Chapter 43: Unexpected Results
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Chapter 43: Unexpected Results
After Tala had summoned her knife from across the room, her surprise gave her a moment to pause.
While examining the knife in her hand more closely, she, again, noticed the berry stains, and that had reminded her of the horror her face must be to behold.
She stepped into the bath room, and used the gloriously running hot water to scrub the stains from her face and hands. Thankfully, the inn had provided a bar of soap that seemed to be quite effective against the berry juice, removing it completely from her face.
Her hands, unfortunately, were rendered only mostly clean, even after shed peeled the glue from her palms, and the pads of her fingers.
Good enough. Then, as she looked at herself in the mirror, her eyes went wide. My iron salve should have helped prevent the juice from staining my skin.
She frantically pulled out her magic detector and pointed it at her face. A soft glow emanated from the device.
Rust me to slag. She moved the short stick across herself, finding only a few, but still too many, places where her iron salve had been breached.
It was never a full breach, stars be praised, nor was it more than a small portion of her overall skin, but it was a shocking thing, regardless.
She stripped down, reglued her palms and finger-pads, and worked to re-apply her iron salve, going so far as to thicken it wherever she felt that was reasonable.
I was being careful. I thought I was monitoring my internal magic. Even still, the ending-trees would have gotten her, if she hadnt already eaten so many of their berries. They would have at least hit, and been a colossal drain on my defenses. She likely would have noticed that Would that have been enough warning? She didnt know.
Tala sat on the floor, her hands glue free and fully dressed once more. She panned the magic-detector across herself. Nothing.
Her hands were shaking as she swept the device about herself, once more. Still nothing.
She shivered. Im pushing my luck too far. She didnt even know how the ending-trees power had degraded her iron protection, she just knew that it had.
That also explained why shed earlier felt several hitches in the well of ending power she held within herself. The trees got through. She couldnt see any part of her inscriptions activated, nor had she felt any power flow into them. Thus, she concluded that, as shed hoped, the ending-berries within her had shielded her from the trees magic quite well.
Even so, it had been a bit of a foolish risk. I should have been monitoring more closely. I should have been more careful.
She stored the empowered construct and placed her face in her hands, her elbows resting on her knees. Get it together, Tala. Youre alive. Youve learned. You can avoid this, tomorrow.
She nodded to herself slowly regaining control over her nerves. Tomorrow, she would be diligent, using the magic detector and iron salve more than she thought reasonable. Better to be safe. Better to not risk a breach. She took a deep breath and gave a shaky smile. Live and learn. Right?
She shook her head. Ok. I dont have a lot of time left.
She stood, letting out a large, puffing exhale.
Tala left her room, examining her sheathed knife to keep her mind focused on the present.
The movement wasnt a function of magic within the knife. I didnt activate some inscribed or empowered ability inherent to the weapon, itself.
With her new use of mage-sight, allowing her to look within and target specific muscles, she was getting used to the feeling of using muscles that were usually ignored.
The mild strain she felt was almost identical to the feeling those neglected parts of her gave when worked. This specific instance, however, didnt seem to have a physical source. Whats more, it felt more real. It was as if all other movements were through a tool, shed been picking at the world with pliers, and now, for the first time, she had touched something with her own flesh. It wasnt a perfect analogy, as she was referring to her body both with, and within, the analogy.
She grimaced. Why did her own body feel like a tool, in comparison?
Grediv said the star would help me stretch my soulAm I feeling my soul? Its more real than my body, more me. And its tired? That had some disturbing implications. Could she strain or tear her own soul? Her mind was at war with itself. One part of her wanted to tuck the knife in her pouch and never touch it again, leaving her soul in its previous, blissful state. The other wanted her to disregard all else and come up with a training regime for this newly accessed part of herself so that it could never be harmed, strained, or torn.
If I could trust in a simple life, Id go with the first option. Sadly, she knew that wasnt a possibility. There is only safety in strength, either your own or that of others. She would prefer to be safe in her own strength.
Soul training it is! Even so, she decided to wait until the current, exhausted feeling faded. No need to start on a bad foot. It should be recovered by tomorrow, right?
As shed been musing, shed returned to the market, where the barrel seller greeted her, inquiring about the items shed purchased the day before.
She complimented him on them, and they talked briefly about how to tap the keg, when the time came, and how to keep it in good function until then. He also informed her that, if she was careful, she could reopen the keg, but probably not without needing a new head. A head was apparently the proper name for the lid. Who knew?
Finally, Tala bought four more kegs, along with heads for after theyd been filled, and a tap that could be hammered into any of the kegs to access what was stored within, assuming it was mostly liquid, that is.
As shed thought about it, she realized that the berries were still mostly intact, and likely wouldnt flow smoothly, so shed bought an additional couple of heads, so if she had to break open the keg as hed directed, she could at least put a lid back in place after.
She negotiated him to two silver ounces for the lot and completed the transaction on the merchants slate.
Thankfully, dimensional storage was common enough that he didnt give her pouch more than a passing glance as she slipped each of the items inside. Ill need to go in and organize, back in my room.
She bid him a farewell and headed back to the inn. As she walked, she felt her lower abdomen gurgling a bit. She wasnt hungry, yet, and the feeling was a bit uncomfortable. Huh. Did I catch something? Something I ate? Shed only really eaten the ending-berries, and a bit of trail food. Maybe, it wasnt the best idea to eat so many
Back in her room, she opened the pouch as wide as it could go and took a moment to examine what she saw. This is a wider opening than last time. Where, before, shed had to squeeze her shoulders in, compressing her chest and tucking her elbows to her side to drop through, and then shimmy quite aggressively to get back out, now the pouch seemed to have opened to a size through which she could climb down without scraping the sides, if only just.
Make no mistake, it still wasnt roomy, and a full-grown man would have been hilarious to watch in any attempt to fit, but it would suit her, perfectly. Thank you, I think?
The bag did not respond.
She climbed down through the hole, using the rungs of the ladder still in place within the dimensional storage.
The feeling of a comfortable embrace returned as she descended the ladder, stepping down off the last rung with ease. Feet now firmly on the soft yet solid floor, she looked around, a frown on her face.
Three things immediately jumped out to her.
Firstly, though there was no obvious source of light, she could easily see. I wonder if a plant could grow in this space.
Secondly, there wasnt a pile of kegs, lids, and other items at the base of the ladder as shed expected. Instead, there was a rack on one wall, that appeared to be perfectly sized to hold each of the five kegs individually. A small shelf made out of the same nondescript, nonspecific material as the walls, also held the extra lids. Her tools, likewise, were hanging on a different wall, each seeming to have a custom place to rest.
Thirdly, the space seemed larger than before.
There is no way this is standard. Artia would never have sold you if shed known you could do this.
The comforting feeling of the space didnt alter.
Or are all dimensional storage artifacts capable of this? Maybe if they are owned, instead of rented out? Does my knowledge that Im keeping you influence what happens? Or maybe they just need to be given sufficient power and interaction? Talas frown deepened. I didnt think I gave you that much power, but I suppose a day outside the walls would have helped She found herself nodding. If dimensional storages are mostly used within the city, then most would effectively be magic starved. She felt a bit of sadness, as she looked around herself. Were you just really hungry?
The comforting sense might have intensified, just slightly. Probably just her imagination, though.
Tala sighed. Very well. Thank you, seamstress. These are wonderful.
Of course, they are. I made them. The seamstress smiled in self-satisfaction.
Tala felt her lips tug up in a half-smile, despite herself.
NowNow, you look how you should. A woman like you should be naked, but youd cause a riot.
Tala had been taking a long, slow breath through her nose, but when she heard the seamstress, her breath caught, and she practically choked. What?
You heard me, dear. Dont act daft. The seamstress was walking around her, inspecting the results of her handiwork. Clothing is like manners, armor for those who couldnt function in society without them.
Is that why youve no manners? Because you believe that youre good enough to not need them?
The woman grinned. And why I wear clothes, my dear. Now. Are you satisfied?
Tala found herself nodding.
Good. Id like you to have ten sets. Two more like this one, for everyday use when youre in a city, but youre a traveler, so five should be a bit more utilitarian, more leather, more durable. I wish I had some arcane skins for that. She clucked her tongue in thought. Ill make the last two for more formal occasions. She tsked to herself, while cupping her own chin. Not as form fitting for those outfits, though. Youre not a prostitute.
You just told me that I should go around naked.
A cake sitting on a counter is beautiful to behold, and there is no need for every guest in your home to touch it. Put that same cake in a fancy box, and tie a ribbon on it? Then, its just begging to be unwrapped.
Tala found herself quietly laughing, again. This woman is crazy. So, how much would this cost me?
For twenty items of clothing?
Eighteen But Tala thought better of interjecting.
I think a gold ounce will do nicely.
Tala spluttered out. A gold ounce! Thats five silvers a piece! You think each article of clothing is worth the same as a nights stay, here? She gestured around herself.
The seamstress returned her gaze with a flat calm. Yes, dear. And so do you. After a brief pause, she made a shooing motion. Go look in the mirror, again. Im not going to haggle with you. Ill wait out here for you to come to your senses.
Tala went back into the bath room but didnt close the door. She did take some time examining herself in the mirrors hanging therein. These do look amazingTen full sets of clothing would be nice. If the traveling clothes have a lot of leather, I can work in the iron salve, and that should give them added durability, at least against magic.
She sighed. Shes right. For ten full outfits of this quality, its a deal.
She walked back out to find the seamstress sitting in the reading chair, flipping through what looked like a notebook, occasionally jotting within it. Well? The woman didnt look up.
Two questions.
She sighed, closing her book and tucking it away. On with it, then.
If I bought fewer sets, would the price go up for the remaining?
Of course, it would. What kind of idiot question is that?
Tala nodded. And when could you have them done by?
The seamstress eyed her, seeming to sense a trap. My underlings could have these done by tomorrow evening, earlier if needed, but the Matron told me youre here through the following morning. Do you need one in particular earlier?
Tala shook her head and smiled. Thank you for the answers. This is the deal: I want twenty outfits, the style and function of them in the ratios you described. I will pay you one and a half gold ounces. I do need the work done by tomorrow evening,
The old woman stood, opening her mouth to object, but Tala continued.
And I will know your name. Tala had pulled upon all her memories of haughty Mages for her tone and bearing while speaking her terms, and she realized that, in the outfit, she felt more like an actual Mage. Rust her, shes good at what she does
The seamstress closed her mouth, eyeing Tala for a moment before grinning. You think yourself quite clever, eh? She nodded to herself. Fifteen outfits, one and a half gold, and you may call me: Merilin.
Merilin. Tala nodded. Fifteen outfits for one and a half gold isnt a better deal.
I did tell you that I wouldnt haggle. If you want to buy more, though, I wont stop you.
You said that buying less would cost more per item.
Thats true.
So, buying more should cost less for each item.
Except, Ill have to get the work done in the same amount of time. Doing fifteen sets of clothing by morning, day after tomorrow, will be hard enough without taking from my meager profits.
Tala frowned. Im not going to move her on this, am I. She sighed. And she moved the time of delivery back Very well, Madam Merilin. We are agreed.
Merilin nodded her head in acknowledgement. I will see you in the morning, the day of your departure. Ill have your clothing, then. She pointed at Tala. Do try not to destroy that outfit.
Tala quirked a smile. All fifteen other sets. Ill be ready to pay you, then.
Merilin hesitated, then snorted out a laugh. As you say, Mistress Tala. Good evening to you.
And to you, Madam Merilin.
The seamstress left without another word, and Tala slumped down in the reading chair. By the heavens, Im glad Artia wasnt so stubborn, or Id have nothing left to my name.
She supposed that Merilins age, and obvious familiarity with Mages, had both been advantages that Artia didnt possess.
Tala glanced out of her open windows and saw that it was getting quite late. Her stomach was still a bit off kilter, but she needed to eat, and shed promised to join Artia, Adrill, and Brand in Artias home tonight.
Off to dinner, then.
She checked herself one last time and found that she was pleased. Merilin was right; this is much better.
She verified that she had all her possessions with her. Her knife and pouch were securely in place on her belt, counterbalancing each other. That final check complete, she headed out the door, back towards the marketplace and dinner.
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Chapter 43: Unexpected Results
After Tala had summoned her knife from across the room, her surprise gave her a moment to pause.
While examining the knife in her hand more closely, she, again, noticed the berry stains, and that had reminded her of the horror her face must be to behold.
She stepped into the bath room, and used the gloriously running hot water to scrub the stains from her face and hands. Thankfully, the inn had provided a bar of soap that seemed to be quite effective against the berry juice, removing it completely from her face.
Her hands, unfortunately, were rendered only mostly clean, even after shed peeled the glue from her palms, and the pads of her fingers.
Good enough. Then, as she looked at herself in the mirror, her eyes went wide. My iron salve should have helped prevent the juice from staining my skin.
She frantically pulled out her magic detector and pointed it at her face. A soft glow emanated from the device.
Rust me to slag. She moved the short stick across herself, finding only a few, but still too many, places where her iron salve had been breached.
It was never a full breach, stars be praised, nor was it more than a small portion of her overall skin, but it was a shocking thing, regardless.
She stripped down, reglued her palms and finger-pads, and worked to re-apply her iron salve, going so far as to thicken it wherever she felt that was reasonable.
I was being careful. I thought I was monitoring my internal magic. Even still, the ending-trees would have gotten her, if she hadnt already eaten so many of their berries. They would have at least hit, and been a colossal drain on my defenses. She likely would have noticed that Would that have been enough warning? She didnt know.
Tala sat on the floor, her hands glue free and fully dressed once more. She panned the magic-detector across herself. Nothing.
Her hands were shaking as she swept the device about herself, once more. Still nothing.
She shivered. Im pushing my luck too far. She didnt even know how the ending-trees power had degraded her iron protection, she just knew that it had.
That also explained why shed earlier felt several hitches in the well of ending power she held within herself. The trees got through. She couldnt see any part of her inscriptions activated, nor had she felt any power flow into them. Thus, she concluded that, as shed hoped, the ending-berries within her had shielded her from the trees magic quite well.
Even so, it had been a bit of a foolish risk. I should have been monitoring more closely. I should have been more careful.
She stored the empowered construct and placed her face in her hands, her elbows resting on her knees. Get it together, Tala. Youre alive. Youve learned. You can avoid this, tomorrow.
She nodded to herself slowly regaining control over her nerves. Tomorrow, she would be diligent, using the magic detector and iron salve more than she thought reasonable. Better to be safe. Better to not risk a breach. She took a deep breath and gave a shaky smile. Live and learn. Right?
She shook her head. Ok. I dont have a lot of time left.
She stood, letting out a large, puffing exhale.
Tala left her room, examining her sheathed knife to keep her mind focused on the present.
The movement wasnt a function of magic within the knife. I didnt activate some inscribed or empowered ability inherent to the weapon, itself.
With her new use of mage-sight, allowing her to look within and target specific muscles, she was getting used to the feeling of using muscles that were usually ignored.
The mild strain she felt was almost identical to the feeling those neglected parts of her gave when worked. This specific instance, however, didnt seem to have a physical source. Whats more, it felt more real. It was as if all other movements were through a tool, shed been picking at the world with pliers, and now, for the first time, she had touched something with her own flesh. It wasnt a perfect analogy, as she was referring to her body both with, and within, the analogy.
She grimaced. Why did her own body feel like a tool, in comparison?
Grediv said the star would help me stretch my soulAm I feeling my soul? Its more real than my body, more me. And its tired? That had some disturbing implications. Could she strain or tear her own soul? Her mind was at war with itself. One part of her wanted to tuck the knife in her pouch and never touch it again, leaving her soul in its previous, blissful state. The other wanted her to disregard all else and come up with a training regime for this newly accessed part of herself so that it could never be harmed, strained, or torn.
If I could trust in a simple life, Id go with the first option. Sadly, she knew that wasnt a possibility. There is only safety in strength, either your own or that of others. She would prefer to be safe in her own strength.
Soul training it is! Even so, she decided to wait until the current, exhausted feeling faded. No need to start on a bad foot. It should be recovered by tomorrow, right?
As shed been musing, shed returned to the market, where the barrel seller greeted her, inquiring about the items shed purchased the day before.
She complimented him on them, and they talked briefly about how to tap the keg, when the time came, and how to keep it in good function until then. He also informed her that, if she was careful, she could reopen the keg, but probably not without needing a new head. A head was apparently the proper name for the lid. Who knew?
Finally, Tala bought four more kegs, along with heads for after theyd been filled, and a tap that could be hammered into any of the kegs to access what was stored within, assuming it was mostly liquid, that is.
As shed thought about it, she realized that the berries were still mostly intact, and likely wouldnt flow smoothly, so shed bought an additional couple of heads, so if she had to break open the keg as hed directed, she could at least put a lid back in place after.
She negotiated him to two silver ounces for the lot and completed the transaction on the merchants slate.
Thankfully, dimensional storage was common enough that he didnt give her pouch more than a passing glance as she slipped each of the items inside. Ill need to go in and organize, back in my room.
She bid him a farewell and headed back to the inn. As she walked, she felt her lower abdomen gurgling a bit. She wasnt hungry, yet, and the feeling was a bit uncomfortable. Huh. Did I catch something? Something I ate? Shed only really eaten the ending-berries, and a bit of trail food. Maybe, it wasnt the best idea to eat so many
Back in her room, she opened the pouch as wide as it could go and took a moment to examine what she saw. This is a wider opening than last time. Where, before, shed had to squeeze her shoulders in, compressing her chest and tucking her elbows to her side to drop through, and then shimmy quite aggressively to get back out, now the pouch seemed to have opened to a size through which she could climb down without scraping the sides, if only just.
Make no mistake, it still wasnt roomy, and a full-grown man would have been hilarious to watch in any attempt to fit, but it would suit her, perfectly. Thank you, I think?
The bag did not respond.
She climbed down through the hole, using the rungs of the ladder still in place within the dimensional storage.
The feeling of a comfortable embrace returned as she descended the ladder, stepping down off the last rung with ease. Feet now firmly on the soft yet solid floor, she looked around, a frown on her face.
Three things immediately jumped out to her.
Firstly, though there was no obvious source of light, she could easily see. I wonder if a plant could grow in this space.
Secondly, there wasnt a pile of kegs, lids, and other items at the base of the ladder as shed expected. Instead, there was a rack on one wall, that appeared to be perfectly sized to hold each of the five kegs individually. A small shelf made out of the same nondescript, nonspecific material as the walls, also held the extra lids. Her tools, likewise, were hanging on a different wall, each seeming to have a custom place to rest.
Thirdly, the space seemed larger than before.
There is no way this is standard. Artia would never have sold you if shed known you could do this.
The comforting feeling of the space didnt alter.
Or are all dimensional storage artifacts capable of this? Maybe if they are owned, instead of rented out? Does my knowledge that Im keeping you influence what happens? Or maybe they just need to be given sufficient power and interaction? Talas frown deepened. I didnt think I gave you that much power, but I suppose a day outside the walls would have helped She found herself nodding. If dimensional storages are mostly used within the city, then most would effectively be magic starved. She felt a bit of sadness, as she looked around herself. Were you just really hungry?
The comforting sense might have intensified, just slightly. Probably just her imagination, though.
Tala sighed. Very well. Thank you, seamstress. These are wonderful.
Of course, they are. I made them. The seamstress smiled in self-satisfaction.
Tala felt her lips tug up in a half-smile, despite herself.
NowNow, you look how you should. A woman like you should be naked, but youd cause a riot.
Tala had been taking a long, slow breath through her nose, but when she heard the seamstress, her breath caught, and she practically choked. What?
You heard me, dear. Dont act daft. The seamstress was walking around her, inspecting the results of her handiwork. Clothing is like manners, armor for those who couldnt function in society without them.
Is that why youve no manners? Because you believe that youre good enough to not need them?
The woman grinned. And why I wear clothes, my dear. Now. Are you satisfied?
Tala found herself nodding.
Good. Id like you to have ten sets. Two more like this one, for everyday use when youre in a city, but youre a traveler, so five should be a bit more utilitarian, more leather, more durable. I wish I had some arcane skins for that. She clucked her tongue in thought. Ill make the last two for more formal occasions. She tsked to herself, while cupping her own chin. Not as form fitting for those outfits, though. Youre not a prostitute.
You just told me that I should go around naked.
A cake sitting on a counter is beautiful to behold, and there is no need for every guest in your home to touch it. Put that same cake in a fancy box, and tie a ribbon on it? Then, its just begging to be unwrapped.
Tala found herself quietly laughing, again. This woman is crazy. So, how much would this cost me?
For twenty items of clothing?
Eighteen But Tala thought better of interjecting.
I think a gold ounce will do nicely.
Tala spluttered out. A gold ounce! Thats five silvers a piece! You think each article of clothing is worth the same as a nights stay, here? She gestured around herself.
The seamstress returned her gaze with a flat calm. Yes, dear. And so do you. After a brief pause, she made a shooing motion. Go look in the mirror, again. Im not going to haggle with you. Ill wait out here for you to come to your senses.
Tala went back into the bath room but didnt close the door. She did take some time examining herself in the mirrors hanging therein. These do look amazingTen full sets of clothing would be nice. If the traveling clothes have a lot of leather, I can work in the iron salve, and that should give them added durability, at least against magic.
She sighed. Shes right. For ten full outfits of this quality, its a deal.
She walked back out to find the seamstress sitting in the reading chair, flipping through what looked like a notebook, occasionally jotting within it. Well? The woman didnt look up.
Two questions.
She sighed, closing her book and tucking it away. On with it, then.
If I bought fewer sets, would the price go up for the remaining?
Of course, it would. What kind of idiot question is that?
Tala nodded. And when could you have them done by?
The seamstress eyed her, seeming to sense a trap. My underlings could have these done by tomorrow evening, earlier if needed, but the Matron told me youre here through the following morning. Do you need one in particular earlier?
Tala shook her head and smiled. Thank you for the answers. This is the deal: I want twenty outfits, the style and function of them in the ratios you described. I will pay you one and a half gold ounces. I do need the work done by tomorrow evening,
The old woman stood, opening her mouth to object, but Tala continued.
And I will know your name. Tala had pulled upon all her memories of haughty Mages for her tone and bearing while speaking her terms, and she realized that, in the outfit, she felt more like an actual Mage. Rust her, shes good at what she does
The seamstress closed her mouth, eyeing Tala for a moment before grinning. You think yourself quite clever, eh? She nodded to herself. Fifteen outfits, one and a half gold, and you may call me: Merilin.
Merilin. Tala nodded. Fifteen outfits for one and a half gold isnt a better deal.
I did tell you that I wouldnt haggle. If you want to buy more, though, I wont stop you.
You said that buying less would cost more per item.
Thats true.
So, buying more should cost less for each item.
Except, Ill have to get the work done in the same amount of time. Doing fifteen sets of clothing by morning, day after tomorrow, will be hard enough without taking from my meager profits.
Tala frowned. Im not going to move her on this, am I. She sighed. And she moved the time of delivery back Very well, Madam Merilin. We are agreed.
Merilin nodded her head in acknowledgement. I will see you in the morning, the day of your departure. Ill have your clothing, then. She pointed at Tala. Do try not to destroy that outfit.
Tala quirked a smile. All fifteen other sets. Ill be ready to pay you, then.
Merilin hesitated, then snorted out a laugh. As you say, Mistress Tala. Good evening to you.
And to you, Madam Merilin.
The seamstress left without another word, and Tala slumped down in the reading chair. By the heavens, Im glad Artia wasnt so stubborn, or Id have nothing left to my name.
She supposed that Merilins age, and obvious familiarity with Mages, had both been advantages that Artia didnt possess.
Tala glanced out of her open windows and saw that it was getting quite late. Her stomach was still a bit off kilter, but she needed to eat, and shed promised to join Artia, Adrill, and Brand in Artias home tonight.
Off to dinner, then.
She checked herself one last time and found that she was pleased. Merilin was right; this is much better.
She verified that she had all her possessions with her. Her knife and pouch were securely in place on her belt, counterbalancing each other. That final check complete, she headed out the door, back towards the marketplace and dinner.
Chapter 43: Unexpected ResultsAfter Tala had summoned her knife from across the room, her surprise gave her a moment to pause.While examining the knife in her hand more closely, she, again, noticed the berry stains, and that had reminded her of the horror her face must be to behold.She stepped into the bath room, and used the gloriously running hot water to scrub the stains from her face and hands. Thankfully, the inn had provided a bar of soap that seemed to be quite effective against the berry juice, removing it completely from her face.Her hands, unfortunately, were rendered only mostly clean, even after shed peeled the glue from her palms, and the pads of her fingers.Good enough. Then, as she looked at herself in the mirror, her eyes went wide. My iron salve should have helped prevent the juice from staining my skin.She frantically pulled out her magic detector and pointed it at her face. A soft glow emanated from the device.Rust me to slag. She moved the short stick across herself, finding only a few, but still too many, places where her iron salve had been breached.It was never a full breach, stars be praised, nor was it more than a small portion of her overall skin, but it was a shocking thing, regardless.She stripped down, reglued her palms and finger-pads, and worked to re-apply her iron salve, going so far as to thicken it wherever she felt that was reasonable. I was being careful. I thought I was monitoring my internal magic. Even still, the ending-trees would have gotten her, if she hadnt already eaten so many of their berries. They would have at least hit, and been a colossal drain on my defenses. She likely would have noticed that Would that have been enough warning? She didnt know.Tala sat on the floor, her hands glue free and fully dressed once more. She panned the magic-detector across herself. Nothing.Her hands were shaking as she swept the device about herself, once more. Still nothing.She shivered. Im pushing my luck too far. She didnt even know how the ending-trees power had degraded her iron protection, she just knew that it had.That also explained why shed earlier felt several hitches in the well of ending power she held within herself. The trees got through. She couldnt see any part of her inscriptions activated, nor had she felt any power flow into them. Thus, she concluded that, as shed hoped, the ending-berries within her had shielded her from the trees magic quite well.Even so, it had been a bit of a foolish risk. I should have been monitoring more closely. I should have been more careful.She stored the empowered construct and placed her face in her hands, her elbows resting on her knees. Get it together, Tala. Youre alive. Youve learned. You can avoid this, tomorrow.She nodded to herself slowly regaining control over her nerves. Tomorrow, she would be diligent, using the magic detector and iron salve more than she thought reasonable. Better to be safe. Better to not risk a breach. She took a deep breath and gave a shaky smile. Live and learn. Right?She shook her head. Ok. I dont have a lot of time left.She stood, letting out a large, puffing exhale.Tala left her room, examining her sheathed knife to keep her mind focused on the present.The movement wasnt a function of magic within the knife. I didnt activate some inscribed or empowered ability inherent to the weapon, itself.With her new use of mage-sight, allowing her to look within and target specific muscles, she was getting used to the feeling of using muscles that were usually ignored.The mild strain she felt was almost identical to the feeling those neglected parts of her gave when worked. This specific instance, however, didnt seem to have a physical source. Whats more, it felt more real. It was as if all other movements were through a tool, shed been picking at the world with pliers, and now, for the first time, she had touched something with her own flesh. It wasnt a perfect analogy, as she was referring to her body both with, and within, the analogy.She grimaced. Why did her own body feel like a tool, in comparison?Grediv said the star would help me stretch my soulAm I feeling my soul? Its more real than my body, more me. And its tired? That had some disturbing implications. Could she strain or tear her own soul? Her mind was at war with itself. One part of her wanted to tuck the knife in her pouch and never touch it again, leaving her soul in its previous, blissful state. The other wanted her to disregard all else and come up with a training regime for this newly accessed part of herself so that it could never be harmed, strained, or torn.If I could trust in a simple life, Id go with the first option. Sadly, she knew that wasnt a possibility. There is only safety in strength, either your own or that of others. She would prefer to be safe in her own strength.Soul training it is! Even so, she decided to wait until the current, exhausted feeling faded. No need to start on a bad foot. It should be recovered by tomorrow, right?As shed been musing, shed returned to the market, where the barrel seller greeted her, inquiring about the items shed purchased the day before.She complimented him on them, and they talked briefly about how to tap the keg, when the time came, and how to keep it in good function until then. He also informed her that, if she was careful, she could reopen the keg, but probably not without needing a new head. A head was apparently the proper name for the lid. Who knew?Finally, Tala bought four more kegs, along with heads for after theyd been filled, and a tap that could be hammered into any of the kegs to access what was stored within, assuming it was mostly liquid, that is.As shed thought about it, she realized that the berries were still mostly intact, and likely wouldnt flow smoothly, so shed bought an additional couple of heads, so if she had to break open the keg as hed directed, she could at least put a lid back in place after.She negotiated him to two silver ounces for the lot and completed the transaction on the merchants slate.Thankfully, dimensional storage was common enough that he didnt give her pouch more than a passing glance as she slipped each of the items inside. Ill need to go in and organize, back in my room.She bid him a farewell and headed back to the inn. As she walked, she felt her lower abdomen gurgling a bit. She wasnt hungry, yet, and the feeling was a bit uncomfortable. Huh. Did I catch something? Something I ate? Shed only really eaten the ending-berries, and a bit of trail food. Maybe, it wasnt the best idea to eat so manyBack in her room, she opened the pouch as wide as it could go and took a moment to examine what she saw. This is a wider opening than last time. Where, before, shed had to squeeze her shoulders in, compressing her chest and tucking her elbows to her side to drop through, and then shimmy quite aggressively to get back out, now the pouch seemed to have opened to a size through which she could climb down without scraping the sides, if only just.Make no mistake, it still wasnt roomy, and a full-grown man would have been hilarious to watch in any attempt to fit, but it would suit her, perfectly. Thank you, I think?The bag did not respond.She climbed down through the hole, using the rungs of the ladder still in place within the dimensional storage.The feeling of a comfortable embrace returned as she descended the ladder, stepping down off the last rung with ease. Feet now firmly on the soft yet solid floor, she looked around, a frown on her face.Three things immediately jumped out to her.Firstly, though there was no obvious source of light, she could easily see. I wonder if a plant could grow in this space.Secondly, there wasnt a pile of kegs, lids, and other items at the base of the ladder as shed expected. Instead, there was a rack on one wall, that appeared to be perfectly sized to hold each of the five kegs individually. A small shelf made out of the same nondescript, nonspecific material as the walls, also held the extra lids. Her tools, likewise, were hanging on a different wall, each seeming to have a custom place to rest.Thirdly, the space seemed larger than before.There is no way this is standard. Artia would never have sold you if shed known you could do this.The comforting feeling of the space didnt alter.Or are all dimensional storage artifacts capable of this? Maybe if they are owned, instead of rented out? Does my knowledge that Im keeping you influence what happens? Or maybe they just need to be given sufficient power and interaction? Talas frown deepened. I didnt think I gave you that much power, but I suppose a day outside the walls would have helped She found herself nodding. If dimensional storages are mostly used within the city, then most would effectively be magic starved. She felt a bit of sadness, as she looked around herself. Were you just really hungry?The comforting sense might have intensified, just slightly. Probably just her imagination, though.Tala sighed. Very well. Thank you, seamstress. These are wonderful.Of course, they are. I made them. The seamstress smiled in self-satisfaction.Tala felt her lips tug up in a half-smile, despite herself.NowNow, you look how you should. A woman like you should be naked, but youd cause a riot.Tala had been taking a long, slow breath through her nose, but when she heard the seamstress, her breath caught, and she practically choked. What?You heard me, dear. Dont act daft. The seamstress was walking around her, inspecting the results of her handiwork. Clothing is like manners, armor for those who couldnt function in society without them.Is that why youve no manners? Because you believe that youre good enough to not need them?The woman grinned. And why I wear clothes, my dear. Now. Are you satisfied?Tala found herself nodding.Good. Id like you to have ten sets. Two more like this one, for everyday use when youre in a city, but youre a traveler, so five should be a bit more utilitarian, more leather, more durable. I wish I had some arcane skins for that. She clucked her tongue in thought. Ill make the last two for more formal occasions. She tsked to herself, while cupping her own chin. Not as form fitting for those outfits, though. Youre not a prostitute.You just told me that I should go around naked.A cake sitting on a counter is beautiful to behold, and there is no need for every guest in your home to touch it. Put that same cake in a fancy box, and tie a ribbon on it? Then, its just begging to be unwrapped.Tala found herself quietly laughing, again. This woman is crazy. So, how much would this cost me?For twenty items of clothing?Eighteen But Tala thought better of interjecting.I think a gold ounce will do nicely.Tala spluttered out. A gold ounce! Thats five silvers a piece! You think each article of clothing is worth the same as a nights stay, here? She gestured around herself.The seamstress returned her gaze with a flat calm. Yes, dear. And so do you. After a brief pause, she made a shooing motion. Go look in the mirror, again. Im not going to haggle with you. Ill wait out here for you to come to your senses.Tala went back into the bath room but didnt close the door. She did take some time examining herself in the mirrors hanging therein. These do look amazingTen full sets of clothing would be nice. If the traveling clothes have a lot of leather, I can work in the iron salve, and that should give them added durability, at least against magic.She sighed. Shes right. For ten full outfits of this quality, its a deal.She walked back out to find the seamstress sitting in the reading chair, flipping through what looked like a notebook, occasionally jotting within it. Well? The woman didnt look up.Two questions.She sighed, closing her book and tucking it away. On with it, then.If I bought fewer sets, would the price go up for the remaining?Of course, it would. What kind of idiot question is that?Tala nodded. And when could you have them done by?The seamstress eyed her, seeming to sense a trap. My underlings could have these done by tomorrow evening, earlier if needed, but the Matron told me youre here through the following morning. Do you need one in particular earlier?Tala shook her head and smiled. Thank you for the answers. This is the deal: I want twenty outfits, the style and function of them in the ratios you described. I will pay you one and a half gold ounces. I do need the work done by tomorrow evening,The old woman stood, opening her mouth to object, but Tala continued.And I will know your name. Tala had pulled upon all her memories of haughty Mages for her tone and bearing while speaking her terms, and she realized that, in the outfit, she felt more like an actual Mage. Rust her, shes good at what she doesThe seamstress closed her mouth, eyeing Tala for a moment before grinning. You think yourself quite clever, eh? She nodded to herself. Fifteen outfits, one and a half gold, and you may call me: Merilin.Merilin. Tala nodded. Fifteen outfits for one and a half gold isnt a better deal.I did tell you that I wouldnt haggle. If you want to buy more, though, I wont stop you.You said that buying less would cost more per item.Thats true.So, buying more should cost less for each item.Except, Ill have to get the work done in the same amount of time. Doing fifteen sets of clothing by morning, day after tomorrow, will be hard enough without taking from my meager profits.Tala frowned. Im not going to move her on this, am I. She sighed. And she moved the time of delivery back Very well, Madam Merilin. We are agreed.Merilin nodded her head in acknowledgement. I will see you in the morning, the day of your departure. Ill have your clothing, then. She pointed at Tala. Do try not to destroy that outfit.Tala quirked a smile. All fifteen other sets. Ill be ready to pay you, then.Merilin hesitated, then snorted out a laugh. As you say, Mistress Tala. Good evening to you.And to you, Madam Merilin.The seamstress left without another word, and Tala slumped down in the reading chair. By the heavens, Im glad Artia wasnt so stubborn, or Id have nothing left to my name.She supposed that Merilins age, and obvious familiarity with Mages, had both been advantages that Artia didnt possess.Tala glanced out of her open windows and saw that it was getting quite late. Her stomach was still a bit off kilter, but she needed to eat, and shed promised to join Artia, Adrill, and Brand in Artias home tonight.Off to dinner, then.She checked herself one last time and found that she was pleased. Merilin was right; this is much better.She verified that she had all her possessions with her. Her knife and pouch were securely in place on her belt, counterbalancing each other. That final check complete, she headed out the door, back towards the marketplace and dinner.
