Chapter 300
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Chapter 300
Alright so, Trix looked at the tree thistle. Do we just yank it out?
No! Idalia unintentionally yelled. What is wrong with you? Didnt you read the page? she waved it towards Trix.The origin of this chapter's debut can be traced to N0v3l--B1n.
Sure I did. It just said to uproot it whole.
Stop! Idalia called out to Sasho who had his arms wrapped around the plant. Youll just tear it in half if you do that. And put holes in your arms, if you grab it tight.
Sasho looked down at his arms- which already had some wasp stings. Ouch.
Idalia sighed. Okay, look, the roots should go pretty much straight down. Apparently we need to keep this thing encased in dirt, so we have to dig maybe a meter on each side? Thats so much dirt though, itll more than fill that wheelbarrow.
Its all we have, Trix said helpfully.
Why did Birita send you? Idalia shook her head.
Believe it or not, Im one of the careful ones. And Sasho
Im here to lift it, he flexed. Im strong.
I know, Idalia sighed. And Im here because
You knew enough to have proper caution. Birita must have known that. Or wanted someone to blame for screwing it up.
Same could be said for you two, Idalia grumbled. Why do you work for her anyway?
Umm Trix looked over at Sasho, who looked back.
Because Trix does, Sasho nodded.
Its complicated, Trix frowned.
Yeah well, your complicated is making things awful for the rest of us. Idalia had gotten her confidence back after the battle. That wasnt her forte, but chastising unruly customers and working with herbs was. These two were kind of both even if they were also much stronger than her. But shed dealt with people who could physically overpower her before, it just so happened that both she and her foes were stronger at the current moment. She jabbed her trowel into the ground, drawing out a line. Well dig down from here, as deep as arms length. Thatll have to be good enough.
Going straight from a battle to physical labor was difficult. Idalia thought that maybe she was becoming too reliant on natural energy, but even her body was stronger- and she was just trying to do more than a normal person would. This was the sort of project that should really take a long afternoon with proper shovels, whereas they were using their hands and her trowel and Sashos axe as improvised digging implements. It was foolish of her to assume they had something when she had seen what they were carrying. And they really didnt want to be here for long, because there could be more wasps. Or equally dangerous beasts.
As Sashos axe chopped through the dirt, Idalia sincerely hoped the sound of roots being cut were nearby trees and not their quarry. Or that the author of the scant page she had was incorrect about the required intact nature of the herb-tree. It was frustrating enough that all of the effects seemed to have been intentionally removed. What was Birita going to get out of this? It seemed fairly potent to Idalia, but would it be enough to empower Birita? If so should she make sure that didnt happen?
Some people seemed to find the idea of sacrificing themselves simple. Either they had nothing to live for, or they thought that thing would do just fine without them. Personally, Idalia had a lot of life ahead of her still left to live, and wasnt planning to die out in the woods. But shed been getting a better idea of how to use her natural energy to sense the effects of herbs without anyone ingesting them.
She carefully avoided the spiky leaves, navigating her hand to a place with the least spikes so she could hold her palm against it. Then she circulated her energy out and through the plant.
But despite the fact that Sasho and Trix were working for her, they werent really like the others. Sure, Trix was snarky about things and absolutely collected the taxes for Birita, but whenever it happened to Idalia she didnt feel so bad about it when it was her. And Sasho was big and clumsy, but probably didnt really get that he was doing something wrong. Even if she could guarantee she wouldnt receive a backlash, the fact that they probably would stopped her. And she had no guarantee that only Birita would be ingesting this concoction.
Actually, it seemed insane to think one woman would need all of this. Maybe she was planning to sell it, but if so she really should have taken her time with this.
Idalia shoved aside all thoughts of poisoning Birita- directly or indirectly. Until later, at least, if she could guarantee some actual damage and that only Birita would be harmed. Or at least only her and her worst cronies.
-----
When Sasho and Trix hurried off- just as the sun was beginning to set- Idalia collapsed in a pile. Specifically, into the dirt. There was far too much of it in her workshop, as well as various dirtied and broken things. Her door was useless too. But shed survived the ordeal. Hopefully. Unless too much potency had been lost and Birita decided to kill her anyway.
Need some help? a voice asked.
She turned her head, realizing there had been footprints approaching. Oh Hiram. She closed her eyes for a moment, then nodded. Yeah, I need to clean up. It took a few moments for something to come back to her. In the forest was that you? Taking out that wasp.
It was, he nodded. I happened to be approaching your shop at the same time as these two. I followed after you at a significant distance. They radiated quite a bit of power, so my own ability to hide myself wasnt that important. I decided in that battle the risk was acceptable, with everyone seeming quite distracted.
Thanks, I needed it.
I would have liked to do more, he said as he began sweeping around her, pushing things out the back door. I also would have liked to take out those two.
We shouldnt, Idalia said quickly.
I know. It would just draw the wrath of stronger people. But those two didnt feel too far out of our reach.
Yeah but its not just that. Those two are fine people.
They smashed up your shop and almost got you killed, Hiram pointed out.
Yeah, but it wasnt really their fault. Theyre good people at heart, I think. Just forced into working for Birita somehow. I think it would be better to get them on our side.
Hmm Hiram contemplated for a while as he continued to sweep. I hadnt considered that. So far, my encounters with Biritas group have only solidified their status as thus, and the Gray Rock Sect remains cowardly bullies.
Maybe not all of them, though, Idalia pointed out. Some people might just be biding their time, like us. Even those working for Birita they have to be getting something from it. If they can grow stronger, maybe they can do something.
... I almost wish youd taken up Antons offer, Hiram said. Then we could be done with it. But perhaps instead of just taking the easy way, we should work towards something more sustainable.
I agree, Idalia said. I wouldnt ask you to try to hold your temper around the Gray Rock Sect, but I or some of the others could look into them more closely. And maybe we can ask Trix about others. Sasho probably doesnt need to hear any of this though. He seems like the kind that would be bad at keeping secrets.
Absolutely, Hiram agreed. And when Anton returns, we might ask for some help spying on people. I am under the impression that he can sense things from a significant distance.
Several kilometers away, Anton half-grinned to himself. It seemed things were going fine without his constant watch. But the issues still might outlast his stay in the area.
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Chapter 300
Alright so, Trix looked at the tree thistle. Do we just yank it out?
No! Idalia unintentionally yelled. What is wrong with you? Didnt you read the page? she waved it towards Trix.The origin of this chapter's debut can be traced to N0v3l--B1n.
Sure I did. It just said to uproot it whole.
Stop! Idalia called out to Sasho who had his arms wrapped around the plant. Youll just tear it in half if you do that. And put holes in your arms, if you grab it tight.
Sasho looked down at his arms- which already had some wasp stings. Ouch.
Idalia sighed. Okay, look, the roots should go pretty much straight down. Apparently we need to keep this thing encased in dirt, so we have to dig maybe a meter on each side? Thats so much dirt though, itll more than fill that wheelbarrow.
Its all we have, Trix said helpfully.
Why did Birita send you? Idalia shook her head.
Believe it or not, Im one of the careful ones. And Sasho
Im here to lift it, he flexed. Im strong.
I know, Idalia sighed. And Im here because
You knew enough to have proper caution. Birita must have known that. Or wanted someone to blame for screwing it up.
Same could be said for you two, Idalia grumbled. Why do you work for her anyway?
Umm Trix looked over at Sasho, who looked back.
Because Trix does, Sasho nodded.
Its complicated, Trix frowned.
Yeah well, your complicated is making things awful for the rest of us. Idalia had gotten her confidence back after the battle. That wasnt her forte, but chastising unruly customers and working with herbs was. These two were kind of both even if they were also much stronger than her. But shed dealt with people who could physically overpower her before, it just so happened that both she and her foes were stronger at the current moment. She jabbed her trowel into the ground, drawing out a line. Well dig down from here, as deep as arms length. Thatll have to be good enough.
Going straight from a battle to physical labor was difficult. Idalia thought that maybe she was becoming too reliant on natural energy, but even her body was stronger- and she was just trying to do more than a normal person would. This was the sort of project that should really take a long afternoon with proper shovels, whereas they were using their hands and her trowel and Sashos axe as improvised digging implements. It was foolish of her to assume they had something when she had seen what they were carrying. And they really didnt want to be here for long, because there could be more wasps. Or equally dangerous beasts.
As Sashos axe chopped through the dirt, Idalia sincerely hoped the sound of roots being cut were nearby trees and not their quarry. Or that the author of the scant page she had was incorrect about the required intact nature of the herb-tree. It was frustrating enough that all of the effects seemed to have been intentionally removed. What was Birita going to get out of this? It seemed fairly potent to Idalia, but would it be enough to empower Birita? If so should she make sure that didnt happen?
Some people seemed to find the idea of sacrificing themselves simple. Either they had nothing to live for, or they thought that thing would do just fine without them. Personally, Idalia had a lot of life ahead of her still left to live, and wasnt planning to die out in the woods. But shed been getting a better idea of how to use her natural energy to sense the effects of herbs without anyone ingesting them.
She carefully avoided the spiky leaves, navigating her hand to a place with the least spikes so she could hold her palm against it. Then she circulated her energy out and through the plant.
But despite the fact that Sasho and Trix were working for her, they werent really like the others. Sure, Trix was snarky about things and absolutely collected the taxes for Birita, but whenever it happened to Idalia she didnt feel so bad about it when it was her. And Sasho was big and clumsy, but probably didnt really get that he was doing something wrong. Even if she could guarantee she wouldnt receive a backlash, the fact that they probably would stopped her. And she had no guarantee that only Birita would be ingesting this concoction.
Actually, it seemed insane to think one woman would need all of this. Maybe she was planning to sell it, but if so she really should have taken her time with this.
Idalia shoved aside all thoughts of poisoning Birita- directly or indirectly. Until later, at least, if she could guarantee some actual damage and that only Birita would be harmed. Or at least only her and her worst cronies.
-----
When Sasho and Trix hurried off- just as the sun was beginning to set- Idalia collapsed in a pile. Specifically, into the dirt. There was far too much of it in her workshop, as well as various dirtied and broken things. Her door was useless too. But shed survived the ordeal. Hopefully. Unless too much potency had been lost and Birita decided to kill her anyway.
Need some help? a voice asked.
She turned her head, realizing there had been footprints approaching. Oh Hiram. She closed her eyes for a moment, then nodded. Yeah, I need to clean up. It took a few moments for something to come back to her. In the forest was that you? Taking out that wasp.
It was, he nodded. I happened to be approaching your shop at the same time as these two. I followed after you at a significant distance. They radiated quite a bit of power, so my own ability to hide myself wasnt that important. I decided in that battle the risk was acceptable, with everyone seeming quite distracted.
Thanks, I needed it.
I would have liked to do more, he said as he began sweeping around her, pushing things out the back door. I also would have liked to take out those two.
We shouldnt, Idalia said quickly.
I know. It would just draw the wrath of stronger people. But those two didnt feel too far out of our reach.
Yeah but its not just that. Those two are fine people.
They smashed up your shop and almost got you killed, Hiram pointed out.
Yeah, but it wasnt really their fault. Theyre good people at heart, I think. Just forced into working for Birita somehow. I think it would be better to get them on our side.
Hmm Hiram contemplated for a while as he continued to sweep. I hadnt considered that. So far, my encounters with Biritas group have only solidified their status as thus, and the Gray Rock Sect remains cowardly bullies.
Maybe not all of them, though, Idalia pointed out. Some people might just be biding their time, like us. Even those working for Birita they have to be getting something from it. If they can grow stronger, maybe they can do something.
... I almost wish youd taken up Antons offer, Hiram said. Then we could be done with it. But perhaps instead of just taking the easy way, we should work towards something more sustainable.
I agree, Idalia said. I wouldnt ask you to try to hold your temper around the Gray Rock Sect, but I or some of the others could look into them more closely. And maybe we can ask Trix about others. Sasho probably doesnt need to hear any of this though. He seems like the kind that would be bad at keeping secrets.
Absolutely, Hiram agreed. And when Anton returns, we might ask for some help spying on people. I am under the impression that he can sense things from a significant distance.
Several kilometers away, Anton half-grinned to himself. It seemed things were going fine without his constant watch. But the issues still might outlast his stay in the area.
Chapter 300Alright so, Trix looked at the tree thistle. Do we just yank it out?No! Idalia unintentionally yelled. What is wrong with you? Didnt you read the page? she waved it towards Trix.The origin of this chapter's debut can be traced to N0v3l--B1n.Sure I did. It just said to uproot it whole.Stop! Idalia called out to Sasho who had his arms wrapped around the plant. Youll just tear it in half if you do that. And put holes in your arms, if you grab it tight.Sasho looked down at his arms- which already had some wasp stings. Ouch.Idalia sighed. Okay, look, the roots should go pretty much straight down. Apparently we need to keep this thing encased in dirt, so we have to dig maybe a meter on each side? Thats so much dirt though, itll more than fill that wheelbarrow.Its all we have, Trix said helpfully.Why did Birita send you? Idalia shook her head.Believe it or not, Im one of the careful ones. And SashoIm here to lift it, he flexed. Im strong.I know, Idalia sighed. And Im here becauseYou knew enough to have proper caution. Birita must have known that. Or wanted someone to blame for screwing it up.Same could be said for you two, Idalia grumbled. Why do you work for her anyway?Umm Trix looked over at Sasho, who looked back.Because Trix does, Sasho nodded.Its complicated, Trix frowned.Yeah well, your complicated is making things awful for the rest of us. Idalia had gotten her confidence back after the battle. That wasnt her forte, but chastising unruly customers and working with herbs was. These two were kind of both even if they were also much stronger than her. But shed dealt with people who could physically overpower her before, it just so happened that both she and her foes were stronger at the current moment. She jabbed her trowel into the ground, drawing out a line. Well dig down from here, as deep as arms length. Thatll have to be good enough. Going straight from a battle to physical labor was difficult. Idalia thought that maybe she was becoming too reliant on natural energy, but even her body was stronger- and she was just trying to do more than a normal person would. This was the sort of project that should really take a long afternoon with proper shovels, whereas they were using their hands and her trowel and Sashos axe as improvised digging implements. It was foolish of her to assume they had something when she had seen what they were carrying. And they really didnt want to be here for long, because there could be more wasps. Or equally dangerous beasts.As Sashos axe chopped through the dirt, Idalia sincerely hoped the sound of roots being cut were nearby trees and not their quarry. Or that the author of the scant page she had was incorrect about the required intact nature of the herb-tree. It was frustrating enough that all of the effects seemed to have been intentionally removed. What was Birita going to get out of this? It seemed fairly potent to Idalia, but would it be enough to empower Birita? If so should she make sure that didnt happen?Some people seemed to find the idea of sacrificing themselves simple. Either they had nothing to live for, or they thought that thing would do just fine without them. Personally, Idalia had a lot of life ahead of her still left to live, and wasnt planning to die out in the woods. But shed been getting a better idea of how to use her natural energy to sense the effects of herbs without anyone ingesting them.She carefully avoided the spiky leaves, navigating her hand to a place with the least spikes so she could hold her palm against it. Then she circulated her energy out and through the plant.But despite the fact that Sasho and Trix were working for her, they werent really like the others. Sure, Trix was snarky about things and absolutely collected the taxes for Birita, but whenever it happened to Idalia she didnt feel so bad about it when it was her. And Sasho was big and clumsy, but probably didnt really get that he was doing something wrong. Even if she could guarantee she wouldnt receive a backlash, the fact that they probably would stopped her. And she had no guarantee that only Birita would be ingesting this concoction. Actually, it seemed insane to think one woman would need all of this. Maybe she was planning to sell it, but if so she really should have taken her time with this. Idalia shoved aside all thoughts of poisoning Birita- directly or indirectly. Until later, at least, if she could guarantee some actual damage and that only Birita would be harmed. Or at least only her and her worst cronies.-----When Sasho and Trix hurried off- just as the sun was beginning to set- Idalia collapsed in a pile. Specifically, into the dirt. There was far too much of it in her workshop, as well as various dirtied and broken things. Her door was useless too. But shed survived the ordeal. Hopefully. Unless too much potency had been lost and Birita decided to kill her anyway.Need some help? a voice asked.She turned her head, realizing there had been footprints approaching. Oh Hiram. She closed her eyes for a moment, then nodded. Yeah, I need to clean up. It took a few moments for something to come back to her. In the forest was that you? Taking out that wasp.It was, he nodded. I happened to be approaching your shop at the same time as these two. I followed after you at a significant distance. They radiated quite a bit of power, so my own ability to hide myself wasnt that important. I decided in that battle the risk was acceptable, with everyone seeming quite distracted.Thanks, I needed it.I would have liked to do more, he said as he began sweeping around her, pushing things out the back door. I also would have liked to take out those two.We shouldnt, Idalia said quickly.I know. It would just draw the wrath of stronger people. But those two didnt feel too far out of our reach.Yeah but its not just that. Those two are fine people.They smashed up your shop and almost got you killed, Hiram pointed out.Yeah, but it wasnt really their fault. Theyre good people at heart, I think. Just forced into working for Birita somehow. I think it would be better to get them on our side.Hmm Hiram contemplated for a while as he continued to sweep. I hadnt considered that. So far, my encounters with Biritas group have only solidified their status as thus, and the Gray Rock Sect remains cowardly bullies.Maybe not all of them, though, Idalia pointed out. Some people might just be biding their time, like us. Even those working for Birita they have to be getting something from it. If they can grow stronger, maybe they can do something.... I almost wish youd taken up Antons offer, Hiram said. Then we could be done with it. But perhaps instead of just taking the easy way, we should work towards something more sustainable.I agree, Idalia said. I wouldnt ask you to try to hold your temper around the Gray Rock Sect, but I or some of the others could look into them more closely. And maybe we can ask Trix about others. Sasho probably doesnt need to hear any of this though. He seems like the kind that would be bad at keeping secrets.Absolutely, Hiram agreed. And when Anton returns, we might ask for some help spying on people. I am under the impression that he can sense things from a significant distance.Several kilometers away, Anton half-grinned to himself. It seemed things were going fine without his constant watch. But the issues still might outlast his stay in the area.
