Chapter 381: Teleportation
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Chapter 381: Teleportation
Tala felt fully relaxed for the first time in days as she contemplated existence and her place in it.
She knew a part of it was the setting. She was beside her infinite river, in a little dell, upon a stone that had been a part of her spoils of war.
She recognized it as one that shed taken from a garden in the main hold of the House of the Rising Sun.
It felt like victory to sit upon it, knowing that generations of arcanes had used it for their meditation, and now it was hers.
-Tala?-
Tala blinked a few times, opening her eyes to see the brightness of a new day creeping across the incredibly real-seeming false sky.
-Breakfast time.-
She grinned in response to her alternate interface. Thank you, Alat.
With a flexing of her will, Tala moved to her dining area.
She appeared standing beside the table, coming in just after Mistress Petra moved back to the kitchen.
The woman, now well acquainted to Talas habits, simply smiled and gave a shallow bow, Good morning, Mistress Tala.
Tala gave a nod in return, Good morning, Mistress Petra. How are you and the family doing today?
Oh, excellent. Just excellent. We are so excited for our Annathas coming home. Shes such a dear girl, youll just love her.
Cant be the same person, then.
-Tala she wasnt unkind to you. Just the opposite in fact.-
Tala ignored Alat. Im sure I will.
She sat in her chair, regarding the glorious spread before her, but before she took her first bite, she had a thought that soured the food just a bit. What if she wants to stay here?
-I thought you didnt know her?- Alat pressed.
I dont want another Mage in here. Not yet.
-Um why not?-
Because, we have plenty. They weaken the stability of reality in here.
-Tala-
I dont want any more people in here
-What about the gateless? Brandon and Adrill? Artia?-
Theyre fine.
Alat sighed, but she didnt press further.
Tala addressed Mistress Petra, Do you know what she plans on doing, now that shes graduating?
Hmm? Oh, shell seek an apprenticeship, a master to be a mageling under and all that. Her talents lie in healing, as I understand it. Though communication is limited, so I might not have the full picture. Even so, her penchant for healing is one reason shes coming here. Healers always congregate around a waning, much like defenders do.
-Oh! Mistress Vanga might be a good fit.-
Alat
-What? Dont we want to help out Mistress Petra and Master Simons daughter?-
Defenders dont often take on magelings. It complicates things.
-But they do sometimes, especially if they have duties outside of their role as a defender, say as a healer.-
Ill consider suggesting it.
The woman continued on, and Tala listened closely, even as she turned to her meal, concern assuaged for the moment. Annathas would be with her master wherever that Mage was, not within Talas sanctum.
Still, Tala wanted to be more interested in her friends and colleagues lives, so she chose to engage with Mistress Petra throughout her whole meal.
The two of them chatted as Tala ate and Mistress Petra finished up in the kitchen.
All in all, it was a pleasant way for Tala to break her nightly fast.
-Its almost time.-
Oh, alright. The receiving spellform is in place and activated. Tala didnt really want to go, even if she had planned on being there.
-I know, but dont you want to head there to see it with your own eyes?-
I mean I can see it regardless? But sure. Lets go. It will be interesting to feel it with my aura as well.
Tala stood to her feet, swallowing her last mouthful of food. Mistress Petra, shall we go?
Oh! The older woman straightened, Is it time already?
It seems so.
She smiled, Then, yes. Lets go.
Tala smiled in return, flexed her will. With no noticeable delay, they were both standing beside the receiving spellform.
It was in a grove of massive trees, Tala remembered the arcanes meticulously moving them in to set up this location.
It had been meant to be a meditation area for herself or Thron, but she didnt know if hed ever used it.
She certainly hadnt.
The center of the space was dominated by a large round stone, raised above the turf and interwoven roots.
The silver of the ready-and-waiting receiving spellform glistened in the early morning light.
Tala didnt take long to take in the sight, instead lifting her hand to hold it in front of her mouth. It already held the intra-sanctum communication stone, Master Simon, should I bring you and the children here to receive your daughter?
His voice came back a moment later, Oh! Is it that time, already?
Tala sighed internally, even as the spellform finished its work, and the seemingly eternal moment came to an end. Yeah I know her.
The new arrival blinked a few times, looking around as her eyes adjusted to the bright light.
Odd, I know that the teleportation room is bright on the other end, and here isnt exactly under a midday sun did her eyes somehow adjust to the void?
-That doesnt make sense, but then youre just hunting for reasons to not acknowledge the fact that you were wrong and-
Tala? AnnathasAnnatilted her head to one side. Tala, is that you?
Tala sighed.and like I said, I know the girl whos just teleported into my sanctum?
-Yeah. That.-
Id hoped that it was someone with the same name
-Who was the same age?-
I never did get her last name there was hope.
The girls face blossomed into a bright smile. Tala! You came to greet me? I knew we were friends. I just knew it. She practically flounced forward. And here people told me that you were avoiding me while we were at the Academy. Were you just too shy?
She seemed to notice her parents and siblings then, not noticing their shocked expressions.
Oh! Everyone came! Well, not Hannah, but thats expected, and of course, I left Karsa at the Academy. Im sorry I cant give you more information on her, she mainly wanted to form new relationships, and didnt want her big sis getting in the way. She smiled, making a happy sound as she shrugged before giving a round of hugs, ending with Tala. So! Whats new everyone? Oh, wow. Have you been working out Tala? You feel like a rock. It suits you.
Tala had accepted the hug purely on reflex and was now regretting so, so many things.
Then, Anna looked around, seeming confused. I do apologize, and I dont mean to be rude, but I dont see Mistress Kit anywhere. I want to pay my proper respects to the owner of this wondrous place you mentioned. Are we really in a dimensionally expanded space? Thats amazing! She grinned back toward Tala. Then we can catch up. Im sure youve been up to all sorts of mischief.
Mistress Kit?
Alat had devolved into uncontrolled laughter within Talas head.
It was distracting.
Master Simon stepped forward, clearly trying to piece together what was happening. Anna, honey, why do you think that there is a Mistress Kit here?
Anna nodded toward her dad, clearly feeling that she understood where the confusion lay, Hmm? Oh! Well, you said that you were working within Kits sanctum, and that Kit and Tala, here, were connected. She looked back to Tala. I was excited that Id get to see you again. Especially after Karsa said shed met you. That girl refused to tell me more, too. Anyways, I figured Id have to hunt you down, just like old times. Turning back to her father, she continued, It really is wonderful that youre on a first name basis with your employer, but I need to show proper respect to Mistress Kit, at least until I get to know her.
Anna sighed, practically bouncing as she turned toward her mother.
And its so wonderful that you two treat Tala with such respect, calling her Mistress Tala and all, but Ive known her just for ages, so Im just going to keep right on calling her Tala.
There was a long pause, before Segis began laughing, moving to sit on one of the surrounding stones, nearer the ring of trees.
Metti giggled to one side as well.
Anna refocused on her sister, choosing to ignore her brother. Now, you brought two friends with you, didnt you? I havent met these two, yet.
Metti nodded, holding up her dolls.
What pretty dresses they have!
Master Simon red-faced with embarrassmentcame over and whispered to Tala. Mistress Tala, I am so sorry. I had no idea you knew her at the Academy. Communications back and forth are all but impossible. When we communicated to herand the Academyabout how to execute this teleport, we conveyed some of the situation here, buthe looked genuinely at a lossThings must have not been clear.
Tala sighed and waved him off. Its fine, Master Simon. I recognized her name, but thought it might be someone else.
So, you were friends at the Academy? he asked, interestedly. He also seemed both surprised and skeptical at the idea.
Honestly, he had good reason to be skeptical, given what hed seen of her over the time theyd known one another.
Truthfully, Tala almost responded with a categorical No but hesitated at the last moment.
Anna had tried to be kind to her, inviting her to things, sitting beside her in some classes, asking if she wanted to sit with her and her friends at meals.
Tala had always said no.
Shed left their shared classes quickly whenever possible.
Well, shed left all classes quickly whenever possible, but that wasnt the point.
Generally speaking, Tala had rebuffed Anna at every turn, without ever doing so explicitly.
Shed also never actually been rude or mean to the younger girl
Anna had simply continued to be kind and treat Tala as if they were already friends throughout.
The end result was that Tala got very good at avoiding the other young woman, which wasnt too hard given she was a year behind Tala, and there were very few classes that they even could have together.
Plus, their free periods werent aligned, and they were housed in different sections of the Academy.
She nodded to herself, choosing her words carefully as she responded to Master Simon, She was always kind to me, but we never spent too much time together.
Anna turned from her conversation with Metti to interject, Talathe dearisnt much of what we would call a people person, but shes got a good heart. Im glad you know her already.
Without waiting for a reply, she turned back to her little sister, squatting down just enough to not loom over her sister who was less than a third her age.
In fact, they werent that different in height to begin with.
Wait Anna would have gone to the Academy before Metti was born.
-Yeah, the Zuccats mentioned a few times that they had arranged for Anna to come home three times over the years, likely at great expense. So, they arent strangers, but they dont really know each other.-
Huh
Master Simon was smiling, seemingly despite himself.
He spoke incredibly quietly, using his knowledge of Talas senses to keep Anna from overhearing. Anna was always so outgoing. She made friends so easily and loved so completely. Even if you werent friends at the Academy from your side, I dont doubt that she saw you as her friend. I also dont doubt that she wouldnt be saying this if you had been mean or cruel to her, or to others. He fully faced Tala, bowing. Thank you.
That caught Annas attention, and she straightened, a contemplative look on her face. I do seem to be missing something. Is Mistress Kit not coming?
Tala felt herself smiling despite herselfwhich happened a lot with Anna, it seemed, Kit is the name of my dimensional storage. Shes sapient, or at least sentient, and she is bound to me.
Anna blinked a few times, clearly processing.
Tala decided to continue, getting it all out in the open before any further awkwardness could build up, So this is my sanctum. Your parents work with me. She couldnt bring herself to say that Annas parents worked for her, even though it was true. It felt too much like bragging, or boasting or something.
After a long moments thought, Anna only uttered a single word in response, Huh.
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Chapter 381: Teleportation
Tala felt fully relaxed for the first time in days as she contemplated existence and her place in it.
She knew a part of it was the setting. She was beside her infinite river, in a little dell, upon a stone that had been a part of her spoils of war.
She recognized it as one that shed taken from a garden in the main hold of the House of the Rising Sun.
It felt like victory to sit upon it, knowing that generations of arcanes had used it for their meditation, and now it was hers.
-Tala?-
Tala blinked a few times, opening her eyes to see the brightness of a new day creeping across the incredibly real-seeming false sky.
-Breakfast time.-
She grinned in response to her alternate interface. Thank you, Alat.
With a flexing of her will, Tala moved to her dining area.
She appeared standing beside the table, coming in just after Mistress Petra moved back to the kitchen.
The woman, now well acquainted to Talas habits, simply smiled and gave a shallow bow, Good morning, Mistress Tala.
Tala gave a nod in return, Good morning, Mistress Petra. How are you and the family doing today?
Oh, excellent. Just excellent. We are so excited for our Annathas coming home. Shes such a dear girl, youll just love her.
Cant be the same person, then.
-Tala she wasnt unkind to you. Just the opposite in fact.-
Tala ignored Alat. Im sure I will.
She sat in her chair, regarding the glorious spread before her, but before she took her first bite, she had a thought that soured the food just a bit. What if she wants to stay here?
-I thought you didnt know her?- Alat pressed.
I dont want another Mage in here. Not yet.
-Um why not?-
Because, we have plenty. They weaken the stability of reality in here.
-Tala-
I dont want any more people in here
-What about the gateless? Brandon and Adrill? Artia?-
Theyre fine.
Alat sighed, but she didnt press further.
Tala addressed Mistress Petra, Do you know what she plans on doing, now that shes graduating?
Hmm? Oh, shell seek an apprenticeship, a master to be a mageling under and all that. Her talents lie in healing, as I understand it. Though communication is limited, so I might not have the full picture. Even so, her penchant for healing is one reason shes coming here. Healers always congregate around a waning, much like defenders do.
-Oh! Mistress Vanga might be a good fit.-
Alat
-What? Dont we want to help out Mistress Petra and Master Simons daughter?-
Defenders dont often take on magelings. It complicates things.
-But they do sometimes, especially if they have duties outside of their role as a defender, say as a healer.-
Ill consider suggesting it.
The woman continued on, and Tala listened closely, even as she turned to her meal, concern assuaged for the moment. Annathas would be with her master wherever that Mage was, not within Talas sanctum.
Still, Tala wanted to be more interested in her friends and colleagues lives, so she chose to engage with Mistress Petra throughout her whole meal.
The two of them chatted as Tala ate and Mistress Petra finished up in the kitchen.
All in all, it was a pleasant way for Tala to break her nightly fast.
-Its almost time.-
Oh, alright. The receiving spellform is in place and activated. Tala didnt really want to go, even if she had planned on being there.
-I know, but dont you want to head there to see it with your own eyes?-
I mean I can see it regardless? But sure. Lets go. It will be interesting to feel it with my aura as well.
Tala stood to her feet, swallowing her last mouthful of food. Mistress Petra, shall we go?
Oh! The older woman straightened, Is it time already?
It seems so.
She smiled, Then, yes. Lets go.
Tala smiled in return, flexed her will. With no noticeable delay, they were both standing beside the receiving spellform.
It was in a grove of massive trees, Tala remembered the arcanes meticulously moving them in to set up this location.
It had been meant to be a meditation area for herself or Thron, but she didnt know if hed ever used it.
She certainly hadnt.
The center of the space was dominated by a large round stone, raised above the turf and interwoven roots.
The silver of the ready-and-waiting receiving spellform glistened in the early morning light.
Tala didnt take long to take in the sight, instead lifting her hand to hold it in front of her mouth. It already held the intra-sanctum communication stone, Master Simon, should I bring you and the children here to receive your daughter?
His voice came back a moment later, Oh! Is it that time, already?
Tala sighed internally, even as the spellform finished its work, and the seemingly eternal moment came to an end. Yeah I know her.
The new arrival blinked a few times, looking around as her eyes adjusted to the bright light.
Odd, I know that the teleportation room is bright on the other end, and here isnt exactly under a midday sun did her eyes somehow adjust to the void?
-That doesnt make sense, but then youre just hunting for reasons to not acknowledge the fact that you were wrong and-
Tala? AnnathasAnnatilted her head to one side. Tala, is that you?
Tala sighed.and like I said, I know the girl whos just teleported into my sanctum?
-Yeah. That.-
Id hoped that it was someone with the same name
-Who was the same age?-
I never did get her last name there was hope.
The girls face blossomed into a bright smile. Tala! You came to greet me? I knew we were friends. I just knew it. She practically flounced forward. And here people told me that you were avoiding me while we were at the Academy. Were you just too shy?
She seemed to notice her parents and siblings then, not noticing their shocked expressions.
Oh! Everyone came! Well, not Hannah, but thats expected, and of course, I left Karsa at the Academy. Im sorry I cant give you more information on her, she mainly wanted to form new relationships, and didnt want her big sis getting in the way. She smiled, making a happy sound as she shrugged before giving a round of hugs, ending with Tala. So! Whats new everyone? Oh, wow. Have you been working out Tala? You feel like a rock. It suits you.
Tala had accepted the hug purely on reflex and was now regretting so, so many things.
Then, Anna looked around, seeming confused. I do apologize, and I dont mean to be rude, but I dont see Mistress Kit anywhere. I want to pay my proper respects to the owner of this wondrous place you mentioned. Are we really in a dimensionally expanded space? Thats amazing! She grinned back toward Tala. Then we can catch up. Im sure youve been up to all sorts of mischief.
Mistress Kit?
Alat had devolved into uncontrolled laughter within Talas head.
It was distracting.
Master Simon stepped forward, clearly trying to piece together what was happening. Anna, honey, why do you think that there is a Mistress Kit here?
Anna nodded toward her dad, clearly feeling that she understood where the confusion lay, Hmm? Oh! Well, you said that you were working within Kits sanctum, and that Kit and Tala, here, were connected. She looked back to Tala. I was excited that Id get to see you again. Especially after Karsa said shed met you. That girl refused to tell me more, too. Anyways, I figured Id have to hunt you down, just like old times. Turning back to her father, she continued, It really is wonderful that youre on a first name basis with your employer, but I need to show proper respect to Mistress Kit, at least until I get to know her.
Anna sighed, practically bouncing as she turned toward her mother.
And its so wonderful that you two treat Tala with such respect, calling her Mistress Tala and all, but Ive known her just for ages, so Im just going to keep right on calling her Tala.
There was a long pause, before Segis began laughing, moving to sit on one of the surrounding stones, nearer the ring of trees.
Metti giggled to one side as well.
Anna refocused on her sister, choosing to ignore her brother. Now, you brought two friends with you, didnt you? I havent met these two, yet.
Metti nodded, holding up her dolls.
What pretty dresses they have!
Master Simon red-faced with embarrassmentcame over and whispered to Tala. Mistress Tala, I am so sorry. I had no idea you knew her at the Academy. Communications back and forth are all but impossible. When we communicated to herand the Academyabout how to execute this teleport, we conveyed some of the situation here, buthe looked genuinely at a lossThings must have not been clear.
Tala sighed and waved him off. Its fine, Master Simon. I recognized her name, but thought it might be someone else.
So, you were friends at the Academy? he asked, interestedly. He also seemed both surprised and skeptical at the idea.
Honestly, he had good reason to be skeptical, given what hed seen of her over the time theyd known one another.
Truthfully, Tala almost responded with a categorical No but hesitated at the last moment.
Anna had tried to be kind to her, inviting her to things, sitting beside her in some classes, asking if she wanted to sit with her and her friends at meals.
Tala had always said no.
Shed left their shared classes quickly whenever possible.
Well, shed left all classes quickly whenever possible, but that wasnt the point.
Generally speaking, Tala had rebuffed Anna at every turn, without ever doing so explicitly.
Shed also never actually been rude or mean to the younger girl
Anna had simply continued to be kind and treat Tala as if they were already friends throughout.
The end result was that Tala got very good at avoiding the other young woman, which wasnt too hard given she was a year behind Tala, and there were very few classes that they even could have together.
Plus, their free periods werent aligned, and they were housed in different sections of the Academy.
She nodded to herself, choosing her words carefully as she responded to Master Simon, She was always kind to me, but we never spent too much time together.
Anna turned from her conversation with Metti to interject, Talathe dearisnt much of what we would call a people person, but shes got a good heart. Im glad you know her already.
Without waiting for a reply, she turned back to her little sister, squatting down just enough to not loom over her sister who was less than a third her age.
In fact, they werent that different in height to begin with.
Wait Anna would have gone to the Academy before Metti was born.
-Yeah, the Zuccats mentioned a few times that they had arranged for Anna to come home three times over the years, likely at great expense. So, they arent strangers, but they dont really know each other.-
Huh
Master Simon was smiling, seemingly despite himself.
He spoke incredibly quietly, using his knowledge of Talas senses to keep Anna from overhearing. Anna was always so outgoing. She made friends so easily and loved so completely. Even if you werent friends at the Academy from your side, I dont doubt that she saw you as her friend. I also dont doubt that she wouldnt be saying this if you had been mean or cruel to her, or to others. He fully faced Tala, bowing. Thank you.
That caught Annas attention, and she straightened, a contemplative look on her face. I do seem to be missing something. Is Mistress Kit not coming?
Tala felt herself smiling despite herselfwhich happened a lot with Anna, it seemed, Kit is the name of my dimensional storage. Shes sapient, or at least sentient, and she is bound to me.
Anna blinked a few times, clearly processing.
Tala decided to continue, getting it all out in the open before any further awkwardness could build up, So this is my sanctum. Your parents work with me. She couldnt bring herself to say that Annas parents worked for her, even though it was true. It felt too much like bragging, or boasting or something.
After a long moments thought, Anna only uttered a single word in response, Huh.
Chapter 381: TeleportationTala felt fully relaxed for the first time in days as she contemplated existence and her place in it.She knew a part of it was the setting. She was beside her infinite river, in a little dell, upon a stone that had been a part of her spoils of war.She recognized it as one that shed taken from a garden in the main hold of the House of the Rising Sun.It felt like victory to sit upon it, knowing that generations of arcanes had used it for their meditation, and now it was hers.-Tala?-Tala blinked a few times, opening her eyes to see the brightness of a new day creeping across the incredibly real-seeming false sky.-Breakfast time.-She grinned in response to her alternate interface. Thank you, Alat.With a flexing of her will, Tala moved to her dining area.She appeared standing beside the table, coming in just after Mistress Petra moved back to the kitchen.The woman, now well acquainted to Talas habits, simply smiled and gave a shallow bow, Good morning, Mistress Tala.Tala gave a nod in return, Good morning, Mistress Petra. How are you and the family doing today?Oh, excellent. Just excellent. We are so excited for our Annathas coming home. Shes such a dear girl, youll just love her.Cant be the same person, then.-Tala she wasnt unkind to you. Just the opposite in fact.-Tala ignored Alat. Im sure I will.She sat in her chair, regarding the glorious spread before her, but before she took her first bite, she had a thought that soured the food just a bit. What if she wants to stay here?-I thought you didnt know her?- Alat pressed.I dont want another Mage in here. Not yet.-Um why not?-Because, we have plenty. They weaken the stability of reality in here.-Tala-I dont want any more people in here-What about the gateless? Brandon and Adrill? Artia?-Theyre fine.Alat sighed, but she didnt press further.Tala addressed Mistress Petra, Do you know what she plans on doing, now that shes graduating?Hmm? Oh, shell seek an apprenticeship, a master to be a mageling under and all that. Her talents lie in healing, as I understand it. Though communication is limited, so I might not have the full picture. Even so, her penchant for healing is one reason shes coming here. Healers always congregate around a waning, much like defenders do.-Oh! Mistress Vanga might be a good fit.- Alat-What? Dont we want to help out Mistress Petra and Master Simons daughter?-Defenders dont often take on magelings. It complicates things.-But they do sometimes, especially if they have duties outside of their role as a defender, say as a healer.- Ill consider suggesting it.The woman continued on, and Tala listened closely, even as she turned to her meal, concern assuaged for the moment. Annathas would be with her master wherever that Mage was, not within Talas sanctum.Still, Tala wanted to be more interested in her friends and colleagues lives, so she chose to engage with Mistress Petra throughout her whole meal.The two of them chatted as Tala ate and Mistress Petra finished up in the kitchen.All in all, it was a pleasant way for Tala to break her nightly fast.-Its almost time.-Oh, alright. The receiving spellform is in place and activated. Tala didnt really want to go, even if she had planned on being there.-I know, but dont you want to head there to see it with your own eyes?-I mean I can see it regardless? But sure. Lets go. It will be interesting to feel it with my aura as well.Tala stood to her feet, swallowing her last mouthful of food. Mistress Petra, shall we go?Oh! The older woman straightened, Is it time already?It seems so.She smiled, Then, yes. Lets go.Tala smiled in return, flexed her will. With no noticeable delay, they were both standing beside the receiving spellform.It was in a grove of massive trees, Tala remembered the arcanes meticulously moving them in to set up this location.It had been meant to be a meditation area for herself or Thron, but she didnt know if hed ever used it.She certainly hadnt.The center of the space was dominated by a large round stone, raised above the turf and interwoven roots.The silver of the ready-and-waiting receiving spellform glistened in the early morning light.Tala didnt take long to take in the sight, instead lifting her hand to hold it in front of her mouth. It already held the intra-sanctum communication stone, Master Simon, should I bring you and the children here to receive your daughter?His voice came back a moment later, Oh! Is it that time, already?Tala sighed internally, even as the spellform finished its work, and the seemingly eternal moment came to an end. Yeah I know her.The new arrival blinked a few times, looking around as her eyes adjusted to the bright light.Odd, I know that the teleportation room is bright on the other end, and here isnt exactly under a midday sun did her eyes somehow adjust to the void?-That doesnt make sense, but then youre just hunting for reasons to not acknowledge the fact that you were wrong and-Tala? AnnathasAnnatilted her head to one side. Tala, is that you?Tala sighed.and like I said, I know the girl whos just teleported into my sanctum?-Yeah. That.-Id hoped that it was someone with the same name-Who was the same age?-I never did get her last name there was hope.The girls face blossomed into a bright smile. Tala! You came to greet me? I knew we were friends. I just knew it. She practically flounced forward. And here people told me that you were avoiding me while we were at the Academy. Were you just too shy?She seemed to notice her parents and siblings then, not noticing their shocked expressions.Oh! Everyone came! Well, not Hannah, but thats expected, and of course, I left Karsa at the Academy. Im sorry I cant give you more information on her, she mainly wanted to form new relationships, and didnt want her big sis getting in the way. She smiled, making a happy sound as she shrugged before giving a round of hugs, ending with Tala. So! Whats new everyone? Oh, wow. Have you been working out Tala? You feel like a rock. It suits you.Tala had accepted the hug purely on reflex and was now regretting so, so many things.Then, Anna looked around, seeming confused. I do apologize, and I dont mean to be rude, but I dont see Mistress Kit anywhere. I want to pay my proper respects to the owner of this wondrous place you mentioned. Are we really in a dimensionally expanded space? Thats amazing! She grinned back toward Tala. Then we can catch up. Im sure youve been up to all sorts of mischief.Mistress Kit?Alat had devolved into uncontrolled laughter within Talas head.It was distracting.Master Simon stepped forward, clearly trying to piece together what was happening. Anna, honey, why do you think that there is a Mistress Kit here?Anna nodded toward her dad, clearly feeling that she understood where the confusion lay, Hmm? Oh! Well, you said that you were working within Kits sanctum, and that Kit and Tala, here, were connected. She looked back to Tala. I was excited that Id get to see you again. Especially after Karsa said shed met you. That girl refused to tell me more, too. Anyways, I figured Id have to hunt you down, just like old times. Turning back to her father, she continued, It really is wonderful that youre on a first name basis with your employer, but I need to show proper respect to Mistress Kit, at least until I get to know her.Anna sighed, practically bouncing as she turned toward her mother.And its so wonderful that you two treat Tala with such respect, calling her Mistress Tala and all, but Ive known her just for ages, so Im just going to keep right on calling her Tala.There was a long pause, before Segis began laughing, moving to sit on one of the surrounding stones, nearer the ring of trees.Metti giggled to one side as well.Anna refocused on her sister, choosing to ignore her brother. Now, you brought two friends with you, didnt you? I havent met these two, yet.Metti nodded, holding up her dolls.What pretty dresses they have!Master Simon red-faced with embarrassmentcame over and whispered to Tala. Mistress Tala, I am so sorry. I had no idea you knew her at the Academy. Communications back and forth are all but impossible. When we communicated to herand the Academyabout how to execute this teleport, we conveyed some of the situation here, buthe looked genuinely at a lossThings must have not been clear.Tala sighed and waved him off. Its fine, Master Simon. I recognized her name, but thought it might be someone else.So, you were friends at the Academy? he asked, interestedly. He also seemed both surprised and skeptical at the idea.Honestly, he had good reason to be skeptical, given what hed seen of her over the time theyd known one another.Truthfully, Tala almost responded with a categorical No but hesitated at the last moment.Anna had tried to be kind to her, inviting her to things, sitting beside her in some classes, asking if she wanted to sit with her and her friends at meals.Tala had always said no.Shed left their shared classes quickly whenever possible.Well, shed left all classes quickly whenever possible, but that wasnt the point.Generally speaking, Tala had rebuffed Anna at every turn, without ever doing so explicitly.Shed also never actually been rude or mean to the younger girlAnna had simply continued to be kind and treat Tala as if they were already friends throughout.The end result was that Tala got very good at avoiding the other young woman, which wasnt too hard given she was a year behind Tala, and there were very few classes that they even could have together.Plus, their free periods werent aligned, and they were housed in different sections of the Academy.She nodded to herself, choosing her words carefully as she responded to Master Simon, She was always kind to me, but we never spent too much time together.Anna turned from her conversation with Metti to interject, Talathe dearisnt much of what we would call a people person, but shes got a good heart. Im glad you know her already.Without waiting for a reply, she turned back to her little sister, squatting down just enough to not loom over her sister who was less than a third her age.In fact, they werent that different in height to begin with.Wait Anna would have gone to the Academy before Metti was born.-Yeah, the Zuccats mentioned a few times that they had arranged for Anna to come home three times over the years, likely at great expense. So, they arent strangers, but they dont really know each other.-HuhMaster Simon was smiling, seemingly despite himself.He spoke incredibly quietly, using his knowledge of Talas senses to keep Anna from overhearing. Anna was always so outgoing. She made friends so easily and loved so completely. Even if you werent friends at the Academy from your side, I dont doubt that she saw you as her friend. I also dont doubt that she wouldnt be saying this if you had been mean or cruel to her, or to others. He fully faced Tala, bowing. Thank you.That caught Annas attention, and she straightened, a contemplative look on her face. I do seem to be missing something. Is Mistress Kit not coming?Tala felt herself smiling despite herselfwhich happened a lot with Anna, it seemed, Kit is the name of my dimensional storage. Shes sapient, or at least sentient, and she is bound to me.Anna blinked a few times, clearly processing.Tala decided to continue, getting it all out in the open before any further awkwardness could build up, So this is my sanctum. Your parents work with me. She couldnt bring herself to say that Annas parents worked for her, even though it was true. It felt too much like bragging, or boasting or something.After a long moments thought, Anna only uttered a single word in response, Huh.
