Chapter 312: Baby Steps
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Chapter 312: Baby Steps
Tala ran through the wilds and read as the sun moved across the sky.
Terry kept close and checked in on her fairly often, but he didnt bother staying within sight most of the time.
In the end, they came to the edge of the citys defenses with the sun barely showing over the horizon. Ahh short winter days, how inconvenient you can be at times.
They stood on top of a particularly high rise and looked down upon Marliweather, the city of Talas birth.
It covered so much more land than Bandfast, given that its mines were still operational. They still have almost fifty years left to drain the mines dry.
Within the ring of massive gantries and equipment to transport workers and materials down into and up from the mining tunnels, the familiar farmland lay just as dormant as it had been around Bandfast.
The city also looked very much like Bandfast, and she was yet again struck by the similarities. The layout of the streets was nearly hauntingly familiar, as were large portions of the skyline.
Even with the steadily falling snow, the view wasnt that obscured.
She was reminded of her first time returning after her Academy days, and she looked over to Terry, shifting the metal away from her lips,. Wait a minute.
Terry froze in place and glanced her way, letting out a questioning trill.
You were learning to fight with weapons. Throwing them until you were a hurricane of blades all by yourself. What ever happened with that?
He lowered his head and glowered.
You were getting really good! Even before I was taken. Why havent we gone back to that?
Terry shook himself and turned back toward the city.
Ahh, right. Too much else going on well, we should get back to it. You were rusting terrifying.
He tilted his head slightly, giving her a side-eyed look.
She held up her hands. Not that you arent terrifying as you are now.
He bobbed once and chirped in satisfaction.
Tala found herself grinning. You know, you really do make everything better.
He preened slightly, trilling happily.
Come on, lets get into the city. She had a realization as she said that; she didnt actually have any pressing need for anything within the city.
She didnt need to find a place to stay or supplies; she had Kit.
She didnt need to find food; she had Mistress Petra.
She didnt need safety; she was more than capable of handling anything that this region was likely to throw at her.
Why am I here again?
-your family.-
Are you sure? I think I can just go back to Bandfast. We could probably get back before dawn.
-Tala.-
She let her shoulders drop slightly. Fine
Lets go.
Terry flickered to her shoulder, and she allowed her through-spike to activate, shrouding her in an illusion of her real, uncoated appearance. She also let her elk-leathers re-cover her in appropriate clothing.
Then, together, they moved down the hill, toward the closest road.
The work hours in the mine didnt need to follow the sun, so the traffic on the road was still rather light, with only a few comers and goers.
Those they passed waved and greeted her, and she returned the courtesy.
People are so nice.
-Yeah, it really is good to be back.-
Tala felt a bit of wetness building up in her eyes. It really is.
She didnt actually cry, but she definitely had a tightness in her chest.
Come on, Tala. Its just people saying hi. People said hi to you in Bandfast too.
She shook off her wave of emotions. She knew that her reaction was likely due to being in her hometown again, and the mindset this location moved her toward.
This was a homecoming, even if not the same type as returning to humanity as a whole, or even returning to Bandfast.
She should expect it to dredge up some powerful feelings.
Terry had been occasionally shaking himself free of snow, and he seemed to finally have enough, glancing down toward Kit with an inquiring chirp.
Sure. I can let you back in.
Tala opened the pouch, and Terry flickered within, vanishing into her sanctum.
Now without a companion, she focused more inward.
Walking the last stretch allowed her to reaffirm her emotional state and her plans.
Shed told her siblings that shed be in Marliweather in the next few days, so she could delay if she wanted or needed.
She didnt think that she would. If she waited too long, shed leave without seeing them and make some excuse.
Tomorrow. Ill see them tomorrow.
-Do you want me to message them to that effect?-
Maybe? Is it a school night? Will they even be available?
-They wont have any school tomorrow, Tala.-
Okay, thank you. Yes, please send them a message.
-Do you want me to say anything other than, Im in town and will be by tomorrow morning?-
No, that sums it up pretty well.
-Alright, Ive reached out to Master Leighis. Hes been a solid connection to them.- Alat only paused for a moment before continuing. -I still say we should have tried to connect with one of your siblings directly-
Oh, I know thats your opinion. Youve been very clear. I like the little bits of separation
-Do you think thats going to stand?-
No. Not after all this.
The Mage had learned quickly that Tala enjoyed a bit of peace and quiet in the morning.
She is a treasure.
The food was as excellent as always, and Tala savored it while she watched the sun rise over her domain.
It was an odd thought, that this was her domain, but it really couldnt be considered anything else.
This place was controlled by Kit, but Tala was its benefactor, its ruler.
Her power sustained Kit and everything within the sanctum.
If she were to die, or withhold her power, this place would crumble away.
In the best case, Kit would abandon the too-large dimensional pocket in an attempt to exist for a bit longer, and this would simply become an unattached pocket of existence which may or may not ever encounter Zeme again.
If it did, it may or may not have become an ether hold by then.
Tala really didnt know how such a process took place, but with dimensional storages being one of the most common types of items sought and used by Archons, there had to be millions of tiny spaces floating around.
I wonder if they collide, combine, or something else?
-First of all, they have to be over a certain volume before they truly become separate spaces, without specific interference. So, most dimensional storages simply flatten out with Zeme upon their dissolution. Second, I believe that even for the larger onesthose that are truly separate and only loosely connected with Zememost degrade over time. Finally, youre delaying.-
Tala smiled ruefully; she had finished her breakfast a few minutes earlier. Fair enough.
The doorway out appeared in front of her, and she pulled it open, looking out onto the falling snow.
You know, if I do soul-bond Kit, and go through the process of having her only tethered to my soul, that would mean that the entrances could appear anywhere around me, or rather anywhere around my soul.
-That is my understanding.- Alats voice was hesitant, clearly sensing Tala building towards another delay, even if only a cognitive one.
And we have a part of a soul-bound ring in the Library in Bandfast.
-I huh.- Alat actually sounded a bit surprised by the obvious connection.
And I could leave a bloodstar well, anywhere. Could I open an entrance to anywhere Id left a soul-bound anything?
-I I dont honestly know. Most Archons only soul-bind things they want to use all the time. Thus, they keep the items within easy reach. Even so, Im sure someone has experimented with the idea.-
We should look into it.
-Yes, we should, and you should stop delaying.-
Yeah, yeah. Tala stepped out into the well-lit alleyway, moving through a reasonable amount of still-falling snow.
The sky was still dark overhead, but some people were out and about, walking past on the nearby street.
Tala hesitated for only a moment before pulling Kit free of the wall and hanging the pouch from her belt.
She could leave the entrance to her sanctum there on the wall of the random shop, but that would end up being really inconvenient for her.
Terry hadnt come out with her, but he would likely ask to at some point this morning.
-Youre delaying again.-
Tala turned and walked toward her childhood home.
The snow that had started the previous afternoon had continued.
It hadnt mattered much the previous day when she was maintaining a bounding run through the wilderness. Walking through the streets was a different experience.
By some quirk of the local climate, Marliweather got a lot more snow than Bandfast, reminding Tala of her previous trips and of her childhood when the snow would sometimes pile up to four or five feet in a single storm.
Tala didnt have any issue pushing through the growing drifts to get to the main street before continuing on her way.
She didnt see any familiar faces as she traversed the city, but she didnt expect to, and Tala actually made sure to pick a route that avoided the haunts of such people that she was aware of.
Baby steps.
-What about Bob?-
The Constructionist? Tala was confused as to why Alat would bring him up.
-Yeah, didnt we hear that he was going to be in Marliweather?-
I suppose so. Why?
-Well, you could ask him for anything we need the Constructionists for, like a way to relieve the burden on communication through the Archive?-
Ah, yeah. That would probably be reasonable, but who's creating cognitive delays, now?
-Fine, fine. Get back to your introspection. Dont let me provide distractions while youre on the move.-
Tala huffed a laugh and shook her head but didnt otherwise respond.
Her mind wandered back to the large amounts of snow.
Work crews were moving through at the early hour, some using artifacts powered by local harvests to melt or move the snow. Some were physically moving the snow to melting zones, where larger workings or Mages were liquifying the buildup and that which was brought to them, allowing it to flow down the storm drains and clear of the city.
Tala saw a few Mages working to move the snow as well, obviously working with ice or water related inscriptions.
Another few seemed to be spraying powder across the streets.
What is that? Incorporators?
-It does look like it, if the smell is any indication they are hot, salt incorporators. At least close enough to salt to closely mirror the smell of the ocean when mixed with water.-
Now that her attention had been brought to the scent, Tala could easily smell salt on the air just as Alat had said.
-Look behind the Mages. They are being careful in where they apply it, otherwise it would just leave behind sheets of ice, and thats worse than snow.-
Yeah I suppose they were doing this when I was younger, too. I remember some, but this seems like a whole other level of effort.
-Well, you didnt come to the market districts very often.-
Thats fair enough. Even when shed been visiting her family quite often the previous year, shed mainly stayed near their house or at the work yard. There also hadnt really been any big storms while she was around, then.
I was only in Marliweather for a couple of days every two weeks or so. So, I suppose it makes sense that I might have missed seeing something like this.
It was interesting enough that Tala specifically watched the goings on as she moved deeper into the city, toward her destination.
Finally, she approached the alchemist shop, the sun still not peaking over the surrounding rooftops, though the sky was bright enough that she expected it to come into view shortly.
Well, with all the clouds it might not come into view all day. It should get a lot brighter soon, though.
Just as she remembered, the street her family lived on was much less important, so it wasnt being cleared with the same fervor. Still, there was an easy path to walk, so it wasnt like the people who lived here were being abandoned.
When she finally got a good look at the storefront, she stopped in her tracks.
There beside the door, bundled against the cold and sitting in a sturdy chair, was her father.
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Chapter 312: Baby Steps
Tala ran through the wilds and read as the sun moved across the sky.
Terry kept close and checked in on her fairly often, but he didnt bother staying within sight most of the time.
In the end, they came to the edge of the citys defenses with the sun barely showing over the horizon. Ahh short winter days, how inconvenient you can be at times.
They stood on top of a particularly high rise and looked down upon Marliweather, the city of Talas birth.
It covered so much more land than Bandfast, given that its mines were still operational. They still have almost fifty years left to drain the mines dry.
Within the ring of massive gantries and equipment to transport workers and materials down into and up from the mining tunnels, the familiar farmland lay just as dormant as it had been around Bandfast.
The city also looked very much like Bandfast, and she was yet again struck by the similarities. The layout of the streets was nearly hauntingly familiar, as were large portions of the skyline.
Even with the steadily falling snow, the view wasnt that obscured.
She was reminded of her first time returning after her Academy days, and she looked over to Terry, shifting the metal away from her lips,. Wait a minute.
Terry froze in place and glanced her way, letting out a questioning trill.
You were learning to fight with weapons. Throwing them until you were a hurricane of blades all by yourself. What ever happened with that?
He lowered his head and glowered.
You were getting really good! Even before I was taken. Why havent we gone back to that?
Terry shook himself and turned back toward the city.
Ahh, right. Too much else going on well, we should get back to it. You were rusting terrifying.
He tilted his head slightly, giving her a side-eyed look.
She held up her hands. Not that you arent terrifying as you are now.
He bobbed once and chirped in satisfaction.
Tala found herself grinning. You know, you really do make everything better.
He preened slightly, trilling happily.
Come on, lets get into the city. She had a realization as she said that; she didnt actually have any pressing need for anything within the city.
She didnt need to find a place to stay or supplies; she had Kit.
She didnt need to find food; she had Mistress Petra.
She didnt need safety; she was more than capable of handling anything that this region was likely to throw at her.
Why am I here again?
-your family.-
Are you sure? I think I can just go back to Bandfast. We could probably get back before dawn.
-Tala.-
She let her shoulders drop slightly. Fine
Lets go.
Terry flickered to her shoulder, and she allowed her through-spike to activate, shrouding her in an illusion of her real, uncoated appearance. She also let her elk-leathers re-cover her in appropriate clothing.
Then, together, they moved down the hill, toward the closest road.
The work hours in the mine didnt need to follow the sun, so the traffic on the road was still rather light, with only a few comers and goers.
Those they passed waved and greeted her, and she returned the courtesy.
People are so nice.
-Yeah, it really is good to be back.-
Tala felt a bit of wetness building up in her eyes. It really is.
She didnt actually cry, but she definitely had a tightness in her chest.
Come on, Tala. Its just people saying hi. People said hi to you in Bandfast too.
She shook off her wave of emotions. She knew that her reaction was likely due to being in her hometown again, and the mindset this location moved her toward.
This was a homecoming, even if not the same type as returning to humanity as a whole, or even returning to Bandfast.
She should expect it to dredge up some powerful feelings.
Terry had been occasionally shaking himself free of snow, and he seemed to finally have enough, glancing down toward Kit with an inquiring chirp.
Sure. I can let you back in.
Tala opened the pouch, and Terry flickered within, vanishing into her sanctum.
Now without a companion, she focused more inward.
Walking the last stretch allowed her to reaffirm her emotional state and her plans.
Shed told her siblings that shed be in Marliweather in the next few days, so she could delay if she wanted or needed.
She didnt think that she would. If she waited too long, shed leave without seeing them and make some excuse.
Tomorrow. Ill see them tomorrow.
-Do you want me to message them to that effect?-
Maybe? Is it a school night? Will they even be available?
-They wont have any school tomorrow, Tala.-
Okay, thank you. Yes, please send them a message.
-Do you want me to say anything other than, Im in town and will be by tomorrow morning?-
No, that sums it up pretty well.
-Alright, Ive reached out to Master Leighis. Hes been a solid connection to them.- Alat only paused for a moment before continuing. -I still say we should have tried to connect with one of your siblings directly-
Oh, I know thats your opinion. Youve been very clear. I like the little bits of separation
-Do you think thats going to stand?-
No. Not after all this.
The Mage had learned quickly that Tala enjoyed a bit of peace and quiet in the morning.
She is a treasure.
The food was as excellent as always, and Tala savored it while she watched the sun rise over her domain.
It was an odd thought, that this was her domain, but it really couldnt be considered anything else.
This place was controlled by Kit, but Tala was its benefactor, its ruler.
Her power sustained Kit and everything within the sanctum.
If she were to die, or withhold her power, this place would crumble away.
In the best case, Kit would abandon the too-large dimensional pocket in an attempt to exist for a bit longer, and this would simply become an unattached pocket of existence which may or may not ever encounter Zeme again.
If it did, it may or may not have become an ether hold by then.
Tala really didnt know how such a process took place, but with dimensional storages being one of the most common types of items sought and used by Archons, there had to be millions of tiny spaces floating around.
I wonder if they collide, combine, or something else?
-First of all, they have to be over a certain volume before they truly become separate spaces, without specific interference. So, most dimensional storages simply flatten out with Zeme upon their dissolution. Second, I believe that even for the larger onesthose that are truly separate and only loosely connected with Zememost degrade over time. Finally, youre delaying.-
Tala smiled ruefully; she had finished her breakfast a few minutes earlier. Fair enough.
The doorway out appeared in front of her, and she pulled it open, looking out onto the falling snow.
You know, if I do soul-bond Kit, and go through the process of having her only tethered to my soul, that would mean that the entrances could appear anywhere around me, or rather anywhere around my soul.
-That is my understanding.- Alats voice was hesitant, clearly sensing Tala building towards another delay, even if only a cognitive one.
And we have a part of a soul-bound ring in the Library in Bandfast.
-I huh.- Alat actually sounded a bit surprised by the obvious connection.
And I could leave a bloodstar well, anywhere. Could I open an entrance to anywhere Id left a soul-bound anything?
-I I dont honestly know. Most Archons only soul-bind things they want to use all the time. Thus, they keep the items within easy reach. Even so, Im sure someone has experimented with the idea.-
We should look into it.
-Yes, we should, and you should stop delaying.-
Yeah, yeah. Tala stepped out into the well-lit alleyway, moving through a reasonable amount of still-falling snow.
The sky was still dark overhead, but some people were out and about, walking past on the nearby street.
Tala hesitated for only a moment before pulling Kit free of the wall and hanging the pouch from her belt.
She could leave the entrance to her sanctum there on the wall of the random shop, but that would end up being really inconvenient for her.
Terry hadnt come out with her, but he would likely ask to at some point this morning.
-Youre delaying again.-
Tala turned and walked toward her childhood home.
The snow that had started the previous afternoon had continued.
It hadnt mattered much the previous day when she was maintaining a bounding run through the wilderness. Walking through the streets was a different experience.
By some quirk of the local climate, Marliweather got a lot more snow than Bandfast, reminding Tala of her previous trips and of her childhood when the snow would sometimes pile up to four or five feet in a single storm.
Tala didnt have any issue pushing through the growing drifts to get to the main street before continuing on her way.
She didnt see any familiar faces as she traversed the city, but she didnt expect to, and Tala actually made sure to pick a route that avoided the haunts of such people that she was aware of.
Baby steps.
-What about Bob?-
The Constructionist? Tala was confused as to why Alat would bring him up.
-Yeah, didnt we hear that he was going to be in Marliweather?-
I suppose so. Why?
-Well, you could ask him for anything we need the Constructionists for, like a way to relieve the burden on communication through the Archive?-
Ah, yeah. That would probably be reasonable, but who's creating cognitive delays, now?
-Fine, fine. Get back to your introspection. Dont let me provide distractions while youre on the move.-
Tala huffed a laugh and shook her head but didnt otherwise respond.
Her mind wandered back to the large amounts of snow.
Work crews were moving through at the early hour, some using artifacts powered by local harvests to melt or move the snow. Some were physically moving the snow to melting zones, where larger workings or Mages were liquifying the buildup and that which was brought to them, allowing it to flow down the storm drains and clear of the city.
Tala saw a few Mages working to move the snow as well, obviously working with ice or water related inscriptions.
Another few seemed to be spraying powder across the streets.
What is that? Incorporators?
-It does look like it, if the smell is any indication they are hot, salt incorporators. At least close enough to salt to closely mirror the smell of the ocean when mixed with water.-
Now that her attention had been brought to the scent, Tala could easily smell salt on the air just as Alat had said.
-Look behind the Mages. They are being careful in where they apply it, otherwise it would just leave behind sheets of ice, and thats worse than snow.-
Yeah I suppose they were doing this when I was younger, too. I remember some, but this seems like a whole other level of effort.
-Well, you didnt come to the market districts very often.-
Thats fair enough. Even when shed been visiting her family quite often the previous year, shed mainly stayed near their house or at the work yard. There also hadnt really been any big storms while she was around, then.
I was only in Marliweather for a couple of days every two weeks or so. So, I suppose it makes sense that I might have missed seeing something like this.
It was interesting enough that Tala specifically watched the goings on as she moved deeper into the city, toward her destination.
Finally, she approached the alchemist shop, the sun still not peaking over the surrounding rooftops, though the sky was bright enough that she expected it to come into view shortly.
Well, with all the clouds it might not come into view all day. It should get a lot brighter soon, though.
Just as she remembered, the street her family lived on was much less important, so it wasnt being cleared with the same fervor. Still, there was an easy path to walk, so it wasnt like the people who lived here were being abandoned.
When she finally got a good look at the storefront, she stopped in her tracks.
There beside the door, bundled against the cold and sitting in a sturdy chair, was her father.
Chapter 312: Baby StepsTala ran through the wilds and read as the sun moved across the sky.Terry kept close and checked in on her fairly often, but he didnt bother staying within sight most of the time.In the end, they came to the edge of the citys defenses with the sun barely showing over the horizon. Ahh short winter days, how inconvenient you can be at times.They stood on top of a particularly high rise and looked down upon Marliweather, the city of Talas birth.It covered so much more land than Bandfast, given that its mines were still operational. They still have almost fifty years left to drain the mines dry.Within the ring of massive gantries and equipment to transport workers and materials down into and up from the mining tunnels, the familiar farmland lay just as dormant as it had been around Bandfast.The city also looked very much like Bandfast, and she was yet again struck by the similarities. The layout of the streets was nearly hauntingly familiar, as were large portions of the skyline.Even with the steadily falling snow, the view wasnt that obscured.She was reminded of her first time returning after her Academy days, and she looked over to Terry, shifting the metal away from her lips,. Wait a minute.Terry froze in place and glanced her way, letting out a questioning trill.You were learning to fight with weapons. Throwing them until you were a hurricane of blades all by yourself. What ever happened with that?He lowered his head and glowered.You were getting really good! Even before I was taken. Why havent we gone back to that?Terry shook himself and turned back toward the city.Ahh, right. Too much else going on well, we should get back to it. You were rusting terrifying.He tilted his head slightly, giving her a side-eyed look.She held up her hands. Not that you arent terrifying as you are now.He bobbed once and chirped in satisfaction.Tala found herself grinning. You know, you really do make everything better.He preened slightly, trilling happily.Come on, lets get into the city. She had a realization as she said that; she didnt actually have any pressing need for anything within the city.She didnt need to find a place to stay or supplies; she had Kit.She didnt need to find food; she had Mistress Petra.She didnt need safety; she was more than capable of handling anything that this region was likely to throw at her.Why am I here again?-your family.-Are you sure? I think I can just go back to Bandfast. We could probably get back before dawn.-Tala.-She let her shoulders drop slightly. FineLets go.Terry flickered to her shoulder, and she allowed her through-spike to activate, shrouding her in an illusion of her real, uncoated appearance. She also let her elk-leathers re-cover her in appropriate clothing.Then, together, they moved down the hill, toward the closest road.The work hours in the mine didnt need to follow the sun, so the traffic on the road was still rather light, with only a few comers and goers.Those they passed waved and greeted her, and she returned the courtesy.People are so nice.-Yeah, it really is good to be back.-Tala felt a bit of wetness building up in her eyes. It really is.She didnt actually cry, but she definitely had a tightness in her chest.Come on, Tala. Its just people saying hi. People said hi to you in Bandfast too.She shook off her wave of emotions. She knew that her reaction was likely due to being in her hometown again, and the mindset this location moved her toward.This was a homecoming, even if not the same type as returning to humanity as a whole, or even returning to Bandfast.She should expect it to dredge up some powerful feelings.Terry had been occasionally shaking himself free of snow, and he seemed to finally have enough, glancing down toward Kit with an inquiring chirp.Sure. I can let you back in.Tala opened the pouch, and Terry flickered within, vanishing into her sanctum.Now without a companion, she focused more inward.Walking the last stretch allowed her to reaffirm her emotional state and her plans.Shed told her siblings that shed be in Marliweather in the next few days, so she could delay if she wanted or needed.She didnt think that she would. If she waited too long, shed leave without seeing them and make some excuse.Tomorrow. Ill see them tomorrow.-Do you want me to message them to that effect?-Maybe? Is it a school night? Will they even be available?-They wont have any school tomorrow, Tala.-Okay, thank you. Yes, please send them a message.-Do you want me to say anything other than, Im in town and will be by tomorrow morning?-No, that sums it up pretty well.-Alright, Ive reached out to Master Leighis. Hes been a solid connection to them.- Alat only paused for a moment before continuing. -I still say we should have tried to connect with one of your siblings directly-Oh, I know thats your opinion. Youve been very clear. I like the little bits of separation-Do you think thats going to stand?-No. Not after all this.The Mage had learned quickly that Tala enjoyed a bit of peace and quiet in the morning.She is a treasure.The food was as excellent as always, and Tala savored it while she watched the sun rise over her domain.It was an odd thought, that this was her domain, but it really couldnt be considered anything else.This place was controlled by Kit, but Tala was its benefactor, its ruler.Her power sustained Kit and everything within the sanctum.If she were to die, or withhold her power, this place would crumble away.In the best case, Kit would abandon the too-large dimensional pocket in an attempt to exist for a bit longer, and this would simply become an unattached pocket of existence which may or may not ever encounter Zeme again.If it did, it may or may not have become an ether hold by then.Tala really didnt know how such a process took place, but with dimensional storages being one of the most common types of items sought and used by Archons, there had to be millions of tiny spaces floating around.I wonder if they collide, combine, or something else?-First of all, they have to be over a certain volume before they truly become separate spaces, without specific interference. So, most dimensional storages simply flatten out with Zeme upon their dissolution. Second, I believe that even for the larger onesthose that are truly separate and only loosely connected with Zememost degrade over time. Finally, youre delaying.-Tala smiled ruefully; she had finished her breakfast a few minutes earlier. Fair enough.The doorway out appeared in front of her, and she pulled it open, looking out onto the falling snow.You know, if I do soul-bond Kit, and go through the process of having her only tethered to my soul, that would mean that the entrances could appear anywhere around me, or rather anywhere around my soul.-That is my understanding.- Alats voice was hesitant, clearly sensing Tala building towards another delay, even if only a cognitive one.And we have a part of a soul-bound ring in the Library in Bandfast.-I huh.- Alat actually sounded a bit surprised by the obvious connection.And I could leave a bloodstar well, anywhere. Could I open an entrance to anywhere Id left a soul-bound anything?-I I dont honestly know. Most Archons only soul-bind things they want to use all the time. Thus, they keep the items within easy reach. Even so, Im sure someone has experimented with the idea.-We should look into it.-Yes, we should, and you should stop delaying.-Yeah, yeah. Tala stepped out into the well-lit alleyway, moving through a reasonable amount of still-falling snow.The sky was still dark overhead, but some people were out and about, walking past on the nearby street.Tala hesitated for only a moment before pulling Kit free of the wall and hanging the pouch from her belt.She could leave the entrance to her sanctum there on the wall of the random shop, but that would end up being really inconvenient for her.Terry hadnt come out with her, but he would likely ask to at some point this morning.-Youre delaying again.-Tala turned and walked toward her childhood home.The snow that had started the previous afternoon had continued.It hadnt mattered much the previous day when she was maintaining a bounding run through the wilderness. Walking through the streets was a different experience.By some quirk of the local climate, Marliweather got a lot more snow than Bandfast, reminding Tala of her previous trips and of her childhood when the snow would sometimes pile up to four or five feet in a single storm.Tala didnt have any issue pushing through the growing drifts to get to the main street before continuing on her way.She didnt see any familiar faces as she traversed the city, but she didnt expect to, and Tala actually made sure to pick a route that avoided the haunts of such people that she was aware of.Baby steps.-What about Bob?-The Constructionist? Tala was confused as to why Alat would bring him up.-Yeah, didnt we hear that he was going to be in Marliweather?-I suppose so. Why?-Well, you could ask him for anything we need the Constructionists for, like a way to relieve the burden on communication through the Archive?-Ah, yeah. That would probably be reasonable, but who's creating cognitive delays, now?-Fine, fine. Get back to your introspection. Dont let me provide distractions while youre on the move.-Tala huffed a laugh and shook her head but didnt otherwise respond.Her mind wandered back to the large amounts of snow.Work crews were moving through at the early hour, some using artifacts powered by local harvests to melt or move the snow. Some were physically moving the snow to melting zones, where larger workings or Mages were liquifying the buildup and that which was brought to them, allowing it to flow down the storm drains and clear of the city.Tala saw a few Mages working to move the snow as well, obviously working with ice or water related inscriptions.Another few seemed to be spraying powder across the streets.What is that? Incorporators?-It does look like it, if the smell is any indication they are hot, salt incorporators. At least close enough to salt to closely mirror the smell of the ocean when mixed with water.-Now that her attention had been brought to the scent, Tala could easily smell salt on the air just as Alat had said.-Look behind the Mages. They are being careful in where they apply it, otherwise it would just leave behind sheets of ice, and thats worse than snow.-Yeah I suppose they were doing this when I was younger, too. I remember some, but this seems like a whole other level of effort.-Well, you didnt come to the market districts very often.-Thats fair enough. Even when shed been visiting her family quite often the previous year, shed mainly stayed near their house or at the work yard. There also hadnt really been any big storms while she was around, then.I was only in Marliweather for a couple of days every two weeks or so. So, I suppose it makes sense that I might have missed seeing something like this.It was interesting enough that Tala specifically watched the goings on as she moved deeper into the city, toward her destination.Finally, she approached the alchemist shop, the sun still not peaking over the surrounding rooftops, though the sky was bright enough that she expected it to come into view shortly.Well, with all the clouds it might not come into view all day. It should get a lot brighter soon, though.Just as she remembered, the street her family lived on was much less important, so it wasnt being cleared with the same fervor. Still, there was an easy path to walk, so it wasnt like the people who lived here were being abandoned.When she finally got a good look at the storefront, she stopped in her tracks.There beside the door, bundled against the cold and sitting in a sturdy chair, was her father.
