Chapter 523: But of Course
Tala and Rane took slow sips of their drinks as they chatted a bit more with the leaders of Astraya, the conversation continuing until a bit after all four had nothing but empty cups before them.
Finally, Mistress Cae and Master Kalfeir both stood, prompting Tala and Rane to do the same.
Terry flickered back to Tala’s shoulder where he shimmied down into a comfortable perch—he’d been sitting right up against the front view window, seeming to enjoy watching the world go by before him.
Master Kalfeir gave a genuine smile. “We hope that your stay is a profitable and enjoyable one for you, and if there is anything that we can do for you, please let us know. We have not forgotten where we came from, even if we have not returned in some time.”
Mistress Cae gave a shallow bow. “And do be careful. There are a few hot-heads here from the House lands to the south, and they don’t particularly like gated. Those in charge of the various groups are generally good at keeping them in line—otherwise they wouldn’t be allowed to stay—but I don’t want you to be caught unawares.”
Tala immediately looked after Lyn. “My adjunct—”
Mistress Cae waved that off. “Out here, people sometimes get as far as Fused with enough frequency that such won’t mark her as a Cycler. You two, however? With your veil dropped, it’s unmistakable.”
Rane frowned. “What of you two?”
Master Kalfeir huffed. “We are known as the leaders here. No one is so far gone into bigotry that they will attack their hosts.”