Chapter 438: Tea with Jalen

Chapter 438: Tea with Jalen

The pizza party eventually came to an end. No matter how much fun they were all having, there was still work and preparation that had to be done and Alexandra would probably spontaneously combust if she didnt get her daily practice time in.

With full bellies and satisfied smiles, everyone bid each other farewell. The students headed back to their dorms in a group. Noah and Moxie remained in the room beside Lee, who had draped herself over Noahs right shoulder like a sack of potatoes and was fast asleep.

That was a nice break, Noah said. Pizza parties really are magic. Its good to take a moment to sit back and celebrate when we achieve something. Motivation is a powerful thing.

Trust me, Im more than sold on their effectiveness, Moxie said. We should invite some more people next time. Brayden, if hes got time. Tim too. Maybe Ulya or Jalen depending on how things go.

Jalen? Noahs eyebrows rose. Something tells me hes the kind of guy to show up to a party with a keg of alcohol or ten.

Sounds like a fun party, Moxie said with a wry grin. And if hes going to hang around us like a vulture, we might as well get to know him better. Dont get me wrong. I don t like him. But, if hes going to be a constant presence in the near future, then Id rather know him better.

There was no arguing with that. It was a good point. Noah inclined his head in agreement, then slipped his hand into a pocket and pulled out the slip of paper that Brayden had given him. Ill let him know hes invited to the next one. Ive got a pretty good opportunity to do that now.New n0vel chapters are published on

Hes around?

With Tim, apparently, Noah said. He caught the baffled look on Moxies face and shook his head. I dont know either. Tim never told me he knew Jalen or vice versa, but all I can do is head over to find out. Using this will get Jalen to come grab me.

Whered you get that? Brayden?

Yeah.

Well, I suppose I cant complain too much. At least Jalen gave you a way to contact him instead of showing up and kidnapping you. Moxies tone sharpened and her eyes narrowed. It didnt look like shed completely forgiven Jalen for how their first meeting had gone, and Noah didnt blame her.

I suppose even withered dogs can learn new tricks, Noah said. He put the paper back into a pocket and shifted his shoulder, carefully sliding Lee off and holding her up before him like an elongated cat. She let out a murmur and her fingers twitched, but her eyes didnt open. Could you take Lee? If I call Jalen, I get the feeling hes just going to yank me and drop Lee on the floor.

Is she really still asleep? Moxie asked, but she took Lee from Noahs arms and draped her over her own shoulder.

Probably not, Noah replied. He poked Lee in the side and she squirmed, letting out a muted snicker before following it up with an exaggerated snore. The corner of his mouth quirked up. But good luck convincing her of that.

Lee let out another snore.

You dont snore when you sleep, you know, Moxie pointed out with a defeated yet amused sigh. You just kind of lie there.

Lee abruptly stopped snoring. Moxie rolled her eyes and both she and Noah held back a laugh. Noah scooped the paper back out of his pocket and took a quick look around the room to make sure he wasnt about to leave anything behind.

Its nice to see you again, Vermil, Tim said. He slid a cup over to Noah and then handed Jalen another one.

Much appreciated, Tim, Jalen said as he took the cup and sipped from it, letting out a satisfied sigh. That hits the spot. Youve always been damn good at this.

Noah stared at them in disbelief. He tried to muster words but found that none were immediately coming to mind. Tim and Jalen definitely knew each other, and it seemed like theyd known each other for some time.

Tim took his own cup and tasted it, then nodded to himself. The brew went well today. Good leaves. Thank you for delivering them.

It wasnt too hard. I just nicked em from a tea shop when they werent looking, Jalen said with a dismissive wave.

Noah opened his mouth, then glanced down at the tea. He raised the cup to his lips and took a sip. A familiar pleasant sensation greeted his tongue and he almost burst into laughter. There was no doubt about it. This was the tea from the store that Silvertide had been at.

So, Noah said as he lowered his cup and set it on the table. Does someone care to inform me what in the world is going on? You two know each other?

For around forty years now, Id say, Tim said, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. Jalen came by to use the Transport Cannon some time ago and we got into an interesting conversation.

Interesting conversation, he says. Jalen let out a snort and shook his head. I tried to fiddle around with the cannon and figure out if I could take it apart and he got mad at me. Ive never been yelled at by an old man with the power of an ant before.

Do you literally make all your friends by getting people pissed at you and seeing how they react? Bold. Maybe bordering on a fetish, but I wont judge. Its hard to imagine Tim getting pissed about anything, but if he was going to get mad, the transport cannon definitely would have been the reason why.

Yelled is a strong word. I just gave you a small scolding. The cannon is very fragile. The magic is not to be tampered with. Tim took a sip of his tea, then let out a sigh and shook his head. Or at least, it shouldnt have been. Its back up and running, but only because people are manually running it.

Well get the key back soon enough, Noah promised. Dont worry. Well get the transport cannon to its former state as soon as we can.

Tim smiled and took another drink of his tea, then gestured for Noah to do the same. He did. It was good tea, after all. There was no reason to waste it.

I suppose we should cut to the chase, Jalen said. His voice was more serious than normal. As amusing as you are, I didnt call you here for no reason, Vermil.

Noah set his cup back down on the table. I figured as much. What is it, then? Something tells me it isnt for a game of darts.

Maybe after, Jalen said, a flicker of amusement passing through his eyes before his features grew focused again. He nodded to Tim. As I said, Ive known Tim for some time. I wont lie and claim to be the greatest ally one can have. Im a rather distracted man. Things dont tend to keep my attention for long, but when they do, I pay close attention to them.

And?

Jalen leaned forward and braced his arms against the table. Tim hasnt gotten stronger in years, Vermil. Hes been stuck in place, unable to advance since the day I knew him. And yet, when I found that he was caught up in a fight with Wizen and came to check on him, do you know what I found? Strength, Vermil. Not much, mind you. Tims strength has always been his mind, not his runes, but the pressure coming from him increased by a very, very slight margin. For a man that hasnt changed in all the years I knew him, thats quite the change indeed and I think youre responsible for it.