Chapter 278: Breakfast

Chapter 278: Breakfast

Tala left Mistress Hollys workroom only to find Mistress Emersen walking down the hallway, a large mug of coffee in each hand.

The womans blonde hair was now free of her woolen hat, held in a tight weave that seemed to circle the Mages head. The older woman smiled. Mistress Tala, I thought this might benefit you this morning.

Tala took the offered mug, savoring the smell. This smells amazing. Thank you.

Of course, Mistress.

Before the Mage could move on, Tala decided to ask a question that was bothering her, if only just a bit. If I may, why do you work for her?

Mistress Emersen shrugged, not seeming surprised by the question in the least. Shes the best.

Does she actually teach you anything?

Of course.

Is it reasonable? Working for her, I mean.

The woman huffed a laugh. A fool cannot learn, even from a wise man, but a wise woman can learn even from a fool. Mistress Holly is no fool, and I strive to avoid that label as well. Work is work, and Im here to learn.

Tala found herself smiling. I suppose that makes sense. She lifted her mug in salute. Thank you again.

You are most welcome, Mistress Tala. Good morning. Without another word, she went on her way.

She didnt really know what she expected, but she was glad that Mistress Emersen and Hollys other assistants and workers werent universally trapped.

-Yes, you made sure at least one was here of her own volition.-

Im not going to bug everyone, am I? She shook her head, taking another sip.

It was so good.

Now, where are Rane and Master Grediv?

She was about to call after Mistress Emersen when she heard voices from the front entry area and moved that way to investigate.

Master Grediv and Rane were in the waiting room, each drinking coffee from their own mugs.

It was the Paragon who saw her first. Ah, good. Youre finally done. I assume that Mistress Holly is ready to speak with me?

Tala nodded. She is. Did you both sleep well?

The men nodded, smiling.

Yes, thank you, Mistress Tala.

I did, thank you, Tala.

Master Grediv waved goodbye to Rane, and headed down the hall that Tala had just come from.

Rane shifted a little, straightening just slightly as he took another sip. Shall we find breakfast? I imagine youre hungry, and I could definitely do with some good food.

Tala grinned. I know just the place. Lets see if Lyn can join us.

They left their mugs in the designated place to one side of the waiting room, thanked the young man behind the counter this morning, and departed.

The sun wasnt up yet, but the sky was beginning to lighten.

There were a few wispy clouds above them, but no sign of falling snow.

That which was already on the ground squeaked beneath their feet with each step, and Tala reveled in the pleasant cool on her soles.

Her weight distribution scripts kept her from sinking into the snow, but it still pressed against the bottoms of her feet, and that was as good for waking up as the coffee had been.

Even though it was a brisk morning, the two Fused didnt walk quickly.

Rane pulled out a cloak against the morning chill, sweeping it around his own shoulders, and only then did Tala realize that Hollys workshop had been quite nicely warmed towards the end.

I suppose the temperature controls are rather effective.

-Even if they werent, it shouldnt take more than an entire night to bring such a space up to a desired temperature.-

Thats true enough.

The street lights were beginning to dim, though a true brightening of the sky was likely nearly an hour off. Tala suspected that she could see the current change only because of her enhanced perception.

As they meandered, neither Rane nor Tala seemed to feel the need to fill the space between them with chatter, and Tala found herself appreciating the quiet comfort of Ranes familiar presence.

It had been too long since shed been among friends.

Thron could have been a friend, and maybe he still would be if their paths ever crossed again, but right now, she knew that her necessary deception had left him understandably reticent and suspicious of her.

Their last day together had undone some of that, but she would still have to be careful of him, at least initially, when they met again.

As the thought came to her, she realized that even after a bit of separation, she really did want to meet him again. But maybe not for a decade or two. I need a break.

Regardless, it had been far too long since shed been with true friends.

She hesitated. Thats not really true anymore, is it.

-Weve only been back in the human cities for three days, so its true enough.-

Its kind of funny that my birthday is three days away.

She was going to be twenty-one. In the grand scheme of things, she was a child.

Well, by her age she was fairly child-like, but by her deeds and experiences? Not so much.

Ive killed my way through uncounted warriors older than me, more experienced than me, and even many more powerful than me.

-I could count them, if you wanted.-

Thats not the point, and you know it.

-Yes, the point was to be melancholic and melodramatic.-

Tala grimaced, her mood thrown off. Ive waded through rivers of blood to get back, and I never considered that cost.

Somehow, Tala felt a flick to her own forehead and immediately knew that Alat had sent the feeling her way. -Death is never light, but it is sometimes necessary. Stop trying to make yourself feel worse than you already are.-

Rane seemed to have noticed something, because he cleared his throat. Are you alright?

Tala shrugged. Caught in memories.

He smiled sympathetically. I cant imagine what you went through, what price you had to pay to come back.

That struck uncomfortably close to home, but before she could compile a response, he continued.

If you ever want to talk, Im here. If you never want to talk, Ill still be here. His smile grew a little. Im just glad youre back.

That hit a nerve, and she frowned. How did you know?

Hmm?

She let herself just be.

Honestly, it was stressful.

At first, she constantly felt like someone was watching her, about to attack, but once she had done everything reasonable to ensure that wasnt true, she came to the realization that it was actually the absence of danger that was making her nervous and anxious.

She was used to being on edge, having her every word potentially be judged. Shed gotten to a state of numb acceptance, even taking fairly foolish risks at times, but the danger had always been there. Shed been in a den of rats while made of cheese.

-That is an awful metaphor.-

Im working through stuff, Alat. Let me process.

-Fine, fine.-

Thus, now that she was out of danger, it felt wrong.

Like she was just failing to notice the hostile people who had to be there.

The genuine safety and security felt unearned and false, like it couldnt possibly be real.

This had to be a trap, or an illusion, or a trick.

But it wasnt.

One meal wasnt enough time to truly convince herself of that, even though she desperately wanted it to be, but it was enough for her to catch the barest edges of the truth.

She had only begun her reconciliation with, and realization of, her homecoming.

She was more broken and ragged than shed ever have realized, and now that she didnt need to put up a front, she was starting to crack.

Yeah, Im glad weve got a Mistress-Holly-enforced vacation.

As breakfast ended, and Lyn bid them goodbye, the woman hesitantly brought up one thing. I will need you to drop by the Caravanners Guild at some point in the next couple of weeks so we can sort out your contract. Theres no danger of violation or anything like that, but we do need to tie up the legal loose ends.

Tala felt her face twitch.

Lyn clearly noticed Talas reaction, because she held up her hands and smiled. There really is no rush, and there is nothing negative to deal with. Its just a formality, but it is a required one.

Finally, Tala nodded. Ill see what I can do.

Lyn held up a finger. When youre ready, and not a day sooner.

Tala smiled at that. Sure. Are you sure youre okay with me using your house, again?

Ill say it as many times as you need: Yes. You are always welcome. She looked to Rane too. Both of you, if you need.

Rane smiled. Thank you, but I wont impose upon the three of you.

Lyn shrugged. Its up to you. Take care, today. Ill see you soon!

As Lyn walked one way, they walked the other and Rane glanced toward Tala. What now?

Tala shrugged. I need to drop through the Constructionist Guild.

Right, to reinforce your sanctum.

Yeah.

As he opened his mouth to respond, his eyes unfocused and he pulled a small slate out of his dimensional storage.

Whats up?

Master Grediv reached out through the Archive. Im needed at Mistress Hollys workshop.

Oh? How did you know?

He had me add a simple script that he can activate through the Archive and alert me when he messages me through there. He was less than pleased when I vanished on him for a few months.

Oh The time he wouldnt talk about. What does he want?

Rane shrugged. Apparently, Master Grediv believes Im about ready to Refine, or at least start the process. Hes been pushing me this way since before I was a Mage, so its not unexpected. He huffed a laugh. He reminds me quite often that Im actually a couple years behind some of his previous students.

Well, rust, personalized training is the way to go, it seems.

That is why the system is set up with magelings and masters. He gave her a wide, knowing grin.

Youve got a mouth on you. When did that happen?

He shrugged. Would you prefer it on you?

They both froze, midstep.

Rane flushed deep red. Thats not what I meant!

Tala started laughing.

He seemed to be torn between wringing his hands and grabbing her shoulders to emphasize that he had not meant that.

That just made Tala laugh all the harder.

It was a short while before she pulled herself back under control.

Those who passed them in that time gave them a wide berth, but seemed to be smiling as they did so.

Finally, Tala grinned up at Rane. I needed that. It was a good laugh. Thank you.

Rane scratched the back of his head. Youre welcome, I suppose? He glanced over his shoulder. I should get going though. Reconnect later?

Sure. Ill drop through Mistress Hollys after Im done at the Constructionists.

That sounds like a plan.

With smiles and waves, they parted ways, and Tala set out to have Kit repaired and reinforced.

One mostly normal breakfast. Tala felt a sense of foreboding that she couldnt shake, even though she knew that it was her mind playing tricks on her. I wonder how many more Ill be allowed?

-Tala. Is there anything I can do?-

I know you could modify my mind, but that wouldnt be good on any level.

-Oh, yeah, one hundred percent that would be a bad idea. I more meant if there was anything you wanted me to look into or the like.-

Tala smiled to herself as she continued on her way, walking slowly, but not slowly enough to be a nuisance to those around her. Maybe begin parsing the books we have? Id like to learn what they have to teach, but I doubt Ill have time to go through them all on my own.

-Say no more. Ill get right on it.-

Thank you, Alat.

-Happy to assist.-

No, really. Thank you, Alat, for everything.

There was a long pause before the alternate interface responded. -You are most welcome. Lets get both of us sorted, eh? Then, we can tackle anything that comes our way.-

That, Tala had to admit, was an excellent plan.