Chapter 93: In Ancient Times
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Chapter 93: In Ancient Times
Tala stared at the servant for a long moment. Oh, slag. The plates Right She looked down at her pouch. Kit, if you would? She reached in and immediately felt a few stacks of plates. wow. Thats way more than I expected. She smiled, attempting to hide her embarrassment. My apologies.
Tala did not look at the watching Archons.
Instead, she walked over to the closest table and pulled out a stack of around twenty plates, setting them on the table. She heard a few mutters and some chuckles. She stuck her hand back in.
Yup. She came out with another stack, then another after that, and a fourththen a fifth. Then, a sixth.
The servant looked on with widening eyes. He reached out and took the top plate from one of the stacks.
Itsclean?
Did you expect me to give you some of the food back?
Grediv casually flicked outward with his right, pinkie finger, and the sound isolation around him vanished.
Elnea gave him an irritable look but didnt comment. She walked over to Tala since the younger Mage hadnt returned immediately. The Head Archon was frowning. Are you quite done? Then, she saw what the servant had. Did your dimensional storage clean and stack those plates?
Tala shrugged. Seems so. She stuck her hand back in, and drew out a final stack, only about twelve plates this time. That should be all of it.
A couple other servants came over, bringing several tall stacks of boxes made of a thin, fast-growing wood. Not meant for heavy use? That was an interesting concept. Had she seen other establishments giving out one-use containers? Maybe She hadnt really paid attention as she never really had leftovers.
Several of those watching barked laughs, others rolled their eyes, and the murmur of side conversations grew.
Tala, ignoring the reactions of the Archons, lowered the stacks into Kit, one by one. Each was held together with loops of heavy twine, tied tight. Thank you. And I apologize about the plates. I really didnt even consider them, and I should have.
The servant who had initially approached her bowed, smiling. Think nothing of it, Mistress. Mistakes happen.
What a politic answer I wonder if they really think I was trying to steal more than a hundred little plates It probably didnt matter.
Elnea cleared her throat. No, Mistress Tala. I need an answer. Did you stack those plates yourself? She was frowning. No, that makes no sense. Why would you clean and stack the plates, then put them back in your pouch?
Tala shrugged, patting Kit. Wait She looked down at the pouch. Its really low on power, again. Huh. She stuck a finger into the bag and directed a couple of void-channels to dump power into Kit. There you go, Kit.
The pouch did not respond.
Elneas eyes widened, and she whispered harshly, You are speaking to it? You have a sapient dimensional storage?
No? Tala looked up at the woman, the servants having already taken their plates and departed.
Mistress Tala, Dimensional storage items control the space within them, and they are loath to use more power than necessary. She tsked. But thats anthropomorphizing them, too much. I can see that that is clearly an artifact, not inscribed, but I cant see any magic around it, save through the top I must know: Is that item containing its own aura, or are you somehow doing that?
Tala hesitated. Oh! Thats how someone else would make a magic item look mundane. Soul-bind it, then restrain the aura. Even so, there seemed to be some hidden question behind what the Archon was asking, or something she missed. That in mind, she decided the truth was best. I have treated the outside to protect it from hostile magic and help contain its power. I also do my utmost to empower it whenever its not as full as it can be.
Elnea examined her critically for a moment, then grunted. Tension Tala hadnt noticed building around the other woman vanished in an instant. Well, at least you believe what you are saying. She sighed. Did no one teach you how to keep magic-bound items? She waved away her own question, as soon as it was uttered. Of course not, Master Grediv informed me of your unique situation, and that is decidedly something the Academy leaves to masters to teach their magelings. She sighed.
Tala shrugged. I got the basics. Artifacts, specifically, need empowerment only when outside high magic zones. Seemed dumb to me. If its hungry, feed it. Right?
Feed you just give it power, right? Some of the tension had returned.
Tala thought about it. Well, I am storing a She cleared her throat. She doesnt need specifics. A lot of food in there. I cant swear it hasnt consumed some, but why? What am I missing?
Rane, Lyn, and Grediv had come over to join them, silently listening. The other Archons were largely distracted by each other, though some of the closest did seem to be attempting to listen, and the last of the servants were well and truly gone.
Elnea shook her head. So long as you arent feeding it life blood, orother similar things, it should be fine.
Tala swallowed involuntarily. Like a newly dead Mage? Well, Kit hadnt eaten him, but still
Elnea seemed to be contemplating. Youve somehow convinced the natural flows and patterns in that pouch that it will never run out of power, so it uses its reserves with near impunity.
Grediv cleared his throat. Mistress Talas many oddities aside, however fascinating and enlightening, there is still something that must be conveyed. Yes?
Elnea nodded distractedly. Yes, yes She met Talas gaze. But first, Mistress Tala, I would ask a personal favor of you.
Oh?
When you soul-bond that storage item, would you please allow me to witness the bonding?
Tala hesitated. That seems a bit intrusive.
Ive made a study of artifacts, and Ive not seen one act exactly like that one does.
Tala gave a half bow. Thank you, Mistress Elnea. I have only one further question, if I may.
Elnea sighed but nodded. Go ahead.
Tala turned towards Holly with a fierce glare. Mistress Holly. Knowing this, how dare you encourage her to read those notes? You were putting her life on the line, for what?
All eyes shifted to Holly, but the woman seemed utterly unaffected by the attention. It is always a gamble, and a magelings master is always the best person to make the call. Hers gave her the notes, clearly determining that Mistress Lyn was one who should learn and should be able to weather the difficulty. I had no reason to disagree, so I pushed her to honor her masters choice. Evidence suggests that we were both right to do so. It was much better than the alternatives, as her mind and will are stronger now than they might have been later.
Tala did not like the answer, but it was at least reasonable. She frowned. But most magelings arent under Archons
Elnea cleared her throat. But the danger is real. As Archons, you are now privy to so much more, but not everything. You may not share this with non-Archons. You must guide any who discover the form towards the local counsel for aid.
Tala couldnt help herself. But what about magelings who arent under Archons?
Elnea sighed. Most magelings arent under Archons.
Exactly, that makes no sense. How can a Mage determine if their mageling is ready for something they cannot know about?
Grediv cleared his throat. Did you read that book I gave you? A Mages Guide to Their First Mageling: Basics Every Mageling Should be Taught?
She frowned. Ive skimmed it.
He snorted. Of course, you did. He shook his head slightly. Some of those tests and tidbits direct the Mage to seek an Archon under various circumstances. He shrugged. That takes care of the lions share.
That made a sort of sense. She had skipped the regular system, so it was incredibly alien to her. Fair enough, I suppose.
Elnea cleared her throat, bringing Talas attention back to her. Now, that out of the way. You need to know: You are much less useful to any invading arcane. Many of them could still sever the bond you just forged, and use you regardless, but not all. Once youre fully Fused, doing so will just kill you and send your soul to the great beyond, so they dont even try. That said, if they sense you, they will try to eliminate you, and that is just one more reason to work on your aura shroud.
Elnea took a deep breath, while the three new Archons processed the flood of new information.
She smiled. Now, Master Grediv has requested the honor of accompanying us, as I show you to our local Archons Library. Elnea gave a sharp look to the Archon, who was hovering just to one side. While I am tempted to decline, now, I think it wisest to allow such. Our companions, the other Archons, will bid you farewell, here.
Tala, Lyn, and Rane looked around, smiling uncertainly. By her fellows expressions, they were clearly burdened by much of what they had learned, but also tentatively excited, likely for the good their elevation could bring.
Elnea straightened, her voice ringing out once more. For the new Archons!
A single unified shout of praise sounded back.
Go in strength.
The other Archons did just that, each giving some form of wave or small bow as they departed, en masse.
Tala watched them go, allowing her mage-sight to attempt to examine each of them. While she couldnt see any of their auras, she did realize one critical thing. Most of them have no power visible at all.
As she thought about it, she realized that if holding back her auras power was easy, and hiding it entirely was harder still, then hiding her aura completely, while allowing all other signs of her power to be visible, would be incredibly tricky.
Thats what Holly is doing, along with several others. A few Archons, scattered through the crowd, looked exactly like any other Mage that Tala had ever seen.
My iron salve made me resemble an inexperienced Archon to those who knew what to look for with their mage-sight. Well, except her eyes and palms.
She didnt know how to feel about that. She wanted to be the best she could be, but she also knew that, regardless, her iron salve would render her looking like the less skilled Archons. She frowned at that. No, Master Grediv hid himself completely from my mage-sight.
She was left confused. Elnea did say that the stronger you are and the higher you climb up the ladder, the harder your aura is to restrain at all There was just too much that she didnt know.
When the room had emptied of Archons, save the five who would be remaining, Tala glanced towards Terry. Oh! Shed been so distracted that shed not fed Terry recently. Though, if the little flickers of dimensional power shed picked up from the avian through the banquet were any indication, Terry may have eaten more than even she had. Terry, you hungry?
He opened one eye, giving her a condescending look.
She snorted a laugh and flicked out a bit of jerky.
Elnea frowned at that. Her mage-sight didnt seem to be active, so it had likely appeared to her as if Tala had just thrown a bit of meat under the table. Are you trying to teach him to fetch? Why would you teach that sort of trick to such an animal? She seemed genuinely confused.
Tala opened her mouth to reply, but Grediv cleared his throat. As fascinating as that bird iswe should probably head towards the library.
Elnea rolled her eyes, the last shreds of ceremony falling away. Very well. This way, please.
They walked out through the seemingly indestructible door.
I bet I could break it with timeand without a room full of hostile Archons to contend with.
They left the not-yet-destroyed door behind them as they moved through the stark, empty passage, back to the entry hall.
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Chapter 93: In Ancient Times
Tala stared at the servant for a long moment. Oh, slag. The plates Right She looked down at her pouch. Kit, if you would? She reached in and immediately felt a few stacks of plates. wow. Thats way more than I expected. She smiled, attempting to hide her embarrassment. My apologies.
Tala did not look at the watching Archons.
Instead, she walked over to the closest table and pulled out a stack of around twenty plates, setting them on the table. She heard a few mutters and some chuckles. She stuck her hand back in.
Yup. She came out with another stack, then another after that, and a fourththen a fifth. Then, a sixth.
The servant looked on with widening eyes. He reached out and took the top plate from one of the stacks.
Itsclean?
Did you expect me to give you some of the food back?
Grediv casually flicked outward with his right, pinkie finger, and the sound isolation around him vanished.
Elnea gave him an irritable look but didnt comment. She walked over to Tala since the younger Mage hadnt returned immediately. The Head Archon was frowning. Are you quite done? Then, she saw what the servant had. Did your dimensional storage clean and stack those plates?
Tala shrugged. Seems so. She stuck her hand back in, and drew out a final stack, only about twelve plates this time. That should be all of it.
A couple other servants came over, bringing several tall stacks of boxes made of a thin, fast-growing wood. Not meant for heavy use? That was an interesting concept. Had she seen other establishments giving out one-use containers? Maybe She hadnt really paid attention as she never really had leftovers.
Several of those watching barked laughs, others rolled their eyes, and the murmur of side conversations grew.
Tala, ignoring the reactions of the Archons, lowered the stacks into Kit, one by one. Each was held together with loops of heavy twine, tied tight. Thank you. And I apologize about the plates. I really didnt even consider them, and I should have.
The servant who had initially approached her bowed, smiling. Think nothing of it, Mistress. Mistakes happen.
What a politic answer I wonder if they really think I was trying to steal more than a hundred little plates It probably didnt matter.
Elnea cleared her throat. No, Mistress Tala. I need an answer. Did you stack those plates yourself? She was frowning. No, that makes no sense. Why would you clean and stack the plates, then put them back in your pouch?
Tala shrugged, patting Kit. Wait She looked down at the pouch. Its really low on power, again. Huh. She stuck a finger into the bag and directed a couple of void-channels to dump power into Kit. There you go, Kit.
The pouch did not respond.
Elneas eyes widened, and she whispered harshly, You are speaking to it? You have a sapient dimensional storage?
No? Tala looked up at the woman, the servants having already taken their plates and departed.
Mistress Tala, Dimensional storage items control the space within them, and they are loath to use more power than necessary. She tsked. But thats anthropomorphizing them, too much. I can see that that is clearly an artifact, not inscribed, but I cant see any magic around it, save through the top I must know: Is that item containing its own aura, or are you somehow doing that?
Tala hesitated. Oh! Thats how someone else would make a magic item look mundane. Soul-bind it, then restrain the aura. Even so, there seemed to be some hidden question behind what the Archon was asking, or something she missed. That in mind, she decided the truth was best. I have treated the outside to protect it from hostile magic and help contain its power. I also do my utmost to empower it whenever its not as full as it can be.
Elnea examined her critically for a moment, then grunted. Tension Tala hadnt noticed building around the other woman vanished in an instant. Well, at least you believe what you are saying. She sighed. Did no one teach you how to keep magic-bound items? She waved away her own question, as soon as it was uttered. Of course not, Master Grediv informed me of your unique situation, and that is decidedly something the Academy leaves to masters to teach their magelings. She sighed.
Tala shrugged. I got the basics. Artifacts, specifically, need empowerment only when outside high magic zones. Seemed dumb to me. If its hungry, feed it. Right?
Feed you just give it power, right? Some of the tension had returned.
Tala thought about it. Well, I am storing a She cleared her throat. She doesnt need specifics. A lot of food in there. I cant swear it hasnt consumed some, but why? What am I missing?
Rane, Lyn, and Grediv had come over to join them, silently listening. The other Archons were largely distracted by each other, though some of the closest did seem to be attempting to listen, and the last of the servants were well and truly gone.
Elnea shook her head. So long as you arent feeding it life blood, orother similar things, it should be fine.
Tala swallowed involuntarily. Like a newly dead Mage? Well, Kit hadnt eaten him, but still
Elnea seemed to be contemplating. Youve somehow convinced the natural flows and patterns in that pouch that it will never run out of power, so it uses its reserves with near impunity.
Grediv cleared his throat. Mistress Talas many oddities aside, however fascinating and enlightening, there is still something that must be conveyed. Yes?
Elnea nodded distractedly. Yes, yes She met Talas gaze. But first, Mistress Tala, I would ask a personal favor of you.
Oh?
When you soul-bond that storage item, would you please allow me to witness the bonding?
Tala hesitated. That seems a bit intrusive.
Ive made a study of artifacts, and Ive not seen one act exactly like that one does.
Tala gave a half bow. Thank you, Mistress Elnea. I have only one further question, if I may.
Elnea sighed but nodded. Go ahead.
Tala turned towards Holly with a fierce glare. Mistress Holly. Knowing this, how dare you encourage her to read those notes? You were putting her life on the line, for what?
All eyes shifted to Holly, but the woman seemed utterly unaffected by the attention. It is always a gamble, and a magelings master is always the best person to make the call. Hers gave her the notes, clearly determining that Mistress Lyn was one who should learn and should be able to weather the difficulty. I had no reason to disagree, so I pushed her to honor her masters choice. Evidence suggests that we were both right to do so. It was much better than the alternatives, as her mind and will are stronger now than they might have been later.
Tala did not like the answer, but it was at least reasonable. She frowned. But most magelings arent under Archons
Elnea cleared her throat. But the danger is real. As Archons, you are now privy to so much more, but not everything. You may not share this with non-Archons. You must guide any who discover the form towards the local counsel for aid.
Tala couldnt help herself. But what about magelings who arent under Archons?
Elnea sighed. Most magelings arent under Archons.
Exactly, that makes no sense. How can a Mage determine if their mageling is ready for something they cannot know about?
Grediv cleared his throat. Did you read that book I gave you? A Mages Guide to Their First Mageling: Basics Every Mageling Should be Taught?
She frowned. Ive skimmed it.
He snorted. Of course, you did. He shook his head slightly. Some of those tests and tidbits direct the Mage to seek an Archon under various circumstances. He shrugged. That takes care of the lions share.
That made a sort of sense. She had skipped the regular system, so it was incredibly alien to her. Fair enough, I suppose.
Elnea cleared her throat, bringing Talas attention back to her. Now, that out of the way. You need to know: You are much less useful to any invading arcane. Many of them could still sever the bond you just forged, and use you regardless, but not all. Once youre fully Fused, doing so will just kill you and send your soul to the great beyond, so they dont even try. That said, if they sense you, they will try to eliminate you, and that is just one more reason to work on your aura shroud.
Elnea took a deep breath, while the three new Archons processed the flood of new information.
She smiled. Now, Master Grediv has requested the honor of accompanying us, as I show you to our local Archons Library. Elnea gave a sharp look to the Archon, who was hovering just to one side. While I am tempted to decline, now, I think it wisest to allow such. Our companions, the other Archons, will bid you farewell, here.
Tala, Lyn, and Rane looked around, smiling uncertainly. By her fellows expressions, they were clearly burdened by much of what they had learned, but also tentatively excited, likely for the good their elevation could bring.
Elnea straightened, her voice ringing out once more. For the new Archons!
A single unified shout of praise sounded back.
Go in strength.
The other Archons did just that, each giving some form of wave or small bow as they departed, en masse.
Tala watched them go, allowing her mage-sight to attempt to examine each of them. While she couldnt see any of their auras, she did realize one critical thing. Most of them have no power visible at all.
As she thought about it, she realized that if holding back her auras power was easy, and hiding it entirely was harder still, then hiding her aura completely, while allowing all other signs of her power to be visible, would be incredibly tricky.
Thats what Holly is doing, along with several others. A few Archons, scattered through the crowd, looked exactly like any other Mage that Tala had ever seen.
My iron salve made me resemble an inexperienced Archon to those who knew what to look for with their mage-sight. Well, except her eyes and palms.
She didnt know how to feel about that. She wanted to be the best she could be, but she also knew that, regardless, her iron salve would render her looking like the less skilled Archons. She frowned at that. No, Master Grediv hid himself completely from my mage-sight.
She was left confused. Elnea did say that the stronger you are and the higher you climb up the ladder, the harder your aura is to restrain at all There was just too much that she didnt know.
When the room had emptied of Archons, save the five who would be remaining, Tala glanced towards Terry. Oh! Shed been so distracted that shed not fed Terry recently. Though, if the little flickers of dimensional power shed picked up from the avian through the banquet were any indication, Terry may have eaten more than even she had. Terry, you hungry?
He opened one eye, giving her a condescending look.
She snorted a laugh and flicked out a bit of jerky.
Elnea frowned at that. Her mage-sight didnt seem to be active, so it had likely appeared to her as if Tala had just thrown a bit of meat under the table. Are you trying to teach him to fetch? Why would you teach that sort of trick to such an animal? She seemed genuinely confused.
Tala opened her mouth to reply, but Grediv cleared his throat. As fascinating as that bird iswe should probably head towards the library.
Elnea rolled her eyes, the last shreds of ceremony falling away. Very well. This way, please.
They walked out through the seemingly indestructible door.
I bet I could break it with timeand without a room full of hostile Archons to contend with.
They left the not-yet-destroyed door behind them as they moved through the stark, empty passage, back to the entry hall.
Chapter 93: In Ancient TimesTala stared at the servant for a long moment. Oh, slag. The plates Right She looked down at her pouch. Kit, if you would? She reached in and immediately felt a few stacks of plates. wow. Thats way more than I expected. She smiled, attempting to hide her embarrassment. My apologies.Tala did not look at the watching Archons.Instead, she walked over to the closest table and pulled out a stack of around twenty plates, setting them on the table. She heard a few mutters and some chuckles. She stuck her hand back in.Yup. She came out with another stack, then another after that, and a fourththen a fifth. Then, a sixth.The servant looked on with widening eyes. He reached out and took the top plate from one of the stacks.Itsclean?Did you expect me to give you some of the food back?Grediv casually flicked outward with his right, pinkie finger, and the sound isolation around him vanished.Elnea gave him an irritable look but didnt comment. She walked over to Tala since the younger Mage hadnt returned immediately. The Head Archon was frowning. Are you quite done? Then, she saw what the servant had. Did your dimensional storage clean and stack those plates?Tala shrugged. Seems so. She stuck her hand back in, and drew out a final stack, only about twelve plates this time. That should be all of it.A couple other servants came over, bringing several tall stacks of boxes made of a thin, fast-growing wood. Not meant for heavy use? That was an interesting concept. Had she seen other establishments giving out one-use containers? Maybe She hadnt really paid attention as she never really had leftovers.Several of those watching barked laughs, others rolled their eyes, and the murmur of side conversations grew.Tala, ignoring the reactions of the Archons, lowered the stacks into Kit, one by one. Each was held together with loops of heavy twine, tied tight. Thank you. And I apologize about the plates. I really didnt even consider them, and I should have.The servant who had initially approached her bowed, smiling. Think nothing of it, Mistress. Mistakes happen.What a politic answer I wonder if they really think I was trying to steal more than a hundred little plates It probably didnt matter.Elnea cleared her throat. No, Mistress Tala. I need an answer. Did you stack those plates yourself? She was frowning. No, that makes no sense. Why would you clean and stack the plates, then put them back in your pouch?Tala shrugged, patting Kit. Wait She looked down at the pouch. Its really low on power, again. Huh. She stuck a finger into the bag and directed a couple of void-channels to dump power into Kit. There you go, Kit.The pouch did not respond.Elneas eyes widened, and she whispered harshly, You are speaking to it? You have a sapient dimensional storage?No? Tala looked up at the woman, the servants having already taken their plates and departed.Mistress Tala, Dimensional storage items control the space within them, and they are loath to use more power than necessary. She tsked. But thats anthropomorphizing them, too much. I can see that that is clearly an artifact, not inscribed, but I cant see any magic around it, save through the top I must know: Is that item containing its own aura, or are you somehow doing that?Tala hesitated. Oh! Thats how someone else would make a magic item look mundane. Soul-bind it, then restrain the aura. Even so, there seemed to be some hidden question behind what the Archon was asking, or something she missed. That in mind, she decided the truth was best. I have treated the outside to protect it from hostile magic and help contain its power. I also do my utmost to empower it whenever its not as full as it can be.Elnea examined her critically for a moment, then grunted. Tension Tala hadnt noticed building around the other woman vanished in an instant. Well, at least you believe what you are saying. She sighed. Did no one teach you how to keep magic-bound items? She waved away her own question, as soon as it was uttered. Of course not, Master Grediv informed me of your unique situation, and that is decidedly something the Academy leaves to masters to teach their magelings. She sighed.Tala shrugged. I got the basics. Artifacts, specifically, need empowerment only when outside high magic zones. Seemed dumb to me. If its hungry, feed it. Right?Feed you just give it power, right? Some of the tension had returned.Tala thought about it. Well, I am storing a She cleared her throat. She doesnt need specifics. A lot of food in there. I cant swear it hasnt consumed some, but why? What am I missing?Rane, Lyn, and Grediv had come over to join them, silently listening. The other Archons were largely distracted by each other, though some of the closest did seem to be attempting to listen, and the last of the servants were well and truly gone.Elnea shook her head. So long as you arent feeding it life blood, orother similar things, it should be fine.Tala swallowed involuntarily. Like a newly dead Mage? Well, Kit hadnt eaten him, but stillElnea seemed to be contemplating. Youve somehow convinced the natural flows and patterns in that pouch that it will never run out of power, so it uses its reserves with near impunity.Grediv cleared his throat. Mistress Talas many oddities aside, however fascinating and enlightening, there is still something that must be conveyed. Yes?Elnea nodded distractedly. Yes, yes She met Talas gaze. But first, Mistress Tala, I would ask a personal favor of you.Oh?When you soul-bond that storage item, would you please allow me to witness the bonding?Tala hesitated. That seems a bit intrusive.Ive made a study of artifacts, and Ive not seen one act exactly like that one does.Tala gave a half bow. Thank you, Mistress Elnea. I have only one further question, if I may.Elnea sighed but nodded. Go ahead.Tala turned towards Holly with a fierce glare. Mistress Holly. Knowing this, how dare you encourage her to read those notes? You were putting her life on the line, for what?All eyes shifted to Holly, but the woman seemed utterly unaffected by the attention. It is always a gamble, and a magelings master is always the best person to make the call. Hers gave her the notes, clearly determining that Mistress Lyn was one who should learn and should be able to weather the difficulty. I had no reason to disagree, so I pushed her to honor her masters choice. Evidence suggests that we were both right to do so. It was much better than the alternatives, as her mind and will are stronger now than they might have been later.Tala did not like the answer, but it was at least reasonable. She frowned. But most magelings arent under ArchonsElnea cleared her throat. But the danger is real. As Archons, you are now privy to so much more, but not everything. You may not share this with non-Archons. You must guide any who discover the form towards the local counsel for aid.Tala couldnt help herself. But what about magelings who arent under Archons?Elnea sighed. Most magelings arent under Archons.Exactly, that makes no sense. How can a Mage determine if their mageling is ready for something they cannot know about?Grediv cleared his throat. Did you read that book I gave you? A Mages Guide to Their First Mageling: Basics Every Mageling Should be Taught? She frowned. Ive skimmed it.He snorted. Of course, you did. He shook his head slightly. Some of those tests and tidbits direct the Mage to seek an Archon under various circumstances. He shrugged. That takes care of the lions share.That made a sort of sense. She had skipped the regular system, so it was incredibly alien to her. Fair enough, I suppose.Elnea cleared her throat, bringing Talas attention back to her. Now, that out of the way. You need to know: You are much less useful to any invading arcane. Many of them could still sever the bond you just forged, and use you regardless, but not all. Once youre fully Fused, doing so will just kill you and send your soul to the great beyond, so they dont even try. That said, if they sense you, they will try to eliminate you, and that is just one more reason to work on your aura shroud.Elnea took a deep breath, while the three new Archons processed the flood of new information.She smiled. Now, Master Grediv has requested the honor of accompanying us, as I show you to our local Archons Library. Elnea gave a sharp look to the Archon, who was hovering just to one side. While I am tempted to decline, now, I think it wisest to allow such. Our companions, the other Archons, will bid you farewell, here.Tala, Lyn, and Rane looked around, smiling uncertainly. By her fellows expressions, they were clearly burdened by much of what they had learned, but also tentatively excited, likely for the good their elevation could bring.Elnea straightened, her voice ringing out once more. For the new Archons!A single unified shout of praise sounded back.Go in strength.The other Archons did just that, each giving some form of wave or small bow as they departed, en masse.Tala watched them go, allowing her mage-sight to attempt to examine each of them. While she couldnt see any of their auras, she did realize one critical thing. Most of them have no power visible at all.As she thought about it, she realized that if holding back her auras power was easy, and hiding it entirely was harder still, then hiding her aura completely, while allowing all other signs of her power to be visible, would be incredibly tricky.Thats what Holly is doing, along with several others. A few Archons, scattered through the crowd, looked exactly like any other Mage that Tala had ever seen.My iron salve made me resemble an inexperienced Archon to those who knew what to look for with their mage-sight. Well, except her eyes and palms.She didnt know how to feel about that. She wanted to be the best she could be, but she also knew that, regardless, her iron salve would render her looking like the less skilled Archons. She frowned at that. No, Master Grediv hid himself completely from my mage-sight.She was left confused. Elnea did say that the stronger you are and the higher you climb up the ladder, the harder your aura is to restrain at all There was just too much that she didnt know.When the room had emptied of Archons, save the five who would be remaining, Tala glanced towards Terry. Oh! Shed been so distracted that shed not fed Terry recently. Though, if the little flickers of dimensional power shed picked up from the avian through the banquet were any indication, Terry may have eaten more than even she had. Terry, you hungry?He opened one eye, giving her a condescending look.She snorted a laugh and flicked out a bit of jerky.Elnea frowned at that. Her mage-sight didnt seem to be active, so it had likely appeared to her as if Tala had just thrown a bit of meat under the table. Are you trying to teach him to fetch? Why would you teach that sort of trick to such an animal? She seemed genuinely confused.Tala opened her mouth to reply, but Grediv cleared his throat. As fascinating as that bird iswe should probably head towards the library.Elnea rolled her eyes, the last shreds of ceremony falling away. Very well. This way, please.They walked out through the seemingly indestructible door.I bet I could break it with timeand without a room full of hostile Archons to contend with.They left the not-yet-destroyed door behind them as they moved through the stark, empty passage, back to the entry hall.
