Chapter 196: Exceptions Aside

Chapter 196: Exceptions Aside

Tala did her best to not fidget as she looked around at the crowd of siblings.

She couldnt even properly enjoy the spectacular view of the city and surrounding plains that stretched out in every direction. Though, she could see hints of mountains to the east, running northward; the shadows of forests to the far south; and what was likely the sparkle of light off of the ocean to the north-west. They really built the city on a nice rise, and this restaurant is in a great spot.

The views werent unobstructed, of course. Other multi-storied structures cut off parts of the vista, but not so much as to obscure those massive features.

Latna cleared her throat. I have a question.

Tala brought her attention back to her sister. Yes?

Why did you leave us? Why did you ignore us when we sent you letters?

Tala felt like someone had thrown a bucket of cold water into her face. Still, she took a moment to collect herself, and with Alats help formulated an answer. I wasvery angry with mother and father. I felt used, untrusted, and unloved. She closed her eyes, feeling the emotions of the last years washing over her. She continued without opening her eyes, not wanting to be distracted by her family before her. Anything that reminded me of them, of what theyd done, hurt. She opened her eyes. That included you.

Latna frowned but didnt interrupt.

It was immature, but I was a child. It was petty, but I was aggrieved.

Olen leaned back and Tala heard him whisper to Akli, What does aggrieved mean?

It was Mita, Aklis twin, who answered in a similarly quiet whisper. It means hurt, or wronged. Shhh.

That caught Tala off guard, even though the words had been so quiet most wouldnt have heard them.

Use smaller words. This is your family, not teachers sitting in judgment over you.

She hesitated, then let out a long breath. The long and short of it is this: I had my reasons, but my choice to ignore you all was wrong. I should not have cut myself off from all of you. Will you forgive me?

Silence rang through the room. In that stillness, they heard footsteps coming up the stairs.

No one wanted to speak in front of the servers, so they waited.

Great timing, Tala

It took a few moments for the two attendants to reach the room, and they passed out the food and drinks, receiving polite Thank yous and other forms of gratitude before they departed once again.

In the returned silence, they all waited until the footsteps had faded, sipping, nibbling, or shifting nervously.

Finally, of all people, Caln spoke up. You want us to forgive you? To forgive you for the years of broken relationship? We were on your side from day one! We had nothing but sympathy for you and a desire to help.

Mom and Dad told us everything. They cast themselves as the villains in that tale and rightly so.

We have been striving for years to help save up to repay the debt laid upon you. We tried to invest the money wisely, expanding the shop and getting a Healer to work with us, among other things. The plan was to have a good chunk ready for you, when you graduated, and have a good foundation so that we could then blast through the debt with our increased capacities.

He scoffed, shaking his head.

And what do we get for all our work? All our scrimping? All our sacrifices? You seemingly graduate and vanish. When you finally do show up, the money is tossed back at us like its nothing.

He pointed to Latna.

She cried much of the night because of you, Tala. He grimaced. Mistress Tala.

He shook his head again, his features becoming a mask of anger once more.

We have suffered as a family, trying to be ready to lift the burden from you, and it. Means. Nothing. You dont need us at all. You dont want us at all. You throw gold around like its candy. Why are you even here?

The silence returned like a struck bell.

Nobody said anything, all eyes remaining fixed on Tala.

Well, all eyes but that of the littlest. Tala hadnt caught her name.

The small one was staring at Caln for a long moment before standing up and toddling over to where he was sitting on a cushion on the floor. She grabbed his face, shocking the young man out of his glare at Tala. Wha-?

Ookie?

What?

Ookie!!

Caln pulled back at the shout, blinking at the loud proclamation. Cookie? He glanced down at the plate of cookies hed gotten along with his drink.

The entire demeanor of the girl changed as she stood up straighter, wiggling her little head in obvious pride. Ess! Ease!

The little one then turned to look at Tala.

Ookie you?

Tala blinked back. Do I want a cookie?

Again, that little one shimmied in obvious happiness. Ess!

Iuhsure?

The girl turned back to Caln, then pointed to Tala. Ookie!!

That was too much, and everyone burst out laughing.

The laughter wasnt so much because the girls actions were humorous, as how effectively theyd shattered the tension of the moment.

Caln hesitantly stood and walked over to give Tala a cookie. He then looked down. Are you happy, Sella?

Sella was glaring at Tala. Ank, ooo!

Tala cocked her head, squinting and trying to understand. Oh! Thank you, Caln.

Again, little Sella flipped her expression on a copper, beaming once more.

Caln retook his seat, and things quieted down. Everyone was clearly still waiting on Talas answer, but much of the horrifying tension was gone.

Tala cleared her throat and then took a small bite of the cookie. It was actually rusting delicious. There was something in them that made them crunch while being warm and moist. No two things. It wasnt nuts, or anything silly like that either. I need to buy a few dozen of these

She was stalling.

She took a sip from her cup and forced herself to not evaluate the tea. Even though it wasnt nearly as good as what she had in Kit. Tala Come on.

I did not intend any of that as a slight. She closed her eyes and shook her head. Oh, Alat, please help me here? Im too close to this. I dont know what to say.

And so, Alat helped her.

I apologize for the hurt I caused. I chose to go to Bandfast after graduating because there is a larger Caravanners Guild Hub there. Also, more personally, I wasnt ready to face mother and father, or anything that reminded me of them, not yet. As to giving the money back. She shook her head ruefully. I would love to keep it. It would help in so many ways, but it will help you all more. I think I can even give some suggestions as to what it could be used for. She gave a wry chuckle. But Im getting ahead of myself. I think it best if I just tell you what Ive been doing, since I graduated. But, before that: Can you forgive me for my callousness? For not considering you all in my actions? I want to explain everything to you, but I dont want it to be an excuse.

Caln sighed. I am willing to hear you out. I can understand making a mistake, and I forgive you.

Latina nodded, as did the oldest twins, Mita and Akli.

Illie frowned before she too, sighed. I want to hear what you have to say. Ill forgive you, but it will take more than that to repair the harm that youve done.

So. Tala regarded Nalac. What did you want to ask?

He was fidgeting with his hands. WellYou see He swallowed, then grabbed his mug, draining the last of the tea from it.

Tala didnt interrupt or prod.

You see, I wanted to be a Mageto find you. He said the last in a quiet voice.

Tala felt something twinge in her chest. Oh, Nalac. Im here. Im so sorry. I-

He was shaking his head. I know. I know that. He swallowed again. Mistress Rinshes my pre-magic teachersaid that someones motivation for becoming a Mage matters. Mines gone! He hung his head. Can I even become a Mage anymore?

Tala blinked in surprise at that. Do you want to?

Yes!...no? I dont know. He shook his head.

Well, that sounds like the heart of it. If you want to be a Mage, you can be. If you dont? You dont have to.

But this is what Ive been planning, Illie and me.

And now you dont know what to do.

And now I dont know what to do.

Well, how about you talk me through it.

And so he did.

Tala was able to get the servers to bring them some more food and drink, and then, she just listened.

An hour later, the boy was no closer to a decision, but he seemed lighter, less burdened. Thank you, Tala.

She smiled. Im happy to listen. Come on. Lets get you home.

She settled the bill, receiving seventy-five silver back in change.

Together, she and Nalac walked back towards the family shop in comfortable silence.

As they walked, Tala had a thought. She opened Kit, as she had several times throughout the day to give Terry an out, if he wanted. Just as before, he didnt come.

Hey, Terry. You want to come out?

He squawked back at her in the negative.

She hadnt asked at other times, but she knew that hed been able to sense the opening, and could have come out if hed wanted to. I want you to meet someone.

Nalac was giving her an odd look. Tala?

One moment.

Terrys half-grumbling trill came from the open pouch, then he flickered to her shoulder, giving her a squint-eyed glare.

Nalac gasped.

Terry, obviously hearing the sound, leaned out, sideways, to look across Tala and at her brother.

What is that?

Tala smiled. This is Terry. Hes a he, not a that, and hes a terror bird.

Terry flickered to stand on Nalacs shoulder.

The boy felt the pressure and turned slowly to look at his new passenger.

Terry stared back into the boys eyes from only a few inches away.

Terry. This is my brother. Be nice, please. Hes just a boy.

Terry broke eye contact with Nalac, and glanced at Tala. He squawked once, then hunkered down on her brothers shoulder.

Nalac was still frozen, almost unmoving as he watched the bird. Tala?

Yes.

What do I do?

Here, feed him this. Tala pulled out some jerky, but it vanished from her hand before she could pass it to her brother. Stop that, Terry. Im trying to let him give it to you.

The next piece vanished as well.

If you do that again, I wont get out any more.

Terry opened one eye, rolled it, closed it, then let out a long-suffering, basso trill.

Nalac jumped. How did he do that? That was so deep? He chuckled a bit. It actually kinda tickled.

Terrys eye opened again, and he trilled another low note.

Nalac giggled. Stop that. Youre making my whole chest vibrate.

Tala slipped her brother some jerky, and when Terry opened his beak again, Nalac stuck the treat in, before Terry could make any more sound.

The bird narrowed his gaze at the boy, then slowly pulled the jerky into his mouth.

Youre a funny little thing. Terry was it.

Terry glanced at Tala, swallowed the jerky, then jabbered a long series of ascending and descending squawks and trills.

Nalac laughed again, reaching up to stroke the bird. Youre trying to talk?

Terry stopped, then huffed.

Tala cleared his throat. He was talking. Just because we didnt understand him, doesnt mean hes not speaking.

Nalac gave a slow nod, clearing thinking the whole situation was a bitodd. All right, then. Im sorry for interrupting, Terry.

Terry huffed, then went right back to jabbering away as the siblings turned and finished their trek to the shop.

When they reached the doors, Tala bid her brother goodnight, tossed a bit of jerky for Terry and smiled as his weight flickered into being on her shoulder.

Nalac waved as he pushed open the door. Goodnight, Tala. Goodnight, Terry. Good to meet you!

Latnas voice came from inside. Terry? Whos Terry.

Tala grinned as she turned and headed towards the Constructionist Guild.

If Im going to introduce Latna, I should at least meet them myself, first.