Chapter 5: A Day of Preparation
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Chapter 5: A Day of Preparation
Tala and Ashin approached the counter of a small restaurant, tucked a little back from the main thoroughfares. It was a busy place, doing a brisk business with customers ranging from clerks and errand boys to what looked to be a few Mages.
Tala stepped up first, when they reached the front of the line. Ill take a sausage pasty. And whatever he wants.
Ummm No. I cannot possibly let you pay for me.
Why?
Because youre a Mage!
And youre acting as my guide. Order.
No.
Guardsman Ashin, I caused you to miss breakfast, and it is easily time for lunch. Let me buy you food.
He looked away, seeming uncomfortable, but he didnt answer.
Are you defying the will of a Mage? She had a twinkle in her eye as she asked that, but either he didnt notice, or he took it for malevolence.
He swallowed visibly, then turned to the bemused clerk. Ill have the same.
Tala paid, received their food, and picked a table off to one side.
They ate in silence.
The pasties were much larger than Gretels meat pies had been, but Tala supposed that was because they were intended as full meals, in their own right. They werent quite as good, but they were different enough that she didnt begrudge the variation.
As Ashin finished his meal, wiping his crumb-covered hands off on his pants, he nodded his head towards her. Thank you, Mistress Tala.
You are quite welcome, Guardsman Ashin.N0v3lRealm was the platform where this chapter was initially revealed on N0v3l.B1n.
He frowned but didnt otherwise object. Where else do we need to go?
I need to get a serviceable camp knife, and to drop through a working forge.
Ashin cocked his head. Wouldnt those be the same place?
Not necessarily. I dont want to go to a simple seller of knives. I need to go where metal is worked. And I dont want to go to a forge that doesnt sell such knives.
He shrugged. Very well. Are you ready?
She nodded, finishing her own pasty, brushing her hands together to free them of the crumbs. Lets go.
They wound through the streets out of the inner city, through the second ring, and into the artisan circle. While most workshops had attached stores, there werent many merchants actively hawking their wares, so it made for a much quieter, more relaxing stroll.
Over the course of the morning, Ashin had slowly narrowed the distance he kept from her, while remaining out of easy reach, and that bothered her, if only just.
Did I fear Mages, before I became one? It wasnt really a fair question. Shed been a child and had never had to deal with one, directly.
Will everyone, aside from other Mages, treat me like this? No, servers and merchants had been nothing but polite to her.
Because, to them, a Mage is a wealthy customer Ashin had always been quite certain to introduce her as a Mage, wherever they went.
Likely because I dont have any visible spell-lines, at the moment. She sighed, continuing her inward contemplations.
Though there was the sound of hammer-on-metal coming from many directions, Ashin directed them unerringly through the sparse crowds until they came to a smithy, tucked in a side alley.
As they approach, Ashin raised his voice. Heyho! In the smithy.
The sound of hammer-on-steel paused, and a response floated out. Enter!
Ashin led her through the broad arch, into a warm space where organized tools were affixed to almost every surface.
An older man strode out to greet them. Ashin! Good to see you, sir. Is the new blade holding up?
Ashin patted his sword. Havent had to test her, yet.
Glad to hear that! Better a safe man, than a drawn blade. But do let me know if you have any trouble. He turned towards Tala, nodding slightly. And who is your friend, Ashin?
Ashin cleared his throat. Master Aniv, this is Mage Tala.
Master Aniv hesitated for a moment. Mage? He glanced around. Mistress. This is a smithyI dont mean to be insulting, but isnt iron
Tala grinned. Exactly why Im here. Im in need of a camp knife, and your permission to fill a bag with iron dust.
Irondust? I dont exactly collect- He broke off as she pulled out the magnet shed purchased. He frowned. Is that an ingot? He scratched the side of his face. No, if youre wanting iron dust, thatll be a magnet. Right?
Yes.
He scratched the back of his head next. Ive no use for the dust in my shop, I suppose. Ill see what I have in stock for the knife, and youre welcome to the iron you can gather with that. He hesitated. Iron dust, that is. I imagine that could grab some of my tools. He smiled, kindly.
Tala gave a slight bow towards him. Thank you, Master Aniv. Without further comment, she knelt and began running the magnet across the hardpacked floor, immediately beginning to collect iron dust. As she worked, she heard the mutterings of Ashin and Anivs conversation but didnt bother to attempt listening in. She was used to people finding her methods unusual.
Tala held up the book, even as she began reading snippets. Thank you. I can already tell Ill glean a lot from it.
Lyns eyes twinkled. Oh, I hope so. I have high expectations for you, little Tala.
Tala decided to ignore that, and absently let her feet follow where Lyn led, her eyes ravenously consuming the spell-lines, theory, and concepts outlined in the little book. I should dedicate one of my notebooks towards spell-workings and copy out the relevant sections, adding in what was redacted, once I can examine the wagons themselves.
The workings were actually vastly more complicated than simple dimensional expansion. They also prevented gravity from affecting the container based on the contents, while allowing the same to act on the contents within the expanded space, as normal. It was delicate work, but in the end, it meant that the wagons would function as if unloaded, while the cargo would still be held in place as expected.
Clever. Im glad Ive an understanding of gravity, too, or this would be vastly more difficult. She supposed that it was easier to educate a lacking Mage on the basics of gravity than on dimensional distortion. And I am familiar with both. She smiled happily to herself.
A criminally short time later, Lyn pulled Talas attention back up. Here we are!
Talas eyes reluctantly left the page before her, but as they did, she hesitated. Is Mistress Hollys shop in there?
Before them rose a colossal, three-story building with a warehouse aesthetic. It wasnt dilapidated, but it was clear that very little care had been taken for the outward appearance of the place.
It doesnt look like a great place to establish a business in...
Lyn chuckled. No, Tala. This is Mistress Hollys place.
Tala turned to her in confusion. How can she possibly need this much space?
She has over a hundred apprentices, and there are ten full inscribers who also work under her direction with their own apprentices.
Tala almost gaped.
She isnt the only inscribing business in town, but nearly so. She has developed a special means of inscribing, which she manufactures here, and sells to inscribers in each of the fourteen cities. Lyn brushed back her hair. It has changed what is possible for Mages.
No wonder Lyn was confident I couldnt go elsewhere
Shall we?
The three of them walked through the front door into a cozy waiting room, but before they could sit, an assistant bustled out from behind a sturdy desk. Mistress Tala?
Um, yes?
The assistant muttered something under her breath that Tala thought was: Heavens be praised. Then, she smiled widely. Welcome! The Mistress has been expecting you. Tala thought she saw a bit of manic stress in that look. Please, right this way. She paused. Im to take your payment?
Tala was hesitant, once again. Nonetheless, she took out five golden coins and handed them over.
Thank you. The assistant placed the coins through a slot in a strongbox mounted to the wall. This way, please.
Tala followed the woman down a wide, brightly lit hallway. The inside of this facility was a good deal nicer than the outside. I suppose Holly isnt concerned with attracting clients so much as keeping them happy once theyre here?
Doors stood open to either side, and Tala was able to glimpse inscribing chambers, as well as what looked like planning rooms. Several of the latter had large black-boards, covered with multicolored lines, depicting dozens of slight variations of different spell-lines. Some were crossed out, others had pieces circled, showing clear progressions through versions of possible schema. How much effort do they put into each inscribing? If she understood the scaling correctly, one of those rooms had been devoted to the discussion of spell-lines for a single shoulder. Do those lines look familiar?
The implications were staggering. And Holly said she would have my schema modified and ready in one day? If shed succeeded, Talas opinion of Holly would drastically rise above its already lofty heights.
The assistant stopped outside the door at the end of the hall and gestured for them to enter.
The room was fairly standard for an inscribers workroom. A comfortable looking chair sat in the center, surrounded by lenses and lights to give the inscriber better vantage for their work. That said, there were a couple differences that were immediately apparent.
First, the chair didnt seem to be set up to allow the occupant to be face down, which was odd. How will she inscribe my back? Her keystone, the largest set of spell-lines, encompassing and overlaying her magical gate, was intact, between her shoulder blades, but she would still need other work done across her back.
Second, along the wall were racks upon racks of needles from half an inch long to nearly two feet in length. Each looked to be made of an intricate, if irregular, braiding of silver, gold, and copper.
What?
Holly was already in there, sitting on a stool in the corner where she hadnt been obvious. She stood, immediately. Good! Finally. Mistress Tala, have a seat.
Tala glanced towards Ashin. Um dont I need to undress?
Holly waved a dismissive hand. Of course notunless you want to? Just set your things, especially anything iron, over to the side there. She hesitated before adding. Clothes are fine, iron is not. She indicated an empty shelf. Make sure to get it all. No buckles forgotten, dear!
The assistant was already gone, though Ashin and Lyn had followed Tala inside.
Tala obeyed, leaving her pack, satchel, and belt to the side. Her belt held her knife, so that was easy, and she had opted not to get shoes, so those, likewise, couldnt be an issue.
Simple cloth fasteners on the garments? Good. That makes this easier. Im glad you found an adequate tailor. Sit!
Tala sat.
Now. She glanced at Lyn and Ashin. This will take a while. I assume all night, in fact, do you really want to stay?
Ashin cleared his throat. No, Mistress. I will take my leave. He bowed slightly to each of them in turn.
Tala waved to him, just before he departed. Wait, why did you stay so long, then?
He gave her a quizzical look. I was asked to accompany you and had not been dismissed.
She opened her mouth, then hesitated. Im going to have to learn better what is expected of me. Ahh Well, thank you, Ashin. I appreciated the guidance, today.
He gave her a second nod and a smile. Then, he was gone.
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Chapter 5: A Day of Preparation
Tala and Ashin approached the counter of a small restaurant, tucked a little back from the main thoroughfares. It was a busy place, doing a brisk business with customers ranging from clerks and errand boys to what looked to be a few Mages.
Tala stepped up first, when they reached the front of the line. Ill take a sausage pasty. And whatever he wants.
Ummm No. I cannot possibly let you pay for me.
Why?
Because youre a Mage!
And youre acting as my guide. Order.
No.
Guardsman Ashin, I caused you to miss breakfast, and it is easily time for lunch. Let me buy you food.
He looked away, seeming uncomfortable, but he didnt answer.
Are you defying the will of a Mage? She had a twinkle in her eye as she asked that, but either he didnt notice, or he took it for malevolence.
He swallowed visibly, then turned to the bemused clerk. Ill have the same.
Tala paid, received their food, and picked a table off to one side.
They ate in silence.
The pasties were much larger than Gretels meat pies had been, but Tala supposed that was because they were intended as full meals, in their own right. They werent quite as good, but they were different enough that she didnt begrudge the variation.
As Ashin finished his meal, wiping his crumb-covered hands off on his pants, he nodded his head towards her. Thank you, Mistress Tala.
You are quite welcome, Guardsman Ashin.N0v3lRealm was the platform where this chapter was initially revealed on N0v3l.B1n.
He frowned but didnt otherwise object. Where else do we need to go?
I need to get a serviceable camp knife, and to drop through a working forge.
Ashin cocked his head. Wouldnt those be the same place?
Not necessarily. I dont want to go to a simple seller of knives. I need to go where metal is worked. And I dont want to go to a forge that doesnt sell such knives.
He shrugged. Very well. Are you ready?
She nodded, finishing her own pasty, brushing her hands together to free them of the crumbs. Lets go.
They wound through the streets out of the inner city, through the second ring, and into the artisan circle. While most workshops had attached stores, there werent many merchants actively hawking their wares, so it made for a much quieter, more relaxing stroll.
Over the course of the morning, Ashin had slowly narrowed the distance he kept from her, while remaining out of easy reach, and that bothered her, if only just.
Did I fear Mages, before I became one? It wasnt really a fair question. Shed been a child and had never had to deal with one, directly.
Will everyone, aside from other Mages, treat me like this? No, servers and merchants had been nothing but polite to her.
Because, to them, a Mage is a wealthy customer Ashin had always been quite certain to introduce her as a Mage, wherever they went.
Likely because I dont have any visible spell-lines, at the moment. She sighed, continuing her inward contemplations.
Though there was the sound of hammer-on-metal coming from many directions, Ashin directed them unerringly through the sparse crowds until they came to a smithy, tucked in a side alley.
As they approach, Ashin raised his voice. Heyho! In the smithy.
The sound of hammer-on-steel paused, and a response floated out. Enter!
Ashin led her through the broad arch, into a warm space where organized tools were affixed to almost every surface.
An older man strode out to greet them. Ashin! Good to see you, sir. Is the new blade holding up?
Ashin patted his sword. Havent had to test her, yet.
Glad to hear that! Better a safe man, than a drawn blade. But do let me know if you have any trouble. He turned towards Tala, nodding slightly. And who is your friend, Ashin?
Ashin cleared his throat. Master Aniv, this is Mage Tala.
Master Aniv hesitated for a moment. Mage? He glanced around. Mistress. This is a smithyI dont mean to be insulting, but isnt iron
Tala grinned. Exactly why Im here. Im in need of a camp knife, and your permission to fill a bag with iron dust.
Irondust? I dont exactly collect- He broke off as she pulled out the magnet shed purchased. He frowned. Is that an ingot? He scratched the side of his face. No, if youre wanting iron dust, thatll be a magnet. Right?
Yes.
He scratched the back of his head next. Ive no use for the dust in my shop, I suppose. Ill see what I have in stock for the knife, and youre welcome to the iron you can gather with that. He hesitated. Iron dust, that is. I imagine that could grab some of my tools. He smiled, kindly.
Tala gave a slight bow towards him. Thank you, Master Aniv. Without further comment, she knelt and began running the magnet across the hardpacked floor, immediately beginning to collect iron dust. As she worked, she heard the mutterings of Ashin and Anivs conversation but didnt bother to attempt listening in. She was used to people finding her methods unusual.
Tala held up the book, even as she began reading snippets. Thank you. I can already tell Ill glean a lot from it.
Lyns eyes twinkled. Oh, I hope so. I have high expectations for you, little Tala.
Tala decided to ignore that, and absently let her feet follow where Lyn led, her eyes ravenously consuming the spell-lines, theory, and concepts outlined in the little book. I should dedicate one of my notebooks towards spell-workings and copy out the relevant sections, adding in what was redacted, once I can examine the wagons themselves.
The workings were actually vastly more complicated than simple dimensional expansion. They also prevented gravity from affecting the container based on the contents, while allowing the same to act on the contents within the expanded space, as normal. It was delicate work, but in the end, it meant that the wagons would function as if unloaded, while the cargo would still be held in place as expected.
Clever. Im glad Ive an understanding of gravity, too, or this would be vastly more difficult. She supposed that it was easier to educate a lacking Mage on the basics of gravity than on dimensional distortion. And I am familiar with both. She smiled happily to herself.
A criminally short time later, Lyn pulled Talas attention back up. Here we are!
Talas eyes reluctantly left the page before her, but as they did, she hesitated. Is Mistress Hollys shop in there?
Before them rose a colossal, three-story building with a warehouse aesthetic. It wasnt dilapidated, but it was clear that very little care had been taken for the outward appearance of the place.
It doesnt look like a great place to establish a business in...
Lyn chuckled. No, Tala. This is Mistress Hollys place.
Tala turned to her in confusion. How can she possibly need this much space?
She has over a hundred apprentices, and there are ten full inscribers who also work under her direction with their own apprentices.
Tala almost gaped.
She isnt the only inscribing business in town, but nearly so. She has developed a special means of inscribing, which she manufactures here, and sells to inscribers in each of the fourteen cities. Lyn brushed back her hair. It has changed what is possible for Mages.
No wonder Lyn was confident I couldnt go elsewhere
Shall we?
The three of them walked through the front door into a cozy waiting room, but before they could sit, an assistant bustled out from behind a sturdy desk. Mistress Tala?
Um, yes?
The assistant muttered something under her breath that Tala thought was: Heavens be praised. Then, she smiled widely. Welcome! The Mistress has been expecting you. Tala thought she saw a bit of manic stress in that look. Please, right this way. She paused. Im to take your payment?
Tala was hesitant, once again. Nonetheless, she took out five golden coins and handed them over.
Thank you. The assistant placed the coins through a slot in a strongbox mounted to the wall. This way, please.
Tala followed the woman down a wide, brightly lit hallway. The inside of this facility was a good deal nicer than the outside. I suppose Holly isnt concerned with attracting clients so much as keeping them happy once theyre here?
Doors stood open to either side, and Tala was able to glimpse inscribing chambers, as well as what looked like planning rooms. Several of the latter had large black-boards, covered with multicolored lines, depicting dozens of slight variations of different spell-lines. Some were crossed out, others had pieces circled, showing clear progressions through versions of possible schema. How much effort do they put into each inscribing? If she understood the scaling correctly, one of those rooms had been devoted to the discussion of spell-lines for a single shoulder. Do those lines look familiar?
The implications were staggering. And Holly said she would have my schema modified and ready in one day? If shed succeeded, Talas opinion of Holly would drastically rise above its already lofty heights.
The assistant stopped outside the door at the end of the hall and gestured for them to enter.
The room was fairly standard for an inscribers workroom. A comfortable looking chair sat in the center, surrounded by lenses and lights to give the inscriber better vantage for their work. That said, there were a couple differences that were immediately apparent.
First, the chair didnt seem to be set up to allow the occupant to be face down, which was odd. How will she inscribe my back? Her keystone, the largest set of spell-lines, encompassing and overlaying her magical gate, was intact, between her shoulder blades, but she would still need other work done across her back.
Second, along the wall were racks upon racks of needles from half an inch long to nearly two feet in length. Each looked to be made of an intricate, if irregular, braiding of silver, gold, and copper.
What?
Holly was already in there, sitting on a stool in the corner where she hadnt been obvious. She stood, immediately. Good! Finally. Mistress Tala, have a seat.
Tala glanced towards Ashin. Um dont I need to undress?
Holly waved a dismissive hand. Of course notunless you want to? Just set your things, especially anything iron, over to the side there. She hesitated before adding. Clothes are fine, iron is not. She indicated an empty shelf. Make sure to get it all. No buckles forgotten, dear!
The assistant was already gone, though Ashin and Lyn had followed Tala inside.
Tala obeyed, leaving her pack, satchel, and belt to the side. Her belt held her knife, so that was easy, and she had opted not to get shoes, so those, likewise, couldnt be an issue.
Simple cloth fasteners on the garments? Good. That makes this easier. Im glad you found an adequate tailor. Sit!
Tala sat.
Now. She glanced at Lyn and Ashin. This will take a while. I assume all night, in fact, do you really want to stay?
Ashin cleared his throat. No, Mistress. I will take my leave. He bowed slightly to each of them in turn.
Tala waved to him, just before he departed. Wait, why did you stay so long, then?
He gave her a quizzical look. I was asked to accompany you and had not been dismissed.
She opened her mouth, then hesitated. Im going to have to learn better what is expected of me. Ahh Well, thank you, Ashin. I appreciated the guidance, today.
He gave her a second nod and a smile. Then, he was gone.
Chapter 5: A Day of PreparationTala and Ashin approached the counter of a small restaurant, tucked a little back from the main thoroughfares. It was a busy place, doing a brisk business with customers ranging from clerks and errand boys to what looked to be a few Mages.Tala stepped up first, when they reached the front of the line. Ill take a sausage pasty. And whatever he wants.Ummm No. I cannot possibly let you pay for me.Why?Because youre a Mage!And youre acting as my guide. Order.No.Guardsman Ashin, I caused you to miss breakfast, and it is easily time for lunch. Let me buy you food.He looked away, seeming uncomfortable, but he didnt answer.Are you defying the will of a Mage? She had a twinkle in her eye as she asked that, but either he didnt notice, or he took it for malevolence.He swallowed visibly, then turned to the bemused clerk. Ill have the same.Tala paid, received their food, and picked a table off to one side.They ate in silence.The pasties were much larger than Gretels meat pies had been, but Tala supposed that was because they were intended as full meals, in their own right. They werent quite as good, but they were different enough that she didnt begrudge the variation.As Ashin finished his meal, wiping his crumb-covered hands off on his pants, he nodded his head towards her. Thank you, Mistress Tala.You are quite welcome, Guardsman Ashin.N0v3lRealm was the platform where this chapter was initially revealed on N0v3l.B1n.He frowned but didnt otherwise object. Where else do we need to go?I need to get a serviceable camp knife, and to drop through a working forge.Ashin cocked his head. Wouldnt those be the same place?Not necessarily. I dont want to go to a simple seller of knives. I need to go where metal is worked. And I dont want to go to a forge that doesnt sell such knives.He shrugged. Very well. Are you ready?She nodded, finishing her own pasty, brushing her hands together to free them of the crumbs. Lets go.They wound through the streets out of the inner city, through the second ring, and into the artisan circle. While most workshops had attached stores, there werent many merchants actively hawking their wares, so it made for a much quieter, more relaxing stroll.Over the course of the morning, Ashin had slowly narrowed the distance he kept from her, while remaining out of easy reach, and that bothered her, if only just.Did I fear Mages, before I became one? It wasnt really a fair question. Shed been a child and had never had to deal with one, directly. Will everyone, aside from other Mages, treat me like this? No, servers and merchants had been nothing but polite to her.Because, to them, a Mage is a wealthy customer Ashin had always been quite certain to introduce her as a Mage, wherever they went.Likely because I dont have any visible spell-lines, at the moment. She sighed, continuing her inward contemplations.Though there was the sound of hammer-on-metal coming from many directions, Ashin directed them unerringly through the sparse crowds until they came to a smithy, tucked in a side alley.As they approach, Ashin raised his voice. Heyho! In the smithy.The sound of hammer-on-steel paused, and a response floated out. Enter!Ashin led her through the broad arch, into a warm space where organized tools were affixed to almost every surface.An older man strode out to greet them. Ashin! Good to see you, sir. Is the new blade holding up?Ashin patted his sword. Havent had to test her, yet.Glad to hear that! Better a safe man, than a drawn blade. But do let me know if you have any trouble. He turned towards Tala, nodding slightly. And who is your friend, Ashin?Ashin cleared his throat. Master Aniv, this is Mage Tala.Master Aniv hesitated for a moment. Mage? He glanced around. Mistress. This is a smithyI dont mean to be insulting, but isnt ironTala grinned. Exactly why Im here. Im in need of a camp knife, and your permission to fill a bag with iron dust.Irondust? I dont exactly collect- He broke off as she pulled out the magnet shed purchased. He frowned. Is that an ingot? He scratched the side of his face. No, if youre wanting iron dust, thatll be a magnet. Right?Yes.He scratched the back of his head next. Ive no use for the dust in my shop, I suppose. Ill see what I have in stock for the knife, and youre welcome to the iron you can gather with that. He hesitated. Iron dust, that is. I imagine that could grab some of my tools. He smiled, kindly.Tala gave a slight bow towards him. Thank you, Master Aniv. Without further comment, she knelt and began running the magnet across the hardpacked floor, immediately beginning to collect iron dust. As she worked, she heard the mutterings of Ashin and Anivs conversation but didnt bother to attempt listening in. She was used to people finding her methods unusual.Tala held up the book, even as she began reading snippets. Thank you. I can already tell Ill glean a lot from it.Lyns eyes twinkled. Oh, I hope so. I have high expectations for you, little Tala.Tala decided to ignore that, and absently let her feet follow where Lyn led, her eyes ravenously consuming the spell-lines, theory, and concepts outlined in the little book. I should dedicate one of my notebooks towards spell-workings and copy out the relevant sections, adding in what was redacted, once I can examine the wagons themselves.The workings were actually vastly more complicated than simple dimensional expansion. They also prevented gravity from affecting the container based on the contents, while allowing the same to act on the contents within the expanded space, as normal. It was delicate work, but in the end, it meant that the wagons would function as if unloaded, while the cargo would still be held in place as expected.Clever. Im glad Ive an understanding of gravity, too, or this would be vastly more difficult. She supposed that it was easier to educate a lacking Mage on the basics of gravity than on dimensional distortion. And I am familiar with both. She smiled happily to herself.A criminally short time later, Lyn pulled Talas attention back up. Here we are!Talas eyes reluctantly left the page before her, but as they did, she hesitated. Is Mistress Hollys shop in there?Before them rose a colossal, three-story building with a warehouse aesthetic. It wasnt dilapidated, but it was clear that very little care had been taken for the outward appearance of the place.It doesnt look like a great place to establish a business in...Lyn chuckled. No, Tala. This is Mistress Hollys place.Tala turned to her in confusion. How can she possibly need this much space?She has over a hundred apprentices, and there are ten full inscribers who also work under her direction with their own apprentices.Tala almost gaped.She isnt the only inscribing business in town, but nearly so. She has developed a special means of inscribing, which she manufactures here, and sells to inscribers in each of the fourteen cities. Lyn brushed back her hair. It has changed what is possible for Mages.No wonder Lyn was confident I couldnt go elsewhereShall we?The three of them walked through the front door into a cozy waiting room, but before they could sit, an assistant bustled out from behind a sturdy desk. Mistress Tala?Um, yes?The assistant muttered something under her breath that Tala thought was: Heavens be praised. Then, she smiled widely. Welcome! The Mistress has been expecting you. Tala thought she saw a bit of manic stress in that look. Please, right this way. She paused. Im to take your payment?Tala was hesitant, once again. Nonetheless, she took out five golden coins and handed them over.Thank you. The assistant placed the coins through a slot in a strongbox mounted to the wall. This way, please.Tala followed the woman down a wide, brightly lit hallway. The inside of this facility was a good deal nicer than the outside. I suppose Holly isnt concerned with attracting clients so much as keeping them happy once theyre here?Doors stood open to either side, and Tala was able to glimpse inscribing chambers, as well as what looked like planning rooms. Several of the latter had large black-boards, covered with multicolored lines, depicting dozens of slight variations of different spell-lines. Some were crossed out, others had pieces circled, showing clear progressions through versions of possible schema. How much effort do they put into each inscribing? If she understood the scaling correctly, one of those rooms had been devoted to the discussion of spell-lines for a single shoulder. Do those lines look familiar?The implications were staggering. And Holly said she would have my schema modified and ready in one day? If shed succeeded, Talas opinion of Holly would drastically rise above its already lofty heights.The assistant stopped outside the door at the end of the hall and gestured for them to enter.The room was fairly standard for an inscribers workroom. A comfortable looking chair sat in the center, surrounded by lenses and lights to give the inscriber better vantage for their work. That said, there were a couple differences that were immediately apparent.First, the chair didnt seem to be set up to allow the occupant to be face down, which was odd. How will she inscribe my back? Her keystone, the largest set of spell-lines, encompassing and overlaying her magical gate, was intact, between her shoulder blades, but she would still need other work done across her back.Second, along the wall were racks upon racks of needles from half an inch long to nearly two feet in length. Each looked to be made of an intricate, if irregular, braiding of silver, gold, and copper.What?Holly was already in there, sitting on a stool in the corner where she hadnt been obvious. She stood, immediately. Good! Finally. Mistress Tala, have a seat.Tala glanced towards Ashin. Um dont I need to undress?Holly waved a dismissive hand. Of course notunless you want to? Just set your things, especially anything iron, over to the side there. She hesitated before adding. Clothes are fine, iron is not. She indicated an empty shelf. Make sure to get it all. No buckles forgotten, dear!The assistant was already gone, though Ashin and Lyn had followed Tala inside.Tala obeyed, leaving her pack, satchel, and belt to the side. Her belt held her knife, so that was easy, and she had opted not to get shoes, so those, likewise, couldnt be an issue.Simple cloth fasteners on the garments? Good. That makes this easier. Im glad you found an adequate tailor. Sit!Tala sat.Now. She glanced at Lyn and Ashin. This will take a while. I assume all night, in fact, do you really want to stay?Ashin cleared his throat. No, Mistress. I will take my leave. He bowed slightly to each of them in turn.Tala waved to him, just before he departed. Wait, why did you stay so long, then?He gave her a quizzical look. I was asked to accompany you and had not been dismissed.She opened her mouth, then hesitated. Im going to have to learn better what is expected of me. Ahh Well, thank you, Ashin. I appreciated the guidance, today.He gave her a second nod and a smile. Then, he was gone.
