be?
To say goodbye, and to tell you that Im sorry that you were created to be abused and subjugated. Your existence was a lie from the beginning. You are a lie, created to control me. Nothing more.
Tali opened her mouth, rage building on her features, but Tala lifted her hand, and Tali was unable to speak.
Thank you.
-Hey, this is easier on me.- Alat sent a shrug.
We will not meet again. There was a long pause while the other woman silently raged. Tala knew that she would be heard when she spoke, despite Talis actions, I forgive you, Tali. You were as much a victim as I ever was. I forgive you. Tala gave a soft, mournful smile. Goodbye.
The apparition vanished, and Tala felt something break down within her mind.
In that moment, everything that Tali had experienced slammed into Talas consciousness, and the memories rushed through her as if she were back in that time, again. She was a passenger, forced to watch as she acted out a horrid play.
Before, shed had the memories there, separated and isolated. She could reference them, but she was only able to access them in a theoretical sense.
Now?
Now, Tala lived them.
She threw her head back and screamed at the sky, feeling every emotion, every lie, every death.
She screamed, and the world within Kit trembled at the force of it.
Chapter 286: No Place for DeceptionTala sighed, nodding as she reached the end of what she had to say, Thats a pretty good summary, I think.It had taken a few hours, and noon was approaching.Nadro had only interrupted once to ask if she was alright with him eating as she continued. Shed agreed, and theyd both eaten off and on throughout her tale.She obviously hadnt been able to give many details, but she had been able to hit the highlights of her homelife, her time at the Academy, her first contracts, her reunion with her siblings, her capture and time as an Eskau, and finally, her return to the human cities.Wow thats a lot when thought of all together like that.-Well, it did take you a while to convey it. I dont think Ive heard you talk that much ever.-I suppose thats true.Nadro had listened throughout, only interrupting the once. Even then, he seemed to have chosen carefully, and only interjected at a natural pause.Early on, he had pulled out a slate and writing implement, seemingly taking notes as Tala monologued.Even with the writing, he had maintained a good amount of eye contact, easily conveying that he was listening intently without staring her down.Now that Tala was done, he took a few moments, glancing at his notes occasionally, but also looking out the window once again. Finally, he nodded to himself.Thank you for sharing all that you did. I cannot fully understand all that you have experienced. It is possible that no one alive can, despite the horrors of this world. Even so, I have heard you, and I appreciate the vulnerability and forthrightness.He then fell silent once again.For some reason, Tala felt a wave of relief. As she considered, she realized that shed been afraid he would immediately try to fix her, or tell her that he knew what shed gone through, or try to get details from her, or any number of other things.He hadnt.He had simply listened.Thank youshe took a sip of her refreshed teafor listening.He smiled and nodded again. Of course, Mistress.There was another long moment of silence.Nadro seemed to be contemplating, before he finally decided what to say, So, there are several things that we can do, now.Oh? Tala felt herself tense slightly. Is he going to try to fix me, now?The look in his eyes was one of utter sincerity. First, you could tell me what you want to accomplish, and I can advise you.Tala grunted at that, but she felt herself relax just a bit. That doesnt sound too bad, though I dont know what I actually wantHe smiled. We could also simply schedule to meet up again and talk further. I am happy to listen to anything that you want to discuss.She shrugged. That would probably be nice, but it didnt seem like what she needed.I could also give you my opinion of one or two things that I believe might help you.Tala sighed and nodded. There it was, an attempt to fix her, but somehow, it didnt feel that way. Rather, it felt like a friend offering advice, rather than someone trying to make her right. That actually sounded relieving. Honestly, I feel like Im so deep in this that I dont know where to start.So, would you like us to try that last option, then?She smiled. Kind of him to double check. Yes. Please.He smiled. In that case, I have two suggestions.Tala sat up a bit straighter, leaning forward just slightly.From your story, my understanding is that you have an Archive attached division within your mind. You called her your alternate interface, and Alat is the name she prefers.-Well, he did hear at least some of what you said.-It would be pretty hard for someone to hear my story without knowing who and what you are.-Thats fair.-I do. What of her?I have something similar, though he goes by Retson. A small smile pulled at the mans lips, likely due to some personal knowledge regarding the name. If you are willing, I think that Alat and Retson should speak via the Archive. It shouldnt cause any disruption to you or me, and it will help your alternate interface process as well.Tala shrugged again. I have no issue with that. Let me check.Alat?-Sure? Might be interesting.-Dont let him convince you to give me the boot, eh?Alat sent a huff. -Of course not, Tala.-Yeah, thats fine.Good, I will set up that communication.-Done!-Tala smiled. Seems like its done.It is. Archive connections are a wonder. He smiled, seemingly at a simple joy.-Oh this guy is exactly like Nadro.- There was a minute a pause. -Ha! This should be fun.-Tala stretched her neck slightly to either side, growing hesitant again. What was the second thing?Nadro leaned forward, seeming to purposely relax as he set his hands on his own knees. My advice would be to confront Tali directly, and deal with that splinter of your mind once and for all.Tala stiffened. Why?He gave her an understanding smile. You have a segregated part of your mind that you absolutely reject. Holding that within yourself isnt healthy or good for your long-term health and growth. He leaned back and took a sip from his own mug. In a sense, we are each many different people. Who we are with one group versus another. Who we are in battle. Who we are when holding a child. But they are all us. We cannot divorce them from ourselves or from eachother. We cannot reject who we are. A warrior should be gentle with a babe. Do you know what that means?Not hurting the child?He chuckled. Quite, yes. But gentleness, specifically? Do you know what that means?Soft?Some would say that, yes. But in truth, gentleness is strength under control. If you dont have strength, you cannot keep it under control, thus you cannot be gentle. So, the warrior is strong whether on the battlefield or when holding his infant. In both places he acts differently, but in both places he is using his strength in a controlled manner to accomplish what he wishes. He is the same person, though he acts differently.Hallowed Shed been right before, he didnt have any inscriptions, but he didnt need them. At least, he didnt need them anymore.In the brief unveiling, shed seen his natural magics thick with power and detail. The dimensions of magic around the man were carved as deeply as any shed ever glimpsed, though she couldnt interpret them at all.There had been so, so much in that brief glimpse that as Tala processed through all of it, she didnt notice noon come and go.It was mid-afternoon before she shook herself free of her rumination and stood once more.-Are you ready?-Tala nodded to herself. She could deal with the existential questions brought up by finding such a powerful human later. Tala already had thousands of questions, but it was not the time. Most of them likely overlapped in one way or another, regardless.Yes. It is time to deal with Tali.Less than a minute later, Tala was sitting on the hill shed occupied the previous night.-I believe I can do what youre thinking.-Good. Lets do this.Alat used the same method that allowed her to show Tala books that werent really there to create a duplicate of Tala in her own vision.No, not a duplicate. Tali.The woman sat with closed eyes, her posture subtly different than Talas own. Her head tilted down just a bit, showing default subservience. At the same time, her shoulders were a bit straighter, her confidence more prevalent and obvious than it was for Tala.-Were ready for your part.-Tala nodded, moving a bloodstar to hover in the center of the apparitions head. She then mirrored her perspective onto the bloodstar and handed access to and control of that perspective over to Alat.Alat, in turn, activated the part of their mind that was Tali and passed the perspective to the false personality.Talis eyes snapped open, immediately focusing on Tala. They widened in shock, but just for a moment.The Eskau had a phantom of Flow in her hand in an instant, even as she lunged to plant the blade through Talas throat.Tala didnt react as the weapon passed harmlessly through her. Fascinating. Could you make me feel that?-Now is hardly the time, Tala. This is harder than you might assume, maintaining the illusion for you both.-Fine, fine.Tali.The woman stopped, looking down at her weapon in confusion.Sit. There is much we need to talk about.The Eskau glared but dropped into a seated position. Tala could practically hear what the woman was thinking.-Oh! I could let you hear, if you want.-Tala almost said, Yes. but that could be confusing, and it would be against the spirit of what she was trying to do. No, but thank you.What magics have you worked to protect yourself from me, imposter?Tala sighed. I am Tala. You and I are the same person, Tali. More accurately, I am the person who was kidnapped and erased so that Be-thric could create you.Tali laughed. Master has no need of disloyal creatures, and anyone willing to say such a lie cannot be considered loyal.Be-thric is dead.Tali paled. What? That is no. Thats not possible.By my hand. Or, as you would see it, our hand.She flushed red with anger. Liar. I would never hurt him.They had kept that memory locked away from Tali, as there really was no reason try to reconcile it for the fake personality, given Tala had never intended to use her again. Please let her see the memory.Tali gasped, eyes widening again and the wash of color in her cheeks draining away. Lies. Horrid, obviously false lies.Tala shrugged, sighing with deep weariness that shed not really noticed creeping up on her. I dont need you to believe me. I dont need anything from you. I dont need you at all.Tali growled but didnt say anythingseemingly quite off balance stillbefore Tala continued.I conjured you up-Excuse me, you?-Do you really think that it will make things easier if I tell her about you?-Fair-As I was saying, I conjured you up for very specific purposes, and nothing more.She narrowed her gaze, obviously wary. What would those be?To say goodbye, and to tell you that Im sorry that you were created to be abused and subjugated. Your existence was a lie from the beginning. You are a lie, created to control me. Nothing more.Tali opened her mouth, rage building on her features, but Tala lifted her hand, and Tali was unable to speak.Thank you.-Hey, this is easier on me.- Alat sent a shrug.We will not meet again. There was a long pause while the other woman silently raged. Tala knew that she would be heard when she spoke, despite Talis actions, I forgive you, Tali. You were as much a victim as I ever was. I forgive you. Tala gave a soft, mournful smile. Goodbye.The apparition vanished, and Tala felt something break down within her mind.In that moment, everything that Tali had experienced slammed into Talas consciousness, and the memories rushed through her as if she were back in that time, again. She was a passenger, forced to watch as she acted out a horrid play.Before, shed had the memories there, separated and isolated. She could reference them, but she was only able to access them in a theoretical sense.Now?Now, Tala lived them.She threw her head back and screamed at the sky, feeling every emotion, every lie, every death.She screamed, and the world within Kit trembled at the force of it.
