Millennial Mage

Chapter 409: We Will, I Will, I Won't

Tala and Rane stopped atop a hill as soon as they came into sight of Marliweather.

It was nearing midday, two days after they had left Alefast.

The mining districts were still active, and still were marvelous to behold, out beyond even the farms.

It had been an uneventful trip.

They hadnt pressed to be quick, but they hadnt dawdled either.

Rane had been less experimental in his movements, simply getting the job done, moving quickly and efficiently to traverse the terrain.

Tala experimented a bit, but for the most part, she just kept near enough to him to keep an eye on him.

At least, thats what shed done the first day.

That night, he had been less than pleased.

After a somewhat awkwardif tastydinner, hed glanced her way and sighed, Tala. Do you really have so little faith in me?

She had balked at the accusation, even though it had been stated quietly, almost as if he was more resigned to the fact than hurt by it. What?

You know what I mean. Lets not pretend otherwise. You stayed within a few dozen yards of me all day.

She had shrugged in response. She hadnt tried to hide her actions. And?

You never have on any trip before when weve traveled. So. Why do you no longer trust me?

I trust you. I just want to make sure youre okay.

Because I cant be trusted to look after or defend myself.

She had sighed. Rane. You are still recovering. You are on this trip because of me. There are things in the wilds that could easily threaten either of us. I prefer to be able to easily face them together, if they come up.

Hed seemed mollified for the moment, but they hadnt talked much for the rest of that night.

They hadnt talked much the following day either.

She stayed close at hand, and hed resolutely avoided talking.

The arrival of night hadnt changed the situation.

All morning until they crested a rise and saw Marliweather was equally frustrating, equally silent.

But as they looked down at the city from their little rise, Rane finally turned to her, Do you want me to find diversion in the city? I dont want to impose upon your time with your siblings.

She huffed a laugh. I invited you, Rane. It would be rather horrid of me to tell you to get lost for our time in Marliweather.

He shrugged. I dont really mind. Its not fun to travel alone, and I helped with that. Now, youre here, and Im superfluous. At best, Ill distract you from your family, which would sort of defeat the purpose of this trip. Honestly, I dont mind waiting in the wings until Im needed again.

She took a long moment. Rane?

He turned to face Marliweather once more. Yeah?

Whats going on?

He visibly swallowed. I

Tala waited. She did so impatiently, but she did wait. He was being frustrating, but he was also going through a difficult time, and she wanted to be there for him.

Rane looked down and shook his head slowly.

She continued to wait.

I cant do it. Rane was practically whispering. Even so, the words were laden with emotion.

She swallowed, but held her tongue.

I cant do the final session, Tala. Even if I was sure that it would be the final session. I cant. I just cant

Tala could see tears running down his cheeks. She placed a hand on his shoulder, and he tensed momentarily before slumping, leaning her way.

My path has been ended. I am broken, and Im not going to ever be better. The best I can hope for at this point is to be a supporting character in your story, a footnote on your start to eternity.

Tala squeezed lightly, feeling the terrible knots and tension in his muscles even with that simple action.

He took a deep breath and forced himself to straighten. So, as a supporting character, I can wait in the wings until Im needed.

Rane She honestly didnt know what to say, but that worked out because he didnt let her continue.

I dont want comfort right now, Tala. I dont want you to try to convince me that Im wrong. I dont want to talk about it at all. Even without Refining, Ive got at least hundreds of years. In fact, Im young enough that Ive likely a lot more. Maybe one day advancement will be open to me again.

It sounded like he said the last more for her benefit than because he actually believed it.

He laughed self-deprecatingly. I might find a true need to be Refined, something that can overpower my brokenness. A miracle

Talas voice was soft when she asked, Why were you doing it up until now?

He stiffened again, then sighed. I suppose it doesnt really matter now. Theres no reason not to tell you. I just didnt want to be left behind.

So now, youre offering to let me leave you behind?

He nodded slowly. Its the way of things. Ive been broken. Im a failure.

Tala moved forward, wrapping her arms partly around the massive man. Rane. Im not going to leave you behind. Ive lived my adult life alonewhat little of it Ive actually livedand Im just barely starting to change that. Even so, I have so few relationships in this world, why would I leave one of my strongest ones behind?

He leaned his head sideways, laying it against the top of hers.

They stayed like that for a long moment before she squeezed one last time and let go, stepping back. Im not leaving you anywhere so long as I can help it.

He gave a half smile, tears still in his eyes as he wiped his face clear. Well see.

She nodded once. Yeah, I suppose we will at that.

* * *

Tala laughed with her sister as she threw Nea up into the air.

The little girl squealed with delight as Tala radically reduced her effective gravity so she could get higher and stay longer at the top of the toss.

This allowed Nea to almost float before she began to drift downward.

To be safe, Tala didnt use very much force in the toss.

After all, she wanted Nea to be able to come down safely even if she didnt catch her.

Tala had been very careful with her throw overall, keeping the girl oriented up and down and not allowing her to spin too much.

Still, her sister got a good view of the city from what would have otherwise been an entirely unsafe height.

Rane was a little ways off in the park, playing a version of tag with her four other younger siblingsOsip, Fedir, Olen, and Sellaas well as three of the olderMirro, Akli, and Mita.

Terry was playing in the snow off to the side, occasionally giving Tala a grumpy stare.

Shed asked him to let the humans play for a bit before he came in and dominated their games.

Hed reluctantly agreed.

Still, what Rane and the siblings were playing wasnt strictly tag because all of the children were it, and all were working together to get Rane.

Rane was still winning.

His movements were quick and sure across the thick summer grass, beneath the late afternoon sun.

Still, everyone was laughing as the children were piling over each other in their mad scrambles after the big man. So, he was managing to keep his victory the good sort of winning.

It was the type of challenging play that inspired children to try harder, rather than making them feel like it was hopeless to even try, leading them to giving up.

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LatnaTalas eldest sisterstood beside her as Tala waited to catch Nea when the little girl came back down.

Hes great with kids.

Tala looked toward Latna. Hmm?

Master Rane. It seems like hes pretty great with kids.

Tala looked toward Rane unnecessarily. She could see him easily enough through her threefold sight. Still, it was expected. I suppose so, yeah.

Latna huffed before a small smile grew across her lips. So, when are you going to tell us?

Tala frowned then, glancing toward her sister. She kept her perception on Nea to be safe, but her mind was on Latna. Tell you what? What is it that Im supposed to be hiding?

That youre betrothed.

Tala felt her eye twitch. Im not.

Uh-huh. Right.

Really, Latna. Im not; were not.

Latna shrugged. Fine, then. So, hes available? Id like to settle down with an Archon one day, and hes a good one from what I can see. I might have to spend some more time with him.

What? Are you serious? Tala jerked her head so she could look at her eldest sister, aghast.

The younger woman chuckled. No, not really, but I knew that would get your attention. Latna smiled even as a bit of power rippled down her body, clearly mastering her physical reactions.

She is learning quickly.

-She does have a good teacher, it seems.-

Does this have to do with your aim of becoming a Mage?

Latna smiled. Somewhat, yeah. Even if that is still quite far off.

So? Tala was quite grateful for the change of topic.

She sighed. I have at least four or five years of hard work ahead of me to achieve my certification as a Mage. Its an odd thing to consider, but four or five years is hardly any time at all, even if I never achieve the rank of Archon. She gave Tala a sideways glance. Any interest in telling me what that entails?

Tala huffed a laugh and shook her head. Not a chance.

I thought not.

Tala found that she was genuinely curious, so after a moments silence she asked, Are you sure?

About becoming a Mage? Yes. About pursuing Master Rane? No, not at all. He is a good man. Latna moved her head to indicate the playing group. Unfortunately, he isnt really on a path Id be interested in walking.

Tala gave her sister a flat look, not amused. What path would that be?

Latna raised one eyebrow. Violence, of course. Fighting to bring down the enemies of humanity. I prefer Master Leighis's approach, healing the injured, keeping the Mages and mundanes going as best as we can.

That was a bit oversimplified of a view of what they did, but it was true enough. Tala and Rane were on a violent path, assuming Rane didnt step away from that responsibility, too.

Alat grunted within Talas head but didnt say anything.

Tala helped Nea land, the girl giggling and laughing. Again!

Tala smiled, making sure her sisters foot didnt touch the ground and break that working. Then, she braced and repeated the process, sending Nea flying up once more with a controlled, powerful shove.

She watched long enough to make sure that Nea was moving as expected, before turning back to Latna. Rane and I are just friends.

Oh, Im aware that you arent married, betrothed, or courting. Everyone is aware of that. She gave Tala a meaningful look. I was talking about whether or not I would pursue him, given the fact that you arent.

Tala closed her eyes and counted to ten slowly. Please, Latna? Can you be serious for a moment?

Her sister shrugged. I am being serious. Master Rane would be a fantastic catch. Someone will take him as husband sooner rather than later. Latna gave Tala a meaningful look. Thats what Im asking about.

Tala didnt understand what that meaning was supposed to be, so she just frowned. So?

So, when are you going to tell us that youve opened your eyes and that the two of you are betrothed.

Tala huffed a laugh. Youre incorrigible.

Her sister shrugged. We need more people. Humanity as a whole is beating back the wilds, conquering our little part of the world. Its reasonable to ask.

Like asking me when Im going to eat next?

She grinned, then shrugged again. In essence, yes. Everyone marries eventually.

That made Tala frown. Was that true? She knew that shed believed that when she was younger, but shed honestly not thought much about it recently.

-Essentially, yes. While it doesnt seem to be that way for humans in the arcane lands, the statistical analysis is a little deceptive.-

How so?

-Well, I could say that everyone either marries, or dies before they could get married.-

Tala smiled internally at that. Ahh, I see. So, its a truth, but an almost trivial truth.

-Yes, but even so, the vast majority of people who survive to their thirties get married. It is to the point that its noticeably odd if a mundane reaches thirty and isnt married. For Mages, that age of so many its essentially everyone seems to be closer to sixty.-

What about Archons? Tala hesitated. Wait I know that one already. Most people dont become Archons until their sixties or even later.

-Yup, you got it in one.-

Fascinating.

-So it seems. Humanity advances more efficiently as a group, and that seems to translate down to the smaller scale too. Couples are better at advancing, in general, than individuals Well, thats a retrospective look. A ready explanation could be that those who end up married at one point in their life have a higher chance of reaching the upper ranks than those who never marry.-

Huh Shed noticed that most everyone she knew at her advancement level or higher either was married or had been married.

-Yes, you are the odd one.-

Wait Master Jevin?

-Yes, he is the most notable exception. I cannot find public record of anyone advancing to Paragon or beyond without being married at one point or another, save him. Though, to be fair, most of those Paragon and beyond are reclusive enough that we might not know it. Suffice it to say, the vast majority of Archons marry before becoming too old or advanced. The ones that don't would most likely tend to be hermits, married to their work.-

Mistress Noelle.

-Possibly.-

Master Nadro?

-He was married in the distant past. You know that. Hes talked about his children.-

Right. I wasnt thinking.

-Its fine. Thats why Im here. Please dont misunderstand. Many Paragons are not married, not now.-

Tala almost asked how that could be, but the answer struck her just as quickly. Many have married and their spouse is dead.

-Yes.-

So. We are a broken race, ruled and guarded by broken people.

-One and all. Maybe you should make your eternal goal to fix that?-

Tala snorted a scoffing laugh then turned her attention back to Latna, her smile fading a bit, Honestly I dont know. Im Im going to live a long time now.

All the more reason to have your kids and get on to the grandkids. Latna grinned. Longer lived just means longer to enjoy the best parts of life. For you, if thats having a baby, then spread out your kids, have one a decade for as long as you want, really. If its grandkids? Have a passel of kids and get them raised quick. The grandkids will come faster then. If its nothing to do with kids? Then have them early and move on.

Tala huffed. That was the drum beat of their culture, of their civilization. It was the only reason why gated humanity was scrambling a growing population out of the constant death. Latna wasnt saying anything that both of them hadnt heard a dozen times.

She wasnt even saying anything that Tala strictly disagreed with. Tala wanted children. She always had really, but at the moment, she felt like she liked the idea of children far more than shed like the actuality.

Latna seemed to actually be considering, though, so Tala didnt respond.

Finally, Talas sister gave a slow nod. I suppose it doesnt matter as much for a Mage, does it? There certainly isnt a rush age-wise for you, and there likely wont be for me. But you're still on a clock, Tala, even if not a biological one.

Tala felt herself smile. This I have to hear.

Latna was smiling. As impressive as you areand now that Ive seen some of your Defender fights I will admit that you are impressiveyou wont live forever. No human ever has.

Tala blinked a few times. Youve seen my fights?

Of course. Master Leighis believes its good for Mages in training to understand the realities of the world were stepping into.

She grunted at that. I suppose so. Regardless. Right now? I feel like I do more to make our world better where I am.

I hear you, and I dont disagree, but dont forget one important thing.

Do tell. Tala found herself smiling.

Whats the point if we dont have a next generation to hand all of this down to? She looked at her siblings. I can say that thats one of the best things our parents did. I cant imagine life without all the little ones.

Theres no argument from me, there. She sighed. I think you're approaching this with a false assumption, Latna?

Oh?

I want kids. I always have, really. I havent wanted to give birth to them in that moment, but Ive always seen myself as having kids, eventually. She shrugged. It would be hard to not consider them. You and our siblings were among the best parts of growing up. Our father was amazing before but it was still you all that made home home.

Latna smiled. So? Why not him? Do you think someone better is going to come along?

Tala sighed, letting her threefold sight move back toward Rane. It's not that, Latna.

Marriage just isnt for you? Some few people feel that way, I suppose.

Tala grimaced at that. Its not that either.

The younger woman turned to Tala, an eyebrow raised. Then what is it?

Talas grimace grew.

Latna sighed. Im not telling you to go marry Master Rane and get pregnant tonight, Tala. Im telling you to look around you. Find what needs doing. Find joy doing what needs to be done. Find companionship. Find a partner. Grow together. Become better together.

Tala felt herself smiling at the clear platitudes that the girl was spouting.

Latna grinned in turn. Sure, its trite, and common wisdom, but doesnt that make it more true, not less? She reached out and placed her hand on Talas shoulder. I know Im your little sister, and you probably dont have any interest in hearing any of this from anyone, let alone me. Im worried about you, Tala. It was Master Rane who told us about your disappearance, and who told us not write you off as dead. I know he did something, even if I have no idea what. He had that look in his eyes. Like a healer who sees a patient that they know they can save.

Youre right. Im really not interested in hearing this Still, she sighed. It is common wisdom for a reason. It is worth considering, even if it isnt true in every case.

Latna held up a finger and gave a mischievous smile. A fool finds a fence, sees no purpose, and tears it down. A wise woman finds a fence, sees no purpose, and leaves it be until she understands what it was meant to do.

And that was supposed to mean?

Latna shrugged. Ive never found a fence, myself, so it likely doesnt apply.

They both laughed at the ridiculousness of that.

Nea landed beside them with a little oof. Hey! You didnt catch me.

Tala turned to her, a broad grin back on her lips. And youre fine.

The little girl growled and tried to tackle Tala, to no avail.

Latna spoke softly one last time, Im glad that you are considering children, Tala, even if theyll come far in the future. You always have been a motherly one, and good at it, too. Humanity would have been worse off if you never let that part of you shine.

Tala smiled. That is kind of you to say.

Latna waved and turned to walk away. After a few paces, she hesitated and glanced back to say one last thing, Sometimes we cannot see the value of what is before us until it is gone. Her eyes flicked toward Rane once more before she gave a parting smile. Think on it, at least. Please?

Tala didnt think that she was ready, and Rane said that he was fine as they were. She didnt think her own thoughts on the matter had changed.

Have they changed?

She wasnt a new Mage, flailing for any scrap of control over her own life. She had a large amount of authority, and she was essentially beholden to no one. Maybe

After a long moment, Tala nodded. I will.