Chapter 382: Conversations
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Chapter 382: Conversations
Tala left the Zuccats to catch up, before Anna had fully grasped her misunderstanding. Thus, Tala hoped to avoid the incoming awkwardness.
She chose to leave during a moment when everyone was otherwise engaged to at least give the illusion of being polite.
She then summoned a door out of Kit and exited into Alefast.
The last few days had been a mess.
And tomorrow, I need to initiate Kedva into arcane style magic
All this started because she wanted to distract herself from
Rust
Shed been doing so well.
Tala turned around and stepped back into Kit, coming back out into the dell shed used just an hour or so earlier to meditate in.
She sat down on her rock, put her head in her hands and cried.
Mistress Odera was gone, and that fact still hurt.
At least it hurt when she thought of it
She felt herself moving downward, but something rose up within her.
No.
Tala straightened, not throwing off her emotions, but not letting them physically overcome her.
She called the door out of Kit once again, ignoring the feeling of locational whiplash as she stepped back out onto the Alefast streets.
Tell him Im coming.
-Already done. He said hell be ready for you.-
It was a short walk from where shed put Kit to her destination.
The entrance wasnt that ornate, though it was obviously well maintained in order to fit into this nicer part of the city.
Not that any part of Alefast is really run down
Now that she had arrived, however, she felt a bit of uncertainty.
Was this really what she wanted?
Was this really a wise choice?
Wouldnt it be better to just be alone?
Before she could talk herself out of it, she saw him coming to greet her at the entrance, clearly having noticed her arrival.
Master Girt opened the front door to his modest home and ushered her inside. Come, come, Mistress Tala. I have something ready for us.
He led her through an obviously rarely used sitting room.
While there were a few comfortable looking chairs all but one had the look of disuse, dust having begun to permeate the upholstery.
The books on the shelves were obviously cared for, without any dust on them, but the art on the walls had noticeable accumulation, at least to her eyes.
The floor was what appeared to be either poured stone or, knowing Master Girt, simply stone that hed reshaped and melded into a uniform floor.
The home was laid out in a segmented style, and they passed through an archway to enter the kitchen, which looked to have been used barely more often than the sitting room
Does he eat out most of the time?
That would make sense for a kitchen to look so rarely used.
Still, despite the disuse, there was a table large enough for them to both comfortably sit at and ready and waiting were two glasses that positively radiated magic.
Well, no, the magic is rather contained.
-So, they are radiant to your magesight, due to their internal magics?-
Yeah, thats true. Tala hesitated in the archway. What is that?
Master Girt didnt slow as he answered her question, Magical alcohol. Even those who dont focus on enhancement with their magics reach a point where the mundane stuff might as well be flavored water. For times like these, the real stuff can help.
She sat down, feeling rather skeptical. I havent told you why Im here. What do you mean by For times like these?
Master Girt smiled softly. I think we both know. Take a sip. You dont need to drink any more if you dont want to. He shrugged then. Or dont. Ill happily drink both.
Tala laughed at that, feeling a bit of her tension bleed away, even if not much. She carefully picked up the glass and clinked it against her unit-mates.
The clink resonated powerfully through the entire roomTalas three-fold sight even saw some dust vibrate off the art in the sitting roomthe magic of the liquid seemingly amplifying everything relating to it.
She took a sip and marveled at the cold heat that slid down her throat.The birth of this content finds its genesis in Nøv€lß¡n★
Everything about the beverage and what it caused seemed a contradiction.
The tiny sip felt like it filled her up, even if just momentarily.
Her stomach didnt feel overfilled, more akin to having just finished a perfect meal, and the comfortable feeling of satiation was just one of the sensations brought on by the magical concoction.
Her sinuseswhich were never really full given her magics keeping her healthysuddenly felt dry, but not painfully so. It was more akin to breathing in a wonderful breeze off a desert dune.
On the other side, her mouth and throat felt wet in the sense of thirst excellently quenched.
The previously noted cold heat filled her entire being, bringing with it an enhancement of her sense of touch along with a tingling, as if that sense was being suppressed.
Master Grit nodded after taking a sip of his own. Thats some good stuff.
Tala nodded as well. It certainly is something.
Now. You reached out for a reason. What can I do for you? There was tension clear across his whole body, as if he knew what she would ask and was bracing for it, hoping against hope that he was wrong.
She took another sip, gilding herself before failing to meet his eyes as she asked, Your wife
His hand tightened on his glass in a clearly reflexive reaction, his knuckles whitening momentarily. His voice sounded on the verge of cracking as he feigned nonchalance, Oh?
Tala swallowed. How did you cope with her passing? I know the loss I suffered is nothing in comparisonhow could the loss of a mentor compare to that of a soul-bound spouse?but I was hoping to gain some insight if you are willing.
Master Girt stared into his glass for a long moment, before throwing his head back and downing the remainder of the contents.
Tala took another careful sip, letting the silence stand.
Finally, he nodded, almost seeming resigned, I cant say that Im surprised. With the loss you suffered, I honestly expected this conversation sooner. He took in a long breath and sighed. First, I appreciate you acknowledging that the losses are not the same. Truth be told, no two ever are, but it is kind of you to express it as you did.
She gave a quick understanding smile and nodded once.
Now, let me tell you about my rock, my Stonia.
* * *
Tala had spent a couple of hours with Master Girt, listening to stories about his wife as well as how he had coped with her passing.
That is self-improvement, of course.
-Understood So, Anna?-
Tala stopped walking, scrunching her face.
She smoothed out her features and waved at a random passerby who called out her name excitedly.
Thankfully, it didnt turn into anything more than that passing exchange.
Unfortunately, that let her mind turn back to Anna.
It was awkward looking back on their interactions at the Academy.
Tala had been so young in her thinking, so immature in the way that she viewed the world.
By the time Anna had noticed her and tried to befriend her, Tala had become set in her loneliness.
A popular girl reaching out to her had felt like a setup for mockery. That had actually happened more than once during Talas first year at the Academy, even if the teachers had been less than pleased.
Tala hadnt seen Annas actions for the genuine offers that they were in retrospect.
Even though I know she would have felt odd while next to me because of my iron, she kept trying for as long as I didnt avoid her.
-Yeah, its hard to sit next to someone who switches classes before you even know you shared a section.-
Yeah
Tala decided to give Anna a chance.
-Ive sent a message to Mistress Vanga.-
Thank you, Alat. Lets get back to Kit for the conversation.
* * *
Tala arrived in Kit to find Anna alone, sitting and watching the scenery.
In another part of the sanctum, Master Simon and Mistress Petra were discussing animatedly, clearly in an intense discussion, but nothing about it seemed heated.
Tala hesitated, hand on Kits door handle.
We need to address this.
-Wise choice, Tala. Go face your fears.-
Tala opened the door, stepping out to Annas side, but within her line of sight so as to hopefully startle her less.
Tala! She stood up with a smile, then hesitated. After what seemed to be a moment of consideration, Anna bowed, Mistress Tala. Thank you for welcoming me into this beautiful place. Thank you for the work you have given my parents, and the place to explore and grow that you gave to my siblings.
She laughed softly to herself.
I now understand more what Karsa meant. I dont know why she didnt speak about you, but I suppose she had no cause to know that I knew you, and she was trying to establish herself with new friends and all. She looked up, coloring slightly. But, Im blathering. What can I do for you, Mistress?
Tala felt her shoulders sink. Anna, I
She grimaced, then called a chair to her and sat down. Anna followed suit, sinking back onto the stone bench shed been seated on.
I did not like the Academy. Because of some personal issues, I felt trapped there, and just wanted to get out and on to a better life.
Anna nodded, Well, you did that.
Tala smiled. So I did. Its been a bit of a rough ride, but I did, yes. She waved dismissively, then. Regardless, I projected some of that onto everyone there. I really didnt want to get to know anyone, or do more than I had to.
Anna shrugged. Everyone goes through stuff. It happens.
How do you do that?
Do what?
Just take it in stride?
Well, its not like we were really close and you pulled away. You werent mean to me or anyone really. You were lonely. I wanted to help, but you didnt want help. She smiled again. Seems that you didnt really need it.
Tala grunted at that. I might have been better off if Id gotten it.
If ifs were whiffs, wed all have passed out from the smell long ago.
She blinked at the younger girl a few times before chuckling. That is quite the phrase.
Isnt it, though? Anna smiled widely. I
Terry flickered into place on the bench beside her, regarding her quizzically.
Oh! Who might you be, handsome little bird?
Terry chirped at her, and Tala almost said something, but she trusted Terry.
Anna reached out, grabbing either side of Terry, holding his vestigial wings tucked at his sides. Aren't you just the cutest little predator?
Then, to Talas horror, Anna flipped Terry over, putting him on his back with his legs in the air, and started scratching his neck and belly.
Terry gave some weak trills of alarm, but calmed down as she carefully scratched his feathers, clearly mindful of not bending them or pulling at them painfully.
Tala cleared her throat. Thats Terry. Hes my friend, my partner.
Anna turned to regard her with one eyebrow raised. Your friend, do you say? Then he must be a fierce beast to say the least.
He squawked his assent, one leg lazily drooping to the side.
Tala smiled. He is that. But, she was avoiding what shed been trying to say. What I was getting at was: I apologize, Anna. I dont know how good of friends we would have been, but I wish that I had tried.
Anna smiled back at her, stopping the scratches for a moment. There is nothing to apologize for. It wasnt the right time, then. It might be now. Her smile grew. Well never know unless we try.
Terry flickered away, on his feet again, and watching Anna warily.
Oh! Do you want more scratches, Terry?
He squawked at her, ruffling his feathers a bit, then flickered away.
Im here if you change your mind!
Tala felt herself smiling.
It seems that Annas almost aggressive kindness could even overwhelm Terry.
Shall I get your parents? We have a lot to discuss.
Oh, yes! I have a wonderful idea that I want to propose to you all.
Why do I feel concerned?
-Because youre capable of making logical connections.-
Thats what I was afraid of
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Chapter 382: Conversations
Tala left the Zuccats to catch up, before Anna had fully grasped her misunderstanding. Thus, Tala hoped to avoid the incoming awkwardness.
She chose to leave during a moment when everyone was otherwise engaged to at least give the illusion of being polite.
She then summoned a door out of Kit and exited into Alefast.
The last few days had been a mess.
And tomorrow, I need to initiate Kedva into arcane style magic
All this started because she wanted to distract herself from
Rust
Shed been doing so well.
Tala turned around and stepped back into Kit, coming back out into the dell shed used just an hour or so earlier to meditate in.
She sat down on her rock, put her head in her hands and cried.
Mistress Odera was gone, and that fact still hurt.
At least it hurt when she thought of it
She felt herself moving downward, but something rose up within her.
No.
Tala straightened, not throwing off her emotions, but not letting them physically overcome her.
She called the door out of Kit once again, ignoring the feeling of locational whiplash as she stepped back out onto the Alefast streets.
Tell him Im coming.
-Already done. He said hell be ready for you.-
It was a short walk from where shed put Kit to her destination.
The entrance wasnt that ornate, though it was obviously well maintained in order to fit into this nicer part of the city.
Not that any part of Alefast is really run down
Now that she had arrived, however, she felt a bit of uncertainty.
Was this really what she wanted?
Was this really a wise choice?
Wouldnt it be better to just be alone?
Before she could talk herself out of it, she saw him coming to greet her at the entrance, clearly having noticed her arrival.
Master Girt opened the front door to his modest home and ushered her inside. Come, come, Mistress Tala. I have something ready for us.
He led her through an obviously rarely used sitting room.
While there were a few comfortable looking chairs all but one had the look of disuse, dust having begun to permeate the upholstery.
The books on the shelves were obviously cared for, without any dust on them, but the art on the walls had noticeable accumulation, at least to her eyes.
The floor was what appeared to be either poured stone or, knowing Master Girt, simply stone that hed reshaped and melded into a uniform floor.
The home was laid out in a segmented style, and they passed through an archway to enter the kitchen, which looked to have been used barely more often than the sitting room
Does he eat out most of the time?
That would make sense for a kitchen to look so rarely used.
Still, despite the disuse, there was a table large enough for them to both comfortably sit at and ready and waiting were two glasses that positively radiated magic.
Well, no, the magic is rather contained.
-So, they are radiant to your magesight, due to their internal magics?-
Yeah, thats true. Tala hesitated in the archway. What is that?
Master Girt didnt slow as he answered her question, Magical alcohol. Even those who dont focus on enhancement with their magics reach a point where the mundane stuff might as well be flavored water. For times like these, the real stuff can help.
She sat down, feeling rather skeptical. I havent told you why Im here. What do you mean by For times like these?
Master Girt smiled softly. I think we both know. Take a sip. You dont need to drink any more if you dont want to. He shrugged then. Or dont. Ill happily drink both.
Tala laughed at that, feeling a bit of her tension bleed away, even if not much. She carefully picked up the glass and clinked it against her unit-mates.
The clink resonated powerfully through the entire roomTalas three-fold sight even saw some dust vibrate off the art in the sitting roomthe magic of the liquid seemingly amplifying everything relating to it.
She took a sip and marveled at the cold heat that slid down her throat.The birth of this content finds its genesis in Nøv€lß¡n★
Everything about the beverage and what it caused seemed a contradiction.
The tiny sip felt like it filled her up, even if just momentarily.
Her stomach didnt feel overfilled, more akin to having just finished a perfect meal, and the comfortable feeling of satiation was just one of the sensations brought on by the magical concoction.
Her sinuseswhich were never really full given her magics keeping her healthysuddenly felt dry, but not painfully so. It was more akin to breathing in a wonderful breeze off a desert dune.
On the other side, her mouth and throat felt wet in the sense of thirst excellently quenched.
The previously noted cold heat filled her entire being, bringing with it an enhancement of her sense of touch along with a tingling, as if that sense was being suppressed.
Master Grit nodded after taking a sip of his own. Thats some good stuff.
Tala nodded as well. It certainly is something.
Now. You reached out for a reason. What can I do for you? There was tension clear across his whole body, as if he knew what she would ask and was bracing for it, hoping against hope that he was wrong.
She took another sip, gilding herself before failing to meet his eyes as she asked, Your wife
His hand tightened on his glass in a clearly reflexive reaction, his knuckles whitening momentarily. His voice sounded on the verge of cracking as he feigned nonchalance, Oh?
Tala swallowed. How did you cope with her passing? I know the loss I suffered is nothing in comparisonhow could the loss of a mentor compare to that of a soul-bound spouse?but I was hoping to gain some insight if you are willing.
Master Girt stared into his glass for a long moment, before throwing his head back and downing the remainder of the contents.
Tala took another careful sip, letting the silence stand.
Finally, he nodded, almost seeming resigned, I cant say that Im surprised. With the loss you suffered, I honestly expected this conversation sooner. He took in a long breath and sighed. First, I appreciate you acknowledging that the losses are not the same. Truth be told, no two ever are, but it is kind of you to express it as you did.
She gave a quick understanding smile and nodded once.
Now, let me tell you about my rock, my Stonia.
* * *
Tala had spent a couple of hours with Master Girt, listening to stories about his wife as well as how he had coped with her passing.
That is self-improvement, of course.
-Understood So, Anna?-
Tala stopped walking, scrunching her face.
She smoothed out her features and waved at a random passerby who called out her name excitedly.
Thankfully, it didnt turn into anything more than that passing exchange.
Unfortunately, that let her mind turn back to Anna.
It was awkward looking back on their interactions at the Academy.
Tala had been so young in her thinking, so immature in the way that she viewed the world.
By the time Anna had noticed her and tried to befriend her, Tala had become set in her loneliness.
A popular girl reaching out to her had felt like a setup for mockery. That had actually happened more than once during Talas first year at the Academy, even if the teachers had been less than pleased.
Tala hadnt seen Annas actions for the genuine offers that they were in retrospect.
Even though I know she would have felt odd while next to me because of my iron, she kept trying for as long as I didnt avoid her.
-Yeah, its hard to sit next to someone who switches classes before you even know you shared a section.-
Yeah
Tala decided to give Anna a chance.
-Ive sent a message to Mistress Vanga.-
Thank you, Alat. Lets get back to Kit for the conversation.
* * *
Tala arrived in Kit to find Anna alone, sitting and watching the scenery.
In another part of the sanctum, Master Simon and Mistress Petra were discussing animatedly, clearly in an intense discussion, but nothing about it seemed heated.
Tala hesitated, hand on Kits door handle.
We need to address this.
-Wise choice, Tala. Go face your fears.-
Tala opened the door, stepping out to Annas side, but within her line of sight so as to hopefully startle her less.
Tala! She stood up with a smile, then hesitated. After what seemed to be a moment of consideration, Anna bowed, Mistress Tala. Thank you for welcoming me into this beautiful place. Thank you for the work you have given my parents, and the place to explore and grow that you gave to my siblings.
She laughed softly to herself.
I now understand more what Karsa meant. I dont know why she didnt speak about you, but I suppose she had no cause to know that I knew you, and she was trying to establish herself with new friends and all. She looked up, coloring slightly. But, Im blathering. What can I do for you, Mistress?
Tala felt her shoulders sink. Anna, I
She grimaced, then called a chair to her and sat down. Anna followed suit, sinking back onto the stone bench shed been seated on.
I did not like the Academy. Because of some personal issues, I felt trapped there, and just wanted to get out and on to a better life.
Anna nodded, Well, you did that.
Tala smiled. So I did. Its been a bit of a rough ride, but I did, yes. She waved dismissively, then. Regardless, I projected some of that onto everyone there. I really didnt want to get to know anyone, or do more than I had to.
Anna shrugged. Everyone goes through stuff. It happens.
How do you do that?
Do what?
Just take it in stride?
Well, its not like we were really close and you pulled away. You werent mean to me or anyone really. You were lonely. I wanted to help, but you didnt want help. She smiled again. Seems that you didnt really need it.
Tala grunted at that. I might have been better off if Id gotten it.
If ifs were whiffs, wed all have passed out from the smell long ago.
She blinked at the younger girl a few times before chuckling. That is quite the phrase.
Isnt it, though? Anna smiled widely. I
Terry flickered into place on the bench beside her, regarding her quizzically.
Oh! Who might you be, handsome little bird?
Terry chirped at her, and Tala almost said something, but she trusted Terry.
Anna reached out, grabbing either side of Terry, holding his vestigial wings tucked at his sides. Aren't you just the cutest little predator?
Then, to Talas horror, Anna flipped Terry over, putting him on his back with his legs in the air, and started scratching his neck and belly.
Terry gave some weak trills of alarm, but calmed down as she carefully scratched his feathers, clearly mindful of not bending them or pulling at them painfully.
Tala cleared her throat. Thats Terry. Hes my friend, my partner.
Anna turned to regard her with one eyebrow raised. Your friend, do you say? Then he must be a fierce beast to say the least.
He squawked his assent, one leg lazily drooping to the side.
Tala smiled. He is that. But, she was avoiding what shed been trying to say. What I was getting at was: I apologize, Anna. I dont know how good of friends we would have been, but I wish that I had tried.
Anna smiled back at her, stopping the scratches for a moment. There is nothing to apologize for. It wasnt the right time, then. It might be now. Her smile grew. Well never know unless we try.
Terry flickered away, on his feet again, and watching Anna warily.
Oh! Do you want more scratches, Terry?
He squawked at her, ruffling his feathers a bit, then flickered away.
Im here if you change your mind!
Tala felt herself smiling.
It seems that Annas almost aggressive kindness could even overwhelm Terry.
Shall I get your parents? We have a lot to discuss.
Oh, yes! I have a wonderful idea that I want to propose to you all.
Why do I feel concerned?
-Because youre capable of making logical connections.-
Thats what I was afraid of
Chapter 382: ConversationsTala left the Zuccats to catch up, before Anna had fully grasped her misunderstanding. Thus, Tala hoped to avoid the incoming awkwardness.She chose to leave during a moment when everyone was otherwise engaged to at least give the illusion of being polite.She then summoned a door out of Kit and exited into Alefast.The last few days had been a mess.And tomorrow, I need to initiate Kedva into arcane style magicAll this started because she wanted to distract herself fromRustShed been doing so well.Tala turned around and stepped back into Kit, coming back out into the dell shed used just an hour or so earlier to meditate in.She sat down on her rock, put her head in her hands and cried.Mistress Odera was gone, and that fact still hurt.At least it hurt when she thought of itShe felt herself moving downward, but something rose up within her.No.Tala straightened, not throwing off her emotions, but not letting them physically overcome her.She called the door out of Kit once again, ignoring the feeling of locational whiplash as she stepped back out onto the Alefast streets.Tell him Im coming.-Already done. He said hell be ready for you.-It was a short walk from where shed put Kit to her destination.The entrance wasnt that ornate, though it was obviously well maintained in order to fit into this nicer part of the city.Not that any part of Alefast is really run downNow that she had arrived, however, she felt a bit of uncertainty.Was this really what she wanted?Was this really a wise choice?Wouldnt it be better to just be alone?Before she could talk herself out of it, she saw him coming to greet her at the entrance, clearly having noticed her arrival.Master Girt opened the front door to his modest home and ushered her inside. Come, come, Mistress Tala. I have something ready for us.He led her through an obviously rarely used sitting room.While there were a few comfortable looking chairs all but one had the look of disuse, dust having begun to permeate the upholstery.The books on the shelves were obviously cared for, without any dust on them, but the art on the walls had noticeable accumulation, at least to her eyes.The floor was what appeared to be either poured stone or, knowing Master Girt, simply stone that hed reshaped and melded into a uniform floor.The home was laid out in a segmented style, and they passed through an archway to enter the kitchen, which looked to have been used barely more often than the sitting roomDoes he eat out most of the time?That would make sense for a kitchen to look so rarely used.Still, despite the disuse, there was a table large enough for them to both comfortably sit at and ready and waiting were two glasses that positively radiated magic.Well, no, the magic is rather contained.-So, they are radiant to your magesight, due to their internal magics?-Yeah, thats true. Tala hesitated in the archway. What is that?Master Girt didnt slow as he answered her question, Magical alcohol. Even those who dont focus on enhancement with their magics reach a point where the mundane stuff might as well be flavored water. For times like these, the real stuff can help.She sat down, feeling rather skeptical. I havent told you why Im here. What do you mean by For times like these?Master Girt smiled softly. I think we both know. Take a sip. You dont need to drink any more if you dont want to. He shrugged then. Or dont. Ill happily drink both.Tala laughed at that, feeling a bit of her tension bleed away, even if not much. She carefully picked up the glass and clinked it against her unit-mates.The clink resonated powerfully through the entire roomTalas three-fold sight even saw some dust vibrate off the art in the sitting roomthe magic of the liquid seemingly amplifying everything relating to it.She took a sip and marveled at the cold heat that slid down her throat.The birth of this content finds its genesis in NvlnEverything about the beverage and what it caused seemed a contradiction.The tiny sip felt like it filled her up, even if just momentarily.Her stomach didnt feel overfilled, more akin to having just finished a perfect meal, and the comfortable feeling of satiation was just one of the sensations brought on by the magical concoction.Her sinuseswhich were never really full given her magics keeping her healthysuddenly felt dry, but not painfully so. It was more akin to breathing in a wonderful breeze off a desert dune.On the other side, her mouth and throat felt wet in the sense of thirst excellently quenched.The previously noted cold heat filled her entire being, bringing with it an enhancement of her sense of touch along with a tingling, as if that sense was being suppressed.Master Grit nodded after taking a sip of his own. Thats some good stuff.Tala nodded as well. It certainly is something.Now. You reached out for a reason. What can I do for you? There was tension clear across his whole body, as if he knew what she would ask and was bracing for it, hoping against hope that he was wrong.She took another sip, gilding herself before failing to meet his eyes as she asked, Your wifeHis hand tightened on his glass in a clearly reflexive reaction, his knuckles whitening momentarily. His voice sounded on the verge of cracking as he feigned nonchalance, Oh?Tala swallowed. How did you cope with her passing? I know the loss I suffered is nothing in comparisonhow could the loss of a mentor compare to that of a soul-bound spouse?but I was hoping to gain some insight if you are willing.Master Girt stared into his glass for a long moment, before throwing his head back and downing the remainder of the contents.Tala took another careful sip, letting the silence stand.Finally, he nodded, almost seeming resigned, I cant say that Im surprised. With the loss you suffered, I honestly expected this conversation sooner. He took in a long breath and sighed. First, I appreciate you acknowledging that the losses are not the same. Truth be told, no two ever are, but it is kind of you to express it as you did.She gave a quick understanding smile and nodded once.Now, let me tell you about my rock, my Stonia.* * *Tala had spent a couple of hours with Master Girt, listening to stories about his wife as well as how he had coped with her passing.That is self-improvement, of course.-Understood So, Anna?-Tala stopped walking, scrunching her face.She smoothed out her features and waved at a random passerby who called out her name excitedly.Thankfully, it didnt turn into anything more than that passing exchange.Unfortunately, that let her mind turn back to Anna.It was awkward looking back on their interactions at the Academy.Tala had been so young in her thinking, so immature in the way that she viewed the world.By the time Anna had noticed her and tried to befriend her, Tala had become set in her loneliness.A popular girl reaching out to her had felt like a setup for mockery. That had actually happened more than once during Talas first year at the Academy, even if the teachers had been less than pleased.Tala hadnt seen Annas actions for the genuine offers that they were in retrospect.Even though I know she would have felt odd while next to me because of my iron, she kept trying for as long as I didnt avoid her.-Yeah, its hard to sit next to someone who switches classes before you even know you shared a section.-YeahTala decided to give Anna a chance.-Ive sent a message to Mistress Vanga.-Thank you, Alat. Lets get back to Kit for the conversation.* * *Tala arrived in Kit to find Anna alone, sitting and watching the scenery.In another part of the sanctum, Master Simon and Mistress Petra were discussing animatedly, clearly in an intense discussion, but nothing about it seemed heated.Tala hesitated, hand on Kits door handle.We need to address this.-Wise choice, Tala. Go face your fears.-Tala opened the door, stepping out to Annas side, but within her line of sight so as to hopefully startle her less.Tala! She stood up with a smile, then hesitated. After what seemed to be a moment of consideration, Anna bowed, Mistress Tala. Thank you for welcoming me into this beautiful place. Thank you for the work you have given my parents, and the place to explore and grow that you gave to my siblings.She laughed softly to herself.I now understand more what Karsa meant. I dont know why she didnt speak about you, but I suppose she had no cause to know that I knew you, and she was trying to establish herself with new friends and all. She looked up, coloring slightly. But, Im blathering. What can I do for you, Mistress?Tala felt her shoulders sink. Anna, IShe grimaced, then called a chair to her and sat down. Anna followed suit, sinking back onto the stone bench shed been seated on.I did not like the Academy. Because of some personal issues, I felt trapped there, and just wanted to get out and on to a better life.Anna nodded, Well, you did that.Tala smiled. So I did. Its been a bit of a rough ride, but I did, yes. She waved dismissively, then. Regardless, I projected some of that onto everyone there. I really didnt want to get to know anyone, or do more than I had to.Anna shrugged. Everyone goes through stuff. It happens.How do you do that?Do what?Just take it in stride?Well, its not like we were really close and you pulled away. You werent mean to me or anyone really. You were lonely. I wanted to help, but you didnt want help. She smiled again. Seems that you didnt really need it.Tala grunted at that. I might have been better off if Id gotten it.If ifs were whiffs, wed all have passed out from the smell long ago.She blinked at the younger girl a few times before chuckling. That is quite the phrase.Isnt it, though? Anna smiled widely. ITerry flickered into place on the bench beside her, regarding her quizzically.Oh! Who might you be, handsome little bird?Terry chirped at her, and Tala almost said something, but she trusted Terry.Anna reached out, grabbing either side of Terry, holding his vestigial wings tucked at his sides. Aren't you just the cutest little predator?Then, to Talas horror, Anna flipped Terry over, putting him on his back with his legs in the air, and started scratching his neck and belly.Terry gave some weak trills of alarm, but calmed down as she carefully scratched his feathers, clearly mindful of not bending them or pulling at them painfully.Tala cleared her throat. Thats Terry. Hes my friend, my partner.Anna turned to regard her with one eyebrow raised. Your friend, do you say? Then he must be a fierce beast to say the least.He squawked his assent, one leg lazily drooping to the side.Tala smiled. He is that. But, she was avoiding what shed been trying to say. What I was getting at was: I apologize, Anna. I dont know how good of friends we would have been, but I wish that I had tried.Anna smiled back at her, stopping the scratches for a moment. There is nothing to apologize for. It wasnt the right time, then. It might be now. Her smile grew. Well never know unless we try.Terry flickered away, on his feet again, and watching Anna warily.Oh! Do you want more scratches, Terry?He squawked at her, ruffling his feathers a bit, then flickered away.Im here if you change your mind!Tala felt herself smiling.It seems that Annas almost aggressive kindness could even overwhelm Terry.Shall I get your parents? We have a lot to discuss.Oh, yes! I have a wonderful idea that I want to propose to you all.Why do I feel concerned?-Because youre capable of making logical connections.-Thats what I was afraid of
