Chapter 324: Companions for the Waning

Chapter 324: Companions for the Waning

Tala really did have so many questions for Master Grediv that it was hard to pick. With that in mind, even though she was tempted to be distracted by the replaying of Mistress Kaetis battle with the magical horde, she kept her focus.

Well, lets start with a simple one: Is there anything else that my master would have told me, if I had one?

Master Grediv nodded. That is an excellent question. While sometimes the mageling surpasses the master, and in those cases, others are brought in, it is common for a master to impart certain things before Refining.

Tala didnt interrupt, instead taking the opportunity to eat some more of the rather tasty food.

If Im going to be honest, you had this stolen from you. You should have had immortality explained to you before you made the choice to become Refined, but that option was taken when your body began to degrade. Even so, I will endeavor to tell you what would have been said if you were in more normal circumstances: Just like responsibility is a privilegecounter to many of our younger generations understandingimmortality can be a curse, and one to only be chosen with open eyes.

She tilted her head slightly to the side, showing her interest and attention without interrupting.

Assuming you arent killedand that doesnt really factor in because you would be more easily killed as a Fused than a Refinedyou will live to see the turning of centuries. Acquaintances will grow old and die, your descendants will do the same.

If you are entirely unlucky, your spouse will not be among the Refined, and you will have to watch your soul-partner, your bound-mate grow old and become frail. The very nature of the bond would extend their life well into an inhuman span even if they werent a mage to begin with, but they would nevercould neverbe immortal. While tears did not grow in his eyes that she could see, Tala did see what could only be described as soul-deep sadness settle over Master Gredivs features.

It didnt take a genius to understand the implication. His wife had been among those to never Refine.

The world seems bright and new to someone of your age,he gave her a wry smile, only slightly masking his obviously more powerful emotionsyou more than most. If the young consider the passage of years at all, it is most likely that they are seen simply as the time that needs to pass in order for certain things to be allowed or accomplished: a threshold of years required before you can go explore the world, have adventures, learn new things, and so on.

Tala nodded. She had some deeper considerations on the passage of years, but she knew that her perspective was still that of a young woman, even though she also knew that her experiences had made her more contemplative than her contemporaries. She simply didnt have a good measure of the passage of time.

A few years seems like sooo long.

-And yet were about to sign up for more than two decades tied to one city.-

Loosely tied. Well come and go.

-Thats fair, but still, its a commitment for basically as long as weve been alive.-

To be an immortal among mortals is to walk a narrow path. If we dont care about those around us, it is easy to become like the arcane City Lords, using those below them for what little they can provide and otherwise ignoring the rabble. If we care too much? It crushes us. I have seen too many of our brothers and sisters of rank walk the road of depression and despondency. Its something that can be worked throughand is by far the better of the two extremesbut it is still no small thing.

There was a long pause, which Tala took as an indication that he was done for the moment. That was a lot. There was nothing really unexpected if Id thought about it though.

It wasnt meant to be groundbreaking, simply something that should have been presented before you joined the ranks of immortals. In your case, as I said before, you didnt really have much choice. It was either die far too early or become immortal. So, hearing it now is expected.

She nodded. I appreciate having it laid out there by someone who knows.she hesitated for only an instant before continuing.Is it worth it?

He gave her a long look. Yes and no. His smile was sad this time. I miss those whom I have lost more than I can ever express. My enhanced mind recalls them perfectly, to the point that I still expect to wake up beside her, or hear them running through the halls on little feet, even though Ive long since left behind the homes in which either happened.

If I can ask, why allow marriage between those more advanced than Refined and those below, then?

He gave her a sharp, reproving look. Aside from the fact that we married well before I advancedvirtually no one sets as insane a pace as you, Mistress TalaI would not trade my marriage with her for anything. She was not perfect, but she was perfect for me. He gave a wistful smile. It made sense that being imperfect myself, I needed someone else who was differently imperfect to make a matching set.

There was a long silence, then, one in which Master Grediv was clearly lost in memory. Tala had no desire to interrupt him, and so she let the silence settle.

Even so, he wasnt lost for too long. Soon enough, he sighed and looked her way once again. What else can I answer for you?

Did you ever remarry?

He blinked at that. Ahh, not ready to move on, topic wise? Understandable, I suppose. I didnt, though I came close on several occasions. He huffed a laugh. Hanae even tried to make me swear to find someone after she passed, but I refused, and I am glad that I did. I have found myself content with the companionship of peers as we defend and lift up the next generations.

There was something in the mans face and eyes that spoke to a deep-seated peace along with a truth to the statements. Thank you for being so open.

I am happy to oblige. Now, we should probably head toward the defensive units, but we can talk on the way.

Whatever you recommend.

They stood and left the restaurant, Master Grediv waving or giving nods of acknowledgement to a few of those that they passed on the way out.

Now that there wasnt a spectacle outside the walls to draw attention, the streets were about as crowded as Tala would have expected in Alefast, Waning. Oh, yeah. Thats a question.

Hmm? Master Grediv glanced her way.

When do we say Alefast, Waning versus just Alefast?

That is an interesting question, and one that many people have fun debating. He stretched slightly, nodded, and continued, Generally, its agreed that if the next city of the same name has a population beyond just that of the Builders Guild, and you are equidistant from the cities, or closer to the new one, then the distinction is required.

Thats obvious?

Of course, thats why its agreed to. The Caravanners generally dont bother with Waning, because all their routes simply connect to neighboring cities, and no city ever neighbors both the waning city and the new one of the same name. Thus, for their purposes its rather obvious which they mean.

That also makes sense, yeah.

When in the city, and referring to it, the waning is generally considered redundant. Such as, Mistress Tala, while in Alefast, you should take in the sights.

I can see that. Saying Waning in that sentence would be quite unnecessary.

The ground was some sort of unnatural materialor composite of natural materialsand it looked much superior to sand in every way.

But as spectacular as the training arena was, that probably wasnt what had stopped Master Grediv mid-sentence.

His next sentence, muttered under his breath, proved Tala correct in her assumption, I told them to come alone, and only if they needed more members

Within the arena waited at least fifty Refined, all gathered into various groups, though there were Archons who seemed to be floating between, and none seemed to be too isolationist. Additionally, all were gathered near the close end of the large space.

There were tables overloaded with food placed against one wall and another with drinks of various kinds.

Almost immediately upon the doors fully opening, a hush ran through the room, and everyone turned to look toward Tala and Master Grediv.

One of the closer Refined had clearly heard Master Gredivs mumblings, because a wide grin spread across her face. Well, Master Grediv, you said it was an official function and to use our discretion. Therefore, we acquired food and drink and invited our teams, if they were available and wanted to come.

A familiar figure walked up beside that woman and placed a hand on her shoulder before speaking. Besides, I told them all that Mistress Tala was a very interesting one, who was decidedly worth meeting.

Tala found herself smiling in return. Mistress Kaeti, it is a pleasure to see you again.

And you. I am glad that our paths have crossed again so soon.

As am I. Tala strode forward a few steps. I wanted to pick your brain on various training methods. Is now a good time?

Mistress Kaeti held up a hand. If thats what you really want to talk about, we can find a place to do so, but I think that Master Grediv would be even more cross with us if I stole you away before the matter of your position could be addressed.

Master Gredivs eye was twitching as he gave a slow nod, Yes, I would indeed.

The dancer grinned. There you have it. Lets get you a unit, have you meet the others, and find somewhere to talk training. You dont look like a dancer, so Ill be interested to learn what caught your eye.

Master Grediv clapped his hands once, unnecessarily, to gather everyones attention. Greetings everyone.he briefly rubbed his temples before continuingThis is Mistress Tala. She will be joining us for

Tala stepped forward as he glanced her way, infusing a small amount of power into her vocal cords and lungs so that the sound would carry without needing extra volume. At the moment, I plan on being based out of Alefast for the remainder of the waning. I do plan on taking several excursions and other trips during that time, however.

Master Grediv nodded. The same as with most of you, then. Will the unit leaders who are in need of another member come forward.

A voice floated from the back of the crowd, What can she do?

Another called out. Why does her name sound familiar?

Did she come alone?

Everyone turned to look at the last man who had called out.

He shrugged. What? My team only has room for one. Id hate to force her to split from her partner or those shes used to working with.

Master Grediv turned to Tala and motioned for her to answer the questions that she wished to, even as most of the eyes turned back in her direction.

Yeah, Im not dignifying the are you single question with a response. Ill introduce them to Terry a bit later.

That in mind, Tala shrugged. While I cannot guess exactly how you know my namegiven that I am far from the only one who bears itI will say that I recently returned from the arcane lands, and you might have heard of me in that context.

That sent ripples through the gathered Refined.

As to what I can do? She hesitated. I actually dont have a good way of defining what I can do

-Rust, Tala Fine, let me help you.-

Tala nodded to herself and then said what Alat provided. I am incredibly durable, I self-heal, and I can reliably take down any target of Paragon level or below, provided it isnt an awful match, and Im not under extreme limitations.

A man off to one side smiled wryly as he called back. Thats not as helpful as you might think, Mistress. He means what types of magic do you wield. Well want to see you in action to judge your capacities and capabilities with them later.

She nodded. Ahh, thank you. I use, to some extent or other, and in no particular order: Restoration, dissolution, self-enhancement, dimensional manipulation, gravity,she hesitated, glancing at Master Grediv, but he simply shrugged, then nodded. It was up to her, so she continuedvoid, and iron.

Every Refined seemed to freeze in place before their eyes moved, almost as one, toward Master Grediv.

Before anyone else could speak, the man who had clarified for Tala already spoke up. He, almost alone among the Refined, hadnt had a strong reaction. Don't be daft. She said iron, people, not reality. Pay attention. Master Grediv wouldnt let a reality Refined exist, let alone bring them down here and present them to us.

It took a moment, but a ripple of releasing tension flowed through the room, followed by muttering voices.

Master Grediv smiled and nodded. Thank you for cutting through the confusion so cleanly, Master Clevnis.

The man grinned in return. Its what I do.

With that settled, lets get to the matter at hand. Unit leaders with vacancies, please step forward.

Tala watched as the crowd shifted to let a few men and women come forward, including Master Clevnis with a woman beside him.

It was time for Tala to find her companions for the waning.