Millennial Mage

Tala—Terry on her shoulder—Rane, and Lyn stood in what appeared to be the command area for the moving village of Astraya, the heavy doors just shutting behind them.

As soon as they were truly closed, Tala dismissed her armor as doing otherwise would have been rather rude. She and Rane also released their veils.

The room, while holding a clear feel of importance and command, was just as obviously designed to be a comfortable place in which to be.

There were several distinct sitting areas, and two people rose to greet them from one such. Tala was surprised to find that both were gated. Specifically, they both appeared to be unveiled Paragon gated.

The woman was actually rather short, even shorter than Tala by a couple of inches. Her hair was red-brown and incredibly long as it nearly reached the ground, even while woven into a tight braid that did little to hide just how curly it was.

Her skin was starkly pale, covered with a smattering of freckles that highlighted her blue-gray eyes in a rather enchanting fashion.

Her round face was further set off by the almost phantasmal cat ears poking up through her hair. And as soon as Tala noticed those, she saw obvious traces of similarly phantasmal cat hair in tufts and swatches all over the woman's body, not in a mangy sort of way, but as if they were there as visual augments to her already noticeable beauty.

What is this now?

-Huh… the ears and other non-human features are definitely a part of her, there is not a distinction between reality nodes. They don’t seem to be an illusion either.-

At the moment, though, she was being rude, and she assumed that she’d learn in time.

The woman wore a simple white dress that was long while not being quite long enough to hide her delicately sandaled feet or brush the ground as she moved. Stitched all through the stunningly clean garment were patterns that evoked a feeling of nature in colors running the gamut in the pastel range of hues.

The woman bowed. “I am Mistress Cae.”

Mistress? Tala bowed in turn. “I am Mistress Tala, this is my husband Master Rane, and my adjunct Mistress Lyn.”

Lyn and Rane bowed as they were mentioned, Lyn more deeply than Rane and Tala by a fair margin.

Mistress Cae bowed to Rane and Lyn as well. “We’re not fans of the ‘Greater’ vernacular, and so we won’t use it with other gated. I’m glad you’re amenable to that. Having magic does not make one ‘greater’ than others…” She seemed to catch herself. “But you aren’t here for a philosophical rant. This is my husband, Master Kalfeir.”

The stoic man gave a bow in turn. He had dark hair with marginally graying wings near his temples. He was powerfully built in a way that few men that Tala had seen achieved, save Rane and a few of the guardsmen she’d known in the caravans.

It went beyond simply being strong and capable and entered into the realm of something that he clearly worked on.

He had the bearing of a soldier—a lifelong fighter—and even the way he stood evoked a readiness for action, a readiness to defend his wife no matter what came.

His clothes were utilitarian, while being just as pristine as Cae’s, and he had what looked to be dozens of small scroll tubes affixed to his belt along with a simple knife.

Despite his only marginal smile, Tala could see a sparkle of humor behind Master Kalfeir’s eyes that actually reminded her of the merchant Mara—even if that woman had been smiling constantly, which Kalfeir decidedly wasn’t.

“Welcome to Astraya.” His voice was rich and powerful, like he was used to giving commands and having them obeyed.

His seemingly unveiled aura was nearly three-quarters of the way toward Reforged, while his wife’s gave the feeling of being stuck just past half-way.

That sense of being stuck was an odd extra thing that was seemingly interwoven with the coloration. Though Tala couldn’t actually tell how she was sensing it, exactly. Likely, it had to do with her expanded awareness and sight of souls that she was just beginning to flex and understand. ȒἈꞐоᛒʧ

Tala finally gestured to Terry, taking a bit of mirth from the fact that Mistress Cae had been inspecting him with little subtlety since they had entered. “This is my bound companion, Terry.”

Mistress Cae beamed. “Good to meet you, Terry. You are a terror bird, correct?”

Tala and Terry nodded at the same time.

“With dimensional magics too. That must be a terrifying combination with your natural weapons and instincts.”

Terry fluffed himself a bit, clearly preening in the praise.

Tala grinned. “He is rather impressive. He’s saved my life quite a few times.”

“I’ve no doubt, and you his, I hope?”

Tala looked his way, and Terry met her gaze levelly before headbutting her cheek.

Mistress Cae’s smile softened. “I’m glad to know that.”

They all exchange bows and greetings once more, before Mistress Cae beamed once more. “Come, sit. Sit! We have so much to discuss. Can we get you anything? Water? Tea? Coffee? Wine? Ale? Food? Meals are available and served at the regular times, but we can order something brought if you are particularly hungry.”

Terry crooned, indicating he wanted nothing, and settled in to sleep on Tala’s shoulder.

Lyn accepted the offer of some tea; Tala asked for coffee; and Rane asked to try the wine.

Tala gave him an odd look, and he shrugged. “I don’t drink much wine, but I’m sure it’ll be an interesting vintage.”

Mistress Cae clapped her hands delightedly. “Shall you have sweet or dry wine? Red, white, blue, or amber?”

Rane blinked at her a few times.

Master Kalfeir gave a slight sigh before interjecting, “My wife enjoys working with plants and their products. We have quite the export of various wines from the fruits in the holds that we carry with us.”

Mistress Cae grimaced slightly. “It is very frustrating having to manage those plants from afar, but at least I get to be more hands on once the fruits are harvested.”

Lyn leaned forward. “Really? You are involved in the fermenting process? And you create enough wine to be an exporter?”

A truly feline smile stole over the other woman’s face. “Oh, my dear, you have no idea.” She then waved a hand, dismissing the matter. “But first, let us get you all your drinks, and socialize. It’s not time to talk trade, not yet, and we are likely not the best to hash out details with either.” She returned her attention to Rane. “Master Rane?”

He shook his head. “I prefer sweet to dry, but other than that? I confess that I am ignorant.”

Their hostess seemed unbothered. “Then I shall select something for you.”

He gave a slight bow. “I place myself in your capable hands, then.”

Mistress Cae’s eyes unfocused for a brief moment, then she led them all to a sitting area with wooden, but surprisingly comfortable—and sturdy—lounge chairs.

The tilted backs and seats invited lounging—as the name implied—and Tala found herself relaxing into the position.

Less than a minute later, a young man who was clearly a servant entered bearing a tray of drinks. He had mousy features and was clearly an arcane of that variety, even though Tala didn’t believe that she’d seen a mouse-kin before.

-There were some in the crowds in Platoiri, but I don’t think you ever took special note of them.-

Right. That’s fair.

The servant gave each of them their drinks with sure, steady hands, before bowing and departing, never having said a word.

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It seemed that Mistress Cae had desired wine, and she’d gotten her husband something in a large silver tankard.

Lyn was lightly frowning in contemplation, and after the young man departed, she asked. “Do you use the Archive here? Are we far enough from the danger?”

Master Kalfeir gave a wry, half-smile, but it was Mistress Cae who replied. “Oh? You’ve heard of that proscription then? I’m glad. We would have given that warning before we parted company if not. It is an odd belief and practice of the northern expanse, but we have come across credible tales of the utter vanishment of those who ignore it.” She shrugged.

Tala almost opened her mouth to tell the woman what she knew about exactly what that belief was likely based on, but she stopped herself. Such would lead to far more questions and the sharing of more that Tala wished to at this time.

Mistress Cae didn’t seem to notice—or she didn’t mind if she did—and she continued without any sort of pause. “Regardless, we are in less danger here according to common wisdom, but no, I did not signal through the Archive. I am connected to several wooden expanses in various parts of Astraya, and I simply altered one to make our request known.” She chuckled. “In truth, I am connected to all the wood here, in one form or other, but for most, the connection does not allow such fine control.”

Tala grunted, nodding. “I can understand that. I’ve used a similar method myself, though I imagine I come at it differently.”

“Indeed.” The other Paragon gave a slight nod of her head.

Rane took a sip of the wine, and his eyes widened with delighted surprise. “Oh, this is magnificent. What gives it the deep blue color?”

Mistress Cae was clearly pleased at his reaction. “It’s from a rare species of grape that we discovered on our travels. I bred it to have sufficiently sized fruit, then bred out the seeds.” She smiled laconically. “I worked with it in other ways, too. Honestly, the only two things I maintained were the color of the juice—I do so love royal blue—and the flavor. But once I had the fruit, the real work began. Properly fermenting a good, sweet wine is a task for the centuries.” She gave a self-deprecating smile. “At least it was for me.”

Rane nodded along before lifting his glass in a salute. “And it seems that your efforts were not in vain. Thank you.”

They went on to discuss the other beverages which were equally excellent. Apparently, Astraya was the major exporter of many beverage types in the region, with the tea and coffee each being grown in various custom holds created and maintained for the purpose.

Mistress Cae definitely carried the conversation, acting the consummate hostess and ensuring that everyone was engaged. Master Kalfeir occasionally commented as well, but he seemed far more content to sit back and listen.

He always wore a small smile whenever he was looking toward his wife, and he always took on an air of quiet readiness whenever he was gazing at anyone else.

The meandering small talk got them through the initial drinks, and once Mistress Cae had ordered more—and those had arrived—they were ready to move on to other subjects.

“Now, we would love to hear how things are going in the cycling cities. It has been several decades since we got any travelers from that region, and they weren’t that well informed.”

Tala glanced toward Rane, and Rane shrugged. “I’ll tell you what I can.”

And so he did. He went over the current configuration of cities—which sites were currently in use and what the current name was for each—he also detailed the various City Rulers and experiments that they were running. Mistress Cae and Master Kalfeir seemed especially interested in Audel and the current allowance of outwardly non-human appearances.

When he wound down, Rane asked the obvious follow-up question, “How long have you been away?”

The two shared a look, and Master Kalfeir shrugged, prompting his wife to answer. “Nearly nine hundred years.”

Tala’s eyes widened. “Why is that?”

Mistress Cae gestured to herself, specifically the ears on the top of her head. “In my younger years, I thought the recommendations against bonding with sapient creatures in the early advancements was for other people. I assumed that I knew better. I had the fortune of coming across a rare—and incredibly friendly—astral cat. We got along incredibly well, and I wished for her to be my companion.” She grimaced then, but it was one of memory, not active pain. “It went wrong. We merged rather than bonding, and my consciousness overpowered hers entirely. She died that day, and I lost my best friend.”

Terry’s eyes flicked open, and he gave a soft trill of sympathy.

Master Kalfeir shifted to put his arm around his wife.

She snuggled up against him before continuing. “I took on aspects of her physiology, gained many of her instincts, and I even picked up some aspects of her magic.”

Tala gave a slow nod. “Like Master Jevin, at least sort of?”

Mistress Cae gave a genuine smile. “Yes indeed. Master Jevin has been a great help, whenever we crossed paths. I didn’t realize you were that familiar with him, when your husband mentioned his continued rule over Makinaven. He said he would try to come out for a visit the next time his tree is abandoned this cycle. He’ll fit in the trip before the Leshkin stir to their war path. We are parallel journeys, each seeking a return to our humanity because of what we have done to ourselves.”

Lyn had a sad cast to her features as she carefully asked, “And you are finding that out here?”

“Indeed. I don’t have the temperment to rule a city of hundreds of thousands, nor does my Kalfeir, but here? A few thousand? We can build our authority and strive to Reforge properly.” She reached up to stroke Master Kalfeir’s face. “I swear he could have been done a dozen times over if he would just buckle down and make it happen.”

He smiled kindly in return. “But I won’t leave you behind. I’ll take the last step at need, but not before, not without you.”

The woman gave her guests an exasperated look, but it had a conspiratorial note, as if inviting them into her own feelings of affectionate frustration. “His Reforging wouldn’t harm me in the least, but will he listen to his wife? No.”

The man gave a shrug that somehow had a note of finality to it. “It is right to my eyes, and I will do nothing less. My honor is not subject to your wishes, no matter how much I love you.”

Rane and Tala shared a look. In that look, Tala could tell that Rane hadn’t changed his mind. He still wanted her to advance as quickly as she was able, regardless of him, and she agreed. She still felt a bit conflicted, but she simply couldn’t bring herself around to Master Kalfeir’s way of thinking.

As she considered it, that was alright. No two relationships were identical, and trying to force hers and Ranes to look like Mistress Cae’s and Master Kalfeir’s would likely ruin it. They were different people—they were different couples—and so their marriages wouldn’t be the same.

-Convenient of you to think that, eh?-

Oh, hush you, Alat. You know it’s true.

-Of course it’s true, but it’s also convenient, is it not?-

…You’re very mean sometimes.

-We are our worst critic.-

“Oh!” Tala had a sudden realization, causing the others to pause at her exclamation. She flushed slightly. “My apologies. I just remembered something. You two are married and Paragons.”

Master Kelfeir raised an eyebrow even as Mistress Cae chuckled. “Yes?”

“Well, does that mean that you’ve worked out how to use magic through each other’s auras and authorities?” When the two frowned at her, she felt the need to explain. “We’ve been married less than a year, and only just achieved the advancement of Paragon.”

The two shared a look, something deep passing between them. Once again, Master Kalfeir seemed content to let his wife speak for them. “Well, that explains your question. As to the answer: Yes and no.”

Rane and Tala leaned in, not interrupting.

Lyn had out a pad of paper—trying to honor the proscription against Archive connections—and was taking notes.

“Yes, we are able to use magic through the aura generated by the other, but no, it isn’t ‘each other’s’ aura. We have the same aura. We are one.” She leaned back against her husband as if that said it all.

He squeezed her close and kissed the top of her head.

Tala blinked a few times, considering.

Terry squawked as if what had just been said was obvious.

It wasn’t to Tala. “I… I don’t understand. I can’t use his magics, nor he mine. Are you telling me that you can use each others’ inscriptions and natural magics?”

Mistress Cae shook her head, smiling. “You aren’t thinking about this right. Can your foot use the inscriptions or natural magics around your eye?”

Tala frowned. “No? But it doesn’t need to.”

Master Kalfeir spoke up, then. “My magics are mostly perceptual in nature, at least those that I have inscribed and carved deeply into my existence as natural magics.” He kissed his wife’s head again before pulling his arm back and leaning forward. “She doesn’t need to use my magics because I already see whatever we need to see.”

He then leaned back as if that answered everything.

Rane grunted, and Tala looked at him quizzically. “Do you understand?”

He shrugged noncommittal. “I think so, but we’re getting hung up on an ancillary detail. They’re saying that they’ve merged their auras to be identical, even though that’s visibly untrue.”

Master Kalfeir just huffed a laugh. “You haven’t noticed that your own aura isn’t uniform?”

Tala shrugged. “Of course it isn’t perfectly uniform. We can make it more or less powerful, within the range of our ability. We can veil it or enhance it at need.”

“Exactly.” He then leaned back, a pleased smile on his face.

Her frown grew. “No, not exactly. It is still my aura. It still reflects my advancement; it is still mine.”

Master Kalfeir just shrugged, seeming content with what he’d already said.

-What about when you flickered to Rane’s aura? That shouldn’t have been possible if it wasn’t actually your aura.-

I what—? Then she remembered. Huh… maybe?

Mistress Cae added a final thought, “It’s not instantaneous nor intuitive for most, but it is true. Those who are married—soulbound as we are soulbound—are two parts of the same whole. It is truer for us than for any soulbound item, but you should be able to see it there, too. An item’s power will show in the aura around it, not superseding yours but augmenting it, altering it, enhancing it in ways that are difficult to detect if you aren’t looking for it.”

Tala sighed. “I suppose that’s another thing to add to the task list.”

Master Kalfeir took pity on her then, giving a placating smile. “All of those of our advancement have such lists, and it is the fate of all for those to grow and grow.” He gave a wink. “The secret is to tackle the things you care about and find others to take care of the rest.”

Mistress Cae let out a giggling laugh. “In that regard, Mistress Lyn. Yours has been a pleasant company, but we do not actually handle Astraya’s trade ourselves. Can I connect you with our adjunct in turn?”

Lyn stood and bowed. “Of course, Mistress Cae. Thank you for your hospitality and for allowing me to be a part of such a conversation.”

“Of course. Once your negotiations are complete, you would be welcome to drop by and visit us at any time.” She gestured around herself. “We are in these suites most days, and when we are not, we have someone here to take down messages for us.”

Lyn bowed again. “I will remember that. Thank you.”

At that moment, the doors opened, and Cait stepped in, bowing to each in turn. “Mistress Lyn, are you ready to begin our negotiations?”

Lyn smiled, following the other woman out. “It would be my pleasure.”

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