Chapter 323: Your Own Path
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Chapter 323: Your Own Path
Tala turned to regard the man joining Master Grediv and herself.
Furgal, for his part, bowed to each of them. Honored Ancestor, Archon.
She felt her cheek twitch. Honored was the correct arcane address for someone of Master Gredivs advancement. Calm down, Tala. Its just a coincidence. Master Grediv is this mans ancestor, and he is quite honored in this city.
-Wait, he just called you Archon. Does he not remember you?-
Tala had missed that, distracted as she was by the honorific that Furgal had given Master Grediv.
Master Grediv, for his part, simply motioned to the empty chair on his other side, across the table from Tala. Sit, sit, boy. You missed the battle, but they will likely show it again soon enough.
She pulled herself together and gave the barest of nods, Furgal.
Furgal smiled broadly as he took the seat across from her. You know me? Now I am the honored one.
He laughed at his own joke as Tala fought to keep herself from rolling her eyes. Yeah it was just a coincidence.. Yes, we met before.
He shook his head with what seemed to be mock severity. That cannot be. I would have remembered one such as you.
She blinked a few times. That is an oddly flowery way to call someone a liar. I was a guest of Master Grediv and Rane a mere few months back.
He opened his mouth to respond, then seemed to freeze in place, his mind clearly having found her as he tried to recall. His jaw tightened, and he forced an obvioulsy false smile into place across his features. I see. You are an acquaintance of my brother. I believe I do remember you now, yes.
She had made her stance on Rane clear with the habitual lack of his honorific. Right.
In the end, it didnt matter much, and what was done, was done.
The younger man took in the food on the table, clearly trying to gather himself after the unexpected unpleasant nature of the memory of their previous meetings.
The dishes that Master Grediv ordered had come on large serving trays, so that each person could take what they wanted onto their own, personal plates. There was still food on the main plates, but Furgal seemed hesitant. He glanced to Master Grediv, and the older man sighed, Eat, eat. The food is there for that purpose.
The young man gave a careful nod, seeming to be back in control of himself. Thank you, master, Grediv.
The older man gave his descendant a harsh look, seemingly having heard something that displeased him in the boys cadence and tone.
Furgal bowed his headjust as clearly having noticed the displeasureand began taking a sampling of the various dishes. My apologies, Master Grediv.
Better. The Paragon straightened. Now, the tenor of this discussion must change with Mistress Talas presence here, but I will not shy away from what must be said.
Furgal sat up straighter, his face brightening. So, youve decided?
I have.
Even Tala could see the excitement in Furgal, and the obvious, weary frustration in Master Grediv.
The window beside her flickered to her magesight, momentarily distracting her from the awkward family dynamics.
The view outward was suddenly altered to show an earlier time in the day, seemingly just before the clash between Mistress Kaeti and the asteries.
Even so, before she could get too engrossed, Furgal spoke up, drawing her attention back to her tablemates.
Furgal had taken a quick drink, and now his smile widened. Master Grediv was about to speak, but the younger man preempted him, Im so glad. I will be the best apprentice that you have ever taken on.
Master Grediv looked to the ceilingin what was a clear bid to draw patience from the heavensand shook his head. No, Furgal, you wont.
The young man hesitated, then his expression turned solemn. Of course, you are correct. I must strive for humility.
Is is he serious?
-I think so.-
Im not that unobservant, am I?
-I dont think it is a lack of observance. I think it is a level of entitled ego that we arent used to seeing outside of arcanes.-
Great
Furgal. You are not going to be my apprentice.
Furgal tilted his head to one side, his expression darkening. I see.
Im glad. Master Grediv took another bite of the food on his own plate.
You wish for me to prove myself to you more fully, before you make the right decision.
Master Grediv slammed his hand down with such force that the table should have shattered. Instead, a flick of magic from the Paragon also lanced out and reinforced the table at the moment of impact.
Even so, the resulting sound was more like the striking of a war-drum than a simple rap on wood.
The items on the table leapt about, but again, Master Gredivs power flowed outward, this time across the food and drink, ensuring everything landed in a contained manner.
It was a show of precision and control that Tala could hardly fathom, even knowing that Master Grediv had some form of magic that could be stretched to cover such things. Its probably worth asking him about.
-And people do have magics outside of their fundamental understanding, like your healing.-
Though, thats not so far outside anymore.
I dont necessarily disagree, but Im not sure I understand exactly what you mean.
Which would you prefer, a life of ease, where everything is provided for you? Or one where you can accomplish work that helps others, which provides you with a good life?
Tala instantly knew which answer he wanted to hear. She also instantly knew which answer seemed preferable on the surface.
Therefore, instead of answering instantly, she took a moment for thought.
Effectively, the time that shed spent recovering had been exactly the first option. Nothing had really been expected of her, and she had the resources to continue a rather plush existence.
She had hated the monotony of it.
When she wasnt allowed to train, she had wandered the streets and desperately searched for other things to do.
She had enjoyed her time with her friends, so it might be possible that a life of luxury with those she cared for would be the ultimate preference, but that didnt feel right either.
She frowned.
She could have simply sat around and played tafl with Rane, gone to plays, and eaten good food.
No one would have forced her to do otherwise. In fact, she had been encouraged in exactly that direction.
But what had she done instead?
She had tried to help. She had longed to spar and test herself. She had wanted a challenge.
She had her answer. Meaningful work that helps others and provides a good life.
Master Grediv smiled. You show wisdom in that answer, more so in taking the time to properly consider it. So, if meaningful work that helps others is your preference, is it not a privilege?
She opened her mouth to respond, but then closed it slowly.
He waved a hand, indicating that he had more to add, Obviously, there is more to do than can be done, but for those capable of defending humanity, there are only so many tasks that they can do that are meaningful.
She frowned slightly. Please explain.
His smile widened. If I told you to hold up that spoon and doing so would save one person for every 24 hrs that you did so, what would you say?
She picked up the spoon and smiled. Lets save people?
He chuckled. Generous of you, but what if you werent allowed to move for it to count?
She frowned. I mean, if I put it down, arent I letting someone die?
Maybe, but others can hold the spoon, and thats all that they are capable of.
Ahh, then, I would want to do something that could help more than one person per day. After all, I am capable of more.
Precisely. We are speaking in sweeping generalities, and wandering all over this very wide-ranging topic, but that is the crux of it. In order to be engaged, to feel like we are doing good, and to be truly motivated to live and continue, we need tasks that help others, provide what we need, and challenge us. At the very least, they need to push us in some way or other.
Tala found herself nodding, remembering once again her time in recuperation, Otherwise, we will struggle with ourselves.
Its worse than that, Mistress. Without purpose, without something to strive for, we die. It is usually a slow death of growing apathy, but we die all the same.
She took a moment to process that. Finally, she nodded once again. And our purpose is to protect humanity during the waning.
He shook his head. That is an end goal and a good one, but it is too finite. We are immortals, Mistress Tala. Any finite task, no matter how grand, is but a temporary distraction. To liveto thrivewe need an infinite goal, an infinite vision.
And what is yours? Im not sure I quite understand, so the example might help.
My infinite goal, my vision, is to ensure humanity thrives, to the best of my ability, for as long as I draw breath.
I see She tilted her head to the side, thinking. It is something that will never be accomplished, but in the end, you can look back and see if you were true to it?
In a sense, yes.
Huh So, I should strive for that, helping humanity thrive as best as I am able? Follow that vision?
Oh, bless the stars, no. If you try to strive for my vision, youll be miserable. Seek your own path.
She gave a wry smile. Like you told Furgal?
Yes. He nodded unabashedly. Precisely the same. Just because I wont let him be my apprentice doesnt mean I would give him bad advice.
I suppose not. That did make sense. Master Grediv hadnt shown any true malice toward the younger man. Seek my own path, eh?
Precisely. His smile returned.
So, you think I can find my path with a defensive unit, here in Alefast?
I think you might begin to find insights in such company, attending to such tasks.
Well, then. That sounds like a good place to start.
He took another drink, leaning back once more. Now, I derailed us by quite a bit. What did you want to ask me?
Right! Theres a lot, isnt there?
-Oh, yes.-
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Chapter 323: Your Own Path
Tala turned to regard the man joining Master Grediv and herself.
Furgal, for his part, bowed to each of them. Honored Ancestor, Archon.
She felt her cheek twitch. Honored was the correct arcane address for someone of Master Gredivs advancement. Calm down, Tala. Its just a coincidence. Master Grediv is this mans ancestor, and he is quite honored in this city.
-Wait, he just called you Archon. Does he not remember you?-
Tala had missed that, distracted as she was by the honorific that Furgal had given Master Grediv.
Master Grediv, for his part, simply motioned to the empty chair on his other side, across the table from Tala. Sit, sit, boy. You missed the battle, but they will likely show it again soon enough.
She pulled herself together and gave the barest of nods, Furgal.
Furgal smiled broadly as he took the seat across from her. You know me? Now I am the honored one.
He laughed at his own joke as Tala fought to keep herself from rolling her eyes. Yeah it was just a coincidence.. Yes, we met before.
He shook his head with what seemed to be mock severity. That cannot be. I would have remembered one such as you.
She blinked a few times. That is an oddly flowery way to call someone a liar. I was a guest of Master Grediv and Rane a mere few months back.
He opened his mouth to respond, then seemed to freeze in place, his mind clearly having found her as he tried to recall. His jaw tightened, and he forced an obvioulsy false smile into place across his features. I see. You are an acquaintance of my brother. I believe I do remember you now, yes.
She had made her stance on Rane clear with the habitual lack of his honorific. Right.
In the end, it didnt matter much, and what was done, was done.
The younger man took in the food on the table, clearly trying to gather himself after the unexpected unpleasant nature of the memory of their previous meetings.
The dishes that Master Grediv ordered had come on large serving trays, so that each person could take what they wanted onto their own, personal plates. There was still food on the main plates, but Furgal seemed hesitant. He glanced to Master Grediv, and the older man sighed, Eat, eat. The food is there for that purpose.
The young man gave a careful nod, seeming to be back in control of himself. Thank you, master, Grediv.
The older man gave his descendant a harsh look, seemingly having heard something that displeased him in the boys cadence and tone.
Furgal bowed his headjust as clearly having noticed the displeasureand began taking a sampling of the various dishes. My apologies, Master Grediv.
Better. The Paragon straightened. Now, the tenor of this discussion must change with Mistress Talas presence here, but I will not shy away from what must be said.
Furgal sat up straighter, his face brightening. So, youve decided?
I have.
Even Tala could see the excitement in Furgal, and the obvious, weary frustration in Master Grediv.
The window beside her flickered to her magesight, momentarily distracting her from the awkward family dynamics.
The view outward was suddenly altered to show an earlier time in the day, seemingly just before the clash between Mistress Kaeti and the asteries.
Even so, before she could get too engrossed, Furgal spoke up, drawing her attention back to her tablemates.
Furgal had taken a quick drink, and now his smile widened. Master Grediv was about to speak, but the younger man preempted him, Im so glad. I will be the best apprentice that you have ever taken on.
Master Grediv looked to the ceilingin what was a clear bid to draw patience from the heavensand shook his head. No, Furgal, you wont.
The young man hesitated, then his expression turned solemn. Of course, you are correct. I must strive for humility.
Is is he serious?
-I think so.-
Im not that unobservant, am I?
-I dont think it is a lack of observance. I think it is a level of entitled ego that we arent used to seeing outside of arcanes.-
Great
Furgal. You are not going to be my apprentice.
Furgal tilted his head to one side, his expression darkening. I see.
Im glad. Master Grediv took another bite of the food on his own plate.
You wish for me to prove myself to you more fully, before you make the right decision.
Master Grediv slammed his hand down with such force that the table should have shattered. Instead, a flick of magic from the Paragon also lanced out and reinforced the table at the moment of impact.
Even so, the resulting sound was more like the striking of a war-drum than a simple rap on wood.
The items on the table leapt about, but again, Master Gredivs power flowed outward, this time across the food and drink, ensuring everything landed in a contained manner.
It was a show of precision and control that Tala could hardly fathom, even knowing that Master Grediv had some form of magic that could be stretched to cover such things. Its probably worth asking him about.
-And people do have magics outside of their fundamental understanding, like your healing.-
Though, thats not so far outside anymore.
I dont necessarily disagree, but Im not sure I understand exactly what you mean.
Which would you prefer, a life of ease, where everything is provided for you? Or one where you can accomplish work that helps others, which provides you with a good life?
Tala instantly knew which answer he wanted to hear. She also instantly knew which answer seemed preferable on the surface.
Therefore, instead of answering instantly, she took a moment for thought.
Effectively, the time that shed spent recovering had been exactly the first option. Nothing had really been expected of her, and she had the resources to continue a rather plush existence.
She had hated the monotony of it.
When she wasnt allowed to train, she had wandered the streets and desperately searched for other things to do.
She had enjoyed her time with her friends, so it might be possible that a life of luxury with those she cared for would be the ultimate preference, but that didnt feel right either.
She frowned.
She could have simply sat around and played tafl with Rane, gone to plays, and eaten good food.
No one would have forced her to do otherwise. In fact, she had been encouraged in exactly that direction.
But what had she done instead?
She had tried to help. She had longed to spar and test herself. She had wanted a challenge.
She had her answer. Meaningful work that helps others and provides a good life.
Master Grediv smiled. You show wisdom in that answer, more so in taking the time to properly consider it. So, if meaningful work that helps others is your preference, is it not a privilege?
She opened her mouth to respond, but then closed it slowly.
He waved a hand, indicating that he had more to add, Obviously, there is more to do than can be done, but for those capable of defending humanity, there are only so many tasks that they can do that are meaningful.
She frowned slightly. Please explain.
His smile widened. If I told you to hold up that spoon and doing so would save one person for every 24 hrs that you did so, what would you say?
She picked up the spoon and smiled. Lets save people?
He chuckled. Generous of you, but what if you werent allowed to move for it to count?
She frowned. I mean, if I put it down, arent I letting someone die?
Maybe, but others can hold the spoon, and thats all that they are capable of.
Ahh, then, I would want to do something that could help more than one person per day. After all, I am capable of more.
Precisely. We are speaking in sweeping generalities, and wandering all over this very wide-ranging topic, but that is the crux of it. In order to be engaged, to feel like we are doing good, and to be truly motivated to live and continue, we need tasks that help others, provide what we need, and challenge us. At the very least, they need to push us in some way or other.
Tala found herself nodding, remembering once again her time in recuperation, Otherwise, we will struggle with ourselves.
Its worse than that, Mistress. Without purpose, without something to strive for, we die. It is usually a slow death of growing apathy, but we die all the same.
She took a moment to process that. Finally, she nodded once again. And our purpose is to protect humanity during the waning.
He shook his head. That is an end goal and a good one, but it is too finite. We are immortals, Mistress Tala. Any finite task, no matter how grand, is but a temporary distraction. To liveto thrivewe need an infinite goal, an infinite vision.
And what is yours? Im not sure I quite understand, so the example might help.
My infinite goal, my vision, is to ensure humanity thrives, to the best of my ability, for as long as I draw breath.
I see She tilted her head to the side, thinking. It is something that will never be accomplished, but in the end, you can look back and see if you were true to it?
In a sense, yes.
Huh So, I should strive for that, helping humanity thrive as best as I am able? Follow that vision?
Oh, bless the stars, no. If you try to strive for my vision, youll be miserable. Seek your own path.
She gave a wry smile. Like you told Furgal?
Yes. He nodded unabashedly. Precisely the same. Just because I wont let him be my apprentice doesnt mean I would give him bad advice.
I suppose not. That did make sense. Master Grediv hadnt shown any true malice toward the younger man. Seek my own path, eh?
Precisely. His smile returned.
So, you think I can find my path with a defensive unit, here in Alefast?
I think you might begin to find insights in such company, attending to such tasks.
Well, then. That sounds like a good place to start.
He took another drink, leaning back once more. Now, I derailed us by quite a bit. What did you want to ask me?
Right! Theres a lot, isnt there?
-Oh, yes.-
Chapter 323: Your Own PathTala turned to regard the man joining Master Grediv and herself.Furgal, for his part, bowed to each of them. Honored Ancestor, Archon.She felt her cheek twitch. Honored was the correct arcane address for someone of Master Gredivs advancement. Calm down, Tala. Its just a coincidence. Master Grediv is this mans ancestor, and he is quite honored in this city.-Wait, he just called you Archon. Does he not remember you?-Tala had missed that, distracted as she was by the honorific that Furgal had given Master Grediv.Master Grediv, for his part, simply motioned to the empty chair on his other side, across the table from Tala. Sit, sit, boy. You missed the battle, but they will likely show it again soon enough.She pulled herself together and gave the barest of nods, Furgal.Furgal smiled broadly as he took the seat across from her. You know me? Now I am the honored one.He laughed at his own joke as Tala fought to keep herself from rolling her eyes. Yeah it was just a coincidence.. Yes, we met before.He shook his head with what seemed to be mock severity. That cannot be. I would have remembered one such as you.She blinked a few times. That is an oddly flowery way to call someone a liar. I was a guest of Master Grediv and Rane a mere few months back.He opened his mouth to respond, then seemed to freeze in place, his mind clearly having found her as he tried to recall. His jaw tightened, and he forced an obvioulsy false smile into place across his features. I see. You are an acquaintance of my brother. I believe I do remember you now, yes.She had made her stance on Rane clear with the habitual lack of his honorific. Right.In the end, it didnt matter much, and what was done, was done.The younger man took in the food on the table, clearly trying to gather himself after the unexpected unpleasant nature of the memory of their previous meetings.The dishes that Master Grediv ordered had come on large serving trays, so that each person could take what they wanted onto their own, personal plates. There was still food on the main plates, but Furgal seemed hesitant. He glanced to Master Grediv, and the older man sighed, Eat, eat. The food is there for that purpose.The young man gave a careful nod, seeming to be back in control of himself. Thank you, master, Grediv.The older man gave his descendant a harsh look, seemingly having heard something that displeased him in the boys cadence and tone.Furgal bowed his headjust as clearly having noticed the displeasureand began taking a sampling of the various dishes. My apologies, Master Grediv.Better. The Paragon straightened. Now, the tenor of this discussion must change with Mistress Talas presence here, but I will not shy away from what must be said.Furgal sat up straighter, his face brightening. So, youve decided?I have.Even Tala could see the excitement in Furgal, and the obvious, weary frustration in Master Grediv.The window beside her flickered to her magesight, momentarily distracting her from the awkward family dynamics.The view outward was suddenly altered to show an earlier time in the day, seemingly just before the clash between Mistress Kaeti and the asteries.Even so, before she could get too engrossed, Furgal spoke up, drawing her attention back to her tablemates.Furgal had taken a quick drink, and now his smile widened. Master Grediv was about to speak, but the younger man preempted him, Im so glad. I will be the best apprentice that you have ever taken on.Master Grediv looked to the ceilingin what was a clear bid to draw patience from the heavensand shook his head. No, Furgal, you wont.The young man hesitated, then his expression turned solemn. Of course, you are correct. I must strive for humility.Is is he serious?-I think so.-Im not that unobservant, am I?-I dont think it is a lack of observance. I think it is a level of entitled ego that we arent used to seeing outside of arcanes.-GreatFurgal. You are not going to be my apprentice.Furgal tilted his head to one side, his expression darkening. I see.Im glad. Master Grediv took another bite of the food on his own plate.You wish for me to prove myself to you more fully, before you make the right decision.Master Grediv slammed his hand down with such force that the table should have shattered. Instead, a flick of magic from the Paragon also lanced out and reinforced the table at the moment of impact.Even so, the resulting sound was more like the striking of a war-drum than a simple rap on wood.The items on the table leapt about, but again, Master Gredivs power flowed outward, this time across the food and drink, ensuring everything landed in a contained manner.It was a show of precision and control that Tala could hardly fathom, even knowing that Master Grediv had some form of magic that could be stretched to cover such things. Its probably worth asking him about.-And people do have magics outside of their fundamental understanding, like your healing.-Though, thats not so far outside anymore.I dont necessarily disagree, but Im not sure I understand exactly what you mean.Which would you prefer, a life of ease, where everything is provided for you? Or one where you can accomplish work that helps others, which provides you with a good life?Tala instantly knew which answer he wanted to hear. She also instantly knew which answer seemed preferable on the surface.Therefore, instead of answering instantly, she took a moment for thought.Effectively, the time that shed spent recovering had been exactly the first option. Nothing had really been expected of her, and she had the resources to continue a rather plush existence.She had hated the monotony of it.When she wasnt allowed to train, she had wandered the streets and desperately searched for other things to do.She had enjoyed her time with her friends, so it might be possible that a life of luxury with those she cared for would be the ultimate preference, but that didnt feel right either.She frowned.She could have simply sat around and played tafl with Rane, gone to plays, and eaten good food.No one would have forced her to do otherwise. In fact, she had been encouraged in exactly that direction.But what had she done instead?She had tried to help. She had longed to spar and test herself. She had wanted a challenge.She had her answer. Meaningful work that helps others and provides a good life.Master Grediv smiled. You show wisdom in that answer, more so in taking the time to properly consider it. So, if meaningful work that helps others is your preference, is it not a privilege?She opened her mouth to respond, but then closed it slowly.He waved a hand, indicating that he had more to add, Obviously, there is more to do than can be done, but for those capable of defending humanity, there are only so many tasks that they can do that are meaningful.She frowned slightly. Please explain.His smile widened. If I told you to hold up that spoon and doing so would save one person for every 24 hrs that you did so, what would you say?She picked up the spoon and smiled. Lets save people?He chuckled. Generous of you, but what if you werent allowed to move for it to count?She frowned. I mean, if I put it down, arent I letting someone die?Maybe, but others can hold the spoon, and thats all that they are capable of.Ahh, then, I would want to do something that could help more than one person per day. After all, I am capable of more.Precisely. We are speaking in sweeping generalities, and wandering all over this very wide-ranging topic, but that is the crux of it. In order to be engaged, to feel like we are doing good, and to be truly motivated to live and continue, we need tasks that help others, provide what we need, and challenge us. At the very least, they need to push us in some way or other.Tala found herself nodding, remembering once again her time in recuperation, Otherwise, we will struggle with ourselves.Its worse than that, Mistress. Without purpose, without something to strive for, we die. It is usually a slow death of growing apathy, but we die all the same.She took a moment to process that. Finally, she nodded once again. And our purpose is to protect humanity during the waning.He shook his head. That is an end goal and a good one, but it is too finite. We are immortals, Mistress Tala. Any finite task, no matter how grand, is but a temporary distraction. To liveto thrivewe need an infinite goal, an infinite vision.And what is yours? Im not sure I quite understand, so the example might help.My infinite goal, my vision, is to ensure humanity thrives, to the best of my ability, for as long as I draw breath.I see She tilted her head to the side, thinking. It is something that will never be accomplished, but in the end, you can look back and see if you were true to it?In a sense, yes.Huh So, I should strive for that, helping humanity thrive as best as I am able? Follow that vision?Oh, bless the stars, no. If you try to strive for my vision, youll be miserable. Seek your own path.She gave a wry smile. Like you told Furgal?Yes. He nodded unabashedly. Precisely the same. Just because I wont let him be my apprentice doesnt mean I would give him bad advice.I suppose not. That did make sense. Master Grediv hadnt shown any true malice toward the younger man. Seek my own path, eh?Precisely. His smile returned.So, you think I can find my path with a defensive unit, here in Alefast?I think you might begin to find insights in such company, attending to such tasks.Well, then. That sounds like a good place to start.He took another drink, leaning back once more. Now, I derailed us by quite a bit. What did you want to ask me?Right! Theres a lot, isnt there?-Oh, yes.-
