Chapter 296: Assessment and Consideration
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Chapter 296: Assessment and Consideration
Tala stood, and Mistress Holly gestured. There was a ripple of dimensional magic, and the chairs and table that they had been sitting at vanished.
It was time for the more extensive testing.
Tala glanced to Terry who was still curled up in the corner. Do you want to wait this out in my sanctum, or out here? Im not sure Ill be able to let you in during the middle of the tests.
Terry lifted his head, regarding her. Finally, he huffed out a reluctant squawk. A moment later, hed flickered up to her shoulder to headbutt her cheek.
Alright then. Thanks for coming out.
He trilled and looked down towards Kit.
Well find something to hunt out in the wilds, soon enough. Im getting a bit stir crazy, too.
She opened Kit, and Terry flickered inside. Through the opening, Tala could see one of the grassy hills from the perimeter of her sanctum.
Alright. Lets do this.
The series of tests were no faster this time around, and Tala entered an almost meditative state, not even really coming out of it to follow Mistress Hollys occasional commands.
She used the time to work on her mental flexibility, reading a book that Alat was able to project for her in the air, and turning the pages with a thought.
What made this special was that Tala, not Alat, positioned the book and turned the pages. She didnt create the image herself, nor the look of the page turning, but she did cause the page to turn.
-I know it seems like a small thing, but it really is a big step.-
I know, I know Still, she was more focused on the content of the book than the mental tasks related to the book figment.
As before, Mistress Holly worked through the day and well into the night, facilitating the various assessments, scans, and measurements.
Finally, the long set of processes was complete, and Mistress Holly sent Tala home.
The Inscriptionist seemed content with the results. Nothing stood out as being wrong or broken. Well want time to assess and compare in more detail, however. That, along with the next set of tests when youre back to one hundred percent, should give us all the information that we need to offer a clean bill of health.
Thank you. Am I still limited in what I can do?
I think so, but not for much longer. You can add back in physical exercise, if you havent already. Id avoid covering yourself in ironor anything that could potentially lead to the need to healuntil your Refining has fully set. From these initial readings I think one month should be plenty for that, so just more than another three weeks.
Tala fought off a grimace and simply sighed and nodded. Will do.
She left without another word to Mistress Holly, and the Inscriptionist seemed to already be engrossed in something else.
Tala did say goodbye to the new receptionist on her way out. She was new in the sense that Tala had never seen her before, not in the sense that it was the same new receptionist from the day before.
Mistress Holly really does go through these Mages quickly She hoped that the young man from before got his chance, whether here or elsewhere.
But she put that from her mind as she stepped out into yet more new-fallen snow. The fresh air and cloudy sky allowed Mistress Hollys words to finally sink in, so that Tala felt a huge weight lift from her.
We did it. We are Refined!
She kept herself from jumping for joy in the somewhat crowded street, so as to not disturb the morning traffic, but only barely.
Her body was her own once again. It was healing, but it was right. She was no longer at odds with her own flesh and blood.
Breakfast. I need breakfast.
Shed eaten through the previous day and even through the night while Mistress Holly ran her tests, as she was still trying to bring her reserves back up to acceptable levels. Even so, she wasnt there yet.
She still had a long way to go, and she was hungry.
See if Ranes available. I want to go to that omelet place on the east side of the southern market. They have good, big tables, too.
-Sent. Do you want to head that way? It might take him a bit to notice the- Alat paused for only a moment before continuing. -Or, he could respond almost immediately. Hell meet you there.-
Thank you, Alat!
Tala had a huge smile, resting gently across her features.
She no longer had a short fuse on her lifespan.
As she thought about it, she almost giggled. I no longer have any limit on my lifespan.
-So long as you survive. I feel like you havent thought this all the way through yet.-
Tala waved that comment off. Of course, but thats true for everyone. Old age will never affect me, and if I am not killed, I will exist forever.
She blinked a few times even as she continued to walk.
Her smile slowly faded.
Im going to exist forever or die in blood and pain.
-And there it is.- Alat sighed. -All that youve done is remove the possibility of a slow degradation into a chaotic, biological death.-
And a death with dignity, at a ripe old age, surrounded by my family: children, grandchildren, and more.
-Do you want children?- Alat obviously knew the answer, and she was likely just asking to help Tala process through her current turmoil.
Yes? It would be silly to never have children. But do I want to keep having them forever?
-Are those the only two options?-
No, of course not.
Even little Metti?
Well, she wont be studying. Ive installed sound isolation scripts, otherwise youd hear her practicing her singing. The man had an expression that was an almost perfect mix of joyful contentment and resignation. She is improving.
Tala chuckled. Such are children.
Master Simon settled into his chair with a contented sigh as Tala sat across from him. Indeed.
There was a small pause, and she decided to turn to the matter at hand. So, what do you think about all this?
Im honestly interested. Ive done quite a bit of personal research into dimensional storage items, and Id love the opportunity to study yours long-term and up close. I love cooking and baking, but I dont sell my end results, so theres only so much I can justify producing, while Im a practicing Mage.
Ahh, the blessings of form-maintaining inscriptions. So, youre interested. What would you need for that interest to be enough?
He nodded. Honestly, it would mostly depend on what you would expect of us.
That began the discussion in earnest. Tala had discussed what sort of duties she should arrange for an assistant family to take care of with both Lyn and Rane.
In the end, they came up with a potential list of duties for both Master Simon and Mistress Petra.
Mistress Petra had come back by that point, taking a seat next to her husband in a chair that she was clearly used to. She had added her thoughts as they discussed duties and the like, but mostly she listened as they finalized the various aspects of the potential arrangement.
Tala had been concerned that one cook would tire of cooking the massive amounts of food that she often needed, so it was a decided boon that they both loved to cook and bake.
As it turned out, they both also liked to garden, and Mistress Petra had grown up in a farming family, specifically one that raised livestock of various varieties. She said that shed always regretted not letting her older children experience what it was to raise up animals for sustenance.
For payment, Tala had to provide Archive access and tablets for the whole family, so that the kids could continue their education. Additionally, she had to cover the cost of a visit to Bandfast once every six months for the whole family. The visit would be at least one week in length and at most three.
If that required travel time, they would be given that time off as well.
Certain special events could allow that trip to come earlier than otherwise, in essence using up the upcoming sojourn in the case where it was necessary to do so.
Then, obviously, she was providing them with food and board. Unfortunately, with basically everything in her sanctum imbued with magic for her consumption, that meant that theyd have to plant other things for the family, and shed have to supplement those harvests.
Though, she wouldnt dream of taking any of Terrys pigs.
She gave an unconscious shudder at the very idea.
Finally, there was the actual salary.
As it turned out, Master Simon was happy with most of his compensation coming in the form of access to the inside of Kit and the impressed magics that made the arcane-added systems work.
His wife, while a Mage, used her magic as ancillary to her work as a wife and mother. Thus, it was also perfectly suited for Talas needs. The two of them loved to cookthey emphasized that quite oftenso the main thing that Tala needed was easily covered.
Between the two Mages and what they offered her, Tala agreed to two gold and forty silver per month.
I really commanded an insane salary as a Dimensional Mage.
-Well, danger pay factors in, and food and housing. Plus, dont forget that youre also paying for transportation for them back here twice a year. For five people? Thats no small amount. Even if we get the teleportation inscriptions up and running, that will be a minimum of three gold each way, give or take.-
Thats true enough. And if we use that method, well have to pay for reinscribing for the two adults.
-Though, thats a worst case scenario. Well be in this city pretty often, and the trips could easily line up.-
Thats true, too. Tala sighed but nodded once again. Tentatively agreed. We should meet up in my sanctum next week, so I can show you around, and we can make the final decision as to if this will be a good fit.
That sounds excellent.
Now that theyd discussed duty and pay, Mistress Petra cleared her throat. Mistress Tala, if I may, what sort of living quarters do you have for us?
Tala opened her mouth, then closed it. Well. I have the room where my last adjunct stayed. She frowned, trying to recall if shed actually ever been into Throns room, situated on the other side of her library. We will have to look at it, together, and we can commission some work to enlarge or modify it if you would like. There is no precipitation within, so even if the children wish to sleep beneath the stars, there wouldnt be an issue. The temperature is moderate to promote the continued growth of the crops as well, so thats not an issue either.
The two looked at each other and shrugged. Master Simon was the one to respond. Its definitely worth having a look.
Tala considered the idyllic setting of her sanctum from the perspective of young children and felt the need to add a few things. Just so you know, it is a full ecosystem in there. Though there are no untamed apex predators, there are deer and other wild animals which can be aggressive if provoked. There is also open, flowing water in quite a few places.
Master Simons eyes widened with obvious glee, while his wifes narrowed as she frowned with concern.
He spoke first. Just how large is your sanctum, Mistress?
But she spoke at nearly the same time, Why, under the stars, do you have such things in a dimensional space?
Tala cleared her throat. Well, Master Simon, the space is nearly three miles across. The footprint is roughly a circle, and its three-dimensional profile is that of a ellipsoid, at most a third as tall as it is across.
Master Simon looked positively giddy, and he nodded to acknowledge her response.
Tala then turned to his wife, folding her hands in her lap and smiling reassuringly. Mistress Petra, those things are in there to help make the space a fully functional, self-sustaining ecosystem, as I stated. Without a full breadth of life, it is harder to maintain in perpetuity. And I do mean in perpetuity. This system is meant to last for centuries, if not longer.
Tala opened her mouth to continue but realized that she hadnt actually told Mistress Petra that her space was expanded and outfitted by arcanes.
Now was probably not the time for such. Especially because Master Simon had likely already told his wife.
Still, I dont want to rock the boat if he hasnt told her, yet.
Instead, she decided to be a bit vague. Those who outfitted it knew what they were doing, and they aim for extreme longevity of that which they create.
Mistress Petra grunted but seemed somewhat mollified. Master Simon looked positively enraptured.
There wasnt really much further to discuss, so Tala stood, causing the other two to rise as well. Thank you for your hospitality, the wonderful meal, and for taking the time to discuss this with me.
Of course! Master Simon gave a bow. Thank you for considering us to assist you.
Mistress Petra bowed as well. We look forward to seeing your sanctum next week.
Tala gave a shallow bow in return. I look forward to it as well. Good night.
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Chapter 296: Assessment and Consideration
Tala stood, and Mistress Holly gestured. There was a ripple of dimensional magic, and the chairs and table that they had been sitting at vanished.
It was time for the more extensive testing.
Tala glanced to Terry who was still curled up in the corner. Do you want to wait this out in my sanctum, or out here? Im not sure Ill be able to let you in during the middle of the tests.
Terry lifted his head, regarding her. Finally, he huffed out a reluctant squawk. A moment later, hed flickered up to her shoulder to headbutt her cheek.
Alright then. Thanks for coming out.
He trilled and looked down towards Kit.
Well find something to hunt out in the wilds, soon enough. Im getting a bit stir crazy, too.
She opened Kit, and Terry flickered inside. Through the opening, Tala could see one of the grassy hills from the perimeter of her sanctum.
Alright. Lets do this.
The series of tests were no faster this time around, and Tala entered an almost meditative state, not even really coming out of it to follow Mistress Hollys occasional commands.
She used the time to work on her mental flexibility, reading a book that Alat was able to project for her in the air, and turning the pages with a thought.
What made this special was that Tala, not Alat, positioned the book and turned the pages. She didnt create the image herself, nor the look of the page turning, but she did cause the page to turn.
-I know it seems like a small thing, but it really is a big step.-
I know, I know Still, she was more focused on the content of the book than the mental tasks related to the book figment.
As before, Mistress Holly worked through the day and well into the night, facilitating the various assessments, scans, and measurements.
Finally, the long set of processes was complete, and Mistress Holly sent Tala home.
The Inscriptionist seemed content with the results. Nothing stood out as being wrong or broken. Well want time to assess and compare in more detail, however. That, along with the next set of tests when youre back to one hundred percent, should give us all the information that we need to offer a clean bill of health.
Thank you. Am I still limited in what I can do?
I think so, but not for much longer. You can add back in physical exercise, if you havent already. Id avoid covering yourself in ironor anything that could potentially lead to the need to healuntil your Refining has fully set. From these initial readings I think one month should be plenty for that, so just more than another three weeks.
Tala fought off a grimace and simply sighed and nodded. Will do.
She left without another word to Mistress Holly, and the Inscriptionist seemed to already be engrossed in something else.
Tala did say goodbye to the new receptionist on her way out. She was new in the sense that Tala had never seen her before, not in the sense that it was the same new receptionist from the day before.
Mistress Holly really does go through these Mages quickly She hoped that the young man from before got his chance, whether here or elsewhere.
But she put that from her mind as she stepped out into yet more new-fallen snow. The fresh air and cloudy sky allowed Mistress Hollys words to finally sink in, so that Tala felt a huge weight lift from her.
We did it. We are Refined!
She kept herself from jumping for joy in the somewhat crowded street, so as to not disturb the morning traffic, but only barely.
Her body was her own once again. It was healing, but it was right. She was no longer at odds with her own flesh and blood.
Breakfast. I need breakfast.
Shed eaten through the previous day and even through the night while Mistress Holly ran her tests, as she was still trying to bring her reserves back up to acceptable levels. Even so, she wasnt there yet.
She still had a long way to go, and she was hungry.
See if Ranes available. I want to go to that omelet place on the east side of the southern market. They have good, big tables, too.
-Sent. Do you want to head that way? It might take him a bit to notice the- Alat paused for only a moment before continuing. -Or, he could respond almost immediately. Hell meet you there.-
Thank you, Alat!
Tala had a huge smile, resting gently across her features.
She no longer had a short fuse on her lifespan.
As she thought about it, she almost giggled. I no longer have any limit on my lifespan.
-So long as you survive. I feel like you havent thought this all the way through yet.-
Tala waved that comment off. Of course, but thats true for everyone. Old age will never affect me, and if I am not killed, I will exist forever.
She blinked a few times even as she continued to walk.
Her smile slowly faded.
Im going to exist forever or die in blood and pain.
-And there it is.- Alat sighed. -All that youve done is remove the possibility of a slow degradation into a chaotic, biological death.-
And a death with dignity, at a ripe old age, surrounded by my family: children, grandchildren, and more.
-Do you want children?- Alat obviously knew the answer, and she was likely just asking to help Tala process through her current turmoil.
Yes? It would be silly to never have children. But do I want to keep having them forever?
-Are those the only two options?-
No, of course not.
Even little Metti?
Well, she wont be studying. Ive installed sound isolation scripts, otherwise youd hear her practicing her singing. The man had an expression that was an almost perfect mix of joyful contentment and resignation. She is improving.
Tala chuckled. Such are children.
Master Simon settled into his chair with a contented sigh as Tala sat across from him. Indeed.
There was a small pause, and she decided to turn to the matter at hand. So, what do you think about all this?
Im honestly interested. Ive done quite a bit of personal research into dimensional storage items, and Id love the opportunity to study yours long-term and up close. I love cooking and baking, but I dont sell my end results, so theres only so much I can justify producing, while Im a practicing Mage.
Ahh, the blessings of form-maintaining inscriptions. So, youre interested. What would you need for that interest to be enough?
He nodded. Honestly, it would mostly depend on what you would expect of us.
That began the discussion in earnest. Tala had discussed what sort of duties she should arrange for an assistant family to take care of with both Lyn and Rane.
In the end, they came up with a potential list of duties for both Master Simon and Mistress Petra.
Mistress Petra had come back by that point, taking a seat next to her husband in a chair that she was clearly used to. She had added her thoughts as they discussed duties and the like, but mostly she listened as they finalized the various aspects of the potential arrangement.
Tala had been concerned that one cook would tire of cooking the massive amounts of food that she often needed, so it was a decided boon that they both loved to cook and bake.
As it turned out, they both also liked to garden, and Mistress Petra had grown up in a farming family, specifically one that raised livestock of various varieties. She said that shed always regretted not letting her older children experience what it was to raise up animals for sustenance.
For payment, Tala had to provide Archive access and tablets for the whole family, so that the kids could continue their education. Additionally, she had to cover the cost of a visit to Bandfast once every six months for the whole family. The visit would be at least one week in length and at most three.
If that required travel time, they would be given that time off as well.
Certain special events could allow that trip to come earlier than otherwise, in essence using up the upcoming sojourn in the case where it was necessary to do so.
Then, obviously, she was providing them with food and board. Unfortunately, with basically everything in her sanctum imbued with magic for her consumption, that meant that theyd have to plant other things for the family, and shed have to supplement those harvests.
Though, she wouldnt dream of taking any of Terrys pigs.
She gave an unconscious shudder at the very idea.
Finally, there was the actual salary.
As it turned out, Master Simon was happy with most of his compensation coming in the form of access to the inside of Kit and the impressed magics that made the arcane-added systems work.
His wife, while a Mage, used her magic as ancillary to her work as a wife and mother. Thus, it was also perfectly suited for Talas needs. The two of them loved to cookthey emphasized that quite oftenso the main thing that Tala needed was easily covered.
Between the two Mages and what they offered her, Tala agreed to two gold and forty silver per month.
I really commanded an insane salary as a Dimensional Mage.
-Well, danger pay factors in, and food and housing. Plus, dont forget that youre also paying for transportation for them back here twice a year. For five people? Thats no small amount. Even if we get the teleportation inscriptions up and running, that will be a minimum of three gold each way, give or take.-
Thats true enough. And if we use that method, well have to pay for reinscribing for the two adults.
-Though, thats a worst case scenario. Well be in this city pretty often, and the trips could easily line up.-
Thats true, too. Tala sighed but nodded once again. Tentatively agreed. We should meet up in my sanctum next week, so I can show you around, and we can make the final decision as to if this will be a good fit.
That sounds excellent.
Now that theyd discussed duty and pay, Mistress Petra cleared her throat. Mistress Tala, if I may, what sort of living quarters do you have for us?
Tala opened her mouth, then closed it. Well. I have the room where my last adjunct stayed. She frowned, trying to recall if shed actually ever been into Throns room, situated on the other side of her library. We will have to look at it, together, and we can commission some work to enlarge or modify it if you would like. There is no precipitation within, so even if the children wish to sleep beneath the stars, there wouldnt be an issue. The temperature is moderate to promote the continued growth of the crops as well, so thats not an issue either.
The two looked at each other and shrugged. Master Simon was the one to respond. Its definitely worth having a look.
Tala considered the idyllic setting of her sanctum from the perspective of young children and felt the need to add a few things. Just so you know, it is a full ecosystem in there. Though there are no untamed apex predators, there are deer and other wild animals which can be aggressive if provoked. There is also open, flowing water in quite a few places.
Master Simons eyes widened with obvious glee, while his wifes narrowed as she frowned with concern.
He spoke first. Just how large is your sanctum, Mistress?
But she spoke at nearly the same time, Why, under the stars, do you have such things in a dimensional space?
Tala cleared her throat. Well, Master Simon, the space is nearly three miles across. The footprint is roughly a circle, and its three-dimensional profile is that of a ellipsoid, at most a third as tall as it is across.
Master Simon looked positively giddy, and he nodded to acknowledge her response.
Tala then turned to his wife, folding her hands in her lap and smiling reassuringly. Mistress Petra, those things are in there to help make the space a fully functional, self-sustaining ecosystem, as I stated. Without a full breadth of life, it is harder to maintain in perpetuity. And I do mean in perpetuity. This system is meant to last for centuries, if not longer.
Tala opened her mouth to continue but realized that she hadnt actually told Mistress Petra that her space was expanded and outfitted by arcanes.
Now was probably not the time for such. Especially because Master Simon had likely already told his wife.
Still, I dont want to rock the boat if he hasnt told her, yet.
Instead, she decided to be a bit vague. Those who outfitted it knew what they were doing, and they aim for extreme longevity of that which they create.
Mistress Petra grunted but seemed somewhat mollified. Master Simon looked positively enraptured.
There wasnt really much further to discuss, so Tala stood, causing the other two to rise as well. Thank you for your hospitality, the wonderful meal, and for taking the time to discuss this with me.
Of course! Master Simon gave a bow. Thank you for considering us to assist you.
Mistress Petra bowed as well. We look forward to seeing your sanctum next week.
Tala gave a shallow bow in return. I look forward to it as well. Good night.
Chapter 296: Assessment and ConsiderationTala stood, and Mistress Holly gestured. There was a ripple of dimensional magic, and the chairs and table that they had been sitting at vanished.It was time for the more extensive testing.Tala glanced to Terry who was still curled up in the corner. Do you want to wait this out in my sanctum, or out here? Im not sure Ill be able to let you in during the middle of the tests.Terry lifted his head, regarding her. Finally, he huffed out a reluctant squawk. A moment later, hed flickered up to her shoulder to headbutt her cheek.Alright then. Thanks for coming out.He trilled and looked down towards Kit.Well find something to hunt out in the wilds, soon enough. Im getting a bit stir crazy, too.She opened Kit, and Terry flickered inside. Through the opening, Tala could see one of the grassy hills from the perimeter of her sanctum.Alright. Lets do this.The series of tests were no faster this time around, and Tala entered an almost meditative state, not even really coming out of it to follow Mistress Hollys occasional commands.She used the time to work on her mental flexibility, reading a book that Alat was able to project for her in the air, and turning the pages with a thought.What made this special was that Tala, not Alat, positioned the book and turned the pages. She didnt create the image herself, nor the look of the page turning, but she did cause the page to turn.-I know it seems like a small thing, but it really is a big step.-I know, I know Still, she was more focused on the content of the book than the mental tasks related to the book figment.As before, Mistress Holly worked through the day and well into the night, facilitating the various assessments, scans, and measurements.Finally, the long set of processes was complete, and Mistress Holly sent Tala home.The Inscriptionist seemed content with the results. Nothing stood out as being wrong or broken. Well want time to assess and compare in more detail, however. That, along with the next set of tests when youre back to one hundred percent, should give us all the information that we need to offer a clean bill of health.Thank you. Am I still limited in what I can do?I think so, but not for much longer. You can add back in physical exercise, if you havent already. Id avoid covering yourself in ironor anything that could potentially lead to the need to healuntil your Refining has fully set. From these initial readings I think one month should be plenty for that, so just more than another three weeks.Tala fought off a grimace and simply sighed and nodded. Will do.She left without another word to Mistress Holly, and the Inscriptionist seemed to already be engrossed in something else.Tala did say goodbye to the new receptionist on her way out. She was new in the sense that Tala had never seen her before, not in the sense that it was the same new receptionist from the day before.Mistress Holly really does go through these Mages quickly She hoped that the young man from before got his chance, whether here or elsewhere.But she put that from her mind as she stepped out into yet more new-fallen snow. The fresh air and cloudy sky allowed Mistress Hollys words to finally sink in, so that Tala felt a huge weight lift from her.We did it. We are Refined!She kept herself from jumping for joy in the somewhat crowded street, so as to not disturb the morning traffic, but only barely.Her body was her own once again. It was healing, but it was right. She was no longer at odds with her own flesh and blood.Breakfast. I need breakfast.Shed eaten through the previous day and even through the night while Mistress Holly ran her tests, as she was still trying to bring her reserves back up to acceptable levels. Even so, she wasnt there yet.She still had a long way to go, and she was hungry.See if Ranes available. I want to go to that omelet place on the east side of the southern market. They have good, big tables, too.-Sent. Do you want to head that way? It might take him a bit to notice the- Alat paused for only a moment before continuing. -Or, he could respond almost immediately. Hell meet you there.-Thank you, Alat!Tala had a huge smile, resting gently across her features.She no longer had a short fuse on her lifespan.As she thought about it, she almost giggled. I no longer have any limit on my lifespan.-So long as you survive. I feel like you havent thought this all the way through yet.-Tala waved that comment off. Of course, but thats true for everyone. Old age will never affect me, and if I am not killed, I will exist forever.She blinked a few times even as she continued to walk.Her smile slowly faded.Im going to exist forever or die in blood and pain.-And there it is.- Alat sighed. -All that youve done is remove the possibility of a slow degradation into a chaotic, biological death.-And a death with dignity, at a ripe old age, surrounded by my family: children, grandchildren, and more.-Do you want children?- Alat obviously knew the answer, and she was likely just asking to help Tala process through her current turmoil.Yes? It would be silly to never have children. But do I want to keep having them forever?-Are those the only two options?-No, of course not.Even little Metti?Well, she wont be studying. Ive installed sound isolation scripts, otherwise youd hear her practicing her singing. The man had an expression that was an almost perfect mix of joyful contentment and resignation. She is improving.Tala chuckled. Such are children.Master Simon settled into his chair with a contented sigh as Tala sat across from him. Indeed.There was a small pause, and she decided to turn to the matter at hand. So, what do you think about all this?Im honestly interested. Ive done quite a bit of personal research into dimensional storage items, and Id love the opportunity to study yours long-term and up close. I love cooking and baking, but I dont sell my end results, so theres only so much I can justify producing, while Im a practicing Mage.Ahh, the blessings of form-maintaining inscriptions. So, youre interested. What would you need for that interest to be enough?He nodded. Honestly, it would mostly depend on what you would expect of us.That began the discussion in earnest. Tala had discussed what sort of duties she should arrange for an assistant family to take care of with both Lyn and Rane.In the end, they came up with a potential list of duties for both Master Simon and Mistress Petra.Mistress Petra had come back by that point, taking a seat next to her husband in a chair that she was clearly used to. She had added her thoughts as they discussed duties and the like, but mostly she listened as they finalized the various aspects of the potential arrangement.Tala had been concerned that one cook would tire of cooking the massive amounts of food that she often needed, so it was a decided boon that they both loved to cook and bake.As it turned out, they both also liked to garden, and Mistress Petra had grown up in a farming family, specifically one that raised livestock of various varieties. She said that shed always regretted not letting her older children experience what it was to raise up animals for sustenance. For payment, Tala had to provide Archive access and tablets for the whole family, so that the kids could continue their education. Additionally, she had to cover the cost of a visit to Bandfast once every six months for the whole family. The visit would be at least one week in length and at most three.If that required travel time, they would be given that time off as well.Certain special events could allow that trip to come earlier than otherwise, in essence using up the upcoming sojourn in the case where it was necessary to do so.Then, obviously, she was providing them with food and board. Unfortunately, with basically everything in her sanctum imbued with magic for her consumption, that meant that theyd have to plant other things for the family, and shed have to supplement those harvests.Though, she wouldnt dream of taking any of Terrys pigs.She gave an unconscious shudder at the very idea.Finally, there was the actual salary.As it turned out, Master Simon was happy with most of his compensation coming in the form of access to the inside of Kit and the impressed magics that made the arcane-added systems work.His wife, while a Mage, used her magic as ancillary to her work as a wife and mother. Thus, it was also perfectly suited for Talas needs. The two of them loved to cookthey emphasized that quite oftenso the main thing that Tala needed was easily covered.Between the two Mages and what they offered her, Tala agreed to two gold and forty silver per month.I really commanded an insane salary as a Dimensional Mage.-Well, danger pay factors in, and food and housing. Plus, dont forget that youre also paying for transportation for them back here twice a year. For five people? Thats no small amount. Even if we get the teleportation inscriptions up and running, that will be a minimum of three gold each way, give or take.-Thats true enough. And if we use that method, well have to pay for reinscribing for the two adults.-Though, thats a worst case scenario. Well be in this city pretty often, and the trips could easily line up.-Thats true, too. Tala sighed but nodded once again. Tentatively agreed. We should meet up in my sanctum next week, so I can show you around, and we can make the final decision as to if this will be a good fit.That sounds excellent.Now that theyd discussed duty and pay, Mistress Petra cleared her throat. Mistress Tala, if I may, what sort of living quarters do you have for us?Tala opened her mouth, then closed it. Well. I have the room where my last adjunct stayed. She frowned, trying to recall if shed actually ever been into Throns room, situated on the other side of her library. We will have to look at it, together, and we can commission some work to enlarge or modify it if you would like. There is no precipitation within, so even if the children wish to sleep beneath the stars, there wouldnt be an issue. The temperature is moderate to promote the continued growth of the crops as well, so thats not an issue either.The two looked at each other and shrugged. Master Simon was the one to respond. Its definitely worth having a look.Tala considered the idyllic setting of her sanctum from the perspective of young children and felt the need to add a few things. Just so you know, it is a full ecosystem in there. Though there are no untamed apex predators, there are deer and other wild animals which can be aggressive if provoked. There is also open, flowing water in quite a few places.Master Simons eyes widened with obvious glee, while his wifes narrowed as she frowned with concern.He spoke first. Just how large is your sanctum, Mistress?But she spoke at nearly the same time, Why, under the stars, do you have such things in a dimensional space?Tala cleared her throat. Well, Master Simon, the space is nearly three miles across. The footprint is roughly a circle, and its three-dimensional profile is that of a ellipsoid, at most a third as tall as it is across.Master Simon looked positively giddy, and he nodded to acknowledge her response.Tala then turned to his wife, folding her hands in her lap and smiling reassuringly. Mistress Petra, those things are in there to help make the space a fully functional, self-sustaining ecosystem, as I stated. Without a full breadth of life, it is harder to maintain in perpetuity. And I do mean in perpetuity. This system is meant to last for centuries, if not longer.Tala opened her mouth to continue but realized that she hadnt actually told Mistress Petra that her space was expanded and outfitted by arcanes.Now was probably not the time for such. Especially because Master Simon had likely already told his wife.Still, I dont want to rock the boat if he hasnt told her, yet.Instead, she decided to be a bit vague. Those who outfitted it knew what they were doing, and they aim for extreme longevity of that which they create.Mistress Petra grunted but seemed somewhat mollified. Master Simon looked positively enraptured.There wasnt really much further to discuss, so Tala stood, causing the other two to rise as well. Thank you for your hospitality, the wonderful meal, and for taking the time to discuss this with me.Of course! Master Simon gave a bow. Thank you for considering us to assist you.Mistress Petra bowed as well. We look forward to seeing your sanctum next week.Tala gave a shallow bow in return. I look forward to it as well. Good night.
