Jennifer Jones
Stories
4
Chapters
1,292
Words
687.3 K
Comments
0
Reading
2 d, 9 h
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Tala looked around at the surrounding lands on this, western side of Makinaven. She’d not been out this gate, so it was all new. Even so, it was pretty much the same as out the other gates: farmland, orchards, and more odious industries, such as tanning. As the caravan continued away from Makinaven, crossing through those fertile lands, Zakrias turned the conversation to her. “So…what can you do?” Tala hesitated for a moment, then shrugged. His eyes twinkled with barely contained mirth. “So,…-
211 •
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Tala found herself a bit nervous as she approached the third tier, Makinaven, Constructionist Guildhall for the last time, at least this trip. She’d found what she hoped was a good whiskey the day before, shortly after purchasing the chocolates. So, she had both gifts ready to hand. She did not want to interact with a bunch of people. So, before she reached for the door handle, she spoke under her breath. “Mistress Tala?” Master Jevin’s voice sounded in her ear. “What are you doing? What are…
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211 •
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Tala was being a bit decadent, but she found that she didn’t much care. Her tea set was out and brewing a smooth chamomile. A honey panna cotta ready and waiting for her and her companion. They’d brought it with them from the restaurant. The sweet and creamy notes would be a perfect counterpoint to the tea. Tala and Rane sat on a public observation deck that was connected to the inn Rane was staying in, but they’d claimed the outdoor space for themselves. To be fair, no one else seemed much…
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211 •
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Tala strained, crocheting like her life depended on it. She didn’t remain sitting, simply meditating as she worked. No, she moved through stretches and weapons forms; she brewed tea and looked out at the vistas presented through the training room’s window. Winter had fully set in, and though the trees still held onto their leaves, they were covered with a white dusting throughout each day. Fusing while distracted was slower for her, but it also forced her to make both the fighting movements and the…
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211 •
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Tala felt somewhat nostalgic as she wove the Archon star within her finger. She directed three void channels into its creation. “That is fascinating.” Master Jevin leaned forward. “It’s already in a stable condition, with so little power. Truly, we Immaterial Guides have an unfair advantage here, if we are willing to work within ourselves once again. Seems that working with a medium of your own body amplifies that advantage.” She just snorted. “Is that enough power?” He shrugged. “I’m…
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211 •
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Tala slowly sipped her tea as she watched emotions play over Master Jevin’s face. Eventually, she lightly cleared her throat. “If I may, how old are you?” The sadness returned to the forefront as the dominant emotion evident in his features. “Old, Mistress. I was not lying when I said that humanity is all I have.” She glanced away, noticing the obvious deflection for what it was. “The tree.” He nodded. “I am soul-bound to the entire city-tree.” “Can…you leave?” He barked a…
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211 •
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Tala let her mind expand, her focus broaden, and her body react on instinct. She forcibly pushed all thoughts of the tree’s god-king from her mind. Flow’s hilt was at once perfectly smooth and easy to grip securely. It was cool, helping keep her hand from sweating, while not sucking the heat from her hand. In short, it was perfect for her, contouring to her palm and fingers beyond the ability of any craftsman to replicate. As she’d used the weapon more and more, Tala had noticed that as her grip…
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211 •
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Tala couldn’t wipe the smile from her face as she entered the Constructionist Guild front entry room. The previous afternoon of plays had been amazing, the food fantastic, and the company enjoyable. She felt more relaxed and mentally level than she had in…She shook her head, still smiling. Even a frustrating breakfast with Mistress Odera hadn’t spoiled Tala’s mood, despite the woman continuing to deflect anything resembling a personal question. The breakfast food had been as good as always, and…
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211 •
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Tala and Rane walked down the spiral side by side, weaving their way through slower foot-traffic or those traveling the other way. They could have asked Terry for a ride, but they weren’t really in a hurry. This was meant to be a mental break, and a celebration of Rane’s soul-bond to Force. As they walked down the spiral, they talked about small things, only occasionally falling back on talking about magic and combat, and Tala occasionally flicked out bits of jerky. After nearly a full circuit of…
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211 •
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Map: As a preventive note: I am aware that this is not how cities are located, in general. There is a very specific, in-world reason for the regular spacing. i.e. It's a feature, not a bug.…
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