Chapter 83: She’s a Scary Lady

Chapter 83: She’s a Scary Lady

Tala finished eating her fourth Cheesy Little Caravan, to Rane and Lyns increasingly awed concern.

How are you not distended? Rane hesitated as Talas eyebrows rose, and Lyn gave him a horrified look. What? I know youre inscribed, but how does it fit? Thats way more than you ate at the noodle place.

Tala looked down at her stomach, not a bulge in sight. Stronger muscles? But, thats a rude question, Master Rane. She was kneeling beside the table, as shed almost broken the chair when theyd first arrived. Thankfully, shed been tentative in her sitting, and had immediately risen when the exterior-grade chair had started groaning.

Rane had eaten one, himself, and Lyn had gotten the smallest little caravan that this place sold. Shed still had trouble finishing it. Rane rolled his eyes, wiping his mouth. For some people, Im sure it is rude, but youll never get fat, so He shrugged. Normal rules hardly apply.

Tala snorted a chuckle, taking a long drink from the restaurant-provided earthen mug. I should get one of these to make drinking easier. No need to shoot water straight into my mouth But it was probably an unneeded expense. Only a few copper? Budget tight now, live large later.

So How are any of my items still functional? True, they were starving, but four days should have utterly drained them.

Lyn quirked a smile, speaking a bit slower than usual, likely due to her full stomach. I practiced the void beside you.

Tala nodded. Raising the ambient magic in the room. Clever. And thank you. I cannot tell you how much it would have been rusting awful to lose Kit, and Terry here? She patted the bird on the head and flicked a bit of jerky randomly away for him. If his collar had lost all power, hed have been obliterated by the citys magics.

Terry was giving her a hard look, even while he consumed the jerky.

Lyn nodded. It was rough on Terry. He kept going to the edge of acceptable range and squawking in irritation. I think his collar was glowing red more than not for the first day you were back home.

Tala met Terrys gaze. Im sorry, Terry. You were stuck. If you fled, youd be struck down. If you stayed, your collar could have run dry, then youd be struck down.

Terry let out a low, irritable chirp.

Ill try not to be incapacitated, again.

He repeated his chirp.

Agreed.

Rane and Lyn shared a look. Can she understand him?

Lyn shook her head. Id think not, but with her? Who knows.

Tala ignored them. So, I need to drop through the work-yard? For my custom cargo-slots?

Lyn glanced her way. No, theyre at their guildhall. She hesitated, then amended. Well, likely in their private work-yard in the back.

And where would I find that?

Ill take you. She glanced to Rane, then back. Master Rane tells me that you agreed to work with him, on your next assignment?

Yeah, seems like a good idea.

I agree. I think getting you back out of the city will help get you out of your own head and slow your pace to one of reasonable progress.

And get me paid.

Lyn gave a half smile. True enough. Ill need to see the custom cargo-slots for myself, so I can confirm their use for an out-and-back run. Any preferences I should know about?

Tala shrugged. Leave in a week? Depending on when my Guild meeting is.

Lyn narrowed her eyes menacingly. Why then?

I promised Adam that Id work with the guardsman class. I need to give them at least some time.

She seemed a bit mollified at that. Fine. Ill see what I can do. This will be a longer haul, in all likelihood. Lyn sighed. Speaking of your meeting with a senior Guild member; Master Rane took the last few days to collect written statements on your behalf. He and I were just heading to the Caravanners Guild to file that paperwork, when you woke up.

He was grinning. We can drop by on the way to the wainwrights.

Tala rocked back a little bit in shock. That must have been a lot of work, Master Rane.

He shrugged. I have very little to do, while in the city, and like I said, I want to go on the next venture in your company. Cant do that if they hamstring you for a time.

She didnt know what to say. Well thank you. I deeply appreciate that.

Not all the statements were favorable, but thats likely better. The group will be accepted more readily if it at least has the appearance of balance. Lyn smiled at Tala. Ive been officially told to not interfere or influence the meeting in any official capacity. Ill still be your appointed point of contact, but as were sharing a residence, Im no longer considered neutral enough to represent the Guild or comment on proceedings.

Fair enough. When will I be meeting them?

I had you scheduled for two days ago, but with you unconscious, I asked them to bump it back. Lyn thought about it. I was actually going to ask for another extension, when we dropped off this paperwork at the guildhall, but now I dont have to.

Oh? When is the meeting?

Late this afternoon. Well come back to the Guild after we test your cargo-slots.

Tala swallowed involuntarily. Today? Should she ask for a delay? No, Tala. Get it done and over with. She nodded, mostly to herself. It sounds like we have a plan for the rest of today, then. We should be off.

* * *

The stop through the Caravanners Guildhall had been uneventful, and Lyn had confirmed Talas appointment for late that same afternoon. It was also confirmed that Tala would have to attend alone, though Terry should be allowed.

As they walked, Tala had found her newer method of movement critical. By keeping her center of gravity so carefully controlled, she kept her steps from thundering against the ground. The few steps she took without that care caused tremors to reverberate through everything around her. If she was right in her guess, she was effectively close to nine hundred pounds, at the moment. Her reserves were still vastly below what they could and should be, so she expected her weight to rise.

During their meal, shed almost flipped their sturdy table by resting her arms on it too aggressively. As a result of that and other incidents, she was being more careful than ever with her movements.

From the Caravanners Guildhall, the three went straight to the Wainwrights, where Master Himmal was called out to meet them.

Mistress Tala! Im so glad to see you well. Your handler was unwilling to explain why you were unavailable.

Tala smiled back, a bit self-consciously. Master Himmal, always a pleasure. It seems I was pushing too fast and rendered myself insensate for a few days.

The man blinked a few times, processing what shed said. After a moment, his face blossomed with power as his mage-sight came to bear. He took a step back. Well. He swallowed. You're lacking whatever barrier you had in place before. When his gaze met hers, his eyes narrowed. Your mage-sight is always on? He started laughing. Thats amazing! How are you not braindead?

Tala quirked a smile. That is the question.

So, that is why you asked for the visible indication lights to be removed. You dont need them, at all. He was nodding as he examined her visible lines.

He can likely see something radiating out through my clothing, but likely no specifics.

Your lines are the most intricate and delicate Ive ever seen. Where did you find an inscriber with the patience and precision to do this work? He hesitated. I apologize, Im forgetting myself and being rude.

Tala waved him off. Youre fine to ask and to use your mage-sight. Mistress Holly has some new methods.

He nodded to himself. Its been a decade or so. About time she shook the world, once again. He gave a little chuckle. His voice suddenly lost its mirth, and he was staring at her knife. Mistress Tala. What have you done?

Tala place a hand on Flow. I soul-bound a knife. Apparently, it was a poor choice of timing.

He was frowning at her. You can create Archon stars, then? But no one explained that you shouldnt bind the knife, first? Why havent you been guided to make another? He smiled, then, though his confusion and concern was still evident. I am glad you found your way to that spell-form. Please let me know when you are up for consideration, and Ill happily give my hearty backing to the proposal.

That is very kind of you. As to your questions: Ill just say that this, She patted the knife. This was a bit of an accident and an exception, though I should be able to form a star, soon. Maybe tomorrow. She nodded to herself. After a moment, she shrugged. Why not tell him? Im going to be making an attempt, tomorrow, as the day after I have obligations. Rane had agreed to go speak with the guardsman instructor and schedule the restarting of her participation two mornings hence. Hed go to do that directly after this visit with the Wainwrights Guild.

It felt painfully slow. Roughly twenty seconds later, the first indicator blossomed to her mage-sight.

Remarkable improvement. Master Himmal was talking to himself.

Tala fought not to roll her eyes. If I used my void-channels, Id have it filled in two or three seconds. She might have been correct, but shed not attempted to hold a mental construct with multiple through lines, before. This was safer. This was wiser.

It took her right around a minute to fully empower the cargo-slot. A twelfth of her previous attempt at a like-sized dimensional empowerment, and this endeavor hadnt touched her reserves. She was utterly fresh, in mind, will, and power. How inefficient was I being, without a mental construct? It was a humbling thought. How inefficient am I still being?

Tala stretched back, then twisted, cracking her back. Well, that wasnt bad at all. She grinned. Thirteen more to go.

Master Himmal cleared his throat. Well, no. Not right now.

She looked at him. Ohright. I dont have a contract, currently.

He smiled and nodded. Exactly. He opened the door, and they all walked inside, examining the cavernous space.

To Talas surprise, it wasnt dark within. It wasnt bright, by any means, but the sides and top of the space were mildly translucent, allowing in the sun from outside. How does that work? She pointed at the closest side wall.

The sunlight that strikes that side of the device is allowed through and distributed evenly across the entirety of the expanded space.

Huhthat actually makes sense.

Lyn was frowning. No, it doesnt.

Tala waved her away. It does to me, and thats what matters here.

Lyn sighed but didnt comment further.

After they verified correct and complete empowerment, the four of them left the enlarged space, closing the door behind them.

Master Himmal reached out and tapped a portion of the script, sending power with an intricately constructed form into the point. The cargo-slot flared with power for a brief moment, and the magic bled away.

Tala looked between Master Himmal and the construct several times. Finally, she managed to stammer out. Butthat was gold!

He was smiling mischievously. Are you sure? But he turned away before she could respond.

Lyn cleared her throat. Secrets aside, Master Himmal: Im not sure I can sign off on a spell-form that can be powered down. That would obliterate cargo and passenger alike.

He waved her off. It cannot be powered down if anything remains inside. Had we tracked too much dirt and dust in, Id have had to order a cleaning crew to scrub the place before it could be deactivated. I assure you that it is perfectly safe.

She gave him a hard look.

He sighed. The Wainwrights will send a letter of assurance to the Caravanners as soon as you leave. We fully certify this design.

Lyn nodded, satisfied. Very well, then. She looked to Tala. Im happy. You?

Tala nodded, smiling broadly. Oh, yes. This is going to be amazing.

They all bid Master Himmal a good day and departed. Tala and Lyn set off towards the Caravanners main guildhall, while Rane made his way to talk with the Guardsmen. Talas primary tasks for the afternoon were almost complete.

I just have to talk with a senior Guild official, which will likely include a renegotiation of my contract. No big deal. It wasnt like much was on the line.

Tala shifted uncomfortably as she walked.

Lyn, who was coming to the guildhall but not the negotiation, noticed. Everything ok?

Tala grunted. It seems silly that so much could hang on a single conversation.

Lyn smiled. Its why I have a job.

Tala snorted. Do you know who Ill be meeting with? Any tips?

No, and yes. Know what youre worth, know what youre saving the Guild. The bonus for the custom cargo-slots is negotiated with, and goes through, the Wainwrights, so dont bring it up. It shouldnt factor into your discussion, from either side. They are going to be upset by yourextra-curricular dangers. After all, you did act recklessly quite a few times, but you also didnt fail in your duties. Try to keep that in mind, both facets of it. Dont let them push you around. She shrugged. Also, stop getting in so much danger. I dont want you to die.

Tala smiled, gratefully. Ill do my best. She thought for a moment, then addressed a different aspect of the topic at hand. So, dont bring up the savings from the reduced wagons?

Oh, you should definitely do that, just not the fact that custom cargo-slots have been made for you. Your pay should go up for reducing the needed peripheries but should not go up because you can facilitate a larger cargo-load. Does that make sense?

Tala was nodding. I think so. I need to negotiate for my rate as a Mage Protector as well, right?

Lyn looked hesitant. No? Those rates are set per danger thwarted, with some modification based on specific route. It would be appropriate to note that by reducing the need for another Mage, you further reduce the peripheral requirements, though.

Got it. She sighed. I hate moneyNo, that wasnt right. I hate dealing with money Again, that didnt seem quite true. I hate having to make decisions that will greatly affect how much money I have? That seemed right.

You seem lost in thought.

Tala sighed. Just deciding what, exactly, I hate about this.

Lyn huffed a laugh. Seems about right.

Tala grinned. Any generic advice?

They wont kick you out, though they may offer to let you end your contract. If they cant give you the amount youre asking for, they will simply let their offer rest. Unless you are truly unprofessional in this meeting, they wont forcibly eject you from the guild.

Thats good, at least.

That doesnt mean you can simply say, Give me your best offer. and expect such. Youll probably still have a job, regardless, but you want to be paid as much as possible.

Dont we all.

Lyn grinned. Im quite satisfied with where Im at.

Tala rolled her eyes. So Ive heard.

You want as much freedom as possible in contract choices, but they are going to want to restrict you, somehow, to keep yourmore dangerous actions in check. Consider the wisdom of letting them.

Tala almost objected, but the more she thought about it, the more she realized that Lyn was right. Maybe I could use a steadying influence Rane would not be a good source for that, even if she were willing to accept such advice from him. Ill hear them out.

Lyn seemed to be contemplating something. After a moment, she shrugged, as if to herself. Do something to take the official off their guard. Disarm them and put them on the back foot but not with anything overt.

Tala frowned. How am I supposed to do that?

Be you? You really are quite odd, and most people dont know quite what to do with you.

So your advice is to be me?

Precisely, thats why I wasnt sure if I should say anything.

Alright then

Shortly thereafter, they arrived back at the guildhall, and Lyn bid Tala goodbye. She had work to do. Ill see you tonight, if not before. Good luck!