Chapter 302: Arrangements
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Chapter 302: Arrangements
Tala listened as Master Simon started to go over a number of rather interesting ideas.
Apparently, there were quite a few explorer type Archons who wanted to be able to get their findings back to the cities in case they died, so there were a plethora of plans for doing just that. They ranged from the insane to the possibly reasonable.
Even so, before they could delve too far into it, she had a realization. Wow. With all the other stuff, I cant believe I dropped that.
-Yeah thats on me too. Your stress is really bleeding through.-
Well, I need the help, okay?
-I know, I know.-
Tala cleared her throat, causing Master Simon to pause. My apologies. I figured he would have shown up by now, but there is someone you should meet.
Oh? Mistress Petra looked around. Is there someone already living in here with you? I thought this space was yours alone.
Yes, but its best if you just meet him and see for yourself. Terry! Tala infused a little extra power into the inscriptions around her vocal cords and lungs, allowing her voice to carry further without the need to scream, shout, or even raise her voice. In essence, the magic gave her words more weight, allowing them to propagate further before fading.
Shed used the technique only a few times before, and she had been satisfied with the result every time.
Terry flickered into being on her shoulder a moment later.
He squawked questioningly before headbutting her cheek and looking around.
The childrens eyes widened, and they crowded close with wonder evident across their faces.
Terry glanced to Tala. Clear questions were carried in that look.
Tala smiled and nodded. Friends, mundane.
He trilled in acknowledgement and flickered down to appear on Mettis head.
The little girl froze in surprise, looking up without shifting the terror birds perch. Mom Mom! Its on my head!
Her voice was uncertain as she tried to determine if this was cause for concern.
Mistress Petra looked to Tala, and Tala smiled. He wont hurt them.
The mother relaxed, but still seemed quite ready to interfere. Hes fine, my little love. Be gentle and try not to startle him. Even the gentlest creatures can lash out if they are surprised or hurt.
Yes, mama.
Having broken the ice a bit, Terry began flickering around, poking and prodding the children. It didnt take long before they understood that he wanted to play a game.
From there, he easily nudged them into understanding the rules.
Master Simon and Mistress Petra came closer to Tala, eyes fixed on the developing situation.
He leaned in close and whispered, He seems much too intelligent to be a baby terror bird, and much too tame. Is he some dwarf-subspecies?
Tala shook her head. No cause for, or benefit in, hiding the truth. No, his magic lies in dimensionality. Hes actually rather massive, but he does his best to choose his size to fit the situation.
Mistress Petra gave Tala a startled look. So hes as big as you or I? Isnt that dangerous?
Tala shook her head. No, hes actually much bigger. As to him being dangerous? Tala shrugged. Obviously he is. Hes a predator. But no, he is not dangerous to us, and I have never seen him harm a child. Not even when that child did her best to poke him in the eye. She shook her head with a small smile, remembering her sister, Sella, chasing after Terry all through the park near her childhood home. Regardless, his intelligence is at least equivalent to most people you could meet, and while he can be inhuman in his hunting practices and idiosyncrasies, he and I are partners, and he has never harmed anyone or anything without cause.
The two parents continued to watch the playing quartet with hesitation.
She sighed. He often is out and about with me, but he does live in here, too.
Terry let the children get incredibly close, even occasionally brushing his feathers.
When he allowed the contact, he would let out a trill to indicate that he would be pursuing. What followed was ten short chirps, in perfect cadence, before he flickered after the children, herding them all together, and only when they were clustered into a group would he touch all three at once, making them the chasers once more.
He is terrifyingly effective. Mistress Petra still sounded nervous.
Tala nodded. His species hunts in packs and hunts herds. Even by himself, he is a truly peerless hunter.
Terry glanced her way, straightening and preening. He then flickered away just as Segis would have fallen on him.
They watched in relative silence for quite a few rounds of the game.
Finally, Master Simon tilted his head to the side. He only lets them touch him when they are balanced when they would make contact
Mistress Petra nodded. I noticed that. And he also seems to reward them when they work together is he teaching them how to hunt?
The parents looked toward Tala, and she shrugged.
Even so, she smiled encouragingly. Im not sure, but that does sound like him, yeah. It looks like he likes them.
The two nodded slowly in response.
A few minutes later, Metti sat down to take a break, laughing and breathing heavily. Terry seamlessly shifted the game to focus only on the older two, now solely allowing contact when they worked together and didnt overcommit.
Master Simon glanced towards Tala. Well, they seem well taken care of.
She quirked a smile in return. They do. Id love to hear more of your ideas.
The family didnt stay too much longer, and Tala and Master Simon made an appointment to meet up the following day to continue the discussion for features to add to Kit.
Most of those theyd already discussed were simple enough enhancements, like tying any Archive connection through her own link if she was closer than any other Archive node, and they werent in a city.
Master Simon also stated that he would want to research the specifics of the sanctum a bit more before putting together a blueprint for their living space.
Tentatively, Mistress Petra agreed to come the next morning to start working. The kids had school, and would continue attending it until Tala left Bandfast, and the family wouldnt move in until the quarters were complete, but they tentatively agreed to come under her employ.
YES!
-Hey, see? That didnt go so badly.-
Terry. Terry is the master, here.
Alat huffed a laugh but didnt argue.
Mistress Petra smiled at Talas apparent glee, even though she obviously couldnt hear her thoughts. Ill start with something rather simple for your breakfast and try to familiarize myself with your facilities tomorrow. Lets plan on my providing you with breakfast and dinner?
Tala nodded. Unfortunately, I am still not quite ready for meals made with the food in here. My advancement hasnt fully settled as of yet, but I should be able to eat meals with ingredients incorporated.
Mistress Petra nodded. Ill want to gain access to the Culinary Guilds new treatise on the preparation of harvests for human consumption.
Tala brightened. Oh! They have it widely available already?
"I have a dining room, Lyn. I'm going to dine in my dining room."
"Fine. What about this one?... how many tables are in here?"
"Only two dining tables of proper height. Most people forget that arcanes come in all different sizes. One of the tables is ridiculously large, and one far too small. Its a miracle I got four dining tables in my rampant pillaging. Everything else is a side table or some other odd thing. Of the two that are properly proportioned, one was too bigas already mentioned and the other's a big circle. Who wants to eat on a massive circle? Its like ten feet across!"
Lyn sighed, shaking her head. Are there dishes on this list too?
Tala gave her a flat look. I didnt raid a kitchen, Lyn. I went through a living area, not a dining area.
Lyn still looked utterly baffled, even if she did let the matter of the tables drop. I dont have time for this, Tala.
Tala grinned triumphantly. No, you have a mageling for this.
Hey! Kannis had stayed out of the conversation, but she clearly had a stake in the results now. I have better things to do than sell off a pile of She trailed off as she looked over Lyns shoulder at the list she had in hand. Did you rob some merchant? Just take everything from his house?
Tala tilted her head. Sure? I mean, theyre from an arcane House we were raiding, but near enough.
Lyn grimaced as Kanniss eyes widened. By House The way you said it thats something important?
Tala shrugged. Yes. Think of it like a guild, here, but more insular and less focused. They control sectors, cities, and production trains rather than specific function in their society. They dont work together, as a rule, but they arent hostile to each other, except for surface level rivalries. She hesitated. With some exceptions. Some Houses hate each other for whatever reason.
-We never did ask.-
We got books on it as part of our training, but even Tali didnt care very much.
-If it wanted to hurt Master shed kill it. She wasnt overly concerned as to why they hated him.-
Isnt that the truth
Kannis seemed to be struggling a bit. So you raided one of these Houses?
Well, a main hold of one, yes.
And the equivalent would be if you decided to assault the Caravan Guild and take their stuff?
Tala hesitated. Does the Caravan Guild actually have a high level Archon?
Lyn nodded. Not always in Bandfast, but yes, we have a few Refined. She glanced toward Kannis, then seemed to shake her head in resignation. The gap between Refined and Paragon is as vast as it is seemingly simple to cross. Most upper members of the various guilds fall in that range.
Tala cocked an eyebrow. Thats good to know. I can never get a straight answer.
Lyn shrugged. Its mostly what Ive pieced together from meetings with upper bureaucrats.
Good to know
Kannis cleared her throat, clearly still a little shaken. But all that to say, these things are from the arcane ruling class?
Tala nodded. Thats a reasonable assessment, yes.
Lyn sighed, glancing over and presumably manipulating something work related on a slate beside her food. That will complicate things, too. Do you want to sell them for what they are, or what they were?
Huh? Tala frowned.
Kannis was nodding, however, clearly understanding what her master meant. You could sell them pretty quickly just as fine furnishings and oddities, but you would get vastly more if you sold them as items stolen from arcane lands. Youd have fewer buyers though, so it might take longer?
Tala thought for a moment. Well, I need some money now, but Id prefer the biggest payout possible.
Lyn frowned. This doesnt include anything magical, right?
No, I told you that this was just the mundane items.
Are you going to sell the magical ones too? Or have you already done that and spent the money?
Tala hesitated. Yes? Yes, I am going to, no I havent already done it, and no, I definitely havent spent the money already. Alat had put together that list, too, and it was far shorter. Arcanes didnt really leave their magical items laying around. I havent gotten to that, either.
Lyn huffed a laugh and shook her head. Well, I guess I can understand, with all the work youve been doing.
Tala gave her friend a narrow-eyed glare. Hey! I have been recovering.
You could have taken a nice refreshing walk to the Constructionist Guild and sold that stuff off. Or you could have done the selling one of the numerous times you were there already. Right?
Tala grumbled. Fine. Youre right
Lyn shook her head. So, you want our help selling your non-magical loot.
Kannis interjected, Booty?
Shes not a marauder, Kannis. Lyn shook her head. This is not a fictional tale of flying ships and sword duels amidst storms.
Kannis grimaced. It would be better if it were.
Only according to some.
Tala cleared her throat. Anyways. Yes. Ill be going by the Constructionist Guild today, and I can sell the magical stuff, then.
Alright then. Lyn tilted her head to the side. Twenty percent.
Tala blinked at her in shock. What? Last time you only took ten!
Last time we were both working for the same guild, and it was a simple job. If you want us traipsing around to find people who will value high-end, pilfered arcane decor, it will be much more work.
She groused a bit, but finally, Tala agreed. Alright, you win. I need the help.
Great! Lyn pulled out a slate with the contract already built out.
Tala narrowed her eyes. How do you have that ready?
It wasnt hard to put together while we talked.
Well, that explains what she was doing So, not work related? I didnt think you had an Archive slate for home use.
Lyn shrugged. Ive been bringing work home for the last couple of weeks. So, I had it ready to hand. I can use it for various tasks when I have it checked out.
Tala was still suspicious, but finally, she sighed. Fine.
She looked over the simple contract, and they both confirmed it.
Thank you, I suppose.
Lyn smiled in return. It is always a pleasure working with you.
Please report us if you find any errors so we can fix it asap!
Chapter 302: Arrangements
Tala listened as Master Simon started to go over a number of rather interesting ideas.
Apparently, there were quite a few explorer type Archons who wanted to be able to get their findings back to the cities in case they died, so there were a plethora of plans for doing just that. They ranged from the insane to the possibly reasonable.
Even so, before they could delve too far into it, she had a realization. Wow. With all the other stuff, I cant believe I dropped that.
-Yeah thats on me too. Your stress is really bleeding through.-
Well, I need the help, okay?
-I know, I know.-
Tala cleared her throat, causing Master Simon to pause. My apologies. I figured he would have shown up by now, but there is someone you should meet.
Oh? Mistress Petra looked around. Is there someone already living in here with you? I thought this space was yours alone.
Yes, but its best if you just meet him and see for yourself. Terry! Tala infused a little extra power into the inscriptions around her vocal cords and lungs, allowing her voice to carry further without the need to scream, shout, or even raise her voice. In essence, the magic gave her words more weight, allowing them to propagate further before fading.
Shed used the technique only a few times before, and she had been satisfied with the result every time.
Terry flickered into being on her shoulder a moment later.
He squawked questioningly before headbutting her cheek and looking around.
The childrens eyes widened, and they crowded close with wonder evident across their faces.
Terry glanced to Tala. Clear questions were carried in that look.
Tala smiled and nodded. Friends, mundane.
He trilled in acknowledgement and flickered down to appear on Mettis head.
The little girl froze in surprise, looking up without shifting the terror birds perch. Mom Mom! Its on my head!
Her voice was uncertain as she tried to determine if this was cause for concern.
Mistress Petra looked to Tala, and Tala smiled. He wont hurt them.
The mother relaxed, but still seemed quite ready to interfere. Hes fine, my little love. Be gentle and try not to startle him. Even the gentlest creatures can lash out if they are surprised or hurt.
Yes, mama.
Having broken the ice a bit, Terry began flickering around, poking and prodding the children. It didnt take long before they understood that he wanted to play a game.
From there, he easily nudged them into understanding the rules.
Master Simon and Mistress Petra came closer to Tala, eyes fixed on the developing situation.
He leaned in close and whispered, He seems much too intelligent to be a baby terror bird, and much too tame. Is he some dwarf-subspecies?
Tala shook her head. No cause for, or benefit in, hiding the truth. No, his magic lies in dimensionality. Hes actually rather massive, but he does his best to choose his size to fit the situation.
Mistress Petra gave Tala a startled look. So hes as big as you or I? Isnt that dangerous?
Tala shook her head. No, hes actually much bigger. As to him being dangerous? Tala shrugged. Obviously he is. Hes a predator. But no, he is not dangerous to us, and I have never seen him harm a child. Not even when that child did her best to poke him in the eye. She shook her head with a small smile, remembering her sister, Sella, chasing after Terry all through the park near her childhood home. Regardless, his intelligence is at least equivalent to most people you could meet, and while he can be inhuman in his hunting practices and idiosyncrasies, he and I are partners, and he has never harmed anyone or anything without cause.
The two parents continued to watch the playing quartet with hesitation.
She sighed. He often is out and about with me, but he does live in here, too.
Terry let the children get incredibly close, even occasionally brushing his feathers.
When he allowed the contact, he would let out a trill to indicate that he would be pursuing. What followed was ten short chirps, in perfect cadence, before he flickered after the children, herding them all together, and only when they were clustered into a group would he touch all three at once, making them the chasers once more.
He is terrifyingly effective. Mistress Petra still sounded nervous.
Tala nodded. His species hunts in packs and hunts herds. Even by himself, he is a truly peerless hunter.
Terry glanced her way, straightening and preening. He then flickered away just as Segis would have fallen on him.
They watched in relative silence for quite a few rounds of the game.
Finally, Master Simon tilted his head to the side. He only lets them touch him when they are balanced when they would make contact
Mistress Petra nodded. I noticed that. And he also seems to reward them when they work together is he teaching them how to hunt?
The parents looked toward Tala, and she shrugged.
Even so, she smiled encouragingly. Im not sure, but that does sound like him, yeah. It looks like he likes them.
The two nodded slowly in response.
A few minutes later, Metti sat down to take a break, laughing and breathing heavily. Terry seamlessly shifted the game to focus only on the older two, now solely allowing contact when they worked together and didnt overcommit.
Master Simon glanced towards Tala. Well, they seem well taken care of.
She quirked a smile in return. They do. Id love to hear more of your ideas.
The family didnt stay too much longer, and Tala and Master Simon made an appointment to meet up the following day to continue the discussion for features to add to Kit.
Most of those theyd already discussed were simple enough enhancements, like tying any Archive connection through her own link if she was closer than any other Archive node, and they werent in a city.
Master Simon also stated that he would want to research the specifics of the sanctum a bit more before putting together a blueprint for their living space.
Tentatively, Mistress Petra agreed to come the next morning to start working. The kids had school, and would continue attending it until Tala left Bandfast, and the family wouldnt move in until the quarters were complete, but they tentatively agreed to come under her employ.
YES!
-Hey, see? That didnt go so badly.-
Terry. Terry is the master, here.
Alat huffed a laugh but didnt argue.
Mistress Petra smiled at Talas apparent glee, even though she obviously couldnt hear her thoughts. Ill start with something rather simple for your breakfast and try to familiarize myself with your facilities tomorrow. Lets plan on my providing you with breakfast and dinner?
Tala nodded. Unfortunately, I am still not quite ready for meals made with the food in here. My advancement hasnt fully settled as of yet, but I should be able to eat meals with ingredients incorporated.
Mistress Petra nodded. Ill want to gain access to the Culinary Guilds new treatise on the preparation of harvests for human consumption.
Tala brightened. Oh! They have it widely available already?
"I have a dining room, Lyn. I'm going to dine in my dining room."
"Fine. What about this one?... how many tables are in here?"
"Only two dining tables of proper height. Most people forget that arcanes come in all different sizes. One of the tables is ridiculously large, and one far too small. Its a miracle I got four dining tables in my rampant pillaging. Everything else is a side table or some other odd thing. Of the two that are properly proportioned, one was too bigas already mentioned and the other's a big circle. Who wants to eat on a massive circle? Its like ten feet across!"
Lyn sighed, shaking her head. Are there dishes on this list too?
Tala gave her a flat look. I didnt raid a kitchen, Lyn. I went through a living area, not a dining area.
Lyn still looked utterly baffled, even if she did let the matter of the tables drop. I dont have time for this, Tala.
Tala grinned triumphantly. No, you have a mageling for this.
Hey! Kannis had stayed out of the conversation, but she clearly had a stake in the results now. I have better things to do than sell off a pile of She trailed off as she looked over Lyns shoulder at the list she had in hand. Did you rob some merchant? Just take everything from his house?
Tala tilted her head. Sure? I mean, theyre from an arcane House we were raiding, but near enough.
Lyn grimaced as Kanniss eyes widened. By House The way you said it thats something important?
Tala shrugged. Yes. Think of it like a guild, here, but more insular and less focused. They control sectors, cities, and production trains rather than specific function in their society. They dont work together, as a rule, but they arent hostile to each other, except for surface level rivalries. She hesitated. With some exceptions. Some Houses hate each other for whatever reason.
-We never did ask.-
We got books on it as part of our training, but even Tali didnt care very much.
-If it wanted to hurt Master shed kill it. She wasnt overly concerned as to why they hated him.-
Isnt that the truth
Kannis seemed to be struggling a bit. So you raided one of these Houses?
Well, a main hold of one, yes.
And the equivalent would be if you decided to assault the Caravan Guild and take their stuff?
Tala hesitated. Does the Caravan Guild actually have a high level Archon?
Lyn nodded. Not always in Bandfast, but yes, we have a few Refined. She glanced toward Kannis, then seemed to shake her head in resignation. The gap between Refined and Paragon is as vast as it is seemingly simple to cross. Most upper members of the various guilds fall in that range.
Tala cocked an eyebrow. Thats good to know. I can never get a straight answer.
Lyn shrugged. Its mostly what Ive pieced together from meetings with upper bureaucrats.
Good to know
Kannis cleared her throat, clearly still a little shaken. But all that to say, these things are from the arcane ruling class?
Tala nodded. Thats a reasonable assessment, yes.
Lyn sighed, glancing over and presumably manipulating something work related on a slate beside her food. That will complicate things, too. Do you want to sell them for what they are, or what they were?
Huh? Tala frowned.
Kannis was nodding, however, clearly understanding what her master meant. You could sell them pretty quickly just as fine furnishings and oddities, but you would get vastly more if you sold them as items stolen from arcane lands. Youd have fewer buyers though, so it might take longer?
Tala thought for a moment. Well, I need some money now, but Id prefer the biggest payout possible.
Lyn frowned. This doesnt include anything magical, right?
No, I told you that this was just the mundane items.
Are you going to sell the magical ones too? Or have you already done that and spent the money?
Tala hesitated. Yes? Yes, I am going to, no I havent already done it, and no, I definitely havent spent the money already. Alat had put together that list, too, and it was far shorter. Arcanes didnt really leave their magical items laying around. I havent gotten to that, either.
Lyn huffed a laugh and shook her head. Well, I guess I can understand, with all the work youve been doing.
Tala gave her friend a narrow-eyed glare. Hey! I have been recovering.
You could have taken a nice refreshing walk to the Constructionist Guild and sold that stuff off. Or you could have done the selling one of the numerous times you were there already. Right?
Tala grumbled. Fine. Youre right
Lyn shook her head. So, you want our help selling your non-magical loot.
Kannis interjected, Booty?
Shes not a marauder, Kannis. Lyn shook her head. This is not a fictional tale of flying ships and sword duels amidst storms.
Kannis grimaced. It would be better if it were.
Only according to some.
Tala cleared her throat. Anyways. Yes. Ill be going by the Constructionist Guild today, and I can sell the magical stuff, then.
Alright then. Lyn tilted her head to the side. Twenty percent.
Tala blinked at her in shock. What? Last time you only took ten!
Last time we were both working for the same guild, and it was a simple job. If you want us traipsing around to find people who will value high-end, pilfered arcane decor, it will be much more work.
She groused a bit, but finally, Tala agreed. Alright, you win. I need the help.
Great! Lyn pulled out a slate with the contract already built out.
Tala narrowed her eyes. How do you have that ready?
It wasnt hard to put together while we talked.
Well, that explains what she was doing So, not work related? I didnt think you had an Archive slate for home use.
Lyn shrugged. Ive been bringing work home for the last couple of weeks. So, I had it ready to hand. I can use it for various tasks when I have it checked out.
Tala was still suspicious, but finally, she sighed. Fine.
She looked over the simple contract, and they both confirmed it.
Thank you, I suppose.
Lyn smiled in return. It is always a pleasure working with you.
Chapter 302: ArrangementsTala listened as Master Simon started to go over a number of rather interesting ideas.Apparently, there were quite a few explorer type Archons who wanted to be able to get their findings back to the cities in case they died, so there were a plethora of plans for doing just that. They ranged from the insane to the possibly reasonable.Even so, before they could delve too far into it, she had a realization. Wow. With all the other stuff, I cant believe I dropped that.-Yeah thats on me too. Your stress is really bleeding through.-Well, I need the help, okay?-I know, I know.-Tala cleared her throat, causing Master Simon to pause. My apologies. I figured he would have shown up by now, but there is someone you should meet.Oh? Mistress Petra looked around. Is there someone already living in here with you? I thought this space was yours alone.Yes, but its best if you just meet him and see for yourself. Terry! Tala infused a little extra power into the inscriptions around her vocal cords and lungs, allowing her voice to carry further without the need to scream, shout, or even raise her voice. In essence, the magic gave her words more weight, allowing them to propagate further before fading.Shed used the technique only a few times before, and she had been satisfied with the result every time.Terry flickered into being on her shoulder a moment later.He squawked questioningly before headbutting her cheek and looking around.The childrens eyes widened, and they crowded close with wonder evident across their faces.Terry glanced to Tala. Clear questions were carried in that look.Tala smiled and nodded. Friends, mundane.He trilled in acknowledgement and flickered down to appear on Mettis head.The little girl froze in surprise, looking up without shifting the terror birds perch. Mom Mom! Its on my head!Her voice was uncertain as she tried to determine if this was cause for concern.Mistress Petra looked to Tala, and Tala smiled. He wont hurt them.The mother relaxed, but still seemed quite ready to interfere. Hes fine, my little love. Be gentle and try not to startle him. Even the gentlest creatures can lash out if they are surprised or hurt.Yes, mama.Having broken the ice a bit, Terry began flickering around, poking and prodding the children. It didnt take long before they understood that he wanted to play a game.From there, he easily nudged them into understanding the rules.Master Simon and Mistress Petra came closer to Tala, eyes fixed on the developing situation.He leaned in close and whispered, He seems much too intelligent to be a baby terror bird, and much too tame. Is he some dwarf-subspecies?Tala shook her head. No cause for, or benefit in, hiding the truth. No, his magic lies in dimensionality. Hes actually rather massive, but he does his best to choose his size to fit the situation.Mistress Petra gave Tala a startled look. So hes as big as you or I? Isnt that dangerous?Tala shook her head. No, hes actually much bigger. As to him being dangerous? Tala shrugged. Obviously he is. Hes a predator. But no, he is not dangerous to us, and I have never seen him harm a child. Not even when that child did her best to poke him in the eye. She shook her head with a small smile, remembering her sister, Sella, chasing after Terry all through the park near her childhood home. Regardless, his intelligence is at least equivalent to most people you could meet, and while he can be inhuman in his hunting practices and idiosyncrasies, he and I are partners, and he has never harmed anyone or anything without cause.The two parents continued to watch the playing quartet with hesitation.She sighed. He often is out and about with me, but he does live in here, too.Terry let the children get incredibly close, even occasionally brushing his feathers.When he allowed the contact, he would let out a trill to indicate that he would be pursuing. What followed was ten short chirps, in perfect cadence, before he flickered after the children, herding them all together, and only when they were clustered into a group would he touch all three at once, making them the chasers once more.He is terrifyingly effective. Mistress Petra still sounded nervous.Tala nodded. His species hunts in packs and hunts herds. Even by himself, he is a truly peerless hunter.Terry glanced her way, straightening and preening. He then flickered away just as Segis would have fallen on him.They watched in relative silence for quite a few rounds of the game.Finally, Master Simon tilted his head to the side. He only lets them touch him when they are balanced when they would make contactMistress Petra nodded. I noticed that. And he also seems to reward them when they work together is he teaching them how to hunt?The parents looked toward Tala, and she shrugged.Even so, she smiled encouragingly. Im not sure, but that does sound like him, yeah. It looks like he likes them.The two nodded slowly in response.A few minutes later, Metti sat down to take a break, laughing and breathing heavily. Terry seamlessly shifted the game to focus only on the older two, now solely allowing contact when they worked together and didnt overcommit.Master Simon glanced towards Tala. Well, they seem well taken care of.She quirked a smile in return. They do. Id love to hear more of your ideas.The family didnt stay too much longer, and Tala and Master Simon made an appointment to meet up the following day to continue the discussion for features to add to Kit.Most of those theyd already discussed were simple enough enhancements, like tying any Archive connection through her own link if she was closer than any other Archive node, and they werent in a city.Master Simon also stated that he would want to research the specifics of the sanctum a bit more before putting together a blueprint for their living space.Tentatively, Mistress Petra agreed to come the next morning to start working. The kids had school, and would continue attending it until Tala left Bandfast, and the family wouldnt move in until the quarters were complete, but they tentatively agreed to come under her employ.YES!-Hey, see? That didnt go so badly.-Terry. Terry is the master, here.Alat huffed a laugh but didnt argue.Mistress Petra smiled at Talas apparent glee, even though she obviously couldnt hear her thoughts. Ill start with something rather simple for your breakfast and try to familiarize myself with your facilities tomorrow. Lets plan on my providing you with breakfast and dinner?Tala nodded. Unfortunately, I am still not quite ready for meals made with the food in here. My advancement hasnt fully settled as of yet, but I should be able to eat meals with ingredients incorporated.Mistress Petra nodded. Ill want to gain access to the Culinary Guilds new treatise on the preparation of harvests for human consumption.Tala brightened. Oh! They have it widely available already?"I have a dining room, Lyn. I'm going to dine in my dining room.""Fine. What about this one?... how many tables are in here?""Only two dining tables of proper height. Most people forget that arcanes come in all different sizes. One of the tables is ridiculously large, and one far too small. Its a miracle I got four dining tables in my rampant pillaging. Everything else is a side table or some other odd thing. Of the two that are properly proportioned, one was too bigas already mentioned and the other's a big circle. Who wants to eat on a massive circle? Its like ten feet across!"Lyn sighed, shaking her head. Are there dishes on this list too?Tala gave her a flat look. I didnt raid a kitchen, Lyn. I went through a living area, not a dining area.Lyn still looked utterly baffled, even if she did let the matter of the tables drop. I dont have time for this, Tala. Tala grinned triumphantly. No, you have a mageling for this.Hey! Kannis had stayed out of the conversation, but she clearly had a stake in the results now. I have better things to do than sell off a pile of She trailed off as she looked over Lyns shoulder at the list she had in hand. Did you rob some merchant? Just take everything from his house?Tala tilted her head. Sure? I mean, theyre from an arcane House we were raiding, but near enough.Lyn grimaced as Kanniss eyes widened. By House The way you said it thats something important?Tala shrugged. Yes. Think of it like a guild, here, but more insular and less focused. They control sectors, cities, and production trains rather than specific function in their society. They dont work together, as a rule, but they arent hostile to each other, except for surface level rivalries. She hesitated. With some exceptions. Some Houses hate each other for whatever reason.-We never did ask.-We got books on it as part of our training, but even Tali didnt care very much.-If it wanted to hurt Master shed kill it. She wasnt overly concerned as to why they hated him.-Isnt that the truthKannis seemed to be struggling a bit. So you raided one of these Houses?Well, a main hold of one, yes.And the equivalent would be if you decided to assault the Caravan Guild and take their stuff?Tala hesitated. Does the Caravan Guild actually have a high level Archon?Lyn nodded. Not always in Bandfast, but yes, we have a few Refined. She glanced toward Kannis, then seemed to shake her head in resignation. The gap between Refined and Paragon is as vast as it is seemingly simple to cross. Most upper members of the various guilds fall in that range.Tala cocked an eyebrow. Thats good to know. I can never get a straight answer.Lyn shrugged. Its mostly what Ive pieced together from meetings with upper bureaucrats.Good to knowKannis cleared her throat, clearly still a little shaken. But all that to say, these things are from the arcane ruling class?Tala nodded. Thats a reasonable assessment, yes.Lyn sighed, glancing over and presumably manipulating something work related on a slate beside her food. That will complicate things, too. Do you want to sell them for what they are, or what they were?Huh? Tala frowned.Kannis was nodding, however, clearly understanding what her master meant. You could sell them pretty quickly just as fine furnishings and oddities, but you would get vastly more if you sold them as items stolen from arcane lands. Youd have fewer buyers though, so it might take longer?Tala thought for a moment. Well, I need some money now, but Id prefer the biggest payout possible.Lyn frowned. This doesnt include anything magical, right?No, I told you that this was just the mundane items.Are you going to sell the magical ones too? Or have you already done that and spent the money?Tala hesitated. Yes? Yes, I am going to, no I havent already done it, and no, I definitely havent spent the money already. Alat had put together that list, too, and it was far shorter. Arcanes didnt really leave their magical items laying around. I havent gotten to that, either.Lyn huffed a laugh and shook her head. Well, I guess I can understand, with all the work youve been doing.Tala gave her friend a narrow-eyed glare. Hey! I have been recovering.You could have taken a nice refreshing walk to the Constructionist Guild and sold that stuff off. Or you could have done the selling one of the numerous times you were there already. Right?Tala grumbled. Fine. Youre rightLyn shook her head. So, you want our help selling your non-magical loot.Kannis interjected, Booty?Shes not a marauder, Kannis. Lyn shook her head. This is not a fictional tale of flying ships and sword duels amidst storms.Kannis grimaced. It would be better if it were.Only according to some.Tala cleared her throat. Anyways. Yes. Ill be going by the Constructionist Guild today, and I can sell the magical stuff, then.Alright then. Lyn tilted her head to the side. Twenty percent.Tala blinked at her in shock. What? Last time you only took ten!Last time we were both working for the same guild, and it was a simple job. If you want us traipsing around to find people who will value high-end, pilfered arcane decor, it will be much more work.She groused a bit, but finally, Tala agreed. Alright, you win. I need the help.Great! Lyn pulled out a slate with the contract already built out.Tala narrowed her eyes. How do you have that ready?It wasnt hard to put together while we talked.Well, that explains what she was doing So, not work related? I didnt think you had an Archive slate for home use.Lyn shrugged. Ive been bringing work home for the last couple of weeks. So, I had it ready to hand. I can use it for various tasks when I have it checked out.Tala was still suspicious, but finally, she sighed. Fine.She looked over the simple contract, and they both confirmed it.Thank you, I suppose.Lyn smiled in return. It is always a pleasure working with you.
