Chapter 297: Considering
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Chapter 297: Considering
Tala stepped out of Master Simon and Mistress Petras modest house. It stood near the center of an affluent, residential block.
It seemed to be a great home in which to raise children.
She was rather pleased with how the evening had gone, if she were being honest.
They were a sweet family, and while Tala would prefer no one, she needed help.
The next best would be one, or at most two people, but it would be difficult to truly find people who would be so unattached.
She glanced back towards the house as she stepped from their very small front yard out onto the street.
It was a bit bigger than her own family home, but not very much. It was also set back a bit, hence the small area of front vegetationThe original appearance of this chapter can be found at Ñøv€lß1n.
To be fair, they dont have an alchemy shop in it either. It was purely a residence, rather than being a mixed-use building.
-Just one more benefit of Magehood.-
Decidedly.
It was yet another beautiful winter evening, and Tala decided to focus outward and enjoy the walk back to Lyns house.
Rest and recover. Sadly, her conviction didnt last for more than ten seconds.
-And get an improved sheath for Flow. You asked me to remind you about that.-
Right, that tooshould we merge it with the weapon?
Alat was about to respond, but Tala continued.
No, no thats silly. We need to avoid permanent solutions to a temporary problem.
-Exactly.-
She realized she was focusing inward again and intentionally closed down her rampant thoughts so that she could enjoy the ambiance around her.
There were still a good number of people bustling about, but they were all moving relatively quickly. In all likelihood, their speed was aimed to get them home and out of the cold, or to facilitate the rapid completion of whatever their current errand was, in order to head home as soon as possible afterwards.
There are probably some people going to pubs, taverns, or restaurants to meet up with friends, too.
Snow had begun to fall once again, and Tala looked up towards the sky, closing her eyes and letting the flakes fall on her face.
She used her mirrored perspectives through her bloodstars to show her which way to go so that she didnt trip or run into anyone.
It sparked a bit of childish joy within her, and she was soon unconsciously grinning up into the dark, cloudy sky.
Even taking her time, Tala still arrived at Lyns home in less than an hour.
She wasnt quite ready to go inside. So, she sat off to one side on a little bench that she never really considered. It was tucked behind some bushes from the perspective of the street, parallel to the front walk but set a few feet away in the shadows of the surroundings.
The result was that Tala was hidden from the road, looking toward the short path to the house, simply able to gaze at a small patch of garden that she almost never considered, day to day.
There she stayed, content.
She didnt really get cold or sore.
She wasnt bored, though she didnt allow her mind to wander.
Tala simply sat, reveling in the stillness and peace of the moment at hand.
It was close to midnight when the front door opened, and Lyn walked out, seemingly heading out to the street.
When she was right in front of Tala, she squeaked and jumped back, landing facing Tala. Tala? What are you doing out here?
Tala shook herself out of her revery. Hmm? Oh. I was just enjoying the evening.
Youre covered in snow.
She looked down at herself and saw that she was, indeed, dusted with newly fallen flakes. This is hardly covered.
Either way, youve clearly been out here for a while.
Tala shrugged. It was peaceful, and I could use a bit more peace.
Lyn seemed to hesitate, considering. Do you want to stay out here?
Thats not necessary. Where are you off to at this hour?
I was going to see if I could see you coming, and if not, I was going to send you a message.
Ahh. Well, Im here.
I can see that. A smile pulled at her lips. Do you want to come inside?
Tala shrugged again and pushed off her knees to rise to her feet. Sure. Lets go.
The two women entered the comfortable, warm house.
As the door closed behind them, Tala locked it. Did you really stay up, waiting for me?
Lyn paused, then finished tucking her sandals into a small cubby off to one side. No. I woke up and noticed that your sanctum door wasnt in place in the hallway.
Im sorry, Lyn. I didnt mean to make you worry.
The older woman shrugged. You dont make me. I choose to because I care about you.
Tala smiled at that. Thank you.
Lyn narrowed her eyes. Dont go disappearing on me, again. Ive even bought a personal Archive device; Ill have you know. There is no reason you cant keep me in the loop of your goings on.
Tala blinked at her a few times, then colored. I I am Refined.
Lyns eyes widened, and there was only a moments pause before power flowed through the womans magesight inscriptions. Oh! Her eyes widened further. Thats amazing, Tala!
Tala found herself grinning as Lyn gave her a huge hug. I suppose its a mixed blessing, having the through-spike make my magic obvious. I know I can suppress it, but I almost never think about it.
-It doesnt harm you within human cities. You could start taking it off when youre in the wilds, though.-
Yeah, thats an interesting thought.
I had no idea. Lyn lightly smacked Talas shoulder. Why didnt you tell me? Is that why you went to see Mistress Holly? Was it that easy? I wont say quick, because you were there for nearly a day.
Hold on, one question at a time. Tala felt a bit of Lyns excitement infecting her.
Is that what you did with Mistress Holly?
Tala opened her mouth, then paused. Will Lyn choose to Refine if she knows how painful it is?
Was Tala willing to let her friend miss out on immortality because of fear of pain?
She was undoubtedly angry with Mistress Holly for hiding the extent of the pain, but in truth, when looking back, Mistress Holly had been explicit in what would happen. Tala had not asked about specifics of fallout or pain levels.
Could Mistress Holly have warned her? Yes.
Would it have helped?
Tala had to think about that.
No. For me, it would have made the pain so much worse. Really, for anyone it would have made it worse. If Tala had been told it would hurt, the very fact that she had in her mind that the working would be painful would have emphasized the painful nature of the spellform in her own mental framework, activating the spell.
And more pain would probably have killed me.
The pain she had experienced was simply a side effect of the working, not a part of her mental model of the process at all.
And once the working started, my change of mindset was irrelevant. All that mattered was that I did expect it to be overly painful when I began.
Even with the knowledge that she was was frustrated at Mistress Holly for hiding things, Tala could do differently. She internally shuddered. There is no way Im going to tell her something that would increase her pain. Not one bit.
Lyn was patiently waiting an answer, and Tala realized that she had only been standing there with her mouth open for a couple of seconds or so. Sorry, sorry. Yes, Mistress Holly helped me Refine. It was difficult for me, because of my particular circumstances. Tala smiled reassuringly. From my understanding, your own Refining should be much easier, plus you can take your time, doing it over the course of multiple sessions rather than doing it all at once like I was forced to do.
Lyn cocked her head to the side. Hmm I can see that. She shrugged then. But Im barely Fused. It isnt a concern for the moment.
Tala grimaced. I still cant believe all you had to do was read a book.
Lyn chuckled. That is a gross oversimplification, but yes, I did have an easier time Fusing than many. Regardless, Ill likely start getting the pre-Refining inscriptions in a year or two. Im in no rush.
I suppose I can understand that. Your job isnt that dangerous.
I do want to go see Alefast, waning, though. That trip can be dangerous. She gave Tala a mischievous look. Youll protect me on that trip, wont you, oh brave Mage Protector?
Tala laughed, placing a hand over her heart. Alas, I am retired. Though, for one such as you, I could be convinced to take up the sword once more.
I wouldnt dream of dragging you out of retirement. Lyn shook her head with mock severity. I suppose I will simply have to throw myself at the mercy of the burn wolves.
Tala huffed. Fine, fine. Ill take you with me when I go to Alefast, and it wont be too hard to take a short trip to bring you back after your visit.
Oh? Lyn perked up. You were already planning on going?
Yeah. Tala shrugged. I need time to consolidate everything thats changed, and I want to see a Waning. I learned about them at the Academy, but I want to see one for myself. Toward that end, I think Ill use Alefast, waning, as a base of operations for a while.
A different type of mischievous light entered the older womans eyes. I hope you wont be alone until the city finally fades. That would be what? Twenty-one years without a good friend nearby?
Tala shrugged. I made a couple of friends there, and Rane will likely be in the area.
And what brought your mind to the thought of having children, again?
She gave Lyn a withering look. I dont need any of your sass.
Lyn laughed. Fine. Come on, we both need sleep. She glanced Talas away, then gave a mock, deep bow. Refined Tala, please allow this lowly Fused to depart from your presence.
Tala sighed, shaking her head. Youre in rare form, arent you?
Lyn gave a wan smile. Well, its better than focusing on the negative.
That sobered Tala a bit. Yeah, I can understand that. After a brief pause, Tala continued, Are you going to be alright?
Yes. Ive cried myself to sleep over their passing enough. Tonight wont add to that count.
Lyn
Im alright, Tala. We all lose people, now or later. Its the way of the world.
That doesnt make it better.
But it does make it necessary to bear through, to look past, and to move on from.
After a moments thought, Tala found herself nodding. I suppose youre right. So, youre really going to be okay?
Yes. Lyn rolled her eyes and smiled. Sleep. You have a Refining to recover from, and knowing you, more besides added on top.
Tala huffed a laugh. Youre certainly not wrong. Alright. Ill leave you be.
The older woman smiled gratefully, Goodnight, Tala.
Goodnight, Lyn. Tala watched her friend walk down the hall and close her bedroom door.
We are surrounded by the wounds and scars of this world, arent we?
-Its easy to forget at times, isnt it?
Far, far too easy.
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Chapter 297: Considering
Tala stepped out of Master Simon and Mistress Petras modest house. It stood near the center of an affluent, residential block.
It seemed to be a great home in which to raise children.
She was rather pleased with how the evening had gone, if she were being honest.
They were a sweet family, and while Tala would prefer no one, she needed help.
The next best would be one, or at most two people, but it would be difficult to truly find people who would be so unattached.
She glanced back towards the house as she stepped from their very small front yard out onto the street.
It was a bit bigger than her own family home, but not very much. It was also set back a bit, hence the small area of front vegetationThe original appearance of this chapter can be found at Ñøv€lß1n.
To be fair, they dont have an alchemy shop in it either. It was purely a residence, rather than being a mixed-use building.
-Just one more benefit of Magehood.-
Decidedly.
It was yet another beautiful winter evening, and Tala decided to focus outward and enjoy the walk back to Lyns house.
Rest and recover. Sadly, her conviction didnt last for more than ten seconds.
-And get an improved sheath for Flow. You asked me to remind you about that.-
Right, that tooshould we merge it with the weapon?
Alat was about to respond, but Tala continued.
No, no thats silly. We need to avoid permanent solutions to a temporary problem.
-Exactly.-
She realized she was focusing inward again and intentionally closed down her rampant thoughts so that she could enjoy the ambiance around her.
There were still a good number of people bustling about, but they were all moving relatively quickly. In all likelihood, their speed was aimed to get them home and out of the cold, or to facilitate the rapid completion of whatever their current errand was, in order to head home as soon as possible afterwards.
There are probably some people going to pubs, taverns, or restaurants to meet up with friends, too.
Snow had begun to fall once again, and Tala looked up towards the sky, closing her eyes and letting the flakes fall on her face.
She used her mirrored perspectives through her bloodstars to show her which way to go so that she didnt trip or run into anyone.
It sparked a bit of childish joy within her, and she was soon unconsciously grinning up into the dark, cloudy sky.
Even taking her time, Tala still arrived at Lyns home in less than an hour.
She wasnt quite ready to go inside. So, she sat off to one side on a little bench that she never really considered. It was tucked behind some bushes from the perspective of the street, parallel to the front walk but set a few feet away in the shadows of the surroundings.
The result was that Tala was hidden from the road, looking toward the short path to the house, simply able to gaze at a small patch of garden that she almost never considered, day to day.
There she stayed, content.
She didnt really get cold or sore.
She wasnt bored, though she didnt allow her mind to wander.
Tala simply sat, reveling in the stillness and peace of the moment at hand.
It was close to midnight when the front door opened, and Lyn walked out, seemingly heading out to the street.
When she was right in front of Tala, she squeaked and jumped back, landing facing Tala. Tala? What are you doing out here?
Tala shook herself out of her revery. Hmm? Oh. I was just enjoying the evening.
Youre covered in snow.
She looked down at herself and saw that she was, indeed, dusted with newly fallen flakes. This is hardly covered.
Either way, youve clearly been out here for a while.
Tala shrugged. It was peaceful, and I could use a bit more peace.
Lyn seemed to hesitate, considering. Do you want to stay out here?
Thats not necessary. Where are you off to at this hour?
I was going to see if I could see you coming, and if not, I was going to send you a message.
Ahh. Well, Im here.
I can see that. A smile pulled at her lips. Do you want to come inside?
Tala shrugged again and pushed off her knees to rise to her feet. Sure. Lets go.
The two women entered the comfortable, warm house.
As the door closed behind them, Tala locked it. Did you really stay up, waiting for me?
Lyn paused, then finished tucking her sandals into a small cubby off to one side. No. I woke up and noticed that your sanctum door wasnt in place in the hallway.
Im sorry, Lyn. I didnt mean to make you worry.
The older woman shrugged. You dont make me. I choose to because I care about you.
Tala smiled at that. Thank you.
Lyn narrowed her eyes. Dont go disappearing on me, again. Ive even bought a personal Archive device; Ill have you know. There is no reason you cant keep me in the loop of your goings on.
Tala blinked at her a few times, then colored. I I am Refined.
Lyns eyes widened, and there was only a moments pause before power flowed through the womans magesight inscriptions. Oh! Her eyes widened further. Thats amazing, Tala!
Tala found herself grinning as Lyn gave her a huge hug. I suppose its a mixed blessing, having the through-spike make my magic obvious. I know I can suppress it, but I almost never think about it.
-It doesnt harm you within human cities. You could start taking it off when youre in the wilds, though.-
Yeah, thats an interesting thought.
I had no idea. Lyn lightly smacked Talas shoulder. Why didnt you tell me? Is that why you went to see Mistress Holly? Was it that easy? I wont say quick, because you were there for nearly a day.
Hold on, one question at a time. Tala felt a bit of Lyns excitement infecting her.
Is that what you did with Mistress Holly?
Tala opened her mouth, then paused. Will Lyn choose to Refine if she knows how painful it is?
Was Tala willing to let her friend miss out on immortality because of fear of pain?
She was undoubtedly angry with Mistress Holly for hiding the extent of the pain, but in truth, when looking back, Mistress Holly had been explicit in what would happen. Tala had not asked about specifics of fallout or pain levels.
Could Mistress Holly have warned her? Yes.
Would it have helped?
Tala had to think about that.
No. For me, it would have made the pain so much worse. Really, for anyone it would have made it worse. If Tala had been told it would hurt, the very fact that she had in her mind that the working would be painful would have emphasized the painful nature of the spellform in her own mental framework, activating the spell.
And more pain would probably have killed me.
The pain she had experienced was simply a side effect of the working, not a part of her mental model of the process at all.
And once the working started, my change of mindset was irrelevant. All that mattered was that I did expect it to be overly painful when I began.
Even with the knowledge that she was was frustrated at Mistress Holly for hiding things, Tala could do differently. She internally shuddered. There is no way Im going to tell her something that would increase her pain. Not one bit.
Lyn was patiently waiting an answer, and Tala realized that she had only been standing there with her mouth open for a couple of seconds or so. Sorry, sorry. Yes, Mistress Holly helped me Refine. It was difficult for me, because of my particular circumstances. Tala smiled reassuringly. From my understanding, your own Refining should be much easier, plus you can take your time, doing it over the course of multiple sessions rather than doing it all at once like I was forced to do.
Lyn cocked her head to the side. Hmm I can see that. She shrugged then. But Im barely Fused. It isnt a concern for the moment.
Tala grimaced. I still cant believe all you had to do was read a book.
Lyn chuckled. That is a gross oversimplification, but yes, I did have an easier time Fusing than many. Regardless, Ill likely start getting the pre-Refining inscriptions in a year or two. Im in no rush.
I suppose I can understand that. Your job isnt that dangerous.
I do want to go see Alefast, waning, though. That trip can be dangerous. She gave Tala a mischievous look. Youll protect me on that trip, wont you, oh brave Mage Protector?
Tala laughed, placing a hand over her heart. Alas, I am retired. Though, for one such as you, I could be convinced to take up the sword once more.
I wouldnt dream of dragging you out of retirement. Lyn shook her head with mock severity. I suppose I will simply have to throw myself at the mercy of the burn wolves.
Tala huffed. Fine, fine. Ill take you with me when I go to Alefast, and it wont be too hard to take a short trip to bring you back after your visit.
Oh? Lyn perked up. You were already planning on going?
Yeah. Tala shrugged. I need time to consolidate everything thats changed, and I want to see a Waning. I learned about them at the Academy, but I want to see one for myself. Toward that end, I think Ill use Alefast, waning, as a base of operations for a while.
A different type of mischievous light entered the older womans eyes. I hope you wont be alone until the city finally fades. That would be what? Twenty-one years without a good friend nearby?
Tala shrugged. I made a couple of friends there, and Rane will likely be in the area.
And what brought your mind to the thought of having children, again?
She gave Lyn a withering look. I dont need any of your sass.
Lyn laughed. Fine. Come on, we both need sleep. She glanced Talas away, then gave a mock, deep bow. Refined Tala, please allow this lowly Fused to depart from your presence.
Tala sighed, shaking her head. Youre in rare form, arent you?
Lyn gave a wan smile. Well, its better than focusing on the negative.
That sobered Tala a bit. Yeah, I can understand that. After a brief pause, Tala continued, Are you going to be alright?
Yes. Ive cried myself to sleep over their passing enough. Tonight wont add to that count.
Lyn
Im alright, Tala. We all lose people, now or later. Its the way of the world.
That doesnt make it better.
But it does make it necessary to bear through, to look past, and to move on from.
After a moments thought, Tala found herself nodding. I suppose youre right. So, youre really going to be okay?
Yes. Lyn rolled her eyes and smiled. Sleep. You have a Refining to recover from, and knowing you, more besides added on top.
Tala huffed a laugh. Youre certainly not wrong. Alright. Ill leave you be.
The older woman smiled gratefully, Goodnight, Tala.
Goodnight, Lyn. Tala watched her friend walk down the hall and close her bedroom door.
We are surrounded by the wounds and scars of this world, arent we?
-Its easy to forget at times, isnt it?
Far, far too easy.
Chapter 297: ConsideringTala stepped out of Master Simon and Mistress Petras modest house. It stood near the center of an affluent, residential block.It seemed to be a great home in which to raise children.She was rather pleased with how the evening had gone, if she were being honest.They were a sweet family, and while Tala would prefer no one, she needed help.The next best would be one, or at most two people, but it would be difficult to truly find people who would be so unattached.She glanced back towards the house as she stepped from their very small front yard out onto the street.It was a bit bigger than her own family home, but not very much. It was also set back a bit, hence the small area of front vegetationThe original appearance of this chapter can be found at Nvl1n.To be fair, they dont have an alchemy shop in it either. It was purely a residence, rather than being a mixed-use building.-Just one more benefit of Magehood.-Decidedly.It was yet another beautiful winter evening, and Tala decided to focus outward and enjoy the walk back to Lyns house.Rest and recover. Sadly, her conviction didnt last for more than ten seconds.-And get an improved sheath for Flow. You asked me to remind you about that.-Right, that tooshould we merge it with the weapon?Alat was about to respond, but Tala continued.No, no thats silly. We need to avoid permanent solutions to a temporary problem.-Exactly.-She realized she was focusing inward again and intentionally closed down her rampant thoughts so that she could enjoy the ambiance around her.There were still a good number of people bustling about, but they were all moving relatively quickly. In all likelihood, their speed was aimed to get them home and out of the cold, or to facilitate the rapid completion of whatever their current errand was, in order to head home as soon as possible afterwards.There are probably some people going to pubs, taverns, or restaurants to meet up with friends, too.Snow had begun to fall once again, and Tala looked up towards the sky, closing her eyes and letting the flakes fall on her face.She used her mirrored perspectives through her bloodstars to show her which way to go so that she didnt trip or run into anyone.It sparked a bit of childish joy within her, and she was soon unconsciously grinning up into the dark, cloudy sky.Even taking her time, Tala still arrived at Lyns home in less than an hour.She wasnt quite ready to go inside. So, she sat off to one side on a little bench that she never really considered. It was tucked behind some bushes from the perspective of the street, parallel to the front walk but set a few feet away in the shadows of the surroundings.The result was that Tala was hidden from the road, looking toward the short path to the house, simply able to gaze at a small patch of garden that she almost never considered, day to day.There she stayed, content.She didnt really get cold or sore.She wasnt bored, though she didnt allow her mind to wander.Tala simply sat, reveling in the stillness and peace of the moment at hand.It was close to midnight when the front door opened, and Lyn walked out, seemingly heading out to the street.When she was right in front of Tala, she squeaked and jumped back, landing facing Tala. Tala? What are you doing out here?Tala shook herself out of her revery. Hmm? Oh. I was just enjoying the evening.Youre covered in snow.She looked down at herself and saw that she was, indeed, dusted with newly fallen flakes. This is hardly covered.Either way, youve clearly been out here for a while.Tala shrugged. It was peaceful, and I could use a bit more peace.Lyn seemed to hesitate, considering. Do you want to stay out here?Thats not necessary. Where are you off to at this hour?I was going to see if I could see you coming, and if not, I was going to send you a message.Ahh. Well, Im here.I can see that. A smile pulled at her lips. Do you want to come inside?Tala shrugged again and pushed off her knees to rise to her feet. Sure. Lets go.The two women entered the comfortable, warm house.As the door closed behind them, Tala locked it. Did you really stay up, waiting for me?Lyn paused, then finished tucking her sandals into a small cubby off to one side. No. I woke up and noticed that your sanctum door wasnt in place in the hallway.Im sorry, Lyn. I didnt mean to make you worry.The older woman shrugged. You dont make me. I choose to because I care about you.Tala smiled at that. Thank you.Lyn narrowed her eyes. Dont go disappearing on me, again. Ive even bought a personal Archive device; Ill have you know. There is no reason you cant keep me in the loop of your goings on.Tala blinked at her a few times, then colored. I I am Refined.Lyns eyes widened, and there was only a moments pause before power flowed through the womans magesight inscriptions. Oh! Her eyes widened further. Thats amazing, Tala!Tala found herself grinning as Lyn gave her a huge hug. I suppose its a mixed blessing, having the through-spike make my magic obvious. I know I can suppress it, but I almost never think about it.-It doesnt harm you within human cities. You could start taking it off when youre in the wilds, though.-Yeah, thats an interesting thought.I had no idea. Lyn lightly smacked Talas shoulder. Why didnt you tell me? Is that why you went to see Mistress Holly? Was it that easy? I wont say quick, because you were there for nearly a day.Hold on, one question at a time. Tala felt a bit of Lyns excitement infecting her.Is that what you did with Mistress Holly?Tala opened her mouth, then paused. Will Lyn choose to Refine if she knows how painful it is?Was Tala willing to let her friend miss out on immortality because of fear of pain?She was undoubtedly angry with Mistress Holly for hiding the extent of the pain, but in truth, when looking back, Mistress Holly had been explicit in what would happen. Tala had not asked about specifics of fallout or pain levels.Could Mistress Holly have warned her? Yes.Would it have helped?Tala had to think about that.No. For me, it would have made the pain so much worse. Really, for anyone it would have made it worse. If Tala had been told it would hurt, the very fact that she had in her mind that the working would be painful would have emphasized the painful nature of the spellform in her own mental framework, activating the spell.And more pain would probably have killed me.The pain she had experienced was simply a side effect of the working, not a part of her mental model of the process at all.And once the working started, my change of mindset was irrelevant. All that mattered was that I did expect it to be overly painful when I began.Even with the knowledge that she was was frustrated at Mistress Holly for hiding things, Tala could do differently. She internally shuddered. There is no way Im going to tell her something that would increase her pain. Not one bit.Lyn was patiently waiting an answer, and Tala realized that she had only been standing there with her mouth open for a couple of seconds or so. Sorry, sorry. Yes, Mistress Holly helped me Refine. It was difficult for me, because of my particular circumstances. Tala smiled reassuringly. From my understanding, your own Refining should be much easier, plus you can take your time, doing it over the course of multiple sessions rather than doing it all at once like I was forced to do.Lyn cocked her head to the side. Hmm I can see that. She shrugged then. But Im barely Fused. It isnt a concern for the moment.Tala grimaced. I still cant believe all you had to do was read a book.Lyn chuckled. That is a gross oversimplification, but yes, I did have an easier time Fusing than many. Regardless, Ill likely start getting the pre-Refining inscriptions in a year or two. Im in no rush.I suppose I can understand that. Your job isnt that dangerous.I do want to go see Alefast, waning, though. That trip can be dangerous. She gave Tala a mischievous look. Youll protect me on that trip, wont you, oh brave Mage Protector?Tala laughed, placing a hand over her heart. Alas, I am retired. Though, for one such as you, I could be convinced to take up the sword once more.I wouldnt dream of dragging you out of retirement. Lyn shook her head with mock severity. I suppose I will simply have to throw myself at the mercy of the burn wolves.Tala huffed. Fine, fine. Ill take you with me when I go to Alefast, and it wont be too hard to take a short trip to bring you back after your visit.Oh? Lyn perked up. You were already planning on going?Yeah. Tala shrugged. I need time to consolidate everything thats changed, and I want to see a Waning. I learned about them at the Academy, but I want to see one for myself. Toward that end, I think Ill use Alefast, waning, as a base of operations for a while.A different type of mischievous light entered the older womans eyes. I hope you wont be alone until the city finally fades. That would be what? Twenty-one years without a good friend nearby?Tala shrugged. I made a couple of friends there, and Rane will likely be in the area.And what brought your mind to the thought of having children, again?She gave Lyn a withering look. I dont need any of your sass.Lyn laughed. Fine. Come on, we both need sleep. She glanced Talas away, then gave a mock, deep bow. Refined Tala, please allow this lowly Fused to depart from your presence.Tala sighed, shaking her head. Youre in rare form, arent you?Lyn gave a wan smile. Well, its better than focusing on the negative.That sobered Tala a bit. Yeah, I can understand that. After a brief pause, Tala continued, Are you going to be alright?Yes. Ive cried myself to sleep over their passing enough. Tonight wont add to that count.LynIm alright, Tala. We all lose people, now or later. Its the way of the world.That doesnt make it better.But it does make it necessary to bear through, to look past, and to move on from.After a moments thought, Tala found herself nodding. I suppose youre right. So, youre really going to be okay?Yes. Lyn rolled her eyes and smiled. Sleep. You have a Refining to recover from, and knowing you, more besides added on top.Tala huffed a laugh. Youre certainly not wrong. Alright. Ill leave you be.The older woman smiled gratefully, Goodnight, Tala.Goodnight, Lyn. Tala watched her friend walk down the hall and close her bedroom door.We are surrounded by the wounds and scars of this world, arent we?-Its easy to forget at times, isnt it?Far, far too easy.
